Lutherans Leading Lutherfests and Oktoberfests with a Climatic Lutherfest at Zion Lutheran

In recent days, there have been Oktoberfests at Incarnation Lutheran in Columbia, and Bethlehem Lutheran in Irmo.  On October 27, there promises to be another great festive, family kind of Oktoberfest, right in the heart of Lexington. 

Historically, there are substantive roots of German Lutherans who settled in the Dutch Fork and Lexington region which provided the foundation for the many Lutheran churches and institutions which dot the area.  In fact, according to the 1987 History of South Carolina churches, chaired by the Reverend James Park, at the time when the former LCA Synod was merged in the contemporary ELCA Synod, both Lexington and Newberry Counties had more Lutheran churches than any of the other areas of South Carolina. 

Zion Lutheran Church was one of the early historical churches having been organized in 1745, and as former Lutheran leader, Dr. Karl Kinard, said in his last sermon: "Zion is built like a rock fortress."  He was referring to the great Reformational hymn of the Evangelical Founder, Dr. Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon. (Ein Feste Burg ein gute wehr und waffen.) 

But there is more to this long standing history of Zion Lutheran, for Sheriff Jim Metts gave plaques of appreciation to Pastor Tim Bupp,Thomas Kleckly, and the Reverend Julia Tillman (New Mt. Zion), among others for transforming a former drug/death/hopeless piece of real estate to a recreational park that serves to bring fresh hope to a struggling community. Prophetically, the Park has been given the name of New Mustard Seed of Good Faith, and only good can come from this enduring vision. 

Yet, perhaps a lasting effect of the park is with the poor, and is what S.C. Global Mission leader, the Reverend Henri Bishop, calls a kind of model of Lutheran uplift in bringing a bag or bags of groceries by every Lutheran church in the County and throughout the state of South Carolina.  A good beginning has already been  made.  Due to the Food Pantry of Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, Martin Luther himself has taken over bags of groceries to the poor that live adjacent to the Seeds of Hope Park. This shows promise of catching on to other faith communities.  Zion Lutheran church, under the vision of Pastor Tim Bupp and Lay leader, the four score plus, venerable lay leader, Thomas Kleckly, know that Martin Luther, had a heart for the poor, and strongly advocated assisting the poor irrespective of race, creed, or national origin.  It is a kind of fresh Reformational ideal to move this vision in Lexington County and to obliterate even pockets of hidden poverty. 

Lutherfest, is a promising event at Zion Lutheran Church, slated for Nov. 4. Headed by Kathy Bupp, the exciting event promises a showcase for various goods and crafts, delectable refreshments, and festive interactions with old, young, and neighbors.  Additionally, there is a promise for an exciting surprise that will stir the audience and will classify the event as a remembered event in "Growing God's Mission." All are invited to attend this once-a-year event, but this year's Lutherfest is special and it has great expectations that will be long remembered.