The Community of Forgiven Sinners

While the entire world will focus on the terrible acts of 9/11 via numerous media outlets… Vicar Ekong preaches on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. His central focus will be on “The Community of Forgiven Sinners” and how this community continues to interact with God’s creation even after 9/11.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is 102 minutes the world will never forget. That’s how much time passed between the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center and the collapse of the second tower [on September 11, 2001] ten years ago today. Most of us remember where we were when we heard or saw the events of that day. We still feel the shock and pain as we think back to that horrific morning-from people’s initial bewilderment that a plane could slam into these iconic skyscrapers on such a clear, sunny day, to the sudden, awful recognition that America was under attack.

As a result of those attacks, the people of our nation had yet another reason to come to church. As the nation struggled to deal with aftermath of those attacks, they sought out caring and forgiving communities. In today’s Gospel lesson, Jesus speaks specifically about the Christian community, a community bound together by the forgiveness of sins. Martin Luther summarizes today’s text as, “In this Christian church, he daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.” The Christian church is a community of forgiven sinners.

Immanuel Lutheran (LCMS), St. Charles, MO

We decided to head off to a more traditional service this weekend. My in-laws Rod and Carol Held were in town so they were in for a treat.  This trip served two purposes; 1) visiting another church in the area and 2) worship with Concordia, Ann Arbor Almuni.  In this case it was Jennifer Brauer. What a blessing it was to see her again instead of just Facebook tag. All the churches have been within 30-45 minutes from the apartment. Seems the trips are longer due to construction on a major freeway.

We should up a tad bit later than we wanted, but there was Jennifer awaiting our arrival. Greeted with a hug and a smile. Who knew that would be the last one the rest of the service. Service was straight out of the LSB’s Divine Service Setting One. Oh the memories felt good to experience a traditional service again.  However, before service started we had some work as congregation to conduct. If you haven’t guessed it yet another baptism. If I sound like it is a bad thing, please erase that from your mind. I’m ecstatic about the fact we have now witnessed four baptisms in four weeks at four different churches.  Today was the baptism of 3 young children/infants. Warms my heart to see the youth being brought to be washed of their sins.

We sat in the balcony behind the guy who was recording the service. I would suggest if you’re looking for an old fashioned sanctuary complete with stain glassed windows and altar that looks like something out of an old Catholic church. This definitely the place to visit. I was simply giddy when Rev. Allen Schade disappeared to the right and came out of an opening in the wall where the pulpit is located. His message “A Feast of Wisdom” was based off Proverbs 9:1-10.  Just what my spirit needed this morning. We also were present to witness the Confirmation of 6+ families into the church. Growing the church the proper way and following the Great Commission as it was intended.

Yes, Communion.  Funny thought is Rod got lost in the service. Down right hilarious to me. He too was astounded by the surroundings of the church. Very impressive. I might drive back on a off day to take pictures to share what we saw.  All in all a wonderful service, except for the people in the service weren’t very welcoming. To make matters worse, their was entirely too much staring. Luckily, I was later told others have experienced the same type of treatment. It’s unfortunate that type of mentality has existed for such a long time.

In spite of the lack of welcoming atmosphere I would still attend service there again. I can’t explain it, but there is just something about the surroundings and the manner the Word was preached.  It doesn’t hurt seeing Jennifer Brauer again. Jennifer not to worry we will get together soon.

One more note one of our fellow Concordia-MI alumni Bill Ondracka was installed as a Vicar at the 8 am service. Congrats Vicar Ondracka.

Here is the contact information for church:

Immanuel Lutheran (LCMS)

115 S. 6th Street

St. Charles, MO 63301

(636) 946-2656

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