St. Paul Lutheran Church Grafton, WI

“Something Old, Something New,” by Pastor Anderson, based on Acts 17.

Psalm 68:1-10

What's in a Name?Ezra ("Helper")

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: C. F. W. Walther, first president of our LCMS, died on this date in 1887 and our church remembers his many contributions to Christ's people. He was a gifted theologian and leader. He came to the United States seeking freedom and he appreciated our nation. On this National Day of Prayer, his devotional words remind us that it is not "human wisdom, human courage, human power, and human righteousness [that] produced the many blessings this land enjoys! [It is God who] has done great things for us, and for that, we are grateful."

Psalm 66

“Under Construction” by Pastor Maschke, based on 1 Peter 2:4-6.

What's in a Name? Moses ("To Draw Out")

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The Edict of Toleration was issued on this date in 311 AD by Emperor Galerius. Prior to this, Christians suffered greatly under the persecution orchestrated by Emperor Diocletian (and encouraged by Galerius) from 304 AD. The toleration did not last long, since Galerius died shortly after issuing the edict and Emperor Maximinus II began another persecution. By God's grace, two years later in 313, Emperor Constantine issued his Edict of Milan making Christianity not only tolerated, but promoted throughout the empire. This persecution reminded me of the words of St Peter, which we've been reading for the epistle lessons during this Easter season, particularly 1 Peter 4:12, 16, and 19: "If we suffer as Christians, we can praise God that we bear that name!"

Psalm 146

Based on Acts 2:42-47

What's in a Name? Isaac ("Laughter")

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Most of us have heard of St George and the dragon. George was a Roman soldier from Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), who was martyred for his Christian faith by Emperor Diocletian on April 23, 303. While the story of the dragon is not based on historical evidence, it is reminiscent of the battle with the devil in Revelation 12. Jesus is our "St George," our Savior from sin, death, and the devil and we celebrate His victory as we remember the story of George and the dragon.

Psalm 23

Rev. Larry Prahl Sermon

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Five hundred and five years ago, on April 16, Martin Luther entered the German city of Worms to meet with the political leaders of the empire. I am reading from Roland Bainton's classic, Here I Stand, where Bainton records Luther's concluding words: "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason--I do not accept the authority of popes and councils for they have contradicted each other--my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." May you have that same confidence in God's Word of love and forgiveness.

What's in a Name?Peter

“Don’t Be a Fair-Weather Follower,” by Pastor Anderson, based on Acts 5:29-32.

What's in a Name?Thomas

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: On this anniversary of the death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we ponder the cross and victory of our Lord and Savior. Bonhoeffer died on this date in 1945 in a Nazi concentration camp. Just before he died, he said, "This is the end...for me, the beginning of life." May you rejoice in your life this Easter season as you follow Jesus

"The Weight Lifted" by Pastor Schultz based on Matthew 28:1-10.

Weightless

“The Full Weight Falls,” by Pastor Anderson

“The Full Weight Falls,” by Pastor Anderson

“The Grapes of Wrath: Crushed by OurSins” by Pastor Maschke, based on Isaiah 53:4-11.

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: As we go through this Holy Week, we recall our Lord's suffering. One item that symbolizes that suffering, besides the cross, is the crown of thorns. John (19:2) tells us that the soldiers put such a crown on Jesus' head to mock Him. Yet, Jesus is our King of kings, and Lord of lords! The thorns on this cross were sanctified by the Superior of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. We rejoice in knowing Jesus took our sins upon Himself and His suffering was in our place and we look forward to our Easter celebration!

Rev. Jacob Schultz

Sermon

The Benefit of the Weight

Psalm 118

The Weight We Share

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Joseph was the guardian of Jesus and today, March 19, many Christian churches throughout the world recognize his loving care. We encounter Joseph as the betrothed husband to Mary and then see him care for her and Jesus, especially as he brings them to safety in Egypt. Our last glimpse of him is when he and Mary come to the Temple with the twelve-year old Jesus. Joseph is an example of an obedient believer and a caring earthly father. We celebrate all those parents who care for their non-biological children and bring them up in the nurture of the Lord.

Saint Patrick’s Day

What Do You See in Him? by Pastor Anderson, based on John 9.   

The Weight You Have To Carry (But Don't Want To)

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Paul Gerhardt (b. 1607), a very gifted hymn writer and pastor, was born on this date. Among his hymns are "O Lord, How Shall I Meet you," "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth," "Now Rest Beneath Nights Shadow," and "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded." It is this last one that I want to feature today: "O sacred Head, now wounded withgrief and shame weighed down, now scornfully surrounded with thorns Thine only crown. O sacred Head, what glory what bliss, till now was Thine! Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call The mine." "Be Thou my consolation, my shield, when I must die, remind me of Thy passion when my last hour drawsnigh. Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell, my heart by faith enfold Thee. Who dieth thus dies well."

Psalm 142

Sacred Concern vs. Sacrilegious Complaint,” by Pastor Anderson, based on Exodus 17.

The Weight You Do Need to Carry (For a Moment)

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: As many of us mourn the death of my friend and former colleague, Daniel Paavola, I want to share a brief message from his book, Our Way Home--a journey through the Lord's Prayer. He wrote "'Amen' is our homecoming, as much beginning as ending, the end of our words but not of our Father's. It is the final step of a journey and also the beginning of our visit with the Father." Dan's messages always drew us to the cross and victory of Jesus. May you find comfort in his hope in Jesus, also.

Psalm 95

Sermon | Rev. Noah Kegley | 2.15.2026

Sermon | Rev. Casey Kegley | 2.15.2026

"That’s Tempting!” by Pastor Maschke based on Genesis 3 andMatthew 4.  

Sermon

The Weight You Don't Need to Carry

A PRAYER REQUEST WITH A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: On this day, I'd like to invite you to pray for my friend and former Concordia colleague, Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, who experienced a very serious motorcycle accident this week and is presently in a major Milwaukee hospital anticipating several operations. Dan is a very creative preacher, engaging teacher, productive writer, caring pastor, who helped edit the Lutheran Study Bible. Please join me in prayer as I also share a portion of his devotional book, Patience and Perfection: Finding Peace in God's Plan for You!

Psalm 121

The Only Cover-Up that Works

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: As we enter this Lenten season, three themes came together for this devotional thought--Ash Wednesday and Martin Luther's death, and the first Sunday of Lent. The Hymn of the Day for the first Sunday of Lent is "A Mighty Fortress" by Martin Luther. The last two stanzas of the hymn capture the blessings of God's Word in our struggle with the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh: Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us, we tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpower us. This world's prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none. He's judged the deed is done; one little word can fell him. The Word they still shall let remain nor any thanks have for it. He's by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit. And take they our life, goods, fame, child, and wife, though these all be gone, our victory has been won; the kingdom ours remaineth."

Psalm 32