Receiving salvation, spreading the gospel, sharing blessing, and finding new strength: the Sunday services in September showcase a faith that propels us forward.

Three witnesses, one salvation

Water, the Spirit, and blood—three witnesses who agree as one. This passage from the first letter of John will open the first Sunday service of the month on 6 September. What sounds puzzling at first takes us right into the heart of God’s work.

The water recalls the baptism of Jesus, the blood points to His death on the cross, and the Spirit testifies that He is the Saviour. Here we also find the sacraments: Holy Baptism, Holy Sealing, and Holy Communion. Thus, salvation is not merely promise but becomes visible and tangible.

Baptism and sealing offer new life in Christ and the opportunity to participate in the return of Christ. In Holy Communion, believers receive the strength to remain in fellowship with Him. But how does this change our everyday life? This is what the Sunday services in September will explore.

From the temple to the home

The first Christians knew no strict separation between faith and everyday life. They taught and preached in the temple, just as they did in people’s homes. The gospel belonged in public life as much as it did in private life. This is the focus of the divine service on 13 September.

The temple represents all the places where Christian faith becomes visible: in the congregation, at work, and in the wider community. The homes represent closeness, trust, and fellowship—for family, friends, and pastoral care. In both settings, the gospel is proclaimed through more than words alone. 

But how can the good news be shared credibly today? The second Sunday in September explores contemporary approaches. 

Touched by a blessing

“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you.” The Bible text for September 20th leaves little room for blessing to pass us by. But what exactly is a blessing? Is it good health, success, and a life without difficulties?

In the Old Testament, blessings are closely linked to God’s covenant and the obedience of the people of Israel. Jesus Christ broadens our perspective to encompass a greater dimension. True blessing exists in fellowship with God—and extends all the way to eternal life. 

In divine service, this blessing is encountered through the word, the sacraments, and prayer. But it is not meant to remain there. “You shall be a blessing.” Those who receive blessing become a source of blessing. The third Sunday explores what this can look like in practice.

Waiting with wings

Running without growing weary. Carrying on without becoming exhausted. Rising on wings like an eagle. Using powerful imagery, Isaiah speaks to people who have run out of strength. They will be at the heart of the divine service on 27 September.

For many, exhaustion is part of everyday life. This raises the question: “Does God even see what I am carrying?” The people of Israel were already familiar with this feeling. The prophet’s answer is unequivocal: God overlooks no one. No one falls outside his care.

To wait on the Lord does not mean sitting idle with folded hands. It means deliberately turning towards God, trusting Him, and remaining faithful—even when circumstances do not change immediately. God does not promise a quick burst of energy. Instead, He promises renewed strength: strength for extraordinary burdens as well as for the quiet, seemingly insignificant steps of everyday life.

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