Pastor Kory's Page - July 2024

What are some of the best ways of describing the Lutheran Church – who we are, what we believe, and how we fit into the wider Christian Church? There are many directions we could go, but I’ve selected a handful of terms for this summary while also trying to provide some explanation about what these descriptions mean and how they help to characterize us as Lutheran Christians. 

Lutherans are orthodox – This is not to be confused with Eastern Orthodox churches, which are common in Eastern European and Middle Eastern countries. The Greek term orthodox refers to “right teaching.” Orthodox beliefs are the foundational truths of the Christian faith as taught by Holy Scripture. Christian author, C.S. Lewis also referred to orthodox faith as “mere Christianity.” Lutherans are orthodox because we believe the classical, essential teachings of the Christian faith.

Lutherans are catholic – This is not to say that Lutherans believe and practice the same things as Roman Catholicism, which is centered around the Vatican in Rome and headed by the office of the Pope. (There is a great deal of overlap, however, between Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism.) The basic meaning of catholic is “worldwide” or “universal.” Lutherans confess the three historic creeds of the Christian Church, the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian creeds, which summarize the faith universally taught by Christians throughout time and throughout the world. Martin Luther and his colleagues in the sixteenth century sought to make it clear that they were not departing from the catholic faith but seeking to reform the Church and to restore the Gospel to its proper prominence.

Lutherans are evangelical – We hear the term “evangelical” a lot these days as a way of referring to Protestant (or non-Roman Catholic) Christians. However, did you know that Lutherans are the original evangelicals? Early Lutherans referred to themselves as “evangelical” to show that their faith was centered on the Gospel. The Greek word, evangelium, means “Gospel”, which is, “good news.” Lutherans believe in and confess the Gospel that our sins are graciously forgiven by God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. This evangelical message is the heart of everything we believe and do as Lutherans!

Lutherans are confessional – Unlike some modern Christians who may vaguely claim to follow “no creed but Christ”, Lutherans continue to confess the Christian faith just as it was articulated by many previous generations of believers. Lutherans believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and that the Bible is the sole standard for our Christian faith and life. As mentioned already, Lutherans also confess the Church’s ancient creeds. Additionally, we subscribe to the Lutheran Confessions, also called Concordia and The Book of Concord (1580). These Confessions include The Augsburg Confession, The Apology [or defense] of the Augsburg Confession, The Smalcald Articles, The Power and Primacy of the Pope, Martin Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms, and the Formula of Concord. Lutherans confess that these documents, written between 1529 and 1577, are a correct exposition of the Bible. (If you are unfamiliar with the Lutheran Confessions, I would suggest that you begin by reading Luther’s Catechisms and the Augsburg Confession.)

Lutherans are Christ-centered – Most importantly, our faith as Lutheran Christians is centered on Jesus Christ alone! We read the Bible in a Christ-centered way. We live and work together in the Church because it is the Body of Christ on earth. We receive God’s gifts of Baptism, Absolution, and Communion because in them, Christ is at work, forgiving our sins and renewing our faith. And just like 2,000 years of Christians before us, we believe and we share the Good News that Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ is coming again!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Kory Janneke

The Pastor's Windshield for June 2024

Last year, St. Matthew was blessed to celebrate its 25th year of ministry, but did you know that 2024 also marks an important milestone for the congregation? It has been ten years since St. Matthew purchased and moved to our current property on Farris Road in Conway.

Prior to that purchase, St. Matthew had a “nomadic” existence in its first 15 years. The congregation’s first worship service was held at Faulkner County Library in 1998. Then, in the years that followed, the congregation gathered at various rented spaces, including at UCA, a property on Morningside Drive, Hendrix College, and Olympia Plaza on East Oak Street.

When the former Advent Lutheran Church, a congregation of the ELCA, disbanded, St. Matthew was presented with the opportunity to own its own property and have a more permanent house of worship. St. Matthew dedicated its new building on November 30, 2014. 

A lot has happened in those 10 years, including pastoral turnover, both the departures and the arrivals of dozens of members, and the pandemic with all its effects on Church life. Suddenly (it seems!), St. Matthew has already called Farris Road home for a decade. Along with that, this building is nearing thirty years of age, as Advent constructed it in 1995. (A rendering of the property from the mid ‘90s is shown above.)

As we consider these anniversaries, we also give thanks that we are steadily progressing toward another important milestone: paying off the congregation’s mortgage. After selling some land on East German Lane, last year’s debt reduction Sunday, and ongoing donations and payments toward our debt, St. Matthew now owes less than $100,000 on its mortgage. We also plan to hold another debt reduction Sunday this fall. Lord willing, the church can be debt free within just a couple years!

Because of the aging nature of St. Matthew’s property, our upkeep and maintenance needs will continue to increase in the coming years. Over time, both critical infrastructure and things of a more cosmetic nature will need to be replaced or updated. This will require more involvement from the men and women of the congregation to keep on top of these property improvements.

At our upcoming voter’s meeting (on Sunday, June 30 after the service), we will be discussing some of our current and future property needs. Among the more pressing needs are the formation of a new property committee, identifying additional volunteers to create a rotation for lawn work, and identifying a volunteer to coordinate the replacement of the stained-glass window in the sanctuary. (Although the window is a beautiful feature in our worship space, unfortunately due to structural deficiencies, its replacement is necessary.) The involvement of both long-term and newer members will be needed and appreciated with these efforts.

In closing, let’s remember that a church building is something neither to be idolized nor to be neglected. It should not become the total focus of a church’s energy and resources, yet it should be stewarded with care. In a church building like St. Matthew’s, souls are baptized, the Word of God is preached, taught, and discussed, the body and blood of Christ are received for our forgiveness, God’s people gather to support one another, and much more. Mindful of those blessings, we say with the Psalmist, “O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells!” (Ps. 26:8)

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Kory Janneke

The Pastor's Windshield for April 2024

First of all, what’s a “catechism”? In short, a catechism is a book of basic Christian instruction, usually arranged in a question-and-answer format. Martin Luther wrote his Small Catechism in 1529, but even before this, Christians had already been summarizing the faith in catechisms and using key texts, such as the Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, to do so.

Luther wrote his catechism after visiting pastors and churches in Germany and realizing just how little the people knew and understood the Bible, the Commandments, the Creed, etc. The Small Catechism is intended both to lay a foundation for Christian faith and living for children or new believers and to be a source of continual reflection and practice for the mature Christian.

In his preface to his Large Catechism, Luther wrote, “I am also a doctor and preacher … Yet I act as a child who is being taught the catechism. Every morning – and whenever I have time – I read and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Psalms and such. I must still read and study them daily. Yet I cannot master the catechism as I wish. But I must remain a child and pupil of the catechism, and am glad to remain so.” God grant us such an attitude, to remain students of the catechism throughout our lives and to fill our hearts and minds with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer and these other elemental words for our faith and life in Christ!

If you are unfamiliar with the catechism, here is a very basic summary: Luther’s Catechism begins with the Ten Commandments, which both show us our sin and our desperate need for salvation, and also show us how to live as the people of God. This is followed by the Apostles’ Creed, which shows us the Gospel – everything our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has done for us. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us how to speak to God as His dear children. Then, the Catechism explains the meaning and benefits of Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution, and the Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion). And last but not least, the final parts of the Catechism include Daily Prayers, the Table of Duties (Bible verses about our daily vocations), and Christian Questions with their Answers (for self-examination prior to receiving Communion).

We have very simple copies of Luther’s Catechism at St. Matthew (entitled A Simple Explanation of Christianity). You can find them on the information table. You can also purchase the catechism in various print and digital formats from Concordia Publishing House. It’s even available as an app for your smart phone (just search “Luther’s Small Catechism” in your app store).

Starting on Weds, May 1 at 6:30pm, I will also be teaching a catechism class for adults. I invite you to join us, either to learn more about the Lutheran faith for the first time or to review the catechism for those who have already been instructed in it. We’ll be using the 2017 notetaking edition of the catechism, which includes many helpful updates and explanations from prior editions. Join us if you are able! (RSVPs are appreciated.)

This Sun, April 28th, two young people at St. Matthew will have their Confirmation after undergoing a time of instruction in the catechism. Confirmation, though, is intended as a starting place. It’s a milestone, but not a “graduation.” For them, and for those of you who are confirmed Lutherans, remember your vow “to continue steadfast in this confession and Church.” Continue learning the catechism, and continue living it out, as you confess your sins, trust your Savior Jesus, pray to the Father, remember your Baptism, come to your Lord’s Table, and much more. Like Luther himself, gladly remain a student of the catechism!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Kory Janneke