January 2022 Program Summaries

January 2, 2022 – Second Sunday after Christmas *The Epiphany of Our Lord Observed

Psalm 96:1-8; Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 

“Inclusive” - Sermon Text: Matthew 2:1-12 - Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III

A word that is mentioned often today is “inclusive.” The Christian Church, the kingdom of Christ, is wonderfully inclusive.  Who is in the Church? Sinners are, and that is good news for all of us.

January 9, 2022 – First Sunday after the Epiphany *The Baptism of Our Lord Observed

Psalm 29; Romans 6:1-11; Luke 3:15-22 

“Baptized into Christ!” - Sermon Text: Luke 3:21-22 - Rev. Shayne Jonker 

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5). Today we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan, God in the flesh, and so also we celebrate our Baptism into Christ. What a great comfort in the midst of temptation and trial, sin and death, and every distress that we can say to ourselves, “I am baptized into Christ!”

January 16, 2022 – Second Sunday after Epiphany 

Psalm 128; Isaiah 62:1-5; John 2:1-11 

“Observing Changes” - Sermon Text: John 2:1-11 - Rev. Paul Shoemaker 

Jesus revealed the truth of His divine nature by performing miraculous signs and wonders. The first of these miraculous signs were performed at a wedding in Cana where He changed water into wine. With this miracle, Jesus began to reveal His true nature and His reason for coming to the world.

January 23, 2022 – Third Sunday after Epiphany

Psalm 19:7-14; Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Luke 4:16-30 

“Rejected?” - Sermon Text: Luke 4:16-30 - Rev. William Mueller 

It is far too easy to look down upon the people of Nazareth for rejecting Jesus. Upon closer examination, however, the same sin has stained our lives as well. What are we to do? Listen in to what Jesus actually has to say and be encouraged that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him!

January 30, 2022 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 

Psalm 71:1-12; 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13; Luke 4:38-41 

“Forsake Me Not” - Sermon Text: Psalm 71:9 - Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer 

What do we do when life circumstances exact their toll not only on our bodies but also on our spirits? Our prayer, “Forsake Me Not,” is answered by the amazingly preserving presence of our Savior Jesus Christ!