Our New Years Sausage Sunday

Pastor Patrick Cobb • December 22, 2025

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This is how the story goes, written from notes adapted from the Author of Shepherd Warrior. -William Boekstein 2016. ISBN 1781918031

“Papa don’t go!” Seven-year-old Regula struggled to catch her breath after blurting out the words between sobs. William and young Ulrich, two and four years younger than their sister, nearly knocked her over as they flew to clasp their father's legs. The Father was a minister by calling, yet a soldier out of necessity, he removed his helmet and placed his sword against the wall to look into his children's faces one last time; for nearly the first time since meeting each of his children, on the days of their birth, the preacher was lost for words. As he looked up to gather his thoughts and be relieved of the unbearable pain etched in his children's faces, the door of his house opened a few more inches. His two Anna’s wrapped in a cream-colored shawl seemed to glide toward him without touching the ground, his baby, only a year old squirmed in her mother's arms, her face set between his smile and her crying. His wife wore a similar expression.

“Goodbye Ulrich”, she started then faltered. She bit her quivering lip her eyes squeezed shut repelled by the painful scene.

Everyone waited for their father to speak. “The hour has come that separates us. Let it be. It is God's will.” He tightened his arms as emotion tightened his throat.

The words of a pastor and a spiritual friend strengthened Anna. “We shall all see each other again if it is God's will.” Thinking of the children, she added, “And what will you bring back when you do come?” As a gift was always expected upon his return.

Regula broke free of her mother's arms. Love and fear began forming a word on her wiggling lips. Father turned his face away just before her shrill voice pierced the noise of the crowd one last time she shouted, “Papa, we love you.”

As his chainmail shirt jingled with each step of his horse. As he rode, he witnessed the ill-equipped soldiers he passed looking upon him as a praying man and a man of God, whom they would follow into battle.

In the chaos, the blasting muskets, the groaning men, the screaming horses, mud slurping boots tromping through the marsh; there was pain, there was blood and he is reminded of the suffering of Christ mingled with his own suffering as never before. If only for a fleeting moment he understood Jesus’s words from Mark chapter 8 which say, “Deny yourself take up your cross and follow me. Don't fear to lose the world if at least you gain your soul for nothing is more valuable.”

With his strength he voiced his final words: “They can kill the body but not the soul!” (Shepherd Warrior).

Zwingli was more than a pastor, he was a farmer, a rancher, a smith, and just as important a family and more importantly, a man God. His love for God and his family, as well as his country of Switzerland were profound. Zwingli believed in freedom. He taught that Christian freedom means the believer is free from human bondage, human authority, when they are not founded in Scripture. Scripture was the rule of faith for life. He looked to Paul:

  • Colossians 2:16  “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food or drink or with regard to festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”

  • 1 Timothy 4:4  “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be. rejected if it is received with Thanksgiving.”

The Sausage Supper: Authority and Faith

The significance of the sausage supper extended far beyond the food itself; it was a powerful statement about authority. The underlying question was: Whom do we serve? The answer, unwaveringly, is that we serve the Lord. Ulrich Zwingli was adamant that Scripture Alone—not church tradition, not human inventions, nor mandates from self-appointed rulers—should have the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. This principle became a central tenet of the Reformation.

In a bold act that underscored his beliefs, Zwingli once served Bratwurst and Beer after a church service. The first instance took place during Lent, challenging traditional restrictions, and his congregation later established it as a New Year’s tradition. This gathering was reminiscent of other cultural traditions, like Hoppen John, where people come together to enjoy simple fare such as black-eyed peas and cornbread for lunch.

Reflection and Remembrance

As we approach Christmas, reflecting on the Advent gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, it is fitting to recall the words of Ulrich Zwingli: “Obedience to God consists not in outward works, but in faith and in love.” In remembering Zwingli, it is appropriate for us, especially as Americans and as free people, to give thanks for all that we have. It is a time to affirm our faith, to place love, peace, and hope for the future in our prayers, and to come together in gratitude—just as believers did in 1522, sharing a simple meal in community.

Invitation to Fellowship

Therefore, as the pastor of Grace Community Fellowship, I invite you to join us on Sunday, January 4, for a special service of worship and fellowship within the body of Christ. May you enjoy a Happy New Year and may the spirit of Christmas endure throughout the entire year.

In Christ <><

P. Cobb

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