Dear Lutherans, I imagine that you have a story that impacts how you think about life issues. What is your “life story”? Here is mine ...

A young man of 18 left his family farm 60 years ago, enlisting as a Marine. Why would a young man volunteer to serve his country? Jesus himself said, “Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for His friends.” Jn 15:13 My father’s sister took the time to write this soldier. He was from a nearby town. Why did my aunt take time as a young woman busy with nursing school to send letters of encouragement? It’s because the life of a Christian is not lived unto oneself, but for the neighbor’s good, in memory of the Savior who lived His life for us.

Sixty years ago, that man climbed into a helicopter in Vietnam to rescue soldiers under attack. What gives a person the energy and poise to fly into the jungle to rescue the wounded and recover the dead – to risk one’s life for friends? Jesus on the cross, who loved us and came to our aid when we were under attack from Satan. My uncle stepped onto the helicopter that day, but he never stepped off. In fact, he has never taken another step since. A bullet fired from the canopy below pierced his spine, instantly paralyzing him from the waist down.

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Bible Study for Sunday September 6 2026
Where we discussed John 19:12-16 and John 19:16-22, plus Roman crucifixion techniques. Our Bible Study is lead by Rev. Dr. Edward O. Grimenstein, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA. Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville, PA is Online at https://www.zlcb.org/

Each service at Zion Lutheran Church (normally the first of our two Sunday services) is streamed LIVE on our YouTube channel. These streams are for Sunday’s, Wednesday’s, Lenten, Advent, and special services. The entire service is streamed from beginning-to-end. Weddings and Funerals can also be streamed, if requested in advance.

A nursery for young children is available in the lower level near the Fellowship Hall (Room 101). It includes a diaper changing station near the door and audio so you don’t miss the service. Parent supervision is required. In addition, the Family Care Room in the narthex (near the main entrance) is equipped with a nursing chair and changing station items. (please note, this area is not sound-proofed from the sanctuary). 

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks on our nation, consider sharing this prayer with your pastor to use in the Prayers of the Church this Sunday.

"Lord of all nations, God of all peoples, we praise You for answering the prayers of Your people as we sought Your mercy and protection following the events of September 11, 2001. Your providence and care have given to us daily bread and protection from enemies. Let us ever trust Your mercy even as enemies continue to threaten our peace. Bring comfort through Your Word to those whose hearts are heavy on this anniversary, may they find their hope in Your Son’s victory over evil and the grave. Turn all our hearts to Jesus, who is our life and our salvation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen."

Dear Zion friends,

Vicarage ended on July 14 and it’s hard to believe it’s already over. While the year started as a step into the unknown, it ended up being the most formative year of my pastoral training. The Lord was surely at work through preaching, teaching, visitation, outreach, and a whole lot more.

There were certainly moments this year when I felt confident and moments when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. There were things I had learned about in the classroom that suddenly became very real when I was sitting across from someone who needed to hear the Gospel. There were also lessons that no classroom could have taught me. Through all of it, God continued to provide opportunities to learn, to grow, to serve, and most importantly, to point people back to Christ.

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LWML MITE CHALLENGE
September 2025-2027 Mission Grant No. 8
Building A Place of Care
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch | $60,000

Creating a Healing Space
The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, North Dakota, serves children, ages 7-18, who experience severe psychiatric, emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental challenges due to the trauma of abuse, neglect, addiction, violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. With the money from this grant the Ranch will build and furnish the Reflection Room which will serve as a safe and calming environment to support the emotional!, spiritual, and psychological well-being of the children and the staff. The doorway to Gospel-centered healing for a child begins with an environment that communicates love while consistently meeting their most basic needs for safety and shelter.

Click below to read the complete story …