Are you ready for spring? I sure am. At least March has spring training for baseball! What does baseball have to do with an LCMS history article? Well, while digging through another old file, I found a letter from 1953 where a pastor wrote about a famous ball player that had been a vicar at Zion, Kramer. His name was William Wambsganss – also known as Bill Wamby – he played for the Cleveland Indians. So I went to the Kramer church file and in their wonderful 100th-anniversary book was a whole page dedicated to Vicar William Adolph Wambsganss. Here is a condensed version of the article.

Wamby was born March 3, 1894, in Ohio, to Rev. & Mrs. Philip Wambsganss. He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis for the 1912-1913 school term. The letter referenced him being Vicar in 1914 at Zion. Zion members George Thiel, Erick Neumann, and Claudia Rubbert Albrecht had memories of Wamby. One memory was that he would prolong recess at Bible school to play ball. He did not return to seminary after his vicarage but joined a baseball club – Cedar Rapids, IA – that sold him to the Cleveland Indians.

In the 1920 World Series, the team had to win five games. The Indians won the first and Brooklyn the second game. In the third game, Wamby was the second baseman and he set a World Series Record by making the first and only unassisted triple play in the World Series! A batter hit a line drive single to the right. Wamby ran, leaped, speared the ball in flight, kicked the second base bag, and whirled to slap the tag on the runner coming from the first base. Cleveland won the World Series that year. Wamby played through 1923, married, had 3 children, and died in 1985. The gymnasium at Concordia Theological Seminary is named in honor of him.

If you have any fun stories like this, please let me know. Also, keep sending in old records! Praying for you all as we journey through Lent to the glorious day of Easter.

Vicki Peihl, District Historian

In Thanksgiving for 80 years of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the LWML of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Bottineau, along with the congregation, collected 85 winter hats, scarves, mittens and socks to commemorate the Anniversary of the LWML organized in 1942! These items were donated to the North Dakota Orphan Grain Train and were shipped over to Ukraine to keep the children of Jesus warm during the devastating war going on there. We are blessed to be a blessing to those in need!

Avonne Gessner,

LWML Bottineau president

Bethel’s Living Last Supper will be performed at 4 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 1st. In this “Living Last Supper” dramatization, the disciples speak their minds to themselves, each other, and their Lord. They are reacting to the words they just heard Jesus speak; “One of you will betray me.” You are invited to come and watch the drama unfold! Please invite your friends and neighbors. This is a FREE Presentation | Same performance both evenings | No reservations required Bethel Lutheran Church (615 E Turnpike Ave, 701-255-1433, www.bethelbismarck.com)

Several LCMS members were privileged to visit Kenya from Feb. 19-March 3. The Wurl team consisted of North Dakotans Bob Wurl, Roger Weinlaeder, and Tami Ulland; Arizonans Ken and Bonnie Weinlaeder; Minnesotan Lyndon Johnson and were accompanied by LCMS Field Office staff as they visited all eight P24 sites. Students at each site were presented with P24 bookmarks and pins, a volleyball, soccer balls, and a pump!

Highlights included visiting the head office of the ELCK and learning about the structure of the ELCK. Afterward, they flew to Kisumu and headed to Tumaini where they met up with P24 director John Kissinger and were welcomed by Site Manager Hezbon and all of the girls coming home from school. In 2015, Bill Sharpe was present for the official opening of this facility. In 2017, Roger and Bob planted trees at the site. The dorms are labeled Dakota and Minnesota to represent the big part the North Dakota and Minnesota North districts had in building the facility. Roger presented ‘footballs’ and Bob shared P24 pins and bookmarks with all of the girls.

Sunday they attended worship at Neema Lutheran College in Matongo where the Seminary is. Missionaries Rev. Vance and Linda Becker from Minnesota are serving here. They planted trees in honor of Rev. Bernie Seter who was so involved with the start of P24.

It was a whirlwind tour for all. Tami, Bob, and Roger would love to share more with your congregations. Just give Tami a call at 701-360-1469.

Greetings in Christ to all of you. Since St. Matthew Congregation in Hazen issued the challenge, “Chili for Chile”, a few other congregations have held events and blessed our brothers and sisters in Chile with funds raised for Lutheran mission work in that country. Praise God! And thank you to all who have participated. I have been asked to give an update on what has happened at St. Matthew. Our first Chili feed was not a contest, although that sounds like a lot of fun. We just had chili and garlic sticks, some pickles, and a few other things. We were able to raise $2,877.00 for the mission work in Chile. In addition, St. Matthew members designated our Thanksgiving morning offering of 1,190 dollars to Chile as well. We were able to send a total of $3.650.00 for mission work among the people of Chile. Since that time, we held another Chile feed open to the whole community. Although not many from town attended, we were still able to raise another $445.00 to be sent soon. To God be the glory, and may He bless all our combined efforts for the sake of the church, and encouragement for our fellow Christians in Chile.

I would like to encourage all of you to have a “Chili for Chile” event or any other kind of event for mission work in any place. St. Matthew congregation plans to have a “Chilly for Chile” event this summer with an ice cream social. At both of our events held thus far, we all agreed that we had a good time with lots of laughing, visiting, and Christian friendship. We also agree that we have lots and lots of Chili left over.

God’s peace to you all,

Pastor Kirk Peters and the saints at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Pastor Adam Filipek (of Holy Cross and Immanuel, Lidgerwood) has written a book that is now available for pre-order. If you are a Christian, this book will help you understand the Bible, the Sunday Church service, and the Christian life and faith more clearly and firmly. If you are a pastor, this book will also help you to teach your congregation the basics of the Christian faith and life in your confirmation and adult instruction classes.

Here are a few reviews:

Dr. Carl C. Fickenscher said, “It’s a clever idea—really!—to tell God’s story from creation to the eternal joy of the resurrection, interweaving our own personal stories from Baptism through our funerals and beyond. It’s invariably the story of Christ, but we always read ourselves right in it. Dr. Filipek’s style is constantly speaking directly to the reader, a very inviting way to catechize those entirely new to the faith. The six chief parts and Lutheran worship (even closed communion) are presented in their biblical contexts.”

Rev. William Weedon said, “I have a friend who does drone photography. With a bird’s-eye view, what you thought you knew intimately unfolds in wonder from a wider, higher perspective. Dr. Filipek’s new book, Life in Christ: Rooted, Woven, and Grafted into God’s Story, grants readers such an experience with the sacred Scriptures. Rather than “losing the forest for the trees,” this work enables readers to glimpse the grand sweep of the greatest story ever told. They’ll walk away marveling at how it centers on Jesus from the beginning and connects to us right here in our own world.”

For more details or to pre-order go to: https://a.co/d/4lrbpCW (Amazon link)

This book will also be available directly from Concordia Publishing House (www.cph.org) in a few months.

Bach Cantata Vespers – March 26, 7:30 pm, Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo

The second annual Bach Cantata Vespers is a partnership between the Red River Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and the F-M Bach Choir, hosted by Peace Lutheran Church. The F-M Bach Choir and instrumental ensemble will perform Bach’s Magnificat Cantata Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10, in the context of the Vespers liturgy. Organists from the AGO will share organ works by Bach.

This month I thought I’d share a note from one of our viewers: Harriet writes: “I enjoy and appreciate the Main Street Living Program. To have a LCMS program televised in our area is great. It is so nice to hear the different Pastors present their messages, and the choirs singing each Sunday. I am in an assisted living housing and am unable to attend our home church. I am also enclosing a memorial in honor of my late husband.” Thanks so much Harriet. It is a joy to be able to bring these worship services and “This Is the Life” programs into your home each week!

Please continue to share information about our LCMS “Main Street Living” media ministry with others. In addition to being broadcast each Sunday morning, you can view archived programs anytime at www.mainstreetliving.com – then click on the link under the picture identified as “Fargo.”

-Ken Koehler, Volunteer Coordinator

“Main Street Living North” Programs for March 2023:

March 5th: Rev. Mark Chepulis, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND, St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Thomas, ND, and Redeemer Lutheran Church, Langdon, ND, presents the message: “The Canaanite Woman” based on Matthew 15:21-28. This Is the Life program: “Prescription TLC” – Injuries after a plane crash cause a couple to seek God for comfort and healing.

March 12th: Rev. Steven Schulz, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, presents the message: “Jesus Has Mercy on Sinners” based on John 4:5-26. This Is the Life” program: “Dangerous Moment” – An affair on a business trip leads to tension at home.

March 19th: Rev. Karl Weber, St. John Lutheran Church, Ottertail, MN, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Richville, MN, presents the message: “The Work of the Messiah” based on John 9:1-41. “This Is the Life” program: ““Who will tell Lauria?” – A family struggles with what to do after their daughter loses her sight in an accident.

March 26th: Rev. Christopher Durham, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lisbon, ND, presents a message “The Lord Provides for our Eternal Need” based on Genesis 22:1-14. “This Is the Life” program: “Holy Land Tour, Part 1” – A video tour of locations in Jesus’ earthly ministry, led by SD pastor Nabil Nour who grew up in Israel.

“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally produced TV program that includes a 30-minute worship service led by participating pastors of the Minnesota North and North Dakota Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30-minute Lutheran Hour program (usually “This Is The Life,” along with occasional church-season specials).

Sponsored by the Council of Federation Presidents
For Students in Grades 6 through 12
Any student in a Lutheran school or Lutheran congregation, e.g., confirmation class or
youth group, when validated by a pastor or teacher, is eligible. Students may also enter
through a Lutheran homeschool when validated by their Lutheran pastor.
Contest Guidelines
Students will write a life-affirming essay based on the theme: Just As … I Am with the Bible verse: “For we are
his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we
should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

1. Not incorporating the theme and verse in the essay will disqualify the entry.
2. Examples of topics the essay could deal with are, but are not limited to abortion, the handicapped, adoption or foster
   care, infanticide, cloning, stem cell research, physician assisted suicide or euthanasia etc.
3. Essays should include student’s name, grade (school or church), and email address. All entries submitted by a
   teacher or pastor, should include their name and email address. This information should be submitted on the rubric
   page used in grading the essay.
4. All sources for references, statistics and quotes should be incorporated within the essay and then included in a
   bibliography at the end.
   Grades 6 – 8 should submit essays up to 400 words
   Grades 9 – 12 should submit essays up to 750 words
   Entries should be submitted digitally using Microsoft Word or Google Docs to the state contact person in the state
   you reside. If your state has a Federation, please contact the Federation President from the link below. If there is not
   a Federation in your state, please send your essay to appropriate person listed below the State Federation listings by
   April 1, 2023.
5. There will be a $100 first place award and $50 second place award for each of the two categories in the Federation
   states, Minnesota, and Texas. All remaining states will be combined into a Non-Federation category, and two winners
   will be selected from the combined states. All winning entries in this first round will advance to the national contest.
6. Grand prize for the national winning entries in each category is $250 for first place plus free conference registration
   to the 2023 Lutherans For Life conference and one night stay at the conference hotel. $125 for the second-place
   winner.
7. All entries become the property of Lutherans For Life.
8. For questions or resources on the sanctity of life, see lutheransforlife.org.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 The Christian season of Lent begins this month – and with it comes a special time to prepare for two of the most important historical events of the Church year, the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord! As we consider our fallen sinful condition and need for a Savior, may God’s Holy Spirit open the doors of our hearts ever wider — that we may more fully understand and receive the redeeming work of our Lord!

Please continue to share information about our LCMS “Main Street Living” media ministry with others. In addition to being broadcast each Sunday morning, you can view archived programs anytime at www.mainstreetliving.com – then click on the link under the picture identified as “Fargo.”

Thank you for your needed financial support! Checks may be sent to “Main Street Living NORTH,” 821-5th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, or donate by Credit Card or your PayPal account on the website. God’s blessing in Christ!    

-Ken Koehler / MSL North Volunteer Coordinator

“MSL North” Programs for February 2023:

February 5^th:  Rev. Bruce Block, Immanuel Lutheran Church, McIntosh, MN, presents the message: “A Message of Wisdom or Power?” based on 1 Corinthians 2:15. This Is the Life program: “The Gift”  – A daughter struggles over what to do with birthday gift money.

February 12^th:  Rev. Michael Suelzle, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Niagara, ND, Grace Lutheran Church, Lakota, ND, and St. Peter Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND, presents the message: “A New Creation” based on Matthew 5:29-30. “This Is the Life” program: “The Priceless Book” – Money and health troubles on the farm lead a father to God’s Word for comfort.

February 19^th:  Rev. Jim Meyer, member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, presents the message: “The Son Gives Light Beyond Words!” based on Matthew 17:1-9. “This Is the Life” program: “In Search of Dignity” – Two factory workers struggle to find meaning after they are replaced by machines.

February 26^th:  Rev. Douglas Thompson, Trinity Lutheran Church, Fischer, MN, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Euclid, MN, presents a message based on Matthew 4:1-11. “This Is the Life” program: “Which Way Grows the Vine” – A father struggles to accept the consequences of his actions and set an example for his son.

“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally produced TV program that includes a 30-minute worship service led by participating pastors of the Minnesota North and North Dakota Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30-minute Lutheran Hour program (normally “This Is the Life,” along with occasional church-season specials).

Programs are broadcast starting at 9:00 am Central time on the following FOX stations:

Fargo-Moorhead: KVRR Channel 15.1

Thief River Falls-Grand Forks: KBRR Channel 10.1

Jamestown: KJRR Channel 7.1

Pembina: KNRR Channel 12.1

Programs are broadcast starting at 10:00 am Central Time / 9:00 am Mountain time on the following WDAY XTRA Channels:

Fargo-Moorhead: WDAY Xtra Channel 6.3

Grand Forks: WDAZ Xtra Channel 8.3

Bismarck/Dickinson: KBMY Xtra Channel 17.3

Minot/Williston: KMCY Xtra Channel 14.3

Please check your cable and satellite providers for the corresponding channel on your system. MSLN programs are also archived for one year and can be viewed at any time on www.mainstreetliving.com then click on “(Fargo)”.