What is your “Life Story?”
Dear Lutherans, I imagine that you have a story that impacts how you think about life issues. What is your “life story”? Here is mine ...
A young man of 18 left his family farm 60 years ago, enlisting as a Marine. Why would a young man volunteer to serve his country? Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for His friends.” Jn 15:13 My father’s sister took the time to write this soldier. He was from a nearby town. Why did my aunt take time as a young woman busy with nursing school to send letters of encouragement? It’s because the life of a Christian is not lived unto oneself, but for the neighbor’s good, in memory of the Savior who lived His life for us.
Sixty years ago, that man climbed into a helicopter in Vietnam to rescue soldiers under attack. What gives a person the energy and poise to fly into the jungle to rescue the wounded and recover the dead – to risk one’s life for friends? Jesus on the cross, who loved us and came to our aid when we were under attack from Satan. My uncle stepped onto the helicopter that day, but he never stepped off. In fact, he has never taken another step since. A bullet fired from the canopy below pierced his spine, instantly paralyzing him from the waist down.
Click the link below to read the complete story …
By: Pastor Christopher Mark Seifferlein, Mount Calvary Lutheran, Lititz, PA
Dear Lutherans, I imagine that you have a story that impacts how you think about life issues. What is your “life story”? Here is mine ...
A young man of 18 left his family farm 60 years ago, enlisting as a Marine. Why would a young man volunteer to serve his country? Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for His friends.” Jn 15:13 My father’s sister took the time to write this soldier. He was from a nearby town. Why did my aunt take time as a young woman busy with nursing school to send letters of encouragement? It’s because the life of a Christian is not lived unto oneself, but for the neighbor’s good, in memory of the Savior who lived His life for us.
Sixty years ago, that man climbed into a helicopter in Vietnam to rescue soldiers under attack. What gives a person the energy and poise to fly into the jungle to rescue the wounded and recover the dead – to risk one’s life for friends? Jesus on the cross, who loved us and came to our aid when we were under attack from Satan. My uncle stepped onto the helicopter that day, but he never stepped off. In fact, he has never taken another step since. A bullet fired from the canopy below pierced his spine, instantly paralyzing him from the waist down.
Why would this woman keep writing during his months of recovery in the hospital? And what gives a woman the courage to say “yes” to love, knowing that a marriage will not be normal? Life is different for those who view it from the lens of the cross. To have the eyes of Jesus is to see the joy of sacrificing for the benefit of another, and making it a way of life. Because of injuries sustained, two children, my cousins, were received through the gift of adoption. What gives a pregnant woman courage to face her pregnancy, rather than to attempt the “easy way” of abortion? What gives a woman the heart wrenching power to carry a child growing in the womb, her own flesh and blood, and entrust her child to another? The Father who in the greatest act of love gave His only begotten Son as a gift to us, and the cross of Jesus which gives the faith to believe in the Triune God who strengthens and forgives. But what a gift! For a man who gave to his country everything he had, and a woman who gave up the ability to bear children in her womb, two young mothers gave them everything they had, so they could cradle children in their arms and call them their own. Four challenges were made lovely by the God who has the power to turn bullets into something beautiful, and human failings into redemption.
Why take time from work or daily activities to participate? Why take time to walk on a road and hold a sign where feet and arms might ache? Somewhere there is a little child who can’t yet stand, or speak. We walk for the mother who is afraid, for the father who doesn’t know what to do, and for a community that needs to know there are those who believe in life. We stand in remembrance of Christ who stood for us, when we couldn’t stand on our own, and under whose arms we find refuge.
My uncle is now 79 years old. These days health issues lead to frequent trips to the hospital for things you and I take for granted. He must lie face down for hours at a time due to bed sores on his body. His arms are also worn out – all the result of 60 years of mobilizing in a wheelchair. At Christmas, he buried his wife who had stood by him these many years. Wars come and go, but individuals carry in their bodies the testimony of their willingness to sacrifice for us and the value of our life to them. It is the sacrifice we see in them, the willingness to give it all up for us, which shows us the One who gave His all for us, giving our life meaning and a reason to carry on. This inspires us to stand up for others. Breakfast is on us . . . we have an excellent speaker lineup prepared . . . come listen, learn, and be encouraged as we gather, stand, sing, and march.
On Monday, September 21, 2026 we will gather in Harrisburg as Lutherans for the Pennsylvania March for Life.
LINK TO DETAIL/REGISTRATION PAGE
Bible Study: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Bible Study for Sunday September 6 2026
Where we discussed John 19:12-16 and John 19:16-22, plus Roman crucifixion techniques. 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 September 6 2026
Where we discussed John 19:12-16 and John 19:16-22, plus Roman crucifixion techniques. 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, September 13, 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, September 13, 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. - RALLY DAY: Opening of Children’s Sunday School
The 8:00 a.m. service will be LIVE STREAMED on our YouTube Channel
Audio: Announcements, Readings & Sermon for Sunday, September 13, 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, September 13, 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. - RALLY DAY: Opening of Children’s Sunday School
The 8:00 a.m. service will be LIVE STREAMED on our YouTube Channel
Old Testament Reading -- Genesis 50:15–21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died, ‘Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Epistle Reading -- Romans 14:1–12
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the eighteenth chapter
Peter came up and said to [Jesus], “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
A Nursery for Young Children
A nursery for young children is available in the lower level near the Fellowship Hall (Room 101). It includes a diaper changing station near the door and audio so you don’t miss the service. Parent supervision is required. In addition, the Family Care Room in the narthex (near the main entrance) is equipped with a nursing chair and changing station items. (please note, this area is not sound-proofed from the sanctuary).
A nursery for young children is available in the lower level near the Fellowship Hall (Room 101). It includes a diaper changing station near the door and audio so you don’t miss the service. Parent supervision is required. In addition, the Family Care Room in the narthex (near the main entrance) is equipped with a nursing chair and changing station items. (please note, this area is not sound-proofed from the sanctuary).
Bulletin: Sunday, September 13, 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, September 13, 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. - Sunday School
The 8:00 a.m. service will be LIVE STREAMED on our YouTube Channel
THIS WEEK AT ZION
Saturday, September 12
10:00 a.m. - Women’s Ministry One-Day Bible Study
Sunday, September 13
RALLY DAY
8:00 a.m. — Worship Service
9:15 a.m. — Bible Study (The Gospel of John) & Rally Day Opening of Children’s Sunday School
10:30 a.m. — Worship Service
(The 8:00 a.m. service streamed on our YouTube channel)
Monday, September 14
6:00 p.m. - Confirmation 2nd Year
7:00 p.m. - Board of Trustees Meeting
7:00 p.m. - Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, September 15
6:15 p.m. - Bell Choir Practice
7:15 p.m. - Adult Choir Practice
Wednesday, September 16
2:00 p.m. - Mid-Week Worship Service
2:30 p.m. - Bible Study (1 Samuel) 30 min.
(The Worship Service will be streamed on our YouTube channel)
7:15 p.m. - Adult Instruction Class
Thursday, September 17
7:00 p.m. - Elder’s Meeting
Friday, September 18
LWML Fall Retreat at Camp Pioneer
Saturday, September 19
LWML Fall Retreat at Camp Pioneer
Sunday, September 20
LWML Fall Retreat at Camp Pioneer
8:00 a.m. — Worship Service
9:15 a.m. — Bible Study (The Gospel of John) & Children’s 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
Prayer for 9/11 Anniversary: Seeking God's Mercy and Protection
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks on our nation, consider sharing this prayer with your pastor to use in the Prayers of the Church this Sunday.
"Lord of all nations, God of all peoples, we praise You for answering the prayers of Your people as we sought Your mercy and protection following the events of September 11, 2001. Your providence and care have given to us daily bread and protection from enemies. Let us ever trust Your mercy even as enemies continue to threaten our peace. Bring comfort through Your Word to those whose hearts are heavy on this anniversary, may they find their hope in Your Son’s victory over evil and the grave. Turn all our hearts to Jesus, who is our life and our salvation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen."
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks on our nation, consider sharing this prayer with others ...
"Lord of all nations, God of all peoples, we praise You for answering the prayers of Your people as we sought Your mercy and protection following the events of September 11, 2001. Your providence and care have given to us daily bread and protection from enemies. Let us ever trust Your mercy even as enemies continue to threaten our peace. Bring comfort through Your Word to those whose hearts are heavy on this anniversary, may they find their hope in Your Son’s victory over evil and the grave. Turn all our hearts to Jesus, who is our life and our salvation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen."