11460 60 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB. T6H 1J5 Canada. 780-434-1671

pastor@crossofchristlutheranchurch.ca 780-242-6810

pastor@crossofchristlutheranchurch.ca 780-242-6810

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf & Hearing

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf & Hearing Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf & Hearing Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf & Hearing

*Next Church Service Sunday Sept 27

*Next Church Service Sunday Sept 27*Next Church Service Sunday Sept 27

Holy Communion 3rd Sundays of the month

ASL Video Sermons \ 2026 |

Trinity Lutheran Church, Litchfield Park, Arizona (interpreted) Rev. Dave Bolte

Holy Communion 3rd Sundays

Martin Luther's Morning/Evening Prayer

Make the sign of the Holy Cross and say:

Morning Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

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.


Evening Prayer

In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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.

Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer.

 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Proper 21

(27 September 2026)


Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32

Philippians 2:1–4 (5–13) 14–18

Matthew 21:23–27 (28–32)


The Cross of Christ Opens to Us the Way of Repentance to Life with God

The way of the Lord is righteous and just: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:4). However, because the Lord has “no pleasure in the death of anyone” (Ezek. 18:32), He calls sinners to repentance and faith in His gracious forgiveness of sins. The man who is thus turned away from his wickedness, who henceforth lives by the grace of God, “shall surely live; he shall not die” (Ezek. 18:28). This way of repentance has been opened for us by the cross of Christ. In the righteousness of faith and love, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:8), and He was vindicated in His resurrection from the dead. Indeed, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). He has given us this name in our Baptism into Christ, in whom we now “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). He uses the authority that He has received from His Father (Matt. 21:23–27) to preach a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, by which even “the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God” (Matt. 21:31–32).

 

  

Introit (Psalm 147)

P: The Lord lifts-up humble people, 

C: But He throws-down evil people.

P: Praise the Lord! Truly good to praise our God.

C: A song of praise is good and right.

P: The Lord builds Jerusalem. 

C: He brings-together the lonely people in Israel.

P: He heals broken hearts 

C: And He heals all hurts.

P: The Lord made all the stars

C: And He gave them names.

P: Our Lord is great and powerful. 

C: His understanding is above-all.

All: Glory give to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the same as it was in the beginning, is now, and will continue forever. Amen.


Prayer for God’s Word

P: Almighty God, You lifted up Your Son Jesus to all honor and authority. Let Your Holy Spirit teach us to trust Jesus as Lord. Lead us to believe all Your truth. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Jesus lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

C: (copy) Amen.


What Is a Lutheran?

While there are a variety of ways one could answer this question, one very important answer is simply this, “A Lutheran is a person who believes, teaches and confesses the truths of God’s Word as they are summarized and confessed in the Book of Concord.” The Book of Concord contains the Lutheran confessions of faith.


Perhaps you have attended an ordination of a pastor and heard him promise that he will perform the duties of his office in accord with the Lutheran Confessions. When people are received into membership into a Lutheran congregation through confirmation they are asked if they confess the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as they have learned to know it from the Small Catechism, to be faithful and true.


These solemn promises indicate to us just how important the Lutheran Confessions are for our church. Let’s take a look at the various items contained in the Book of Concord and then we will talk about why the Lutheran Confessions are so important for being a Lutheran.


What are the Ecumenical Creeds?


The three ecumenical creeds in the Book of Concord are the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. They are described as “ecumenical” [universal] because they are accepted by Christians worldwide as correct expressions of what God’s Word teaches.


What is the Augsburg Confession and Apology of the Augsburg Confession?


In the year 1530, the Lutherans were required to present their confession of faith before the emperor in Augsburg, Germany. Philip Melanchthon wrote the Augsburg Confession and it was read before the imperial court on June 30, 1530. One year later, the Lutherans presented their defense of the Augsburg Confession, which is what “apology” here means. It too was written by Philip Melanchthon. The largest document in the Book of Concord, its longest chapter, is devoted to the most important truth of the Christian faith: the doctrine of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.


What are the Small and Large Catechisms?


Martin Luther realized early on how desperately ignorant the laity and clergy of his day were when it came to even the most basic truths of the Christian faith. Around 1530, he produced two small handbooks to help pastors and the heads of families teach the faith.


The Small Catechism and the Large Catechism are organized around six topics: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar. So universally accepted were these magnificent doctrinal summaries by Luther, that they were included as part of the Book of Concord.


What are the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope?


In 1537, Martin Luther was asked to prepare a statement of Lutheran belief for use at a church council, if it was called. Luther’s bold and vigorous confession of faith was later incorporated into the Book of Concord. It was presented to a group of Lutheran rulers meeting in the town of Smalcald. Philip Melanchthon was asked to expand on the subject of the Roman pope and did so in his treatise, which also was included in the Book of Concord.


What is the Formula of Concord?


After Luther’s death in 1546, significant controversies broke out in the Lutheran Church. After much debate and struggle, the Formula of Concord in 1577 put an end to these doctrinal controversies and the Lutheran Church was able to move ahead united in what it believed, taught and confessed. In 1580, all the confessional writings mentioned here were gathered into a single volume, the Book of Concord. Concord is a word that means, “harmony.” The Formula of Concord was summarized in a version known as the “Epitome” of the Formula of Concord. This document too is included in the Book of Concord.


What is the connection between the Bible and the Confessions?


We confess that, “The Word of God is and should remain the sole rule and norm of all doctrine” (FC SD, Rule and Norm, 9). What the Bible asserts, God asserts. What the Bible commands, God commands. The authority of the Scriptures is complete, certain and final. The Scriptures are accepted by the Lutheran Confessions as the actual Word of God. The Lutheran Confessions urge us to believe the Scriptures for “they will not lie to you” (LC, V, 76) and cannot be “false and deceitful” (FC SD, VII, 96). The Bible is God’s “pure, infallible, and unalterable Word” (Preface to the BOC).


The Lutheran Confessions are the “basis, rule, and norm indicating how all doctrines should be judged in conformity with the Word of God” (FC SD RN). Because the Confessions are in complete doctrinal agreement with the written Word of God, they serve as the standard in the Lutheran Church to determine what is faithful Biblical teaching, insofar as that teaching is addressed in the Confessions.


Now, may:

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and show grace to you.

The Lord look on you and give you peace.


Be safe, keep each other in prayer and, God willing, we will all see each other next Sunday! 

Pastor Ken 



Scripture Readings September 27, 2026 (ASL Format)

For Sunday September 27, 2026

  

The Old Testament lesson is from Ezekiel chapter 18.

The Lord spoke to me, “Why do you say these words, ‘The fathers ate bitter grapes, but the children get the sour taste in their mouth?’ As I live, you will not say these words again in Israel. All people belong-to Me. The father and the son are mine. The person sinning will die.

But you say, ‘The Lord’s ways are not right.’ Listen to Me, people of ISRAEL, You think My way is not right? Your ways are not right! Happens a good man stops doing good and begins doing evil, he will die. He dies because of his bad ways. But if a bad person stops sinning, and does good and right, then he will save his life. Why? Because he understands his actions and stops sinning. He will live true; he will not die.

Still the people of ISRAEL say, ‘The Lord’s ways are not right.’ People of Israel, who is not right? My ways are right. Your ways are not right! ISRAEL, I will use your actions to judge each of you. Repent and give up your sins, or bad deeds will destroy you. Throw-away all sin you did against Me, and get a new heart and a new spirit. People of ISRAEL, why do you want to die? The Lord God says, I don’t enjoy seeing you die. Change from your sins and live.”

This is the word of the Lord.

C: (copy) Thanks give to God.


There are two New Testament readings, a shorter reading from Philippians 2 and a longer reading from Philippians 2. Choose one.

The shorter reading.

The New Testament lesson is from Philippians chapter 2.

Does Christ encourage you? Does His love comfort you? Do you have fellowship with the Spirit? Does the Spirit give you kindness and compassion for one-another? Yes! Then make me happy this way. Love each-another and agree with each-another. Work together with one heart and mind and goal.

Don’t be selfish or proud. Be humble. Think of other people as more important than yourself. Don’t always think-about your own interests. Also think-about other people’s interests.

Do all things without complaining or arguing. Then you show that you are innocent. You are God’s children and no one can blame you. In this sinful and wicked generation, people see you the same-as lights in the world. 

Hold-on-to the word of life. Then on the day Christ comes, I can be happy because my work was not worthless. Even if your faith is a sacrifice to God, and I give up my life to help you, then I rejoice with all of you. You also should be happy and rejoice with me.

This is the word of the Lord.

C: (copy) Thanks give to God.


The longer reading.

The New Testament lesson is from Philippians chapter 2.

Does Christ encourage you? Does His love comfort you? Do you have fellowship with the Spirit? Does the Spirit give you kindness and compassion for one-another? Yes! Then make me happy this way. Love each-another and agree with each-another. Work together with one heart and mind and goal.

Don’t be selfish or proud. Be humble. Think of other people as more important than yourself. Don’t always think-about your own interests. Also think-about other people’s interests.

Think the same-as Christ Jesus thinks. Jesus Himself is true God. But Jesus didn’t boast about that. Jesus made Himself nothing, became a servant, and became human. Jesus became a man, humbled Himself, and obeyed, even obeying, how? He died on a cross. Therefore God lifted-up Jesus to the highest place. God gave Jesus a name above any other name, so everyone should bow to Jesus. Everyone in heaven and on earth should bow to Jesus. Everyone will announce that Jesus Christ is Lord and give glory to God the Father. 

My dear Christians, you always obeyed. When I am with you, you obey. Now when I am gone, you continue to obey. Show your salvation in your lives with fear and trembling. God is working in you, planning and working the same-as He wants.

Do all things without complaining or arguing. Then you show that you are innocent. You are God’s children and no one can blame you. In this sinful and wicked generation, people see you the same-as lights in the world. 

Hold-on-to the word of life. Then on the day Christ comes, I can be happy because my work was not worthless. Even if your faith is a sacrifice to God, and I give up my life to help you, then I rejoice with all of you. You also should be happy and rejoice with me.

This is the word of the Lord.

C: (copy) Thanks give to God.


There are two Gospel readings, a shorter reading from Matthew 21 and a longer reading from Matthew 21. Choose one.

The shorter reading.

The Gospel lesson is from Matthew chapter 21.

C: (copy) Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus was in the temple teaching. The chief priests and Jewish leaders came to Jesus and asked, “What authority do You have to do these things? Who gave you authority?”

Jesus answered, “I will ask you a question. If you answer, then I will tell you My authority to do these things. JOHN the BAPTIZER – his baptism was from where? Heaven, or men?”

The Jewish leaders and priests discussed this. They said, “If we say his baptism was from heaven, then Jesus will ask why we didn’t believe JOHN’S message.” 

“But we can’t say his baptism was from men. We are afraid of all the people, and they think JOHN was a prophet.” They said to Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then Jesus said to them, “Then I won’t tell you about My authority to do these things.”

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: (copy) Praise to You, O Christ.


The longer reading.

The Gospel lesson is from Matthew chapter 21.

C: (copy) Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus was in the temple teaching. The chief priests and Jewish leaders came to Jesus and asked, “What authority do You have to do these things? Who gave you authority?”

Jesus answered, “I will ask you a question. If you answer, then I will tell you My authority to do these things. JOHN the BAPTIZER – his baptism was from where? Heaven, or men?”

The Jewish leaders and priests discussed this. They said, “If we say his baptism was from heaven, then Jesus will ask why we didn’t believe JOHN’S message.” 

“But we can’t say his baptism was from men. We are afraid of all the people, and they think JOHN was a prophet.” They said to Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then Jesus said to them, “Then I won’t tell you about My authority to do these things.”

Jesus asked, “What do you think about this? A man had two sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go work in the fields today.’ The son said, ‘No.’ But later he changed his mind and went to work. The father went to the second son and told him to go work. The son answered, ‘Yes, I will go.’  But he didn’t go. Which son obeyed the father?” 

They answered, “The first son.” 

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will enter God’s kingdom before you enter. Because JOHN the BAPTIZER told you the way to life, but you didn’t believe him. The TAX collectors and prostitutes believed him. You saw that happen, but you didn’t change your minds and believe him.”

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: (copy) Praise to You, O Christ.

2026 LCC Synod Convention June 12-15, 2026

2026 LCC Synod Convention June 12-15, 2026

 2026 LCC Synod Convention - Lutheran Church–Canada 


 2026 Convention Updates  - The Canadian Lutheran 


 

Welcome to the 2026 LCC Synod Convention Info-page

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s 13th Regular Convention will be held in Winnipeg from June 12-15, 2026, gathering under the theme “Together One: One Lord, One Faith, One Body” (Ephesians 4:4-6). The Convention was last held in the Central Region in 2008 under the theme “Give Jesus Glory – His Calling, Our Praise.”

The start of business related to this synod convention will begin on March 20, 2025, with the first meeting of the Commission on Nominations and Elections (CNE). The CNE manages the nomination process for elected positions at the synodical and regional levels, monitors the vetting process of nominees, and supervises the election of candidates to various positions at conventions of LCC. 

News pertaining to LCC’s Synod Convention will be released on an ongoing basis in The Canadian Lutheran and on CanadianLutheran.ca; as well as in LCC’s weekly e-newsletter InfoDigest. 


2026 LCC Synod Convention June 12-15, 2026

 2026 LCC Synod Convention - Lutheran Church–Canada 


 2026 Convention Updates  - The Canadian Lutheran 


 

Welcome to the 2026 LCC Synod Convention Info-page

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s 13th Regular Convention will be held in Winnipeg from June 12-15, 2026, gathering under the theme “Together One: One Lord, One Faith, One Body” (Ephesians 4:4-6). The Convention was last held in the Central Region in 2008 under the theme “Give Jesus Glory – His Calling, Our Praise.”

The start of business related to this synod convention will begin on March 20, 2025, with the first meeting of the Commission on Nominations and Elections (CNE). The CNE manages the nomination process for elected positions at the synodical and regional levels, monitors the vetting process of nominees, and supervises the election of candidates to various positions at conventions of LCC. 

News pertaining to LCC’s Synod Convention will be released on an ongoing basis in The Canadian Lutheran and on CanadianLutheran.ca; as well as in LCC’s weekly e-newsletter InfoDigest. 


Copyright © 2020 Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept