St. John's Lutheran Church - Russellville, AR

09/15/2026

+SERVICE OF THE WORD+
Holy Cross Day
Sept. 14, 2026

GOSPEL
John 12:20–33

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Merciful God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, was lifted high upon the cross that He might bear the sins of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

09/15/2026

Image from Lutheran Church-Canada

09/14/2026

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Cross.

The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1 Corinthians 1:18–25

09/13/2026

The sermon for Holy Cross (Observed) is entitled, "The Inconceivable Wisdom and Power of the Cross." We hope it is a blessing to you!

St. John’s Lutheran Church, LCMS: Russellville, AR Sermon: The Inc...

09/13/2026

It's time for Russellville's Oktoberfest!
Get ready for some delicious German food! Plus, outdoor games and live music!
Menu:
Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, German Potato Salad, Green Beans, Coleslaw, Hot Dogs, Chips, Drinks, and Homemade Desserts.
For more info or to buy tickets, check out our website at: https://stjohns-lutheranchurch.org/oktoberfest/
You can also check out the FB event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HSEFGbVgU/

09/13/2026

Divine Service Setting Three - LBS 184
Old Testament Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Holy Gospel: John 12: 20-33
Hymn of the Day - LBS 454 (Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle)

09/12/2026

Christ Jesus, the Incarnate God, suffered for us, descended into hell, rose again, and is seated at God's right hand. Hear Christ for you at kfuo.org.

09/11/2026

Each Friday, find a weekly collect to include in your prayers. This week, on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, pray for those who grieve, those who serve their neighbors and all people.

09/08/2026

PSALM 41

Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;
the Lord protects him and keeps him alive;
he is called blessed in the land;
you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
The Lord sustains him on his sickbed;
in his illness you restore him to full health.

As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you!”
My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die, and his name perish?”
And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,
while his heart gathers iniquity;
when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
All who hate me whisper together about me;
they imagine the worst for me.

They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;
he will not rise again from where he lies.”
Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
But you, O Lord, be gracious to me,
and raise me up, that I may repay them!

By this I know that you delight in me:
my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.
But you have upheld me because of my integrity,
and set me in your presence forever.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.