LUTHERANS engage - Winter 2026
In this issue of Lutherans Engage the World, you’ll read about many amazing things that God is doing around the world: engaging youth in the faith, caring for refugees, forming deaconesses for service to the church, sharing the Gospel with people in far-flung places. But the mission of the church is not something that “they” are doing “out there.” It’s work that all Christians are involved in — whether in their own neighborhood or by partnering with others across the globe.
In the article “Inviting Mission Partners to the Table,” Eurasia Regional Director Rev. Dr. David Preus says that he hopes the people who attended the recent Germany FORO will return home and tell others, “We have a mission in Germany, and this is what we are doing.” In the same way, we hope you will be encouraged by these examples of how your church is sharing the love and mercy of Jesus Christ all around the globe — all to the glory of God.
In this issue of Lutherans Engage the World, you’ll read about many amazing things that God is doing around the world: engaging youth in the faith, caring for refugees, forming deaconesses for service to the church, sharing the Gospel with people in far-flung places. But the mission of the church is not something that “they” are doing “out there.” It’s work that all Christians are involved in — whether in their own neighborhood or by partnering with others across the globe.
In the article “Inviting Mission Partners to the Table,” Eurasia Regional Director Rev. Dr. David Preus says that he hopes the people who attended the recent Germany FORO will return home and tell others, “We have a mission in Germany, and this is what we are doing.” In the same way, we hope you will be encouraged by these examples of how your church is sharing the love and mercy of Jesus Christ all around the globe — all to the glory of God.
“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
These are the words we start Easter with. Our entire Easter season is peppered with these words, salted with them so we may never forget. Jesus Christ truly has risen from the dead. Because we have been baptized into Christ, united to Christ through baptism, we will also rise from the dead (Romans 6). It is very right and fitting we shout, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia!”
We need to say these words. We desperately need to be reminded of the reality of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, because the reality we see around us is so often very different looking. We see our parents die, we see our spouses die, our friends, our family, even our children. We see the cold reality of death staring us in the face all the time. This is why we need the warm reality of the resurrection being shouted into our ears.
Click the link below to read the complete article …
These are the words we start Easter with. Our entire Easter season is peppered with these words, salted with them so we may never forget. Jesus Christ truly has risen from the dead. Because we have been baptized into Christ, united to Christ through baptism, we will also rise from the dead (Romans 6). It is very right and fitting we shout, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia!”
We need to say these words. We desperately need to be reminded of the reality of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, because the reality we see around us is so often very different looking. We see our parents die, we see our spouses die, our friends, our family, even our children. We see the cold reality of death staring us in the face all the time. This is why we need the warm reality of the resurrection being shouted into our ears.
St. Paul understood what Christians like us go through. The church in the city of Thessalonica had Christians who were worried about the resurrection. They saw their loved ones die, just like we do. They saw spouses, friends, and children die as well. Seeing them die was just as hard for them as it is for us. St. Paul wrote to them, and you as well, saying:
[we do not want you to] grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep . . . For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command . . . and the dead in Christ will rise first . . . so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The reality of death we see around us is hard, bitter, and heartbreaking. But the Easter proclamation “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia!” can soften the blow, comfort the sadness, and soothe the bitterness of death. We do grieve, but we do not grieve as those without hope. May we shout it out loud and remind ourselves constantly, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia!”
— Pastor Grimenstein
VIDEO: Easter Sunday, April 5, 2025 - 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.
Audio: Readings & Sermon for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
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 Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Bulletins
First Reading -- Acts 10:34–43
Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Epistle Reading -- Colossians 3:1–4
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-eighth chapter
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Quartet – All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (8:00 a.m.)
Adult Choir – Crown Him (10:30 a.m.)
Bell Choir -- Easter Rejoicing (10:30 a.m.)
Easter Flowers Donated by …
Karen Bauer (2) -- In Memory of Carl Bauer, and in honor of her children and grandchildren
Shane & Sandy Bryant (2) -- In Memory of Paul Donald Hayes
Mike & Cheryl Debowski (1) -- In Gratitude for the Ministry of Zion Lutheran Church
Sam & Joanne Garloff (2) -- In Memory of Sam’s grand- mother, Evelyn; and Joanne’s brother, Michael
Paul & Terry Hayes (2) -- In Memory of loved ones
Paul & Nancy Klemash (2) -- In Memory of loved ones
Gene & Sharon Koop (1) -- In Memory of our daughter and in honor of our grandsons
Mike & Linda Kroeger (2) -- In Memory of parents Jean & Dave Walker, and Gertrude & Cletus Kroeger
Brent & Marianne Miller (1) -- In Memory of our loving parents
Mary Lou Rilee (2) -- In Memory of loved ones
Karen Bauer (2) -- In Memory of Carl Bauer, and in honor of her children and grandchildren
Shane & Sandy Bryant (2) -- In Memory of Paul Donald Hayes
Mike & Cheryl Debowski (1) -- In Gratitude for the Ministry of Zion Lutheran Church
Sam & Joanne Garloff (2) -- In Memory of Sam’s grand- mother, Evelyn; and Joanne’s brother, Michael
Paul & Terry Hayes (2) -- In Memory of loved ones
Paul & Nancy Klemash (2) -- In Memory of loved ones
Gene & Sharon Koop (1) -- In Memory of our daughter and in honor of our grandsons
Mike & Linda Kroeger (2) -- In Memory of parents Jean & Dave Walker, and Gertrude & Cletus Kroeger
Brent & Marianne Miller (1) -- In Memory of our loving parents
Mary Lou Rilee (2) -- In Memory of loved ones
Food Bank Sunday: April 12th
Bridgeville Area Food Bank
The April collection for the Bridgeville Area Food Bank is Sunday, April 12th. The “items of the month” are canned meats and proteins. Items may be placed in the wicker bin in the narthex near the coat rack.
Bridgeville Area Food Bank
The April collection for the Bridgeville Area Food Bank is Sunday, April 12th. The “items of the month” are canned meats and proteins. Items may be placed in the wicker bin in the narthex near the coat rack.
VIDEO: Good Friday, April 3, 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 Good Friday, April 3, 2026
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Bulletins
1:30 p.m. - Prelude Music
2:00 p.m. - Worship Service
6:30 p.m. - Prelude Music
7:00 p.m. - Worship Service