Sunday, April 5, 2026

Posted on 2Apr CATEGORIES: Sunday

The Resurrection of our Lord – Divine Service
 
From catastrophic death emerges the mighty salvation of God.  Israel witnesses the destruction of its Egyptian adversaries and in revelry sings: the Lord has triumphed gloriously.  The apostle Paul, once a vehement assassin of Christians, marvels that the grace of God grips him and inspires his preaching so that others may believe in Jesus.  Mary is seized with astonishment at the sight of the risen Jesus and proclaims Him “Teacher.”  This is the day for resurrection rejoicing.
 
Readings
Exodus 14:10-15:1
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
John 20:1-18
 
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Hymns
“Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”     LSB 458   (Not in pew hymnal)
“He’s Risen, He’s Risen, Christ Jesus the Lord”  LSB 480    (Choir)
“I Know that My Redeemer Lives”     LSB 461
“Our Paschal Lamb that Sets Us Free”     LSB 473
“Rise Up O Believer”     OAR 267
“Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia”   LSB 466
“Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds”     LSB 465
“At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing”     LSB 633
“The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done”     LSB 464
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”     LSB 457

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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Posted on 19Mar CATEGORIES: Sunday

Palm Sunday – Divine Service
 
Crowds pursue Jesus to see Him, hear Him, ridicule Him, and finally crucify Him.  The sequence from popularity to persecution unfolds on this Sunday of the Passion.  Hosanna accolades would be stifled by jeering mockery.  The imagery of palm branches would be obscured with the bloodied palms and wounded head of Jesus.  Within a week, Christ is adorned in beauty and fame, scorning and shame.  For us, He decidedly unravels death’s hideous sting! 
 
Readings:
 
Collect of the Day: 
Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Hymns:
“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”     LSB 443
“Jesus, Remember Me”   LSB 767
“All Glory, Laud and Honor”     LSB 442
“Lift High the Cross”     LSB 837
“No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet”     LSB 444
“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”   LSB 699
“My Song Is Love Unknown”     LSB 430   (March hymn of the month)
 “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty”     LSB 44

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Sunday, March 22, 2026

Posted on 19Mar CATEGORIES: Sunday

The Fifth Sunday in Lent – Divine Service
 
Decaying skeletons are revived in hearing the prophesies of God.  Graveyards are opened; the dead are raised – and the Lord does it all!  Lifeless creatures respond to the breath of the Holy Spirit.  Hostile flesh wars against God and dies, but those continually revived by the Spirit live in peace.  Dead Lazarus is three days entombed in stench, and yet, when Jesus speaks, he rises, he lives!  Lazarus sheds the shroud of death, and the Lord has done it all!
 
Readings:
 
Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Hymns:
“Give Me Jesus”     LSB 976   (Not in pew hymnal)
 “Jesus, Remember Me”   LSB 767
“My Song Is Love Unknown”     LSB 430   (March hymn of the month)
 “We All Believe In One True God”     LSB 954
 “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”     LSB 622
“My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”   LSB 576
“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”     LSB 685
 “Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing”     LSB 421

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March 15, 2026

Posted on 11Mar CATEGORIES: Sunday

The Fourth Sunday in Lent – Divine Service
 
People endure debilitating disabilities – blindness, deafness – and these ailments are not punishment for sin.  Without intervention, people in darkness and utter silence remain isolated.  Jesus attends wholeheartedly to those who live in darkness and silence.  He illuminates minds and hearts with faith, so that people would confess Him as Lord.  He heals the blind so that people would see who He is!  Christ’s amazing miracles confound the arrogant and enlighten the repentant.   
 
Readings:
 
Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Hymns:
“My Song Is Love Unknown”     LSB 430   (March hymn of the month)
“Jesus, Remember Me”   LSB 767
“Church of God, Elect and Glorious”     LSB 646
“Amazing Grace”     LSB 744
“Beautiful Savior”     LSB 537
“Christ the Life of All the Living”   LSB 420
“Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing”     LSB 421
 

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Seminary Thank Yous

Posted on 11Mar CATEGORIES: e-news content

Dear Saints at St. Peter Lutheran Church, I want to express my sincere thanks for the gifts and donations provided to our Seminary community this past December.  Your generosity is a great encouragement to us.

I am a 2nd year M. Div student at CTSFW, originally from Seward, NE.  My wife and I are blessed with two children: Evelyn (2) and Michael, who was born this past October. Seminary life brings many joys as well as challenges, especially as we approach vicarage placement this spring. 

Because of your kindness we’ve been able to enjoy a few meals out together, helped cover the cost of travel to Nebraska for Christmas, and brightened our home with a festive quilt!                     

Thank you again for your generosity and support for those preparing for the ministry – your kindness is deeply appreciated.

 Sincerely, Jonathan Landrey  

 

Dear St. Peter Lutheran Church,  My name is Benjamin Wood.  I am a first-year PhD student at Concordia Theological Seminary.  I live with my wife (Jenny) and two children (Christopher, Age 2 and Lucy, age 3 mos.).  I am writing to thank you for your generosity and support for students like me.  Thanks to your help, we are able to live in Fort Wayne and prepare for a lifetime of service in God’s church!  It truly is a blessing! 

    With gratitude, Benjamin Wood

 


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Sunday, March 8, 2026

Posted on 4Mar CATEGORIES: Sunday

The Third Sunday in Lent- Prayer and Preaching
 
Sin mars living, distorts perceptions, ignites quarrels, and endorses lies.  This is the journey that believers navigate – suffering, enduring, and hoping.  It is the singular hope in Christ that catapults us through our own difficult wilderness journey.  We know that Jesus in justice and truth brings down the gavel on sin and the sinner.  But in His definitive care, He refreshes with Word, water, bread, and wine.  In these sacred and forgiving gifts, Christ is among us and for us. 
 
Readings:
Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-8
John 4:5-26
 
Collect of the Day:
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Hymns: 
“My Song Is Love Unknown”     LSB 430   (March hymn of the month)
 “What Wondrous Love Is This”     LSB 543
 “Lamb of God, Pure and Holy”     LSB 434
“May God Bestow on Us His Grace”   LSB 824

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Indiana District LLL Convention

Posted on 4Mar CATEGORIES: e-news content

Do you know that the way Christian’s go about their day and connect with members in their household is a critical aspect of spiritual growth? When the households of your church are spiritually vibrant, your church is more effective at faith formation, outreach, and community engagement. Come, bring the family to learn more at the Indiana LLL Convention hosted at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso on Saturday, April 25, 2026.  All are welcome to attend. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, LHM VP, Ministry Engagement is the keynote speaker. 

Special Events for the day:

  • Gospel Adventures – Mongolia for Kindergarten through 8th Graders
  • Spiritual Conversations: Sharing Life, Faith and Jesus with Friends for 9th – 12th Graders

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for registration and fellowship. The convention begins at 9:00 a.m. with 3 concurrent sessions for adults, children and youth. The nursery will be available for 14 children under the age of 5. You are invited to stay for the evening worship service at 5:00 p.m. at Immanuel, with Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies preaching for the service. There is no cost to register, but registration is needed for lunch meal count and materials for the day’s activities. Please complete the online registration form at https://www.lhm.org/in-lll.

For more information you can contact Rick Hoffmann, Indiana LLL District President by phone 260.442.4550 or by email rhoffmann@sphr@gmail.com. Registration deadline is April 20, 2026.


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Sunday, March 1, 2026

Posted on 25Feb CATEGORIES: Sunday

The Second Sunday in Lent – Divine Service Three
 
Faith is Abraham’s legacy – nothing more!  He believed God’s credibility in fulfilling the incredible.  How could an aged, childless father boast of countless heirs.  How could a rich pharisee be born again through water, word, and Spirit?  How could a condemned world be redeemed by the death of a Son?  All these things are grasped, believed, and confessed by God’s gift of faith – nothing more!   
 
Readings:
 
Collect of the Day:
O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 
Hymns: 
“My Song Is Love Unknown”   LSB 430   (March hymn of the month)
“There Is a Redeemer”     LSB 971   (not in pew hymnal)
“The God of Abram Praise”     LSB 798
“When I Behold Jesus Christ”   LSB 542   (sung by Youth Choir)
“Lord, The I Love with All My Heart”     LSB 708   (sung by Adult Choir)
“Jerusalem, My Happy Home”     LSB 673

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