German Family Bible – Die Deutsche Bibel

I have in my possession my Grandfather John’s German Bible. I cherish and protect it.


Die Deutsche Bibel Uebersetzung
Von Dr. Martin Luther
Copyright, 1904, By A.J. Holman & Co.
Lutheran Book Concern
Columbus, Ohio


Because the Bible is so fragile, I keep it protected in an airtight box. When I spent time with it, I use gloves. I am in awe of the artwork and the German Language.


Grandpa John spoke five languages. He was dedicated to preserving the German language and taught it to anyone who wanted to learn. In Russia, he was a schulmeister, schoolteacher, and I think deep in his heart he wanted to be a preacher also. His brother-in-law, Elias Hergert (married to John’s wife’s sister) was Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. Grandpa John and Grandma Katherine lived in Portland for a while. I have been to the church building several times. It is located at the corner of SE 12th Street and SE Clinton Street. This building was sold and is now a Buddhist temple. The beautiful stain glass windows on the sides of the building remain. The round window behind the altar has been removed and is at the new Luthern church. I have attended a service there and looked through old church records for familiar names.


In 1988, when I first began my quest to find out the answers to MANY questions about my family and the German Russian culture, my Uncle Dave in Auburn, California showed me this Bible and copied pages from the Family History. What a wealth of knowledge: Names, Geburten (Born), Getauf (Baptised) with names of Godparents, Confirmiert (Confirmed), Sterbefalle (Died). Date immigrated - August 1909.


We are in the season of Lent and this time of year is special and sacred to me because living the Christian life in a tradition of my people that I consider vital for my life.

Making Bierocks

On Sunday, we made bierocks.  It definitely is time to teach the younger generation. Here is the recipe that I use:
BREAD


3 cups water
1 Tbsp yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup potato buds (Aunt Liz's secret ingredient)
7 cups flour
let rise twice


FILLING
2# ground beef
1 large onion
2  large heads cabbage
Brown and add shredded cabbage a little at a time.  It will cook down, then add more.


COOL to lukewarm (cabbage should not be cold or hot)
Roll out dough.  Cut into 5 inch squares.  Place cabbage in center and bring corners together.
Pinch seams tightly
Place in oiled pan.
Let rise 15-30 minutes
BAKE 375 for 30 minutes


NOTE:  We call these Bierocks and also Runzas.  The Russians call them Perogs


I wanted to add a note about the soup.


Jeet en bat Wota bie de Supp bie, wie kjriee Jast.
Add a little water to the soup, we're getting company.


Have a good day!