Please click on the link below to view the service bulletin for Sunday, February 22, 2026.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13ccM64ESsf_BjEmQlksJBbjJv8mts_NtTA6iM3_QJNg/edit?usp=sharing

Sunday, February 22, 2026

First Sunday in Lent

Genesis 3:1-21 The fall of humankind.

Psalm 32:1-7 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven.”

Romans 5:12-19 One act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all.

Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus is tempted by Satan in the desert.

Collect of the Day

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
 

Theme

Epiphany takes us early on to the Jordan, where Jesus is baptized by John, taking on Himself our sin and the sin of the whole world. Now Lent begins with a different kind of Baptism. Jesus is hungry and alone in the wilderness, and the devil is there to tempt Him. It should be no surprise that Jesus goes right from the waters of the Jordan, where He is announced to be the Son of God, into a place of temptation. It is our journey as well. We also go from the font into the wilderness of the age to face temptation. But we go in Christ and in the power of His strength. Where we are weak, He is strong. He answers the devil’s taunt with the Word of God, which endures forever, and we endure through the power of that same Word which guides, forgives, and directs.
                              

___________________________________________________________________________

Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.