The Rev. Georg Albert Schieferdecker (March 12, 1815–November 23, 1891) was Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Gehlenbeck (Hamel) from July 8, 1877 to the day he was called to glory. As a young man he studied for the Holy Ministry and joined the immigration from Saxony which led to the founding of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He was the first president of the Synod’s Western District and was soon removed from that office, you can read more about that here. He later returned and is an example of a godly and pious life of repentance and faith.

Last week at our voter’s assembly, our congregation formally recognized a new young men’s society, The Sons of Schieferdecker. The purpose is as follows:

The Sons of Schieferdecker are a young men’s society of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hamel dedicated to:

1. Receiving the gifts of God at the Divine Service

2. Serving the Triune God and the Holy Church at the Divine Service

3. Learning the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Concord and the Lutheran Liturgy

4. Enjoying fraternal bonds

5. Encouraging one other to live godly lives as Lutheran men

You can read the Bylaws of the Society here, and use them freely.

Basically, we are taking our current acolyte corps and formalizing it as a group for young men to learn, serve, and work together, in the hope that they will see service in the church going hand in hand with their future service as godly husbands and fathers. And of course to have plenty of fun.

We need to focus on raising young men of faith, piety and virtue who will lead their families and the Church; the Sons of Schieferdecker is one aspect of one congregation’s efforts. I pray your parish is working at it too.