Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

09/06/2026

SEPTEMBER 6: FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: Galatians 5:16–17 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Every Christian experiences an internal civil war: the old sinful nature battles against the new life given by the Holy Spirit. The Law exposes this conflict, condemning our selfish, carnal impulses and showing us how often we fail to walk in total purity. If our salvation depended on our victory in this struggle, we would be utterly lost. But the Gospel announces that Christ has already executed your old man on His cross and raised you to new life in Holy Baptism. The Holy Spirit now dwells within you, continually drowning the flesh through daily repentance and empowering you to walk in faith, love, and liberty.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “For the life of Christians is a daily repentance, because sin remains in our flesh even after baptism, against which we must constantly struggle through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Large Catechism, Fifth Part, Sacrament of the Altar, 24)

PRAYER: Deliver us, O Lord, from the desires of our sinful flesh. Strengthen us daily by Your Holy Spirit, that we may douse the flames of temptation and walk joyfully in the freedom of Your Gospel; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

09/06/2026

2026/09/06 - The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - "That's How Much You're Worth to Him"

09/05/2026

SEPTEMBER 5: ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: Luke 1:5–6 “In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Zacharias and Elizabeth were faithful, God-fearing saints who suffered the quiet grief of childlessness into their old age. Despite their blameless outward walk, they were sinners in need of redemption, living under the weight of a fallen world. The Law highlights our human limitations, unfulfilled longings, and the decay of our mortal bodies. Yet God’s timing is perfect. In their old age, God broke centuries of silence, granting them a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Through Zacharias and Elizabeth, God demonstrated that His Gospel promises never fail. In Christ, every sorrow is answered, every expectation fulfilled, and eternal joy prepared for all who trust in Him.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “Our righteousness before God consists in this: that God forgives us our sins out of pure grace, without any merit, work, or worthiness of our own, and grants us the righteousness of Christ.” (Formula of Concord, Epitome III, 2)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You remembered Zacharias and Elizabeth in their advanced years and fulfilled Your promises to them. Grant us patience and faith in the midst of our own trials, trusting always in Your gracious will through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

09/05/2026

THAT’S HOW MUCH
YOU’RE WORTH TO HIM

Dear Friends of Zion,

Ninety-nine out of a hundred.

In most circumstances, we’d call that an excellent result.

A 99% score is an A. A 99% success rate is remarkable. If you retain 99% of almost anything, you probably don’t spend much time worrying about the missing one percent.

But Jesus does.

This Sunday, the disciples come to Jesus asking a very human question:

“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Who matters most? Who stands highest? Who has accomplished enough to be noticed?

Jesus answers by putting a little child in their midst.

Then He tells them about a shepherd with one hundred sheep. Ninety-nine remain. One has wandered away.

And the Shepherd goes looking.

Why?

Because to Him, that sheep isn’t one percent.

That sheep belongs to Him.

And that tells us something wonderful about the way God regards you.

Your worth before God isn’t measured by what you’ve accomplished for Him, how useful you’ve been, how impressive your faith appears, or whether you’ve managed to get everything right.

Your worth is revealed by what He was willing to give for you.

And He gave Himself.

This Sunday we’ll hear some of Jesus’ sternest words about sin—and discover that He takes sin so seriously precisely because He loves sinners so deeply. He will not casually discard the wandering sheep. He seeks, forgives, restores, and brings His little ones home.

That’s how much you’re worth to Him.

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY — SEPTEMBER 6

Divine Service — 9:00 AM
Adult Bible Class — 10:15 AM

Our Sunday Bible Class continues its study of Psalm 23—a particularly fitting companion to Sunday’s Gospel as we consider the Good Shepherd who restores His sheep and leads them safely home.

Our Tuesday Lectionary Bible Study meets at 2:00 PM as we study the readings for the coming Sunday.

HELP US STOCK THE FOOD PANTRY

Preparations continue for the opening of the Zion Neighborhood Food Pantry, and we need your help filling the shelves. Donations of unopened, unexpired food and household necessities are greatly appreciated.

And the pantry now has its own page! Follow it for updates and help us spread the word throughout the community:

Zion Neighborhood Food Pantry on Facebook: tinyurl.com/ZionFoodPantry

A FEW THINGS COMING UP

The CID Lutheran Laymen’s League Fall Retreat on “Life Issues” will be held Saturday, September 12, at Camp CILCA.

The “Rooted in Christ” CID Junior High Youth Event is coming to Camp CILCA on November 7, with devotions, service projects, outdoor activities, and Christian fellowship.

And on Wednesday, September 30, at 6:00 PM, Professor Rev. Jack Cascione will present “The Creation of Genesis: A Self-Referential Computer Linguistic Pattern Analysis” in Schroeder Hall at Illinois State University in Normal.

You’ll find complete information about these and other upcoming events in Sunday’s bulletin.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ZION

Keep up with worship, announcements, photographs, and other news from the congregation, including Sunday's livestream beginning at 9:00 AM: www.fb.com/Zion-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-106247569399682

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Facebook

And the audio recording of Sunday’s Divine Service will be available here: http://www.lutheranlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-06_Pentecost_XV_audio.mp3

Listen to the September 6 Divine Service

REMEMBER THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS

Please continue to remember those among us who are ill, recovering, undergoing treatment, facing difficult circumstances, or unable to gather with us. We also give thanks for those welcomed into membership last Sunday, asking the Lord to keep them steadfast in His Word and Sacraments.

And remember especially those who have wandered or grown distant from Christ’s Church.

After all, that is what Sunday’s Gospel teaches us:

The Shepherd notices when one is missing.

He seeks.

He finds.

He restores.

And He rejoices to bring His sheep home.

That isn’t merely a lesson about how much a shepherd cares about sheep.

That’s how much your Savior cares about you.

The Lord be with you,

Pastor Wright

09/04/2026

SEPTEMBER 4: MOSES

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: Deuteronomy 34:10–12 “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt... and for all the mighty power and all the great and awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Moses was the great mediator of the Old Covenant, bringing God’s Law down from Sinai and speaking with God face to face. Yet, for all his greatness, Moses was a sinner who could not bring the people into the Promised Land, nor could his Law save a single soul. The Law reveals God’s holiness and our sin, leaving us terrified outside the camp. But Scripture promises a greater Prophet than Moses. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, came face to face with God’s justice on the cross and satisfied it completely. Where Moses brought the Law that condemns, Christ brings the Gospel that forgives, giving us eternal life and entry into the heavenly kingdom.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “Moses is a lawgiver, and therefore his office is to demand and accuse. But Christ is the Mediator and Propitiator, who gives grace, righteousness, and eternal life freely to those who believe.” (Apology of the Augsburg Confession IV, 38)

PRAYER: Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank You that while the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Keep us firmly anchored in the Gospel, resting in the finished redemption of our Savior. Amen.

09/03/2026

SEPTEMBER 3: GREGORY THE GREAT, PASTOR

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: 1 Peter 5:2–3 “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome in the late sixth century, famously styled himself servus servorum Dei—”servant of the servants of God.” In an era of political collapse and pastoral neglect, he labored to care for the poor and shepherd Christ’s flock with humility. The Law exposes our natural desire for status, power, and authority over others. We naturally prefer to be served rather than to serve. But the Gospel presents us with the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross to wash us clean from all our sins. Cleansed by His blood, Christian pastors and laypeople alike are freed to serve one another in genuine, self-giving love.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “The church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. And for the true unity of the church it is enough to agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.” (Augsburg Confession VII, 1-2)

PRAYER: Almighty God, You raised up Your servant Gregory to shepherd Your church with wisdom and humility. Bless all pastors today with faithful, servant hearts, and keep Your entire flock safely grounded in the pure Gospel of Your Son; in His name we pray. Amen.

09/02/2026

SEPTEMBER 2: HANNAH

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: 1 Samuel 1:27–28 “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have given him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Hannah’s heart was broken by her barrenness and the taunts of her rival, yet in her bitter distress she poured out her soul in quiet prayer to the Lord. The Law often exposes our deep earthly sorrows and the helplessness of human strength. When our hands are empty, we realize how little control we truly possess. Yet, the Gospel reveals a God who hears the cries of the afflicted and gives life to the dead. God granted Hannah a son, Samuel, whom she joyfully dedicated back to the Lord’s service. In an even greater gift, God looked upon our barren, helpless condition and gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, who was offered up for us all so that we might be called children of God.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “Prayer is commanded by God, and He has promised to hear us, not on account of our own worthiness, but for Christ’s sake, who is our only Mediator and Advocate before the Father.” (Large Catechism, Third Part, Lord’s Prayer, 16)

PRAYER: Merciful Lord, hear the prayers of Your children who cry to You in distress. Comfort us with the certainty of Your love, and grant us grace to offer our lives and gifts back to Your service with joyful hearts; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

09/01/2026

SEPTEMBER 1: JOSHUA

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: Joshua 1:8–9 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Joshua was called to lead Israel into the Promised Land, a daunting task requiring absolute obedience and courageous faith. The Law demands unwavering strength and unyielding adherence to God’s commands, exposing our frequent anxiety, hesitation, and spiritual weakness. We shrink back from the battles before us. But the Gospel points us to the true Joshua—Jesus—whose name means “The Lord Saves.” Christ faced the ultimate enemy, conquered sin, death, and the devil on our behalf, and leads us safely into the heavenly Promised Land. Armed with His righteousness and accompanied by His permanent presence, we can stand strong and courageous, knowing that our victory is already won.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “For the Word of God is not a dead letter, but a living, active power which creates faith in the heart, comforts terrified consciences, and gives strength to obey God’s commands according to the Spirit.” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration II, 53)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, deliver us from our fears and doubts. Grant us grace to meditate upon Your saving Word day and night, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our true Leader and Savior, who goes before us into life everlasting. Amen.

08/31/2026

Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Christ’s Love. ❤️

We’re getting ready to serve our neighbors!

The Zion Neighborhood Food Pantry is being established to help individuals and families in Hampton, Rapids City, Port Byron, Campbell’s Island, and the surrounding Upper Rock Island County area.

With the Tyson plant closing in Joslin and many families facing uncertainty, we believe this is an especially important time for neighbors to care for neighbors.

Follow our page over the coming weeks as we introduce the pantry, share how it came together, thank the many people and businesses who are making it possible, and let you know how you can help.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Christ’s Love. ❤️

08/31/2026

AUGUST 31: MONDAY AFTER TRINITY XIII

DAILY LECTIONARY READING: Jeremiah 36:23 “As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a penknife and throw them into the fire in the firepot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the firepot.” (ESV)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: King Jehoiakim sat before a fire, and as Jeremiah's scroll was read to him, he took a penknife, cut the scroll into pieces, and threw it into the fire until the entire scroll was consumed. He thought he could destroy God's Word by burning it. But the Lord simply commanded Jeremiah to write another scroll with the same words, adding even more warnings. Human beings have always tried to silence, burn, or rewrite the Word of God to escape its judgment. But the grass withers, and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever. This eternal Word is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which remains our only comfort and secure foundation through all eternity.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING: “We believe, teach, and confess that the prophetic and apostolic writings of the Old and New Testaments are the only rule and norm according to which all doctrines and teachers alike must be appraised and judged.” (Formula of Concord, Epitome, Rule and Norm, 1)

PRAYER: O Lord God, preserve Your holy Word among us against all the attacks of the world and the devil. Keep us faithful to the Holy Scriptures, that we may always find our life and salvation in the Gospel of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.