Celebrating God ’s Faithfulness
Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director
One of my favorite stories is “The Lord of the Rings,” which was adapted into a movie trilogy in the early 2000s. Every December, you would find me in a theater eagerly awaiting the next installment.
In both “The Lord of the Rings” and its precursor, “The Hobbit,” we witness Bilbo beginning a journey that ultimately leads to the discovery of the One Ring. In time, he passes this burden to Frodo, who relies on the steadfast support of Sam to carry it forward. Each character serves faithfully for a season, contributing to a purpose far greater than themselves.
Their story reminds us that God often works through generations—calling each person to play their part in His unfolding plan. Just as Frodo could not bear the burden alone, we too are invited into community, each serving a role in advancing the growth of God’s kingdom.
“The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 103:17). This October, we celebrate three significant milestones:
► 60 years since the founding of what was then known as Worship for Shut-Ins (now Worship Anew).
► 45 years since we became incorporated as Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.
► 15 years since the dedication of the Elsie Rossman Media Center and the Wolf Chapel.
These are not just markers of time but testimonies to God’s constant faithfulness and the legacy of those who have faithfully carried out their ministry in service to our God and King.
As we celebrate, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us and with hope for those who will follow. The work of sharing God’s Word through Worship Anew continues, not because of any one person, but because of the steadfast love of the Lord, “from everlasting to everlasting.”
The beloved hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” authored by Isaac Watts, captures this truth so beautifully: “O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home.”
This hymn echoes Psalm 90:1–2 (ESV): “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations … from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
It reminds us that, while our time on earth is brief, God’s word is eternal.
As Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) affirms: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Time and again, I’m reminded of the Lord’s blessings in allowing us to carry out a ministry that touches so many lives. Through Worship Anew, we walk alongside aging adults and their caregivers, providing resources for their spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing.
By God’s grace, we’re reaching more and more people with the love of Jesus Christ through our weekly televised program “Worship Anew,” our daily devotional Hope-Full Living, our Care Ministry, and this monthly Broadcaster magazine.
For so many years, Worship Anew has brought the Word of God into homes across the country. Today, our programs are available on local broadcasts, TCT, the American Forces Network, and streaming through Smart TVs and YouTube. Each program shares the Good News of Jesus Christ and speaks to the unique struggles of older adults.
These anniversaries serve not as a conclusion but as a springboard for future growth. As we look ahead, our prayer is that Worship Anew continues to be a beacon of hope for aging adults and their caregivers, offering Christ-centered resources that speak to the heart in this critical season of life.
I am humbled and grateful to have served with this ministry for more than 10 years. I’ve witnessed firsthand how God uses your prayers and support to transform lives with the Gospel.
As we look back on these milestones, we do so with hearts full of gratitude—and with eyes fixed on the future. This ministry has never been about one person or one generation; it has always been about Christ and His unchanging Word.
Would you join us in celebrating God’s faithfulness?
► Pray for this ministry and for those we serve.
► Share Worship Anew’s resources with someone who needs the comfort of God’s Word.
► Support this mission through your gifts, ensuring that the Gospel continues to reach those who need it most.
Together, we proclaim the truth of Psalm 100:5 (ESV): “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. May God bless you as we rejoice in His help in ages past and trust Him as our hope for years to come.