By Rev. William Mueller
In the message for the Aug. 2 “Worship Anew” program (sermon is based on Isaiah 55:1-5), I tell the story about the bells at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Frankenlust) outside of Bay City, Mich. Growing up in the parsonage, we knew the routine of the bells. Mr. Helmreich would ring the bells at 7 a.m. every Sunday morning. The ringing of the bells served as a reminder to everyone who could hear the bells that it was only one hour until the first worship service would begin. It was time to come and get it!
In a recent Broadcaster magazine, the question was asked whether a home church was still needed if a person regularly worshiped via “Worship Anew.” I wholeheartedly endorse the answer given: Yes! Here are some reasons why it is good for everyone to have a home church:
Word and Sacrament. “Worship Anew” services do a great job getting the Word into people’s homes and hearts. But you can’t do Sacraments over the broadcasting airwaves or digital access. In this text from Isaiah 55, the Lord speaks through the prophet with a great Gospel invitation to “come and get it!” When the Lord’s Supper is offered in a worship service, it is an opportunity for Jesus Christ to again feed His people with His very own real and true body and blood. This is for the strengthening of our faith and life in Him. He knows that this world is constantly draining us. In His meal, He gives us the very thing we need: Himself! He forgives us our sins and strengthens our faith in Him.
If you are not physically able to get to a house of worship, there are pastors and churches who are ready and able to come to you. As a parish pastor, one of my greatest joys is to visit the sick and shut-ins of our church. There are countless stories I’ve discovered over the years of people so glad to participate in the Lord’s Supper even though it isn’t at the altar or sanctuary of their home church. But that’s just the point — they know they are participating in something much larger than just themselves! They are receiving Jesus!
Another aspect that in-person worship brings (that “Worship Anew” can’t quite deliver) is the community dimension — at least being able to see the community!
Since the congregation I serve has another full-time pastor, on occasion I am blessed with the opportunity to simply sit in the pew for a worship service. I get to see up close the families with their children as the children learn how to worship, to sing, to pray, and to listen. I get to see up close the encouraging comments and conversations that are had before and after worship services. Being able to worship in person brings all of this together. God’s people can see you, they can ask you how you are doing — just as you can encourage them as they too live out their Christian faith. Sure, there will be problems and difficulties with the people in your church, but remember no one in your church is perfect. Only Jesus is perfect! The pastor will make mistakes, some people might be rude, but the vast majority of people in a church understand that you and they are in the perfect place for imperfect people: the presence of Jesus!
If you need help to find a church near you, please reach out to us at “Worship Anew” (888-286-8002 or info@worshipanew.org), and we will be happy to help you! God’s invitation through the prophet Isaiah is still true today: Come and Get It!
This month’s study text:
The Compassion of the LORD
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. 5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Isaiah 55:1-5
Reflection Questions:
What obstacles are present in your life that prevent you from worshiping Jesus in person?
Isaiah 55:1-5 contains a number of what we call “Gospel Imperatives” — technically commands (imperatives) — but commands that invite us to receive what God wants to give us. Which ones are especially meaningful to you? Why?
One of these Gospel imperatives is “Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). Because of Jesus, how is it possible to “buy” without money? What impact does that have on your faith in Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, You have given Your life for me and through Your resurrection You raise me from the death of sin to life with You. Instill within me a hunger and thirst for Your Word and Sacrament. Stir my heart that I long for each opportunity to gather with Your people to receive Your goodness and mercy. Guide me into Your house. For in Your Name we pray, Amen.
The Rev. William Mueller serves as the senior pastor at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind., and has served as a pastor on “Worship Anew” since 2016.