Updates from congregations around the Church of the Lutheran Confession
Some might say “Nothing” when asked what is new at Saint Matthew in Dallas, Texas, since the last update seven years ago. Of course that is not completely accurate—after all, even the godless scientific community admits that they cannot precisely define “nothing” on account of everything being composed of something. Certainly, since Saint Matthew last checked in with the Lutheran Spokesman, there has a been a lot of “something” happening.
In many ways, the last seven years have been more of the same; which is wonderful, because God showered His blessings the same then as now. One could say with truthful clarity that “the overwhelming grace of God continues to flow to Saint Matthew.” That is a long title, which would not be all that surprising to any that have visited the Saint Matthew website and YouTube channel and noticed that the sermons are not particularly short but, Lord willing, serve to communicate the Law and Gospel in an edifying way to the listener.
Seven years ago, it was a blessing to worship with slightly over fifty individuals on a Sunday morning. Now, if you have the opportunity to worship with us on a Sunday morning, you will still be accompanied by slightly more than fifty individuals being strengthened by the “overwhelming love of Christ.” Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, came to earth as one of us and lived the very life we were created to live but cannot on account of our sins. It took God to show us how humans are supposed to live and, not only that, Jesus gathered all of our sins—and the sins of all people—to the cross, paying the penalty of “God forsakenness” so we never have to pay it ourselves.
It is an interesting blessing that in the past seven years twenty of those that attend with regularity are new to St Matthew. The Lord has led them to the congregation and moved them to become active in our ministry. That is a wonderful blessing, but you might ask “what of those other twenty—where did they go?”
As with most congregations, the ebb and flow of the business of life carry on. Some individuals moved away and thankfully became part of other congregations in the Church of the Lutheran Confession. Others have sadly left the fellowship altogether. And even a few have been called home by the Lord to eternal glory. One such individual is Elaine Sandilands, who this past Holy Week went home to the Lord. The Lord used her as a founding member of the congregation and she was instrumental in the continued ministry in the Dallas area.
Her husband Pat (pictured above, eighty-five years old, doing some work on the church roof) and many others continue the privilege of serving the Lord in this area of Texas. In the past fifteen years, on average, over thirty new individuals each year attend a Sunday morning service. The better part of that number come with no prior connection to anyone within the Church of the Lutheran Confession; the Lord draws them in and we share the Gospel with them. Some inquire and begin adult instruction but end up not finishing, while others by God’s grace do finish and become active members in our fellowship.
Seven years ago there were two different Sunday school levels and a young adults class on Sunday morning, and that is the situation today. Different students and some different teachers, but the same Gospel being taught.
Seven years ago, Saint Matthew’s pastor also led worship services in Waco, Texas; now he is traveling once a month to Conroe, Texas (in the Houston area) to conduct worship services there. Funerals, weddings, confirmations, and Baptisms—along with all the other activities of this Christian congregation—are part of the worship life of Saint Matthew.
The overwhelming grace of God is at work here. As Texas and the Dallas region itself continue to receive a great number of people moving into the area, God is giving us the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to many. “More of the same” in the past seven years does not do justice to the wondrous ways of the Lord in the lives of His people. And it would be absolutely incorrect to answer the question, “What’s new?” by saying, “Nothing.” “The Same Overwhelming Grace of God” is more fitting!
is pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas.
