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 those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6) O Lord, you are my sole satisfaction. I am hungry and thirsty for righteousness. I long for you. Amen.
Word: Acts 11:23
“When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,”
Meditation
Steadfast Purpose by Anna Jacob
There is much that separates us from the first century church in Antioch. Time. Language. Culture. Just to name a few.
For this week’s reading, Pastor Jeff asked us to reflect on this text and how it along with the early church of Antioch can relate to our church’s future mission. The phrase that stuck out to me is at the end of verse 23: ‘with steadfast purpose.’
Steadfast. Constant. Unchanging.
Over the past year, my life has felt the complete opposite of steadfast. Instead, change feels constant. Motivation at work shifts. Tasks at home seem to multiply. There are good changes as well. But the underlying feeling I have is that life is exhausting. No matter your age, your job situation, or family life, living life well is a daily task.
At first, relating to the early Christians of Antioch was difficult for me. I grew up knowing Jesus. Christianity was a normal part of my family’s life. Yet, I was able to find something to connect with. In verse 26 it is noted that a ‘great many people’ were taught. As early Christians, they had much to learn. This is true of any Christian alive today or yet to be born.
Sunday school, youth group, and community groups have all been great communities for me to learn alongside my fellow Christians. Devotions and prayer are tools that help to keep me steadfast, staying in conversation with a God that desires a relationship with me. Forming relationships within the church and serving keeps me connected and humble.
No matter our differences. God’s people continue to have a steadfast purpose. We are one in Christ. We have received his grace. Those faithful to him will continue to bring about the mission of the church. And while things may feel constantly changing in our church life, we are no different than those early Christians. We may falter. We may stumble. We may still have things to learn. But we are loved by the one who sent us his son.
Dear Lord, I thank you for your steadfast love. You remain my constant when the future feels overwhelming or new. Help me to remain faithful to you as I pursue my life’s purpose. In your name I pray, Amen.
Prayer for Daily Callings
· For my occupation, workplace, coworkers.
· For my work to be good for others, an extension of God’s love and care.
· For the unemployed.
· For growth in my career; not to work for a paycheck but for you and others.
· For discernment, if I should pursue another job or direction in life.
· For my callings at home as spouse, son/daughter, brother/sister.
· For schools, teachers, classmates.
· For eyes to see God’s work around me this day. For the courage to participate in it.
· Not to be comfortable in my callings, but to be useful.
Closing Prayer
O Lord, you are strength for the weak and riches for the poor. I come to you in humility, acknowledging my weakness. All I need is you. Fill my poverty with your power. Amen.