St. John's Lutheran - Dorchester, IL

07/26/2026

Sunday, July 26, 2026 + NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +
HOME WORSHIP (Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

Zion Lutheran Church, Shipman, IL St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL
INTRODUCTION
As Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!
HYMN: *ELW* #793, “Be Thou My Vision”
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMXAp6LpP-8
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever.
All: Amen.
Let us confess our sin to God. (A Brief Silence for Reflection)
Compassionate God,
All: we confess to you all our sins. Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves. In your mercy, call us back to you. Your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Restore us to dwell in your peace. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” In the name of God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, your sins are forgiven. Rest in God’s love.
All: Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 3:5-12 (Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom)
Introduction: Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the defeat of his enemies, God gave him what he asked for: wisdom to govern the people well.
PSALM: Psalm 119:129-136 Refain: When your word is opened, it gives light and understanding. (Ps. 119:130)
Second Reading: Romans 8:26-39 (Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love)
Introduction: These words celebrate the depth of God’s actions for us. Through Christ’s death for us and the activity of the Spirit praying for us, we are fused to God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. Nothing, not even death itself, is able to separate us from such incredible divine love.
GOSPEL: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (Parables of the Reign of Heaven)
Introduction: Throughout Matthew’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples proclaim the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near!” Here, Jesus offers several brief parables that explore the implications of this announcement for people’s lives.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION
The things we learn early on in life matter. Maybe the first time you rode a bike taught you about a deep sense of fulfillment. The first time your heart swooned with romance taught you about a whole new dimension of love. Painfully, we find out the stove is hot by that first, uninformed touch, and we learn to watch for the flame. That first heartbreak sows some mistrust in future relationships.
These core memories inform how we see and interact with the world, shaping our expectations and actions. They are like seeds planted deep that grow and grow within. As Jesus speaks in this parable of weeds among the wheat, we are reminded that within us are both good seeds and invasive plants that get in the way. As our early memories remind us, people can sow both good and evil. There is fulfillment and romance, and there is pain and mistrust—good seeds and pesky weeds.
In a radical move, God the gardener has planted the deepest seed, a seed of grace. And herein lies the promise of this story from Jesus: Though we may try to uproot the sin—the weeds—separating us from God and each other, only God can make this grace come to life. With dusty overalls and a warm smile, God, the greatest gardener, removes the weeds of pain and mistrust. In Jesus, all that separates us from one another and from God is no more. The earliest seed planted deep within (even before we can remember) is the seed of grace that cultivates the deepest connection to God.
How have you seen God’s grace at work in you, and how has the Spirit sown trust and connection in your life?
HYMN: *ELW* #769, ”If You But Trust in God to Guide You” (v.1 solo, no words on screen)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3KfvdAy2Pg
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
(Our prayers include the realization that, as we are able, *we* are called to be—and to support—God’s agents of care in the very things that we pray for)
Trusting in God’s steadfast love for all God has made, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation. (A Brief Silence)
God our wisdom and our song, we pray for bishops, candidacy committees, those preparing for seminary, those awaiting call as deacons or pastors, and all who seek to lead your disciples in any way. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God our breath and our heartbeat, help us to recognize signs of your presence among us. Protect and
support diverse ecosystems, from national parks to family farms, from ranches to wild places. God of
grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God our peace and our guide, help civic leaders hear all their peoples’ stories with compassion and
curiosity, and remind us of your love from which we can never be separated. God of grace, HEAR
OUR PRAYER.
God our intercessor and our lawgiver, dismantle the barriers to care and recognition of all who live with
chronic illness, mobility struggles, pain, and uncertainty, especially those we name in our hearts.
God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God our redeemer, may we trust your love above and beyond all else that distracts, annoys, frightens,
exhausts, or divides us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
God who seeks, finds, and saves, for our community’s part in the ongoing gift of creation, and for the riches of faith and hope which came before, we give you thanks. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Grateful for your abundant provision and trusting in your goodness, we cast all our cares upon you, through the abundant grace of Christ Jesus. AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN: ELW #663, “Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2snw-qvGH1I
BLESSING
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, ☩ one God, bless, heal, and hold you today and always.
AMEN.
DISMISSAL
Heaven has come near. Go, share the good news!
THANKS BE TO GOD.

(Service material reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress License #12567-S)

Sung by the Choir and Congregation of First Plymouth Church, Lincol...

07/21/2026

Thank you for a wonderful lunch, ladies of St. John's!!!

07/19/2026

Sunday, July 19, 2026 + EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +

HOME WORSHIP (Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

Zion Lutheran Church, Shipman, IL St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL

INTRODUCTION

It is an age-old question: why is there evil in the world? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds Jesus suggests that both grow together until the harvest. With Paul, we long for the day that all creation will be set free from bo***ge and suffering. Having both weeds and wheat within us, we humbly place our hope in the promises of God, and from the Lord’s table we go forth to bear the fruit of justice and mercy.

HYMN: *ELW* #689, “Praise and Thanksgiving” (some words slightly different)

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef1as5GTl5k&list=RDEf1as5GTl5k&start_radio=1

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever.

All: Amen.

Let us confess our sin to God. (A Brief Silence for Reflection)

Compassionate God,

All: we confess to you all our sins. Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves. In your mercy, call us back to you. Your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Restore us to dwell in your peace. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” In the name of God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, your sins are forgiven. Rest in God’s love.

All: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 44:6-8 (There is No Other God Than the Lord)

Introduction: There are no other gods besides God: the word of the Lord does not fail to come to pass. We can trust in God, through whom Israel—and we—are redeemed.

PSALM: Psalm 86:11-17 Refrain: Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth. (Ps. 86:11)

SECOND READING: Romans 8:12-25 (The Revealing of the Children of God)

Introduction: For Paul, true spirituality means that we experience the reality of the Spirit, which enables us to pray as God’s children, keeps us in solidarity with creation, and gives us unseen hope that God will liberate us and creation from bo***ge to death and decay.

GOSPEL: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (The Parable of the Weeds)

Introduction: Jesus tells a parable about the coexistence of good and evil in this world. God’s judgment will remove all evildoers and causes of sin, but not until the end of human history.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

The things we learn early on in life matter. Maybe the first time you rode a bike taught you about a deep sense of fulfillment. The first time your heart swooned with romance taught you about a whole new dimension of love. Painfully, we find out the stove is hot by that first, uninformed touch, and we learn to watch for the flame. That first heartbreak sows some mistrust in future relationships.

These core memories inform how we see and interact with the world, shaping our expectations and actions. They are like seeds planted deep that grow and grow within. As Jesus speaks in this parable of weeds among the wheat, we are reminded that within us are both good seeds and invasive plants that get in the way. As our early memories remind us, people can sow both good and evil. There is fulfillment and romance, and there is pain and mistrust—good seeds and pesky weeds.

In a radical move, God the gardener has planted the deepest seed, a seed of grace. And herein lies the promise of this story from Jesus: Though we may try to uproot the sin—the weeds—separating us from God and each other, only God can make this grace come to life. With dusty overalls and a warm smile, God, the greatest gardener, removes the weeds of pain and mistrust. In Jesus, all that separates us from one another and from God is no more. The earliest seed planted deep within (even before we can remember) is the seed of grace that cultivates the deepest connection to God.

How have you seen God’s grace at work in you, and how has the Spirit sown trust and connection in your life?

HYMN: *ELW* #679, ”For the Fruit of All Creation”

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbBUFSOkbdM

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

(Our prayers include the realization that, as we are able, *we* are called to be—and to support—God’s agents of care in the very things that we pray for)

Trusting in God’s steadfast love for all God has made, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation. (A Brief Silence)

God our source, protect your church from those who sow weeds among the wheat. Where we trade grace for judgment, restore us, and where we get lost among the complexities of life, guide us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our creator, sustain creation in places not easily seen; the depths of oceans, microscopic plants and animals, galaxies beyond our own. May we share earth’s dedication to hope for what we do not yet see. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our soil, we yearn to live on your lands and waters with justice and in righteousness. Renew the hearts of all in authority, that our leaders guide wisely toward the flourishing of all. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our rock, be a source of constancy for those whose lives have been uprooted by war, eviction, global climate change, unemployment, harassment, false witness to their character, or illness or injury, especially those we name in our hearts. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our teacher, guide and provide for all summer camp staff and campers, daycare professionals, librarians, summer school educators and coaches, teachers preparing for the coming academic year, and youth becoming first-time babysitters. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

God our hope, the message of your salvation is planted among us in all times and places. We give you thanks for the witness of all the saints who shine like the sun in your presence, especially those dear to us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Grateful for your abundant provision and trusting in your goodness, we cast all our cares upon you, through the abundant grace of Christ Jesus. AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN: ELW #693, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWiEMJPxoZ8

BLESSING

Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, ☩ one God, bless, heal, and hold you today and always.

AMEN.

DISMISSAL

Heaven has come near. Go, share the good news!

THANKS BE TO GOD.

(Service material reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress License #12567-S)

07/18/2026

Just a picture of our sister church Zion in Shipman. Oh and the Big Boy Train that flew through town

07/17/2026

Check out the beautiful landscaping. Robert Kahl landscaping did a wonderful job

Our new sign with Vicar Kristen’s name added has been installed

See you all for Sunday service. This will be the third Sunday in July so we will have casual service in the basement. Fellowship begins at 9:45am. Come join us.

07/17/2026

Three years the most horrific blessing happened at St. John’s. A storm came through town, blew a tree down on the church and caused extensive damage. Out of the destruction came the opportunity to not only fix the damage but to do extensive updates to the church. During this time it helped to strengthen bonds even more amoung our members and our sister church of Zion in Shipman. Pr John was with us the whole way and now we’ve added Vicar Kristen to our church family.

God has blessed us and is still blessing us.

06/27/2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026 + FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST +
Home Worship (Plus at Zion [8:45 am] or at St. John’s [10:30 am])

WHAT PERSON COMES TO MIND when you think about someone who embodied the welcoming spirit of hospitality in your life? In the Gospel Reading today Jesus invites his followers of every time and place, including us, to be open to welcoming others in his name. Especially those who are sharing his Way of Love in a needy world. How has God gifted you to respond to those who need YOUR grace-filled welcome?

Zion Lutheran Church, Shipman, IL
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dorchester, IL

INTRODUCTION
The welcome of Baptism is for all God’s children. This Baptismal Gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today’s Gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our Baptismal Mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God’s merciful welcome.

HYMN: *ELW* #848, “Give to Our God Immortal Praise!”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKfCf3D01d0&list=RDqKfCf3D01d0&start_radio=1 (with extra verses)

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose compassion endures forever.
All: Amen.
Let us confess our sin to God. (A Brief Silence for Reflection)
Compassionate God,
All: we confess to you all our sins. Our burden is heavy, and we cannot free ourselves. In your mercy, call us back to you. Your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Restore us to dwell in your peace. In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.” In the name of God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, your sins are forgiven. Rest in God’s love.
All: Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 28:5-9 (Welcoming a True Prophet)
Introduction: Through a symbolic action Jeremiah insisted that Judah and all the surrounding nations should submit to the king of Babylon (Jer. 27). Hananiah contradicted the word of Jeremiah, who in reply insisted that Hananiah’s rosy prediction should not be believed until it came true. God confirmed the word of Jeremiah and sentenced the false prophet Hananiah to death (vv. 16-17).

PSALM: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Refrain: Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing. (Verse 1)

SECOND READING: Romans 6:12-23 (Welcoming the Gift of Grace)
Introduction: Sin is an enslaving power which motivates us to live self-serving, disobedient lives. Sin’s final payoff is death. We, however, have been set free from sin’s slavery to live obediently under God’s grace, whose end is the free gift of eternal life.

GOSPEL: Matthew 10:40-42 (Welcome Christ in Those He Sends)
Introduction: When Jesus sends his disciples out as missionaries, he warns them of persecution and hardships they will face. He also promises to reward any who aid his followers and support their ministry.

BRIEF SERMON REFLECTION

What person comes to mind when you think about someone who embodied the welcoming spirit of hospitality in your life? Someone in your family, a friend, someone at church?

Hopefully we all knew such a very special person who had that distinctive gift of warm hospitality that made everyone feel welcome. Food might be a part of the scene—I hope!—but more than that, the best part was that we always felt so glad to be included and valued just by showing up and being part of the gathering.

My mother had that gift of hospitality, especially on the July 4th holiday that we will also celebrate this coming weekend. Well into her 80’s, she would have the extended family into her small two-bedroom home with an attic for a third bedroom (the home I grew up in) for holiday celebrations. She made most of the food herself and served it buffet style from the cramped little kitchen to folks who then sat at the dining room table with that extra leaf when guests came, or the two card tables in the tight living room, or the picnic table in the back yard (weather permitting) or in the basement with 1960’s paneling and a cement floor. It was cozy and crowded and jovial and wonderful.

Jesus in the Gospel Reading today reminds his followers then and now about the warm hospitality he embodied with them when he welcomed tax-collectors and sinners and all kinds of other people—especially the outcast and marginalized. With every invitation Jesus personified the very Welcome of God!

In the Gospel Reading today Jesus invites his followers of every time and place, including us, to be open to welcoming others in his name. Especially those who are sharing his Way of Love in a needy world. Be they disciples, prophets, or anyone in need of a grace-filled welcome, Jesus says that the one who welcomes the bearers of Jesus’ Message of Love is really welcoming Jesus himself and also welcoming his Heavenly Father. Quite an invitation for all of us!

How has God gifted you to be open to welcome even the “little ones” who need the grace-filled welcome that you yourself can embody as a follower of Jesus? We have the very Spirit of God to empower us. And the presence of the Risen One to inspire us.

HYMN: *ELW #712, “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIPIyM2Qz4k

RITE OF HOLY BAPTISM FOR ELLA KATE SIMONS (Zion)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

(Our prayers include the realization that, as we are able, *we* are called to be—and to support—God’s agents of care in the very things that we pray for)

Gathered together by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for the church and the needs of the world. (A Brief Silence)

Faithful God, establish your church to offer welcome and proclaim your peace. Nourish us so we can proclaim your hope to the world. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Creator God, bring life to places experiencing drought, deforestation, and pollution. Help us to cultivate and care for the natural world around us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Loving God, bring an end to conflict and division in Ukraine, the Middle East, and in all places where there is war and unrest. Sustain the work of prophets in our time, and work through world leaders to foster understanding, justice, and peace. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Provider God, give your children what they need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We pray especially for those we name in our hearts. Bless caregivers as they show God’s hospitality through their generous service. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Living God, lead us from death to life. Inspire new ministries and endeavors, renew established ones, and strengthen our welcoming presence to our neighbors. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Eternal God, we remember the faithful departed of this community and of the wider church and world. We give thanks for saints of all times and places, especially those dear to us. God of grace, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

Trusting that you receive all our prayers, we commend our spoken and unspoken prayers to you, O God, through Jesus our Savior. AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN: *ELW* #575, “In Christ Called to Baptize”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op4Hao--kl4

BLESSING
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, ☩ one God, bless, heal, and hold you today and always.
AMEN.

DISMISSAL
Heaven has come near. Go, share the good news!
THANKS BE TO GOD.

(Service material reprinted by permission of Augsburg Fortress License #12567-S)