In the introduction to his Large Catechism, Martin Luther wrote, “But for myself I say this: I am also a doctor and preacher, yea, as learned and experienced as all those may be who have such presumption and security; yet I do as a child who is being taught the Catechism, and every morning, and whenever I have time, I read and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Psalms, etc. And I must still read and study daily, and yet I cannot master it as I wish, but must remain a child and pupil of the Catechism, and am glad so to remain.”

What a remarkable statement of humility. Though Martin Luther was the leader of the Reformation, a Doctor of Theology, and a magnificent preacher, he felt it necessary to read and study the Catechism every day— and he was the author!

In a few short days we will begin the Confirmation classes for 2025-2026. But remembering Luther’s words, I began to consider how well do we know our Catechism. Can we recite the Ten Commandments, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer? Do we remember the answers to “what does this mean?” Can we ask and answer the questions about the Sacraments?

If not, it might be time to look at the Catechism again. Luther did not place such importance upon his Catechisms because he was the author, but because the Catechisms teach what the Bible teaches. The Small Catechism uses the simple question and answer format to present the essential truths. The Large Catechism reads like a series of sermons on each subject, so that it is more robust than the Small Catechism in explaining Scripture as well as applying Scripture to our lives. To study the Catechisms is to study Scripture.

Both Catechisms can be found online with a google search, but here is a web address for each.

• Luther’s Small Catechism:
  https://bookofconcord.org/small-catechism/
  
  
• Luther’s Large Catechism:
  https://bookofconcord.org/large-catechism/

I also have a couple copies of Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms I can loan out.

The church quickly recognized the value of the Catechisms. So much so that they were included in The Book of Concord, the defining documents of our faith. The Small Catechism, in particular, has served as a guide for Christians as they prepare to receive Holy Communion ever since it was first published in 1529.

As Reformation Day approaches, may I encourage you all to take some time to reacquaint yourself with these great gifts which Martin Luther gave to the church.

✝️ Pastor Deming

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2025/2025-10-Newsletter.pdf

At the very beginning of October, we will be celebrating two events. First, on October 4th, Faith Lutheran Church will be participating in Moorpark’s Country Days — a time to connect with our neighbors and celebrate living together in this beautiful community. Then, the very next day, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church!

This anniversary is a meaningful occasion is a time to thank God for His countless blessings to this congregation for the last 40 years, and most especially, that He has continually provided His Word and Sacrament to those who worshipped here.

These events remind me of how much God loves a party. While we rightly thank God for freeing us from our sins through all that Christ did for us, we can easily forget that celebrating is a Godly response to His many other blessings. In the parable of the Lost Sheep, when the shepherd finds the sheep again, he calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him. (Luke 15:6)

This is a pattern with God. When God gave the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, He also gave instructions for festivals. “Three times in the year you shall keep a feast to me.” (Ex. 23:14) The Feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles were all times to celebrate.

The family and guests ate the Passover meal. During the other festivals, peace offerings were made. Priests received a portion of the offering, but the rest was eaten by the person offering the sacrifice with their family. (Lev. 7:15) In other words, there was regularly a huge barbeque happening at the tabernacle, where people rejoiced and shared a meal. 

Christ instituted another feast in the Lord’s Supper. We regularly sing, “This is the feast of victory to our God.” The feast we sing about is our Lord’s body and blood, given and shed for you – a joyful reminder of His sacrifice for us.

I would encourage everyone to join in both upcoming celebrations. And please invite non-Faith members to share these moments with us. We have the greatest cause to celebrate – salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Participating in Country Days is a way to share our joy in the Lord with the wider community. And our 40th year anniversary gives us the chance spend quality time together, to deepen our bonds, and to thank our Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

And let’s keep our eyes open to find more ways like these to spend time together, share a meal, and bless His holy name.

✝️ Pastor Deming

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2025/2025-09-Newsletter.pdf