Lent

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Ash Wednesday(Series A)

February

Wednesday

18

2026

Old Testament Reading: Joel 2:12-19
Epistle Reading: 2Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Sermon Summary

Pastor Eric Klemme opened the Lenten season by calling the congregation to repentance, humility, and renewed faith in Jesus Christ. Just as Advent prepares believers for Christ’s coming, Lent turns hearts toward His cross and ultimately toward His promised return. Apart from Christ’s atoning death and victorious resurrection, humanity remains nothing but dust with no hope beyond the grave. Yet because Christ rose, believers will also rise, regardless of burial circumstances, since the same God who formed Adam from dust will re-create and glorify His people. Drawing from Matthew 6 in the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Klemme warned against hypocritical, showy piety and self-righteous generosity. True discipleship is marked by quiet faith, secret giving, daily repentance, and humble trust in God rather than in wealth or status. Echoing the Apostle Paul’s teaching to Timothy and the Corinthians, he reminded listeners that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, leaving no room for boasting. Lent, therefore, is not merely a season, but a daily pattern of turning from sin, confessing our frailty, and clinging to the crucified and risen Christ, who alone gives eternal life.

Good Friday(Series C)
18 Apr 2025

Maundy Thursday(Series C)
17 Apr 2025

Palm Sunday(Series C)
13 Apr 2025

5th Wednesday in Lent (Series C)
9 Apr 2025

5th Sunday of Lent (Series C)
6 Apr 2025

4th Wednesday in Lent (Series C)
2 Apr 2025

4th Sunday of Lent (Series C)
30 Mar 2025

3rd Wednesday in Lent (Series C)
26 Mar 2025

3rd Sunday of Lent (Series C)
23 Mar 2025

2nd Wednesday in Lent (Series C)
19 Mar 2025

2nd Sunday of Lent (Series C)
16 Mar 2025

1st Wednesday in Lent (Series C)
12 Mar 2025

1st Sunday of Lent (Series C)
9 Mar 2025

Ash Wednesday(Series C)
5 Mar 2025

Good Friday(Series C)

April

Friday

18

2025

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9

Sermon Summary

Pastor Klemme’s sermon focused on Jesus’ final words from the cross, “Tetelestatai,” meaning “It is finished,” a statement that sounded like defeat to the world but was, in truth, the ultimate declaration of victory. Through His death, Jesus fully accomplished what was needed for salvation, securing redemption, forgiveness, and justification, not through repeated animal sacrifices but through the once-for-all sacrifice of the sinless Son of God. The tearing of the temple curtain at His death symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to the Father without the need for priests or rituals. Pastor Klemme illustrated this truth with a personal story about his Aunt Fran, who believed she needed others to pray on her behalf, underscoring that in Christ the barrier is gone. Because Jesus declared, “It is finished,” believers are no longer dead in sin but are adopted as God’s children, able to call Him “Abba, Father,” assured of eternal life and restored fellowship with Him.

Maundy Thursday(Series C)

April

Thursday

17

2025

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1-14
Epistle Reading: 1Corinthians 11:23-32
Gospel Reading: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Sermon Summary

Preaching from John’s account of the night Jesus was betrayed, Pastor Klemme highlighted Christ’s example of humble service in washing His disciples’ feet. Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, fulfills the old covenant with His own blood and establishes a new covenant of love and forgiveness. He commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them—sacrificially and unconditionally. Though the world is filled with tribulation and hatred, Christ promises His abiding presence through His Word and Sacraments. In Him we have forgiveness, strength for our struggles, and the assurance of eternal life. Funerals, then, are not mere grief but Easter promises: because Christ is risen, we too shall rise.

Palm Sunday(Series C)

April

Sunday

13

2025

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 32:36-39
Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Reading: John 12:20-43

Sermon Summary

Pastor Klemme centered the sermon on the phrase “Sir, we would see Jesus” from John 12, noting that this request by the Gentiles reminds us that the heart of all preaching and worship is to see Christ for who He is, what He has done, and what He continues to do, as their desire to see Jesus shows that salvation is for all nations and not Israel alone. The sermon explained that we see Jesus today in Baptism, in the Word, and in the Lord’s Supper, where He is truly present to forgive, strengthen, and sustain us, and it reflected on the raising of Lazarus, which set in motion the plot to kill Jesus when Caiaphas declared it better for one man to die than for the nation to perish, a statement that was fulfilled in a deeper way as Christ’s death truly brought life to all. Pastor Klemme also addressed Palm Sunday’s crowds, many of whom misunderstood Jesus as a “bread king” who would provide temporary relief from Rome, while Christ came for something far greater, freedom from sin, death, and the devil. Jesus entered Jerusalem humbly, not to overthrow earthly powers, but to fulfill His hour through His suffering and death for our redemption. Our hope, then, is that we see Jesus now through the means of grace, and that one day we will see Him face to face in glory, fully known and fully redeemed.

5th Wednesday in Lent (Series C)

April

Wednesday

9

2025

Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Sermon Summary

Pastor Klemme preached from Philippians 2, focusing on Christ’s humility and the so-called foolishness of the cross, noting that the world cannot understand why God would humble Himself, take on flesh, and die a shameful death, since cultures prize strength, honor, and perfection, while God’s true glory is revealed in weakness on the cross. He explained that Christ took the form of a doulos, a slave, bearing our sin, and that many reject Christianity because they see only weakness in the crucified Savior and instead prefer ideas or religions centered on earthly power, with even figures like Hitler despising Christianity as weak. Yet Paul reminds us that Jesus emptied Himself, suffered, and died, and through this humiliation was exalted, so that the cross, though despised by the world, is in fact the true glory of God. On the cross Jesus declared, “It is finished,” meaning our salvation was fully accomplished once for all, and at His name every knee will bow, some in worship and others in defeat. In Holy Communion we are joined with believers of all times at the foot of the cross, seen by God as justified in Christ, for salvation rests not on our efforts, decisions, or righteousness, but entirely on Christ’s finished work, by which we are fully justified by grace through faith.

5th Sunday of Lent (Series C)

April

Sunday

6

2025

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 20:9-20

Sermon Summary

Preaching from Philippians 3, Pastor Klemme emphasized Paul’s call to “press on toward the goal,” noting that Paul once prized his heritage, knowledge, and religious zeal but came to count it all as skabala, rubbish, compared to knowing Christ. The sermon highlighted that while the world values physical needs and earthly gain, Christ calls us to seek first the kingdom of God, remembering that our citizenship is in heaven and all else fades. Pastor Klemme described outreach as pre-evangelism, meeting people, building relationships, and opening doors for the Gospel, with evangelism following as we share Christ in love when the Spirit provides opportunity. He stressed that we cannot convert hearts, as only the Holy Spirit works faith through the Word and Sacraments, while our role is simply to plant and water and trust God for the growth. Through community connections like concerts, fellowship, and service in Shalimar and beyond, every believer is called to live as a missionary, pressing on past what is temporary toward the crown of everlasting life, the resurrection, and the wedding feast of the Lamb, where our true citizenship lies.

4th Wednesday in Lent (Series C)

April

Wednesday

2

2025

Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:8-14

Sermon Summary

Pastor Klemme preached from Philippians 3, where Paul declares that everything he once valued—status, success, even zeal for the law—is worthless compared to knowing Christ. Paul calls it “skabala”—rubbish—because only Christ’s righteousness and the hope of the resurrection truly matter. Believers are called to fix their eyes on Christ, not earthly gain, and to “press on toward the goal” of eternal life. Like Paul, we are to forget what lies behind, endure trials, and live as Christ lived: in humility, sacrifice, and service. In Christ we have the eternal prize, the crown of everlasting life.

4th Sunday of Lent (Series C)

March

Sunday

30

2025

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6
Epistle Reading: 2Corinthians 5:16-21
Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Sermon Summary

Preaching on the parable of the prodigal son, Pastor Klemme emphasized the Father’s deep compassion and eagerness to welcome His children home. Many wander from the faith—sometimes through rebellion, sometimes through self-righteousness—but God never lets go of His own. Baptism marks us as His children, and the Holy Spirit continually calls us back through the Word. Repentance comes when we reach “rock bottom” and realize life is only whole in the Father’s house. The Father embraces the repentant sinner with forgiveness and restoration, while also entreating the self-righteous to join the celebration. Ultimately, in Christ—the true Son given for us—we are clothed in righteousness and welcomed into the eternal feast of the Lamb.

3rd Wednesday in Lent (Series C)

March

Wednesday

26

2025

Epistle Reading: 2Corinthians 5:16-21

Sermon Summary

Preaching from 2 Corinthians 5, Pastor Klemme emphasized that Christians are ambassadors for Christ. Just as an ambassador represents the full authority of the nation that sends him, we represent the Kingdom of God. Through Christ, we have been reconciled to the Father, made new creations, and sent out to share this message of reconciliation. While we often fail as representatives because of our sin, God equips us through His Spirit, Word, and Sacraments to proclaim forgiveness with gentleness and respect. Our mission is not based on our eloquence or strength, but on Christ’s work on the cross. As ambassadors, we live and speak not for ourselves, but on behalf of the One who has reconciled the world to Himself through Jesus.

3rd Sunday of Lent (Series C)

March

Sunday

23

2025

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-20
Epistle Reading: 1Corinthians 10:1-13
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

Sermon Summary

Preaching from Luke 13, Pastor Klemme refuted the idea that tragedies happen because people “deserve it” through karma or divine punishment. Jesus teaches that suffering is not tied to personal sin but to the reality of a fallen, sinful world. All are sinners, and unless we repent, we will perish. God does not deal with us according to what we deserve but according to His grace. In Christ, the sinless One who became sin for us, we receive forgiveness and eternal life. Stories of the thief on the cross, a Nazi general who repented, and biblical examples like the man born blind reveal that salvation comes not by works or justice, but by God’s unconditional mercy in Christ. Redeemed by His sacrifice, we are called to bear fruit in keeping with repentance, living as forgiven children of God, not under karma, but under grace.

2nd Wednesday in Lent (Series C)

March

Wednesday

19

2025

Epistle Reading: 1Corinthians 10:1-13

Sermon Summary

Paul warns the Corinthians by recalling Israel’s failures in the wilderness: despite God’s presence and provision, they yielded to temptation. We, too, face temptation daily—but God provides His Word, sacraments, and Spirit as our escape. Christ’s cross is our victory, and when we stumble, He lifts us up in forgiveness. Fix your eyes on Jesus, your faithful deliverer.

2nd Sunday of Lent (Series C)

March

Sunday

16

2025

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 26:8-15
Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35

Sermon Summary

Pastor Klemme preached on Jesus’ resolve in the face of threats from Herod and rejection from the Pharisees. The Pharisees tried to frighten Jesus into leaving Perea, but He remained undeterred, focused on His mission to heal, teach, and ultimately suffer and die in Jerusalem.
Drawing from Jeremiah’s call to repentance and the rejection of prophets throughout Israel’s history, Pastor showed how people often resist God’s Word, preferring comfort and worldly security. Yet Jesus declared Himself the narrow door, the only way to the Father, and would not be turned aside from His saving work.
The sermon emphasized that Christ’s mission was not prosperity or ease, but the cross, where He bore our sins and won forgiveness. Unlike earthly kingdoms, our true citizenship is in heaven, secured by Christ’s finished work. We are not saved by being “good” but by being forgiven in Him.

1st Wednesday in Lent (Series C)

March

Wednesday

12

2025

Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Sermon Summary

Though the world pulls us toward fear, comfort, and distraction, we are citizens of heaven, marked as Christ’s own in baptism. By Word and Sacrament, the Spirit strengthens us to stand firm in faith and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

1st Sunday of Lent (Series C)

March

Sunday

9

2025

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Epistle Reading: Romans 10:8b-13
Gospel Reading: Luke 4:1-13

Sermon Summary

Pastor Klemme preached on the temptation of Christ in the wilderness, drawing parallels between Jesus’ trials and the temptations we face daily. Jesus was tempted on three levels—physical (hunger), spiritual (worship), and emotional (ego/pride)—yet He resisted not by divine power but by relying on God’s Word. This shows us that Scripture is our strongest weapon against temptation.

The sermon emphasized the importance of being rooted in the means of grace—Word and Sacraments—as our fortress and defense against the devil. Just as Jesus clung to Scripture, believers are called to study, hear, and live the Word daily so that they can stand firm when tested.

Pastor Klemme also reminded the congregation that fellowship in worship is vital; isolation makes us vulnerable to temptation. The Word of God, along with Christ’s real presence in the Lord’s Supper, strengthens and sustains us. Ultimately, our hope is in Christ’s victory, who alone provides eternal life.

Ash Wednesday(Series C)

March

Wednesday

5

2025

Old Testament Reading: Joel 2:12-19
Epistle Reading: 2Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Worship Service
March-5-2025

Ash Wednesday (Series B)
14 Feb 2024

1st Sunday of Lent (Series B)
18 Feb 2024

1st Wednesday in Lent (Series B)
21 Feb 2024

2nd Sunday of Lent (Series B)
25 Feb 2024

2nd Wednesday in Lent (Series B)
28 Feb 2024

3rd Wednesday of Lent (Series B)
6 Mar 2024

4th Sunday of Lent (Series B)
10 Mar 2024

4th Wednesday in Lent (Series B)
13 Mar 2024

5th Sunday of Lent (Series B)
17 Mar 2024

5th Wednesday of Lent (Series b)
20 Mar 2024

Palm Sunday (Series B)
24 Mar 2024

Maundy Thursday(Series B)
28 Mar 2024

Good Friday
29 Mar 2024

Good Friday(Series B)

March

Friday

29

2024

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Gospel Reading: John 18:1-19:42 or John 19:17-30

Maundy Thursday(Series B)

March

Thursday

28

2024

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 12:1-14
Epistle Reading: 1Corinthians 11:23-32
Gospel Reading: Mark 14:12-26

Worship Service
March-28-2024

Palm Sunday(Series B)

March

Sunday

24

2024

Old Testament Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12
Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel Reading: Mark 15:1-20

Sermon Summary

The Palm Sunday readings highlight Christ’s humility and kingship. Though the day is marked by triumph, the deeper focus is on Jesus humbling Himself, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy, and becoming obedient to death on the cross. Curtis emphasized how humanity often chooses power, pride, and sin over God, yet Jesus endured humiliation at every stage—trial, mocking, and crucifixion—to redeem us. Pilate, Jewish leaders, and even the crowd all played roles in His humiliation, but Christ’s kingship was declared through His sacrifice. He took our place, paid our guilt, and conquered sin and death. Palm Sunday ultimately points us to the paradox of Christ the humble King, who redeems us through His suffering and resurrection.