I wanted to talk about the trade deadline today, and by that I don’t really mean how the Detroit Tigers traded Skubal and Mize, although I am satisfied with the return received (I was hoping Mize would remain a Tiger – but had forgotten that Boros was his agent). Rather, I was thinking about how I – even with the 3-day extension beyond our wedding anniversary – survived another trade deadline. But that is old news by now.
So, instead, I am writing about how I would not trade my church for any other. When I say that, I realize I should say “our” church (or congregation) instead of “my”, but I don’t say it meaning I own it or that it revolves around me. Rather I mean that I am excited (dare I use the word proud?) to be a member and extremely pleased with how she is working to fulfill her mission of Connecting People to Jesus and to One Another. In this regard, I hope that every member of STL Eastpointe would say, “That’s MY church,” and then go on to say, “for me there is no trading it for another.”
It all starts with the clear proclamation of the Gospel. The words of Jesus to Nicodemus are echoed in every aspect of ministry. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”(John 3.16-17)
Though I no longer get to the worship services as often as I would prefer (oh, I’m still attending a Divine Service every Sunday – it’s just that there are many churches in our area looking for someone to “fill their pulpit” on Sunday mornings. Though I have lost count, I believe, that since retirement, I have served at least ten places), every time I do attend STL I am surrounded by a host of ways STL is working on her mission … music, Word and Sacrament centered, Gospel proclamation that connects to real life, servant involvement of many, many people in a wide variety of roles, etc. (I could go on, but I think you get the gist). And the people … many whom I have known for years, but equally as many (it seems) who have started coming since I retired … engaged in receiving the Gospel gifts being offered as their connection with Jesus (and others) is enhanced.
But it is not just about Sunday mornings and Monday nights. It is also how the building is used as a ministry hub for serving the community. STL started hosting S.A.S.S. three times a year a decade or two ago. Now it has added Thursday Family Nights. Both focus upon bringing the community into our building for a free meal, some fellowship, and the opportunity to get to know Jesus and the people of His church better. This is just one small example. This Thursday’s Thirst would get too long if I tried to describe (or even offer a complete list) that would start with things like the clothing closet, the food pantry, I Can, and the preschool (perhaps I should just send you to the website: Connecting individuals to Jesus).
Opportunities to be nurtured by God’s Word is a priority. Multiple small groups gather around the Scriptures for support and growth regularly. Devotional booklets are distributed freely for home usage and daily reading plans and online resources abound. At this time plans also are being made to supplement all of this with discipling tracks that will make it easier and individually relevant for a wider audience.
Another major “3.16-17” from the Bible is the foundation for all of this: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3.16-17)
Monica and I were very excited (and still are) when Pastor Dietrick Gladden accepted the call to be the Senior Pastor at STL. We were also pleased when he encouraged us to keep our membership there, which we will continue gladly as long as we are able to support him as the spiritual leader (If it ever feels like we are getting in the way, let us know). I, personally, do not know how the transition of pastoral leadership could have gone better.
And the fact that I was asked to assist in bringing Word and Sacrament to those who cannot make it into the building regularly was really what prompted this article on “No Trading”. Connecting the community and the new people wanting to receive what the Lord is offering through STL is very time and energy consuming. Sometimes it is easy for a congregation to be so focused on this that they forget about the people of my new charge. STL, recognizing the importance of ministry on both ends, has me doing my little thing to free Pastor Dietrick and others to focus more robustly on the other priorities.
And you might remember what happened to the church in Jerusalem when they did something very similar in response a not-so-different situation. “The word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly.” (Acts 6.7) I cannot tell you how many times the people I visit express their appreciation for how STL ministers to them … and this ministry has also opened the door for Word and Sacrament to be delivered to many individuals who are not members of STL.
I hope all who read this feel the same way about their home church. And, if you do not currently have a church home, I encourage you to look into Saint Thomas Lutheran, Eastpointe. And, though it is easily accessible and just off I-94, if you live too far away, STL still would like to find a way to serve you. Another reason why, for me, there is no trading this (my) church!
No Trading
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