Good morning, dear friends, and community members! I'm Pastor Loren Christensen, serving at Brayton Lutheran Church. I also serve as Pastor or another Exira church, the Danish Countryside Chapel. Located in a barn that houses my winery, this chapel was established just a year ago with a simple mission—to bring Christians back to church. We strive to not only attract new members to Brayton Lutheran Church but also guide them to other churches that align with their needs. Recognizing the decline in rural church membership as a reflection of our rural communities' struggles, we are determined to reverse this trend. Through our online website, "A Word from the Vine," as well as our YouTube channel, we share uplifting messages and biblical teachings to a wider audience. Our aim is to revitalize our rural communities, fostering belonging and connections that transcend denominational boundaries. Together, we can build a vibrant community rooted in faith, love, and unity. So, let us embrace the Danish Countryside Chapel's mission, extending a warm invitation to all who seek a transformative journey of faith.
Today, we gather in the presence of our Lord to reflect on a vital aspect of our faith and our identity. But before we proceed, let us turn our attention to the words of our Savior, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, verses 34 to 42. Listen carefully to the message Jesus imparts to His disciples:
Reading from Matthew 10:34-42 (NIV):
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
These words spoken by Jesus may initially strike us as perplexing, even challenging. However, they hold a profound relevance to the message we are called to ponder today. As we stand here, in the heart of Exira, this beloved community with its wonderful Fourth of July tradition, we cannot turn a blind eye to the reality that our flock as Christians has experienced neglect and our members have dwindled. But this gathering, my dear friends, is an opportunity—a pivotal moment for us to pick up and reassemble the pieces, in order that we continue to serve with honor and integrity that spirit that defines Exira.
It is with a deep sense of gratitude, I stand before you, not only as your pastor but as one who has been embraced and accepted by the wonderful communities of Exira and Brayton. Today, I send my heartfelt thanks to each of you for the warm embrace, the acceptance, and the love you have extended to me all these years. It is an honor to walk alongside you, and to be united in purpose and faith.
My friends, we are at a crucial juncture—a turning point in our history. We must pledge ourselves to our ancestors, to their dreams and aspirations, and the promise of being better citizens and Christians. Today, let us declare our commitment to build rather than tear down, to shape a future that stands as a testament to our shared values and heritage. In a world saturated with pop culture slogans and empty campaigns, we affirm that Exira and places like it carry a significance that cannot be replaced or replicated.
We recognize the value of a dollar spent between working citizens of the same community. It carries a profound significance—a testament of unity, support, and trust we have for one another. We understand that while we may not agree on everything, it is our shared commitment to our faith, our community, and a common good that unites us.
Let us embark on this journey, steadfast in our resolve to preserve the identity that bonds our communities. Let us not fade into obscurity or become mere spectacles in the pages of history. Let us rise above the challenges that lie before us, with hearts full of hope and hands joined in unity. Let us build our identity on substance, not fantasy. Let us work tirelessly to promote Exira as it is, a great town, with generous citizens, who are in no need of a P.R. campaign. They are who they purport to be.
As we reflect on the words of Jesus, we must acknowledge that His message was not one of complacency or comfortable conformity. He came not to bring peace in the way the world understands it, but to disrupt the status quo and challenge us to examine the very foundations of our lives. Jesus invites us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, even our closest family ties. It is a radical call to discipleship, requiring us to take up our cross and follow Him, even in the face of opposition and division.
In this context, we must remember that Jesus also promises great rewards to those who welcome His messengers and care for His disciples, even in seemingly small acts of kindness. The cup of cold water offered to a little one holds immense significance in the eyes of God. It is a reminder that our faith is not merely an abstract concept or a set of theological ideas; it is a living, breathing force that finds expression in our actions and interactions with one another.
As we look around this beautiful park, we see the familiar faces of our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, and our fellow travelers on this journey of faith. Each person here is a vital thread woven into the fabric of our community. Each person carries unique gifts, experiences, and perspectives that enrich our collective identity. Let us value and honor one another, not despite our differences, but because of them. Our unity does not require uniformity, but a commitment to love, respect, and understand one another to the degree we can. To love our neighbors is to be sincerely interested in them. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because they are a rich part of our lives.
Today, we stand at the intersection of the past and the future. We stand at a crossroads where we can either choose to succumb to division and apathy or embrace the transformative power of faith and community. Let us choose the latter.
Let us embark on a renewed mission to revive the spirit of Exira, to foster an environment where each person feels seen, heard, and valued. We cannot live on nostalgia. Let us strive to create opportunities for meaningful connection, for dialogue that bridges divides and for collaboration that propels us forward. May our love for one another be a beacon of hope to those who have grown weary, a source of inspiration to those who have lost faith, and a testament to the transformative power of Christ's message.
Let us take a moment to reflect on our individual and collective roles in shaping the future of Exira. Let us commit ourselves to active participation, to fervent prayer, and to intentional acts of kindness and compassion. And as we continue this journey, let us remember that it is not solely our efforts that will bring about transformation, but the guiding presence of our Lord and Savior, who empowers us with His love and grace. Let us be mindful of the challenges and obstacles that may arise along the way. We must recognize that the road to transformation is not always easy or straightforward. There will be moments of doubt, moments of weariness, and moments when our resolve may falter.
In those moments, let us draw strength from the stories of those who have come before us, the countless individuals who have faced adversity with unwavering faith and indomitable spirit. To the hundreds and thousands of Danes, Germans and other immigrants who settled this area and persevered through work, family, and devotion to Jesus Christ! Their examples remind us that we are part of a larger tapestry of faith, a tapestry that stretches across time and space.
Just as the early Christians and the immigrants who settled in this area faced persecution and opposition, we too may encounter resistance as we seek to live out our faith in a world that often values conformity over conviction. But let us not be discouraged. For we are not alone. We have the support and encouragement of our fellow believers, and above all, we have the abiding presence of Christ who walks with us every step of the way. Your ancestors know what we are still waiting to find out.
When we doubt, let us turn to prayer, seeking guidance and strength from our Heavenly Father. Let us open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us and equips us as saints to navigate the complexities of life. And let us find solace and inspiration in the Word of God, for in its pages, we discover timeless truths and promises that sustain us in times of trouble.
As we walk together with the Lord, let us also remember that our mission extends beyond the walls of this church. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, bringing His love and compassion to those in need. This means reaching out to the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten, extending a helping hand and a listening ear. It means standing up for justice and speaking out against injustice, even when it is uncomfortable or unwanted.
We are called to be agents of change, catalysts for transformation in our communities and beyond. Let us not shy away from this responsibility but embrace it wholeheartedly. Let us be known as a community that not only proclaims the Gospel but lives it out in practical ways, reflecting the love and grace of Christ to all we encounter.
As we draw near the end of this sermon, let us hold fast to the vision of a courageous and vibrant Exira, where faith, hope, and love abound. May we never lose sight of the transformative power of today’s collective witness and the incredible potential that lies within each of us to serve.
And so, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us go forth with renewed determination and vigor. Let us carry the light of Christ within us, shining brightly in the darkest corners of our world. And may the words of our mouths and the actions in our lives be a testament to the transforming power of faith in Christ, and unfettered devotion to community.
May God bless you abundantly and guide you on this sacred journey.
Let us pray:
Gracious Heavenly Father,
As we conclude, we humbly bow before You, recognizing Your sovereignty and grace that have brought us together today. We thank You for the privilege of dwelling in this community, where bonds of friendship and heritage are deeply rooted.
Lord, I stand before You as one who has been embraced by the wonderful communities of Exira and Brayton. I am grateful for being welcomed as one of their own, and I thank You for the friendships we have formed and the unity that binds us together as one body in Christ.
Today, we stand committed to the nourishment of the flock and the preservation of our heritage. We repent for the neglect and disinterest that have plagued us, and we seek Your forgiveness, O Lord. Grant us the strength and wisdom to rebuild and renew, to honor the legacy of our ancestors and the values that define us.
May the words of Scripture guide us, as we strive to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ. Help us to reflect His love, grace, and truth in all our actions, within this community and beyond. Give us hearts that are willing to embrace our heritage, cherish our identity, and work diligently towards a brighter future.
Let us put aside differences, focusing on what truly matters—our shared faith, our commitment to each other, and our determination to preserve the essence of Exira and Brayton.
As we go forth from this place, fill us with renewed zeal and passion to be better citizens and Christians. Guide us as we build a future that other communities will look upon with awe, not because we are superior, but because we are willing to put forth the effort.
Lord, we entrust our journey to You, knowing that You are faithful and true. May Your Holy Spirit empower us to be a light in this world, shining with the beauty of our heritage and the love of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
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