Readings and Memory Work - Christmastide (December 27)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Isaiah 51:17—52:12
Matthew 2:1-12

Monday:
Isaiah 52:13—54:10
Matthew 2:13-23

Tuesday:
Isaiah 55:1-13
Luke 1:1-25

Wednesday:
Isaiah 58:1—59:3, 14-21
Luke 1:26-38

Thursday:
Isaiah 60:1-22
Luke 1:39-56

Friday:
Isaiah 61:1-11
Luke 1:57-80

Saturday:
Isaiah 62:1-12
Luke 2:1-20


Bible Verse for Memorizing
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. (Titus 2:11-12)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - Christian Questions with Their Answers
What should we do when we eat His body and drink His blood, and in this way receive His pledge? We should remember and proclaim His death and the shedding of His blood, as He taught us: This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.

Readings and Memory Work - Advent IV (December 20)

Daily Readings

Sunday:
Isaiah 40:18—41:10
Revelation 8:1-13

Monday:
Isaiah 42:1-25
Revelation 9:1-12

Tuesday:
Isaiah 43:1-24
Revelation 9:13—10:11

Wednesday:
Isaiah 43:25—44:20
Revelation 11:1-19

Thursday:
Isaiah 44:21—45:13,20-25
Revelation 12:1-17

Friday:
Isaiah 49:1-18
Matthew 1:1-17

Saturday:
Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4—51:8, 12-16
Matthew 1:18-25


Bible Verse for Memorizing
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - Christian Questions with Their Answers
Did the Father also die for you? He did not. The Father is God only, as is the Holy Spirit; but the Son is both true God and true man. He died for me and shed His blood for me.

Readings and Memory Work - Advent III (December 13, 2009

Readings
Sunday:
Isaiah 29:15—30:14
Revelation 1:1-20

Monday:
Isaiah 30:15-26
Revelation 2:1-29

Tuesday:
Isaiah 30:27—31:9
Revelation 3:1-22

Wednesday:
Isaiah 32:1-20
Revelation 4:1-11

Thursday:
Isaiah 33:1-24
Revelation 5:1-14

Friday:
Isaiah 34:1-2, 8—35:10
Revelation 6:1-17

Saturday:
Isaiah 40:1-17
Revelation 7:1-17


Bible Verse for Memorizing
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)


Small Catechism for Memorizing  - The Creed
What does [the Second Article] mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Readings
Sunday:
Isaiah 14:1-23
2 Peter 3:1-18

Monday:
Isaiah 24:1-13
1 John 1:1—2:14

Tuesday:
Isaiah 24:14—25:12
1 John 2:15-29

Wednesday:
Isaiah 26:1-19
1 John 3:1-24

Thursday:
Isaiah 26:20—27:13
1 John 4:1-21

Friday:
Isaiah 28:14-29
1 John 5:1-21

Saturday:
Isaiah 29:1-14
Jude 1-25


Bible Verse for Memorizing
The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Creed
The Second Article: And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean [part one]? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death.

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Isaiah 5:1-25
1 Peter 2:1-12

Monday:
Isaiah 6:1—7:9
1 Peter 2:13-25

Tuesday:
Isaiah 7:10—8:8
1 Peter 3:1-22

Wednesday:
Isaiah 8:9—9:7
1 Peter 4:1-19

Thursday:
Isaiah 9:8—10:11
1 Peter 5:1-14

Friday:
Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34
2 Peter 1:1-21

Saturday:
Isaiah 11:1—12:6
2 Peter 2:1-22


Bible Verse for Memorizing
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Hebrews 11:3)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Creed
The First Article: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.

He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.

He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.

This is most certainly true.

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Daniel 2:24-49
Revelation 19:1-21

Monday: 
Daniel 3:1-30 
Revelation 20:1-15

Tuesday:
Daniel 4:1-37
Revelation 21:1-8

Wednesday:
Daniel 5:1-30
Revelation 21:9-27

Thursday:
Daniel 6:1-28
Revelation 22:1-21

Friday:
Isaiah 1:1-28
1 Peter 1:1-12

Saturday:
Isaiah 2:1-22
1 Peter 1:13-25


Bible Verse for Memorizing
The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Creed
The First Article: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.

He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.

Readigns and Memory Work - Trinity XXIII (November 15)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Jeremiah 30:1-24
Matthew 26:57-75

Monday:
Jeremiah 31:1-17, 23-34
Matthew 27:1-10

Tuesday:
Jeremiah 33:1-22
Matthew 27:11-32

Wednesday:
Jeremiah 37:1-21
Matthew 27:33-56

Thursday:
Jeremiah 38:1-28
Matthew 27:57-66

Friday:
Daniel 1:1-21
Matthew 28:1-20

Saturday:
Daniel 2:1-23
Revelation 18:1-24


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. (James 2:10)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Close of the Ten Commandments
What does God say about all these commandments? He says: “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6)

What does this mean? God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.

Readings and Memory Work - All Saints (November 1)

Readings
Sunday:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Matthew 21:1-22

Monday:
Jeremiah 1:1-19
Matthew 21:23-46

Tuesday:
Jeremiah 3:6 —4:2
Matthew 22:1-22

Wednesday:
Jeremiah 5:1-19
Matthew 22:23-46

Thursday:
Jeremiah 7:1-29
Matthew 23:1-12

Friday:
Jeremiah 8:18—9:12
Matthew 23:13-39

Saturday:
Jeremiah 11:1-23
Matthew 24:1-28


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-7)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The Ninth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XX (October 25)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Deuteronomy 27:1-26
Matthew 17:14-27

Monday:
Deuteronomy 28:1-22
Matthew 18:1-20

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 29:1-29
Matthew 18:21-35

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 30:1-20
Matthew 19:1-15

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 31:1-29
Matthew 19:16-30

Friday:
Deuteronomy 31:30—32:27
Matthew 20:1-16

Saturday:
Deuteronomy 32:28-52
Matthew 20:17-34


Bible Verse for Memorizing
By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)


Small Catechism for Memorizing  - The Ten Commandments
The Eighth Commandment: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XIX (October 18)

Readings:
Sunday:
Deuteronomy 17:1-20
Matthew 14:1-21

Monday:
Deuteronomy 18:1-22
Matthew 14:22-36

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 19:1-20
Matthew 15:1-20

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 20:1-20
Matthew 15:21-39

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 21:1-23
Matthew 16:1-12

Friday:
Deuteronomy 24:10—25:10
Matthew 16:13-28

Saturday:
Deuteronomy 25:17—26:19
Matthew 17:1-13


Bible Verse for Memorizing
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XVIII (October 11)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Deuteronomy 9:23—10:22
Matthew 11:20-30

Monday:
Deuteronomy 11:1-25
Matthew 12:1-21

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 11:26—12:12
Matthew 12:22-37

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 13:13-32
Matthew 12:38-50

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 13:1-18
Matthew 13:1-23

Friday:
Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 22-23, Deuteronomy 14:28—15:15
Matthew 13:24-43

Saturday:
Deuteronomy 15:19—16:22
Matthew 13:44-58


Bible Verse for Memorizing
A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The Sixth Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XVII (October 4)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Deuteronomy 4:21-40
Matthew 8:1-17

Monday:
Deuteronomy 5:1-21
Matthew 8:18-34

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 5:22—6:9
Matthew 9:1-17

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Matthew 9:18-38

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 7:1-19
Matthew 10:1-23

Friday:
Deuteronomy 8:1-20
Matthew 10:24-42

Saturday:
Deuteronomy 9:1-22
Matthew 11:1-19


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The Fifth Commandment: You shall not murder.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

St. Michael and All Angels

September 29: St. Michael and All Angels- Every year the church sets aside a day to learn about and give thanks for the ministry of angels. Spirits created by God, angels have an important calling to serve mankind and protect us from evil. Angels are called "saints" (which means "holy ones") because those who did not rebel against God are holy. The rebellious angels are demons or devils, and St. Michael was the commander of the angelic armies who threw the devil and his angels out of heaven. Immanuel will celebrate this day with a transferred Divine Service on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XVI (September 27)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Malachi 3:6—4:6
Matthew 4:12-25

Monday:
Deuteronomy 1:1-18
Matthew 5:1-20

Tuesday:
Deuteronomy 1:19-36
Matthew 5:21-48

Wednesday:
Deuteronomy 1:37—2:15
Matthew 6:1-15

Thursday:
Deuteronomy 2:16-37
Matthew 6:16-34

Friday:
Deuteronomy 3:1-29
Matthew 7:1-12

Saturday:
Deuteronomy 4:1-20
Matthew 7:13-29


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.

Life Chain: Sunday, October 4

Lutherans for Life will be participating in the Life Chain on Sunday, October 4th at 2:30PM. The Life Chain is a silent protest where participants hold signs which witness to the sanctity of human life in the womb. We will meet on Franconia Rd in Springfield between Frontier and Elder Sts. at 2:30PM. The Life Chain lasts only one hour, and will take the place of our October meeting. Questions? E-mail Dennis Di Mauro atdennisdimauro@yahoo.com

Looking Forward: Trinity 16

September 27: Trinity XVI- Continuing the theme from the previous Sunday, we see that we need not worry even about death. On this Sunday, we hear the wonderful Gospel from Luke 7.11-17, where Jesus stops a funeral and brings the son of the Widow of Nain back to life.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XV (September 20)

Readings:
Sunday:
Nehemiah 4:7-23
1 Timothy 3:1-16

Monday:
Nehemiah 5:1-16; 6:1-9, 15-16
1 Timothy 4:1-16

Tuesday:
Nehemiah 7:1-4; 8:1-18
1 Timothy 5:1-16

Wednesday:
Nehemiah 9:1-21
1 Timothy 5:17—6:2

Thursday:
Nehemiah 9:22-38
1 Timothy 6:3-21

Friday:
Malachi 1:1-14
Matthew 3:1-17

Saturday:
Malachi 2:1—3:5
Matthew 4:1-11


Bible Verse for Memorizing
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments:
The Third Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

Looking Forward: Trinity 15

September 20: Trinity XV- "Why do you worry?" We hear this question from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount today, reminding us not to be overly concerned with the things of this life. The Father knows the things that we need, and will provide them. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XIV (September 13)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
2 Chronicles 32:1-22
Colossians 1:1-23

Monday:
2 Chronicles 33:1-25
Colossians 1:24—2:7

Tuesday:
2 Chronicles 34:1-4, 8-11, 14-33
Colossians 2:8-23

Wednesday:
2 Chronicles 35:1-7, 16-25
Colossians 3:1-25

Thursday:
2 Chronicles 36:1-23
Colossians 4:1-18

Friday:
Nehemiah 1:1—2:10
1 Timothy 1:1-20

Saturday:
Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:1-6
1 Timothy 2:1-15


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me. (Psalm 50:15)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The Second Commandment: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

Looking Forward: Trinity 14

September 13: Trinity XIV- The Cleansing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17.11-19) is often preached with a focus on being thankful, for only one of the ten lepers, seeing he was cleansed, returned to Jesus to give thanks. For this reason, some lectionaries appoint this Gospel to be read at the American celebration of Thanksgiving. There are several other things this Gospel teaches us, however: the thankful leper was a Gentile, showing that the kingdom of God is open to all people, not only to Jews; and second, Jesus is shown to be God in the flesh, who receives worship from the thankful leper.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XIII (September 6)

Readings:
Sunday:
2 Kings 4:8-22,32-37
Ephesians 5:15-33

Monday:
2 Kings 4:38—5:8
Ephesians 6:1-24

Tuesday:
2 Kings 5:9-27
Philippians 1:1-20

Wednesday:
2 Kings 6:1-23
Philippians 1:21—2:11

Thursday:
2 Kings 9:1-13; 10:18-29
Philippians 2:12-30

Friday:
2 Chronicles 29:1-24
Philippians 3:1-21

Saturday:
2 Chronicles 31:1-21
Philippians 4:1-23


Bible Verse for Memorizing
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - The Ten Commandments
The First Commandment: You shall have no other gods.

What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

Looking Forward: Trinity 13

September 6: Trinity XIII- "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" This question put to Jesus (Luke 10.23-37) cuts to the heart of all religion and spirituality. Jesus' answer? The Parable of the Good Samaritan. In this text, we learn that we are the man lying in the ditch, unable to do anything to inherit eternal life. Christ, the "Good Samaritan," comes down to us, heals us, and promises to return.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XII (August 30)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
1 Kings 12:20—13:5, 33-34
2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Monday:
1 Kings 16:29—17:24
2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Tuesday:
1 Kings 18:1-19
Ephesians 1:1-23

Wednesday:
1 Kings 18:20-40
Ephesians 2:1-22

Thursday:
1 Kings 19:1-21
Ephesians 3:1-21

Friday:
2 Kings 2:1-18
Ephesians 4:1-24

Saturday:
2 Kings 2:19-25; 4:1-7
Ephesians 4:25—5:14


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - Christian Questions and Their Answers:
1. Do you believe that you are a sinner? Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.

2. How do you know this? From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.

3. Are you sorry for your sins? Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.

4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins? His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. (See Romans 6:21, 23.)

5. Do you hope to be saved? Yes, that is my hope.

6. In whom then do you trust? In my dear Lord Jesus Christ.

7. Who is Christ? The Son of God, true God and man.

8. How many Gods are there? Only one, but there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity XI (August 23)

Daily Readings:
Sunday: 
1 Kings 3:1-15
2 Corinthians 1:1-22

Monday:
1 Kings 5:1-18
2 Corinthians 1:23—2:17

Tuesday:
1 Kings 7:51—8:21
2 Corinthians 3:1-18

Wednesday:
1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63
2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Thursday:
1 Kings 9:1-9; 10:1-13
2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Friday:
1 Kings 11:1-26
2 Corinthians 6:1-18

Saturday:
1 Kings 11:42—12:19
2 Corinthians 7:1-16


Bible Verse for Memorizing
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)


Small Catechism for Memorizing - Christian Questions and Their Answers:
1. Do you believe that you are a sinner? Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner.

2. How do you know this? From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.

3. Are you sorry for your sins? Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.

4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins? His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. (See Romans 6:21, 23.)

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity X (August 16)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
2 Samuel 6:1-19
1 Corinthians 9:1-23

Monday:
2 Samuel 7:1-17
1 Corinthians 9:24—10:22

Tuesday:
2 Samuel 7:18-29
1 Corinthians 10:23—11:16

Wednesday:
2 Samuel 11:1-27
1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Thursday:
2 Samuel 12:1-25
1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Friday:
1 Kings 1:1-4, 15-35
1 Corinthians 12:14-31

Saturday:
1 Kings 2:1-27
1 Corinthians 13:1-13


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Office of the Keys/Confession:
What do you believe according to these words? I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by His divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.

Readings and Memory Work - Trinity IX (August 9)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
1 Samuel 25:1-22
1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Monday:
1 Samuel 25:23-44
1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Tuesday:
1 Samuel 26:1-25
1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Wednesday:
1 Samuel 28:3-25
1 Corinthians 6:1-20

Thursday:
1 Samuel 31:1-13
1 Corinthians 7:1-24

Friday:
2 Samuel 1:1-27
1 Corinthians 7: 25-40

Saturday:
2 Samuel 5:1-25
1 Corinthians 8:1-13


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O LORD, and whom You teach out of Your law. (Psalm 94:12)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Confession
Where is this written? This is what St. John the Evangelist writes in chapter twenty: The Lord Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:22-23)

Memory Work and Readings - Trinity VIII (August 2)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
1 Samuel 17:20-47
Acts 26:24—27:8

Monday:
1 Samuel 17:48—18:9
Acts 27:9-26

Tuesday:
1 Samuel 18:10-30
Acts 27:27-44

Wednesday:
1 Samuel 19:1-24
Acts 28:1-15

Thursday:
1 Samuel 20:1-23
Acts 28:16-31

Friday:
1 Samuel 20:24-42
1 Corinthians 1:1-25

Saturday:
1 Samuel 24:1-22
1 Corinthians 1:26—2:16


Bible Verse for Memorizing
If you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Confession
What is the Office of the Keys? The Office of the Keys is that special authority which Christ has given to His Church on earth to forgive the sins of repentant sinners, but to withhold forgiveness from the unrepentant as long as they do not repent.

Memory Work and Readings - Trinity VII (July 26)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
1 Samuel 10:1-27
Acts 22:17-29

Monday:
1 Samuel 12:1-25
Acts 22:30—23:11

Tuesday:
1 Samuel 13:1-18
Acts 23:12-35

Wednesday:
1 Samuel 14:47—15:9
Acts 24:1-23

Thursday:
1 Samuel 15:10-35
Acts 24:24—25:12

Friday:
1 Samuel 16:1-23
Acts 25:13-27

Saturday:
1 Samuel 17:1-19
Acts 26:1-23


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalm 119:18)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Confession
Which are these? Consider your place in life according to the Ten Commandments: Are you a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, or worker? Have you been disobedient, unfaithful, or lazy? Have you been hot-tempered, rude, or quarrelsome? Have you hurt someone by your words or deeds? Have you stolen, been negligent, wasted anything, or done any harm?

Daily Readings
Sunday:
1 Samuel 2:18-36
Acts 15:22-41

Monday:
1 Samuel 3:1-21
Acts 16:1-22

Tuesday:
1 Samuel 4:1-22
Acts 16:23-40

Wednesday:
1 Samuel 5:1—6:3, 10-16
Acts 18:1-11, 23-28

Thursday:
1 Samuel 6:19—7:17
Acts 19:1-22

Friday:
1 Samuel 8:1-22
Acts 21:15-36

Saturday:
1 Samuel 9:1-27
Acts 21:37—22:16


Bible Verse for Memorizing
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Confession
What sins should we confess? Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer; but before the pastor we should confess only those sins which we know and feel in our hearts.

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Judges 7:1-23
Galatians 1:1-24

Monday:
Judges 13:1-25
Galatians 2:1-21

Tuesday:
Judges 14:1-20
Galatians 3:1-22

Wednesday:
Judges 15:1—16:3
Galatians 3:23—4:11

Thursday:
Judges 16:4-30
Galatians 4:12-31

Friday:
1 Samuel 1:1-20
Galatians 5:1-26

Saturday:
1 Samuel 1:21—2:17
Galatians 6:1-18


Bible Verse for Memorizing
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Sacrament of the Altar
Who receives this Sacrament worthily? Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Joshua 23:1-16
Acts 12:1-25

Monday:
Joshua 24:1-31
Acts 13:1-12

Tuesday:
Judges 2:6-23
Acts 13:13-41

Wednesday:
Judges 3:7-31
Acts 13:42-52

Thursday:
Judges 4:1-24
Acts 14:1-18

Friday:
Judges 6:1-24
Acts 14:19—15:5

Saturday:
Judges 6:25-40
Acts 15:6-21


Bible Verse for Memorizing
I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. (Acts 13:47)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Sacrament of the Altar
Who receives this Sacrament worthily? Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe.

Memory Work and Readings - Trinity III (June 28)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Joshua 3:1-17
Acts 9:1-22

Monday:
Joshua 4:1-24
Acts 9:23-43

Tuesday:
Joshua 5:1—6:5
Acts 10:1-17

Wednesday:
Joshua 6:6-27
Acts 10:18-33

Thursday:
Joshua 7:1-26
Acts 10:34-48

Friday:
Joshua 8:1-28
Acts 11:1-18

Saturday:
Joshua 10:1-25
Acts 11:19-30


Bible Verse for Memorizing
[The LORD] does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. (Psalm 103:10)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Sacrament of the Altar
How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things? Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.”

Memory Work and Readings - Trinity II (June 21)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Proverbs 24:1-22
John 19:1-22

Monday:
Proverbs 25:1-22
John 19:23-42

Tuesday:
Proverbs 27:1-24
John 20:1-18

Wednesday:
Proverbs 30:1-9, 18-33
John 20:19-31

Thursday:
Proverbs 31:10-31
John 21:1-25

Friday:
Joshua 1:1-18
Acts 8:1-25

Saturday:
Joshua 2:1-24
Acts 8:26-40


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. (Psalm 51:1)


Small Catechism for Memorizing  - The Sacrament of the Altar
What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

Memory Work and Readings for Trinity I (June 14)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Proverbs 14:1-27
John 15:1-11

Monday:
Proverbs 15:1-28
John 15:12-27

Tuesday:
Proverbs 16:1-24
John 16:1-16

Wednesday:
Proverbs 17:1-28
John 16:17-33

Thursday:
Proverbs 20:5-25
John 17:1-26

Friday:
Proverbs 22:1-21
John 18:1-14

Saturday:
Proverbs 22:22—23:12
John 18:15-40



Bible Verse for Memorizing
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Sacrament of the Altar
What is the Sacrament of the Altar? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Where is this written? The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

The Busy Pastor and the Silent Sheep

From the June issue of Tidings, Immanuel's parish newsletter

There are two perceptions of the pastor that are false. The first often comes in a quip, and it hurts, even when it isn't intended to: "It must be nice only having to work one hour a week!" Yes, that would be nice. The opposite perception, though, is worse: "The pastor is so busy, I don't want to bother him with [insert problem]." Many pastors tend to give off an aura of busyness. They are aware of the perception of only working "one hour a week," and so want to make sure everyone knows how hard they have been working.

There are fundamental problems on the part of both pastor and people when the pastor considers himself, and the people see, a "busy pastor." When the pastor perceives his office (an office instituted by God) as primarily occupied with quantifiable activity (the number of visits, phone calls, emails, meetings, programs begun, money raised, members brought into the church, etc.), he loses sight of (as well as loses time for) his most important tasks. When the administration of the church's affairs became overly time-consuming for the Apostles, they had the church appoint Deacons over the business of the church in order to concentrate on the true business of the Ministry: "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). A day spent praying sounds good in the abstract, but it probably won't look good to the pastor, or people, caught up in the model of the "busy pastor." And so the pastor often ends up neglecting prayer, Scriptural meditation, and theological growth.

The other danger, though, is that the people who most need it will not avail themselves of the ministry of the Word that they should be getting from their pastor. They won't contact him precisely because they think he's too busy! "I don't want to bother him." If you have ever said that to yourself, mark this carefully: I am NEVER too busy to (a) hear your confession; (b) visit you in your home, for lunch, in the hospital, etc. in order to bring you God's Word as it applies to your situation, give you the Sacrament, and pray with you; or (c) give you spiritual counsel when you are troubled, confused, worried, etc. Don't be a silent sheep! It is the bleating ones that get attention, along with all the ringing, buzzing, dinging beeps and boops from the myriad ways that different people communicate.

Now there is only one of me, and I never manage to get done everything done. The phone calls are never all made, there's always someone to visit, the email—well, that's just a hopeless pit of despair for me. Somewhere I read, "When you die, your inbox won't be empty." I've tried to take consolation in that, but I still dream of the day that it at least doesn't fall over when I add something else to the pile. I've probably let every one of you down at some point or another by not responding right away. I'm sorry for that, and desperately want to do better.

I realize that the last two paragraphs are contradictory. The point I'm trying to make is that there are always external demands on my attention, as well as my self-imposed demands. There will always be work to do. I'm sure it's the same for you. But as your pastor, I don't want to ever be "too busy" for you. Because you matter to God, and the LORD has put me here to be your pastor. So if I've let you down, please forgive me. If I haven't answered your email, it's not personal. Please send it again, or give me a call. Because I really do want to be a good and faithful pastor to you. I might be busy, but I don't want to be a "busy pastor," and I don't want you to be silent sheep.

Your unworthy undershepherd,

+Pastor Esget

Memory Work and Readings for Holy Trinity (June 7)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 35:9-30
Luke 24:28-53

Monday:
Proverbs 5:1-23
John 12:20-36a

Tuesday:
Proverbs 8:1-21
John 12:36b-50

Wednesday:
Proverbs 8:22-36
John 13:1-20

Thursday:
Proverbs 9:1-18
John 13:21-38

Friday:
Proverbs 10:1-23
John 14:1-17

Saturday:
Proverbs 13:1-25
John 14:18-31



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Office of the Keys and Confession
What is the Sacrament of the Altar? It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Memory Work and Readings for Pentecost (May 31)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 21:10-35
Luke 21:20-38

Monday:
Numbers 22:1-20
Luke 22:1-23

Tuesday:
Numbers 22:21—23:3
Luke 22:24-46

Wednesday:
Numbers 23:4-28
Luke 22:47-71

Thursday:
Numbers 24:1-25
Luke 23:1-25

Friday:
Numbers 27:12-23
Luke 23:26-56

Saturday:
Numbers 32:1-6, 16-27
Luke 24:1-27



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written? St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

Memory Work and Readings for Exaudi (May 24)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 14:1-25
Luke 18:18-34

Monday:
Numbers 14:26-45
Luke 18:35—19:10

Tuesday:
Numbers 16:1-22
Luke 19:11-28

Wednesday:
Numbers 16:23-40
Luke 19:29-48

Thursday:
Numbers 16:41—17:13
Luke 20:1-18

Friday:
Numbers 20:1-21
Luke 20:19-44

Saturday:
Numbers 20:22—21:9
Luke 20:45—21:19



Bible Verse for Memorizing
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Memory Work and Readings for Rogate (5-17-09

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Numbers 3:1-16, 39-48
Luke 14:25—15:10

Monday:
Numbers 8:5-26
Luke 15:11-32

Tuesday:
Numbers 9:1-23
Luke 16:1-18

Wednesday:
Numbers 10:11-36
Luke 16:19-31

Thursday:
Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35
Luke 17:1-19

Friday:
Numbers 11:24-29; 12:1-16
Luke 17:20-37

Saturday:
Numbers 13:1-3, 17-33
Luke 18:1-17



Bible Verse for Memorizing
When [Christ] ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Ephesians 4.8)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27
Luke 11:37-54

Monday:
Leviticus 21:1-24
Luke 12:1-12

Tuesday:
Leviticus 23:1-22
Luke 12:13-34

Wednesday:
Leviticus 23:23-44
Luke 12:35-53

Thursday:
Leviticus 24:1-23
Luke 12:54—13:17

Friday:
Leviticus 26:1-20
Luke 13:18-35

Saturday:
Leviticus 26:21-33, 39-44
Luke 14:1-24


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.

Myths about Holy Communion: Worthiness

Originally published in Tidings, Immanuel's parish newsletter.

Myths about Holy Communion: Worthiness

Note: This month's "From the Pastor" article continues an occasional series, "Myths about ...". The series will address common misconceptions about Holy Scripture, church doctrine, the liturgy, the Missouri Synod, etc. If you have an idea for the series, or any other topic you would like to see addressed, send your questions to askthepastor@immanuelalexandria.org and you may see a response in a future issue of Tidings!

On Holy Thursday, I began my sermon with a quotation from the great Swedish Bishop, Bo Giertz: “There are no worthy guests at the Lord’s table. None has deserved to come.” That quotation generated a few questions about how it squares with what the Small Catechism says on worthiness:

Who receives this Sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.

On the surface, it appears there is a contradiction. The Giertz quotation says there are no worthy communicants; the Small Catechism says the worthy communicant is the one who has faith in the words of Jesus. But there is no contradiction. Both are making the same point: worthiness is not in ourselves, but in Christ. The late Donald Deffner, a seminary professor in the Missouri Synod, put it this way: "To be 'worthy and well prepared' doesn't mean attaining a certain level of goodness, but rather examining oneself and seeing one's utter need for Christ."

To say that none of us deserves to come to the Lord's Table is true. We are sinners through and through. We are beggars, poor, miserable, worthless. No one has the right to approach. Not the pastor, or church president, or head elder, or most-generous giver, or the member with the most seniority. It's not our church, but the Lord's Church. And so we approach as invited guests, not worthy to come on our own, but finding all our worthiness in Christ.

This means we approach as penitents. Our approach is with faith in the words, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." And so we go the altar as sinners looking for forgiveness. I like to put it this way: Worthiness consists of seeing our unworthiness.

When we see our own unworthiness, and thus how much we need the righteousness and life that Christ is and gives in the Sacrament, we will have a deep hunger and thirst for the Sacrament. It becomes the center of our life, and we learn to pray that great Eucharistic Prayer: "To Thee [O Christ] will we live, to Thee will we die, and Thine shall we be forever."

Your unworthy shepherd,
+Pastor Esget

Memory Work and Readings for Jubilate (5-3-09)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Leviticus 8:1-13, 30-36
Luke 9:1-17

Monday:
Leviticus 9:1-24
Luke 9:18-36

Tuesday:
Leviticus 10:1-20
Luke 9:37-62

Wednesday:
Leviticus 16:1-24
Luke 10:1-22

Thursday:
Leviticus 17:1-16
Luke 10:23-42

Friday:
Leviticus 18:1-7, 20—19:8
Luke 11:1-13

Saturday:
Leviticus 19:9-18, 26-37
Luke 11:14-36



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark16:16)

Memory Work and Readings for Misericordias Domini (April 26)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 32:15-35
Luke 6:39-49

Monday:
Exodus 33:1-23
Luke 7:1-17

Tuesday:
Exodus 34:1-28
Luke 7:18-35

Wednesday:
Exodus 34:29—35:21
Luke 7:36-50

Thursday:
Exodus 38:21—39:8, 22-23, 27-31
Luke 8:1-21

Friday:
Exodus 39:32—40:16
Luke 8:22-39

Saturday:
Exodus 40:17-38
Luke 8:40-56


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: Baptism
What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Memory Work and Readings for Quasimodo Geniti (April 19)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 20:1-24
Luke 4:1-15

Monday:
Exodus 22:20—23:13
Luke 4:16-30

Tuesday:
Exodus 23:14-33
Luke 4:31-44

Wednesday:
Exodus 24:1-18
Luke 5:1-16

Thursday:
Exodus 25:1-22
Luke 5:17-39

Friday:
Exodus 31:1-18
Luke 6:1-19

Saturday:
Exodus 32:1-14
Luke 6:20-38


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. (Luke 6:27-28)


Small Catechism for Memorizing:  Baptism
What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Memory Work and Readings for Easter (April 12)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 14:10-31
Hebrews 7:23—8:13

Monday:
Exodus 15:1-18
Hebrews 9:1-28

Tuesday:
Exodus 15:19—16:12
Hebrews 10:1-18

Wednesday:
Exodus 16:13-35
Hebrews 10:19-39

Thursday:
Exodus 17:1-16
Hebrews 11:1-29

Friday:
Exodus 18:5-27
Hebrews 12:1-24

Saturday:
Exodus 19:1-25
Hebrews 13:1-21



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:28)



Small Catechism for Memorizing
Baptism: What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Memory Work and Readings for Palmarum (April 5)

Daily Readings:
Sunday:
Exodus 8:1-32
Hebrews 1:1-14

Monday:
Exodus 9:1-28
Hebrews 3:1-18

Tuesday:
Exodus 9:29—10:20
Hebrews 3:1-19

Wednesday:
Exodus 10:21—11:10
Hebrews 4:1-16

Thursday:
Exodus 12:1-28
Hebrews 5:1-14

Friday:
Exodus 12:29-32; 13:1-16
Hebrews 6:1-20

Saturday:
Exodus 13:17—14:9
Hebrews 7:1-22


Bible Verse for Memorizing
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Lord’s Prayer - The Conclusion:
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

What does this mean? This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”

Taking Easter Seriously

Note: This article was originally published in Tidings, Immanuel's parish newsletter.

Last month my newsletter article was entitled "Taking Lent Seriously." Toward the end I wrote, "We need to take Lent seriously because we need to take our sins seriously. But we need to take Lent seriously also because we need to take God seriously, learning anew how good He is." How has that been going for you? If you're anything like me, this Lent has seen successes and failures, victories over sin and stumbling into sins. Even after the good days, the words from the rite for private confession remain true: "I have lived as if God did not matter and as if I mattered most." But Lent is coming to a close, whether it's been a good one (spiritually speaking) for us or not. What then?

It's often puzzled me a bit that people will come to church more frequently during Lent than in Easter. Why is that? Certainly by the time we get to Easter, spring is in the air, the cherry blossoms are out, the sun shines later into the evening, and so thoughts turn to enjoying the nicer weather. But there must be more to it than that. It might be that it's easier for us to feel guilty than it is to know true Christian joy.

Certainly the pews are full on Easter - but maybe that too is out of obligation. Most Christians, or at least Lutherans, know that they ought to go to church on Easter at least. And it's a nice day - the smell of lilies, the white banners, paraments, and vestments, the special music, and hymns we know well and so sing easily. But at an Easter midweek service, it's a shadow of the midweek Holy Week services, and then the Sunday after Easter finds everything back to normal. AS THOUGH NOTHING HAPPENED.

Life moves on. Baseball season starts. Vacations get planned. Summer draws near.

But something did happen. Christ rose. Really. From the dead. It happened two millenia ago, but Easter comes so we might realize that His resurrection is a reality. And not just for Him, but also for us. In the future, when we are raised from the grave. But also now. "We were therefore buried with Him through Baptism into death," the Scripture says, "in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Something happened - for Christ and for us. If Lent was the call to repentance and to see anew the death of Jesus, then Easter is the call to the new life that is ours in the resurrection life of Jesus.

Life will still move on. Baseball season will still start. Vacations and summer will come and go.

But it won't be the same. Not if we take Easter seriously, just as seriously as Lent. For in Christ's victory, the devil was unmasked, shown to be a toothless lion. His fierce roar is impotent for those in Christ. In Christ victory, the grave was shown to be a gentle sleep; life, and not death, has the final word. And impacting us right now, today, is the truth not only that sins are forgiven, but need not be our master. We have a new Master, Christ, who leads us in the new life of righteousness. In that new life, nothing is the same ever again. SOMETHING DID HAPPEN. Christ rose. In the body. And now, all the days we have left in this body, we will walk with Him in newness of life. Not because we have to. Because we get to. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory in our Lord JESUS Christ!

Memory Work and Readings for Judica (3-29-09)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Exodus 1:1-22
Mark 14:12-31

Monday:
Exodus 2:1-22
Mark 14:32-52

Tuesday:
Exodus 2:23—3:22
Mark 14:53-72

Wednesday:
Exodus 4:1-18
Mark 15:1-15

Thursday:
Exodus 4:19-31
Mark 15:16-32

Friday:
Exodus 5:1—6:1
Mark 15:33-47

Saturday:
Exodus 7:1-25
Mark 16:1-20


Bible Verse for Memorizing
I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle. (Psalm 39:1)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Seventh Petition: But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

Memory Work and Readings for Laetare (March 22)

Daily Readings
Sunday: 
Genesis 41:28-57
Mark 11:20-33

Monday: 
Genesis 42:1-34, 38
Mark 12:1-12

Tuesday: 
Genesis 43:1-28
Mark 12:13-27

Wednesday: 
Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34
Mark 12:28-44

Thursday: 
Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28
Mark 13:1-23

Friday: 
Genesis 47:1-31
Mark 13:24-37

Saturday: 
Genesis 49:29—50:7, 14-26
Mark 14:1-11



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. (St. Mark 13:33)



Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Sixth Petition: And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

Memory Work and Readings for Oculi (March 15)

Daily Readings 
Sunday:
Genesis 27:30-45; 28:10-22
Mark 9:1-13

Monday:
Genesis 29:1-30
Mark 9:14-32

Tuesday:
Genesis 35:1-29
Mark 9:33-50

Wednesday:
Genesis 37:1-36
Mark 10:1-12

Thursday:
Genesis 39:1-23
Mark 10:13-31

Friday:
Genesis 40:1-23
Mark 10:32-52

Saturday:
Genesis 41:1-27
Mark 11:1-19



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. (Ephesians 5:8-9)


Small Catechism for Memorizing:  The Lord’s Prayer  
The Fifth Petition: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  

What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Memory Word and Readings for Reminiscere

Daily Readings
Sunday: 
Genesis 16:1-9; 15—17:22
Mark 6:1-3

Monday: 
Genesis 18:1-15
Mark 6:14-34

Tuesday: 
Genesis 21:1-21
Mark 6:35-56

Wednesday: 
Genesis 22:1-19
Mark 7:1-23

Thursday: 
Genesis 24:1-31
Mark 7:24-37

Friday: 
Genesis 24:32-52, 61-67
Mark 8:1-21

Saturday: 
Genesis 27:1-29
Mark 8:22-38



Bible Verse for Memorizing
This is the will of God, your sanctification. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)



Small Catechism for Memorizing:  The Lord’s Prayer
The Fourth Petition: Give us this day our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Memory Work and Readings for Invocabit (March 1)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Genesis 4:1-26
Mark 2:18-28

Monday:
Genesis 6:1—7:5
Mark 3:1-19

Tuesday:
Genesis 7:11—8:12
Mark 3:20-35

Wednesday:
Genesis 8:13—9:17
Mark 4:1-20

Thursday:
Genesis 11:27—12:20
Mark 4:21-41

Friday:
Genesis 13:1-18
Mark 5:1-20

Saturday:
Genesis 15:1-21
Mark 5:21-43


Bible Verse for Memorizing
You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. (St. Matthew 4:10)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Third Petition: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will.

President Kieschnick's remarks on the 2009 March for Life

The following is an excerpt from President Kieschnick February 2009 Letter to Pastors. You may view the entire letter here.

March for Life 2009

You may have read in other media about the Jan. 22 March for Life in Washington, D.C. The day began for me with worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Va., where I was privileged to preach to the assembly of believers who had gathered from numerous states for the occasion. I also was privileged to offer the opening prayer for the pre-march program/rally on the Mall in Washington. (The text of the prayer is online at www.lcms.org?14682.) I was amazed by the number of members of Congress who subsequently appeared on stage also as part of those activities and who spoke to the crowd about life issues--unapologetically, passionately, vigorously, and often biblically.

Among the crowd, which numbered in the hundreds of thousands, were members and friends of Lutherans For Life. Many of these wonderful Christian people have gathered in previous years as well to demonstrate their support for the sanctity of life from the moment of conception. From all accounts, they turned out in record numbers this year.

After the pre-march activities, I began the march itself near the front of the parade, along with other pre-march festivity participants. After walking a half hour or so, I waited on the curb for the critical mass of Lutherans For Life marchers to pass by so I could join them. As I waited, I was struck by the variety of age groups represented in the parade. There were children and young people, high-school age and below, and no small contingent of college students—including a group from Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. There also were older adults, many gathered in congregational groups and led by their pastors, priests, and rabbis.

After quite some time waiting, we began to wonder when the LFL group would reach us. Making contact by cell phone, we discovered that the number of marchers was so great that even after nearly an hour had passed, our LFL group had not taken its first step toward the U.S. Supreme Court building, which marked the end of the march!

It was for me a quite memorable day that focused on a matter of great significance. For more information on the day’s events, see the online Reporter story at www.lcms.org?14703.

My dear brothers in Christ, I evangelically encourage you to write, preach, and teach about what God has to say about His precious gift of life!

Memory Work and Readings for Quinquagesima (February 22)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Job 17:1-26
John 7:14-31

Monday:
Job 18:1-21
John 7:32-53

Tuesday:
Job 19:1-12, 21-27
John 8:1-20

Wednesday:
Genesis 1:1-19
Mark 1:1-13

Thursday:
Genesis 1:20—2:3
Mark 1:14-28

Friday:
Genesis 2:4-25
Mark 1:29-45

Saturday:
Genesis 3:1-24
Mark 2:1-17


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! (St. Luke 18:38)


Small Catechism for Memorizing: The Lord’s Prayer
The Second Petition: Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Memory Work and Readings for Sexagesima (February 15)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Job 11:1-20
John 5:19-29

Monday:
Job 13:1-6, 12-25
John 5:30-47

Tuesday:
Job 13:1-12
John 6:1-21

Wednesday:
Job 13:13-28
John 6:22-40

Thursday:
Job 14:1-22
John 6:41-59

Friday:
Job 15:1-23, 30-35
John 6:60-71

Saturday:
Job 16:1-22
John 7:1-13



Bible Verse for Memorizing
The [seed] that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. (St. Luke 8:15)



Small Catechism for Memorizing:  The Lord’s Prayer
The First Petition: Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in it’s truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Sunday: 
Job 5:1-27
John 2:13-25

Monday: 
Job 6:1-13
John 3:1-21

Tuesday: 
Job 6:14-30
John 3:22—4:6

Wednesday: 
Job 7:1-21
John 4:7-26

Thursday: 
Job 8:1-22
John 4:27-45

Friday: 
Job 9:1-35
John 4:46-54

Saturday: 
Job 10:1-22
John 5:1-18



Bible Verse for Memorizing
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Lord’s Prayer
 
The Introduction: Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

Memory Work and Readings for Transfiguration (February 1)

Daily Readings
Sunday: 
Zechariah 11:4-17
2 Timothy 4:1-18

Monday: 
Zechariah 12:1—13:9
Titus 1:1—2:6

Tuesday: 
Zechariah 14:1-21
Titus 2:7—3:15

Wednesday: 
Job 1:1-22
John 1:1-18

Thursday: 
Job 2:1—3:10
John 1:19-34

Friday: 
Job 3:11-26
John 1:35-51

Saturday:
Job 4:1-21
John 2:1-12


Bible Verse for Memorizing
No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Apostles’ Creed: The Third Article

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.

On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

This is most certainly true.

Memory Work and Readings for Epiphany III (January 25)

Daily Readings
Sunday:
Zechariah 1:1-21
Romans 14:1-23

Monday:
Zechariah 2:1—3:10
Romans 15:1-13

Tuesday:
Zechariah 4:1—5:11
Romans 15:14-33

Wednesday:
Zechariah 6:1—7:14
Romans 16:17-27

Thursday:
Zechariah 8:1-23
2 Timothy 1:1-18

Friday:
Zechariah 9:1-17
2 Timothy 2:1-26

Saturday:
Zechariah 10:1—11:3
2 Timothy 3:1-17


Bible Verse for Memorizing
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Apostles’ Creed: The Third Article

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.

Memory Work and Readings for Epiphany II (Janaury 18)

Daily Readings
Sunday: 
Ezekiel 40:1-4; 43:1-12
Romans 8:18-39

Monday: 
Ezekiel 44:1-16, 23-29
Romans 9:1-18

Tuesday: 
Ezekiel 47:1-14, 21-23
Romans 9:19-33

Wednesday: 
Joel 1:1-20
Romans 10:1-21

Thursday: 
Joel 2:1-17
Romans 11:1-24

Friday: 
Joel 2:18-32
Romans 11:25—12:13

Saturday:
Joel 3:!-21
Romans 12:14—13:14


Bible Verse for Memorizing
Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:16)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Apostles’ Creed: The Third Article

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church in the one true faith.

Memory Work and Readings for Epiphany I (January 11)

Readings for the Week
Sunday: 
Ezekiel 33:1-20
Romans 3:1-18

Monday:
Ezekiel 34:1-24
Romans 3:19-31

Tuesday:
Ezekiel 36:13-28
Romans 4:1-25
 
Wednesday:
Ezekiel 36:33—37:14
Romans 5:1-21

Thursday:
Ezekiel 37:15-28
Romans 6:1-23

Friday:
Ezekiel 38:1-23
Romans 7:1-20  

Saturday:
Ezekiel 39:1-10, 17-29
Romans 7:21—8:17


Bible Verse for Memorizing
[Jesus said:] Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business? (Luke 2:49)


Small Catechism for Memorizing
The Apostles’ Creed: The Third Article

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

Sunday: 
Isaiah 63:15—65:2
Luke 2:41-52

Monday: 
Isaiah 65:8-25
Luke 3:1-20

Tuesday: 
Isaiah 66:1-20
Luke 3:21-38

Wednesday: 
Ezekiel 1:1-14, 22-28
Romans 1:1-17

Thursday: 
Ezekiel 2:1—3:11
Romans 1:18-32

Friday: 
Ezekiel 3:12-27
Romans 2:1-16

Saturday: 
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32
Romans 2:17-29

Small Catechism for Memorizing - Epiphany (transferred, Jan. 4)

The Apostles’ Creed: The Second Article

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Bible Verse for Memorizing - Epiphany (transferred, Jan. 4)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2)