Podcasts about Divine Service

What Brings You Joy? | Luke 10:1-20 On this Fourth of July weekend, we pause to reflect on a deeper kind of joy—one that cannot be shaken by trials or taken away by time. True joy isn't just a smile or fleeting emotion. It's a lasting peace, rooted in Jesus Christ and His finished work. In Luke 10, Jesus reminds us not to rejoice in worldly success or power, but in something far greater: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Sin distorts God's gifts and leaves us restless. But through the cross, Jesus won for us complete forgiveness—removing guilt, shame, and fear. Our eternal joy was purchased by His suffering and death, and it is renewed each time we receive His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. We give thanks for the earthly freedoms we enjoy—especially the freedom to worship and proclaim the Gospel. But even these are temporary compared to the unshakable joy of belonging to God's Kingdom, a joy sealed in Baptism and nourished in the Church. Rejoice! Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. ✝️ Key Takeaway: Our joy isn't found in success, safety, or earthly freedom, but in Jesus—crucified, risen, and present with us in Word and Sacrament.

Rev. Peter C. Bender, presiding

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Office Hymn: “My Soul, O God, Magnifies Thee” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #94) Readings: Judges 13:2-7, Isaiah 11:1-5, St. Luke 1:39-56 Hymn Sermon --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin:  July-2-Visitation-of-the-Blessed-Virgin-Mary-Insert-2024.pdf https://vimeo.com/1097319071?share=copy

The Face of God | Luke 8:26–39 What do we see when we look into the face of Jesus? In a world that reads faces to judge character, status, and identity, Christ reveals something far deeper: the very heart of God. In this week's Gospel, we encounter Jesus as He heals a man possessed by demons—showing His divine authority, compassion, and the unshakable peace He alone can give. Through this act and through His journey to the cross, Jesus shows us not only His power, but His purpose: to set His face toward Jerusalem for our salvation.

Pastor Peter C Bender

Order of Divine Service I, p. 136 Lutheran Worship Hymn “Today Your Mercy Calls Us” LW 347 Readings:  Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 John 3:13-18, St. Luke 14:16-24 Hymn of the Day: “The Mouth of Fools Doth God Confess” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #40, ELHB #277) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Your Table I Approach” LW 249, TLH 310 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “We Give You But Your Own” LW 405 “One Thing's Needful” LW 277 “Come Unto Me, Ye Weary” LW 345, TLH 276 --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Trinity-Two-Cover-6-29-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1097297398?share=copy Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (III:34) The Great Banquet Luke 14:15-24

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Office Hymn: “My Church! My Church! (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #90/#92) Readings: Galatians 2:16-21, John 8:31-36 Hymn #864 Sermon --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: June-25-Presentation-of-the-Augsburg-Confession-Insert-2025.pdf https://vimeo.com/1095984146?share=copy Picture: Deacon Anthony Oncken at Eldona Synod, April 28-May 2, 2025.

Yahrtzeit Yomi #1520!!כז סיוןRav Dovid Trenkמורי ורבי הרב מנחם יחיאל דוד ב״ר אברהם יהושע העשיל טרענק(1940 - 2019)TAYREH REBBEH!!

Order of Divine Service, p.7   The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal Hymn: “O Jesus, Lamb of God, Thou Art” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal ASBH #91) Readings: Malachi 4:4-6, Isaiah 40:1-5, St. Luke 1:57-80 Hymn #908 Sermon --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL) Bulletin: June-24-Nativity-of-St-John-the-Baptist-Insert-2025.pdf https://vimeo.com/1095409495?share=copy Picture: Eldona Synod, April 28-May 2, 2025.

Jesus Overcomes Our Estrangement | Luke 8:26–39 Estrangement is more than distance—it's a broken relationship, where communication has collapsed and people live in separation, sometimes even hostility. In Luke 8, we meet a man who embodies this estrangement: isolated, tormented, and living among the dead. Yet Jesus crosses the sea to reach even him. In this sermon, we see how Jesus heals the man possessed by a legion of demons, not merely to show power over evil—but to overcome separation. Separation from self. From others. From God. That same Savior still comes to us today—through the boat of His Church, in the power of His Word and Spirit. He brings healing where there is hurt, communion where there is division, and peace where there was once only torment. Jesus overcomes our estrangement. Key Takeaway: Jesus doesn't avoid the broken—He seeks them. He brings the Gospel to the spiritually isolated, and He restores us to the family of God.

Rev. Peter C. Bender - presiding

Order of Divine Service I, p. 136 Lutheran Worship Hymn: “Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray” LW 302 Readings:  Jeremiah 9:23-24, 1 John 4:16-21, St. Luke 16:19-31 Hymn of the Day: “From God Shall Naught Divide Me” (The Augustana Service Book and Hymnal #39, LW 409, TLH 393) Sermon Offertory: "Create in Me…"         p.18 General Prayer………                    p.19-20 Hymn: “Lord Jesus Christ, Life-Giving Bread” LW 248, TLH 312 Exhortation                                    p.21 Communion Service, p.144 (Lutheran Worship) Communion Hymns: “The God of Abraham Praise” LW 450, TLH 40 “Lord, You I Love with All My Heart” LW 413, TLH 429 “To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray” LW 155 --Michael D. Henson, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (Herrin, IL). Service Bulletin: Trinity-One-Cover-6-22-2025-Online.pdf https://vimeo.com/1092463594?share=copy Picture:  Ottheinrich Bible 1430 (III:40) The Rich Man & Lazarus Luke 16:19-31

Why do we feel unsafe? What would make us feel safe? We have an opportunity to call upon the miracles to undo our fear. We are in danger nowhere in the world. Do we believe that? Are we fearful in the feelings of danger and threat? We can believe we will be calm in the face of adversity, but usually we are activated and feeling unsafe and fearful. God keeps us safe. We are among the ministers of God, and the Energy of Creation protects us in our Mission of Divine Service. "Your peace goes with me Father, it sheds its light on everyone I meet." God will send us the people we are to save. We recognize our Self in them, and give them peace and miracles as we have been given them to extend to others. In the giving we realize the receiving. We give the miracle of Divine Safety, and receive it too. AMEN.

Pastor Bender - presiding

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Rev. Peter Bender, presiding

The Rebbe expresses joy at signs of business improvement, blessing continued growth in livelihood to ease and enhance joyful service of Hashem—especially meaningful before Shavuos, when physical blessings are part of the Divine “wedding.” He clarifies that his responses aim to guide, not merely reflect expectations. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/015/010/5497

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Pastor Peter C. Bender, presiding

St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Join the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Pastor Peter Bender (presiding); Pastor Gary Gehlbach (assisting)

St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

May 28, 2025St. John Lutheran Church & School - Random Lake, WI Live StreamJoin the congregation of St. John in prayer each day at 9 a.m. CST. We meet as a congregation for Divine Service each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., and on festival days, where God serves us with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.WEBSITE: https://sjrl.org EMAIL: church@sjrl.org  SUPPORT: https://sjrl.org/donate SERVICE BULLETINS: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1omip_adCkH9LlnL8LXWUWdYG-tMl-VXg&usp=drive_fs SUBSCRIBE:YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnRandomLake Rumble https://rumble.com/c/stjohnshermancenter Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stjohnrandomlake/live X https://twitter.com/STJLRandomLake Odysee https://odysee.com/@stjohnshermancenterApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lutheran-preaching-and-teaching-from-st-john-random/id1344559511Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ANc5uTut6dXPyeUEsPspY?si=b1b4e0fce3004e04Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1344559511RSS https://anchor.fm/s/25c9700/podcast/rss

Rev. Sean Daenzer joins Mark and Julianna to talk about the Divine Service on Wednesday at the Gathering. We hope this helps you get excited and prepare your group for this unique worship experience.  Bio: Rev. Sean Daenzer serves as director of LCMS Worship and chaplain of the LCMS International Center.  He previously served for seven years as pastor of a dual parish in rural North Dakota. Daenzer holds a Bachelor of Music in Organ from Hope College, Holland, Mich. (2006), and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. (2011). He and his wife, Audrey, have four children.  Resources: Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. LCMS Youth Gathering – www.lcmsgathering.com 

Pastor Bender (presiding)

May 25, 2025Today's Reading: John 16:23-33 Daily Lectionary: Numbers 3:1-16, 39-48; Numbers 4:1-8:4; Luke 14:25-15:10“[Jesus said,] ‘I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.'” (John 16:33)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The next time you are in church, count how many times the word “peace” is spoken or sung. I think you'll be surprised. “Peace” is all over the Divine Service! “In peace let us pray to the Lord…”; “Glory be to God on high and on earth peace;” “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, grant us your peace;” “The peace of the Lord be with you always;” “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace.” It's even the last word you hear as the Lord places His name upon you in the benediction and sends you back out into the world: “The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”Why? Because in the world, you will have tribulation…people will sin against you…you will be mocked for your faith…, and your sin will cause problems. But take heart—Jesus has overcome the world.In the midst of tribulation, amid the chaos of a broken, bent, corrupt life…Jesus gives you peace. Does that mean that life gets easy? Does it mean we won't have arguments with our family and friends? No. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.”  But take heart: Jesus has overcome the world.Jesus has suffered the wrath that we deserve because of our sins. He has paid the price for your friends that hurt you. He brings forgiveness and wholeness.The peace that Jesus talks about is not a worldly peace. It's not an absence of tribulation. It's a peace that takes our broken world and broken lives and makes them whole with His forgiveness. This is why we come back to church week after week.  In the world, we will have tribulation, but in the Divine Service, Jesus comes to you to give you peace. He is the Savior who comes, takes on our flesh, and brings His peace to the earth. He is the Lamb of God who gives you peace. He comes to you in, with, and under the bread and wine of His Supper and greets you with the same greeting He gave to His Disciples in the Upper Room on Easter Evening: “Peace be with you.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.- Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Peter C. Bender - presiding; Pastor Gary V. Gehlbach - assisting

Safe in the Shepherd's Hands | John 10:22-33 In a world filled with countless voices clamoring for our attention, one voice stands apart—clear, faithful, and comforting. Jesus promises, “My sheep hear my voice.” Unlike the fleeting calls that leave us lost and alone, His voice remains steadfast and unwavering. Death could not silence Him, and His ascension did not distance Him. Today, He speaks through His Word, proclaimed by His apostles and pastors, ensuring His sheep are never without His guidance. When we wander, bruised and breathless, He does not scold; instead, He rejoices and gently gathers us into His embrace. You are never abandoned to life's chaotic noise. Your Good Shepherd calls you personally, leading you beside still waters. Join us as we explore the profound assurance of being safely held in the hands of our Good Shepherd. Key Takeaways: Jesus' voice offers comfort, direction, and assurance. His promise ensures we are never alone or abandoned. Through His Word and Sacraments, Christ continually calls and cares for us.

Rev. Peter C. Bender

You Know It Is the Lord! | John 21:1-14 | Trinity Lutheran Church Have you ever had a moment when God's promises became unmistakably clear? In John 21:1-14, the disciples experience this very clarity. Initially, they don't recognize the figure on the shore—until He speaks and His promise is fulfilled. They've witnessed this before: a night of fruitless fishing, then a simple command from Jesus, and suddenly their nets overflow. "It is the Lord!" proclaims John, recognizing Jesus by His word that accomplishes exactly what He promises. Today, we hear that same powerful word, given so that "you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). Listen and believe—it truly is the Lord! ✨ Key Takeaways: Jesus fulfills His promises in unexpected ways. Recognizing Jesus comes through hearing His Word. God's Word is powerful, creating faith and life.

Pastor Bender - presiding

Pastor Bender - presiding; Pastor Gehlbach - assisting.

Pastor Bender

Pastor Bender

Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary-Ft. Wayne, IN “Heaven on Earth: The Gifts of Christ in the Divine Service” by Arthur Just “Concordia Commentary: Luke 1:1-9:50” by Arthur Just “Concordia Commentary: Luke 9:50-24:53” by Arthur Just The post The Easter Hymn, “The Strife is O'er, the Battle Done” – Dr. Arthur Just, 4/21/25 (1111) first appeared on Issues, Etc..