Classic Gemuetlichkeit Posters!: November 2001

Friday, November 9, 2001

A non-Lutheran group was renting space on campus. They were shocked to learn that the seminary permitted the students to drink beer. Several letters were written to Dr. Wenthe, seminary president and Dr. Weinrich, academic dean. One writer even suggested that Martin Luther would not approve of beer-drinking by the students.

In fact, Gemuetlichkeit was always well-attended by faculty members, and it provided a wonderful forum to talk about the faith, theology, and the challenges we would all face in the holy ministry.

About Gemuetlichkeit

Gemuetlichkeit began as Free Beer Friday and was formerly held in the tunnel between the two classroom buildings. And then some stuff happened (citation needed - LOL). The Rev. Paul Beisel knows the whole story. Maybe he'll weigh in.

The every-Friday afternoon event was moved to the student commons, rechristened Gemuetlichkeit, and Seminarian (now the Rev.) David Bott took over as the master of ceremonies - giving the event a Texas flair - complete with the Lonestar flag, chips, and salsa. Beer was originally bottled Sam's Club vintage of Honey Brown and something else that I can't remember.

At some point, Dave switched us over to a two-keg system with beer provided by the local Mad Anthony's microbrew. Gemuetlichkeit was funded solely by freewill offerings. I volunteered to work for Dave as a sort-of unofficial Gemuetlichkeit assistant. At this time, I did not like beer. But with the patient ministration of my brothers, I found my inner consumer of Lutheran beverages and was converted. As part of my assistant duties, I felt that we needed to upgrade the marketing and get rid of the official approval of the dean of students. So, I began my three year hitch as the maker of Gemuetlichkeit posters.

After Seminarian Bott became Pastor Bott, another Texan was tagged to be the master of ceremonies: Sem. (now the Rev.) Tony Bolen. I soldiered on in my role as assistant (or is that associate? Which one has to vote?). After Tony, another Texan, Sem. (now the Rev.) Carl Roth took over.

As the creative muse did not always visit with me during the week, and sometimes I was too busy studying to create a new one - on those occasions old ones were recycled - much like the way you slackers out there reuse your sermons (which is the real reason some of you guys like the three-year lectionary - your parishioners will not remember your sermon from three years ago when you re-preach it).

However, I saved copies of all of them, and someone in the IT department who knew how to use a scanner (cutting edge stuff, back in the day) made a digital record of the entire run. Now that I am safely in possession of an M.Div., passed my interviews, was certified by the faculty, actually got a call, and have now managed nine years in the ministry - and the statute of limitations has probably expired in violating seminary policy by posting stuff without the dean of student's approval (come on, Tim, you know you laughed at these as much as anyone), I am now making these Fort Wayne relics available for your veneration.

Indulgences not included.

Classic Gemuetlichkeit Posters!

Friday, November 30, 2001

"Back on your heads," says Dr. Scaer

Friday, November 16, 2001

Misunderstandings Corrected

Friday, November 9, 2001

Friday, November 2, 2001

Beer and Reformation