Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

10/08/2026

Unexpected Wedding Guests
Thursday, October 8, 2026

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:1-14)

I wonder how the replacement guests felt. I mean, one moment they’re on their way to the market or off to visit a relative, and the next, they’re being bundled in the side door of the palace, handed a set of wedding clothes, and shown to a chair at the king’s table!

And all of that for no merit of their own. They weren’t originally invited. Probably most of them would never have dreamed of sitting at the king’s table. They are the little people—the poor, the servants, the foreigners, the people with a shady past. But they are there, and they are willing to toast the prince and his new bride. That’s good enough for the king!

And it’s good enough for us, too, isn’t it? Because we are God’s “replacement guests”—most of us don’t come from Israel, with whom God originally made a covenant. We are the “extras” God brought in to fill up His hall, to make sure Jesus receives all the honor and applause and celebration He deserves at His wedding feast. Through His own suffering, death, and resurrection, He provided us with everything we need to be a fit guest at His table, all the way down to the forgiveness and innocence symbolized by the wedding clothes. It will be an evening to remember—an eternity to remember!

WE PRAY: Dear Lord, thank You for scooping me up and bringing me to Your party. Amen.

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10/07/2026

Thank you to Chicora Fire Station for visiting our preschool this morning to teach us about fire safety!

10/07/2026

Endless Good News!
Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:4-13)

Have you ever heard of doom-scrolling? That’s what they call it when you sit there on your phone or tablet, reading the terrible, depressing news from around the world—and getting more and more depressed with every story. And somehow we never seem to run out of bad news—the algorithms just keep serving up more and more for us to get upset about. It isn’t good for us.

Against that, Paul gives us this advice: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” And while we can think about any good thing God gives to us, of course the greatest gift is Jesus Himself.

Because these words fit Him, don’t they? True, pure, honorable, lovely—and certainly worthy of praise! How else should we describe the One who came down from heaven to become one of us, and to rescue us from the power of evil?

And to do it the way He did, too—at the cost of His own suffering and death. I never could have imagined God doing things that way—and for what? To rescue His enemies! But His heart has always been turned toward us. And so Jesus died and rose from the dead—making Himself the Source of everlasting life for all of us who trust in Him, who are now God’s dearly loved children.

There is so much good news here for us—and it will never end. We can explore it till the end of time, and there will still be more for us to enjoy.

WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, You are good, true, and utterly lovely. Thank You for making me Your own. Amen.

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10/06/2026

What’s for Dinner?
Tuesday, October 6, 2026

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged w**e, of rich food full of marrow, of aged w**e well refined. And He will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” (Isaiah 25:6-9)

I love this description of the feast God is making for everyone in the world. Because look at what we get to eat! For us, God’s people, there will be rich food, well-aged w**e, the best of everything. And for God, well … God gets to eat death.

Yes, you heard that right. Look at verse eight: “He will swallow up death forever.” That can’t be an easy thing to digest, even for God! And in fact, we know that it wasn’t. Because God came into our world as a human being, as the Man Christ Jesus—and He overcame the death that held us in fear through His own suffering and death. For us He bore the flogging, the mocking, the cross; for us He lay in the tomb. And for us He rose from the dead, destroying the power of death forever—and giving life to all of us who trust in Him to save us.

No wonder we celebrate! Because Jesus has invited us to His own banquet, on the day He returns to take us to Himself. We will celebrate the One who loves us this much. And yes, we will be happy and say what Isaiah prophesies: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

WE PRAY: Dear Lord, thank You for swallowing up death for me, so that I could live in joy with You and eat at Your table. I love You. Amen.

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10/05/2026

10/05/2026

Sign-up by calling the church office: 724-445-3574

10/05/2026

Restored
Monday, October 5, 2026

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

We use the word restore in different ways, although the meaning remains essentially the same. To restore an old and valuable painting to its original condition, museum experts work patiently for hours, focusing on one small section at a time. They attempt to remove layers of grime and smoke to bring out colors as bright as the day the artist first applied them. If thieves are caught after a robbery, stolen possessions will eventually be restored to the rightful owner. Likewise with warring nations, through difficult and delicate negotiations, a lasting peace may be restored. In each case of restoration, something valuable, fragile, or damaged is brought back to its proper condition or returned to its owner.

“The LORD is my Shepherd … He restores my soul.” When we are soul-weary and heartsick with worry and fear, when our souls are burdened by guilt and grief, the Lord our Good Shepherd, leads us to rest and refreshment in the green pastures and still waters of His Word. According to His mercy and steadfast love, Jesus forgives our sins and upholds us with the promises of His Word. Like a treasured painting restored to brightness, our souls our restored and reflect once again the peace and hope received from our Shepherd. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have been delivered safely into the hands of our Creator, our rightful Owner. Our Heavenly Father “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). Dying and risen with Christ Jesus in Baptism, we have been raised and restored to life in our Savior. We are God’s holy, treasured people.

When negotiators try to restore peace between warring nations, both sides must come to the bargaining table. Discussions are held to determine terms, discuss future armament plans, and the possession of lands won or lost in battle. Through Christ Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God. We have nothing to bring to the bargaining table. There is nothing we can offer in exchange to earn God’s favor and peace. This work of restoration is the work of God alone, who gave His Son to atone for our sins. The battle was fought, and won, at the cross and in His resurrection. We have been raised to new life in Christ. Our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our souls are restored.

WE PRAY: Good Shepherd, when I am weary and overcome with guilt, forgive my sins and restore my soul. Amen.

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10/02/2026

Announcements
1. Adult Choir- Adult Choir will practice on Sundays at 9:00 AM. We are in need of additional choir members to continue sharing our gift of music during worship. All are welcome! No experience is necessary, just a willingness to sing and serve. Without additional members, we may not be able to continue our choir ministry. Please consider joining us and helping keep the music alive in our church!

2. Christmas in Chicora - Holy Trinity will be a passport stop for Christmas in Chicora on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. We are looking for craft vendors if you know anyone who might be interested! Please share with friends!
For more information, you can contact Laura Kepple and Darlene Walker. [email protected] 724-525-0261(Laura); [email protected] 724-525-6344 (Darlene)

3. Greeter Program - Please sign up to be part of our Greeter Program. People coming through our doors for the first time, would welcome a smiling face and a “good morning.” Individuals or families can perform this much needed ministry. Please sign-up on the board in the narthex.

4. Women’s Bible Study - meets on Mondays at 7 p.m. The book we will be using is "Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God's Song Book" by Tracy Sumner. It is available on either christianbook.com or Amazon. If anyone has questions, they can either text Laura at (724) 525-0261, or email at [email protected]. We will be on Study 15 - Psalm 55 (p. 95) this week.

5. Art Class - Val Fleeger is teaching a painting class on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..It will be a fall painting. Donations will benefit Haiti. Please sign-up on the board in the narthex or call the church office.

6. Contact Information - please update your contact information on the side table in the narthex. We are updating addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses to help improve church communication. We appreciate your help!

7. 75+ Dinner - The 75+ Dinner is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 11:45 a.m.. Invitations will be coming this week in the mail. Sign-up sheet is on the board in the Narthex or call the church office at: (724) 445 - 3574. Please have your reservation in by Monday, October 26th !

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10/02/2026

Embrace Life
Friday, October 2, 2026

This devotion pairs with this weekend’s Lutheran Hour sermon, which can be found at lhm.org.

[Jesus says,] “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. However, I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

This year’s theme for our Hispanic Heritage Month at Lutheran Hour Ministries is “Abraza la Vida,” or “Embrace Life.” This is an invitation to recognize the life God gives us, the life He prepares for us, the life He alone can offer. We’re not talking about a life without problems, or without challenges or sorrows, but rather a better life here on earth, and an eternal life that—according to the Bible—is perfect, abundant, and that God gives us only by grace.

In the Scriptures, Jesus says that He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6b). And in John 10:10b, He actually declares that His purpose to come to this world, to our world, is simple and powerful. He says, “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.

However, things in this world may not be as easy as we would like. Right? There are pains that don’t end by talking to someone, whether a pastor or a therapist. There are challenges that overwhelm us, crush us, and leave deep wounds and profound sadness within us. There are situations that seem to have no solution, or that sometimes we cannot change even if we wanted to. This reality leads the world to alarming su***de rates, and to see life ending solutions as the only path. That’s why life in this world seems to have little value.

Furthermore, whether we like it or not, we have long lived in a culture marked and shaped by death. If we go back to Genesis, to the very beginning, we know that sin opened the door to death (see Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12-21). Death was never God’s plan or His goal when He created men and all things; it was the consequence of our disobedience.

In a culture of death, in our human nature that believes death is the only alternative, in a world that places very little value on life, Jesus presents Himself to us with a different proposal: eternal life.

Remember: “For God so loved the world that [He sent Jesus,] so that those who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In fact, Jesus came to experience the death we deserved so that we might live forever. He conquered death so that in His resurrection, we too may rise again and live eternally in His presence. That is His plan for you and for me!

When the Holy Spirit empowers us to embrace life, we are prepared to welcome Jesus in our hearts, recognize His sacrifice, and celebrate the blessings that come when our sins are forgiven by Him … blessings of comfort in our pain, support in our grief, and yes, life when we are dying.

WE PRAY: Lord, in a world filled by death and sorrows, bring the balm of the eternal life that Jesus won for me on His death and resurrection. Amen.

10/01/2026

A Ridiculous Story
Thursday, October 1, 2026

[Jesus said:] “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a w**epress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, … “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.” … When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they held Him to be a prophet. (Matthew 21:33-42a, 43, 45-46)

On the face of it, this is a ridiculous story. Whoever heard of a landowner like this one, who would keep sending servants to get attacked and killed—and then finally send his own son? People aren’t like that. Any sensible landowner would have called the police the minute he heard about his first servant getting attacked!

But then, the story of Jesus is also a ridiculous story, on the face of it. Whoever heard of a God who would send His only Son into the world, knowing that we would treat Him exactly the way we treated all God’s prophets? And what kind of a person must Jesus Himself be, to come willingly into our world, knowing that death was waiting for Him?

Because it’s a true story. God really is that patient, that merciful, that unbelievably loving, in spite of all our rebellion against Him. And Jesus Himself is no helpless victim—He chose to come to us, knowing that we would kill Him. But He also knew that His death for us would transform us—would take away our sin and change us into true children of God. Because Jesus goes beyond the parable—He not only dies, but He rises from the dead for our sake. And now that He lives forever, He has shared His own everlasting life with us—and given us the Holy Spirit.

Yes, it’s a ridiculous story. But it’s ridiculous in the best possible way—because God is unbelievably good to us. He loves us that much.

WE PRAY: Dear Lord, it’s hard for me to believe You loved me that much. Strengthen my trust in You, and make my heart like Yours. Amen.

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