Slideshow image

This Sunday we will worship with our siblings in Christ from St. Paul’s Lutheran in Lionville.  I don’t know how far back the relationship goes, but I’m sure there’s probably a connection in the early-mid 1800s. In the 21st century the only thing that separates us, other than history, is suburban traffic. (I hate suburban traffic, by the way. Can I get an ‘Amen!’?) St. Paul’s is having their parking lot dug up and repaved this week and can’t be driven on for a few days, so they will worship with us in our space.  So, come on out, St. Matthew’s community, and give them a warm welcome!

            As fellow Lutherans separated by a dozen annoying traffic lights we have shared ministry over the years. Our Youth Ministry is shared; Craig Miller is paid by both congregations. The Youth of both churches—most of whom can’t drive—share the same hallways in school, so a shared Youth ministry is a no-brainer. Pr. Stuart Luce from St. Paul’s and I meet regularly. We do Vacation Bible School together. The Appalachia Service Project trip is a joint mission. You get the drift.  There has been a LOT of angst over the last 20 years or so about the decline of traditional churchgoing, and that was before cultural and political polarization that has made things worse. Past history might separate us, but current circumstances should bring us together more. When I did interim ministry several years ago, a lot of effort went into helping churches support each other, share ministers, etc. with very little success, sadly. 

            So, this opportunity to worship together is a God thing that can remind us that our unity in Christ transcends the separation of history and travel time. In Philippians 2, Paul reminds us to “be of one mind… have the same mind as Christ” (Phil. 2:2-5).  The keyword there is “humility”.  We are also reminded this Sunday that we have the same mission—"to sow the seed” of God’s Word (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).  The Gospel is the Parable of the Sower who indiscriminately throws seed on different kinds of soil with different results.  We have no control over how people will respond to the Word—that’s in God’s hiddenness—but that doesn’t change our responsibility or the fact we have overlapping mission fields. 

            What seeds will be sown this Sunday?  What fruits will grow out of it? 

Peace,

Pr. Christian