Effective Witnessing
If you’re anything like me or even most people, when you have opportunities to share your faith with friends, you probably feel unqualified or unsure of how to express it without jeopardizing your friendship. Sometimes I wonder as a lot of people do if “sharing my faith” is even what we should be concerned about. We should, because if you read a story about a Jesus healing a non-Jewish man oppressed by demons (in Luke 8:26-39), you will see the importance Jesus places on sharing the faith with others.
Jesus and his disciples come by this man, and Jesus not only approached him, which would have violated a bunch of religious codes and laws, but He also healed him out of His love and compassion. But the next part is what should really get the attention to share and witness what Jesus has done.
Click the link below to read the complete story …
By: Mike Wallace, Congregational Vice President
If you’re anything like me or even most people, when you have opportunities to share your faith with friends, you probably feel unqualified or unsure of how to express it without jeopardizing your friendship. Sometimes I wonder as a lot of people do if “sharing my faith” is even what we should be concerned about. We should, because if you read a story about a Jesus healing a non-Jewish man oppressed by demons (in Luke 8:26-39), you will see the importance Jesus places on sharing the faith with others.
Jesus and his disciples come by this man, and Jesus not only approached him, which would have violated a bunch of religious codes and laws, but He also healed him out of His love and compassion. But the next part is what should really get the attention to share and witness what Jesus has done.
After He healed him, this man begged Jesus to let him follow Him and learn from Him, but Jesus refused, telling him to go and “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you” (v. 39).
This man had no religious training, no history of doing what was right to measure up to God or the Jewish religious standards and laws. Jesus is sending this man off as a missionary, “in spite of” his lack of qualifications!
Maybe perhaps what Jesus is demonstrating here is that it is because he had no religious background or formal training, that he was ready to tell his personal story of what God had done. He was loved and healed by Jesus, and that was more than enough to prompt him witness and share his faith.
Why does this Matter?
When it comes to sharing your faith, perhaps you should let go of the idea of not having the “right answer” or “best way of saying it.” Instead, just share the love, forgiveness, and healing that we have received from Jesus. Don’t do it out of a desire to win others over, but rather out of the true love and compassion that Jesus placed in our hearts that overflows into the world around us.
Pray
Lord Jesus give me the strength and the spirit to witness and tell everyone what You have done for me and for all of us. Let me share proudly and boldly Your love, grace, and mercy that You Lord have given to me. This my story of Your love, I Your name I pray. Amen
Bible Study: Sunday, August 2, 2026
Bible Study for Sunday, July 26, 2026
Where we discussed John 15:1-5, John 15:6-11, John 15:12-17, and a discussion of the 4th Part of Baptism.
Our Bible Study is lead by Rev. Dr. Edward O. Grimenstein, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA.
Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA is Online at https://www.zlcb.org/
Bible Study for Sunday, August 2, 2026
Where we discussed John 15:18-21, John 15:22-27, John 16:1-4, John 16:4-11, John 12-15, John 16: 16-19, and a discussion of Matthew 11:20-24, as well as the Third Article of the Creed: Sanctification. Our Bible Study is lead by Rev. Dr. Edward O. Grimenstein, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA.
Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA is Online at https://www.zlcb.org/
VIDEO: Sunday, August 9, 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.
Bulletin for Sunday, August 9, 2026
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Sunday Bible Studies
Archive of Bulletins
8:00 a.m. - Worship Service
9:15 a.m. - Adult/Teen Bible Study: The Gospel of John
9:15 a.m. - Summer Sunday School
This service will be LIVE STREAMED on our YouTube Channel
Audio: Announcements, Readings & Sermon for Sunday, August 9, 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.
Bulletin for Sunday, August 9, 2026
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Sunday Bible Studies
Archive of Bulletins
8:00 a.m. - Worship Service
9:15 a.m. - Adult/Teen Bible Study: The Gospel of John
9:15 a.m. - Summer Sunday School
This service will be LIVE STREAMED on our YouTube Channel
Old Testament Reading – Job 38:4–18
[The Lord said to Job:] “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
“Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb,
when I made clouds its garment
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
and prescribed limits for it
and set bars and doors,
and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
and caused the dawn to know its place,
that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,
and the wicked be shaken out of it?
It is changed like clay under the seal,
and its features stand out like a garment.
From the wicked their light is withheld,
and their uplifted arm is broken.
“Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
or walked in the recesses of the deep?
Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
Declare, if you know all this.”
Epistle Reading – Romans 10:5–17
Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fourteenth chapter
Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Woman’s Ministry: Bible Study
Zion Women’s Ministry Hosting: Divine Design Bible Study
This 8 Week study starts on Saturday, September 26th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Format of Study
This study will require reading on your own 5 days a week. We will come together on Saturdays to watch an accompanying video and have discussion. We will start week one already having read the first week. LWML will supply the first 15 participants with the book for free.
About the Book
Imagine that you have participated in a fashion makeover. Oh, yes, it's exciting, but that kind of transformation doesn't last long. Divine Design: 40 Days of Spiritual Makeover will lead you through a different kind of transformatfon: an alteratfon of attitude. Your journey through these pages will, by God's grace, enable you to experience a spiritual makeover that will transform your heart. This renovation of character will not become chipped, scuffed, or passe. Through God's free gift of faith in Jesus, you possess the garment of salvation: the robe of righteousness and eternal life with God. He has begun a spiritual makeover in you!
RSVP to:
Megan Migyanko @ proverbs31meg@yahoo.com | Text or Call: 412-518-2051
Zion Women’s Ministry Hosting: Divine Design Bible Study
This 8 Week study starts on Saturday, September 26th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Format of Study
This study will require reading on your own 5 days a week. We will come together on Saturdays to watch an accompanying video and have discussion. We will start week one already having read the first week. LWML will supply the first 15 participants with the book for free.
About the Book
Imagine that you have participated in a fashion makeover. Oh, yes, it's exciting, but that kind of transformation doesn't last long. Divine Design: 40 Days of Spiritual Makeover will lead you through a different kind of transformatfon: an alteratfon of attitude. Your journey through these pages will, by God's grace, enable you to experience a spiritual makeover that will transform your heart. This renovation of character will not become chipped, scuffed, or passe. Through God's free gift of faith in Jesus, you possess the garment of salvation: the robe of righteousness and eternal life with God. He has begun a spiritual makeover in you!
RSVP to:
Megan Migyanko @ proverbs31meg@yahoo.com | Text or Call: 412-518-2051
Bulletin: Sunday, August 9, 2026 + This Week at Zion
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!
Bulletin for Sunday, August 9, 2026
Archive of AUDIO “Readings & Sermons”
Archive of VIDEO “Complete Service”
Archive of Sunday Bible Studies
Archive of Bulletins
8:00 a.m. - Worship Service
9:15 a.m. - Adult/Teen Bible Study: The Gospel of John
9:15 a.m. - Summer Sunday School
The 8:00 a.m. service will be LIVE STREAMED on our YouTube Channel
THIS WEEK AT ZION
Saturday, August 8
No Events Scheduled
Sunday, August 9
8:00 a.m. — Worship Service
9:15 a.m. — Bible Study (The Gospel of John) & Children’s Summer Sunday School
10:30 a.m. — Worship Service
(The 8:00 a.m. service streamed on our YouTube channel)
Monday, August 10
No Events Scheduled
Tuesday, August 11
No Events Scheduled
Wednesday, August 12
2:00 p.m. - Mid-Week Worship Service
2:30 p.m. - Bible Study (Conclusion of The Book of Ruth) 30 min.
(The Worship Service will be streamed on our YouTube channel)
Thursday, August 13
6:00 p.m. - Events Committee Meeting
7:00 p.m. - Council Meeting
Friday, August 14
No Events Scheduled
Saturday, August 15
No Events Scheduled
Sunday, August 16
8:00 a.m. — Worship Service
9:15 a.m. — Bible Study (The Gospel of John) & Children’s Summer Sunday School
10:30 a.m. — Worship Service
(The 8:00 a.m. service streamed on our YouTube channel)
CLICK THE UPCOMING EVENTS GRAPHIC to go directly to our UPCOMING EVENTS page
The Lutheran Witness
The Lutheran Witness: Interpreting the Contemporary World From a Lutheran Christian Perspective
Whether you prefer to read it in print or online, The Lutheran Witness, the official publication of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is a must-read for Lutherans of all ages!
Published 11 times a year—monthly, with a combined June/July issue—The Lutheran Witness keeps you updated with news from around the Synod, and addresses topical issues with feature articles, columns, Q&As, and more that will both inform and inspire.
The Lutheran Witness: Interpreting the Contemporary World From a Lutheran Christian Perspective
Whether you prefer to read it in print or online, The Lutheran Witness, the official publication of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is a must-read for Lutherans of all ages!
Published 11 times a year—monthly, with a combined June/July issue—The Lutheran Witness keeps you updated with news from around the Synod, and addresses topical issues with feature articles, columns, Q&As, and more that will both inform and inspire.