Printed Books and E-Books - From Norma Boeckler - On Amazon.com.Low-Cost Kindle E-Books

Norma Boeckler published a selection of her many expressions of art.

Reviews:

I've had the pleasure of following and purchasing Norma's artwork over the years for both myself and others. Her publication features some of the most beautiful pieces she's created yet truly only scratches the surface of her entire body of work. Norma is a gifted artist and illustrator, and this book is a treasure my family and I will enjoy for many years to come. Momisunami

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'The Art of Norma Boeckler,' is a beautiful compilation of the paintings, pen and ink illustrations, and jewelry created by this talented artist. Her mastery of watercolor is clearly seen in her varied subject matters - flowers, butterflies, birds, abstracts, rugs, etc. The book is well-illustrated, capturing the vibrant colors in her original paintings. My favorite paintings are The Red Poppy (p. 3), Hummingbird (p. 27), Pears Delight (p. 41), and Pal (p. 65). I love the way Norma gives us a glimpse into the inspiration behind her artwork and the fun family facts woven throughout.

Although Norma specializes in watercolor paintings, her pen and ink drawings and hand-crafted jewelry allow you to see that her artistic abilities go far beyond the canvas. I appreciate the fact that Norma uses her artwork to honor and glorify the Lord. In the artist's own words, "The Lord has given each and every one of us a talent and we show our appreciation to Him, by using that talent to His glory." Maria Morgan

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The Art of Norma Boeckler, by Norma Boeckler, glorifies God by using her talent and skills to show us God's Creation and His revelation of grace in the Sacred Scriptures. Bethany Lutheran Church and all those connected with us through the blog, Internet worship, and books enjoy her art in many forms.

Norma loves to create religious art, but she pursues many avenues of expression. She seems to have unlimited abilities. In Japan, she learned about enameled jeweled. She studied Photoshop and Dreamweaver. She made special paper for her artwork. One has to wonder what she has not done.

Every art lover should own this book, because this volume collects Norma's work and displays it in various categories. The contents include:
1. Flowers
2. Butterflies
3. Birds
4. Still life
5. Landscapes
6. Portraits
7. Abstracts
8. Marine life
9. Rug paintings
10. Jewelry
11. Religious Books Illustrated

I am happy to add that her artwork has enhanced many graphics I created to emphasize Biblical verses, doctrinal statements, and Lutheran hymns. Her creations are shared in blogs and on Facebook, so many people have had a chance to comment on the beauty and design of her work.

Therefore, this book is only a glimpse of Norma Boeckler's work, and she continues at a rapid pace. I suggest this as a gift for adults and children, for all ages, because there is so much to delight the senses.

Among my favorites are the bird paintings, which capture the movement and charm of God's choir. Every morning they sing Matins, not knowing where their next meal will come from, as Martin Luther observed.

Norma enjoyed developing this book, and we are all grateful she devoted so much time to it. Our copy is a keepsake. Gregory L. Jackson

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Norma's book of her artwork is a direct reflection of her personality! The book is vibrant, versatile, and lovely... just like her!

We are glad to know her, and we Love the piece of her artwork that graces our home ... titled Dragonflies. Marian Bliss

Favorite quotations illustrated by Norma Boeckler's art.

Norma Boeckler is a delightful person with an endless supply of artistic talent. I encouraged her to try Photoshop, which is a dream for every artistic person. She took lessons and quickly became proficient, thanks to her energetic nature and artistic eye.

If readers wonder why my Photoshops have improved, her advice is the reason why. I cannot match her ability, but I am happy to take her advice.

The best part of her sharing is her ability to display the message of the Christian faith to people around the world, enjoying the painstaking labor and rejoicing in its spread. Some Lutherans should stop and think about how much Gospel has been spread for no additional cost when they believe than money is the Means of Grace, the sine qua non of effective evangelism.

A Treasury of Inspirational Quotations by Norma Boeckler

Midland, Michigan has already hosted a promotion for this new book, and Gibbs Garden in Atlanta is doing the same. Norma has won many awards for her art and traveled to Japan to show her work. She has been active in local artistic groups in Michigan, a vocation that began when she was a young girl.

This book features fourteen thematic sections:

Jesus is Our Savior.
Jesus is Our Lord.
Jesus is Love.
Baptism.
Jesus Forgives.
Jesus is Our Righteousness.
Jesus is Our Confidence.
Jesus Our Help When in Trouble.
Obedience to God.
Faith in God.
Holy Spirit.
Prayer.
Return of Christ.
Eternity.

Norma uses Scripture passages from the English Luther Bible - the King James Version. And she quotes from The Lutheran Hymnal, which has not been equaled in over 70 years - not that anyone has tried very hard.

The combination of Christian art and classic sources is a treasury, available in print and also as an e-book.

Since this is a visual book, I am going to post a number of examples on this page. They are some of my favorites.

Who would want to own this book?

This volume would be welcomed by young and old alike, because it honors Aristotle's dictum to edify and delight. Drawings and photographs dominate the space, but they are united with hymns and the Scriptures. I can picture grandparents and grandchildren enjoying the book equally. All ages, laity and pastors, will appreciate the spirit and design of this volume.

When someone wonders what kind of special gift to give someone, for a birthday, anniversary, or confirmation, this will work out well. If they have faith, they will welcome the message. If they are spiritually inert, they will be drawn to the beauty of the work and perhaps stay for the message of the efficacious Word. Gregory L. Jackson

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I have come to realize over the years that my faith is expressed through the words of familiar hymns and Bible verses. In times of happiness, in times of sorrow, in times of stress, in times of peace lyrics and and long ago memorized Bible passages give me strength and hope. This book, A Treasury of Inspirational Quotes, is an amazing visual representation of my inner thoughts and religious faith. The combination of the photography and the detailed drawings paint an incredible guide and reference as a daily devotional. It can be read straight through or the table of contents helps to direct the reader to individual interests or needs. The book makes a great gift for a friend or an addition to your own library. Mary Parsons Caisley

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This is one of the most beautiful and inspiring books I have read in ages. The pictures, art work and all the quotes are wonderful. I have Norma Boeckler's first book and enjoyed it just as much

Alicia Meyer

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A beautiful compilation of Bible verses, photography, and hymns, A Treasury of Inspirational Quotes is a book that points the reader to the Creator. Norma Boeckler pairs inspiring scripture passages with lovely outdoor scenery that keeps the reader turning the pages. A wonderful addition to any library. Maria Morgan

My Lutheran Hymnal  - hymn texts arranged by era and by author.

Upcoming

The Augsburg Confession - illustrated by Norma Boeckler. In production now.

Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant - illustrated by Norma Boeckler. Editing new version.

Over the Horizon -

Metamorphosis: Murder in Millionaires Row (apologetic novel)

Luther Quotations - Collected but still to be finalized.

Most of the books found on Lulu.com.

Cantate Sunday - The Fourth Sunday after Easter. 2014. John 16:5-15

Cantate, The Fourth Sunday after Easter, 2014

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time

The Hymn #458   Our Father – Luther                         4:50 

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual       

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #462                I Love Thy Kingdom                4:21 

This Foundational Sin - Unbelief

The Communion Hymn #305            Soul Adorn Thyself             4:23

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #657                           Beautiful Savior                    4:24      

   

        

Fourth Sunday After Easter

Lord God, heavenly Father, who didst through Thy Son promise us Thy Holy Spirit, that He should convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment: We beseech Thee, enlighten our hearts, that we may confess our sins, through faith in Christ obtain everlasting righteousness, and in all our trials and temptations retain this consolation, that Christ is Lord over the devil and death, and all things, and that He will graciously deliver us out of all our afflictions, and make us forever partakers of eternal salvation, through the same, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

KJV James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.

KJV John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The Foundational Sin - Unbelief

This lesson emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, which is the same as saying - This is how the Church will apply the Word, since the Spirit and Word are always together and never apart.

The Epistle and Gospel lessons teach the same efficacy of the Word, or to put it another way, the same power of the Spirit in the Word. We are born (converted, forgiven, renewed) by the Word of the Gospel. Jesus chose to do this through the spoken Word, and He taught His disciples to do the same.

Receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. In the New Testament, receive and believe are parallel words. The Bible avoids "making a decision for," which emphasizes human will and reason. Believing on and trust in are parallel to receiving with meekness. The Gospel is so powerful that people find their hearts suddenly converted, but some rebel against this. They are too proud, too righteous in their own deeds to need forgiveness. They are not meek. They do not receive the unwelcome message, even if they experience the joy of forgiveness for a moment.

They are like the people who tolerate guests but do not welcome them. The guests feel uncomfortable and leave early. Nothing obvious is said or done, but the message comes through. I see that happen in the culture of shunning. 

Although James has a bad reputation (because the epistle is seldom read or studied) people forget that two of the most powerful Gospel passages are found there. 

The engrafted Word is even more vivid - at least to rose growers, and apple orchard owners. Grafting is quite remarkable. God has created plants so they can be merged together while retaining two different characteristics. Orchard owners graft stock onto sturdy plants to give them the apples they want. They can even grow different types of apples on the same tree.

Almost all roses are grafted. The unkillable wild rose is the base of the plant. The hybrid tea or other variety is grafted onto the wild rose base. The base does better in the soil. It survives drought and cold better, but its blooms are sparse. The hybrid tea has beautiful flowers but a weaker base. 

The graft union is easy to see. There are theories about where to place it, according to climate. My theory is - plenty of roses, plenty of water, plenty of earthworms, plenty of humus or mulch or compost or manure.

The Gospel Word is grafted onto us. We are the same base person, but the graft blooms with Gospel power and produces the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5) - love, joy, peace, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, etc.

KJV John 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

The divine plan was for Jesus to ascend so that mission would become global rather than local. The start was local, but the Christian Church soon reached from England to Lebanon, down to North Africa.

The work of the Spirit was to be felt in the preaching of the Resurrection witnesses, who were taught by the risen Lord. Then it would be experienced in the writing of the New Testament, preserving the work of the Evangelists.

8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

This is the most important part of the New Testament, to understand the meaning of sin and forgiveness in Jesus' own words. 

When the Holy Spirit is come, He will convict the world of sin...

This means that Jesus will explain in His own words what sin is. In other words, this is the touchstone of the entire New Testament. There are many places where something similar can be read, but this is the most basic, the central point that connects everything else.

For starters, let's define sin by current standards. Sin is:

1. Disagreeing with the current dogma of the synod.
2. Showing intolerance toward others, that is, having an opinion.
3. Either taking illegal drugs or being against illegal drugs.
4. Homosexuality or being against homosexuality.
5. Hanging with the wrong people - like dissenters or known sinners.
6. Not working hard enough at something.
7. Not having enough self-esteem.

All those definitions are based upon doing or not doing, sometimes on thought itself. And people are constantly confused because the sides often switch. The very people who said they were against abortion are now promoters of the same, condemning anyone who holds their own former position. 

9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me; 

Here is the definition of sin - not believing on Jesus. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of that foundational sin - not believing on Jesus.

These verses are so plain that we see them without seeing. Why? We are used to sin as doing and thinking. I am not denying sin in either one, but they are not the foundational sins.

Jesus' most ferocious admonition was - You of little faith. 

I used to resist the phrase "believing on," but the construction is far more common now in various contexts. When people do nothing but hate, it is called "hating on." When I was petting someone's little dog, the owner described it as "loving on my dawg." She said, "He doesn't mind you lovin' on him." The same woman said, "I spent the whole weekend lovin' on my niece."

To use other words - placing all our trust in Jesus, instead of dividing between trusting in ourselves and trusting in Him. The Gospel message constantly shows us that sin is not trusting completely in Him to:

• Walk on water.
• Still the storm.
• Heal the sick.
• Raise the dead.
• Rise from death.
• Ascend into heaven.

We have examples from Scripture where someone believed with utter trust that He could do one of those things. And the Bible says - He could do all of those things and more. And He can do that much for you, and more. Ephesians 3 - more than we can hope or even imagine.

Why are churches so weak today? They no longer teach or exemplify faith in Christ. Ministers avoid those areas where they have doubts. And those doubts and fears accumulate. "Studies show..." We need unbelievers to teach us about the Gospel and its growth? Jesus touched upon it more than once.

If our concept of sin is bad, making the foundation what we did, then our concept of forgiveness will be just as bad.

10 Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more...

This is easy to get wrong when the first part is missed. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of righteousness (forgiveness ) because Jesus in ascending to heaven proved His divine nature while retaining His human nature.

How can we brag of our own righteousness when Jesus has ascended to heaven? Clearly He is our righteousness. For that reason we have the righteousness of faith (to quote the Formula of Concord). 

The Gospel - in teaching our complete, free, gracious forgiveness in Christ, through trust in Him - moves us to carry out God's will.

That is the Gospel graft at work. The Word grafted in us powers God-pleasing thoughts and deeds.

The Prince of this World is powerful. He teaches us to judge and condemn all the time. Human misery is called by constant getting even. 

In contrast, Gospel grafting reminds us of our forgiveness and blessings, our many reasons to be thankful. In thankfulness we respond to others.

A believing, forgiven Christian is like a newly engaged young woman. Everything is changed. Someone loves her and wants to spend his life with her. It is not coincidence that Jesus calls the believing Church His bride. It is the same way. Through the Gospel we learn and re-learn that Jesus loves us and wants to spend eternity with us.

Kudu Don Patterson Takes a Selfie at Martin Luther College

MLC did not identify the young lady in the photo op,
because it is all about Kudu Don Patterson - 24/7.

Mark Jeske is the sun that illuminates the Church and Changers.

No one slays sound doctrine more effectively than Bwana.

Drag a dollar bill on a string through a WELS ministers' meeting,
and future DPs will follow it out the door.

Thou Shalt Not Steal - As Virtue Online Has Tried To Point Out to the Presiding Bishop

Presiding Bishop Katie has wrecked The Episcopal Church
by borrowing money to sue its bishops
and take away property.
Has WELS returned the Historic St. John property and endowment?

GROTON, CT: Episcopal Bishop Fights Back at Characterization of his Role in Exodus of Bishop Seabury Church

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
May 16, 2014

An article in The Day http://tinyurl.com/ml77gcd (May 9) "Homeless Bishop Seabury parish finds a place," characterized the bishop’s actions as one of “expelling” the congregation from its premises. The article went on to say that the church's legal battle dates back to seven years ago, when the parish opposed the Episcopal Church's ordination in 2003 of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire and the election in 2006 of a woman as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. The church has now found a satisfactory landing for the congregation, wrote Fr. Ron Gauss.

Upset with the claim that he tossed the congregation out on the street, Karin Hamilton, Canon for Mission Communication & Media for the diocese, wrote a letter to The Day newspaper saying that the Bishop was glad to learn the congregation had found a new location, but was upset at the language characterizing their departure from the church building.

“It is the practice of The Episcopal Church, affirmed in courts, that the Church retains the property in its name and each succeeding generation serves as stewards of it. Archdeacon Ron Gauss was aware of this well before he and a majority of the congregation voted to leave The Episcopal Church and join a group under the authority of a bishop from the Anglican Church of Nigeria.” This action resulted in a severance of the property from the diocese and the Episcopal Church.

Bishop Ian Douglas, who by then had succeeded Bishop Andrew Smith as Diocesan Bishop, said he met three times with Gauss and lay leaders of the congregation. Among other choices he offered them, after they had voted to leave The Episcopal Church, was an offer to lease the space to them, which they declined.

Confronted with this news, Fr. Gauss told VOL that this was not true. “He said that he (the bishop) couldn't rent to someone who wanted to replace him. He also he said he would most likely sue us for the name if we didn't change it. He wouldn't even talk to us about purchasing the property.

“The bishop said he would only let us stay if we left the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) and the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Then it would be a lease (rental) month by month. He also said if he got a purchaser, we would have to leave. I don't know what he means by a lease back that was never on the table.

“The Episcopal Church never appeared on the deeds of Bishop Seabury Church from 1865 to the dates of our departure from the building. If the state actually followed neutral principles as in SC or Texas, we would still be in the building. All of our court dealings were appeals.”

The Episcopal Presiding Bishop has sued bishops who said
she was doing wrong -
just the way Ski, Glende, and staff went to court against one of their members.

From Zak Stowe - Recent Martin Luther College (WELS) Graduate.

MLC was going to let Zac Stowe graduate with his degree, not give him an assignment, and he was supposed to keep quiet for a few years.
"Half the campus knew about Zak and his deal, according to my sources."
This link shows the WELS GLBTQ Facebook page he posted on his FB page.

Inherit the Wind - which Schone had canceled.

A WELS member asked me to re-install
the gaydar dish at MLC.
Be sure to see the stars of the MLC gay video.

MLC photo - Zachary Stowe graduates from Martin Luther College, WELS.
They stopped him from directing Inherit the Wind - God be praised.

Zak Stowe just came out of the closet, after collecting his degree from MLC.

To my fellow LGBT brothers and sisters still closeted at MLC (and yes, I know you are there). As I leave college, freer then ever, I want to leave a word of encouragement. After hiding for 12 years, denying who I am, praying for God to change me, and living in fear for people finding out what I am, I now believe with all my heart that God loves me just the way I am. My Jesus does not discriminate, he does not come with conditions. His love is freely given; his grace and mercy are mine no matter who I love. I want to leave MLC with this message to those who are scared to except (sic) themselves: God loves you, Jesus loves you, I love you. I pray that one day you will love you too. I believe that wanting a call should not mean you have to give up on love. I truly believe that when everyone gathers for daily chapel, talking smack about those who don’t go regularly or who don’t adhere to the strict guidelines laid out in This We Believe, there are those of us who hide in our rooms, scared of the world and being seen for who we are. I believe that Jesus is sitting there, in the dorm room, comforting the scared and trembling soul. For those of you who want to argue doctrine with me, condemn and lambast me, please do it in a private message and I will happily respond. This post is meant to be one of encouragement so please leave the comments for supportive messages only. I know what it’s like to think that life isn’t worth living and to contemplate the unthinkable. But the world is truly a better place with us in it. I feel so blessed to have a family who loves and accepts me for who I am and I pray that you find a supportive environment wherever God's plans lead you. I am always here if you want to talk. You are not alone "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." --Isaiah 54:10

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http://www.bluestemprairie.com/bluestemprairie/2013/09/inherit-the-stupid-ii-when-a-martin-luther-college-homecoming-video-was-too-gay-for-wels.html

Inherit the stupid II: when a Martin Luther College homecoming video infected WELS with the gay

The reporting and reaction continue to Josh Moniz's story in the New Ulm Journal about the cancellation of a production of "Inherit the Wind." Dan Linehan supplies more details in Saturday's Mankato Free Press article, New Ulm theater cancels play after controversy, while free-thinking Christophobe and science professor P.Z. Myers takes it up inMartin Luther College looks like a total waste of time and money.

Not surprisingly, this isn't the first time that Martin Luther College  (MLC) students' self-expression ran into disapproval by the WELS faithful.

Party in the MLC

Rummaging through MLC closets, Bluestem has stumbled over an old social media tale that involves student self-censorship after a popular dorm homecoming video hit YouTube.  The September 18, 2009 MLC Update High School edition reported in Dorm Videos:

For Homecoming festivities, the four dorms put together a video to entertain the student body. (Well, not Augustana— they must have forgotten.) Concord, the frosh and sophomore men, starred NateWordell(West) in a series of misadventures to arrive at chapel on time. Centennial, the frosh and sophomore women, featured Claire Czaplewski (KML) and a team of students on a mission to conquer the Swine Flu Sprite. By far the crowd favorite was the Summit men’s video rendition(pictured)  of “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus.

That sounds innocent enough in the pre-twerking days of 2009.

Here's the video preserved on the Facebook page Bring back the MLC version of party in the USA!!!!!! :

Why did the video--which received over 80,000 hits before its makers pulled it--need to come back?

The Martin Luther College  (MLC) parody of a Fire Island Pines (FIP) parody

The "Party in the MLC video was based on the Fire Island Pines (FIP) parody tribune video of the Miley Cyrus music video for "Party in the USA."   Fire Island Pines:

. . .has been a jewel in the gay community for over 60 years, and continues to be the premier vacation destination for residents and vacationers. Located just 50 miles east of New York City, The Pines is home to the most expensive real estate in Fire Island.

Here's the FIP version:

While both videos are silly rather than sexy, the fact that the MLC version was based on a gay-friendly video didn't escape notice long from either the LGBT community online nor from the WELS faithful.

Queerty posted about the video in WATCH: What Miley Cyrus Hath Wrought: Party In the … MLC?

To what cultural aspersions do we owe the phenomenon of remaking the remakes of music videos? The Fire Island Pines boys, who created the Miley Cyrus send-up “Party In The F.I.P,” receive their own homage with “Party In The MLC” from a bunch of dormmates at a “homecoming summit.” At, uh, Midland Lutheran College [sic]?

Keep watching, ’cause there’s a blooper reel.

Those commenting are divided about whether the video is homage to the FIP video, insulting to gay men because of the fem stereotypes that the schoolboys prance around, or totally inappropriate because the young Lutherans just aren't cute enough to be in front of a video camera.

A rather oddball Lutheran blogger posted about the video a few days later in October 2009  in Mary Lou College's Own Flock of Seagulls--or-- Girls Gone Wild:

A WELS member sent me the link to this video, which makes the previous one (the statue fight) look positively confessional in comparison.

Familiar names like Huebner and Krause star in this travesty, which includes prissy lip-synching and crotch grabbing. I thought Michael Jackson was sick when he felt compelled to do the same, but this is worse and comes from the WELS "College of Ministry."

Read the comments on the video and notice the great impression made on the audience.

Wisconsin Lutheran College mined the Marvin Schwan guilt trust
for many millions of dollars -
and hired the gay Roman Catholic Archbishop to lecture
at WLC with a group of his priests.

The sound and the fury signifying whatever

Oh the outrage! The attention from both communities lead to the creators of the video to remove it, the blogger notes in a mid-November post, Wisconsin Lutheran College Paper Defends "Party in the MLC" Video On Its Front Page! As Wise As Doves, As Innocent As Serpents:

The Wisconsin Lutheran College (WELS when raising funds) student newspaper, "The Sword," ran a Front Page! editorial / story on the MLC video, quoted in part (blue type in original):

But once the video left the context of the MLC campus, it came under unforeseen criticism from some who failed to see the humor in the video.

The most pronounced critic of the video was independent Lutheran pastor and blogger Gregory Jackson. Posts from Jackson, as well as comments left by the blog's readers, labeled the actions of the MLC students featured in the video unbecoming to future WELS pastors and teachers.  

These claims were based on the video from which the creators of "Party in the MLC" took their inspiration--a previous YouTube video known as "Party in the FIP." Set to the tune of "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus, "Party in the FIP" shows a group of men performing choreographed routines on a beach while lip-synching the lyrics of the song."

         "Party in the MLC" is a parody of the video, using the same soundtrack and many of          the  same routines.
     
         The controversy over MLC students parodying "Party in the FIP" is derived from the            lifestyle associated with "the FIP."

But makers of the "Party in the MLC" agree with other viewers that none of the actions in the "Party in the FIP" video would be considered blatant homosexuality. They also admit no previous knowledge of the reputation of Fire Island Pines. Ben Reichel, MLC student and video contributor, revealed, "We didn't find out until two or three days after we posted it that that's what it stood for. After we learned that we were kind of taken aback."

         After learning of the offense caused by the video, the students decided to remove              the video "out of Christian love" for those who found the video inappropriate. The                decision to remove the video was a personal decision made by the creators of the              video.

Reichel stated, "We all got together as a group --the guys who were in the video--and we realized that this caused way too much commotion and way too much negativity, and we all decided together that we were going to take it down."

After meeting amongst (sic) themselves, the students sought the advice of college administration. Reichel continued, "We went and talked to the administration here at MLC--the president and vice-president--and we got their thoughts on it too. But we knew before we even talked to them that we were going to take it down."

Matt Rothe, classmate of Reichel and video contributor, along with the rest of the students involved with the video, are ready to put "Party in the MLC" and the attention it has received in the past; "The group of guys who made this video only wished for good to come out of this video, and I must express firmly we wish for no more negative attention from it."

GJ - The WLC student newspaper has a lot of facts wrong. They did not make any effort to seek clarification. They are now drawing even more attention to the video and revealing that the students were not at all repentant, just resentful they got caught.

First of all, a WELS layman was furious over the video, which was posted on You Tube for all the world to see. Many people provide information to this blog so the rest of Lutherdom can see it. This layman was unable to watch more than a minute of it. I posted the video so people could see for themselves, as he wished.

The MLC students jumped in to defend the video right away, and now WLC has joined them. Their defense is to attack me, but the video stands on its own as a dubious production, whether I like it or not.

The defense of the video was so ridiculous that I did a little more research and found the original, "Party in the FIP." They knew what they were copying, and they acknowledged it rather quietly in the notes. Apparently the original went viral right away, thanks to various homosexual websites.

College students know how to use Google. Where else would they copy their homework from? Kelm, Parlow, and Limmer have shown that slavish copying is a good career move in WELS. To plead ignorance about Fire Island Pines is a bit absurd. All of the sudden these guys just fell off the haywagon when they landed in Metropolitan New Ulm.

And they thought the FIP video was straight? They should be on SNL, in a skit about their lack of gaydar. . . .

Bluestem is left to ponder what it means that "Party in the MLC" was the overwhelming favorite of Homecoming Dorm Videos at Martin Luther College.  We couldn't possibly comment on that.

Screenshot: The article in the September 18, 2009 MLC Update High School edition.

[End of Bluestem article.]

----

Thursday, February 6, 2014

WELS Facebook Evasions. Eighth Commandment and Matthew 18.
Forget Luther's Large Catechism.

Ethan Schulz

lolling at the WELS over here

College football linebacker was openly gay and embraced by his teammates

outsports.com

Scott Cooper just finished his senior season. He found true acceptance on his Augsburg College football team, which included him being asked by a coach to speak on National Coming Out Day and introducing his partner at Senior Day.

Like ·  · Share · 12 hours ago · 

• 

  Jim Schulz So he's a Michigan Lutheran Seminary grad?

  12 hours ago · Like
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  Ethan Schulz yep, and spent some time at MLC

  12 hours ago · Like
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  Jim Schulz Is his partner a gay cougar? He looks 20 years older.

  11 hours ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson He could have found plenty of action in WELS. I am shocked he left: videos, hymnal design, public relations at the Love Shack, and pastoral or teaching ministries.

  11 hours ago · Edited · Like
• 

  Caleb Schmiege None of this is helpful to anyone.

  8 hours ago · Like
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  Ethan Schulz I think reposting the article is helpful in that it shows how *not* to deal with a situation like this. It looks like Scott's pastor and other mentors in the WELS system hated both the sinner and the sin, and now they're paying for it in press like this.

  7 hours ago · Like · 1
• 

  Caleb Schmiege Fair enough. We definitely have a long way to go as Christians in our understanding of the whole issue. I often see people flying into the devil's traps of total tolerance, complete insensitivity, or hate. None of these are God-pleasing or acceptable. I was more frustrated by the comments that seemed to make light of the situation.

  7 hours ago · Like · 4
• 

  Gregory L. Jackson WELS is not honest about its problems. Two men were caught in the act at the seminary, years ago. Both were ordained. Both got married. That is just one example.

  7 hours ago · Like
• 

  Jake Gawel (And in swoops Gregory L. Jackson with a speculative story containing names he can't or won't recall). That's as sound of proof as me saying I saw you doing 'the act' on some dude in your hometown just last night. It's true baby, I saw ya.

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson I have names, and so do others who know about this and many other examples. But WELS is perfect and therefore perfectly snide about anything that detracts from this perfection.

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Jake Gawel Hey pal, no one in their right mind would say that. However, I have two things:
  
  1) I did totally see you in 'the act' with that dude.
  2) Until you are perfect or know the answer to being the best human/Christian/confessional moralist, why don't you just tone down your awesomeness and read your Bible. 
  
  Here's a third, I guess:
  Would you be willing (and this is a serious undertaking, so answer carefully) to take the rest of your life and write down everything you believe (we all know it's perfect and inerrant) and that's what us WELSers will use as sacred text? We need ya, man, so don't leave us hangin' over here!

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Given the number of children abused by WELS teachers and pastors, you are in no position to play the smart-aleck, Jake.

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Your public relations director, Joel Hochmuth, had hundreds of files of man-boy rape at WELS headquarters and at home.

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Jake Gawel Again, no proprietary information reporting the abuses. Do I have to do this again? (I saw you abuse a kid last night.)
  
  As for that guy - he got what he had coming to him, God-style. Were the churches records on abuse released to the public when the FBI took him down? You have knowledge of that stuff how?

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Jake Gawel And I like that as a professional, confessional satirist, you are poo-pooing me. Hah! What's the saying about giving and not having the capacity to take...?

  4 hours ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Jake, you are in the right sect.

  2 hours ago · Like
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  Jim Schulz Get ready. It's coming. (And seriously, his lover looks like he could be his father. What up wit dat?)http://www.massresistance.org/.../par.../religion/index.html

  about an hour ago · Edited · Like
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  Caleb Schmiege Mr. Jackson, the thing that troubles me the most is that it seems like you go looking for all the bad you can find. What has happened to your gospel motivation? Where is your passion for the lost? It pains me to see so much tearing down with very little building up. Do you take words and actions in the kindest possible way? The kindest possible way? You are in an influential position. I wish you would use it to point people to Christ.

  51 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Jake Gawel Mr. Greg (can I call you Greg?), I'm not looking to receive vindication from you about my spiritual or religious beliefs. I'm just asking for a little more journalistic integrity (read :: facts, names) and for you to put down what it is you believe in canonical form so we (WELS, ELS wrongdoers) can read it and see if there are massive errors we aren't already trying to fix.
  
  Every business, non-profit, synod, church body, religion, government, family or friendship features mismanagement to some degree or of some nature. If you had the CLC-GLJS (Confessional Lutheran Church - Gregory L. Jackson Synod), I'm sure even there, in that bright spot against the dingy WELS backdrop, there would be negligence and mismanagement.

  51 minutes ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Warning people away from abusive sects that cover up for rape and murder and the abuse of children - that is positive. Provoking the sophomoric rage of smart-alecks is also worthwhile.

  44 minutes ago · Like
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  Jake Gawel Pardon me, Mr. Jackson (I am for real). Still waiting for the Journalism 101 level facts and names here. Can you send me (us) the documents you have become privy to? As a WELS member, I probably have a right to at least see those...
  
  Your last sentence...See More

  34 minutes ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Jake - ask about the murder of Mrs. Al Just and his marriage to his children's baby-sitter. Ask about Mrs. William Tabor, whose husband moved to a new call after she was plugged by his mistress in the parsonage. Ask about DP Ed Werner, who went to the...See More

  28 minutes ago · Edited · Like
• 

  Caleb Schmiege I meant positive as in directing people to forgiveness and hope in Jesus. Have you talked to the individuals in authority who handled those situations to understand why they did what they did? I cannot speak with authority about the situations to which...See More

  24 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Gregory L. Jackson Clever smoke-screen, Caleb. You would have made a good defense lawyer at Nuremberg.

  21 minutes ago · Like
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  Jake Gawel Asking for fairness against nameless accusations isn't "trying to be smart" (although you might see it no other way, which again is ironic), it's simply asking for facts. I appreciate the names. 
  
  Now, with those in the limelight and me not having seen my parole officer in years, can you give me some website where I can drum up these stories. Otherwise it might be like me saying..."So, Greg. You are gonna sit here on Facebook and tell me that you've never heard the tale of little Jimmy Zolinski and his abuse by the CLC-GLJS? It was so heinous his parents left the CLC-GLJS, but not before shooting their minister!"
  
  A fact site or police report would be greatly appreciated.

  20 minutes ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Keep braying, Jake. I know you didn't take the time to check anything out. You never would. That would take integrity and courage.

  19 minutes ago · Like
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  Gregory L. Jackson Don't Matthew 18/8th Commandment me when people are murdered and the synod covers it up. Try reading the Large Catechism, 8th Commandment. It's in the Book of Concord.

  19 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Jake Gawel All I asked for was a little guidance getting started in my search. I'm willing to do the leg work if you're willing to point me down the path. 
  
  In regards to your implication of having courage and integrity and me not having any...I'm ok with you saying that about me (though those who actually know me might stand for my character), but please don't imply that you have integrity. Look at what you do (here or on your blog), how you carry it out. That takes neither of those characteristics - we both know it's the easy way and that's why you've taken it.
  
  Now, uncovering and undermining parties which you believe to be personally responsible for terrible actions. That does take courage. I'll be willing to spot you on that if you help me get started down a path where I might one day be able to agree with you on the facts of those "crimes" (I only put crimes in quotations, because I haven't witnessed a police report on them, not because I wholeheartedly don't believe you that they took place).

• Jake Gawel Oh sweet, sweet diversional tactics. 
  
  I am glad you put that there, because I would have no way to get that out to an audience (oh wait, we are on Facebook...). But back to the meat and potatoes, if you have knowledge of these events and know where yo...See More

  23 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Caleb Dietrich Greg...I don't know you nor am I going to do any research on who you are or what you do:fact. You are who you are and believe what you believe:fact. Jake has both integrity AND courage: fact. No one is perfect:fact. Every organization has flaws because...See More

  8 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Gregory L. Jackson Talk, talk, talk. Check out the facts and report back. Anyone can post on FB, as you two have shown.

  6 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Caleb Dietrich You're funny man. I don't honestly care what you say. So go ahead. Post something so you can feel as though you got the lAst word in. Or don't... I don't care

  5 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Gregory L. Jackson Says Caleb, trying for the last word.

  4 minutes ago · Like
• 

  Jake Gawel Anyone with fingers or an AAC machine can run a blog or indeed post on Facebook (I used by (sic) forehead to write this whole thread...). 
  
  Until you produce websites, your points (which I remind you, started with a gay, ex-WELS member) remain here-say (sic), just like little Jimmy Zolinski and the CLC-GLJS. Please back up your talk and produce websites where police reports can be examined empirically. You could even start by stating what states each incident was reported in and I can see if they have a CCAP system like Wisconsin....

  a few seconds ago · Like

• 

  Kyle Bence Aahhh, yes... I miss seeing stuff like this. This is what I love about you jake. You make ignorant and dumb people (aka Greg) look like a moron. I love people like this. 
  
  I picture Greg as Harry Potter. A man who lives under a stairwell, and posts ignorant statements on Facebook. 
  
  Congrats Greg! You've won the award for biggest jackass of the day.

***

GJ - Does anyone wonder why people are leaving WELS in droves? They snark over murder and sexual abuse, pretending it is contrary to the Word of God to discuss their felonies.

They pulled their thread, which I anticipated.

Luther on public sins, such as when a murderer or abuser is convicted by his peers:

284] All this has been said regarding secret sins. But where the sin is quite public so that the judge and everybody know it, you can without any sin avoid him and let him go, because he has brought himself into disgrace, and you may also publicly testify concerning him. For when a matter is public in the light of day, there can be no slandering or false judging or testifying; as, when we now reprove the Pope with his doctrine, which is publicly set forth in books and proclaimed in all the world. For where the sin is public, the reproof also must be public, that every one may learn to guard against it.

This class - and others - know about
The Mattress Room Incident.
Both men were ordained and married.