BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//LCMS Calendar - ECPv6.15.16//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://calendar.lcms.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for LCMS Calendar REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20230312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20231105T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241031 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241101 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240923T185604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T185613Z UID:10001261-1730332800-1730419199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Reformation Day DESCRIPTION:Reformation Day is commemorated on Oct. 31 each year. LCMS congregations may hold special services on Oct. 31 and/or on the preceding or following Sunday. \nTo attend a service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nAbout the Protestant Reformation\nMore than 500 years ago\, the Protestant Reformation brought the church’s focus back to God’s free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. \nOn Oct. 31\, 1517\, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses — the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” — to the church door in a small city called Wittenberg\, Germany. This event ignited the Protestant Reformation\, and thus the Lutheran church officially commemorates this important anniversary on Oct. 31. \nAs you and your congregation prepare to celebrate this year\, you are invited to use a variety of resources that highlight the history\, theology\, and continued effects of the Reformation today. \nThe Reformation was\, first and foremost\, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then\, and it still is now. The task of reformation never ends. Every person\, in every generation\, needs to hear the Good News of their Savior from sin and eternal death. \nView Reformation resources \n\nLiturgical color for Reformation Day\nThe altar will be adorned with the festive color of red. \n\nThree-Year Series and One-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 46\n\n\nRevelation 14:6–7\n\n\nRomans 3:19–28\n\n\nJohn 8:31–36 or Matthew 11:12–19\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace\n“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19)\, and the true Wisdom of God\, Christ Jesus\, the incarnate Son\, has justified us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance\, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men\, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:18–19)\, and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth\, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6)\, “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21)\, “that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by the hearing of that Gospel of Christ Jesus\, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood\, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25)\, “you will know the truth\, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/reformation-day-2/ CATEGORIES:Church Year,Featured Events,Special Occasions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Reformation-Day-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Lutheran Church%E2%80%94Missouri Synod":MAILTO:help@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241101 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241102 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240716T212608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T212609Z UID:10001357-1730419200-1730505599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:All Saints' Day DESCRIPTION:All Saints’ Day\, which is on Nov. 1 of each year\, will be commemorated in 2024 during Divine Services on Sunday\, Nov. 3. \nTo attend an All Saints’ Day service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical color for All Saints’ Day\nWhite\, which is the color of purity and completeness\, will adorn the altar on All Saints’ Day. This color\, used primarily during these Sundays\, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy. \n\nThree-Year Series B and One-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 149\n\n\nRevelation 7:(2–8) 9–17\n\n\n1 John 3:1–3\n\n\nMatthew 5:1–12\n\nLectionary summary\nSaints Are Blessed in the Eternal Presence of Christ\n“A great multitude … from every nation\, from all tribes and peoples and languages\,” cry out\, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–17). Faith-filled saints from every place and time\, with unified voices\, eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children\, we\, too\, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:1–3). Joined with the throng of angels and myriad saints\, we shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev. 7:9–17). In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner\, faith and doubt\, sacred and profane\, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears\, comfort our spirits and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit through faith in Christ propels us forward\, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament\, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers\, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit\, the meek\, the hungry\, the thirsty\, the merciful\, the pure and the persecuted are all blessed\, and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1–12). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/all-saints-day-series-b-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Palm-Sunday-Banner-02.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Lutheran Church%E2%80%94Missouri Synod":MAILTO:help@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241201 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241202 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240222T154630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240223T161111Z UID:10001343-1733011200-1733097599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:First Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The First Sunday in Advent\, which marks the beginning of the new church year\, will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 1\, 2024. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the First Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series C Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nJeremiah 33:14–16\n1 Thessalonians 3:9–13\nLuke 19:28–40 or Luke 21:25–36\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us\nThe season of Advent focuses on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ\, and this first Sunday establishes this theme for the rest of the season. The Son of God came long ago to be our Savior\, “a righteous Branch” descended from David (Jer. 33:15). As He then came into Jerusalem\, riding on a lowly donkey to sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world (Luke 19:28–40)\, so does He come to His Church today in the humility of Word and Sacrament to deliver the fruits of His Passion: the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He absolves us and establishes our hearts “blameless in holiness before our God and Father” (1 Thess. 3:13). The same Lord Jesus\, who came to Jerusalem then and who comes to us now in peace\, will come again with power and great glory on the Last Day. Then there will be “distress of nations in perplexity\,” with “people fainting with fear.” Yet\, as we anticipate that great and terrible day\, He bids us to rest securely in Him: “Raise your heads\, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25\, 26\, 28) \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nJer. 23:5–8\nRom. 13:(8–10) 11–14\nMatt. 21:1–9\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us\nThe new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold\, your king is coming to you\, humble\, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger\, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross\, where He shows Himself to be “The LORD is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ’s body and blood\, we also sing\, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament\, we set our hearts on His return in glory\, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/first-sunday-in-advent-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241208 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241209 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240222T155055Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T155055Z UID:10001344-1733616000-1733702399@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Second Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The Second Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 8\, 2024. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the Second Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series C Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nMalachi 3:1–7b\nPhilippians 1:2–11\nLuke 3:1–14 (15–20)\n\nLectionary summary\nYou Are Prepared through Repentance for the Coming of the Lord\n“The gospel of Jesus Christ\, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1) begins when John the Baptist appears and comes “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). As the prophet Isaiah had written\, John is the messenger of the Lord\, sent before His face to prepare His way. To this day\, the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of the Law and the Gospel and in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. By these ways and means\, “the glory of the LORD shall be revealed\, and all flesh shall see it together” (Is. 40:5)\, and the Good Shepherd “will gather the lambs in his arms” (Is. 40:11). He speaks “tenderly to Jerusalem\,” and He comforts His people by pardoning their iniquity (Is. 40:1–2). What is more\, He promises “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Repent\, therefore\, and humble yourself as you wait for His coming in peace (2 Peter 3:14)\, because He “is patient toward you\, not wishing that any should perish\, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nMal. 4:1–6\nRom. 15:4–13\nLuke 21:25–36\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Preaching of Repentance Prepares Us for the Coming of the Lord \nThe preaching and Baptism “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) prepare us for the coming of the Lord\, Jesus Christ. The historic work of John the Baptist was completed with the first advent of our Lord Jesus in the flesh\, but the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of Law and Gospel and in Holy Baptism. Through His messengers\, the Lord calls people of all nations to “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Our haughtiness is removed and our mountains of pride are brought low\, but the Lord humbles us in order to exalt us in His mercy. As the Lord has begun this good work of repentance in us\, so also does He perfect it by His Word and Holy Spirit\, and He “will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). He purifies us to be His priestly people\, precious in His sight and abounding in faith and love\, so that we offer our very lives in righteousness to the Lord (Mal. 3:3–4). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/second-sunday-in-advent-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241215 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241216 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240222T231108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T231108Z UID:10001345-1734220800-1734307199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Third Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The Third Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 15\, 2024. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the Third Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series C Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nZephaniah 3:14–20\nPhilippians 4:4–7\nLuke 7:18–28 (29–35)\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Coming of Jesus Enables Us to Rejoice\nThe Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called by the Latin word Gaudete\, meaning “Rejoice!” For as you are called to repentance\, so also are you urged to rejoice in the coming of the Lord\, Jesus Christ. By His own cross\, He has accomplished salvation for you; “he has cleared away your enemies\,” “taken away the judgments against you” and come to reign in your midst. Indeed\, He rejoices over you with gladness and song (Zeph. 3:15–17)! Therefore\, even from prison St. Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always\,” knowing that the peace of God will guard and keep us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4\, 7). We find an example and encouragement in the case of John the Baptist. As he languishes in prison\, he calls upon Jesus and is strengthened by the Word of the Gospel that he receives. The same good news is preached to you\, by which all things are made new and even “the dead are raised up” (Luke 7:22). Do not be offended by the cross\, therefore\, but let your life be one of prayer and thanksgiving (Luke 7:23; Phil. 4:6). \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 40:1–8 (9–11)\n1 Cor. 4:1–5\nMatt. 11:2–10 (11)\n\nLectionary summary\nJohn the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord\nThe voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord …” (Isaiah 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance\, for “all flesh is grass” (Isaiah 40:6). Now He asks from prison\, “Are you the one who is to come …?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised\, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit\, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe. \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/third-sunday-in-advent-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241222 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241223 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240223T155804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240223T160843Z UID:10001346-1734825600-1734911999@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Fourth Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The Fourth Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 22\, 2024. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the Fourth Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series C Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nMicah 5:2–5a\nHebrews 10:5–10\nLuke 1:39–45 (46–56)\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord Comes to Visit Us in Peace\nThe Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the nativity of our Lord. With Mary\, we await the coming of the Christ\, her Son\, conceived in her womb by the Spirit of God. As the Lord dealt graciously with her and did great things for her (Luke 1:48–49)\, so also He manifests Himself and His glory to us in mercy and gentleness. He comes to rule His people in peace\, to “shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD.” He comes forth not from the great capital city of Rome or Jerusalem\, but from lowly little Bethlehem (Micah 5:2\, 4). He comes to sacrifice Himself\, in fulfillment of His Father’s will\, for the salvation and sanctification of His people (Heb. 10:10). He who once visited Elizabeth while hidden in the womb of Mary (Luke 1:39–45) now comes to visit us today\, hidden in the lowliness of simple water\, bread and wine. \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nDeut. 18:15–19\nPhil. 4:4–7\nJohn 1:19–28 or Luke 1:39–56\n\nLectionary summary\nJohn the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah\nThe coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God\, therefore\, raised up a prophet like Moses — the Messiah\, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary\, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world\, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/fourth-sunday-in-advent-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241224 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241225 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20231129T222805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240222T173526Z UID:10001318-1734998400-1735084799@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Christmas Eve DESCRIPTION:Christmas Eve\, which commemorates the Nativity of our Lord\, is on Tuesday\, Dec. 25\, 2024. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Christmas Eve\nWhite\, which adorns the altar on this evening\, is the color of purity and completeness. In His light we see light\, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6)\, and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some churches also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series and One-Year Series Lectionaries\nScripture readings for Christmas Eve\n\nIsaiah 7:10-14\nPsalm 110:1-4\n1 John 4:7-16\nMatt. 1:18-25\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Word of the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus\nThough Ahaz would not ask\, the Lord gives a sign to the House of David — “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son\, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14). With this promise\, He signifies that salvation is by His grace alone. It is no work or achievement of man\, but the Lord’s own work and His free gift. The promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceived and born of the Virgin Mary\, and the sign is received in faith by the House of David in the person of Joseph (Matt. 1:20–24). “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary” (Nicene Creed)\, God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus\, Mary’s Son. Joseph believes that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous example in his immediate and quiet obedience\, taking Mary to be his wife and caring for her in faith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest in this\, that “the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world\,” to be “the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10–14). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/christmas-eve/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Christmas-Eve-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241225 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241226 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240221T224621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T224805Z UID:10001341-1735084800-1735171199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Christmas Day DESCRIPTION:Christmas Day is celebrated on Wednesday\, Dec. 25\, 2024. The Festival of the Nativity of our Lord is the traditional way of saying Christmas Day\, on which Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Christmas Day\nWhite\, the color of purity and completeness\, adorns the altar to commemorate the Nativity of Our Lord. In His light we see light\, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6)\, and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some churches also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings for Christmas Day\n\nIsaiah 52:7-10\nPsalm 2\nHebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)\nJohn 1:1–14 (15-18)\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells Among Us in the Flesh\nThe Lord sends out His ministers of the Gospel to make disciples “of all the nations\,” so that “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” For the Lord has “bared his holy arm” in the incarnate Christ (Is. 52:7\, 10). The child in the manger\, born of the Virgin Mary\, is the very Word of God\, the only begotten Son of the Father\, “whom he appointed the heir of all things\, through whom also he created the world” (Heb. 1:2). As “all things were made through him” (John 1:3)\, so are all things redeemed and made new in Him. In His body of flesh and blood\, we behold “the radiance of the glory of God” (Heb. 1:3)\, “glory as of the only Son from the Father\, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He dwells among us in peace\, that we might have life and light and salvation in Him. For by His Word of the Gospel\, we are born again as the children of God\, bearing His name and sharing His eternal life. \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings for Christmas Day\n\nExodus 40:17-21; 34-38\nPsalm 2\nTitus 3:4-7\nJohn 1:1-14 (15-18)\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh\nIn the beginning God created all things through His Word\, His Son. But man fell into sin\, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore\, God spoke His Word again\, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17-21\, 34-38). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-14). The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ’s body\, we are made partakers of a new Genesis\, “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4–7). In Christ\, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared. \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/christmas-day/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Christmas-Day-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250106 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250107 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240418T161925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240418T161943Z UID:10001359-1736121600-1736207999@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Epiphany DESCRIPTION:The Epiphany of our Lord will be commemorated on Monday\, Jan. 6\, 2025. \nAfter focusing on the Incarnation of our Lord — God becoming flesh — during the 12 days of Christmas\, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Epiphany\nWhite is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6)\, and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some churches also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series C and One-Year Series\nScripture readings for Epiphany\n\nIsaiah 60:1–6\n\n\nEphesians 3:1–12\n\n\nMatthew 2:1–12\n\nPsalms\n\nSeries B — Psalm 72:1–11 (12–15)\n\n\nOne-Year Series — Psalm 24\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son\nThe Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect\, it is a “13th day” of Christmas\, and yet it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. Where Christmas has focused on the incarnation of our Lord\, that is\, on God becoming flesh\, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel\, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth\, not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11)\, so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/epiphany-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Epiphany-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250302 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250303 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240322T205721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240418T163515Z UID:10001356-1740873600-1740959999@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Feast of the Transfiguration (Three-Year Series C) DESCRIPTION:In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod\, Transfiguration is observed on the last Sunday of Epiphany. In the Three-Year Lectionary\, Transfiguration is on March 2\, 2025\, which is only three days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. \nOn this day\, the church recalls the event of Christ’s Transfiguration on the mountain\, revealing His divine nature to Peter\, James and John before He set His face toward Jerusalem\, where He would accomplish the world’s salvation by His death and resurrection for us. \nWhere Transfiguration is the last service before Ash Wednesday\, many congregations say farewell to the word “Alleluia.” As Judah would not sing their songs in the land of exile (Psalm 137)\, so the church sets aside our simplest word of joy and praise — until we take it up again in triumph on Easter: “Alleluia! Christ is risen; He is risen indeed\, Alleluia!” \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Transfiguration\nWhite\, the color of light\, purity and completeness\, adorns the altar to commemorate the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On the mountain\, Christ’s face and clothes shone white as light (Matt. 17:2). In His light we see light and by Him\, “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is also the appointed color for the Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is also the color of Easter. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some congregations also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series C Lectionary\nScripture readings for Transfiguration\n\nDeuteronomy 34:1–12\n\n\nHebrews 3:1–6\n\n\nLuke 9:28–36\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Glory of God Is Manifested in the Body of Christ\n“Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant\,” but Christ Jesus “has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses” (Heb. 3:3\, 5). A beloved and well-pleasing Son\, faithful even to the point of death\, Jesus’ own body was raised up on the third day as the house of God\, and He has brought us into that house through the waters of Holy Baptism (Heb. 3:6). Thus\, it was not Moses\, the lawgiver\, but his successor\, Joshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus)\, who led the people into the Promised Land (Deut. 34:1–4\, 9). Now\, on the Mount of Transfiguration\, the New Testament Joshua appears in the glory that He is about to manifest by His “departure” (exodus) in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Having entered the waters of the Jordan in His Baptism\, He passed through those waters and entered into glory by His cross and Passion. What He thereby accomplished in His own flesh and blood\, crucified and risen\, He reveals and gives to His Body\, the Church\, by the means of His Word. Therefore\, the Father declares from heaven\, “Listen to him!” (Luke 9:35). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/feast-of-the-transfiguration-three-year-series-c/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/transfiguration-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250305 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250306 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240418T195018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240418T195018Z UID:10001361-1741132800-1741219199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday DESCRIPTION:Ash Wednesday\, which will be commemorated on March 5\, is the beginning of Lent and\, if Sundays are omitted\, is 40 days before Easter. \nAsh Wednesday begins the church’s annual season of penitence\, traditionally marked by fasting\, almsgiving and prayer. In the LCMS\, congregations often offer additional services in the week where the Word is preached and the Sacrament offered. \nAs the name suggests\, many congregations practice the ceremony of the imposition of ashes on this day. Ashes are a symbol of mortality and repentance\, since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). When the pastor places them on the penitents\, often in the shape of a cross\, he speaks a sobering reminder: “Remember that you are dust\, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). \nWe ourselves will not overcome the temptations of Satan\, our sinful flesh and death\, but Christ our champion will. Throughout the coming season\, we will watch as He endures and overcomes the devil with his works and ways\, suffers willingly for our sakes\, and redeems us by His blood and Passion. Faith trusts in Him and believes\, even from the ash heap\, that “a broken and contrite heart\, O God\, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Ash Wednesday and Lent\nOn Ash Wednesday\, the altar is adorned with violet or with black. The calendar calls for black only twice — Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. There is no mistaking the message of this somber color: Black is the absence of light. Ash Wednesday calls for sober reflection on the outcome of sin\, and Good Friday on the price of our redemption. \nWithout Christ’s sacrifice on the day the sky turned dark and hid the light of the sun\, there would be no bright Light of Christ to live in\, nor new life in Christ to enjoy. Yet we do not grieve as others do\, without hope (1 Thess. 4:13). \n\nThree-Year Series C\nScripture readings\n\nJoel 2:12–19\n\n\n2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10\n\n\nMatthew 6:1–6\, 16–21\n\nLectionary summary\nReturn to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart\nOn Ash Wednesday\, we come down from the mountain with Jesus and set our face toward His cross and Passion in Jerusalem. We make our pilgrimage with Him by way of repentance\, and thus we return to our dying and rising in Holy Baptism. Christ Jesus\, “who knew no sin\,” became our sin\, so that by His death we are released from sin and in His resurrection we “become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). As God has thereby reconciled the world to Himself in Christ\, “now is the favorable time; behold\, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). He has provided the sacrificial Lamb\, and He has left “a blessing behind him\, a grain offering and a drink offering” (Joel 2:14) in the Eucharist. He summons us to return to Him with all our heart because He is “gracious and merciful\, slow to anger\, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13). We do so with faith and confidence in Him\, and so we pray to Him as our Father\, give to the needy from a heart of love\, and fast for the sake of repentance (Matt. 6:3–4\, 6\, 17–18). \n\nOne-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nJoel 2:12–19\n\n\n2 Peter 1:2–11\n\n\nMatthew 6:1–21\n\nLectionary summary\nReturn to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart\, for He Has Reconciled You to Himself\n“Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people” (Joel 2:15–16). Lent\, with its corporate fast\, begins today. “Remember that you are dust\, and to dust you shall return” (Imposition of Ashes\, from Gen. 3:19). “Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger” (Jonah 3:9). We know. Faith believes that\, for Christ’s sake\, “a broken and contrite heart\, O God\, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). He is “gracious and merciful\, slow to anger\, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13); therefore\, we do not hesitate to return to Him “with all [our] heart\, with fasting\, with weeping\, and with mourning” (v. 12). He raises the dead\, as we shall see in 40 days’ time. Satan opposes such reconciliation and life. He would twist our discipline into self-serving pride (Matt. 6:1–12)\, leading us into unbelief and unfruitfulness until we fall from the Lord’s “precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:4\, 8). For this reason\, our Lenten discipline not only gives something up but also takes up the sustenance and exercise of faith: hearing His Word and turning from ourselves—to God in prayer and to our neighbor with charity. “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue\, and virtue with knowledge\, and knowledge with self-control\, and self-control with steadfastness\, and steadfastness with godliness\, and godliness with brotherly affection\, and brotherly affection with love” (v. 5–7). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/ash-wednesday-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ash-Wednesday-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250325 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250326 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240206T152429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T204404Z UID:10001364-1742860800-1742947199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Annunciation of our Lord DESCRIPTION:The Annunciation of our Lord will be observed on March 25. The Annunciation commemorates the visit of the angel Gabriel to the blessed Virgin Mary\, announcing that the eternal Son of God would take up human flesh in her womb and\, in accordance with Isaiah’s prophecy\, be born of a virgin. \nHis message declared that God showed undeserved kindness to Mary and\, by faith in His Word\, Christ was conceived in her. In this way\, she is a godly example of faith for us also — how a Christian hears the Words and promises of God and says\, “Behold\, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). \nThe Annunciation is appointed for March 25\, from which date Christmas came to be observed as the birth of Christ (nine months later). When the Annunciation falls in Passiontide\, Holy Week or Easter\, it is observed at another time. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical color for the Annunciation\nWhite\, the color of purity and completeness\, adorns the altar to commemorate the Annunciation of Our Lord. In His light we see light\, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is also the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the first Sunday following it\, which is observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is also the color for Easter. \n\nThree-Year Series and One-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 7:10–14\n\n\nHebrews 10:4–10\n\n\nLuke 1:26–38\n\nLectionary summary\nIncarnate by the Holy Spirit\, Born of the Virgin Mary and Made Man\n“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). But “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). He opens ears to hear and wombs to conceive. “Let it be to me according to your word\,” says St. Mary (Luke 1:38). The Most High who once dwelt in the tabernacle comes to overshadow Mary\, who believes the angel’s “annunciation” (Luke 1:35). “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son\, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In Jesus Christ\, God is with us — even from the moment of His conception. This miracle\, that Mary should become the mother of God\, will be a sign against the proud in Israel; it is the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah and David. “I delight to do your will\, O my God\,” says Christ (Psalm 40:8). From Mary’s flesh\, the Most High has prepared a body for His Son (Heb. 10:5)\, a body to be offered “once for all” as the sacrifice that alone takes away sins and gives a righteousness apart from the Law (Heb. 10:10). Through His conception\, life and death\, we have been sanctified. God favors us in this child. And like the blessed Virgin Mary\, blessed “are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/annunciation-of-our-lord/2025-03-25/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Annunciation-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250413 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250414 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240624T223514Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240624T223514Z UID:10001376-1744502400-1744588799@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Palm Sunday DESCRIPTION:Palm Sunday\, also known as the Sunday of the Passion\, will be commemorated on Sunday\, April 13\, 2025. \nTo attend a Palm Sunday service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Palm Sunday\nScarlet will adorn the altar on Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday. It is a color worth investing in because it stands in contrast to the traditional red that is used on Festival Sundays. Scarlet’s use during the somber days of Holy Week help to offer a different message. As the Manual on the Liturgy points out\, “scarlet is a color anciently associated with the passion … the color of blood” (p. 25). Violet may also be used where Scarlet vestments are not present. \n\nScripture readings for Palm Sunday\nThree-Year Series C Lectionary\n\nJohn 12:12–19 (Procession)\n\n\nDeut. 32:36–39\n\n\nPsalm 118:19–29 or Psalm 31:9–16\n\n\nPhil. 2:5–11\n\n\nLuke 22:1–23:56 or Luke 23:1–56 or John 12:20–43\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glor\nThe King of Israel comes into His royal glory by the path of humble obedience “to the point of death\, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). He “goes as it has been determined” (Luke 22:22)\, according to the Scriptures\, willingly submitting to His Father’s plan for the salvation of sinners. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). His suffering and death open the way of repentance for the forgiveness of sins because He goes to the cross bearing the sins of the world. In His resurrection\, God the Father vindicates His people and has compassion on His servants (Deut. 32:36). He kills to make alive; He wounds in order to heal. In remembrance of Him\, we praise God\, confessing “that Jesus Christ is Lord\, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:11) \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\n\nMatthew 21:1–9 (Procession) or John 12:12–19 (Procession)\n\n\nZechariah 9:9–12\n\n\nPsalm 118:19–29 or Psalm 31:9–16\n\n\nPhilippians 2:5–11\n\n\nMatthew 26:1—27:66 or Matthew 27:11–54\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory\n“Behold\, your King is coming to you . . . humble and mounted on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9–12; Mt. 21:1–9). Our Lord rides in this humble fashion because He is entering Jerusalem to humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11). His kingly crown will not be made of gold but of thorns\, the sign of sin’s curse. For His royal reign is displayed in bearing this curse for His people\, saving us from our enemies by sacrificing His own life. The sinless One takes the place of the sinner so that the sinner can be freed and bear the name “Barabbas\,” “son of the Father” (Matthew 26 and 27). It is at the name of this exalted Savior\, Jesus\, that we bow in humble faith. With the centurion who declared\, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Mt. 27:54)\, we are also given to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord\, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/palm-sunday-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Palm-Sunday-Banner-02.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250417 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250418 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240625T222704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T194307Z UID:10001377-1744848000-1744934399@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Holy (Maundy) Thursday DESCRIPTION:Maundy Thursday\, also known as Holy Thursday\, will be commemorated on Thursday\, April 17\, 2025.\n\nTo attend a Maundy Thursday service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information.\n\nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services.\n\nFind church near me\n\n\n\nLiturgical colors for Holy (Maundy) Thursday\nScarlet will adorn the altar on Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday. It is a color worth investing in because it stands in contrast to the traditional red that is used on Festival Sundays. Scarlet’s use during the somber days of Holy Week help to offer a different message. As the Manual on the Liturgy points out\, “scarlet is a color anciently associated with the passion … the color of blood” (p. 25).\n\nViolet may also be used where Scarlet vestments are not present. In some places\, White may also be used indicating that this is a high feast of Christ who instituted the Blessed Sacrament on this night.\n\n\n\nThree-Year Series C\nScripture readings\n\n Psalm 116:12–19\n\n\n Jer. 31:31–34 or Ex. 12:1–14\n\n\n Heb. 10:15–25 or 1 Cor. 11:23–32\n\n\n Luke 22:7–20 or John 13:1–17\, 31b–35\n\nLectionary summary\nLet Us Love One Another\, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us\nBy Holy Baptism\, “with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22)\, we enter the holy place with Jesus. For Jesus is our Passover Lamb who has been sacrificed for us. He reclines at table with us and feeds us with His own flesh and blood: “the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain” (Heb. 10:20). In Christ\, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity (Jer. 31:34; Heb. 10:17). With such love\, He “loved his own who were in the world\,” and He even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love\, let us love one another\, just as He has loved us (John 13:34).\n\n\n\nOne-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\n Psalm 116:12–19\n\n\n Exodus 12:1–14 or Exodus 24:3–11\n\n\n 1 Corinthians 11:23–32\n\n\n John 13:1–15 (34–35)\n\nLectionary summary\nLet Us Love One Another\, as Christ Jesus Has Loved Us\n“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup\, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). By eating His body and drinking His blood\, we proclaim to all the world that Jesus is\, indeed\, our Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:1–14)\, who was sacrificed for us on Calvary. In Christ\, the Lord remembers us in mercy and remembers our sin no more; He forgives us all our iniquity. With such love\, he “loved His own who were in the world\,” and even loves us “to the end” (John 13:1). As He washes us and feeds us in love\, let us love one another\, just as He has loved us (John 13:34).\n\n\n\nLCMS Worship\n\n lcms.org/worship\n\n\n Worship planning resources\n\n\n Subscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/holy-maundy-thursday-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Maundy-Thursday-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250418 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250419 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240626T180250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240626T180556Z UID:10001378-1744934400-1745020799@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Good Friday DESCRIPTION:Good Friday will be commemorated on Friday\, April 18\, 2025. \nOn this day\, we remember when Jesus\, the Lamb of God\, was led to the slaughter of His cross as the Sacrifice of Atonement for the sin of the world. \nTo attend a Good Friday service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Good Friday\nThe altar will be adorned with black. The calendar calls for its use only twice — Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. There’s no mistaking the message that this sober color gives. Black is the absence of light. Good Friday\, or Black Friday in combination with Ash Wednesday\, calls for sober reflection on the cost of our redemption. \nWithout Christ’s sacrifice on the day the sky turned dark and hid the light of the sun\, there would be no bright Light of Christ to live in\, nor new life in Christ to enjoy. \n\nThree-Year Series C\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 22 or Psalm 31\n\n\nIsaiah 52:13—53:12\n\n\nHebrews 4:14-16; 5:7–9\n\n\nJohn 18:1-19:42 or John 19:17-30\n\nLectionary summary\nBehold the Lamb of God\, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World\nJesus\, the Lamb of God\, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the Sacrifice of Atonement for the sin of the world. “Despised and rejected by men\, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3)\, He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement; “and with his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God\, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh\, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7\, 24). In perfect faith and faithfulness\, He shares all our weaknesses and temptations\, “yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). As our merciful High Priest\, He brings us to the Father in peace\, “makes intercession for the transgressors” (Is. 53:12) and joins our prayers to His own\, so that we are heard “because of his reverence” (Heb. 5:7). From His cross\, He gives us His Spirit (John 19:30)\, washes us with water from His side and covers us with His blood (John 19:34). \n\nOne-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 22 or Psalm 31\n\n\nIsaiah 52:13-53:12\n\n\n2 Corinthians 5:14–21\n\n\nJohn 18:1-19:42\n\nLectionary summary\nBehold the Lamb of God\, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World\nJesus\, the Lamb of God\, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. “Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows\, and acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3)\, He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement\, so that “with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:4–5). As the Son of God\, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh\, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7\, 24). For in Christ\, “God was reconciling the whole world to Himself\, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/good-friday-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/good-friday-three-crosses-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250420 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250421 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240626T202608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240626T205111Z UID:10001379-1745107200-1745193599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Easter DESCRIPTION:Easter — the Resurrection of Our Lord — will be celebrated on Sunday\, April 20\, 2025. \nBy the shed blood of Christ\, eternal death has passed over us\, and now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! \nTo attend an Easter service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for Easter\nThe altar will be adorned with white\, which is the color of purity and completeness and the color for all major feasts of Christ. The theme for the “great fifty days” of Easter is supported by the use of white. This color\, used primarily during these Sundays\, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy. \nGold may also be used for Easter Sunday and major feasts of Christ. Gold represents value and worth. The golden festival of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the event that gives our lives meaning and worth. He is worthy of our praise as we adorn his altar with the color of splendor. \n\nThree-Year Series C\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 16\n\n\nIsaiah 65:17–25\n\n\n1 Cor. 15:19–26\n\n\nLuke 24:1–12\n\nLectionary summary\nChrist’s Resurrection Is the Firstfruits of the New Creation\nThe Lord has promised to “create new heavens and a new earth” (Is. 65:17)\, in which His people shall abide in peace and joy. That new creation has begun in the bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus. All the baptized belong to that new creation. Reborn of water and the Holy Spirit\, they are “the offspring of the blessed of the LORD” (Is. 65:23). The Lord rejoices and is glad in them; He hears and answers their prayers. For “if in Christ we have hope in this life only\, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). But Christ Jesus has been raised\, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). We may be “perplexed about this” (Luke 24:4)\, perhaps even frightened and brought to our knees\, because it seems like an “idle tale” (Luke 24:11). But faith clings to the Word of Christ and finds His resurrected body — not in the tomb\, but in His Holy Supper. \n\nOne-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 118:15–29\n\n\nJob 19:23–27\n\n\n1 Corinthians 5:6–8 or 1 Corinthians 15:51–57\n\n\nMark 16:1–8\n\nLectionary summary\nChrist’s Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised\n“Christ\, our Passover lamb\, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ\, the Lamb of God\, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb\, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave\, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed\, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ\, who is our meat and drink indeed\, we boldly say: “O death\, where is your victory? O death\, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God\, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55\, 57). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/easter-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Easter-Lily-Altar-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250608 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250609 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240716T205607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T205636Z UID:10001417-1749340800-1749427199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Pentecost DESCRIPTION:The Day of Pentecost will be celebrated on Sunday\, June 8\, 2025. \nTo attend a Pentecost service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nWhat is Pentecost?\nThe word “Pentecost” (pronounced PEN-tuh-kost) comes from the Greek word pentekostos which means “fiftieth.” Exactly 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead\, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the form of flames of fire. \n\nBulletin inserts\nKids in the Divine Service — Pentecost \n\nEnglish\n\n\nSpanish\n\n\nLiturgical color for Pentecost\nThe altar will be adorned with red. Red is a power color and is appropriate for use on Pentecost Sunday. On this day we remember the power and fire of “the Lord and Giver of Life\,” who revealed himself as the promised one. The color red communicates the motif of strength-strength and power the Holy Spirit gives in order for God’s people to call on the name of Jesus Christ and share that powerful name with others. \n\nThree-Year Series C and One-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 143\n\n\nGen. 11:1–9\n\n\nActs 2:1–21\n\n\nJohn 14:23–31\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Holy Spirit Gives Peace\nFollowing the flood\, Noahs descendants failed to spread out and fill the earth as God had spoken. Rather\, they exalted themselves; with one language and the same words (Gen. 11:1)\, they spoke proudly and arrogantly. The Lord humbled them by confusing the language of all the earth\,dividing and dispersing the people (Gen. 11:9). That dispersal was reversed on Pentecost Day (the 50th day of Easter)\, when God caused the one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to be preached in a multitude of languages. At this sound the multitude came together (Acts 2:6)\, for the preaching of Christ is the primary work of the Holy Spirit\, whereby He gathers people from all nations into one Church. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance the words of Jesus\, which are the words of the Father who sent Him. These words bestow forgiveness and peace to those who keep and hold on to them in love for Jesus. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled\, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/pentecost-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pentecost-v1-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250929 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250930 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20230712T171602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241029T170554Z UID:10001354-1759104000-1759190399@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:St. Michael’s Day DESCRIPTION:The Church commemorates St. Michael and All Angels each year on Sept. 29. \n“Fear not.” So every angel begins his speech in the Scriptures. They are the fearsome warriors of the Most High God\, commanded by Michael the Archangel\, forming the “Sabbaoth\,” the armies of the Lord. And yet\, they are given this office as His heavenly legate: to announce the good news of great joy in Christ Jesus\, incarnate\, risen and ascended\, all for us mortals. Christ’s warriors and messengers are set to guard duty for His Christians. Their unseen eyes draw us to follow their gaze\, “for they always behold the face of the Father\, who is in heaven” (Matt. 18:10). \nHow is Michael a “Saint”?\nThe word “saint” simply means “holy one.” We often use this word to describe those Christians who have departed this life in the faith. The New Testament most often uses it to address Christians in the Church on earth (Rom. 1:7\, 1 Cor. 1:2\, Eph. 1:1\, etc.). Michael and the angels of God are not humans “sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2)\, but they are “holy angels” — holy just as God created them and as the Scriptures describe them (Mark 8:38\, Acts 10:22\, Rev. 14:10). \n\nLiturgical color for St. Michael’s Day\nWhite is the color of purity and completeness and the color for all major feasts of Christ. This color\, used primarily during these Sundays\, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy. \n\nOne-Year Series and Three-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nDaniel 10:10–14; 12:1–3\n\n\nRev.12:7–12\n\n\nMatt. 18:1–11 or Luke 10:17–20\n\nLectionary summary\nOur Father in Heaven Protects His Children by Giving His Holy Angels Charge Over Them\nWe live in “a time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1)\, in the midst of great tribulation. Satan and his wicked angels have been thrown out of heaven and have come down to earth “in great wrath\,” with woeful “temptations to sin” and with constant accusations (Rev. 12:8–12; Matt. 18:7). Even so\, we are encouraged by the presence and protection of St. Michael and the holy angels\, whom God sends to help us in the strife (Dan. 10:11–13). By “the authority of his Christ\,” His holy angels guard and keep us in body and soul. These heavenly servants of God preserve His human messengers on earth\, the ministers of “the blood of the Lamb\,” against all the power of the enemy\, for by “the word of their testimony\,” the Church is saved and the devil is defeated (Rev. 12:10–11; Luke 10:18–19). By their preaching and Baptism of repentance\, the old Adam and the old evil foe are “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). As God raised Christ Jesus from the dead\, so are His people delivered and raised from the dust of the earth through the forgiveness of their sins (Dan. 12:1–3). \nPrayers\n\nSt. Michael and All Angels\n\n\nAttend a service\nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/st-michaels-day/2025-09-29/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/St-Michaels-Day-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251031 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251101 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240322T211043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T213516Z UID:10001358-1761868800-1761955199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Reformation Day DESCRIPTION:Reformation Day is commemorated on Oct. 31 each year. LCMS congregations may hold special services on Oct. 31 and/or on the preceding or following Sunday. \nTo attend a service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nAbout the Protestant Reformation\nMore than 500 years ago\, the Protestant Reformation brought the church’s focus back to God’s free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. \nOn Oct. 31\, 1517\, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses — the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” — to the church door in a small city called Wittenberg\, Germany. This event ignited the Protestant Reformation\, and thus the Lutheran church officially commemorates this important anniversary on Oct. 31. \nAs you and your congregation prepare to celebrate this year\, you are invited to use a variety of resources that highlight the history\, theology\, and continued effects of the Reformation today. \nThe Reformation was\, first and foremost\, all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was then\, and it still is now. The task of reformation never ends. Every person\, in every generation\, needs to hear the Good News of their Savior from sin and eternal death. \nView Reformation resources \n\nLiturgical color for Reformation Day\nThe altar will be adorned with the festive color of red. \n\nThree-Year Series and One-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 46\n\n\nRevelation 14:6–7\n\n\nRomans 3:19–28\n\n\nJohn 8:31–36 or Matthew 11:12–19\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace\n“Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19)\, and the true Wisdom of God\, Christ Jesus\, the incarnate Son\, has justified us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance\, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men\, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:18–19)\, and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth\, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6)\, “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21)\, “that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by the hearing of that Gospel of Christ Jesus\, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood\, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25)\, “you will know the truth\, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/reformation-day/2025-10-31/ CATEGORIES:Church Year,Special Occasions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Reformation-Day-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Lutheran Church%E2%80%94Missouri Synod":MAILTO:help@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251101 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251102 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240716T211323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T212938Z UID:10001418-1761955200-1762041599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:All Saints' Day DESCRIPTION:All Saints’ Day\, which is on Nov. 1 of each year\, will be commemorated in 2025 during Divine Services on Sunday\, Nov. 2. \nTo attend an All Saints’ Day service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical color for All Saints’ Day\nWhite\, which is the color of purity and completeness\, will adorn the altar on All Saints’ Day. This color\, used primarily during these Sundays\, assists in bearing the message that “though your sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s triumph from the grave on Resurrection day is the cause for our rejoicing. His purity before his Father becomes our purity. White reinforces that message of joy. \n\nThree-Year Series C and One-Year Series\nScripture readings\n\nPsalm 149\n\n\nRevelation 7:(2–8) 9–17\n\n\n1 John 3:1–3\n\n\nMatthew 5:1–12\n\nLectionary summary\nSaints Are Blessed in the Eternal Presence of Christ\n“A great multitude … from every nation\, from all tribes and peoples and languages\,” cry out\, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne” (Rev. 7:9–17). Faith-filled saints from every place and time\, with unified voices\, eternally magnify the Lamb of God. As His beloved children\, we\, too\, “shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:1–3). Joined with the throng of angels and myriad saints\, we shall “serve him day and night in his temple” (Rev. 7:9–17). In our earthly tension vacillating between saint and sinner\, faith and doubt\, sacred and profane\, we earnestly seek Jesus to calm our fears\, comfort our spirits and forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit through faith in Christ propels us forward\, fortifying us in Word and Sacrament\, to our eternal home. In the midst of our constant struggle as believers\, we need to be blessed. And so we are. The poor in spirit\, the meek\, the hungry\, the thirsty\, the merciful\, the pure and the persecuted are all blessed\, and we will most certainly inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1–12). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/all-saints-day-series-c-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Palm-Sunday-Banner-02.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="The Lutheran Church%E2%80%94Missouri Synod":MAILTO:help@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251130 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251201 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240610T194214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T202854Z UID:10001367-1764460800-1764547199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:First Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The First Sunday in Advent\, which marks the beginning of the new church year\, will be commemorated on Sunday\, Nov. 30\, 2025. \nThe season of Advent focuses on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ\, and this first Sunday establishes this theme for the rest of the season. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the First Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series A Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 2:1–5\n\n\nRomans 13:(8–10) 11–14\n\n\nMatthew 21:1–11 or Matthew 24:36–44\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord Comes in Meekness and Humility to Save Us Now\nThe Lord Jesus enters Jerusalem “humble\, and mounted on a donkey\,” riding on “a beast of burden” (Matt. 21:5)\, as He Himself bears the sins of the world in His body. Now He comes by the ministry of the Gospel to save us from sin\, death\, the devil and hell. Therefore\, we sing\, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9). For we are called “to the mountain of the LORD\, to the house of the God of Jacob\,” His Holy Church\, “that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths” (Is. 2:3). By His Word\, we “walk in the light of the LORD” (Is. 2:5). That is to live in love\, which “does no wrong to a neighbor” (Rom. 13:10). We “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light\,” for “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11\, 12). Hence\, the entire Christian life is a time to wake and watch\, “for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42). \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nJer. 23:5–8\n\n\nRom. 13:(8–10) 11–14\n\n\nMatt. 21:1–9\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord Jesus Comes in Humility to Redeem Us\nThe new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold\, your king is coming to you\, humble\, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger\, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross\, where He shows Himself to be “The LORD is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ’s body and blood\, we also sing\, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament\, we set our hearts on His return in glory\, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/first-sunday-in-advent-series-a-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251207 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251208 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240610T201538Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T205748Z UID:10001368-1765065600-1765151999@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Second Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The Second Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 7\, 2025. \nAdvent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the Second Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series A Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 11:1–10\n\n\nRomans 15:4–13\n\n\nMatthew 3:1–12\n\nLectionary summary\nBy the Preaching of Repentance\, We Are Prepared for the Coming of the Lord \n“John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea\, ‘Repent’” (Matt. 3:1–2). His preaching of repentance for the forgiveness of sins prepared people for the coming of Christ into the world. St. John’s work was historically complete with the incarnate advent of Jesus\, but his vital ministry continues in preaching Law and Gospel. The Son of God has come in the flesh\, “a shoot from the stump of Jesse\, and a branch from his roots” (Is. 11:1)\, and continues to bear the fruits of righteousness. His good tree of the cross is “a signal for the peoples” (Is. 11:10)\, by which He calls the nations to repentance. “With the rod of his mouth\, and with the breath of his lips” (Is. 11:4)\, He slays the wicked and brings the dead to life\, making sons of Abraham out of lifeless stones. So also the “root of Jesse” comes to us\, “even he who arises to rule the Gentiles” (Rom. 15:12)\, that “we might have hope” and be filled “with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom. 15:4\, 13). \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nMal. 4:1–6\n\n\nRom. 15:4–13\n\n\nLuke 21:25–36\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Preaching of Repentance Prepares Us for the Coming of the Lord \nThe preaching and Baptism “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3) prepare us for the coming of the Lord\, Jesus Christ. The historic work of John the Baptist was completed with the first advent of our Lord Jesus in the flesh\, but the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of Law and Gospel and in Holy Baptism. Through His messengers\, the Lord calls people of all nations to “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Our haughtiness is removed and our mountains of pride are brought low\, but the Lord humbles us in order to exalt us in His mercy. As the Lord has begun this good work of repentance in us\, so also does He perfect it by His Word and Holy Spirit\, and He “will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). He purifies us to be His priestly people\, precious in His sight and abounding in faith and love\, so that we offer our very lives in righteousness to the Lord (Mal. 3:3–4). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/second-sunday-in-advent-series-a-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251214 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251215 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240610T202015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T205935Z UID:10001369-1765670400-1765756799@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Third Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The Third Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 14\, 2025. \nAdvent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the Third Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series A Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 35:1–10\n\n\n\nJames 5:7–11\n\n\n\nMatthew 11:2–15\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Brings True Rejoicing\, Even Under the Cross\nSometimes life requires the astonishing patience of Job. Like him\, we are to rejoice in the midst of affliction\, be grounded in repentance under the cross of Christ\, and hope relentlessly in His resurrection\, that we might see “the purpose of the Lord\, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). In the promise of the Gospel\, therefore\, “be patient” and “establish your hearts\, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7\, 8). Like St. John the Baptist\, whatever your own kind of prison or suffering may be\, call upon Jesus and receive the strength of His Word from those He sends to you. For as “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk\, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear\, and the dead are raised up\,” so is the Good News of Jesus preached to you also (Matt. 11:5). He comes and restores the fortunes of Zion\, His Holy Church\, so that “sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Is. 35:10). \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 40:1–8 (9–11)\n\n\n1 Cor. 4:1–5\n\n\nMatt. 11:2–10 (11)\n\nLectionary summary\nJohn the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord\nThe voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord …” (Isaiah 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance\, for “all flesh is grass” (Isaiah 40:6). Now He asks from prison\, “Are you the one who is to come …?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised\, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit\, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe. \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/third-sunday-in-advent-series-a-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251221 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251222 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240610T202434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T210214Z UID:10001370-1766275200-1766361599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Fourth Sunday in Advent DESCRIPTION:The Fourth Sunday in Advent will be commemorated on Sunday\, Dec. 21\, 2025. \nOn the final Sunday in Advent\, we turn our attention toward the nativity of our Lord. With Mary\, we await the coming of the Christ\, her Son\, conceived in her womb by the Spirit of God. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind church near me \n\nLiturgical colors for the Fourth Sunday in Advent\nBlue or violet adorns the altar during Advent. Advent\, a season of repentance\, waiting and watching\, looks forward in hope. Our Christian faith rests on the hope that Christ\, who came in the flesh in history to accomplish our salvation\, will also return in the same way to be our judge on the last day and bring us into eternal life. \n\nThree-Year Series A Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nIsaiah 7:10–17\n\n\nRomans 1:1–7\n\n\nMatthew 1:18–25\n\nLectionary summary\nGod’s Word Is Fulfilled for Us in the Flesh and Blood of Christ Jesus\, the Son of Mary\nThe Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the Nativity of Our Lord. With the blessed Virgin Mary\, we await the coming of the Christ\, her Son\, conceived in her womb by the Word and Spirit of God. This fulfillment of the sign once given to the house of David\, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Is. 7:14)\, is now given to us in the Gospel. It declares that salvation is by His grace alone\, entirely His work and a free gift. It also is the way and means by which the Lord our God is Immanuel\, “God with us.” The almighty and eternal Son of God is conceived and born of Mary\, and is thus “descended from David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3–4). He comes in this way to save us with His own flesh and blood; wherefore\, He is called “Jesus\, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). As Joseph received this sign in faith and immediately “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matt. 1:24)\, we also live by faith in this Holy Gospel. \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings\n\nDeut. 18:15–19\n\n\nPhil. 4:4–7\n\n\nJohn 1:19–28 or Luke 1:39–56\n\nLectionary summary\nJohn the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah\nThe coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God\, therefore\, raised up a prophet like Moses — the Messiah\, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary\, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world\, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/fourth-sunday-in-advent-series-a-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/advent-candles-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251224 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251225 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20251003T203308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T203500Z UID:10001485-1766534400-1766620799@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Christmas Eve DESCRIPTION:Christmas Eve\, which commemorates the Nativity of our Lord\, is on Wednesday\, Dec. 24\, 2025. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Christmas Eve\nWhite\, which adorns the altar on this evening\, is the color of purity and completeness. In His light we see light\, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6)\, and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some churches also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series and One-Year Series Lectionaries\nScripture readings for Christmas Eve\n\nIsaiah 7:10-14\nPsalm 110:1-4\n1 John 4:7-16\nMatt. 1:18-25\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Word of the Lord Is Fulfilled in the Flesh of Jesus\nThough Ahaz would not ask\, the Lord gives a sign to the House of David — “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son\, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14). With this promise\, He signifies that salvation is by His grace alone. It is no work or achievement of man\, but the Lord’s own work and His free gift. The promise is fulfilled as the Son of God is conceived and born of the Virgin Mary\, and the sign is received in faith by the House of David in the person of Joseph (Matt. 1:20–24). “Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary” (Nicene Creed)\, God is with us (Immanuel) in the flesh of Jesus\, Mary’s Son. Joseph believes that Word of God and so demonstrates a marvelous example in his immediate and quiet obedience\, taking Mary to be his wife and caring for her in faith and love. He loves her because the love of God is manifest in this\, that “the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world\,” to be “the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10–14). \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/christmas-eve-2025/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Christmas-Eve-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251225 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251226 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20251003T203125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T203125Z UID:10001484-1766620800-1766707199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Christmas Day DESCRIPTION:Christmas Day will be celebrated on Thursday\, Dec. 25\, 2025. The Festival of the Nativity of our Lord is the traditional way of saying Christmas Day\, on which Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Christmas Day\nWhite\, the color of purity and completeness\, adorns the altar to commemorate the Nativity of Our Lord. In His light we see light\, and by Him “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6)\, and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some churches also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings for Christmas Day\n\nIsaiah 52:7-10\nPsalm 2\nHebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)\nJohn 1:1–14 (15-18)\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells Among Us in the Flesh\nThe Lord sends out His ministers of the Gospel to make disciples “of all the nations\,” so that “all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” For the Lord has “bared his holy arm” in the incarnate Christ (Is. 52:7\, 10). The child in the manger\, born of the Virgin Mary\, is the very Word of God\, the only begotten Son of the Father\, “whom he appointed the heir of all things\, through whom also he created the world” (Heb. 1:2). As “all things were made through him” (John 1:3)\, so are all things redeemed and made new in Him. In His body of flesh and blood\, we behold “the radiance of the glory of God” (Heb. 1:3)\, “glory as of the only Son from the Father\, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He dwells among us in peace\, that we might have life and light and salvation in Him. For by His Word of the Gospel\, we are born again as the children of God\, bearing His name and sharing His eternal life. \n\nOne-Year Series Lectionary\nScripture readings for Christmas Day\n\nExodus 40:17-21; 34-38\nPsalm 2\nTitus 3:4-7\nJohn 1:1-14 (15-18)\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Living and Life-Giving Word of God Dwells among Us in the Flesh\nIn the beginning God created all things through His Word\, His Son. But man fell into sin\, and with man all creation was cursed. Therefore\, God spoke His Word again\, this time into the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle of our human nature (Ex. 40:17-21\, 34-38). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-14). The Son of God took on our flesh and blood and died on the cross in order that we might receive the right to become the children of God through faith. Baptized into Christ’s body\, we are made partakers of a new Genesis\, “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4–7). In Christ\, the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man has truly appeared. \n\nMedia kits\nThe LCMS has produced media kits for congregations to use in reaching out to their communities. The free\, downloadable resources are designed to allow congregations to add invitations and local details about worship services. Congregations are invited to use these resources to advertise service information or simply to generate opportunities for pastoral conversations in the community. \nView media kits \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/christmas-day-2025/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Christmas-Day-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260105 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260106 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20251003T203919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T204111Z UID:10001486-1767571200-1767657599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Epiphany DESCRIPTION:The Epiphany of our Lord will be commemorated on Monday\, Jan. 5\, 2026. \nAfter focusing on the Incarnation of our Lord — God becoming flesh — during the 12 days of Christmas\, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Epiphany\nWhite is the appointed color for the 12 days of Christmas\, Epiphany (Jan. 6)\, and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some churches also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series A and One-Year Series\nScripture readings for Epiphany\n\nIsaiah 60:1–6\n\n\nEphesians 3:1–12 (or Col. 1:23–27 for One-Year Series)\n\n\nMatthew 2:1–12\n\nPsalms\n\nSeries A — Psalm 72:1–11 (12–15)\n\n\nOne-Year Series — Psalm 24\n\nLectionary summary\nThe Lord God Is Manifested in the Incarnate Son\nThe Feast of the Epiphany centers in the visit of the Magi from the East. In that respect\, it is a “13th day” of Christmas\, and yet it also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season. Where Christmas has focused on the incarnation of our Lord\, that is\, on God becoming flesh\, the season of Epiphany emphasizes the manifestation or self-revelation of God in that same flesh of Christ. For the Lord Himself has entered our darkness and rises upon us with the brightness of His true light (Is. 60:1–2). He does so chiefly by His Word of the Gospel\, which He causes to be preached within His Church on earth\, not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:8–10). As the Magi were guided by the promises of Holy Scripture to find and worship the Christ Child with His mother in the house (Matt. 2:5–11)\, so does He call disciples from all nations by the preaching of His Word to find and worship Him within His Church (Is. 60:3–6). \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/epiphany-series-a-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Epiphany-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260125 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260126 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20240131T182739Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T211047Z UID:10001332-1769299200-1769385599@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Feast of the Transfiguration (One-Year Series) DESCRIPTION:In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod\, Transfiguration is observed on the last Sunday of Epiphany. In the One-Year Lectionary\, Transfiguration is on Jan. 25\, 2026\, and is followed by three Sundays of preparation and instruction from Jesus before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. \nOn this day\, the church recalls the event of Christ’s Transfiguration on the mountain\, revealing His divine nature to Peter\, James and John before He set His face toward Jerusalem\, where He would accomplish the world’s salvation by His death and resurrection for us. \nWhere Transfiguration is the last service before Septuagesima (which means about 70 days before Easter)\, many congregations say farewell to the word “Alleluia.” As Judah would not sing their songs in the land of exile (Psalm 137)\, so the church sets aside our simplest word of joy and praise — until we take it up again in triumph on Easter: “Alleluia! Christ is risen; He is risen indeed\, Alleluia!” \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Transfiguration\nWhite\, the color of light\, purity and completeness\, adorns the altar to commemorate the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On the mountain\, Christ’s face and clothes shone white as light (Matt. 17:2). In His light we see light and by Him\, “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is also the appointed color for the Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is also the color of Easter. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some congregations also use gold. \n\nOne-Year Series\nScripture readings for Transfiguration\n\nExodus 34:29–35 or Exodus 3:1–14\n\n\nPsalm 2\n\n\n2 Peter 1:16–21\n\n\nMatt. 17:1-9\n\nLectionary summary\nJesus Is Transfigured and Manifests His Glory\nThe Lord appeared to Moses in the light of the burning bush (Ex. 3:1–14). Later Moses’ face would shine with the light of God’s glory when he came down from Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:29–35). At the Transfiguration\, Moses and Elijah appeared with the One who is the Light of Light Himself (Matt. 17:1–9). Jesus’ glory as God shines with brilliant splendor in and through His human nature. By this epiphany\, our Lord confirmed the prophetic word (2 Peter 1:16–21)\, revealing that He is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He manifested His majesty as the eternal Son of the Father\, and He wonderfully foreshowed our adoption as sons (Collect). We who have been baptized into Christ’s body are given a glimpse of the glory that we will share with Him in the resurrection on the Last Day. \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/feast-of-the-transfiguration-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/transfiguration-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260215 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260216 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20260128T210637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T210637Z UID:10001532-1771113600-1771199999@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Feast of the Transfiguration (Three-Year Series A) DESCRIPTION:In The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod\, Transfiguration is observed on the last Sunday of Epiphany. In the Three-Year Lectionary\, Transfiguration is on Feb. 15\, 2026\, which is three days before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. \nOn this day\, the church recalls the event of Christ’s Transfiguration on the mountain\, revealing His divine nature to Peter\, James and John before He set His face toward Jerusalem\, where He would accomplish the world’s salvation by His death and resurrection for us. \nWhere Transfiguration is the last service before Ash Wednesday\, many congregations say farewell to the word “Alleluia.” As Judah would not sing their songs in the land of exile (Psalm 137)\, so the church sets aside our simplest word of joy and praise — until we take it up again in triumph on Easter: “Alleluia! Christ is risen; He is risen indeed\, Alleluia!” \nTo attend a worship service\, visit locator.lcms.org/church to find a local Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. Enter your zip code and click “Search” to see a list of area churches\, service times\, and contact information. \nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \nFind a church near me \n\nLiturgical color for Transfiguration\nWhite\, the color of light\, purity and completeness\, adorns the altar to commemorate the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On the mountain\, Christ’s face and clothes shone white as light (Matt. 17:2). In His light we see light and by Him\, “though our sins be as scarlet\, they shall be white as snow.” Christ’s incarnation and His resurrection\, His Gospel and its message to all nations are cause for our rejoicing. His purity before His Father becomes our purity. White reinforces this message of joy. \nWhite is also the appointed color for the Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the first Sunday following it\, which is often observed as the Baptism of Our Lord. It is also the color of Easter. On high festive days when white is appointed\, some congregations also use gold. \n\nThree-Year Series A Lectionary\nScripture readings for Transfiguration\n\nExodus 24:8-18\n\n\nPsalm 2:6-12\n\n\n2 Peter 1:16-21\n\n\nMatthew 17:1-9\n\nLectionary summary\nGod Manifests His Glory in the Body of Christ Jesus\, Transfigured for Us by His Cross\nThe Transfiguration confirms “the prophetic word … to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). The divine glory of Jesus is manifested in the word of His apostles\, who were “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). “He was transfigured before them\, and his face shone like the sun” (Matt. 17:2). Moses and Elijah witnessed the fulfillment of the Old Testament in this Lord Jesus\, and the Father testified concerning Him: “This is my beloved Son\, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 17:5). By His own blood\, shed on the cross\, Jesus makes and seals the new covenant with us. Hence\, “the appearance of the glory of the LORD” is no longer “like a devouring fire” (Ex. 24:17)\, but it is graciously revealed in His own body. As “Aaron\, Nadab\, and Abihu\, and seventy of the elders of Israel” went up the mountain with Moses and “beheld God\, and ate and drank” (Ex. 24:9\, 11)\, we also behold the Lord our God in Christ Jesus\, and we abide with Him as we eat and drink His body and blood at the altar. \n\nLCMS Worship\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/feast-of-the-transfiguration-three-year-series-a/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/transfiguration-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260218 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260219 DTSTAMP:20260411T153450 CREATED:20260128T224500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T160230Z UID:10001533-1771372800-1771459199@calendar.lcms.org SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday DESCRIPTION:Ash Wednesday\, which will be commemorated on Feb. 18\, is the beginning of Lent and\, if Sundays are omitted\, is 40 days before Easter. \n\n\n\nAsh Wednesday begins the church’s annual season of penitence\, traditionally marked by fasting\, almsgiving and prayer. In the LCMS\, congregations often offer additional services in the week where the Word is preached and the Sacrament offered. \n\n\n\nAs the name suggests\, many congregations practice the ceremony of the imposition of ashes on this day. Ashes are a symbol of mortality and repentance\, since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). When the pastor places them on the penitents\, often in the shape of a cross\, he speaks a sobering reminder: “Remember that you are dust\, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). \n\n\n\nWe ourselves will not overcome the temptations of Satan\, our sinful flesh and death\, but Christ our champion will. Throughout the coming season\, we will watch as He endures and overcomes the devil with his works and ways\, suffers willingly for our sakes\, and redeems us by His blood and Passion. Faith trusts in Him and believes\, even from the ash heap\, that “a broken and contrite heart\, O God\, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). \n\n\n\nIf you are homebound\, traveling\, or otherwise unable to attend a service in person\, KFUO Radio airs worship services throughout the church year. Visit KFUO.org to view the schedule and listen to services. \n\n\n\n\nFind a church near me\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLiturgical color for Ash Wednesday and Lent\n\n\n\nOn Ash Wednesday\, the altar is adorned with violet or with black. The calendar calls for black only twice — Good Friday and Ash Wednesday. There is no mistaking the message of this somber color: Black is the absence of light. Ash Wednesday calls for sober reflection on the outcome of sin\, and Good Friday on the price of our redemption. \n\n\n\nWithout Christ’s sacrifice on the day the sky turned dark and hid the light of the sun\, there would be no bright Light of Christ to live in\, nor new life in Christ to enjoy. Yet we do not grieve as others do\, without hope (1 Thess. 4:13). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree-Year Series A\n\n\n\nScripture readings\n\n\n\n\nJoel 2:12–19\n\n\n\nPsalm 51:1-13 (14-19)\n\n\n\n2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10\n\n\n\nMatthew 6:1–6\, 16–21\n\n\n\n\nLectionary summary\n\n\n\nReturn to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart\, for He Has Reconciled You to Himself\n\n\n\nOn Ash Wednesday\, we come down from the mountain with Jesus and set our face toward His cross and Passion in Jerusalem. We make our pilgrimage with Him by way of repentance\, and thus we return to our dying and rising in Holy Baptism. Christ Jesus\, “who knew no sin\,” became our sin\, so that by His death we are released from sin and in His resurrection we “become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). As God has thereby reconciled the world to Himself in Christ\, “now is the favorable time; behold\, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). He has provided the sacrificial Lamb\, and He has left “a blessing behind him\, a grain offering and a drink offering” (Joel 2:14) in the Eucharist. He summons us to return to Him with all our heart because He is “gracious and merciful\, slow to anger\, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13). We do so with faith and confidence in Him\, and so we pray to Him as our Father\, give to the needy from a heart of love\, and fast for the sake of repentance (Matt. 6:3–4\, 6\, 17–18). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne-Year Series\n\n\n\nScripture readings\n\n\n\n\nJoel 2:12–19 or Jonah 3:1-10\n\n\n\nPsalm 51:1-13 (14-19)\n\n\n\n2 Peter 1:2–11\n\n\n\nMatthew 6:(1-6)16-21\n\n\n\n\nLectionary summary\n\n\n\nReturn to the Lord Your God with All Your Heart\, for He Has Reconciled You to Himself\n\n\n\n“Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people” (Joel 2:15–16). Lent\, with its corporate fast\, begins today. “Remember that you are dust\, and to dust you shall return” (Imposition of Ashes\, from Gen. 3:19). “Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger” (Jonah 3:9). We know. Faith believes that\, for Christ’s sake\, “a broken and contrite heart\, O God\, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). He is “gracious and merciful\, slow to anger\, and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2:13); therefore\, we do not hesitate to return to Him “with all [our] heart\, with fasting\, with weeping\, and with mourning” (v. 12). He raises the dead\, as we shall see in 40 days’ time. Satan opposes such reconciliation and life. He would twist our discipline into self-serving pride (Matt. 6:1–12)\, leading us into unbelief and unfruitfulness until we fall from the Lord’s “precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:4\, 8). For this reason\, our Lenten discipline not only gives something up but also takes up the sustenance and exercise of faith: hearing His Word and turning from ourselves — to God in prayer and to our neighbor with charity. “Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue\, and virtue with knowledge\, and knowledge with self-control\, and self-control with steadfastness\, and steadfastness with godliness\, and godliness with brotherly affection\, and brotherly affection with love” (v. 5–7). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLCMS Worship\n\n\n\n\nlcms.org/worship\n\n\n\nWorship planning resources\n\n\n\nSubscribe to monthly resources email\n\n\n\n\n\nFind a church near me URL:https://calendar.lcms.org/event/ash-wednesday-series-a-and-one-year-series/ CATEGORIES:Church Year ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://calendar.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ash-Wednesday-1200x630-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="LCMS Worship":MAILTO:worship@lcms.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR