St John's Ev. Lutheran Church

09/06/2026

Sunday September 6 2026

EXPLANATION OF THE THEME OF THE DAY
UNEXPECTED TRUTHS — I AM MY BROTHER’S KEEPER
When danger strikes, most people instinctively move away from it. Fire, violence, accidents, and disasters trigger a natural desire to find protection and safety. Yet first responders do the opposite. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics run toward the very scenes others are fleeing. They enter burning buildings, approach violent situations, and kneel beside the injured in chaotic moments. This response is unexpected because it goes against basic human instinct.
Today God calls us to be spiritual first responders when we see people in trouble because of sin. Instead of self-preservation and comfort, we choose service to them and to our Lord. Our motive is the grace of God and his desire for the salvation of all mankind.

PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Prepare my heart for worship, Lord. May it never be merely going through the motions but a time of heartfelt communion with you. Move me to come with a repentant heart, ready to confess my sins in honesty and deep humility. Focus my eyes on the cross and lift me up with the forgiveness you won for me there. Make me grateful for the fellowship I share with other Christians as we gather around your Word, which is a blessing I never want to take for granted. Amen.


Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WdHTl5SRX1EdnDfk2Bn-azWPRKUdzoGqi4mQOaNsAxc/edit?usp=sharing

https://youtube.com/live/UD40H1PTSUs?feature=share

EXPLANATION OF THE THEME OF THE DAYUNEXPECTED TRUTHS — I AM MY BRO...

08/30/2026

Sunday august 30 2026

EXPLANATION OF THE THEME OF THE DAYUNEXPECTED TRUTHS — CROSS COMES...

08/30/2026

Sunday August 30 2026

EXPLANATION OF THE THEME OF THE DAY
UNEXPECTED TRUTHS — CROSS COMES BEFORE CROWN
Some churches teach that if a person follows God, God responds by granting prosperity and peace, as would only be expected. Today we see how that is nonsense. The Bible explains that if we are part of the Church of God, we will bear crosses. Believers suffer in this world, sometimes just because they are believers.
Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, one too heavy for us because it was weighted down with our sin. We carry our crosses because we know that in those moments of struggle, we are forced to turn to Christ and rely on his strength. This is the unexpected path, the one Jesus himself walked: the cross comes before the crown.
PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise. Amen.
Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WdHTl5SRX1EdnDfk2Bn-azWPRKUdzoGqi4mQOaNsAxc/edit?usp=sharing

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST AUGUST 30, 2026 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH — STURGIS, MI WELCOME! Thank you for joining us in worship this morning. We gather together in the presence of God to hear his Word and respond in worship, prayer, and praise. EXPLANATION OF THE THEME OF THE DAY UN...

08/23/2026

Sunday August 23 2026

EXPLANATION OF THE THEME OF THE DAY:
UNEXPECTED TRUTHS — THE SON OF MAN IS GOD
Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” It’s the most important question in the world, and it is a question every human being must answer. The expected answer may be dead wrong. Some in Jesus’ day thought he was John the Baptist. Some thought he was the prophet Elijah who had come back from the dead. Today plenty of people believe that Jesus existed. They think that Jesus was a wise teacher or a role model for love. Both answers are expected. Both miss the main point.
Jesus is a real human being, the Son of Man. He is also Lord and Savior, the Son of the living God. This unexpected truth is the core of saving faith.
PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Father in heaven, teach me to appreciate every opportunity to gather with others for worship. Help me see that my time in your house is a time for humility, not pride; a time for repentance, not faultfinding. Renew my heart so that I might go out and confess the power of your grace, the truth of your Word, and the breadth and depth of your love. Amen.

Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1osVLnDEKFLDWwEV_w8R-dnIhTKtFX_goEltlxzXRisY/edit?usp=sharing

https://youtube.com/live/Q4i4cZp12D4?feature=share

08/16/2026

Sunday August 16, 2026

TODAY’S THEME:
UNEXPECTED TRUTHS — THE CHURCH IS FOR ALL PEOPLE
“All are welcome!” Is that true at our chrch? Or is church meant only for people of the right heritage who behave the right way, “good church folk”? Is it conceivable that a stranger could walk into church unexpectedly and for some reason you would ask yourself, “What is someone like that doing here?” Or perhaps you ask that question about yourself. “There seem to be godly people here. I’m not like them. Do I really belong?”
Today Jesus shows us that the Church is for all people. All of us—regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social status—have the same problem of sin. And we all have the same Savior. Anyone who comes to Christ’s Church and cries out “Lord, have mercy!” is welcome.

PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise.

Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IqMndABh2JUYtTvLO75yDUSwIuF1b0kGZJlgiwo-Vdc/edit?usp=sharing

https://youtube.com/live/HwO74GOpi9U?feature=share

08/09/2026

Sunday Worship 8/9/2026

THEME OF THE DAY: WHAT MAKES CHRISTIANS DIFFERENT –
CHRISTIANS ANSWER DOUBT WITH FAITH
Wherever faith clings to the promises of God, doubt is always lingering. Doubt asks the serpent’s garden question, “Did God really say?” People doubt God’s care, God’s promises, or God’s providence.
The answer to doubt is not found in loud, dramatic demonstrations. The true answer to doubt is found in the still small voice of our Savior God whispering to us in his Word. Through Word and sacrament, Christ reaches out to us with nail-scarred hands, proof of his great love. Jesus gently says, “Why did you doubt?” Our faith is restored. Christians answer doubt with faith.

PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of your Holy Supper. As I come to your table, work true repentance in my heart. Teach me to confess my sins and to believe that I am forgiven for your sake. May your body and blood, which are in and with the bread and wine, nourish my faith and strengthen my will to live to the glory of your name. Amen.

Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tua_cZScw4qT2ezKQ9dUoCyaG5-X32S8uXzmoUCOyv8/edit?usp=sharing

https://youtube.com/live/qKzMY_rvnT4?feature=share

THEME OF THE DAY: WHAT MAKES CHRISTIANS DIFFERENT –CHRISTIANS ANSW...

08/02/2026

Sunday August 2, 2026

CHRISTIANS TRUST GOD TO PROVIDE
The hardest times to trust God are the times we need him most. It’s easier to trust God when your job is going great, your health is fine, your relationships are fine, and your family is good. It’s easier to trust God when the sun is shining, but what happens when your life is suddenly overshadowed by dark days?
When tragedy strikes, we may wonder if God continues to care for us. At those times, Christians do not despair like those who have no hope. Instead, Christians focus on certain foundational facts. We are chosen and adopted as God’s dear children. God provides us innumerable spiritual blessings and promises us an eternity of peace and joy. If we recognize those spiritual blessings, how can we doubt that God will give us everything we truly need at the right time? Christians trust God to provide.

PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near; Let me your Word e’er pure retain; Let me Your child and heir remain. Your Word inspires my heart within; Your Word grants healing from my sin. Your Word has pow’r to guide and bless; Your Word brings peace and happiness. (CW 282 vs 1, 2)

Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tua_cZScw4qT2ezKQ9dUoCyaG5-X32S8uXzmoUCOyv8/edit?usp=sharing

https://youtube.com/live/SQBm124Wjwg?feature=share

CHRISTIANS TRUST GOD TO PROVIDE The hardest times to trust God ...

07/26/2026

Sunday July 26, 2026

TODAY’S THEME: WHAT MAKES CHRISTIANS DIFFERENT —
CHRISTIANS SEEK SPIRITUAL WEALTH
What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority?
The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy the things of this world, things that rust and decay, but there is something more valuable. True wealth is spiritual wealth. It can be found only in God and his eternal blessings for us in Christ.

PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP
Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise. Amen.


Copyright Acknowledgments
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. www.wartburgproject.org
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. Copyright © 2015 Ian M. Welch. All rights Reserved.
Music, hymns, and worship responses reprinted under Onelicense.net A-726370
All rights reserved.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IqMndABh2JUYtTvLO75yDUSwIuF1b0kGZJlgiwo-Vdc/edit?usp=sharing

https://youtube.com/live/algdoDdKaQM?feature=share

TODAY’S THEME: WHAT MAKES CHRISTIANS DIFFERENT —CHRISTIANS SEEK S...