AUDIO: Readings & Sermon for Wednesday, October 22, 2025

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Worship Service: 2:00 p.m. with communion
Bible Study: 2:30 p.m. - Psalm 90 with Pastor Grimenstein
All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

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Deuteronomy 21:1-23 
If in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess someone is found slain, lying in the open country, and it is not known who killed him, then your elders and your judges shall come out, and they shall measure the distance to the surrounding cities. And the elders of the city that is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer that has never been worked and that has not pulled in a yoke. And the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley. Then the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister to him and to bless in the name of the LORD, and by their word every dispute and every assault shall be settled. And all the elders of that city nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley, and they shall testify, ‘Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it shed. Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD. 

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and the LORD your God gives them into your hand and you take them captive, and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you desire to take her to be your wife, and you bring her home to your house, she shall shave her head and pare her nails. And she shall take off the clothes in which she was captured and shall remain in your house and lament her father and her mother a full month. After that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. But if you no longer delight in her, you shall let her go where she wants. But you shall not sell her for money, nor shall you treat her as a slave, since you have humiliated her. 

“If a man has two wives, the one loved and the other unloved, and both the loved and the unloved have borne him children, and if the firstborn son belongs to the unloved, then on the day when he assigns his possessions as an inheritance to his sons, he may not treat the son of the loved as the firstborn in preference to the son of the unloved, who is the firstborn, but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his. 

“If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, and they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear. 

“And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance. 

Matthew 16:1-12 
And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. 

When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

The Lord’s Prayer – The Second Petition
What is 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. 

Audio: Readings, Sermon & Men’s Choir for Sunday, October 19, 2025

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Old Testament Reading -- Genesis 32:22–30 
The same night [Jacob] arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 

Epistle Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 
As for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 

The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the eighteenth chapter
[Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” 

Men’s Choir -- Come Thou Fount (8 am) 

Bulletin: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

View the Bulletin for Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Worship Service: 2:00 p.m. with communion
Bible Study: 2:30 p.m. - Psalm 90 with Pastor Grimenstein
All are welcome, bring a friend, neighbor or relative

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We Mourn the Loss of Mary Louise Hutula

Mary Louise Hutula, née Engel, 81, of McMurray, PA, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025. Born on May 26, 1944, in Davenport, IA, to John Francis Engel and Edna Henrietta Thomsen, Mary lived a vibrant life defined by compassion, faith, family, and community service. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary graduated from L’Anse High School in 1962, where she shone as a cheerleader and was actively involved in numerous clubs, showcasing her spirited nature. She earned a nursing degree from Northern Michigan University in 1964, pursuing her passion for helping others. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, David N. Hutula, in L’Anse, MI, and together they shared 61 years of marriage, building a legacy of love and togetherness. In 1970, Mary and David moved to the Pittsburgh area, where they established deep roots.

A devoted mother, Mary is survived by her two sons, Scott Hutula (wife Joanna) of Concord, NC, and Craig Hutula (wife Gretchen) of Tolland, CT. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Karina Hutula of Augusta, GA, Mitchell Hutula of Charlotte, NC, and Grace Hutula of Tolland, CT. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Paul Engel of Greenville, MI (survived by his wife, Kathy), and Artie Engel of L’Anse, MI.

Mary’s dedication to her community was profound. As a skilled nurse, she served with care at Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L’Anse, MI, Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, and St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Her leadership shone as president of the Peters Township PTA around 1975, championing education, and as president of the Giant Oaks Garden Club for multiple years, where she nurtured her love for gardening. In 1974, she co-founded the Pacers Track Club and coached for many years, inspiring young athletes. An avid tennis player, she brought her competitive spirit to local USTA teams in the South Hills area, forming lasting friendships. Mary’s faith was a cornerstone of her life; she was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church, where she led the altar guild and acolytes, serving with devotion and grace. She found great joy spending time at the family cabin on Big Lake in Covington, MI, where she cherished moments of peace and connection with loved ones. Her kindness, warmth, and enduring spirit left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.

Family and friends received from 3 to 5 p.m., on Friday, October 31, at the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeville, PA, followed by a light meal. The family extends special thanks to Ridgecrest in McMurray for the exceptional care Mary received over the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Pennsylvania Chapter (alz.org/pa) or Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeville, PA, in honor of Mary’s compassionate spirit and faithful service. View and add condolences at: www.warcholfuneralhome.com

Be Prepared

By: Mike Wallace, Congregational Vice President 

Pause and think a minute of all the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, and even our pastors. But does your list include you? . . . it should! As followers of Jesus, we are called to be ready… 

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” 1 Peter 3:14-18 

We can’t expect everyone to observe what Jesus has commanded us unless we are observing His commands ourselves. Do we want everyone to know about God’s love? "YES" Then we need to show God’s love to everyone. Do we want everyone to know about Jesus’ compassion? "YES" Then we need to be compassionate to everyone. Do we want everyone to be stewards? "YES" Then we need to be good stewards with our own "3T's" -- time, talents, and treasures. Do we want everyone to study God’s Word? "YES" Then we need to study it for ourselves. When we give Jesus control over our lives, we allow His love, joy, peace, and hope to transform us. As this happens, our life becomes an act of worship that reveals His hope within us for others to see. 

When we live like Jesus, people are drawn to Jesus in our act's of following Jesus. As we worship Jesus with our life, we will be able to honestly say that Christ in us is our hope and glory — and other people will believe it because they see the evidence in our actions. They might not like who we are or agree with what we believe, but they won’t be able to find a logical reason to hate us when our life is centered around loving people the way Jesus loved us. So as we go about our day, we aim to live with gentleness and respect toward everyone. Let Jesus’ joy, love, peace, and hope permeate our heart, mind, and relationships. 

PRAYER 
Jesus, make us more like You. Please get rid of any behaviors or thoughts that don't reflect Your character or heart for us. Make us bold, brave, and courageous — but keep us humble, kind, peaceful, forgiving, and gentle. Let the way we live reflect Your joy, hope, and love. And when the opportunity arises, help us to share our faith with genuine joy. "Amen" 

Psalms Bible Study — This Coming Wednesday (10/22)

In the Psalms God speaks to us, His people. God speaks to us about many different topics in the Psalms like: His existence, the Messiah, forgiveness, doubt, thanksgiving and many more! Join us each Wednesday for worship at 2:00 p.m. followed by a 30 min. Bible Study hosted by Pastor Grimenstein (starting at 2:30 p.m.) as we study a different Psalm each week for a total of 12 weeks. God truly is speaking to us, come and hear what He is saying!

From Everlasting to Everlasting

A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.

90 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You return man to dust
    and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight
    are but as yesterday when it is past,
    or as a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning:
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

7 For we are brought to an end by your anger;
    by your wrath we are dismayed.
8 You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 For all our days pass away under your wrath;
    we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
10 The years of our life are seventy,
    or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble;
    they are soon gone, and we fly away.
11 Who considers the power of your anger,
    and your wrath according to the fear of you?

12 So teach us to number our days
    that we may get a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord! How long?
    Have pity on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be shown to your servants,
    and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and establish the work of our hands upon us;
    yes, establish the work of our hands!

508th Anniversary of The Reformation

The Gospel cannot be preached without offense and tumult. Why? Because the world and the devil cannot endure it. Therefore, let it not trouble you that many are offended, stirred up, and in an uproar when the Gospel is preached. On the contrary, this is its nature and its glory: that it disturbs the world, proclaims Christ the Son of God, crucified for our sins, and alone our righteousness of life.

– Martin Luther