Bethlehem Lutheran Church River Grove, IL

In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world. 

Remembering September 11 - Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, yet the memories remain vivid. We remember the thousands who died, the families who were suddenly separated from those they loved, and the firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and ordinary people who acted with courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable evil.

As Christians, we remember September 11 not merely by looking backward, but by looking to Christ. That terrible day reminded us how fragile our earthly lives are. Scripture tells us, “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Yet our hope does not rest in the permanence of this world. Our hope rests in Jesus Christ, who entered our broken world, suffered upon the cross, died, and rose again to conquer sin, death, and the grave.

We grieve because death is an enemy. We pray for those who still carry wounds from that day. We give thanks for lives of courage and service. And we remember the promise of our Lord: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Twenty-five years later, we remember. We mourn. We give thanks. And, above all, we cling to Christ, whose love is stronger than death.

This Sunday - SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Genesis 50:15–21

Romans 14:1–12

Matthew 18:21–35

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and opened the gates of heaven to all who trust in him.

God accepts all who believe in Jesus even though there is no merit or worthiness in us.

So that we might believe in Jesus, God has given us the ministry, which is the preaching of Christ and the

Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through these, God also gives us the forgiveness of sins.

When God brings people to faith, He also produces many good works in our lives. These are done, not to earn

grace, but to do God’s will and please him. We love him because he first loved us.

God has given every man, woman and child a calling in life. Within that calling He directs us, and through

His Word, strengthens us to live for Him.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Bible is free from all error and contradiction in all that it says.

The Word of God brings us to Jesus our Lord.