FATHERS OF THE REFORMATION: JUSTUS JONAS by Pastor Thomas Goodroad
Let’s talk about Justus Jonas, another father of the Reformation and a close friend and confidant of Luther. Justus Jonas was born in 1493 in Nordhausen, Germany and died in Eisfeld in 1555. Jonas showed great aptitude for learning at a young age. He enrolled at the University of Erfurt in 1506 at age 13, studying law and the humanities. In a year, he had earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and by 1510, he had earned a Master of Arts degree, after which he left to go to Wittenberg. He then earned another Bachelor’s degree, this time in civil and canon law, before returning to Erfurt, where he was ordained and began to preach and teach. By 1519, at the age of 26, Jonas had earned a Doctorate in civil and canon law, had held several positions and titles at the University of Erfurt, had studied Greek and Hebrew, and was engrossed in Biblical studies. After the Leipzig Disputation in mid-1519 between Martin Luther, Andreas Karlstadt (who was defending Luther), and Johann Eck (who was criticizing Luther’s 95 Theses), Jonas was convinced of Luther’s theological positions against the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church.
Jonas stayed in contact with Luther and continued to support him. In 1521, Jonas accompanied Luther to the Diet of Worms, which Emperor Charles V called in order to hear Luther’s response to a Papal bull (edict of the Pope) of Pope Leo X. Because of his support for Luther, the University of Erfurt cut all ties with Jonas, and he lost all his positions there. Jonas promptly moved to Wittenberg and was called to be a professor of canon law and provost of All Saints’ Castle Church. In October, in that same year of 1521, Jonas was conferred his Doctorate in theology and transitioned into mainly lecturing on that topic, which he would do for the rest of his tenure.
Jonas worked diligently to contribute to the Reformation in any capacity he could. He composed hymns, translated documents written by Luther and Melanchthon into German so that the general populace could more easily access them, and continued to preach the Word and administer the Sacrament truthfully and rightly. Luther considered Jonas to be one of his closest friends and advisors. At the end of Luther’s life in 1546, Jonas was one of the few people who were present at his deathbed and recorded an account of his last moments. Jonas also preached the sermon at Luther’s funeral.
In his later life, Jonas was plagued by persecution as a result of his work with the Reformation. He did not have a permanent home until he was called from this vale of tears to find his eternal home in the presence of God in 1555 at the age of 62. We thank God for the work of the fathers of the Reformation, including especially Justus Jonas.
Blessings in Christ, Pastor Goodroad
News:
REFORMATION BRATFEST CELEBRATION
Join us on Sunday, October 27 for a Reformation Celebration with brats, trivia, and the annual kids coloring contest. The elders will serve brats and hot dogs. Please bring any side dish of your choice or a dessert. A free-will donation will be taken towards the church’s General Fund. Additionally, sign up to attend the celebration by Sunday, October 20 so we know how much food to prepare. Sign-up sheets are in the narthex.
DISTRICT PRESIDENT SNOW VISIT
Today (Sunday, October 20th), we are blessed to have District President Snow visit Good Shepherd and worship with us. He will also lead our Bible study between services this morning. Please introduce yourself and welcome him to Good Shepherd.
FUNERAL SERVICE
Long-time member of Good Shepherd, Joyce Thompson, was taken to her eternal home recently. Her funeral service will be at Good Shepherd on Friday, Oct. 25th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a light meal. Burial will be at Ft. Dodge, IA, on Saturday, October 26th.
OLDER WISER LUTHERAN SENIORS
The OWLS fun and fellowship group will meet on Friday, November 1st at 2 pm. You may bring a snack to share, your favorite board game, and a beverage for yourself. Games that have been a part of this event in the past are: Mexican Train, Pitch, Hand and Foot (similar to Canasta), and Marbles and Jokers (similar to Sorry). It’s a great time to get to know other Good Shepherd members and lots of fun!
OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
Take a moment to recognize our faithful pastors, Pastor Moline and Pastor Goodroad, for the ways in which they serve our congregation, pray for us, bring us God’s Word, and administer the Sacraments every week. Consider dropping a note of thanks, expressing your gratitude to them personally, and praying for them.
PICTURE DIRECTORIES ARE HERE!
Our brand new picture directories have arrived! There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex if you would like to receive one. Each directory will cost $8. Directories can be picked up on Wednesday, October 16th before and after service, Sunday, October 20th between services, or in the church office during regular hours.
LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION PROJECT
Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Women in Missions group has chosen a project for this fall. We would like to present to the seminary students who have previously worshipped at Good Shepherd and are currently students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne with a VISA gift card. Any contribution would be welcome. If you wish to donate, we would ask you to give any monetary amount of your choosing. There will be donation envelopes available in the narthex. Please make checks payable to LWIM. We would like these donations by November 11th so that we can purchase the gift cards.
COLLEGE STUDENT TREAT BAGS
It’s that time of year again! We will be collecting snack items and money for the College Treat Bags to support our college students as they prepare for the last weeks of the semester. If you would like to donate, please place snacks, fun pens/sticky notes, gum, or other fun treats on the table in the narthex of church. We are aiming to make 30 bags. All donations must be at church by Wednesday, November 6th. Treat bags will be assembled on Saturday morning, November 9th and handed out on Sunday, November 10th. Thank you!