I am writing to you on Thursday, September 8th, 2022, a day which will be remembered for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth, taking the throne at the age of 25, reigned for 70 years as the personification of dignity and grace. Queen Elizabeth, by most accounts, left a legacy of goodness, decency, and humanity in a changing world. I might add, the British monarch is supposed to, per his or her coronation vows, defend and advance the Christian faith. Elizabeth, armed with a sincere faith, did this more than her predecessors by taking a hands-on approach to managing the Church of England, by advancing foreign missions, and through her yearly Christmas specials.
I could not help but think of our own beloved Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church was built in 1952, the same year Elizabeth became queen (although Mt. Calvary was organized in 1950). Mt. Calvary has stood with dignity, offering God's grace to masses of humanity along 7th Ave in central Phoenix for 70 years now. Our beautiful, Spanish colonial building is showing some signs of aging, too. Terracotta tiles sit in piles by doors past their prime. There is a need for a fresh coat of paint. The world has changed a lot. The world of Elizabeth's childhood is no more. Yet, we have hope for three reasons:
First, God has blessed us with the opportunity to spruce up Mt. Calvary. Over the next few months I would encourage you to be on the lookout for new pieces. If you have not been to church for a while or do not already have a church home, I would encourage you to attend and check it out. If you are unable to attend, please know we will pray for you, we will visit you, and we will bring church to you. To God be the glory!
Second, we are excited about these improvements. I recall a Sunday school song which contained the lyrics, "the church is not the building, the church is not a steeple, the church is... a people!" Simply put, God has put us in this place and this time for mission and ministry. We sit in the middle of the 5th largest city in the United States. We are within walking distance of one of the largest private universities in America. There is new construction all around us. Potential. Potential. Potential. God has already sent His Holy Spirit ahead of us to prepare hearts and minds. We pray that he would use us as His vessels. Watch for new programs and service opportunities. Most importantly, watch for new people in your life and neighborhood and just say hi.
Finally, we are more than optimistic - we are hopeful. Hope is an orientation to the future based on what God has done in the past. God sent his Son to the earth, God showed what his kingdom is like, Jesus as true God died in our place for the evil we do, God raised Jesus from the dead, God has created the church - God partners with his church. Jeremiah writes, "the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" We have hope in God for the future because he has been faithful in the past.
This brings me full circle. Someday, this day will be in the past. Someday, someone will comment on your life. What do you want your legacy to be? It is not too late to leave one. It is not too late to begin one. God is faithful. Rest easy knowing that He is faithful to equip you for conversations with the people around you.
In Jesus Service,
Pastor Kurt