Rev. Olaf Baumann – sermon on Acts 1.6-9 – Finnish translation by Rev. Vihtori Leskela – recorded during a bilingual service and discernment event determining the future of the congregations -  St. Matthew & St. Timothy, Sudbury, ON – 3/16/2014

 

Translation of the song; “Ein stolzes Schiff.â€

A proud ship glides lonesome through the waves

and takes our German

brothers away.

The flag flies, the white sails swell

America is their final destination.

Look, they stand on the deck

to catch a last glimpse

of the fatherland, the homely green.

Watch as they sail the deep blue sea.

They sail the blue waves of

the sea.

Why do they leave the fatherland?

Their lives were betrayed

because poverty drove

them out of the country.

Watch closely , you

oppressors!

Watch closely, deceivers of

the people!

See your best workers flee.

Watch as they sail the deep blue sea.

They sail away, and who dares to ask them:

Why do you leave the fatherland?

Oh poor Germany, how can you even bear it,

that your brothers are

banned?

What they hoped to find here,

they will try to build there.

That’s why they leave the German soil.

And in America they will find their grave.

Biblical Text : Acts 1.6-9

Acts 1:6   So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?â€Â  7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.  8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.â€Â  9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.