Services

The Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67:1-7; Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32; Matthew 15:21-28

It was promised of old that salvation would come, that God’s righteousness would be revealed so that his way might be known throughout the earth. So it is that in Christ, many have been gathered and still more will be gathered. Even those who are considered lost will be found and receive the Lord’s irrevocable gifts of mercy, grace, and salvation. God will have mercy even on Gentiles and the lost

Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Joshua 8:30-35

The singing of Vespers, the evening hymn, "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow," a lesson from Joshua 8:30-35, a reading from Luther's Large Catechism, and a comment or two. 

The Tenth Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Job 38:4-18; Psalm 18:1-16; Romans 10:5-17; Matthew 14:22-33

God speaks to us all when he answers Job out of the whirlwind. The God of all creation is in control. Even when our souls are poured out within us (Job 30:16), the Lord is our strength. When death assails us, even then he is in control of our lives. He has drawn us out of many waters already — even through baptism, the water of death (Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27). So let us make the good confession of faith

Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 11:25-36

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night" (LBW hymn 278), a lesson from Romans 11:25-36, and a reading from the Large Catechism with a comment from Pastor Ryman.

The Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26; Romans 9:1-5, 6-13; Matthew 14:13-21

God makes an everlasting covenant, not simply with David but, with all whom he represents. When he says that he will make a covenant with “you,” that “you” is plural. This everlasting covenant, in Pauline terms, is with the Israel of God. That is how his steadfast love endures forever: it extends to all of the elect, the children of Abraham. He feeds all who follow him from the bounty of his stead

Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 9:1-18

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now All the Woods Are Sleeping" (LBW hymn 276), a lesson from Romans 9:1-18, and a reading from the Large Catechism with a comment from Pastor Ryman.

The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Psalm 125:1-5; Romans 8:28-39; Matthew 13:44-52

We are holy to the Lord because he keeps his covenant with us. He is the one who is faithful; it is not the other way around. So, we must have faith in him, in his faithfulness. This faith in God’s faithfulness fixes us, makes as immovable as a mountain, as the Rock who surrounds us like a fortress. Thus, we are able to do good without relying on our results. God turns even our mistakes into matte

Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 7:13–25

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Christ, You Are the Light and Day" (LBW hymn 273), a lesson from Romans 7:13–25, and a homily on what to do when you sin.

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 119:57-64; Romans 8:18-27; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The Lord, the only God, is all we need. We need fear nothing in life, for his is a steadfast love. This does not mean there are no sufferings in the present time. It does mean that the divine Spirit helps in all our weaknesses. He even mediates for us before the Father when we do not know how to pray about our troubles. Indeed, the troubles of life will come. Eventually, judgment will come at the

Vespers

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Romans 4:13–25

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Trinity, O Blessed Light," (LBW hymn 275), a lesson from Romans 4:13–25, and a reading by Martin Luther.

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1–14; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

The gospel seed is to be sown over the entire world. Even as the rain and snow that God sends down from the heavens brings forth fruit from the ground, sowers may trust God for the increase. It is through the Spirit, not our skill at sowing, that gospel seed takes root, and to mix metaphors, that people are adopted into the family of God. So it is with God’s word; it will surely accomplish God’s p

Vespers

An online service of worship

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Abide with Me," (LBW hymn 272), a lesson from Matthew 18:1–4, and a poem by Susan Ruach: "A New Way of Struggling."

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:1-14; Romans 7:14-25a; Matthew 11:25-30

It is a good thing that God is able to do what he purposes to accomplish. Paul could not do so; neither can we. But thanks be to God that though we delight in the law but cannot perform it, Christ has fulfilled the law. In other words, we cannot overcome sin by keeping the law, but Christ has overcome sin for us. We need but come to him to find rest for our souls and be at peace, knowing that beca

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:1–4

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night," (LBW hymn 278), a lesson from Matthew 16:1–4, and a reading from Søren Kierkegaard's 'The Sickness Unto Death.'

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 119:153-160; Romans 7:1-13; and Matthew 10:34-42.

We are not divorced from keeping the law. Every one of God’s righteous rules endures forever. The Ten Commandments remain in both Scripture and the Catechism. They are there for our good and our guidance. The law, however, cannot condemn those who have faith in the Son of Man who fulfilled the law for us. Nevertheless, we are called to live in the Spirit at a higher level, bearing fruit for God. T

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now the Day Is Over," (LBW hymn 280), a reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1–15, and another reading from Karl Barth's 'Come, Holy Spirit.'

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Jeremiah 20:7–13; Psalm 91:1–16; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

“Trust and obey,” says the old hymn. Yet we might also sing, “Trust and abide.” Though one’s ministry is as unsatisfying as Jeremiah’s, as dangerous as David’s, as rigorous as Paul’s, or as treacherous as Jesus’, we are called to be obedient. Christ calls and we must obey, for we are in his service. This call is a call to deep disappointment, rejection, and death—but also great satisfaction, adopt

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 3:14–16

The singing of the Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow," (LBW hymn 282) by Paul Gerhardt and Heinrich Isaac, a reading from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 3:14–16), and another reading from Oswald Bayer's essay, "Silence Before God," from the latest issue of 'Lutheran Quarterly.'

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Exodus 19:2–8a; Psalm 100:1–5; Romans 5:6–15; Matthew 9:35–10:20

Following on the heels of Gospel lesson for Trinity Sunday where Jesus sent the disciples into the world to baptize and teach, we see in today’s readings that all of God’s people are sent into the world as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation of proclaimers. We are to make a joyful noise unto and for the Lord. This reconciled priesthood of believers is being sent out as harvesters.

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 1 John 5:1–12

The singing of the Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer (LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Trinity, O Blessed Light," (LBW hymn 275) by Ambrose, a reading from the Apostle John, and the reading of an ancient hymn by Hilary of Poiters

Trinity Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1-2:4a ; Psalm 8:1-10; Acts 2:14a, 22-36; Matthew 28:16-20

The Holy Trinity is anticipated from the beginning. There, the Spirit is the first person of the Trinity to be named in Scripture, even before the Father. However, the one God (Deut 6:4) is expressed in the Hebrew with the plural elohim. Luke recounts Peter’s sermon, showing that our Lord Jesus Christ is divine. Part of our remembering the triune name of God is recalling with the psalmist that we

Pentecost Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 25:1-15; Acts 2:1-21; John 7:37-39

Wait for God. Too often, individuals and entire congregations rush ahead of the Spirit. They are determined to do things their way—even if that is the same old way, “the way we’ve always done it in our church.” But God is doing something new, and we may see it, if we wait. Without the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and his guidance (inspiration), we stumble, at best. Alcoholics Anonymous describes

Ascension Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47:1–9; Ephesians 1:15–23; Luke 24:44–53

Order of Worship  Download the PDF of the Order of Worship Collect Hymn: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Lyrics: The Veneble Bede; Music: “Geistliche Kirchengesänge,” Köln (1623) A hymn of glory let us sing; new hymns throughout the world shall ring: Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ, by a road before untrod, ascends unto the throne of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! The holy apostolic band upon the Mount of Olives stand; Alleluia! Alleluia! and with his faithful followers see their Lord ascend in majesty. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, ...

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:1–10

In the midst of singing Vespers, readings from the Apostle Paul and from Elton Trueblood...

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 17:16–31; Psalm 66:8–20; 1 Peter 3:13–22; John 14:15–21

  Order of Worship  download the PDF Collect Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King Lyrics: Anonymous; Music: “Italian Hymn,” Felice de Giardini (1719–1796) Come, thou Almighty King, help us thy name to sing, help us to praise. Father, all glorious, O’er all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days. Come, thou Incarnate Word, gird on thy mighty sword, our prayer attend. Come and thy people bless, And give thy Word success, And let thy righteousness On us descend. Come, Holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour. Thou who almighty art, now rule in ...

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:1–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28; Matthew 6:19–24

The Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer...

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60; Psalm 146:1–10; 1 Peter 2:2–10; John 14:1–14

  Order of Worship (download the PDF) Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020 Collect Hymn: Come, Sing Praises to Our Mothers Lyrics: Mark E. Ryman (2004); Music: “Beecher,” John Zundel (1870) Come, sing praises to our mothers who have tuned our hearts to you. You share praises with no others but these ones whose love is true. They must hear our truest feelings if they would know how we’re blessed by unwearied, careful teachings given without thought of rest. We raise up our grateful voices for the patient love of moms, who have listened to the noises of their screaming, childish ...

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Exodus 33:3

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23:1-6; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10

Order of Worship (download the PDF) The Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020 Collect Hymn: The King of Love My Shepherd Is Lyrics: Henry Williams Baker; Music: St. Columbia The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never. I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever. Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth; and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth. Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me; and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me. In death’s dark vale I fear no ill, with thee, dear ...

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Colossians 1:15–17

Drive by Salem Lutheran Church Saturday morning at 11:00 to show Pastor Dawn your suport. Salem is located at 5080 Sherrills Ford Rd, Salisbury, NC. 

The Third Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-14; 1 Peter 1:17-25; Luke 24:13-35

Because God is gracious and merciful, he extends forgiveness and the gift of his Spirit to all, throughout the generations. He delivers our souls from sin and death, so that we may walk with him as Adam did, in the land of the living. He accomplishes this by putting to death our old nature through baptism, a burial of the sinner into the death of Christ. In the process, he gives dead sinners new l

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: John 15:1–11

The Second Sunday of Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 5:29-42; Psalm 148:1–14; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Order of Worship Collect Hymn: "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my everliving Head. He lives triumphant from the grave, He lives eternally to save, He lives all-glorious in the sky, He lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with His love, He lives to plead for me above, He lives my hungry soul to feed, He lives to help in time of need. He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives, "I know that my ...

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Exodus 12:42

Easter

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 16; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

Easter Sunrise

A sermon for Easter Sunrise – preached for Salem Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. We rejoice in the Lord's resurrection, and also this Easter, in the recovery of Salem's pastor, Rev. Dawn Rister, who the Lord has blessed with having beaten COVID-19. I spoke with her last night, and I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear her voice again. Alleluia! 

Friday of Holy Week

Lunch in the Word

Scripture Text: John 13:36–38

Good Friday

Devotions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 52:13–53:12

With Pastor Rister's hospitalization, Jennifer Needham, seminarian and candidate for ordained ministry in the NALC, was asked to do Good Friday devotions for Pr. Rister's congregation, Salem Lutheran Church. 

Good Friday

Tenebrae Service

Scripture Text: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; John 18:1–19:30

Thursday of Holy Week

Lunch in the Word

Scripture Text: Mark 14:12–25

Maundy Thursday at Eventide

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: John 13:31–35

We were commanded under the law to love God, and our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus gives us a new command: to love each other the way he has loved us.  

Maundy Thursday

Devotions

Scripture Text: Exodus 24:3–11

With Pastor Rister's hospitalization, Jennifer Needham, seminarian and candidate for ordaianed ministry in the NALC, was asked to do Maundy Thursday devotions for Pr. Rister's congregation, Salem Lutheran Church. 

Wednesday of Holy Week

Lunch in the Word

Scripture Text: Mark 12:1–11

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12–16

Tuesday of Holy Week

Lunch in the Word

Scripture Text: Mark 11:27–33

Monday of Holy Week

Lunch in the Word

Scripture Text: Mark 11:12–25

Palm Sunday

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 118:19–26; Philippians 2:5–11; Matthew 26:1–27:66

This is why we know of Jesus today. Long ago, at his Father’s bidding, he came to earth to be crucified. More specifically, he lived among us so that he would die for our sins, his body broken and his blood spilled in order that God’s forgiving grace could be made available to all who believe. In order for this to happen, God had to provide his grace in a just manner; the penalty of the sin of a world had to be paid. So both God and humanity must die: a human because we sinned, and God because he would pay the debt of all. And so, the Son of God became the Son of Man, setting his face like flint, determined to save those ...

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 2:15–16

The LBW Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers), April 1, 2020

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Scripture Text: Ezekiel 37:1–14; Psalm 130:1–8; Romans 8:1–11; John 11:1–45

Our thanks to Augsburg Publishing for permitting the use of their music during the pandemic.  A valley of long-dead bones is revivified. A dead man is raised from the grave. And we too, who were dead in our sins, dead men walking in this flesh, are raised to new life in Christ. But this happens, not because a prophet spoke or even because the Lord said, “Come forth,” but because the Son of Man died for the world, becoming the resurrection and the life to everyone who believes.  

Vespers

Service of Evening Prayer

Scripture Text: Mark 8:14

The LBW Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers), March 25, 2020

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

An online service of worship

Watch this short video about getting ready for today's worship service. Please note that there is now a GIVE link at the top of every page of this website, so that you may make an online offering. A Service of Worship The Fourth Sunday in Lent March 22, 2020   Order for Confession and Forgiveness P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify ...

Third Sunday in Lent

Series: Lent 2020

Scripture Text: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1–8; John 4:5–26

A sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent – These are difficult tiimes for our nation and the world. Is God using them so that we might be drawn to the Rock of rejoicing. Drink!