Today
we remember and give thanks for Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Pastor. Moving from the Old World to the New,
Muhlenberg established the shape of Lutheran parishes for America during a
45-year ministry in Pennsylvania. Born at Einbeck, Germany, in 1711, he came to
the American colonies in 1742. A tireless traveler, Muhlenberg helped to found
many Lutheran congregations and was the guiding force behind the first American
Lutheran synod, the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, founded in 1748. He valued the
role of music in Lutheran worship (often serving as his own organist) and was also
the guiding force in preparing the first American Lutheran liturgy (also in
1748). Muhlenberg is remembered as a church leader, a journalist, a liturgist,
and—above all—a pastor to the congregation in his charge. He died in 1787,
leaving behind a large extended family and a lasting heritage: American
Lutheranism.
Collect
of the Day:
Lord
Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of Your people, we give You thanks for Your
servant Henry Melchior Muhlenburg, who was faithful in the care and nurture of
the flock entrusted to his care. So they
may follow his example and the teaching of his holy life, give strength to
pastors today who shepherd Your flock so that, by Your grace, Your people may
grow into the fullness of life intended for them in paradise; for You live and
reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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