Week of Epiphany 3 - January 25-31, 2026

Theme: Jesus Is Lord of the Persecuted

Learn by Heart

Verse: Psalm 51:1-2

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

Hymn: “To Jordan Came Our Lord, the Christ” | ELH #247:1

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The Catechism: Confession

What is Confession?

Confession consists of two parts: one, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the pastor or confessor as from God himself, and in no way doubt, but firmly believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.

What sins should we confess?

Before God we should acknowledge ourselves guilty of all sins, even of those which we do not know about, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. But before the pastor or confessor we should acknowledge those sins only which we know and feel in our hearts.

Which are these?

Here consider your own station according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, employer, employee; whether you have been disobedient, dishonest, lazy; whether you have injured anyone by word or deed; whether you have stolen, neglected, wasted anything, or done any harm.

Week of Epiphany 2 - January 18-24, 2026

Theme: The Church of Christ Is Built on the Rock

Learn by Heart

Verse: Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1-7

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The Catechism: The Meaning of Baptism

The Meaning of Baptism

What does such baptizing with water mean?

Such baptizing with water means that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires; and that a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

St. Paul writes in Romans 6:4, “We are buried with Christ by baptism into death, that just as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Week of Epiphany 1 - January 11-17, 2026

Theme: Jesus Had to Be in His Father’s House

Learn by Heart

Verse: 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1-5

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The Catechism: The Power of Baptism

The Power of Baptism

How can water do such great things?

It is not the water that does these things, but the Word of God which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without the Word of God the water is simply water, and no baptism; but with the Word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit.

Where is this written?

St. Paul says in Titus 3:5-8, “According to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that having been justified by His grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.”

Week of Christmas 2 - January 4-10, 2026

Theme: Blessing Is Given to Those Who Suffer with Christ

Learn by Heart

Verse: Acts 2:38-39

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1-3

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The Catechism: The Nature and Blessings of Baptism

The Nature of Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is water used according to God’s command and connected with His Word.

What is that Word and command of God concerning Bap­tism?

Jesus says: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:18-20.

The Blessings of Baptism

What does Baptism give or profit?

Baptism delivers forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are these words and promises of God?

Christ our Lord says in Mark 16:16, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Week of Christmas 1 - December 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026

Theme: In the Face of Evil, the Word of God Is Fulfilled

Learn by Heart

Verse: Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Hymn: “How Lovely Shines the Morning STar” | ELH #167:1

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The Catechism: The Seventh Petition and Conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer

The Seventh Petition

But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition, as the sum of all, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil of body and soul, property and honor; and at last, when the hour of death shall come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

The Conclusion

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for­ever and ever. Amen.

What does “Amen” mean?

Amen means that we should be sure that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven and are heard by Him; for He himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, Amen: that is, Yes, Yes, it shall be so.