Second Sunday After Epiphany, Sunday, January 22, 2023

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6. The Servant of the Lord would suffer, but in that suffering God would display his splendor to the entire world..

Second Reading: Colossians 2:6-15. The Lamb of God needed to be flesh and blood do that he could be sacrificed. And because that Lamb was the Son of God, it is a sacrifice valuable enough to forgive us all our sins.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 1:29-417. The Lamb of God Comes

• To take away the sin of the world

• .To give what we need to look for

Pastor Tim Patoka

Baptism of Our Lord, Sunday, January 15, 2023

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7. In Isaiah, the Lord promises to put his Spirit on the Messiah, empowering the Anointed One to free us from our sins.

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17. In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power.

Sermon Text: Acts 10:34-38. The Anointed One Brings Us Peace.

Pastor Nate Kassulke

Epiphany Sunday, January 8, 2023

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-12

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Text: Matthew 2:1-12. Epiphany Reveals the Importance of Jesus

Pastor Ron Koehler

New Year’s Day, January 1, 2023

First Reading: Isaiah 63:7-9

Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:4-7. God Sent His Son

• To Redeem You

• To Adopt You

Pastor Tim Patoka

New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022

Sermon Text: James 4:14-17

Pastor Seth Scheuerlein

Christmas Day, December 25, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus! — Hear God’s Christmas Voice!

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10. The prophet foretold that the Lord would dwell among us, doing what was necessary to bring the good news of salvation.

Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-9. God speaks to us through his Son, Jesus.

Gospel: John 1:1-14. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Pastor Nate Kassulke

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus! — A Savior is Born

Genesis 3:1-7: Mankind’s Fall

Genesis 3:8-15: God’s promise for mankind

Micah 5:2-5. God tells Micah Bethlehem would arise from Bethlehem to shepherd us

Luke 2:1-7: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

Luke 2:8-14: The Angels share Jesus’ birth with the shepherds

Luke 2:15-20: Those shepherds visit Jesus

Titus 2:11-14: While we wait for Jesus’ return, we eagerly do good works to glorify God.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus! — As Immanuel

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14. The Lord promised that deliverance would come through the gift of Immanuel. And how would we recognize him? He would be born of a virgin.

Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7. After thousands of years of God’s promises, Paul seem them all fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is Immanuel, true God and true man, “God with us.”

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25. In faith, Jospeh accepted that within the womb of his bring to be was Immanuel—the very Son of God, the promised Savior from sin. “Jesus” means “the LORD saves.”

Sermon: Isaiah 7:10-14. A Special Sign and A Special Savior.

Immanuel is for everyone, not just you and me. For a world full of people in need of saving, Jesus came. He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy for us and for everyone. Isaiah was God’s messenger then; now it is our turn to share this very same news with those around us.

It’s easy—invite them to see what you see: Immanuel—God with us!

Pastor Ron Koehler

Third Week of Advent, December 14, 2022

Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You? With Faith Like Mary

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-7.

Second Reading and Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38. With Faith Like Mary

Mary knew that God could and would fulfill his promises, so she met him with a simple faith that wholeheartedly believed what the Angel Gabriel told her—-that she would give birth to our Savior.

Pastor Tim Patoka

Third Sunday in Advent, December 11, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus—as Messiah

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10. The prophet foretold that the coming of the Messiah would change everything.

Second Reading: James 5:7-11. God encourages us to be patience waiting for the return of the Messiah.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Matthew 11:2-11. Doubt No More!

As we prepare to welcome Jesus as Messiah, may be do so doubt free in who he is (our Savior) and who we are (citizens of the kingdom of heaven.)

Pastor Tim Patoka

Second Wednesday in Advent, December 7, 2022

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?

First Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Second Reading and Sermon Text: Luke 1:39-45.

Pastor Ryan Heiman

Second Sunday in Advent, December 4, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus Series

Come, Lord Jesus — as Judge

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10. From the family tree of Jesse, another King would come to judge the world with righteousness and establish an everlasting kingdom.

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-13. God’s people face the coming judgement not with fear but with hope.

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12. To prepare us for the coming judgment, God sent John the Baptist, a voice ini the wilderness, call all to repent.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 11:1-10. A Shoot Springs Up for You.

Jesus brings judgment and peace. We do not need to fear the truth that he will come again as a judge. ‘we can pray boldly and confidently for that day, to “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Pastor Nate Kassulke

First Sunday in Advent, November 27, 2022

Come, Lord Jesus Series

Come, Lord Jesus — as King

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5. In the future, when the King comes again, he will transform this world.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7. Our present life is transformed from worry to joy and hope because of the King who came.

Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11. The King of all creation comes to us in all humility, willing to do everything needed to save us from our sins.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 2:1-5. Come to Your Savior King.

Because Jesus first came as our Savior, we now look forwrd to his second coming as our King.

As Isaiah’s prophetic vision shows us, we know what to expect when he comes again: our Savior King assuming his throne on the magnificent mountain of the Lord, streams of people coming to him so they may be instructed in his ways and walk in his illuminated paths, and complete peace when war will be no more.

Pastor Tim Patoka

First Wednesday in Advent, November 30, 2022

Midweek Advent Series: Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You?

First Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

Second Reading and Sermon Text: Luke 1:57-79.

Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet You? With Repentance Like Zechariah
At the birth of his son John, Zechariah showed true repentance for not believing God’s messenger with the news he was given 9 months earlier. May words like those be on our hearts and on our lips as we meet Jesus our Lord with repentance like Zechariah.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Thanksgiving Eve Service, November 23, 2022

First Reading: Philippians 4:4-9. Rejoice in the Lord always.

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50. Faith in Jesus saves you.

Sermon Text: Psalm 100. Shout to the LORD with joy for he is good. His mercy endures forever.

Pastor Seth Scheuerlein

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 20, 2022

In Christ All Things, ALA Sunday

First Reading: Revelation 22:6-13. Jesus will return soon. When he does, the reward he won for mankind will be in his hand.

Psalm 150. Praise ye the Lord!.

Gospel: Luke 12: 35-40. Jesus urges us to remain ready for his return at all times.

Sermon Text: Colossians 1:15-20. Center Your Life on Jesus, Your All-Sufficient Savior.

Pastor Brad Bode, ALA Campus Pastor

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 13, 2022

The Last Day: A Day of Terror for All Those Who Troubled God’s People

First Reading: Malachi 4;1-6. On the Last Day, those who opposed God will be laid low, but all God’s people will be healed.

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. God promises that on the Last Day, all those who troubled his hold people will themselves be eternally troubled.

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19 Jesus tells us what the world will be like for believers before the Last Day.

Sermon Text: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. God’s Righteous Verdict Will Be Revealed.

For us who are troubled by sin, by unbelief, by persecution, by just the sufferings of this world that is still a sinful place, the waiting for relief is sometimes difficult and painful.

We are waiting for glory, for Jesus return. We are waiting for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to return and to give us a righteous verdict, to declare us not guilty because of his work and so Heaven is our Home, our Eternal Home.

Pastor Nathan Kassulke

Reformation Sunday, October 30, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: The Truth Sets Us Free

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34. The old covenant of law could tel people how to act. It could not create the desire to freely do so. The new covenant of grace transforms people’s hearts, so they freely and joyfully follow God’s will.

Second Reading: Galatians 5:1-6. The Apostle Paul encourages us to stand firm in the freedom that we have in Christ.

Gospel and Sermon Text: John 8:31-38. Real Disciples

Real disciples remain in the Word and are set free by Jesus.

May the words of Jesus lead you to treasure his word because it brings you the truth that sets you free from sin and death and brings you to eternal life with him. Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler

The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost, October 23, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: Faith Demonstrated Through Total Dependence

First Reading: Deuteronomy 10: 12-22. Before he leaves them, Moses reminds the Israelites that they are and will always be dependent on God’s grace.

Second Reading: 1 John 2:15-22. The Apostle John encourages us to love and depend on God, not the world.

Gospel and Sermon Text: Luke 18: 18-30. Depend on God for the Impossible

We should depend on God whose Son, Jesus Christ, did the impossible so that the inheritance of eternal life is our guaranteed certainty.

We also depend on God for us to be able to leave all earthly treasures for the kingdom of God.

May we pray to God for this increase of faith so that we totally and always depend on God for the impossible. Amen

Pastor Tim Patoka

The Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 16, 2022

LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH WORSHIP SERIES

Lord, Increase Our Faith Series: Faith Demonstrated Through Persistent Prayer

First Reading: Genesis 32:22-30. Jacob literally wrestles with
God in praying for God’s blessing.

Second Reading: 1 John 5:13-15. When we ask God for something that is according to his will, we can be absolutely confident we will receive it.

Gospel: Luke 18: 1-8. Jesus teaches us to be bold and persistent in our prayers..

Sermon: 1 John 5:13-15. Yes, He is Listening.

You and i don’t see what God sees, and we don’t know what God knows, so we pray with the confidence that he is listening because we are his children; we pray with the certainty that he is listening because we ask according to his will; we pray with the assurance that he is listening because he wants to answer us

There is nothing uncertain about this. It is a sure thing. God promises. Amen

Pastor Ron Koehler