Whose Church Is It, Anyway?
October 4, 2026 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer

The church belongs to Jesus Christ, not us! He alone builds, sustains, and blesses His church through the saving gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Because we are His people by grace, we are freed and empowered to joyfully serve as Christ’s presence in the world.

Sermon Text: Matthew 21:33-46
Readings: Psalm 80:7-19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

Featured Choirs: Holy Cross Angelis Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Holy Cross Adult Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Featured Art and Architecture: Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Ind.

The Feast Is Ready!
October 11, 2026 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Rev. Shayne Jonker

In Holy Baptism, God clothed you in the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness and gave you a seat at His table at the Great Wedding Feast. That table is set with His Word and His Supper. The feast is ready. Come to the table of the Lord and receive the free forgiveness, life, and salvation Christ has won for you.

Sermon Text: Matthew 22:2
Readings: Psalm 23 (KJV); Isaiah 25:6-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Featured Choirs: St. Paul Adult Choir, Decatur, Ind.; Valley Lutheran High School Choir, Saginaw, Mich.
Featured Art and Architecture: Immanuel Lutheran Church (Frankentrost), Saginaw, Mich.

Faith, Love, Hope
October 18, 2026 – Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
Rev. Paul Shoemaker

The life of a Christian can be challenging. The apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonian Christians with these words, “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV). May Paul’s words be an encouragement to us.

Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Readings: Psalm 96:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

Featured Choirs: Holy Cross Junior Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.; St. Michael Adult Choir, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Featured Art and Architecture: Zion Lutheran Church, Holland, Mich.

It’s Still about Jesus
October 25, 2026 – Reformation Sunday
Rev. William Mueller

Nine years ago, at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this phrase was used to accurately capture the essence of the Reformation: “It’s still about Jesus.” In the nine years since, this has not changed! Celebrating Reformation Sunday is not an invitation to brag about our heritage or ethnicity; it is a time to hear the clear Word of God and to rejoice. It is still about Jesus!

Sermon Text: Romans 3:19-28
Readings: Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

Featured Choir: St. Paul Preble Adult Choir, Decatur, Ind.
Featured Art and Architecture: Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Ind.