Spring Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church
We remember our departed...
In what Martin Luther regarded as his final confession of faith in his 1528 work against the Confession Concerning Christ’s Supper, he wrote as follows:
“As for the dead, since Scripture gives us no information on the subject, I regard it as no sin to pray with free devotion in this or some similar fashion: ‘Dear God, if this soul is in a condition accessible to mercy, be thou gracious to it.’ And when this has been done once or twice, let it suffice. For vigils and requiem masses and yearly celebrations of requiems are useless, and merely the devil’s annual fair.” (Luther’s Works, vol. 37, p. 369)
Luther’s approval of prayers for the dead given out of free devotion was shared in Melanchthon’s apology to the Augsburg Confession (article XXIV, 94), where he wrote:
“Now, as regards the adversaries' citing the Fathers concerning the offering for the dead, we know that the ancients speak of prayer for the dead, which we do not prohibit; but we disapprove of the application ex opere operato ("from the work already done") of the Lord's Supper on behalf of the dead.”
“Those who see the Son and believe in Him have eternal life, and I will raise them on the last day. This is what my Father wants.” John 6:40
- Ed Cedergren
- Bruce Hein
- Melvin Dittbrenner
- Ruth Almen
- Mike Mickelson
- David Alsaker
- Russell Emerson
- Suzen Vogt
- Dorothy Scott
- Leonard Grove
- Jess Beecher
- Agnes Anderson
- Merle Martfeld
- All American service people who died in the defense of our country
We who are left in this life...
“Glory to the Lamb of God, Glory and honor to the Lamb of God. Lord Jesus, You have redeemed us by Your blood. You have walked this earth in human flesh; you came to save us and Lord we thank You. What a sacrifice -- that God should bruise His only Son. You died to set us free from the law of sin and death. You have rent the veil into two and bid us to enter Your Holy presence. You have extended Your scepter of righteousness -- whosoever will may come. Lord Jesus, draw those who are still wandering. Give us eyes to see them, and a heart of compassion. Direct us into their path this day. Send forth laborers, for the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few. Lord, use us to win some for Your kingdom. Amen.”