2nd Sunday of Christmas (Series A)
Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-15
Epistle Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:40-52
Worship Service
January-4-2026
Rev Schemm preached from Ephesians 1 about the often-troubling question of being “chosen” by God. Many people fear that if God predestines some to be saved, they may not be included, especially when they judge themselves by their failures, suffering, or lack of success. He reassured the congregation that faith itself is evidence of being chosen, because Scripture teaches that no one believes in Jesus apart from the Holy Spirit’s work. God knew the cost of salvation from the beginning, yet still chose to love and save His people through Christ’s death and resurrection. Though we are unworthy and cannot earn faith, God freely gives it and marks believers with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of salvation. Because we are the chosen, we do not live in fear but in confidence, trusting that even in hardship God has placed us where we are to shine His light and bring Him glory.
Curtis reminded the kids that we are still in the Christmas season, which lasts twelve days beginning on 25 December. Using the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” he shared how a Catholic priest once linked each gift in the song to something about the Christian faith, like Jesus in the manger, the Old and New Testaments, the Beatitudes, the Fruits of the Spirit, and the Ten Commandments. Even if some connections seemed a little stretched, the main point was clear: Christmas lasts beyond one day, and it is always about Jesus. He encouraged everyone to keep rejoicing in Christmas until Epiphany on 06 January, and closed with a prayer of thanks for God’s gifts and a request that we share them with others.
New Year’s Eve(Series A)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 30:15-17
Epistle Reading: Romans 8:31b-39
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:35-40
Family Life Minister Curtis preached that God desires an ongoing, personal covenant relationship with His people, a relationship He Himself guarantees and fulfills. The new year begins on 1 January because it is the eighth day after Christmas, the day Jesus was circumcised and named, placing Himself under the Law and beginning the fulfillment of the covenant God swore to Abraham. In this act, Christ’s first shedding of blood looked ahead to the Cross, where He bore the full curse of the broken covenant so that its blessings would come to us by grace through faith. Just as circumcision once marked God’s people, baptism now marks us as redeemed in Christ, assuring us that nothing in this world or the next can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, Christians face the new year not in fear or frantic striving, but in quiet trust, resting in the finished work of Christ, confident that time itself belongs to the One who was named Jesus, the Lord who saves.
1st Sunday of Christmas (Series A)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 63:7-14
Epistle Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-23
Worship Service
December-28-2025
Rev David Schemm preached on Matthew 2, reflecting on the chaos surrounding the Holy Family as they fled to Egypt after Herod’s attempt to kill the infant Jesus, and how God’s guidance and providence were at work through it all. He shared personal stories of how the wonder of Christmas returned to him through the eyes of his young son, connecting that childlike awe to the hope that remains even when life feels overwhelming. Just as God led Israel safely out of Egypt and fulfilled every prophecy surrounding Jesus’ early life, God still works through the circumstances of our lives, even when we cannot see the reasons. For those weighed down by guilt or regret, Rev Schemm emphasized that Christ came to bear our shame and remove our guilt at the cross, making us new creations and beloved children of God. Christmas reminds us that God has a plan, His authority is never shaken, and we are called to live with restored hope, confidence, and joyful expectation in His grace.
Family Life Minister Curtis talked with the children about the old tradition of receiving oranges in Christmas stockings. He explained that the custom comes from stories about St. Nicholas, a real Christian leader from the 300s who was generous because of the salvation and gifts he had received from Jesus. The orange represents the gold he secretly gave to help a poor family. Curtis encouraged the kids to remember that God has been generous to them through salvation, and that they can respond by joyfully sharing and being generous with others. He closed with a prayer of thanks and asked God to help them live generously.
Christmas Day(Series A)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)
Worship Service
December-25-2025
Pastor Eric Klemme preached on John 1:1-18 as the “Gospel in a nutshell,” showing how these opening verses summarize the entire message of John: that the eternal Word, true God from the beginning, became flesh to redeem the world. John, the apostle of love, highlights that God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but to reconcile it to Himself through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are justified by grace through faith, not by works, yet we are created in Christ for good works as the fruit of that faith. During this present time of the Church, we proclaim Christ incarnate, crucified, risen, and coming again, trusting the Holy Spirit to equip and sustain us. Until the day of Christ’s return, the Church remains faithful to its mission: to preach and live the Gospel in a nutshell.
Christmas Eve(Series A)
Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Joseph's Story: Matthew 1:18-25
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-20
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18
On 24 December 2025, Pastor Eric Klemme preached on 1 John 4:7–15, highlighting that Christmas is fundamentally about God’s unconditional, self-giving love shown in Christ. John, the “apostle of love,” teaches that we love because God first loved us, and that hatred and lovelessness are incompatible with knowing God. Pastor Klemme emphasized that human ideas of love are often transactional, while God’s agape love is radically different, reaching even enemies and those who rebelled against Him. Christ came not first to condemn the world but to save it through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, loving us when we were still His enemies. Faith itself is God’s work, not ours, as we are born again by His will and receive Christ as a gift. Christmas, therefore, celebrates God “love-bombing” the world with grace so that believers, renewed by the Spirit, may love others as the fruit of faith.
Family Life Minister Curtis used a British Christmas tradition, the Christmas cracker, to teach the children about Jesus as the true gift of Christmas. Inside the crackers were small toys and a paper crown, reminding everyone that the gifts we receive at Christmas are only small shadows of the greatest gift God has given: Jesus, the King of Kings. Curtis explained that Jesus was not born in a castle but in a humble manger, yet He is the true king. The crown inside the cracker reminds us of His kingship, and the joy, laughter, and surprises of Christmas point us back to God’s gift of salvation. Even as we open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, we remember that because of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, we can celebrate with joy.
2nd Sunday of Christmas (Series C)
Old Testament Reading: 1Kings 3:4-15
Epistle Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:40-52
Pastor Eric Klemme reflected on Solomon’s request for wisdom rather than wealth or power, showing how true discernment comes only from God. Unlike Adam and Eve, who grasped at the knowledge of good and evil apart from God, Solomon humbly sought the Lord’s guidance, and God was pleased to bless him. Yet Solomon’s later downfall came when he took his eyes off God and relied on human schemes, leading to division in Israel. Pastor Klemme reminded us that we too stumble when we trust ourselves instead of Christ, but God calls us back daily through His Word, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, giving us true wisdom and strength. The beginning of wisdom is the fear and love of the Lord, revealed in Christ who rescues, restores, and keeps us in His unchanging grace.
New Year’s Eve(Series C)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 30:(8-14) 15-17
Epistle Reading: Romans 8:31b-39
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:35-40
Pastor Eric Klemme urged the congregation to “stay dressed and ready for action,” reminding us that the Christian life is one of active faith, not passive waiting. While the world celebrates the new year with excess and uncertainty, Jesus calls His people to seek first the kingdom of God and to use the gifts He has entrusted to us in service. Pastor Klemme emphasized that ministry is about relationships—meeting people where they are, loving and serving as Christ first loved us. We are not saved by our works but by grace through faith, and in response we live as God’s workmanship, equipped by His Word, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper for every good work. As we enter a new year, we fix our eyes on Christ, awaiting the day when He will return and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
1st Sunday of Christmas (Series C)
Old Testament Reading: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15
Epistle Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
Pastor Eric Klemme reminded the congregation that as God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are justified by grace through faith and called to live out that identity in daily discipleship. This means putting on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together in Christ. While our sinful nature makes such virtues difficult, the Holy Spirit equips us through the means of grace—Word, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper—to live as disciples in the world. Pastor Klemme emphasized that though we stumble and remain both sinner and saint, we are clothed in Christ’s righteousness, forgiven, and strengthened to walk as children of light. Discipleship is not perfection but a daily struggle of repentance and renewal, always keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who justifies and sustains us until He comes again.
Christmas Day(Series C)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18
Pastor Eric Klemme preached on John 1:1–14, proclaiming that Christmas is about the Word made flesh. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was born so that we might be born again—not by our own will or decision, but by the will of the Father through water, Word, and Spirit. Pastor Klemme rejected the idea that we can “choose” Christ by our own strength, reminding us that salvation is God’s work alone, accomplished through the incarnation, cross, and resurrection of Jesus. While the world may dismiss the Gospel as foolishness, the Holy Spirit gives faith, clothes us with Christ’s righteousness in Baptism, and calls us to live as children of light. Though still sinners, we are also saints, walking in sanctification as we await Christ’s return. Christmas is the celebration that in Christ, God has acted for us, giving us new life and making us His own.
Christmas Eve(Series C)
Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18
Pastor Eric Klemme preached from 1John 4 on God’s perfect love revealed in Jesus Christ. He emphasized that love is not something we create or master on our own, but the gift of God, most clearly shown in sending His Son to be our Savior. While the world’s versions of love are fleeting or self-serving, God’s agape love is unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring. Pastor Klemme reminded us that this love equips us, through the Spirit and the means of grace, to love even our enemies and to live as witnesses of Christ’s peace. At Christmas, we celebrate not only Christ’s first coming but also prepare in faith for His second coming, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is true love in action.
New Year's Eve
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 30:15-17
Epistle Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:35-40
On New Year’s Eve, Family Life Minister Curtis preached on why the Christian calendar turns over on the day Jesus received His name, reflecting on Romans 8:35 as the assurance that nothing can separate believers from Christ’s love. He explored the history of calendars, the meaning of Auld Lang Syne, and why the civil new year does not align with Christmas, Advent, a solstice, or an equinox. Instead, he traced the scriptural and covenantal significance of the eighth day, when Jesus was circumcised and officially named, fulfilling the promises made to Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham, and revealing Himself as the Savior whose name means “the Lord saves,” the true heir who brings the new covenant. By tying Jesus’ naming to the promises of salvation, adoption, and eternal security, he urged hearers to begin the new year resting in the faithfulness of God, who keeps His promises and holds His people securely in Christ.
1st Sunday of Christmas (Series B)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Epistle Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
Rev David Schemm preached on Luke 2 and the story of Simeon, using personal memories of fear, waiting, and dread to show how deeply people long for the peace Simeon expressed when he held the infant Jesus. Rev Schemm described how life often feels like walking down long dark halls, facing unknown outcomes, or wrestling with consequences of our own mistakes, yet Simeon’s peace did not come from a trouble-free life but from God’s promise that he would see the Messiah before he died. In the same way, Christians learn peace by clinging to God’s promises: that He knows their names, forgives completely, watches over them, gives purpose, and hears their prayers even when they come in desperation. Rev Schemm urged the congregation to gather and hold God’s promises close whenever fear, guilt, or uncertainty presses in, remembering that Jesus has finished the work of salvation and that believers never walk alone, for they are cherished children of God.
Christmas Day(Series B)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)
In this Christmas Day sermon, Family Life Minister Curtis emphasizes that the true spirit of Christmas is found in Christ, not in cultural traditions or human morality. Using Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as an illustration, he contrasts false righteousness with the gift of salvation through Jesus, who came to conquer sin and death. The sermon highlights that Christ’s birth, as foretold in Isaiah, establishes God’s kingdom of justice and mercy. True celebration involves abiding in Christ, sharing His love, helping neighbors, and teaching His Word, rather than merely observing festive customs or pursuing self-righteousness.
Christmas Eve(Series B)
Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18
In this Christmas sermon, Family Life Minister Curtis reflects on the joy and anticipation of Christmas, connecting it to God’s redemptive plan revealed through the Nativity narratives of Matthew, Luke, and John. Using the story of The Three Trees to illustrate God’s purpose and the fulfillment of salvation, he emphasizes that Christmas is a prelude to Easter, highlighting Christ’s fully human and fully divine nature. Matthew connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecy, Luke emphasizes His arrival as Savior for all people, and John shows that the Word became flesh to dwell among us. The sermon reminds believers that Christmas is not just about tradition or gifts but about God’s gift of reconciliation, redemption, and the light of Christ entering the world, calling us to reflect His love throughout the year.
2nd Sunday of Christmas (Series A)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Epistle Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
Pastor Ray preached on the Epiphany account of the Magi, reminding the congregation that while the world may have already “packed Christmas away,” the Church continues to celebrate Christ’s revealing to the nations. He emphasized that Scripture does not answer every curiosity we have about the Magi, but instead clearly shows that God led them to Jesus through His Word and sign. The Magi responded in faith, falling down in worship before the Christ child, and offering gifts that confessed who He is: King, God, and Savior who would die for our sins. In the same way, Christians today continue to seek Christ where He promises to be, in His Word and Sacraments, responding in worship, confession, generosity, and the offering of ourselves. Epiphany shows that God still makes the “foolish” wise through faith in Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world.
New Year’s Eve(Series A)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 30:(8-14) 15-17
Epistle Reading: Romans 8:31b-39&version=ESV" style="color: #3A87AC">Romans 8:31b-39
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:35-40
Pastor Ray delivers a compelling message urging believers to be ready for Christ's unexpected return or their own death, emphasizing that every moment brings us closer to eternity. Drawing from Jesus' words in the Gospel about the Son of Man coming like a thief or lightning, he illustrates the suddenness with a memorable youth group "surprise" activity where a teen dramatically announced Jesus' arrival, prompting an excited rush outside. He confronts denial about death—evident in unexpected losses like the former Pope and Barbara Walters—and reminds the congregation that death entered through sin, making preparation essential. True readiness, however, is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Christ's finished work, as beautifully articulated in a member's paper by Dr. Roger Riggenbach and echoed in the Ben-Hur analogy: "Stay in the chariot" of faith, and God ensures victory. Quoting Colossians 3 and Romans 8, Pastor Ray encourages setting minds on things above and trusting that nothing can separate believers from God's love in Christ, offering assurance rather than uncertainty for the coming year.
Christmas Day(Series A)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)
In this Christmas Day sermon, Pastor Ray recounts the nativity story from the perspective of a shepherd who witnessed the birth of Jesus. He emphasizes the wonder and fear of encountering God’s holiness, the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, and the shepherds’ immediate response to seek and share the good news. The sermon highlights that Christmas is about celebrating the miracle of God taking on human flesh, the Savior born for all, and our call to be witnesses of His life, death, and resurrection through faith and sharing the Gospel.
Christmas Eve(Series A)
Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18
In this Christmas Eve sermon, Pastor Ray emphasizes that the birth of Jesus brings true peace and joy to our lives, far beyond the temporary comforts or busyness of the holiday season. Using the nativity story and the example of the 1914 Christmas Truce in World War I, he illustrates how Christ’s coming transforms ordinary circumstances and gives peace that surpasses human understanding. By believing in Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, we can experience peace with God and extend that peace to others. Pastor Ray urges listeners to center their hearts on Christ this Christmas and allow Him to transform their lives.