Christ Memorial was a church plant of Salem Lutheran in Affton in 1948. Our history is God “sowing seeds” and “bearing fruit.” What will he grow in the next 75 years? Martin Luther once said, “Even if I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree today.” We continue to plant seeds for coming generations of gospel multiplication. More people loved in Christ, more people sent into the world.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7) You are the great Giver of mercy. Move me to show your mercy. Amen.
Word: Matthew 13:5-6
“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.”
Meditation
Rooted by Megan Roegner
I’ve spent my whole career in the same school. I married my first real boyfriend. I have been a member of the same church for about 38 years. I live in the same city I grew up in. I go to my parents’ house for dinner every Sunday evening.
On the surface, I avoid risk at every turn.
In a church whose ethos centers around the words “loved and sent,” I admit to sometimes feeling inadequate. Other people go, but it seems that I never do. Am I frozen from fear, or am I just where God needs me to be? This is a question that I wrestle with frequently, and, to be completely honest, I’m not sure that I know the answer yet.
But what I do know is that when we think about planting, roots can grow in depth as well as breadth. And in order for the baby bird to fly, someone has to build the nest.
If you are like me and concerned that your life isn’t bold enough, I guess I would encourage you to keep grappling with the question but also to not overlook your “small” acts of courage: the relationship that you’ve nurtured even when it’s been hard; the little acts of service that no one notices but you do faithfully anyway (because if you didn’t, who would?); being a point of stability even as everything is changing around you.
In the end, it is a relief to know that even if there are times when we drag our feet too slow or speed on to the next thing too fast, we will end up exactly where God wants us to be; he will “accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). In the meantime, when I’m still not sure if I’m where I’m supposed to be, I’ll keep praying to know when to go and when to stay and for the courage required by both.
Lord, give us courage and strength to do both the big and little things that your work requires. Let us not be afraid of risk, knowing that we are safe in your hands. Amen.
Prayer for Neighbors
· For my immediate geographical neighbors.
· For my community, neighborhood, town/city.
· For neighbors hurting from broken families, addiction, violence, abuse, poverty, sickness.
· For the eyes of the Good Samaritan, to see and help my neighbor in need.
Closing Prayer
O God of mercy, teach me to be merciful. O Humble Lord, show me the way of humility. You are the exalted King over all things. I worship you alone. Amen.