Arise in Christ

08/27/2026

For Sunday, August 30, 2026 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost
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.
Readings and Psalm
Jeremiah 15:15-21
God fortifies the prophet against opposition
Psalm 26:1-8
Your love is before my eyes; I have walked faithfully with you. (Ps. 26:3)
Romans 12:9-21
Live in harmony
Matthew 16:21-28
The passion prediction and rebuke to Peter

08/19/2026

Pray, and then let God use you in answering your prayer.

Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time to make our common prayer to you, and you have promised through your Son that where two or three are gathered together in his name, you will be in the midst of them. Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us, granting us, in this world, knowledge of your truth and, in the age to come, life everlasting. Amen.

08/19/2026

For Sunday, August 23, 2026 – 13th Sunday after Pentecost
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.
Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 51:1-6
The enduring foundation of God’s salvation
Psalm 138
O LORD, your steadfast love endures forever. (Ps. 138:8)
Romans 12:1-8
One body in Christ, with gifts that differ
Matthew 16:13-20
The profession of Peter’s faith

08/15/2026

For Sunday, August 16, 2026 – 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Introduction
In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.
Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
A house of prayer for all peoples
Psalm 67
Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
God’s mercy to all, Jew and Gentile
Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
The healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter
A PRAYER FOR THOSE TO SAY WHO ARE WATCHING FROM HOME DURING COMMUNION: Lord Jesus, since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with Your grace and never let me be separated from You. May I live in You and You in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen

08/15/2026

Support the Donnelsville Elementary Lunch Program!
Too many students arrive home from school hungry or go through the weekend without food for more than one meal a day. In total, one person in seven in Clark County lives in food insecurity. Your contribution buys non-perishable food items that are assembled into lunch sacks by the special needs students at Tecumseh High School for distribution to the elementary. Last year, we were able to purchase over 600.00 worth of supplies providing hundreds of sack lunches for neighborhood kids in need.
Fill the pickle jar, make donations directly to the school or place in the offering plate and designate “SCHOOL” on your envelope or check.

08/07/2026

A Prayer on the proper use of wealth
O God, in your love you have given the people of this land gifts of abundance beyond what our forebears knew or could imagine. Mercifully grant that we may not be so occupied with material things that we forget spiritual gifts, and thus, even though we have gained the whole world, lose our souls; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. God of abundance, you have poured out a large measure of earthly blessings: our table is richly furnished, our cup overflows, and we live in safety and security. Teach us to set our hearts on you and not these material blessings. Keep us from becoming captivated by prosperity, and grant us in wisdom to use your blessings to your glory and to the service of humankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

08/07/2026

Planning ahead: September 13- Church service on the lawn and community picnic (weather permitting). More later...

08/07/2026

For Sunday, August 9, 2026 – 11th Sunday after Pentecost
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.
Readings and Psalm
• 1 Kings 19:9-18 The LORD speaks to Elijah on Mount Horeb
• Psalm 85:8-13 I will listen to what the LORD God is saying. (Ps. 85:8)
• Romans 10:5-15 Hearing and confessing the word of faith
• Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus walking on the sea

07/24/2026

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries:

Daily Devotions from LHM will help strengthen and encourage your faith as you do the same for others. Have them delivered right to your inbox, podcast the audio devotional, access them on your mobile device through the FREE app, or listen with Spotify, iHeartRadio, Alexa, or Google Home. Seasonal De...

07/24/2026

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There is always a new beginning in Jesus Christ - for you.