In his message, Pastor Chiu reflected on the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, drawing attention to the depth and enduring richness of Scripture. He noted that the Word of God continually reveals new layers of grace and truth, much like a field that yields more as it is continually worked.

Focusing on Luke 24:13–16, the sermon described the disciples’ journey as one marked by sorrow, confusion, and lost hope following the crucifixion of Jesus. Though they had once placed their hope in Him as the Redeemer of Israel, His death appeared to contradict their expectations. As they walked away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus, they were, in both a physical and spiritual sense, moving away from the place where their hope had seemed to collapse.

The message highlighted a central question raised by the passage: why the disciples were unable to recognize the risen Christ, even as He walked alongside them. Pastor Chiu explained that the issue was not Christ’s absence, but the disciples’ assumptions. Their understanding of the Messiah—shaped by their own expectations—prevented them from recognizing Him when He appeared in a way they did not anticipate.

The sermon further examined the disciples’ despair, emphasizing their statement, “we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel.” This reflected a faith that had been shaken by the reality of the cross. From their perspective, Jesus’ crucifixion seemed to confirm defeat rather than fulfillment, even appearing to align with the Old Testament declaration that one hung on a tree is under God’s curse.

Despite having heard reports of the empty tomb and the testimony that Jesus was alive, the disciples continued on their way because they had not personally encountered the risen Lord. The message underscored that hearing about the resurrection was not sufficient for them; without direct encounter, they remained in doubt and discouragement.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Chiu emphasized the foundational importance of the resurrection in the Christian faith. If Christ has not been raised, faith is futile; but if He has been raised, then His work on the cross stands as complete and sufficient. The resurrection, therefore, is not only a doctrine but the basis for hope, endurance, and transformed living.

The sermon then turned to Christ’s explanation of the Scriptures to the disciples, beginning with Moses and the Prophets. Through passages such as the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 and the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, Pastor Chiu explained how the Old Testament points to the necessity of substitutionary sacrifice. These passages reveal that the Messiah would not only reign in glory but also suffer on behalf of sinners.

In this light, the cross was presented not as defeat, but as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Christ, though innocent, bore the sins of humanity, satisfying the demands of justice and extending grace to those who believe. His resurrection then stands as the declaration of victory over sin and death, confirming the sufficiency of His sacrifice.

The turning point of the passage came when Jesus broke bread with the disciples. In that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. The message highlighted that this recognition was tied not merely to seeing Jesus physically, but to understanding His sacrifice—His body broken and given for them.

Following this encounter, the disciples experienced a transformation. Their despair gave way to renewed purpose, and they immediately returned to Jerusalem to testify that “the Lord has risen indeed.” The sermon emphasized that the resurrection does not merely inform believers but transforms them, turning them from discouragement to witness.

The service concluded with a call for reflection: whether believers today have truly encountered the risen Christ or are merely familiar with the message. The encouragement was not only to remember the resurrection but to experience its reality—allowing the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection to shape one’s life, faith, and witness.

According to Pastor Sarah, head of the church’s Events Department, planning for the venue and schedule is currently in full swing. It is expected that approximately 260 participants will join the retreat, including 140 adults and 120 children.

“We hope this summer retreat can provide our members with a deeply sacred spiritual experience, along with holistic renewal and rest for body, mind, and spirit—helping everyone enter the second half of the year’s ministry with greater strength,” Pastor Sarah shared. “That’s why we are doing our utmost to arrange the most suitable schedule for everyone.”

The specific dates, location, schedule, and registration details for the retreat will be announced soon. All brothers and sisters are encouraged to stay tuned to church updates and lift up prayers for the ongoing preparations.

May God personally guide every aspect of this retreat so that all who attend may receive spiritual nourishment, genuine fellowship, and soul-deep rest during this summer season. Let us prepare our hearts together and welcome the renewal and blessings that the Lord will pour out.

On the afternoon of July 16, Senior Pastor Anthony Chiu of STL Immanuel Church, along with other pastoral leaders, welcomed Rev. John Roberts, Headmaster of Covenant Christian School, for a time of meaningful fellowship and exchange.

The discussion centered on the mission of Christian education, school culture building, faculty development, and community engagement.

Rev. Roberts offered constructive insights regarding the Christian education’s long-term planning and the potential for collaboration among Christian Educational Institutions in the St. Louis area. He concluded his visit by offering a prayer of blessing for the STL Immanuel Church’s continued growth and Kingdom impact.

Pastor Anthony expressed his deep gratitude to Rev. Roberts for the visit and shared his hope that stronger partnerships could be built among local Christian institutions in the future—working together in mutual encouragement to build up the Kingdom of God.

On the afternoon of July 14, pastors and members of STL Immanuel Church gathered to offer a farewell prayer and blessing for Brother Yanhao, who will soon return to China with his family to settle there long-term.

During the prayer, Senior Pastor Anthony Chiu lifted up intercessions for Yanhao’s journey home, for their life, faith, and ministry after returning, and for God’s ongoing protection and provision over his family. He prayed that Yanhao and his daughter Manman would enjoy sweet and joyful moments of reunion with their loved ones, continue to walk in faith, and move forward with hope under the loving guidance of the Lord.

In response, Brother Yanhao expressed heartfelt gratitude for the blessings and encouragement from the pastors and church family. He briefly shared his hopes and expectations for life back in China, and affirmed that though he and his daughter are physically leaving, their hearts remain deeply connected to the Immanuel Church family:”We are still one big family, and we will always be united in spirit.”

At the close of the prayer time, Pastor Anthony offered a touching reminder: although Sister Xiaoxiao has already returned to her heavenly home, the family she built with Brother Yanhao will always be a beloved and inseparable part of the St. Louis church community.”We will always be one in the Spirit, until the day we meet again in the presence of the Lord.”Pastor Anthony said.

After the prayer, church members gathered for group photos with Brother Yanhao and his family, blessing their journey home and praying that their future life would be filled with peace, joy, and the ever-present love and grace of the Lord.

The Easter retreats featured Bible expositions, prayer meetings, worship nights, performances, and sharing sessions that highlighted the power of the cross and resurrection. Children participated in their own joyful programs filled with praise, crafts, storytelling, plays, and traditional Easter activities such as an egg hunt.

On Easter morning, Pastor Anthony Chiu delivered a sermon from John 20:11–18, focusing on Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Lord. He reminded the congregation that faith in the resurrection is the heart of the Christian message and the true victory over death. “The cross is love, but the resurrection is power,” he said, encouraging all to live with confidence in the risen Christ.

The service concluded with Holy Communion, as congregants partook of the bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus. With joy and conviction, the community declared, “I have seen the Lord!” — celebrating not just a historical event, but a living Savior who continues to transform lives today.

Following the service, members joined in prayer to begin their 40-day Lenten journey with humility and perseverance. Lent calls believers to spiritual renewal, preparing their hearts for the joy of resurrection.

The Meaning of Ash Wednesday

The tradition of marking ashes on the forehead symbolizes repentance and acknowledging sin. A personal reflection recalls witnessing this practice for the first time in America, highlighting its deep spiritual significance. Lent encourages believers to confront sin, ensuring its true death through repentance.

Embracing the Lenten Journey

STL Immanuel Church provides devotional materials for guiding members through this sacred season. Lent is a time of self-examination, calling for endurance through physical and spiritual challenges.

Suffering in Faith

Suffering, both physical and spiritual, plays a vital role in faith. Whether through ministry efforts, missionary work, or personal trials, believers are reminded that hardships refine their devotion. Christ’s greatest suffering was not just physical but in loving those who rejected Him—an example for all to follow.

A Call to Transformation

As Lent progresses, the pastor encourages members to reflect on suffering’s role in strengthening faith. Through this journey, believers are called to embody enduring love, trusting that the path of sacrifice leads to the glory of resurrection.

On Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m., members of St. Louis Immanuel Community Church participated in the annual St. Ann Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Tiemeyer Park, located near the church. The festive event, organized by community leaders, brought together over hundreds of attendees to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

The Immanuel Kids Choir took center stage, performing three heartwarming songs that filled the air with Christmas spirit and set the tone for the evening. The celebration also featured a variety of attractions, including food, drinks, photo opportunities with Santa, and a raffle that added excitement to the night. Church members also served for the phototaking and photo printing needs at the event.

The event showcased the strong community bonds in St. Ann and the joy of coming together to welcome the holiday season.

On November 28, 2024, STL Immanuel Church gathered for a heartfelt Thanksgiving celebration, marked by gratitude and fellowship. Pastor Anthony Chiu delivered an inspiring sermon based on Psalm 69:30-36 during the Thanksgiving Service, reflecting on the deeper meaning of giving thanks.

In his message, Pastor Chiu reminded the congregation of the origins of Thanksgiving, reflecting on the Pilgrims’ gratitude for God’s faithfulness and provision during their challenging journey in a new land. He emphasized that Thanksgiving is fundamentally about acknowledging God’s blessings, even in difficult circumstances, and not merely a cultural or historical tradition.

Pastor Chiu shared a historical perspective, highlighting how Thanksgiving became a national holiday under President Abraham Lincoln, and how faith influences our expression of gratitude. He challenged the congregation to examine their reasons for thanksgiving, emphasizing that true thankfulness stems from recognizing God’s grace and intervention in our lives.

After the service, the congregation shared a banquet of love, enjoying warm fellowship and reflecting on the grace of God. The celebration was enriched by newcomers, adding to the joyous atmosphere of unity and thankfulness.

STL Immanuel Church continues to be a beacon of faith and community, reminding all to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring goodness.

The recent Campus Bible Study concluded gracefully, leaving attendees deeply inspired and spiritually nourished. Centered on Romans chapters 1 to 4, the retreat provided profound answers to pressing spiritual questions, leading to transformative moments for many. Held on Saturday, October 12th, the campus Bible study group became a vessel of abundant grace for the students in attendance.

Testimonies of Transformation

During the study, students shared heartfelt reflections, revealing the powerful impact of the messages.

One student reflected on the nature of righteousness, saying, “(The message) helped me see that righteousness is entirely received by grace through faith, not by the law. Because of our sinful nature, the law only makes us aware of sin.” This realization underscored the liberating truth of God’s grace, leaving the student with a renewed perspective on salvation.

Another student shared their journey of rediscovering faith after a long season of doubt and disappointment with the church. “I began a personal journey seeking God,” the student explained. “Along the way, I met the ministers here and started studying the Bible, believing we are true believers.” Their testimony highlighted the importance of authentic fellowship and biblical study in restoring trust in God’s church.

A third student expressed a heartfelt desire for deeper spiritual authenticity. “Many Christians today live based on forms and rituals,” they noted, “but I desire to become a true Christian and draw closer to God.” This aspiration resonated deeply with attendees, reminding them of the essence of a genuine walk with Christ.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

These powerful testimonies filled the group with an atmosphere of grace, deeply touching the hearts of all who participated. For the campus ministers, these reflections were a poignant reminder of the weight and beauty of their calling. The responses of the students stirred a sense of holy fear, emphasizing the precious significance of their duties in nurturing spiritual growth.