By Ashley Wiehe
Director of Advancement
In times of struggle and grief, we all want to see Jesus and for Jesus to see us, especially around All Saints’ Day.
The Rev. Daniel Eggold, younger brother of longtime “Worship Anew” pastor the Rev. Thomas Eggold, is the guest pastor for All Saints’ Day this year and brings the message “The Saint in the Sycamore.”
Pastor Daniel Eggold is the senior pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was ordained in 2005 and has served multiple churches throughout Indiana and Illinois, including serving as an admissions officer for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.
“In all of these contexts, my ministry has centered on preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and helping people see how the Word of God speaks into everyday life,” he said.
This is his first time serving on “Worship Anew,” and he has the unique opportunity of having his older brother show him the ropes.
“As the youngest of three boys, I grew up receiving plenty of advice, a fair number of hand-me-downs, and a clear sense that my brothers had gotten there first. So, this was nothing new,” he joked about his older brother, Pastor Thomas Eggold. “Being invited to record a message gave me the chance to follow in my brother’s footsteps, at least without having to borrow his clothes this time.”
Pastor Daniel Eggold’s Nov. 1 program focuses on the story of Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree just hoping to catch a glimpse of Jesus. The program also recognizes All Saints’ Day. In many churches, this is the day when those who died in the faith during the past year are remembered.
“I hope viewers hear that Jesus knows exactly where they are,” he said. “Some ‘Worship Anew’ viewers may feel separated from the life of their congregation because of age, illness, disability, grief, or distance. They may sometimes feel as though they are watching from the edges. The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that no one is beyond the sight or reach of Jesus. Christ sees us. He knows our names. He comes to us with forgiveness and makes His home with us. Our identity as saints rests in His gracious call and His saving work.”
As Luke 19:5-6 says, “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.”
This is a reminder that as Christians, we are saints, seen and forgiven by God, even in times of struggle and grief.
“As with Zacchaeus, a saint is someone whom Jesus has seen, called, forgiven, and claimed as His own,” said Pastor Daniel Eggold. “Zacchaeus becomes a picture of every Christian — found by Jesus and given a new identity through His grace.”
You can watch Pastor Daniel Eggold’s program on local broadcast stations or streaming through Worship Anew’s app or YouTube channel. Learn more by visiting worshipanew.org/where-to-watch.
The Rev. Daniel Eggold leads the Nov. 1 All Saints’ Day program on “Worship Anew.”