New Walther Film coming to your Church in September

Thanks to Kari Anderson who found this on Facebook. It says that Concordia Seminary will distribute this film on Walther to each LCMS church in September 2011. That’s coming soon! I hope a lot of churches will show it, so people can learn more about our history. Visit CSL’s site on the movie to see more information, and to help support them in distributing this film. A $100 donation will get this DVD mailed to your house.

From what I read each LCMS church will receive the 5-part DVD series with bible study materials, so it appears to be set up for bible study time. I don’t know if it’s set up for five of the normal hour-long bible study segments, or if each church should set up an evening event to show the DVD. I’m sure our readers will find this information out and post it as comments below.

 

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From waltherfilm.csl.edu:

October 25, 2011, marks the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Dr. C. F. W. Walther, the first president of The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States and both Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary while in St Louis. In honor of this historic event, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis is producing a five part high definition video series which will follow the life of Dr. Walther, present a history of the The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (Synod), and – through studying Dr. Walther’s life and teachings – provide viewers with a better understanding of the importance of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

The five-part DVD series will include commentaries by well known Walther scholars and professors from both seminaries of the Synod including Dr. Gerhard Bode, Dr. Thomas Egger, Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, Dr. Thomas Manteufel, Dr. Lawrence Rast and Dr. William Schumacher.

Viewers will travel across the globe from Wittenberg, Germany to Wittenberg, MO. Each of the five parts will focus on a particular area of Dr. Walther’s life, viz:

  • Part 1: Explore the theology of Lutheranism vs. Rationalism which the early church sought to escape. Where do we see Rationalism today? You may be surprised!
  • Part 2: A study on the Ten Commandments, Martin Luther, the theology of the Two Kingdoms and the importance of repentance, confession and absolution. Is there a place for private confession in today’s Lutheran church?
  • Part 3: Viewers will learn about the chaos, confusion and conflict that plagued the early church in America as it struggled to answer theological questions pertinent to day-today life in America. What is a “church”? What is the role of the laity? What is the role of the clergy?
  • Part 4: Hear Dr. Walther’s teachings on the invisible church, the visible church, the Law and the Gospel.
  • Part 5: The video series concludes with the legacy of Dr. Walther and his impact on modern society. It concludes with interviews of Synodical President Harrison; former Synodical Presidents Gerald Kieschnick, Robert Kuhn and Ralph Bohlmann; Concordia Seminary president Dr. Dale Meyer and former Concordia Seminary Presidents John Johnson and Karl Barth.

Re-enactments of key scenes in Dr. Walther’s life will drive the video forward. Included will be a soundtrack composed by internationally renowned musician Peter Mayer and female vocalist Erin Bode just for this DVD series. This DVD series is designed to be a valuable resource for pastors, schools and churches for use in Bible studies, classrooms and Confirmation classes. Consider hosting a movie night and use these DVD’s as a great outreach to your community!

Get excited about our Lutheran Church history and heritage!

Prepare to visit the early Lutheran Church in America, circa 1840. Prepare to meet this early hero of the church: Dr. C. F. W. Walther – a man who sacrificed his homeland, his health and nearly his life…For the freedom to speak freely, to believe freely, to live freely… To save his Church and the Faith for those he loved… AND for us who would come after.

Concordia Seminary plans to distribute the videos to each LCMS congregation in early September. A study guide and Bible study materials will also accompany each segment of the video. Your prayers and financial support are needed. The filming schedule is short for this major undertaking.

Participants, except for major speaking role actors, are donating their time and talents. All funds received will be used for the production and distribution of the videos. It is our prayer that you will assist Concordia Seminary in this wonderful project.

 

Click here for more information.

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