Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Pastor, today in the Gospel, I heard some things that I would like to know more about.

Pastor: Well, you are in the right place, Sammy. In church, we get to learn more about Jesus.

Sammy: Yes we do. And I have a question about Jesus. 

Pastor: Go for it, Sammy.

Sammy: Why is John calling him a sheep?

Pastor: He’s not a sheep.

Sammy: Exactly. So John is confused. Really confused. Jesus isn’t a sheep. He’s fully God and fully man.

Pastor: You know, for a little lamb, you understand so much.

Sammy: And yet I know so little.

Pastor: That’s okay. We are all on a journey to learning more about Jesus. John was calling Jesus the Lamb of God because Jesus is the Savior of the world. In the Old Testament, we read about how people had to get their sins forgiven.

Sammy: How did people ask for forgiveness of their sins?

Pastor: When people sinned, or disobeyed God, they had to ask their dad to sacrifice an animal. The animal stood in the place of the person who sinned.

Sammy: You mean to tell me–wait don’t tell me. You really mean people did that to innocent lambs?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. The lambs stood in the place of the people to pay for sin. When we sin, there is a cost. 

Sammy: What’s the cost?

Pastor: The wages of sin is death.

Sammy: Yikes that is scary.

Pastor: Well, for all of us who believe in Jesus, it’s not scary. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and he willingly laid down his life as a sacrifice for us. He took away our sin and opened Heaven’s gates to us. All we have to do is be baptized and believe in him. 

Sammy: You know, I am glad that Jesus was willing to lay down his life for me. He truly is the Lamb of God.

Pastor: Let’s say a pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for taking our sins. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone!

Pastor: Today is a special day, Sammy!

Sammy: Oooo! I love special days. Wait–don’t tell me. I want to guess. It’s epiphany!

Pastor: Yes, but that’s not what I was–

Sammy: It’s your birthday!

Pastor: Not quite.

Sammy: Your anniversary!

Pastor: Not even close.

Pastor: Sammy, let’s focus.

Sammy: Right. Well, I give up. 

Pastor: Sammy, today is the Baptism of our Lord.

Sammy: Ooo. What’s that?

Pastor: Boys and girls, what is baptism?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Baptism is a sacrament in our church. We become a part of God’s family when we are baptized. Water and Word are necessary parts of the baptism. If someone wants to be baptized, he or she has water poured on his/her head and we say special words.

Sammy: What words are those?

Pastor: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Sammy: Where do you get the water?

Pastor: Let me show you. [Show boys and girls the baptismal font.]

Sammy: And why do you baptise “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”?

Pastor: Well, part of worshipping God is becoming part of his family. We profess our faith and become part of the family of Jesus when we are sealed with the waters of baptism. 

Sammy: And Jesus was baptized, too?

Pastor: Yes, Jesus was baptized just like us. John, his cousin, baptized him. And the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God himself, was present.

Sammy: Wow! That’s incredible. Baptism is so cool!

Pastor: Yes it is. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads so we can pray together? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for the Trinity. Thank you for welcoming us into your family. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“And He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”  And He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass.  They sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties” (Mark 6:38-40).

With the Lord, all that we have is enough.  Can you not see that He, through whom all things came into existence, is more than able to do all that is needful to provide for our every need.  He calls us together and provides all that is necessary.  Do we believe?  Do we trust that He is the One who will lead us all the days of our lives?  Come and taste and see that the Lord is always good.

Lord God, all things are possible with You, but I often doubt, and in my doubts, do not believe.  Help me to move beyond my own abilities to see that in You there is hope.  You give us hope beyond anything this world can provide.  When You tell us to do something, grant us faith such that we do what You command.  If You say that we should tell a mountain to be moved into the sea, help us to speak to the mountain.

Lord Jesus, in the example of Your life and ministry, You have demonstrated how to live a life of willing obedience to the Father.  Lead me to be in constant prayer.  Help me to do those things You give me to do.  Through all that comes, help me now and always to abide in the truth that You are always with me and leading me in the journey of faith.  Not by my will, but by Yours, guide me in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.

“But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?” (Mark 6:37)

Sometimes what the Lord asks of us seems so outrageous.  We think of earthly things and count the cost, figuring we cannot afford it.  Jesus, the One through whom all things have come to be, is able to do all things.  It is not just food for the belly that Jesus has come to give, but food for the soul which nourishes us and prepares us for life everlasting.  If the Lord asks for you to do something, He will provide what is needful.

Lord, You know where I do not fully believe and think only in worldly terms.  You know the places where I try to figure things out on my own and do not do what You would have me do.  Help my unbelief and guide me in the way You know I need to go.  Help me to not act on what I see, but upon what You tell me.  Lead me into all righteousness for Your sake and learn how to step out in the faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You have become the living bread for our sake.  There is more than enough, for You have provided what money cannot buy.  Lead me in the way You would have me go and help me to believe in You when You ask me to do something.  Help me through my doubts in order that I may learn to obey all that You command.  You have told me to go.  Guide me to go where You send me.  Amen.

“When it was already quite late, His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and it is already quite late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mark 6:35-36).

The disciples wanted to get away from the crowds.  How often are we annoyed with our situation?  The Lord has compassion and does not take the easy way.  He went to the cross so that we could go with Him into eternal life.  The Lord does not send us away to feed ourselves but gives us Himself as the bread of life.  What He gives we cannot buy, for He alone was able to pay the price.

Lord God, in everyday life I demonstrate the ways in which I do not have compassion and mercy.  Many is the time when I am tired and just want to rest, and yet, there are always opportunities for ministry.  Lead me so that I do not settle for the worldly way of doing things but come along with You on the narrow path and walk according to Your word, partaking of the living bread which You give.

Lord Jesus, You always give that which leads to us to being perfected in mind.  I would settle, but You intend that I live unto life eternal with You.  You have shown me that You do not stop.  Do not stop with me but help me to listen to the Holy Spirit as You speak, learning how to obey the Father and walk faithfully, becoming ever more like You in all things.  Feed me  on the living food which You give.  Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, February 1, 2026: 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 3, Lectionary 4

ALL: Micah 6:1-8 (Answer me, my people; how have I burdened you? What does the Lord require but to love justice, do mercy, walk humbly before him?)

ALL: Psalm 15 (Who abides with God? Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (Christ is the wisdom and power of God, despite the foolishness and   stumbling-block nature of the Cross)

ALL: Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: Let Streams of Living Justice Flow: ELW #710 (Gustav Holst’s majestic tune Thaxted pairs well with the Micah text!)

            OR Let Justice Flow Like Streams: WOV #763 (Very familiar tune)

            OR Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor: LBW #418 (Simple Welsh folk tune)

OR O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714, LSB #852

Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They:  WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

OR (if preaching on Corinthians): When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:

LBW #482, ELW #803, LSB #425/426

Communion 1: Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me: LBW #336, LSB #683

Communion 2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Closing Hymn: Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660 (Note: “soldiers” replaced with “servants,”

and a verse is omitted), LSB #837

OR Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB #851

*******

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! His Beatitudes challenge, humble, and energize us. Give us a double portion of your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit. In the power of the Spirit, make it love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly before you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends, families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield victorious, for all who risk their life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal their body, mind, and soul. Strengthen their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their labors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether or not we agree with them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to your holy will. Help them to strengthen bonds of respect, trust, and concord in every community across our nation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen the sick and sorrowful, including those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As we entrust our beloved dead into your hands, and commend ourselves to your care, we pray: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, January 25, 2026,

3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 2, Lectionary 3

OR Conversion of St. Paul

Conversion of St. Paul Lessons and Hymns

ALL: Acts 9:1-22 (The conversion of Saul)

ALL: Psalm 67 (God be merciful, bless us, make his face shine on us; let all praise him)

ALL: Galatians 1:11-24 (Paul touches on his conversion and its consequences for him)

SOLA/LSB: Matthew 19:27-30 (All who follow Jesus will be given much – with persecution)

            RCL/ELW: Luke 21:10-19 (You will be brought before authorities, persecuted, but will be saved if you are faithful)

+++++++

Opening Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise: LBW #526, ELW #834, LSB #802

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

            OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: LSB #849 (A winner, worth getting permission for it. Beach Spring is a familiar Early American tune, too.)

Hymn of the Day: Thy Strong Word: LBW #233, ELW #511, LSB #578

OR Lord, ‘Tis Not That I Did Choose Thee: LSB #573 (Heartfelt, very Pauline. Relatively easy tune, but can also be sung to Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, “Hyfrydol”)

                OR How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord (Lovely hymn tune, thought-provoking words! Highly recommend) ELW #880, LSB #853

Communion 1: Chief of Sinners Though I Be: LBW #306, ELW #609, LSB #611

OR What Wondrous Love is This: LBW #385, ELW #666, LSB #543

Communion 2: Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704

Closing Hymn: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

OR Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus: LBW #487, ELW #802, LSB #685

OR There Is A Balm in Gilead (trust me!): WOV #737, ELW #614, LSB #749

*******

3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany Lessons and Hymns

ALL: Isaiah 9:1-4 (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light)

ALL: Psalm 27:1-9 (The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (1^st mention of divisions in Church; message of Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but the power of God to those being saved)

ALL: Matthew 4:12-25 (In the region mentioned by Isaiah, Jesus begins his ministry – “Repent; the kingdom of Heaven has come near” – and calls his first disciples)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: The People That in Darkness Sat: LSB #412 (great words, familiar tune!)

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

            OR Shine, Jesus, Shine:  WOV #651, ELW #671

Hymn of the Day: O Christ, Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #875

O Christ, Our True and Only Light: LSB #839

Communion 1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249

OR (if you didn’t use it on Baptism of Our Lord) I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light:

WOV #660, ELW #815, LSB #411

Communion 2: Renew Me, O Eternal Light: LBW #511, LSB #704

Closing Hymn: Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult: LBW #494, ELW #696

OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: LSB #849 (Another winner, worth getting permission for it. Beach Spring is a familiar Early American tune, too.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord, sometimes we think you see us only “From a distance.” Sometimes that’s right where we want you! As St. Paul learned, your presence convicts and upends before it forgives and transforms us. Be gentle, Father, as you shed your holy light on us! Send us Jesus to be God-with-Us, Emmanuel. Give us the grace and comfort of your Holy Spirit, who helps us to repent and to delight in your “joyous light of glory.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

The world scorns the Cross as folly and stumbling block. Therefore, give your Church faith, courage, and wit as it proclaims Christ crucified as the only means of forgiveness, salvation, and life with you forever. Make it lovely with the light of Jesus’ strong saving love for us sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring light and clarity to the people of this congregation, so that every act of worship, fellowship, outreach, stewardship, service, study, and support is centered in Christ alone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are persecuted on account of naming Christ as Lord. Keep them steadfast in faith and gracious in witness. Soften the hearts of their tormentors, as you changed the heart of St. Paul himself, and bring them to repentant faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This is a hard prayer for us, merciful Father: we pray for the evil and wicked, for abusers and killers, cheaters and deserters, and those who commit every sort of despicable act. When their victims cannot forgive, help us to pray the prayer they cannot: Forgive, dear Lord. Cause the wicked to repent of their evil ways and cling to the Cross of Christ as their only hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shine the light of reason, charity, justice, and mercy upon the minds of our earthly rulers. Turn them from every agenda, plan, and pronouncement that does not serve your will or benefit the people entrusted to their care. Remind them that they, and all who have power and authority in society, must give an account of their stewardship to you, the Lord and ruler of all. And bestow upon us all a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing, hope, and the light of your dear presence to everyone who sits in the darkness of suffering, shame, or sorrow. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Give them, and all who care for them, the grace to say: “May God be gracious and bless us. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we thank you for the lives and the witness of the faithful departed, including St. Paul {whose conversion we commemorate today}. Be the lamp to our feet and light to our path throughout our earthly pilgrimage. For the sake of your dear Son, lead us, and all whom you are pleased to redeem, into your bright courts of heaven, and into your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, January 18, 2026:  Confession of St. Peter

OR 2^nd Sunday After Epiphany, Proper 1/Lectionary 2

Confession of Peter Hymns, Lessons, and Prayers

ALL: Acts 4:8-13 (After healing lame man, Peter proclaims, “There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved!”)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 118:19-29 (The One whom builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; this is the Lord’s doing, it’s marvelous in our eyes)

            RCL/ELW: 18:1-6, 16-19 (God delivered me out of many waters, saved me from calamity)

SOLA/LSB: 2 Peter 1:1-15 (In Christ, we become partakers of the divine nature. Now add virtue and understanding to God’s grace and your faith.

            RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 (Christ was the Rock in the wilderness from which Israelites drank)

SOLA/LSB: Mark 8:27-35 (The confession of Peter)

            RCL/ELW: Matthew 16:13-19 (Confession of Peter, especially good in Year of Matthew!)

+++++++

Opening Hymn: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation: LBW #367 (If possible, use the one from WOV, ELW, or LSB, which use a better tune), WOV #747, ELW #645, LSB #909

            OR Christ is Our Cornerstone: LSB #912 (tune is “Rise Up, O Saints of God)

Hymn of the Day: By All Your Saints in Warfare: LBW #177, v. 1, 10, 3; ELW #420, v. 1, 7, 2, last; LSB #517, v. 1,10, 3)

OR All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: LBW #328/329, ELW #634, LSB #549

OR Holy God, We Praise Your/Thy Name: LBW #535, ELW #414, LSB #940

Communion 1: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

Communion 2: Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

Closing Hymn: Built on A/The Rock The Church Shall Stand: LBW #365, ELW #652, LSB #645

*******

2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 1/Lectionary 2 Lessons and Hymns

ALL: Isaiah 49:1-7 (God’s Servant given as light to all nations)

ALL: Psalm 40:1-11 (Happy are they who make the Lord their trust; he does not require burnt

            offerings but a willing heart)

ALL: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (Thanksgiving that Corinthians are enriched with every spiritual gift)

ALL: John 1:29-42a (John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” 

2 of his disciples become Jesus’ disciples)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, ELW #806, LSB #696

            OR Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v.1-3: LSB #540 (GREAT hymn, singable early American tune! This is worth getting copyright permissions for if you don’t have LSB)

Hymn of the Day: O Christ, Thou Lamb of God: LBW #103

OR Jesus, Lamb of God: ELW #199

OR Lamb of God (Your only Son, no sin to hide): ELW #336, LSB #550

Communion 1: I Lay My Sins on Jesus: LBW #305, LSB #606

Communion 2: Great is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, ELW #733, LSB #809

Closing Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

OR Christ, the Word of God Incarnate, v. 4-6: LSB #540

*******

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

(COP) Thank you, Father, for granting such faith to Peter that he could boldly confess your Son as the Christ. Thank you for promising that the gates of hell cannot withstand the gracious battering-ram of your faith-filled Church. Thank you for the forgiveness of sin that the Church pronounces in Jesus’ name and at his command.

(2 Epiph) Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you for making him our doorway into your heart. Thank you for making him your dear Lamb, the sacrifice for our sin. Thank you for making him the light of the world, and of our lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(COP) Lord, make your Church confess Jesus as your Son, the Savior and Messiah of the world. Teach it to discern sin and preach repentance. Strengthen it to generously forgive the repentant sinner, and to be pastoral in withholding forgiveness from the persistently unrepentant. Use the Church to be the means by which Jesus draws new disciples to himself and shapes them into his likeness.

(2 Epiph) Lord, cause your Church to preach like John the Baptist. May it always point to Jesus, and say, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Prune away every program or teaching that does not serve that end. Let Jesus use the Church to draw new disciples to himself, and to shape them into his likeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make disciples of everyone in this congregation. Give us willing and trust-filled hearts. Help us to use our spiritual gifts to glorify you and build up our community of faith. Make us bold to tell others, “This is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless the Church wherever it is persecuted on account of Jesus. By its patient witness, turn its enemies from hatred to repentance. For missionaries throughout the world, for our seminaries, church colleges, and schools, and for all who seek to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, we also lift our hands, hearts and voices in fervent supplication.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This weekend, we celebrate the confession of St. Peter, and commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for this double witness. Teach us to value one another not based on race, creed, or gender, but because you have created all people in your image, and have given your Son as the sacrifice for all our sin. By your Holy Spirit, make the content of our character reflect your will, so that we treat each other with respect, justice, and charity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Enlighten the minds and purify the hearts of those who take counsel for the nations. Turn them away from the false gods of power, prestige, and ideology, and teach them your ways. Bestow your favor upon our country. Make it a beacon of righteousness, justice and freedom for all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stoop down, O Lord, and hear the cry of all who are afflicted by suffering or sorrow, including: {List}. Lift them out of their desolation, make their footing sure, and put a new song into their mouths. Restore them to their loved ones, so they may joyfully proclaim your deliverance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious Father, thank you for your servants who have died to us but rest safely in your hand. Sustain us with that same strong and merciful hand. Help us trust and follow Jesus, and to bear his saving love to the world. Keep us close to him, so we are declared guiltless on that day when he is revealed to the world. Make us fit to dwell with him in the glory he shares with you and the Holy Spirit forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

“The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them.  When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:33-34).

No matter where we go, there are always more who are in need.  Such is the state of the world in this age.  Many are called but few are chosen.  The choosing comes in belief and belief is action.  It is not busy-ness for its own sake but doing what the Father gives us to do.  It seems many are trying to live for themselves only – and this is what sin has done – so we are called to be diligent in all that we do.

Lord, I know how to be lazy.  I also know how to look for others to do what I can do.  Teach me to be diligent and serve my neighbor with justice and grace.  Teach me to not be a burden to others, but to be a person of action.  Through all things, teach me to look to You, the source of all goodness, and to live according to Your will and not according to the constant pressure of this world.

Lord Jesus, You have told us to work while it is day.  Your word tells us to put our hand to the plow and not look back.  I know that this has nothing to do with earning something but is a part of how You teach me what I need to know.  As Your disciple, lead me in the power of Your Holy Spirit to live the life You give me to live knowing that all things are in Your hands and You will accomplish all that is needful.  Amen.

DISRESPECTING THE INTEGRITY OF A CONGREGATION AND MISREPRESENTING THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION FOR A RENEWED LUTHERAN CHURCH

First Lutheran Church of Sioux Falls, South Dakota held their first vote to disaffiliate from the ELCA on September 28, 2025.  They will hold their second vote on January 25, 2026.  The results of the first vote exceeded the two-thirds that is constitutionally required for disaffiliation.

Prior to the first vote – on September 21, 2025 – Bishop Hagmaier of the South Dakota Synod came for the required consultation.  But she did not come alone.  She brought along a high-powered “Resource Team” of about twenty persons, some of whom are current or former members of First Lutheran.  The team included a representative from Luther Seminary, the president and senior campus pastor of Augustana University (an ELCA university in Sioux Falls), a Luther scholar, three previous bishops of the South Dakota Synod,  three previous pastors of First Lutheran, the bishop of another synod (who is also a member of the ELCA’s Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church), the vice president of the synod council, the synodical director for evangelical mission, the synodical director for candidacy and mobility, the dean of the local conference, the leader of the ELCA women’s organization for the local conference, and leaders and representatives from Lutheran Social Services, ELCA World Hunger, and Lutheran Planned Generosity.  That is a lot of people, some of whom traveled from considerable distance, especially Bishop Riegel from the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod. 

The format was that four of these resource people would speak, then there would be a time when people could ask questions of the bishop.  Then the various resource people were available for groups and/or individuals.  The reason given was so that people who did not have the courage to ask a question publicly could still have their question(s) answered.

Bishop Hagmaier obviously does not want to lose this congregation.  She put a lot into gathering this resource team.  I have not heard of any other synodical bishop who took the approach of so trying to overwhelm a congregation in a Bishop’s Consultation.

What I found most alarming about the Consultation were two things –

1. The way in which Bishop Hagmaier did not respect the integrity of the congregation.
2. The way in which Bishop Riegel of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, who was also a member of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, misrepresented the work of the Commission.

Here is a link to a YouTube recording of the Consultation – Bishop Consultation // September 21, 2025.  This link can be found on the congregation’s website under “About FLC-Church Governance Task Force.”  Therefore, it is publicly available.  Anyone who wishes to can watch the seventy-minute consultation and find out for themselves whether what I am saying is true.  Here also is a link to the power point presentation from the Governance Task Force –   Presentation TO CONGREGATION – Master Version.  The Task Force has done excellent work summarizing the issues and expressing their concerns.  Their presentation reflects actions taken by the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

FEAR OR RUMORS VS. CLARITY AND TRUTH

Bishop Hagmaier began her part of the presentation by saying that the gathering would not be about fear or rumors but about clarity and truth.  And yet the president of Augustana University in her remarks told about generous scholarships that would no longer be available to young people from First Lutheran if the congregation were to leave the ELCA.  Also the leader of the conference women’s organization shared how the Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is constituted separately from any congregation.  Funds in a congregation’s WELCA treasury belong to WELCA, not to that congregation.  Therefore, if a congregation were to leave the ELCA, the funds would remain with WELCA, not with the women of that congregation.  One person – during the question-and-answer period – challenged the opening statement that the presentations would not be about fear or rumors given that those kinds of statements were made.  Also, when we come to the section where we tell about how the work of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church was misrepresented, it should be obvious that that part of the presentation was certainly not about clarity and truth.

DISRESPECTING THE INTEGRITY OF A CONGREGATION

I found it shocking that Bishop Hagmaier invited three former pastors of the congregation to be part of the Resource Team (though admittedly none of them were among the initial four presenters).  The ELCA has made it very clear that pastors who no longer serve a congregation are not to be involved in the life of that congregation and doing so would be reason for discipline. 

During the question-and-answer period one of the members asked if it is appropriate for a previous pastor to contact members of the congregation regarding the disaffiliation issue.  The person asking the question then said that these kinds of contacts were being made.  This member asked since ELCA guidelines for discipline prohibit it, will a pastor who does it be disciplined?  Bishop Hagmaier affirmed ELCA policy and said that any pastor who violated the policy would be disciplined by the bishop in whose synod that pastor is rostered.  She said that there was a process for this discipline and that any complaints should be brought to her in writing.  I thought it was astounding that Bishop Hagmaier reaffirmed as a reason for discipline behavior and action that she had invited three previous pastors to be involved in.

Bishop Hagmaier also clearly stated that the South Dakota Synod applies synodical administration (S13.24 in the model constitution for synods) only after a congregation has disbanded.  Only after a congregation has held its final worship service does the synod receive the keys to the property so the synod can make sure that the property is properly cared for.  I wonder how many synods apply synodical administration (S13.24) only under those kinds of circumstances rather than under circumstances such as we have described in other synods (including in the former synod of the current presiding bishop of the ELCA). 

MISREPRESENTING THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION FOR A RENEWED LUTHERAN CHURCH

I also found it shocking how Bishop Riegel of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, who was also a member of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, misrepresented the work of that Commission.  Bishop Riegel was among the four initial presenters.  During his opening remarks he made the following comments regarding the Commission.

The “primary drive” behind the memorials from ten synods to the Churchwide Assembly that led to the formation of the Commission was “a sense that this church structurally is too big for itself.”

The focus for the original memorials was for “increasing flexibility for congregations and synods,” “loosening things up so that congregations and synods would have more ability to dictate to themselves how polity would be structured, how they would do things, so they could respond more nimbly to their context.”  The goal was “untangling some of the uniformity of the church” and “having greater flexibility.”

He also referred to the commitment to dismantle racism as merely a “proviso on the side.” 

Neither the final report of the Commission to the Church Council, nor the recommendations from the Church Council to the Churchwide Assembly, nor the actions of the Churchwide Assembly support his statements.

Contrary to what Bishop Riegel said, the commitment to dismantle racism was not a “proviso on the side.”  Instead it was a top priority of the process.  The resolution that was passed by the 2022 Churchwide Assembly that called for the creation of the Commission instructed the Commission to be “particularly attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism.”  Anything that any group is to be “particularly attentive to” is not a “proviso on the side.”    

Recommendation 1 from the Commission to the Church Council was entitled “Immediate Action on Dismantling Racism.”  It included these statements. 

“To ensure timely action, all constitution and bylaw amendments needed for the development and implementation of these accountability measures and compliance incentives must be developed and advanced in time for consideration by the 2028 Churchwide Assembly.  If by that time such measures and incentives have not been adequately identified or enacted, we recommend the ELCA Church Council call for a special meeting of the Churchwide Assembly to evaluate and enact necessary constitutional revisions that will enable and advance the ELCA’s commitment to anti-racism work.”

B-14 was a summary of memorials from several synods and was approved by the Churchwide Assembly 646-144.  The thrust of this motion was –  

• To acknowledge the importance of accountability in addressing racism within all structures of the ELCA
• To affirm the work of the Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity Advisory Team and request that the Church Council continue to work with the team to clarify the nature of mutual accountability as referenced in Recommendation 1 of the CRLC Report
• To direct the Church Council to add a timeline to its actions taken in response to CRLC Recommendation 1 and to provide progress updates to this church with a final report by Fall 2027, including possible constitutional changes, and
• To recommend that if this work is not accomplished by Fall 2027, the Church Council consider calling a special meeting of the Churchwide Assembly to enact necessary revisions to the governing documents of this church.

When you combine these actions with the development of a DEIA handbook and several pages of DEIA Recommendations for Congregations found in the DEIA audit which the Church Council had done of the ELCA’s governing documents, what you have is greater and enforced compliance and uniformity, not “greater flexibility” and “loosening things up.”

What has happened since then?  An October 9, 2025 news release from the ELCA reports that during the October 2-3 meeting of the Church Council the Council “received updates from its Executive Committee regarding a timeline of the ‘immediate action on dismantling racism’ . . . to develop mutual accountability measures and compliance incentives across all expressions of the ELCA.”  Anything that calls for “immediate action” is not a “proviso on the side.”  “Mutual accountability measures and compliance incentives across all expressions of the ELCA” do not speak of “greater flexibility” and “loosening things up.”  Instead they speak of greater, enforced uniformity. 

And then another way in which Bishop Riegel misrepresented the work of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church was in his incomplete reporting regarding a proposed amendment to the ELCA Churchwide Constitution – 22.11.b.  As I reported in my analysis of the Churchwide Assembly (LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR – AUGUST 2025 – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)) that amendment would have provided a way to fast track the approval of amendments that come from the floor.  According to the proposed amendment, they would no longer need to be ratified by a Churchwide Assembly three years later (hopefully after discussion in synods and congregations).  Rather they could be ratified by action of the Church Council within the next twelve months.  Bishop Riegel reported that he opposed that amendment, and he was correct when he said that it did not pass (though just barely).  But he did not say what happened next.  Later during the assembly a voting member proposed new language, which would provide for a provisional ratification of an amendment from the floor by a vote of the church council within twelve months and then a later ratification of the amendment by the next Churchwide Assembly.  After much discussion about whether the new language was appropriate and how it would be executed, the assembly voted 517-247 to refer the motion to the Office of the Secretary for further study.  This action raises the question of how newly elected Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills will interpret the constitution. 

I thought it was very interesting that Bishop Riegel did not tell the rest of the story.  Rather he presented the actions of the Churchwide Assembly in a way that would “calm the nerves” of the members of First Lutheran.  I also do not understand if the final report of the Commission was no more than what Bishop Riegel said it was, why he would have dissented to it in full.

I have only limited information from other congregations regarding the consultation that they had with their synodical bishop before they held their first vote on whether to disaffiliate from the ELCA.  But none of them were like this one.  This Consultation certainly says two things –

• ELCA synodical bishops need to respect the integrity of congregations.
• ELCA church leaders need to tell the truth.