Ann Pierce Arnett, Member of the Gene Decker Sunday School Class

Acts 6:1-7 (NRSV)
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Reflection:
I’m fascinated by names. I’m named after my two grandmothers’ middle names: Mattie Ann and Hallie Louise. Being the first grandchild, I knew them well. They were unique with very different backgrounds and personalities. And, I knew that they were women who made a difference in their family, their faith community, their neighborhood, and beyond. It took me many years to develop an appreciation for my name, but when I write it down now, I often clearly remember my grandmothers and all the love and encouragement they poured out on me throughout my life. Everyone called me Ann but my grandmothers both always called me Ann Louise, and I had a special name I called them: Granny and Bambi.  

When I read the Book of Acts, I am impressed by all the names that are recorded – people who made a difference. I know them well. Theophilus is the first person named in Acts. It’s clear that the writer, we know as Luke, and “Theo,” his recipient, have a long-standing friendship. Luke has been sharing the story of his faith and experience with Jesus to Theo, and he always wants to know more. And there is always more to tell. As Luke tells the good news to Theo, he too is remembering all the people who made a difference: Peter, and John, and James, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and Andrew, and Philip, and all the others.

There is power in knowing each of these names. As we face each day now, we need only look to those who knew the Gospel story of God’s promises of love for all, even in the midst of great challenges. They kept the gospel alive and kept adding followers of Jesus. They encouraged each other and made a difference, and their numbers increased throughout the world.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of our faith community at St. Luke’s, I remember so many names in our history who made a difference—Dr. Durwood Fleming who encouraged us from the pulpit; Kay Morgan, our first children’s choir leader who made us a part of worship from our earliest years; Mr. Cope our 3rd grade Sunday School teacher who kept us focused on the Bible stories with fun prizes every week when we could hardly sit still for 30 minutes; Charlotte Allen in the office; Mr. Workman who respected our minds as Senior High students to challenge us to engage with the scriptures; Anne and Randy Smith, our MYF sponsors who guided us through our daily life and Andrew Carr who made sure that the building was ready for us each time we walked through the doors of the church.  

So many names. We wouldn’t be here today had it not been for them. They were our models, our cheerleaders, as Jim Moore reminded us many times.  

Thank you, Luke, for remembering all the names and writing what it was like at the exciting, miraculous beginning. And thank you, Theophilus, for asking about it. It’s a story we can never forget. Let us continue to remember all the names of those who made a difference to us in our faith journey. May we also continue to tell others this good news of God’s plan of salvation in Christ for us all.

Prayer:
Creator God, help me to be a witness for you. Help me to share the good news of the gospel with my loved ones, coworkers, and everyone around the world. Take away my excuses and give me opportunities to practice my faith by sharing Jesus’ love. Amen.