VIDEO: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Complete Service
Each service at Zion Lutheran Church (normally the first of our two Sunday services) is streamed LIVE on our YouTube channel. These streams are for Sunday’s, Wednesday’s, Lenten, Advent, and special services. The entire service is streamed from beginning-to-end. Weddings and Funerals can also be streamed, if requested in advance.
View the bulletin for Wednesday, January 14, 2026
2:00 p.m. - Worship Service
2:30 p.m. - Bible Study
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Bulletins
Audio: Readings & Sermon for Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Epiphany
This audio-only file includes all the readings from scripture, along with the sermon — and when available, the announcements, adult choir, men’s choir, and/or bell choir. Also posted along with the audio file is the text for all the scripture readings, and a link to the current bulletin, and our YouTube channel if you prefer to watch the LIVE Stream.
View the Bulletin for Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Epiphany
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Bulletins
Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes all around, and see;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from afar,
and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and exult,
because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.
Ephesians 3:1–12
For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Matthew 2:1–12
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Lutheran Student Fellowship in Oakland
If you're not a college student in the 'Burgh, you might not know that our church body has a vibrant Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) in the Pittsburgh university community! The LSF ministry is based at First Trinity Lutheran located in the heart of the Oakland campuses of Pitt, CMU, Chatham, and Carlow. Campus Pastor Eric Andrae engages students who want to learn more about the Lutheran faith and experience how Scripture and the Divine Service connect us to Christ, to each other, and to the Church of the ages. Through Bible studies, weekly meals, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for international students, fellowship activities and more, Pastor Andrae engages with students to grow in faith during the vitally important college years.
If you'd like to join the group, or learn more about becoming a supporter, visit LSFpgh.com
Campus Pastor Eric Andrae
If you're not a college student in the 'Burgh, you might not know that our church body has a vibrant Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) in the Pittsburgh university community! The LSF ministry is based at First Trinity Lutheran located in the heart of the Oakland campuses of Pitt, CMU, Chatham, and Carlow. Campus Pastor Eric Andrae engages students who want to learn more about the Lutheran faith and experience how Scripture and the Divine Service connect us to Christ, to each other, and to the Church of the ages. Through Bible studies, weekly meals, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for international students, fellowship activities and more, Pastor Andrae engages with students to grow in faith during the vitally important college years.
If you'd like to join the group, or learn more about becoming a supporter, visit LSFpgh.com
Bulletin: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – Epiphany
Download/view the latest bulletin. It’s filled with our hymns, the order of service, all the readings from scripture, prayer requests for family & friends, service participants, communion statement, about our worship, the schedule of events for this coming weeks, along with announcements, news updates, happenings, and more!
View the bulletin for Wednesday, January 14, 2026
2:00 p.m. - Worship Service
2:30 p.m. - Bible Study
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Bulletins
Zion Soup Club
The Zion Soup Club is a way to connect people in our church and preschool, while also simplifying meal schedules for all involved. Everyone who signs up for the soup club will be assigned to groups of 4-5 households. Each week, one family will be responsible for making soup for everyone in their group. The other families will simply need to pick up their soup that week.
If you sign up, please commit to at least two cycles of the soup club (cooking two times).
The Zion Soup Club is a way to connect people in our church and preschool, while also simplifying meal schedules for all involved. Everyone who signs up for the soup club will be assigned to groups of 4-5 households. Each week, one family will be responsible for making soup for everyone in their group. The other families will simply need to pick up their soup that week.
If you sign up, please commit to at least two cycles of the soup club (cooking two times).
Grief Support Event
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
January 17, 202610:00 AM 1:00 PM
116 Browns Hill RoadValencia, PA, 16059United States (map)
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
Event location: Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
This grief workshop is designed to help individuals prepare for how to navigate those first holidays, birthdays and other special occasions, without their loved one being present. This year, we will also address the matter of, "sometimes the second year seems worst than the first." This workshop will also allow time for bereaved individuals to connect and share with one another. The Facing the Firsts ... workshop will be hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Marcia Jones-Washington. Please call to RSVP by Friday January 9, 2026. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
To Register Call: Good Samaritan Hospice: 1-800-720-2557
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
January 17, 202610:00 AM 1:00 PM
116 Browns Hill RoadValencia, PA, 16059United States (map)
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
Event location: Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
This grief workshop is designed to help individuals prepare for how to navigate those first holidays, birthdays and other special occasions, without their loved one being present. This year, we will also address the matter of, "sometimes the second year seems worst than the first." This workshop will also allow time for bereaved individuals to connect and share with one another. The Facing the Firsts ... workshop will be hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Marcia Jones-Washington. Please call to RSVP by Friday January 9, 2026. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
To Register Call: Good Samaritan Hospice: 1-800-720-2557
President’s Perspective
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’ve been reflecting on how excited Mary and Joseph must have been as they waited for His arrival. That made me think about how excited Diana and I were as we awaited the amazing gifts God gave us, the births of our son and daughter. Those moments are ones I will never forget, filled with joy, anticipation, and gratitude. We prayed often for God’s guidance as we embraced the responsibility of parenthood.
Christians often reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt, knowing that the child entrusted to them was the Savior of the world. I’m sure they prayed earnestly for God’s wisdom and strength.
Click below to read the complete article …
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’ve been reflecting on how excited Mary and Joseph must have been as they waited for His arrival. That made me think about how excited Diana and I were as we awaited the amazing gifts God gave us, the births of our son and daughter. Those moments are ones I will never forget, filled with joy, anticipation, and gratitude. We prayed often for God’s guidance as we embraced the responsibility of parenthood.
Christians often reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt, knowing that the child entrusted to them was the Savior of the world. I’m sure they prayed earnestly for God’s wisdom and strength.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
– Isaiah 9:6
As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember to take time out of your busy schedule to join us for Advent or Christmas services as we honor this most precious gift, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year in the hope and peace of Christ.
In Christ,
Bob Schmidt
Congregational President