Congregation Day 2011
Saturday, October 15th, 2011
9 am - 4:15 pm
Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg’s birth! Learn about his importance in the “planting” of the Lutheran Church in North America and how his influence is still apparent today.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, known as the Patriarch of the North American Lutheran church, was born on September 6, 1711, in Einbeck, Germany. In 1742, the Francke Foundations of Halle, Germany, sent him to the colony of Pennsylvania at the request of three struggling congregations in what Muhlenberg later called “the American wilderness.” One hundred and twenty five congregations were “planted” by Muhlenberg during colonial times. One of these congregations is Augustus Church in Trappe, PA, the oldest unchanged Lutheran church still in use in the United States of America and known today as "Old Trappe Church." Muhlenberg and a number of his family are buried in the Old Trappe Church cemetery.
By 1748, Henry Muhlenberg had gathered other Lutheran pastors and congregations together to form America’s first Lutheran church body, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, a predecessor to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His correspondence and journals prove him to be one of Colonial America’s most important church leaders, whose influence, especially on Lutheranism, continues to this day.
We are excited about our two tracks of learning opportunities:
Confirmation/Catechetical Track
offers a great fun opportunity for youth to learn more about Muhlenberg and the history of the Lutheran church in America
Adult Track
offers a variety of opportunities to learn about the Muhlenberg's historical significance, and the influence he continues to have on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- with an afternoon bus trip to Old Trappe Church
- with afternoon learning experiences on the LTSP campus
Confirmation/Catechetical Track
Register for the Confirmation/Catechetical Track
| 8:45 am | Registration/Refreshments |
| 9:00 am | Bus trip to Old Augustus Church, Trappe, Pa |
| 12:00 noon | Leave Trappe, Bag Lunch provided on trip back |
| 1:00 pm | Seminary Scavenger Hunt |
| 1:30 pm | Learning Experience (Choose 1 Unit per person) The Halle Foundations in Germany sent Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
(1711-1787) to British North America in 1742 because three congregations
in the Delaware Valley asked for a pastor. He not only served them for
over forty years but also helped other congregations in the colonies.
Because of his dedication to the church he is often remembered as the
“patriarch” of the Lutheran Church in America. The confirmation units
will help students become familiar with Muhlenberg’s ministry and life
in the colonies. |
| 2:30 pm | Refreshments |
| 3:00 pm | Meet Henry! |
| 4:00 pm | Chapel/Special recognition of representatives from Muhlenberg Congregations |
Register for the Confirmation/Catechetical Track
Adult Learning Track with Bus Trip
Register for the Adult with Bus Tour Track
| 9:00 am | Registration/Refreshments |
| 9:30 am | Chapel |
| 10:15 am | "From Halle to Philly: Have Call Will Travel" The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger?, LTSP Associate Professor of History of Christianity and Director of the Krauth Memorial Library |
| 11:15 am | "History of the Francke Foundations, Halle, and Exhibition" Dr. Thomas Muller-Bahlke, Director of the Francke Foundations |
| 11:45 am | Bus to Trappe for those signed up (bag lunch provided) |
| 3:45 pm | Bus returns from Trappe |
| 4:00 pm | Chapel/Special recognition of representatives from Muhlenberg Congregations |
Register for the Adult with Bus Tour Track
Adult Learning Track with On-Campus afternoon Learning Experiences
Register for the Adult with On-Campus Learning Track
| 9:00 am | Registration/Refreshments |
| 9:30 am | Chapel |
| 10:15 am | "From Halle to Philly: Have Call Will Travel" The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger?, LTSP Associate Professor of History of Christianity and Director of the Krauth Memorial Library |
| 11:15 am | "History of the Francke Foundations, Halle, and Exhibition" Dr. Thomas Muller-Bahlke, Director of the Francke Foundations |
| 12:00 am | Lunch/Book store |
| 1:00 pm | Henry and His Journals The Rev. Carl Shankweiler, part-time Associate of the Bishop, NEPA Synod; Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church, Friedensville, PA |
| 2:15 pm | Learning Experiences (pick one) 1. Muhlenberg Christian Education Ideas/Confirmation Lessons 2. Muhlenberg Music of the Period 3. Creating your own Muhlenberg Celebration |
| 3:15 pm | Free Time – Refreshments/Halle Exhibition/Bookstore/Campus Tours |
| 4:00 pm | Chapel/Special recognition of representatives from Muhlenberg Congregations |
Register for the Adult with On-Campus Learning Track
The Muhlenberg Legacy Scholarship
To recognize the contribution Muhlenberg made to theological education, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia has established the endowed Muhlenberg Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an LTSP student who embodies the characteristics that defined Muhlenberg: a commitment to academic excellence, strong leadership skills, and a distinct pioneering approach to ministry.
How You Can HELP
LTSP seeks to educate the next generations of leaders for the church, and we need your help. Make a gift to endow the Muhlenberg Legacy Scholarship and continue in the tradition of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. Ensure that the Lutheran church will have leaders who have received the classroom and practical training needed to serve.
Go to www.Ltsp.edu/muhlenberglegacy to donate online or call Natalie Hand at 215.248.6316