The Pastor's Windshield for April 2024

First of all, what’s a “catechism”? In short, a catechism is a book of basic Christian instruction, usually arranged in a question-and-answer format. Martin Luther wrote his Small Catechism in 1529, but even before this, Christians had already been summarizing the faith in catechisms and using key texts, such as the Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, to do so.

Luther wrote his catechism after visiting pastors and churches in Germany and realizing just how little the people knew and understood the Bible, the Commandments, the Creed, etc. The Small Catechism is intended both to lay a foundation for Christian faith and living for children or new believers and to be a source of continual reflection and practice for the mature Christian.

In his preface to his Large Catechism, Luther wrote, “I am also a doctor and preacher … Yet I act as a child who is being taught the catechism. Every morning – and whenever I have time – I read and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Psalms and such. I must still read and study them daily. Yet I cannot master the catechism as I wish. But I must remain a child and pupil of the catechism, and am glad to remain so.” God grant us such an attitude, to remain students of the catechism throughout our lives and to fill our hearts and minds with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer and these other elemental words for our faith and life in Christ!

If you are unfamiliar with the catechism, here is a very basic summary: Luther’s Catechism begins with the Ten Commandments, which both show us our sin and our desperate need for salvation, and also show us how to live as the people of God. This is followed by the Apostles’ Creed, which shows us the Gospel – everything our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has done for us. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us how to speak to God as His dear children. Then, the Catechism explains the meaning and benefits of Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution, and the Sacrament of Altar (Holy Communion). And last but not least, the final parts of the Catechism include daily prayers, the Table of Duties (Bible verses about our daily vocations), and Christian Questions with their Answers (for self-examination prior to receiving Communion).

We have very simple copies of Luther’s Catechism at St. Matthew (entitled A Simple Explanation of Christianity). You can find them on the information table. You can also purchase the catechism in various print and digital formats from Concordia Publishing House. It’s even available as an app for your smart phone (just search “Luther’s Small Catechism” in your app store).

Starting on Weds, May 1 at 6:30pm, I will also be teaching a catechism class for adults. I invite you to join us, either to learn more about the Lutheran faith for the first time or to review the catechism for those who have already been instructed in it. We’ll be using the 2017 notetaking edition of the catechism, which includes many helpful updates and explanations from prior editions. Join us if you are able! (RSVPs are appreciated.)

This Sun, April 28th, two young people at St. Matthew will have their Confirmation after undergoing a time of instruction in the catechism. Confirmation, though, is intended as a starting place. It’s a milestone, but not a “graduation.” For them, and for those of you who are confirmed Lutherans, remember your vow “to continue steadfast in this confession and Church.” Continue learning the catechism, and continue living it out, as you confess your sins, trust your Savior Jesus, pray to the Father, remember your Baptism, come to your Lord’s Table, and much more. Like Luther himself, gladly remain a student of the catechism!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Kory Janneke

I recently came across the list below on the Facebook page, "Friends Who Like The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod." I decided it was worth sharing! Not every suggestion may apply to you, but I think there there is something that every Christian can learn from in this list. The Lord bless you as you seek to welcome and invite people to church, whether here at St. Matthew, or in another Christian congregation!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Kory

HERE IS A LIST OF TWENTY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO BE A LOVING, FRIENDLY, AND WELCOMING CHURCH. 

REMEMBER: The command to love one another is found 14 times in the New Testament. 

1. TRY TO GREET EVERYONE including members you don't know. AT LEAST try to say good morning or good evening, or wave or give a smile. 

2. Every church MEMBER is a host and not a guest. Making visitors feel welcome is primarily the responsibility of members, not the NEBULOUS “church.”

3. The most important person for a visitor to talk to in order to feel at home in a new church is YOU. It is not the pastor, or the greeter, but a regular member. 

4. Treat first time visitors as guests of God, not strangers.

5. Look people in the eye and SMILE.

6. Take the initiative. Don’t wait for others to initiate conversation with you. Introduce yourself. 

7. Learn people’s names and try to remember them.

8. Don't just talk to those you know or to relatives. Remember that every member of your church is part of the family of God, your family. You might not feel the need to reach out but others need your love and friendship, as part of the family of God. 

9. Ask questions and learn about your guests and others you don't know. For example, "Do you live here in [Conway]? Have you always lived here?" 

10. Listening is a very effective way to show love.

11. Remember that some people are introverts so try not to come on so strong that they feel uncomfortable

12. Also greet children 

13. Let children be children (crying, playing, singing!) and don’t expect them to be grown-ups.

14.  Invite visitors to the day’s fellowship meal, Bible Study, etc. 

15. Help visitors find seating that suits the needs of their family. 

16. Help first time visitors by being their tour guide and helping them find worship resources. Visiting a new church is like a cross-cultural experience, even for those of us who have visited dozens of other churches.

17. Invite people to fill out your church’s visitor registration card or guest book.

18. Tell people you’re glad they are here.

19. Pray for them throughout your week.

20. Remember how Christ has loved you and cares about you. Imitate Jesus' love. Imagine how Jesus would greet every person.

The Pastor's Windshield for March 2024

 Sometimes the last stage of a journey is the most difficult … Several years ago, our family was traveling home after a long road trip. It was late at night and Heidi and I were both very tired. We had to make several stops to get out and stretch and to switch drivers. Eventually, I reached the point where my eyes just couldn’t stay open. Thankfully, I was able to pull off the interstate and Heidi drove for about the last 45 minutes. Home was so close, but it was a real challenge to get there that night. 

Maybe it hasn’t happened to you with a road trip, but in some other life situation. The last semester of your education may have been the hardest. You had “senioritus” and were just ready to be done. Or you were counting down the years (or even the days!) until your retirement. You were ready for that change of pace or to put the stress of your workplace behind you. Or how often have you started something (a project, a book, or maybe a diet or exercise plan), but you had trouble completing it? I’ve been there.

And it can happen with life itself – for some people, the final days of life are the hardest, due to pain or infirmity. It’s also hard to walk that journey alongside of loved ones who are suffering. You’ve probably been there, too. 

In Holy Week (which begins on Palm Sunday), we complete our journey through the yearly Lenten season. Like me, you may be ready for the brighter Easter season around the corner. But it’s important that we first complete our journey through Lent and remember these critical days in the life of our Lord and what He accomplished for us.

Jesus’ journey through the original Holy Week began on a high note – a celebratory parade as he rode into Jerusalem ahead of the Passover festival, welcomed by crowds of palm-waving Jews.

During that week, Jesus preached His final sermons in the temple courts, especially focusing on the theme of the Day of the Lord – His coming for the final judgment. Then, on Thursday evening, Jesus ate His last Passover meal with His disciples, and also left them with a meal instituting His new covenant: His body and blood in Holy Communion.

After breaking bread with the disciples, Jesus faced the hardest hours of His journey. He agonized in prayer in the garden. He was betrayed by His friend. He was tried and convicted of crimes and blasphemies He hadn’t committed. He endured a brutal flogging at the hands of Roman soldiers. Finally, He allowed Himself to be nailed onto the cross, on which He would experience a humiliating, excruciating death.

Jesus completed His arduous journey for you. He didn’t stop short when the time came to climb one last hill, a place known as “the skull” or Golgatha. 

Finally, in midafternoon on Good Friday, He uttered the words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), because not only was His suffering finished, but also your salvation. Jesus had completed everything necessary to redeem you from hell and eternal suffering and to win everlasting life for you.

Jesus’ journey also changes our journeys. Because of His suffering, death, and resurrection, you are now on a different journey, one filled with hope and forgiveness and grace and headed toward the life everlasting, your resurrection, and the renewal of all things. 

I look forward to completing this Lenten journey with you and then beginning a new one, filled with the hope of Easter!

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die.

Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain.

Then take, O Christ, Thy power and reign!

Lutheran Service Book 441:5

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Kory Janneke