The Church’s One Foundation: Building Our Community on Solid Ground
At St. Jacob Lutheran Church, the hymn "The Church’s One Foundation" holds a special place in our hearts and worship. Written by Samuel John Stone in 1866, this hymn beautifully captures the essence of the Church’s unity and the unwavering foundation on which our faith is built. As people of faith in a diverse and ever-changing world, we find its message deeply relevant as we continually work on building our community upon solid ground.
The Hymn’s Origins
"The Church’s One Foundation" was composed during a time of doctrinal conflict within the Anglican Church. Samuel John Stone wrote this hymn to affirm the unity and truth of the Church, centered on the solid ground of Jesus Christ. The powerful lyrics, "The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord," remind us that despite differences and challenges, building our community to be a space of love is not a fairy tale – it can be built when we are centered on what matters most.
Unity in Diversity
We recognize that when we say the words solid ground, that comes with an implication of unity. A foundation that is broken and divided is far from solid. Focusing on those fractures will weaken our efforts to build a faithful community. Our strength lies in our diversity, because our neighbor has insights and wisdom that we are not able to tap into. We are committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and valued because we know God is at work in the lives of our neighbor. Just as the hymn celebrates the Church’s unity in Christ, we celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that each member brings to our congregation.
A Foundation of Love and Service
"The Church’s One Foundation" also inspires us to live out our faith through love and service. We are reminded that our foundation in Christ calls us to be active agents of change in the world. Building our faith means engaging in the concerns of our neighbors, which is why we partner with the SALT box food pantry to help make food accessible to all people. Our faith is not static; it is a living, breathing force that compels us to act with compassion and justice.
Embracing the Future with Hope
As we sing "The Church’s One Foundation," we are filled with hope for the future. The hymn’s message reassures us that, no matter what challenges we face, the solid ground we seek can only be found in Jesus. Christ remains unshakable. This gives us courage to move forward with confidence, building our faith so that we can boldly share the message of Jesus to others. In a world that is often uncertain, this foundation provides us with stability and a sense of purpose.
