Category: Blog

Together More

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Thank you for your counsel, input, encouragements, and expressions of love to me and my family as we pray concerning the Divine Call I received a little over a week ago. We share so many joys together at Zion! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we rejoice in Christ’s promises, wonderful works of grace, and gentle leading.

The psalmist hits the mark with the beginning of Psalm 133’s delight in togetherness and solidarity. Oh the bitterness that sin inserts into the soul when there is conflict.  Oh the sweetness of reconciliation and life lived with time spent together.  Many of you reading this are new to church and are discovering the joys that our world and culture have for several decades declared “isn’t important.”  I won’t write of the importance of reconciliation and time set apart to be with other believers today.  Rather, at this moment, think of the pleasantness of the simple moments we’ve enjoyed this past month.  In addition to the public gatherings after Easter of our Divine Services, Communion celebrations, hymn singing, Spanish Language Mission Forum, LWML meeting, small group Bible studies, confirmation classes, game night, worship in Mexico, planning meetings, building repair work, and the New Member potluck, there have been numerous simple conversations with family as well as anguished prayer together in hard, painful circumstances.  Jesus Christ has drawn us near to Him with forgiveness and to each other in reconciled unity.  So good. So pleasant. Thank you, Jesus.

St. Paul describes an important facet of our life in Christ that we have received and that I pray would be a cause of even more sweet times together and with others in peace and unity:

“[Jesus] died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. ¹⁶ From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ¹⁸ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

(2 Corinthians 5:15-20)

This month, we look forward to our celebrations of Holy Communion knowing the Lord will continue to reconcile us to Himself. Bible Study on Sundays will expand our understanding of the Bible’s vast vocabulary of Good News and I pray you all have opportunity to share it. 

In Christ’s peace,

Pastor Stephen

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This article, news, and information is found in our May 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.

“One day a meat packer was asked, ‘What is your business?’ He answered, ‘I am a Christian.’  Rather puzzled and perplexed over the answer, the inquirer continued, ‘Sir, you evidently did not understand me. I mean, what is your daily business in life?’  ‘My daily business is to be a Christian. I pack meat to pay the expenses.’”

This story is one that bears truth but not ALL the truth when it comes to our Christian life. It’s true that his wages pay expenses of home, church, mission, and charity.  However, he should know that the tasks of his job are also his Christian work for the Lord.  In it he is using natural gifts God has given, held and used by believers and unbelievers.  The packer is participating in God’s answer to the prayers of those praying, “Give us this day our daily bread.” 

Lately I’ve been telling nurses and doctors as I encounter them at hospitals, “Thank you for taking care of ________. You’re doing the Lord’s work.” As Christians, our vocations involve spiritual gifts (Rom 12 & 1 Cor 12) and also natural gifts that are part of God’s design in creation.  As someone once expressed poetically:

God made the sun—it gives.
God made the moon and stars—they give.
God made the air—it gives.
God made the clouds—they give.
God made the earth and sea—they give.
God made the trees—they give.
God made the flowers—they give.
God made the fowls—they give.
God made the beasts—they give.
God made the PLAN—He gives.
God made man—he …?

The poem stops without saying that man “gives,” critiquing our self-serving human nature. However God wants us to rejoice in knowing He has redemption and purpose for us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)” This Good News passage reveals the giftedness of our lives. Unbelievers have natural gifts from God and ARE gifts in their good works.  Believers have those natural gifts and spiritual gifts, fruit of the Holy Spirit that we pray for and rejoice to see flow through our lives.

Barna research has revealed that 55% of practicing Christians select “church” as the place they most wish to develop their giftings, including abilities that aren’t spiritual in nature. I don’t think classes in meat packing would find their way into this year’s plans at Zion; however, this lent we are on a journey to know our gifts, celebrate them, plan to use them, and grow them… all for the Glory of God.

EveryGift Inventory – As part of our Sunday Lenten Journey to Purpose “Gifted for More” stewardship theme, you have free access to the EveryGift Inventory tool provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries.  We’d like everyone at Zion to take some time this week to go online and learn more about your personal set of talents, skill, giftedness (as well as gifts you would like to develop). Find it at:

www.everygift.org

Use the Church Code: zionelpaso

In Christ’s service,

Pastor Stephen

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This article, news, and information is found in our January 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.

There was a lawyer who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25) Jesus listened to the question and could have answered immediately with no debate. However, on this occasion, hearing the “what must I do” in the question and perhaps sensing that the question was a test, Jesus instead asked the man a question. Jesus’ process left the man with some answers and also planted seeds that would challenge his thinking with God’s deep truth.

LISTEN and ASK are the first two steps in the method for Christian witness that we are examining on Sunday mornings during the education hour.  Both the adult class and youth class are looking into the topic this month.

When we spend time with unbelievers or “believers” who have their own preferred ideas about God, we can expect conversations to eventually arise about deep-felt beliefs or questions about life. Sometimes we worry that we don’t know enough to be able to share the gospel or that such conversations will only lead to fights.  This is why I’ve selected this topic and the “Every One His Witness: Lutheran Evangelism” materials for us to learn together this year.  It provides instruction for real and yet gentle, respectful sharing of the Gospel.  In our everyday relationships, we can share about Christ and not leave the conversation disappointed because of unreasonable expectations.  We can leave the conversation with the person appreciating the respect shown and the earnest words about Jesus Christ that we shared. We pray the Holy Spirit will ignite saving faith, as only He can, and that it won’t be thrown away.

Scenarios for Sharing

“How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” Romans 10:14

Our goal is more and more sharing of faith in El Paso. People have other views. They have questions and objections to Christianity. Nevertheless, they can come to faith.  “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit. (1Cor 12:3).” The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel message to ignite faith, so let’s start sharing it with people in our lives. The website that corresponds with our Sunday morning study is:

www.everyonehiswitness.org . If you haven’t been to our study and received a book and invitation code for the website, you can still gain free access by going to the site and sending a request to the email noted on its homepage. Then use the code that you receive when you register at everyonehiswitness.org .  You’ll enjoy the videos which introduce the different contexts, questions, and attitudes people have around us. 

Let’s learn and grow together as people who think about the lost, pray for them, spend time with them, listen, ask, seek points of connection in their thoughts and the Gospel, share about Jesus in ways they can appreciate, invite them to further conversation, and encourage them in their journey.

See you on Sunday!

—Pastor Stephen

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This article, news, and information is found in our January 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.

“Have you thought about coming to church here? We have a service in English.” That was all I said during a light hearted conversation with a man who told me he hadn’t yet found a new church after his had closed a few years before. He hadn’t been very eager to visit churches, feeling the loss of years of life spent at the now-gone congregation. Hearing my suggestion, he thought about it for a second, and then his eyes lit up and he replied, “You know, I think I will.” He and his wife came to visit the next Sunday and soon joined as members. Their final years of life were joyful at San Pablo Lutheran Church and their presence was a blessing to others. Some of you may know them: Bob and Mary Charske. I wasn’t a pastor at the time. I was just a twenty-something year old member of the church, working for YLM.

It was beautiful to worship with the Charskes, and know them, and accompany them as a church during what ended up being the final few years of their life. Jesus soon called them home to heaven, but first gave us some years together. Only God knew that the timing of the simple conversation and the simple invitation would lead us to enjoy sweet communion in His Grace. Only God knew what help and healing was needed and received and shared among us all. God be praised. He knows us, and as we are, He chooses to include us in His mission of Grace to the world. Everyone of us are His witnesses. We believe in Jesus and We proclaim Him among the nations.

“[God] was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16).” When we wake up each new day, it is a reawakening to thoughts about at least these three miracles: 1) We exist (creation is the first miracle revealed in scripture)
2) We aren’t in heaven yet (a miracle of God’s restraint, His patient love that sustains all of us, in spite of creation’s brokenness, as He brings new generations of His beloved people to birth and new birth in Christ)
3) We are alive in the gracious mission of Jesus (a miracle of stewardship and Grace that Jesus would commission us and equip us to be His witnesses)

We enter this new year with wonder about what miracles of faith newly kindled and reignited in family members we might see. We wonder who we will meet, who God has always known who now will become near and dear to us in the Church.

All of 2024 is a new year of life in Christ’s mission that will present us with His comforting Gospel and also with challenging tests, with stretching of comfort zones, with healing, and with growing together through learning, working, and communing.

Beginning on January 7th, I will lead the weekly Sunday Adult Bible Study. We will examine Jesus Himself and people’s moments of witness in response to His unique words and actions. We’ll examine Christ’s promises surrounding the sharing of the Good News. This study will lead us at the end of the month into the six-week “Every One His Witness: Lutheran Evangelism ” lessons/videos/discussions created by Mark Wood of LCMS National Missions. The insights we’ll learn will help guide our understanding of “every day witness”, (anywhere, as you live your life, witness) and I pray remove any nervousness you may have about the prospect of sharing the Good News. Make a New Year resolution to grow in Christian Witness with us on Sundays at 9:15.

In Christ’s peace,
Pastor Stephen

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This article, news, and information is found in our January 2024 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.

In the Good News of Christ’s salvation and richness of Christianity’s celebratory traditions (and the uniqueness of Zion’s varied gifts!), we welcome the arrival of Advent and Christmas.  Cookies and Advent suppers! Wednesday evening worship services and a posada with the star piñata and Mariachi San Pablo!  Caroling and decorating! The Christmas Eve youth and children’s program, candlelight and carols, bells and choirs, trumpets and organ and the sound of the full congregation’s singing praises to God…. All these beloved “little ‘t’ traditions” point us to the cosmic “Big ‘T’ Traditions” of Jesus at Christmas: His Word and Sacrament, His Church, Confession and Forgiveness, Charity, love, and peace in His provision and Grace…

Our Advent Theme:
“Peace Came to Earth”

On Wednesdays this month and in the Youth & Children’s Christmas Program on Dec. 24^th, we will grow a deeper appreciation for the peace that comes from Jesus Christ.  A series of sermons, a children’s book and song, program led by our young people will help. Convey to all this message as described by the theme authors:

“As Advent leads us to Christmas, we are especially seeking a distinct season of peace. We need a quiet place to rest during this restless time. Often, we grow impatient as we seek peace. Despite knowing the promises of God to provide for us, we might try to find peace on our own. We then define peace according to the ways we seek it. We might imagine that peace comes when we finally have enough of all the things we plan to buy. Or we might look for the perfect place where peace is an undisturbed solitude, the cabin beside a still lake. We might seek peace by escaping memories of the past. Or peace might be an elusive future where everyone does exactly what they should. These are our many ways of defining peace, but sadly, each of these directions could go on and on without ever being fulfilled. Each of our “paths to peace” could go on and on, never being fulfilled. There won’t be enough possessions or perfectly calm places to give us lasting peace. But as we seek peace in these many ways, God intersects us with a peace that both passes our understanding and yet meets our needs. God knows the many ways and directions by which we seek peace. As we journey, God meets us, halts our endless pursuits, and gives us a new understanding of His gift of peace.”

Our aim this month is to bring Jesus to each of you amid your stresses, duties, depressions, worries, ambitions, and obligations that are propelling you on paths in search of peace. As you come upon Jesus in our worship and witness, His will be the source of perfect peace. In His Word proclaimed, sung, and taught at Zion and through the Lord’s supper received, we know that we and our love-ones will be blessed this Christmas.

In Christ’s peace,
Pastor Stephen

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This article, news, and information is found in our November 2023 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8

This prescription comes after God invites us to remember Christ’s presence and find relief from Him as we give to Him our anxieties “in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving.” God promises to bring us peace and invites us to take a break from worrying. Instead of worrying He says to think about, “Whatever is true, honorable, just pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise…”.

No doubt this is why generations of Zion members have loved the hymn “Beautiful Savior.” Consider using it in your after-prayer meditations. Think about all you know of our most-excellent Jesus. “Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I’d love Thee, Truly I’d serve Thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.” Consider the wonders of God’s creation and the one who created and rules it, “Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands, Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, He makes our sorr’wing spirit sing.” Let God know your appreciation and awe. One of my favorite prayers is simply, “Wow, God!” as I picture in my mind something He made…. Humming birds come to mind, or the massive elephant with a tiny tip of a trunk that can pickup a little pea and carry it to its mouth. “Jesus, you made these!” (John 1:3)

It is my prayer and goal that every Sunday will provide you fuel for your after-prayer meditations. What did Jesus do? What did He teach? What does it mean that “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8)”? Indeed, “Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight, Bright the sparkling stars on high” but “Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer, Than all the angels in the sky.”

May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus as you pray to Him about the situations that cause you anxiety, as you thank Him for His mercies, and as you think on Him. You’ll never run out of things to admire about Jesus, His ways, His works, and the depth of love He has shown to us on the cross.

in Christ’s peace,

Pastor Stephen

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This article, news, and information is found in our November 2023 newsletter, available by mail, email, of pickup in the church entryway and office. Let us know if you wish to subscribe to receive this monthly publication.