St. Peters Lutheran Church

09/05/2026

15th Sunday after Pentecost

Introduction
Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Jesus’ words in today's gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.

First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-11
God appointed Ezekiel as a sentinel for the house of Israel. Ezekiel must faithfully convey God’s warnings to the people. Remarkably, God—who is about to attack Jerusalem—gives a warning with the hope that repentance will make the attack unnecessary.

Psalm: Psalm 119:33-40
I desire the path of your commandments.

Second Reading: Romans 13:8-14
The obligation of Christians is to love one another and so fulfill the heart and goal of the law. Clothes make the person as we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and live today in light of the future God has in store for us.

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus offers practical advice to his disciples on how individuals—and the church as a whole—should go about restoring relationships when one member has sinned against another.

09/05/2026

09/01/2026

PASTOR’S MESSAGE - SEPTEMBER

Ecclesiastes 3:1
“To everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

This verse reminds us that change is a natural part of life. As September marks the transition from summer to fall, we are encouraged to embrace various seasons in our lives, trusting that each has its purpose.

September symbolizes the transition from summer warmth to autumn coolness. It embodies change, renewal, and anticipation, making various cultural and seasonal shifts.

Transition to Autumn: September symbolizes the shift from summer to autumn, showcasing the beauty of change with vibrant foliage. Back to school: As many students return to school, September embodies fresh starts, excitement, and anticipation for new beginnings.

This month also marks the kick off of harvest time, celebrating the abundance of crops and community by gatherings at farmers markets and festivals. Cultural celebrations in September are rich and significant, including holidays like Labor Day, fostering community connection and gratitude.

In personal reflection, this changing of season encourages introspection and goal-setting, making it an ideal time to reassess personal aspirations and intentions.

As summer ends, September provides a chance for personal reflection. With the changing weather, you might consider your goals for the upcoming months. It encourages setting intentions as days grow cooler and shorter.

September invites you to embrace change and renewal. As the leaves transform and the air cools, you can feel the excitement of new beginnings all around. Whether it’s the thrill of a new school year or the joy of harvest festivals, there’s a unique energy that fills the month. So as September unfolds, take a moment to appreciate the beauty in transition and opportunities it brings.

Let us all welcome September with open minds.

Rev. Perucy N. Butiku - Coverage Pastor

08/29/2026

14th Sunday after Pentecost

Introduction
The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.

First Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-21
Jeremiah’s delight in the word of the LORD is contradicted by the heaviness of God’s hand upon him and God’s seeming unfaithfulness. God’s tough love to Jeremiah says that if he repents, he will be allowed to continue in his strenuous ministry. Jeremiah is strengthened by the simple words, “I am with you.”

Psalm: Psalm 26:1-8
Your love is before my eyes; I have walked faithfully with you.

Second Reading: Romans 12:9-21
Paul presents benchmarks for faithful relationships with Christians and non-Christians. Love is the unflagging standard of our behavior. When we encounter evil, we do not resort to its tactics but seek to overcome it with good. While Christians cannot control the actions and attitudes of others, we seek to live at peace with all people.

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28
After Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16), Jesus reveals the ultimate purpose of his ministry. These words prove hard to accept, even for a disciple whom Jesus has called a “rock.”

08/29/2026

Livestream at stpetersbaldwin.org

08/23/2026

Congratulations to Gabby on her Confirmation! Today she reaffirmed the promises of faith made for her at her Baptism and became an adult member of our St. Peter's church community! 🩵

08/22/2026

13th Sunday after Pentecost

Introduction
In Isaiah the people are advised to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and God’s mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.

First Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6
Just as God had called Abraham and Sarah and given them many descendants, so now God offers comfort to Zion. God’s deliverance will come soon and will never end.

Psalm: Psalm 138
O LORD, your steadfast love endures forever.

Second Reading: Romans 12:1-8
In response to God’s merciful activity, we are to worship by living holistic, God-pleasing lives. Our values and viewpoints are not molded by the time in which we live but are transformed by the Spirit’s renewing work. God’s grace empowers different forms of service among Christians, but all forms of ministry function to build up the body of Christ
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
At a climactic point in Jesus’ ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades.