Celebrating 80 Years with Emmanuel Church

One of my favorite hymns is “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” It goes on to say, “I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” Go ahead and sing with me the chorus, “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

What is your favorite hymn, especially in times of trouble?

It helps to have your hymn playlist, so to speak, to carry you through each phase of this complex life we live.

In times of celebration and joy, other hymns may come in handy, reminding us of God’s faithfulness.

Great is Thy Faithfulness comes to my mind today as we anticipate celebrating God’s faithfulness with Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in San Antonio. 

This Sunday, June 22, 2025, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church will be celebrating 80 years of God’s faithfulness with that congregation.

Rev. Frank Vasquez invites everyone to come and celebrate with the congregation. 

The invitation on their Facebook page is clear, “Holy Spirit led, loving and affirming of all of God’s beautiful creation! Join us this Sunday! Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Where everyone counts!”

We stand with Emmanuel, and all other congregations in Mission Presbytery, as we joyfully embody the Great Commission, given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, to “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Emmanuel Church shows us how to do this. For 80 years, they have:

• Preserved their cultural identity while embracing Presbyterian traditions

• Created a bilingual space where all are welcome

• Stood with immigrants and the marginalized

• Built bridges between communities

• Raised up leaders who serve both church and society

Their ministry reminds us that when Jesus sends us on a mission, we can respond to God’s call joyfully, with our full identity, with all the richness of our heritage and hope.

Friends, this is our call as the church today – whether we're celebrating 80 years like Emmanuel, sending our youth to summer camp at John Knox Ranch, or sending them to Triennium, or simply gathering for worship. 

In a world groaning with pain from legions of violence, hunger, and fear, we are called to the light of the world and salt for the earth. By ourselves, we are unable to do so, but with Jesus as our solid rock, we can bring the resurrection hope to all of God’s people!

See you Friday and Saturday at the Presbytery meeting at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Boerne!

To God be the glory!