Blessing a Young Couple’s New Clothing Business

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippian 1:3–5

Partnership was the word Paul used with the church at Philippi. With prayer and thanksgiving he could say with joy, his work is not done alone but in partnership.

St. Johns Lutheran Church has had that vision as it has partnered with many organizations, schools, and worshiping communities while reaching out to those the Lord has placed in our midst. Partnership is in our vision statement. At first, it was with CFNA (Christian Friends of New Americans), later with Eagle College Prep Charter School, and now with Grace Nepali Church. Partnership began with renting the school cafeteria on Sundays for a Nepali worship service. Then two of their pastors wanted to become members, which began confirmation. Now, they worship in our sanctuary while we have Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall.

Because of God’s favor and the relationship that has been built up in the last few years, the Nepali church has asked that the whole congregation be confirmed. So, Saturday mornings with a translator and the Small Catechism in Nepalese, I stand before twenty people in a crowded living room and teach. At the same time, their pastors have been taking pre-seminary training with me on Sunday afternoons (doctrine, Old Testament, and New Testament). We have now partnered with CFNA, and they are continuing their studies with other Nepalese leaders.

One of the interesting moments of partnership is participating together. It begins with worship: our closing song and their opening song are sung together. We have also invited them to our Wednesday Advent and Lenten Services, which include Nepali prayers and readings. We have also invited their community to St. Johns for a member’s funeral. We have International Sunday School, rotating Nepalese teachers with our teachers. We have had many opportunities: preaching at their services, invitations to Nepali birthday parties, eating Nepali food, and blessing businesses. We will have our first joint service on April 7.

Rev. Michael Tanney Pastor, St. Johns Lutheran Church

News Articles