Introduction to the Monthly 50th Anniversary Devotions

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.  From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."  Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

~ Matthew 16: 13-26

The theme that underscores our 50th Anniversary celebration and reflection is based upon the great hymn – “Lift High the Cross”.  The lyrics of the hymn are rooted in the words of Jesus’ above where He encourages us to “take up the cross and follow (Him).”  This is a wonderful reminder to us of why St Stephen Lutheran Church has been called to serve the Longwood community for nearly 50 years now.  And, this will continue to be at the heart of our existence as we anticipate and move into the next 50 years and beyond of God’s work here.

As part of this anniversary year, we are offering monthly devotions built around different symbols, structures, and ministries, that have marked God’s work through us in this community.  Each month, the history and meaning behind these items will lead us into thoughtful and prayerful reflection, built upon God’s Word.

Thank you to Shirley Evans for her research into the history behind several of these items.  Her work has been a blessing to our deeper understanding of our journey together as a family of faith called St Stephen.

~ Pastor Schenkel