The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 3, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: Put Down What You Love; Pick Up What You Loathe

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20.  The Lord set two paths before Israel: one leading to life, the other to death.

Second Reading: Philemon 1, 7-21. An escaped lave returning to his owner is a perfect example of the cost involved in following Jesus.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 14:25-35. Carry Your Very Own Cross.

Jesus teaches us that truly following him will come at a cost. We can’t fight the numerous enemies that struggle against us, either; there are too many.  All around us are temptations and traps.

Jesus picked up his cross.  He set aside everything that people naturally love, even his own life, in order to win our forgiveness and salvation. He empowers us to respond to his love by willingly carry our own cross to align our values not to what gives us pleasure but to what God’s will is for us.

It is worth it to be a disciple of Jesus, to carry our own cross, because it means being close to him forever

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost, August 28, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

Hard Truth Series: The Humble Will Be Exalted; the Exalted Will Be Humbled

First Reading: Proverbs 25:6-7. King Solomon provides common sense about humility and pride.

Second Reading: James 2:1-13. Showing favoritism treats others with judgment rather than mercy, putting us at risk of receiving the same from God.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 14:1, 7-14. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled by God.

But Jesus also gives us the promise we need to be freed from pride’s trap.

Our exaltation doesn’t need to be our responsibility because Jesus has already made it his.

It is the humble ones who are humble because of faith in Jesus who will be exalted in the end. They will find honor at the resurrection of the righteous a they are welcomed into the great heavenly banquet and called up to the highest place with our Savior for all eternity.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, August 21, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

The First Will Be Last; the Last Will Be First

First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-24. The LORD teaches that those who seemed far from his kingdom will be among the first to enter eternal glory.

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-24. Being first in God’s eyes has nothing to do with keeping the Law.

Gospel Reading and Sermon Text:  Luke 13:22-30. The Door to Heaven.

• Is Narrow for All

• Is Open to All

The doorway into heaven is narrow. Scripture consistently teaches that those individuals who are certain they will be first through the door are more likely to be last, if they make it through at all.

Instead, the one who believes he is the last one God should le into his kingdom and that his only chance of getting in is through the grace of Christ will enter first.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, August 14, 2022

The Hard Truth Worship Series

We Want Peace, but God’s Word Divides

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:23-29. The Word of the LORD divides what is true from what is false

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:1-13.  The Hebrews who converted to Christianity faced persecution, often divided from friends and family, even separated from their livelihood.  They learned to fix their eyes on Jesus

Gospel Reading:  Luke 12-49-53. Jesus knew that his work would cause divisions that would often cut close to home.

Sermon:  Hebrews 12:1-13.  Let Us Run Our Race

We have God looking out for us.  He uses the pain and the challenges in life for our benefit to strengthen us.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 7, 2022

Focused Series

Focused Living Properly Values Heavenly Treasure

First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6. In faith, Abram treasured all of the LORD’s gracious promises.

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. The gift of faith allows us to see the true treasure that is found when the architect and builder is God

Gospel: Luke 12:22-34. Jesus assures us we have a Father in heaven who knows what we need better than we do.

Sermon: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. Commendable Faith.

• Convinced of God’s Unseen Promises

• Longs for Heaven’s Better Land

As seen with the mention of Abraham in the text, a commendable faith is convinced of God’s promises, even his unseen ones. Because God is faithful to his promises, we can take him at his word and hold him to it 100% of the time

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 31, 2022

Focused Series

Focused Living Properly Values Earthly Wealth

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, 12-14; 2:18-26. King Solomon, the teacher, learned by experience the limited value of earthly possessions.

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-11. If life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions, then of what does life consist? Paul tells us that in baptism we died and were raised with Christ.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 12:13-21. Which Type of Rich Person Are You?

The one who depends on earthly things? How focused are you on money and things that you have?

The one who depends on God? These are the kind of people who want to change whatever has been wrong in our lives in order to thank God for his incredible eternal generosity, who care about how we treat our worldly wealth because we know that he has made us rich now and forever.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 24, 2022

Children’s Summer Bible Campl

Summer Bible Camp Theme: Road Trip, Route 3:16

Devotion #1: God Saves. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Devotion #2: God’s Power. Mark 10:27. All things are possible with God.

Devotion #3: God First. Deuteronomy 6:5. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Devotion #4: God’s Love. 1 Corinthians 16:14. Do everything in love.

Devotion #5: God’s Promise. Luke 10:20. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 17, 2022

Focused Worship Series, Week 2

Focused Worship Seeks Service from Jesus More than Service for Jesus

First Reading: Genesis 18:1-14. With his gracious visit and his gracious word, the Lord serves Sarah with exactly what she needs—a strengthened faith.

Second Reading: Colossians 1:1-14. Paul prays that God would serve the Colossians through the Gospel, rescuing them from the dominion of darkness and empowering them to produce the fruits of good works.

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42. The Two Sides of Spiritual Service.

One sister served Jesus which is important. Spiritually strengthened Christians are properly prepared to serve Jesus.

The other sister listened to Jesus, studying Jesus’ words more seriously, and focused on the most important which is Jesus serving us with his words and his forgiveness.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 10, 2022

Focused Worship Series, Week 1

Jesus gives focus to our lives, Week 1: Focused Love Finda a Neighbor Rather than Avoiding One

First Reading: Ruth 1:1-19. The LORD moves a Moabite woman named Ruth to care for her widowed mother -in-law even though it means leaving her people behind.

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1, 13-25. Christ has freed us for a life of humble service and love.

Gospel: Luke 10:25-37. Focus on Your Neighbor.

In Christ, we are free to actively seek out a neighbor in need. Show mercy like the Good Samaritan and “Go and do likewise,”

We don’t do it to earn eternal life: we do it because our neighbor has needs.

We do as Jesus has done for us.

We focus on our neighbor.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 3, 2022

God’s Words Possess God’s Power Worship Series, Week 3

Through the Word, God Provides Ministers to Proclaim His Word

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:9-3:11. Ezekiel was called by God to proclaim the word of the LORD to his fellow exiles, regardless of whether they listened or failed to listen.

Second Reading: 1 Peter: 5:1-4. Ministers are to shepherd God’s flock exactly as Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, would do.

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 16-20. Jesus sends out messengers of his Word who were to serve the people as Jesus would have.

Sermon: 1 Peter 5:1-4. The Shepherds God Desires:

• They over see his flock

• They wrestle against temptation

• They anticipate his glory

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 26, 2022

God’s Words Possess God’s Power Worship Series, Week 3

Through the Word, Jesus Creates Committed Followers

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elisha commits himself completely to the work to which the LORD had called him.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:21-30. Christ had shown grace to Paul which moved Paul to be committed to Christ.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-62 Be Fully Committed to Jesus

• Even when the way is rough

• Even when the time is inconvenient

• Even when tempted to look back.

Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem and he did. He was fully committed to us when he earned our forgiveness and salvation. and in doing so, he earned our love. That is why we do all of this. We love our Savior who first loved us.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 19, 2022

God’s Words Possess God’s Power Worship Series, Week 2

Through the Word, the Lord Crushes Evil

First Reading: Isaiah 43:8-15. The LORD calls us to be his witnesses to the truth that there is no God except for him.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-10. Our vocations are different yet God uses all these unique vocations to put us in positions to testify to the Gospel.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 8:26-39. Tell How Much God Has Done for You.

In our own situations and circumstances, with the people whom God has placed in our lives, we can tell how God forgives us, how God loves us, and how Jesus died for our sins.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

The First Sunday after Pentecost, June 12, 2022

Trinity Sunday

God’s Words Possess God’s Power

Through the Word, the Triune God Blesses Us

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27. The threefold blessing given by God to Moses to use

Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5. The Holy Spirit has given us faith in the Son so that we might know where we stand with our Heavenly Father.

Gospel: John 16:12-15:23-27. God the Father gives all that he has to God the Son who then gives what he has to God the Spirit.

Sermon Text: Numbers 6:22-27. Receive the Triune Lord’s Blessing.

The words of this blessing have been spoken over God’s children for nearly 3,500 years. We are confident to receive our triune Lord’s blessing because he is 3 persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Day of Pentecost, June 5, 2022

The Spirit Marches Victorious Through the Word

First Reading: Genesis 11:1-9. At Babel, sin led to God confusing people’s language. Grace would lead God to share the gospel in many languages on Pentecost.

Second Reading: Acts 2:1-21. On Pentecost, the disciples proclaimed the gospel. Through their words, the Holy Spirit unleashed his power.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 14:23-27. Give Thanks for the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit can give us the strength and the push to share the Gospel when we might typically be too shy or hesitant.

As forgiven disciples of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit working around our weaknesses to accomplish God’s will.

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Ascension of Our Lord, May 29, 2022

Power Marches Victorious to the Ends of the Earth

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11. Jesus ascends to rule over all things as his Church serves as his witnesses..

Second Reading: Revelation 19:11-16. John sees the ascended Lord as a warrior riding on a white horse fighting against all those who oppose Christ’s gospel and his Church..

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53. Jesus promises to send the disciples power from heaven to carry out his mission..

Sermon Text: Acts 1:1-11: Be a Witness of Our Ascended Savior.

The lessons from Jesus’ life are incredibly important. They are the heart of the gospel, the good news that we all need to hear.

Although we are not witnesses in the same sense that the disciples were who got to see the clous move in to hide Jesus from their sight, but we are witnesses nonetheless because our ascended Savior has seen to it that we have heard their testimony and we have been given faith to believe it.

We, like the disciples, get to await his return knowing that, as forgiven children, our homes are in heaven with him, and like them, we get to share the good news with others.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2022

Joy Marches Victorious Over Self-Glorification

First Reading: Acts 14:8-22. Paul’s joy and his ministry were unaffected by circumstances.

Second Reading: Revelation 21:21-27. The great joy we have now will soon be made perfect and complete.

Gospel: John 16:16-24. Jesus promises that all our grief will be turned to perfect joy.

Sermon Text: Acts 14:8-22. Our Unending Joy.

As you look to your expected years and decades until you reach your home in heaven, don’t be surprised by the many troubles you will have along the way.

But remind yourself that it is Heaven that you are traveling to where you will find unending joy throughout it all.

Pastor Timothy Patoka

Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2022

Selfless Love Marches Victorious Over Self-Glorification

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18. God teaches St. Peter that God does not show favoritism but rather selfless love to both Jew and Gentile.

Second Reading: 1Corinthians 13:1-13. It is not the spiritual gifts Christians possess, it is the love at work as they put those gifts into practice that defines a Christians.

Gospel: John 13: 31-35. Jesus commands us to show others the same selfless love he has shown to us.

Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Live in Real Love.

Love lasts into eternity. We will see our loving Savior face-to-face and we will know love in a way that we could never fully appreciate before. Along with faith and hope, love will endure.

Real love serves. Real love endures.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 8, 2022

Fulfilled Works March Victorious Over Empty Words

First Reading: Acts 13:15-16, 26-39. St. Paull points out that Jesus’ death and resurrection both fulfilled the Scripture.

Second Reading: Revelation 7:9-17. The Apostle John sees that God’s promise to rescue all believers from the tribulation of this world is not just empty words.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 10:22-30. The Blessings of Being a Sheep.

The voice of Jesus calls out to you and me. It is a place where the voice of the Good Shepherd is heard in the Lord’s Supper of forgiveness. How important it is for us to gather here and listen to his voice!

In a world with so many opinions and false information and fake news and unverified claims, his is the voice you can trust. He said he would do the work of saving you, and he did.

Pastor Ron Koehler

Third Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2022

Sight Marches Victorious Over Blindness

First Reading: Acts 9:1-22. Paul was given faith in the One who had risen from the dead..

Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14. The Apostle John was given special sight to see the sacrificial Lamb (Jesus) who is worthy of our worship and praise.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 21: 1-14. Breakfast with Jesus.

Take after the disciples by clearly seeing Jesus as the Lord.

Joyfully come to him as you receive his blessings day after day and thank him for all he’s done for you.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Second Sunday of Easter, April 24, 2022

Witness Marches Victorious Over Restraint

First Reading: Acts 5:12, 17-32. Some wanted to restrain the spread of the Gospel, but the Apostles served as witnesses of Christ’s resurrection.

Second Reading: Revelation 1:4-18. Jesus promises to be with his church in the midst of persecution and hardship.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 20:19-31. God’s Written Witness for You.

When you find yourself hesitant to share the peaceful and blessed life we now have through faith, take heart in knowing that the disciples themselves struggled with this, too.

Jesus rose so that all may believe in him and have the peace that comes from believing in him.

Pastor Tim Patoka