DE TRINITATE Newsletter of the Society of the Holy Trinity Societas Trinitatis Sanctae Volume 16, Number 1, Lent 2013

From the Senior more opportunities to wear clerical attire, including the cas - The concept of adiaphora (“indifferent matters”) has bedev - sock. Distinctive attire is a way of reaffirming to ourselves iled Lutheran theological discourse and pastoral attitudes and to others in church and society our identity as called and since the 16th century. If something is regarded as “indiffer - ordained ministers of the Church. While it would be incon - ent,” we have felt that we didn’t need to give serious thought sistent with evangelical freedom to prescribe what members to it—or worse, that it doesn’t matter what we do about it. I of this Society should wear, members of the Society are believe it was Robert Jenson who said that since God has encouraged to wear clergy attire, including cassocks, on taken care of our salvation, the Church has nothing left to talk Society retreats.” about except adiaphora. We note that from the earliest STS retreats members Clerical attire and liturgical vestments certainly fall into wore clerical attire (black shirts) and even cassocks (clergy the area of adiaphora. Our salvation doesn’t depend on what coats). No one told members to do this; they just did. Also, we wear. But this doesn’t mean we should give no thought to the cassock and surplice became more customary among us it. If we have choices in what we wear, our selection becomes for the prayer offices—again, without prescription. Then the a matter of identity and sense of purpose in any aspect of life. tippet (the clergy scarf) was made available, on which could The chapter deans of the Society have given some thought to be affixed the STS seals (the Rublev Trinity and the Luther what we wear in Society retreats and developed a “Pastoral seal). Our statement affirms these developments and gives Statement: Guidance on the Wearing of Clerical Attire and guidance on when it is appropriate to wear the tippet. I com - Vestments by Members of the Society of the Holy Trinity.” mend the statement to us all for study. If nothing else, it might This statement was developed for the same reason previous increase our comfort in affirming our pastoral identity by pastoral statements were issued: because members of the what we wear. Society have asked for guidance. However, back in 2006, at a leadership council retreat, While the statement is mostly a teaching statement, pro - the Metropolitan New York Chapter presented to the senior a viding historical background on clergy attire and liturgical purple cassock as a recognition of his oversight (episcope) in vestments, it also recognizes practices that have developed the Society. (I’ve been told that the color is really magenta.) among us that need to be sorted out and understood. Clergy I was surprised to receive the cassock at that event, but I had attire and liturgical vestments were regulated by canon law in told the dean of the Metropolitan New York Chapter that I the state Churches of Europe. In North America, practices was willing to wear it if his chapter gave me such a gift. So have developed by collegial consensus. We have no state - when the gift was publicly presented I put it on and have ments telling Lutheran pastors what to wear. Yet, remarkably, worn it at subsequent general retreats and sometimes to chap - common practices developed and changed over several cen - ter retreats. But there has been persistent concern that there turies—as you can see by looking at old photos of synod had not been discussion about whether leaders in the Society ordination services. It is also evident that throughout the 20th should/could wear distinctive garb. For example, would this century most Lutheran pastors wore black suits and clergy become an expectation for the next senior? shirts or rabats with collars, at least when “on duty.” When I American Lutheranism has generally resisted having was a youth in the 1950s I never saw a Lutheran pastor not distinctive garb and emblems of office for church leaders. wearing a black suit and clerical collar. My home pastor, who I’m reminded of the story of when Archbishop Nathan was not particularly high church, also wore a cassock in Söderblom of the Church of Sweden presented a pectoral church on Sundays. But over the last two decades many pas - cross to President Oscar Benson of the Augustana Synod in tors have shed clerical attire. Many have also discarded vest - the 1930s. The Synod voted that the cross should be received ments—or made polo or Hawaiian shirts the new vesture. as a gift from the mother Church but that the synod president This reflects the more relaxed dress codes in Western culture. should not wear it. Now almost all our bishops and district Yet we also notice that formal attire or uniforms are still worn presidents wear pectoral crosses. by public officials. Well, there was no consensus about the senior’s purple Our statement says: “Since the Society of the Holy or magenta cassock at the leadership council retreat and so Trinity exists to renew the pastoral office and help its mem - our statement says nothing about it. What should I do at this bers to be faithful to our ordination vows, we should find point? The Rule of the Society provides two concepts of what we are as a Society. As a “Lutheran ministerium” we model been for many years. As a result the Leadership felt that we an ecclesiology, complete with a “pure” ecclesiastical ballot. should register in an area and state where we were assured of In this model leadership offices could be recognized and I continuity. At this point in time the legal registration of the could wear the purple cassock. But as a “pastoral oratory” we Society is therefore in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at model a religious community in which leadership is undiffer - my address. While this issue will not affect most of you entiated from the ranks of the members. For example, the directly, it is important to know that we are staying on top of generals of the Benedictine Order and the Society of Jesus such management and administrative issues even as the (Jesuits) wear the same garb as all the members. So in this Society continues to grow. model I should wear a simple black clergy cassock or a black In Christ’s Service, suit, as many of our members do (and are “encouraged” to Paddy Rooney STS, Secretary do). I’m comfortable with either model. In fact, I’d be happy to try the “religious” model if we could get everyone in black Chapter News so that we can truly model the lack of distinctions among us. This is what it’s like to discuss adiaphora. Evangelical DELAWARE CHAPTER freedom is often an unhelpful notion when the issue is a mat - Dean, Michael Tavella, [email protected] ter of identity (as were many of the issues imposed by the The Delaware River Chapter met in retreat on February Leipzig Interim). According to the Formula of Concord, nihil 11–12 at the Saint Francis Retreat House in Easton, ist adiaphora — “nothing is an indifferent matter.” It specifies Pennsylvania. During the chapter meeting, we reviewed the in statu confessionis. But does not our Society exist in a state statement on clerical attire. The topic of the retreat was “The of confession? Would we exist if the faith and practices of our Hope of Eternal Life,” Dialogue XI between Roman Lutheran structures reflected the great tradition? According Catholics and Lutherans, led by Pastor Michael Tavella. The to our Rule we are trying to model two things: a ministerium Daily Office was prayed. Holy Communion was celebrated and an oratory—a way of being the Church and a life of com - before the closing of the retreat. Pastor Matthew Voyer mon prayer. So maybe I need two or more ways to dress. served as chaplain; Pastor Brett Jenkins preached at the When I come visiting the chapters I’ll ask the dean: do you Service of Holy Communion. The next retreat of the Chapter want the senior in purple, in black, in no cassock, or in jeans will be held on June 10–11. and sweatshirt? We struggle all the time with indifferent mat - ters that are not really so indifferent. But as Jenson said, it’s FLORIDA CHAPTER all we really have to talk about since God has taken the big Dean, Lawrence Recla, [email protected] matters out of our hands. In January the chapter joined with the congregation from Frank C. Senn, STS which the Reverend Thomas Church STS retired in Senior September, local clergy, the interim pastor of that parish, and the Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop for Tom’s Requiem From the Secretary Service. The Reverend Kenneth Blyth STS, who was the At the last General Chapter our Senior asked me to serve as Church’s current pastor, presided and preached, Bishop Secretary for the Society and I have now taken on that Benoway brought condolences and greetings, Dean Recla responsibility from John Priest who did such a great job over preached, the Reverend Robert Endruschat was Director of so many years. It has been a challenge to learn John’s system Liturgy, and other Chapter members took part in the service and to keep up with all the issues with which he had become while others sat with the local clergy. Dean Recla also conversant over the past few years. brought messages of condolences from the Reverend Dr. But a new Secretary means that there are changes to our Frank Senn STS Senior and the Reverend Patrick Rooney operating systems. For most of you that means that all corre - STS Secretary. Tom’s wife and mother will be attending the spondence will now come from me, whether that be acknowl - Eucharist at our March Chapter Retreat which will especial - edgements for gifts and contributions or notices for ly remember his life and ministry. registering for General Chapter. It also means that all funds, Dates for future retreats: June 10–11, November 18 –19, whether dues or contributions (individual or congregational) and in 2014: March 10–11, June 9–10, and November 17–18. should now be sent to me at: 450 Ridge Road, Dillsburg, Pa. 17019 . In turn, I will send letters of thanks and acknowl - GUADALUPE RIVER CHAPTER edgements for tax purposes to you. Please indicate clearly Dean, Ralph W. Reitmeyer, [email protected] therefore whether such contributions are from you or the con - The Guadalupe River Chapter of the Society of the Holy gregation, and whether there is specific designation for such Trinity met in retreat on February 11 and 12 at the contributions (e.g. Seminarian Support Fund). Cedarbrake Retreat Center near Belton, Texas. Our chaplain The second thing you should know is that we have for the retreat was the Rev. Evan McClanahan STS and the changed our official registration as a legal non-profit entity Rev. Claude Villemaire STS brought a word of proclamation from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Our New Jersey registra - during our celebration of the Lord's Supper. Our Teaching tion dates from the time when the Society was established but Theologian was the Rev Patrick J. Rooney STS who brought the church, at whose address we were registered, was no an informative and thought-provoking presentation on the longer served by a member of the Society and in fact had not Blessed Virgin Mary. 2 IOWA-NEBRASKA CHAPTER Littleton, CO 80123. Senior Frank Senn will be in atten - Dean, Gary Hatcher, [email protected] dance, as we will have election of a dean. Please purchase The Iowa-Nebraska Chapter, STS, met in retreat at and bring Frank’s new book, Introduction to Christian American Martyrs Retreat House (AMRH), Cedar Falls, Liturgy , with you to our April retreat. We will engage Frank Iowa, on February 18–19, 2013. Fifteen members of the with regard to his book. chapter and two guests were present. Pastor James Harbaugh, We will also be offering a special retreat/liturgical con - STS, served as chaplain and Pastor Barbara Wills, STS, ference open to all chapters, members and friends of STS served as confessor. Pastors Amy Schifrin, STS, and Luther November 11–13 (Monday through Wednesday). We are Thoresen provided fellowship refreshments. Senior Frank hoping to have Frank Senn and Amy Schifrin present as Senn, STS, led a discussion on Sacrosanctam Concilium , teaching theologians, with opportunity for practicums related Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, from Vatican II. He also to liturgy and worship. This retreat/conference will also take conducted the election of a dean. Pastor Gary Hatcher, STS, place at the Loretto Spirituality Center in Littleton/Denver. was elected dean. The next retreat is scheduled for May 6–7 For more info, contact SdC chapter dean, Pr. David Wendel, at AMRH. STS, [email protected]. David Aanonson, STS Iowa-Nebraska Chapter Reporter SUSQUEHANNA CHAPTER Dean, Kenneth Elkin, [email protected] MINNESOTA CHAPTER The Susquehanna chapter met for Advent retreat on Dean, Trevor Bailey, [email protected] December 3–4 in Danville PA, with nearly forty in atten - The Minnesota Chapter of the Society of the Holy dance. Our Senior was present to supervise the election of a Trinity met for an Advent retreat December 3–4, 2012 at Dean. The Rev. Kenneth Elkin was elected Dean, and also Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN. All but two served as Chaplain for this retreat. As a token of esteem and members of the Chapter were present, along with seven visi - thanks for outstanding service over many years, past-Dean tors and one seminarian, for a total of 18 in attendance. Rev. Pr. Paddy Rooney was presented with an icon of St. Francis David Aanonson, STS, Dean of the Iowa-Nebraska Chapter, Xavier, whose feast day we commemorated. The Teaching was the Society Visitor and conducted the election of a Dean. Theologian was Dr. Nathan Yoder. Rev. Luther Mathsen STS, served as confessor and Rev. The chapter also met on February 18 at Trinity Church, Erma Wolf, STS gave a multi-part presentation on the Gospel McClure, for Eucharist on the Commemoration of Martin lectionary for Year C. Rev. Dave Garwick, STS presided as Luther. Afternoon presenter was Dr. Maria Erling of Chaplain. Gettysburg Seminary addressing the way that the Luther It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to elect Rev. Renaissance came to American Lutherans and what impact it Trevor Bailey, STS as Dean, on the fourth ballot. He suc - has. The next retreat is set for May 13–14 at Villa Sacred ceeds Rev. Luther Mathsen, who held the office for six years, Heart, Danville PA with Pr. John Cochran addressing “Parish and to whom the Chapter is deeply grateful for his diligent, Renewal With Integrity.” gracious and churchly leadership. The new dean appointed Pr. Garwick to the office of Treasurer and Pr. William Wilson, WISCONSIN CHAPTER STS as Chaplain for the coming year. Dean, Mark W. Knappe, [email protected] As is the custom of the Minnesota Chapter, every verse The Wisconsin chapter gathered for a Lenten retreat on of every Advent hymn in the Lutheran Book of Worship (plus Feb 25–26 at St Norbert's Abbey, DePere WI. As always we several others) was sung either during worship or at the were gathered in the prayers of the church with Mark W evening Advent hymn sing, which was followed by our usual Knappe, STS serving as chaplain, and Tim Duesenberg, STS repast of excellent comestibles and conversation. as the preacher at the holy eucharist. We had some discussion The Chapter meets for a contemplative Lenten retreat around the Pastoral Statement on “Guidance On The Wearing February 25–26, 2013 at Christ the King Retreat Center, and of Clerical Attire and Vestments.” We also had some fine con - again July 15–16, 2013. Rev. Eugen Lehrke, STS will serve versation regarding a couple of articles in the February as teaching theologian for the summer retreat, with a presen - Forum Letter , focusing especially on the article on tation entitled, "Praying Christologically." The 2013 Advent “Perseverance” and a few thoughts from Loehe. retreat will be held December 2–3, 2013. Rev. Pari R Bailey, STS Seminarian Support Fund Minnesota Chapter Reporter Through the generous support of some congregations and many individuals, the Society has been able to support SANGRE DE CRISTO CHAPTER Seminarians with not only our prayers and participation at Dean, David M. Wendel, [email protected] retreats, but also with some financial assistance. In the Spring The Sangre de Cristo chapter will meet for retreat Wed- we will be sending out notices to the Deans that such finan - Thurs, April 3–4, in Denver. It will be a 24 hour retreat, cial support for Seminarians is again to be made available. If beginning at 1 p.m., ending at 1 p.m. The cost will be about you know of a Seminarian who is supportive of the aims of $70, with three meals included. The retreat will take place at the Society and has, perhaps, also participated in chapter the Loretto Spirituality Center, 4000 South Wadsworth Blvd., retreats, then let the dean of the local chapter know so that, 3 when the notice is sent out, they will have some information In the “Hymn to God the Father,” written in the early to submit in support of such financial assistance. 1600s, John Donne noted that this natural desire (sin) is so Paddy Rooney, Seminarian Support Fund pervasive we wonder if it is forgiven. The hymn poses the following questions: Does the Father forgive the sin we initi - From the Vicar ate, the sin that has had prior occurrences? Does the Father In the conversations with one another concerning the forgive the sins that are continuing even though we deplore Church’s ministry, we have increasingly been exposed to the them? Does the Father forgive the sins that draw others into immense richness of our Lord’s forgiveness. What is striking them? Does the Father forgive the sins that have not been and startling about such exposure, though, is how forgive - resisted for years? Donne observes that when the Father for - ness’ opposite (the desire to have all of life revolving around gives, it is as though he has not forgiven because the sin con - me) continues to surface in our lives. In the world we are not tinues! The hymn concludes, though, that such sin is forgiven struck or startled by such desire; in fact, we expect it. In the fully and completely! Church, however, we expect that desire to be diminished or, From its beginning the Society has been guided by the even better, to disappear! Still, as we look at ourselves, the Lord God to understand that our desire to have all of life parishes we serve and the church structures to which we revolving around me is what hollows us out, along with our belong, we recognize that desire to be a constant reality, one parish communities and church structures. Such desire that stirs up much turmoil, despair and anxiety. always leads us to conclude that the Church’s mission is Moving between the Lord’s forgiveness and the natural about us when, in fact, it is about the Lord who has rescued desire to be imbedded in ourselves is difficult. For example, us. Thankfully, during these same years the Society has also it is much easier to face up to both when you’ve been in a been exposed to the immense richness of the Lord’s forgive - parish for a number of years and can say to a parishioner, ness. Such forgiveness is the last word for those baptized into “I’m sorry, Bob, I keep forgetting this whole matter is all the Holy Trinity. about you!” Try saying the same thing when you’ve been in Both of these exposures make it possible for us, our your new parish for only a few months! Under the guidance parish communities and our church structures to step into the of the Lord’s Spirit we know that forgiveness creates and sus - world’s absorption and suffering, its arrogance and confu - tains our parish communities; we also know that the desire to sion, its lostness and its death. As the lives of the baptized have all of life revolving around me hollows them out. cross the lives of the unbaptized, the Son’s cross may be This innate desire unsettles and drains the Church’s min - traced in them and all people may come to recognize their istry. This is because the desire is spewing out from the reser - Rescuer from the realities of sin, Satan and death. May our voirs of sin, Satan and death. While the Son’s crucifixion on conversations with one another continue to resonate with Good Friday crushed it and its reservoirs, that crushing will these exposures. not be completed until the End-of-Time. Between now and Carl A Voges, STS , Vicar then, we have to deal with their attractive and destructive gods. From stressful and bitter experiences, we know how these gods can work their horrifying ways through us, the parish communities and the structures of the Lord’s Church. DE TRINITATE While that natural desire unsettles and drains us, it does News and reflection from the Society of the Holy Trinity not deter us from carrying out the Church’s ministry. For Volume 16, Number 1, Lent 2013 years we have been living and working in contexts that are Editor: Leslie C. Thayer absorbed, assertive and afflicted. But the Lord God has been Editorial office: 2008 North 10th Street, Terre Haute, IN pouring his Life into those settings so we can be exposed to 47804 / 412-952-0571 / [email protected] the richness of his forgiveness. While we are born to have all To be placed on the De Trinitate mailing list or to report a of life spinning around us, we now understand that such a life change of address, please contact the Secretary, below. does not have the last word for those who are baptized into the Holy Trinity. We also understand that as we prepared for Senior: Pr. Frank C. Senn, Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Church’s ministry and were ordained into it, the Lord 616 Lake Street, Evanston, IL 60201 gave us the holy realities of his Scriptures and Sacraments to 847-864-4464 / [email protected] drive and undergird such ministry. Vicar: Pr. Carl A. Voges, 129 Pond Ridge Road, At the center of those realities is the Lord’s Word. It is Columbia, SC 29223 / 803-788-6656 or 803-269- the only reality that can crash into our innate desire and free 6656 / [email protected] us from it. This desire needs to be broken down and the Word Secretary: Pr. Patrick J. Rooney, 450 Ridge Road, does just that! Such crashing occurs whenever we enter the Dillsburg, PA 17019 Scriptures and begin the research for preaching, serving and 717-870-1154 / [email protected] teaching. We seek to master its passages for presentation, Bursar: Pr. David A. Aanonson, 1913 Farrel Drive, they end up mastering us! Through the marks of the Church, Coralville, IA 52241 the Lord’s Word makes its way into our parish communities, 319-339-1961 / [email protected] breaking and restoring us. Society Web site: www.societyholytrinity.org

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