Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s all the time I had to share God’s Word. Seven minutes. Would it make an impact? Did it?
Last Friday morning, I had the privilege of leading chapel at Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter. I love these opportunities (preached more than a dozen times at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix when I lived there), because I love high school students. They are a unique audience with unique perspectives. They are filled with hopes and dreams and anxieties and uncertainties. They are teenagers – half child and half adult. In short, they are a challenge. And these precious souls need God’s Word and the assurance of God’s love.
Just after 9 AM, students and faculty began walking into the gymnasium, sitting on a set of bleachers in front of which a makeshift worship space had been arranged: altar, podium, piano. At 9:09 AM, the buzzer sounded, indicating the beginning of the 15 minute allotment of time for chapel.
Campus Pastor Jeff Grundmeier introduced me as having come “all the way from Minocqua.” There were some opening liturgical responses and then a new song from our new hymnal, “Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near.” I love this hymn, and I love the fact that the first verse was sung by a quintet of boys, two of whom are Trinity members (Thank you, Jadyn and Max!).
An aside. Five years ago, Trinity had zero students attending Northland. It had been years since any students from Trinity attended Northland Lutheran. But four years ago, one student insisted on enrolling (Madisyn!) and that opened the doors to more teens from Trinity. Today there are six former Trinity students currently enrolled. Northland currently serves more than 120 students and is growing!
Finally, the time for Scripture reading and devotion. Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s the allotment given. Depending on how quickly I speak, that’s time for around 800 words. Any preacher will tell you that it is easier to craft a 20 minute message than a crisp, concise 7 minute message. No wasted words. No meandering. No windy remembrances will work under such strict timing.
What to say? Sin and grace, Law and Gospel were shared in the context of worries and anxieties common to teens as they navigate through the uncertainty of so much of life. No need to worry, Jesus says. Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Also a call to action from Jesus: “(This will) be your opportunity to testify…I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict...Not a hair of your head will perish…By patient endurance you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:13, 15, 18,19) Then, a closing prayer and blessing. And done.
Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s all the time I had to share God’s Word. Seven minutes. Would it make an impact? Did it? It’s God’s Word – of course it had an impact! To be allowed the privilege to serve in this way fills me with gratitude.
Driving home (1 hour and 20 minutes) I receive word that my son Andrew (who, ironically, lives in Weston, not far from Northland) caught a musky in the Minocqua area on this brisk November morning. Happy for him, and hoping I might have similar success in the afternoon. I did not, but enjoyed the company and God’s creation immensely, reflecting on the morning’s chapel service with the Lord’s promise echoing in my ears: “(My word) will not return to me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
To God alone be the glory!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Last Friday morning, I had the privilege of leading chapel at Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter. I love these opportunities (preached more than a dozen times at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix when I lived there), because I love high school students. They are a unique audience with unique perspectives. They are filled with hopes and dreams and anxieties and uncertainties. They are teenagers – half child and half adult. In short, they are a challenge. And these precious souls need God’s Word and the assurance of God’s love.
Just after 9 AM, students and faculty began walking into the gymnasium, sitting on a set of bleachers in front of which a makeshift worship space had been arranged: altar, podium, piano. At 9:09 AM, the buzzer sounded, indicating the beginning of the 15 minute allotment of time for chapel.
Campus Pastor Jeff Grundmeier introduced me as having come “all the way from Minocqua.” There were some opening liturgical responses and then a new song from our new hymnal, “Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near.” I love this hymn, and I love the fact that the first verse was sung by a quintet of boys, two of whom are Trinity members (Thank you, Jadyn and Max!).
An aside. Five years ago, Trinity had zero students attending Northland. It had been years since any students from Trinity attended Northland Lutheran. But four years ago, one student insisted on enrolling (Madisyn!) and that opened the doors to more teens from Trinity. Today there are six former Trinity students currently enrolled. Northland currently serves more than 120 students and is growing!
Finally, the time for Scripture reading and devotion. Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s the allotment given. Depending on how quickly I speak, that’s time for around 800 words. Any preacher will tell you that it is easier to craft a 20 minute message than a crisp, concise 7 minute message. No wasted words. No meandering. No windy remembrances will work under such strict timing.
What to say? Sin and grace, Law and Gospel were shared in the context of worries and anxieties common to teens as they navigate through the uncertainty of so much of life. No need to worry, Jesus says. Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Also a call to action from Jesus: “(This will) be your opportunity to testify…I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict...Not a hair of your head will perish…By patient endurance you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:13, 15, 18,19) Then, a closing prayer and blessing. And done.
Seven minutes. 420 seconds. That’s all the time I had to share God’s Word. Seven minutes. Would it make an impact? Did it? It’s God’s Word – of course it had an impact! To be allowed the privilege to serve in this way fills me with gratitude.
Driving home (1 hour and 20 minutes) I receive word that my son Andrew (who, ironically, lives in Weston, not far from Northland) caught a musky in the Minocqua area on this brisk November morning. Happy for him, and hoping I might have similar success in the afternoon. I did not, but enjoyed the company and God’s creation immensely, reflecting on the morning’s chapel service with the Lord’s promise echoing in my ears: “(My word) will not return to me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
To God alone be the glory!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
RSS Feed
