St James Lutheran Church: Sermons and Worship

St James Lutheran Church - Glen Carbon Illinois
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Sermons and messages from St. James Lutheran Church. St. James was established in 1982. We are a church rooted on Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone. And we are a body of sinners and saints focused on spreading the Good News in the Greater Glen Carbon community. St. James is located in Glen Carbon, IL at 146 North Main Street. We are located across from Glen Carbon Village Hall and right next to Schon Park.

  1. 1d ago

    An Old Joke That Tells a Real Truth - Nov 8 - Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

    The message begins with an old preacher's joke about a man stranded in floodwaters who turns away a boat, a canoe, and a helicopter because he expects God to rescue him with a spectacular miracle. But God acts primarily in the ordinary. Introducing others to Jesus, that they might receive his gifts of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life, is indeed extraordinary. But God chooses to use ordinary people like you and me to do it. Faith-sharing happens most naturally in everyday life— through authentic relationships built on trust where people can share what matters most to them. When the right opportunity arises, we simply get to tell others who Jesus is and what God has already done for them in Christ. Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies; Reader: Joe Rathert and Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies Order of service: Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Nov 8, 2026 #sermon #gospel #FaithSharing #evangelism #outreach #EternalLife #GraceAndForgiveness #OrdinaryMeans #ChristianRelationships #discipleship #TrustAndCommunity #Luke16:1931 #Hebrews12:12 #ChadLakies

    An Old Joke That Tells a Real Truth - Nov 8 - Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

  2. Nov 1

    Forever in God’s Presence - Nov 1 - All Saints Day

    All Saints Sunday is a powerful reminder that our faith connects us to a family that spans both earth and heaven. In Revelation 7:9-17, the Apostle John gives us a breathtaking glimpse into eternity—a multitude beyond counting, praising God and living completely free from suffering, hunger, and sorrow. This vision isn't just a picture of the future; it is our concrete comfort today. We know that our place in this heavenly crowd is not earned by our own efforts, but given freely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice washes us clean. Whether you are remembering a loved one who has gone home to the Lord or searching for peace in a weary world, this service centers on the enduring hope we have in our Savior. Jesus, the Lamb at the center of the throne, promises to shepherd us, guide us to springs of living water, and wipe away every tear from our eyes. Come worship with us as we give thanks for the saints who walked before us and fix our eyes on the joy of living forever in God's presence. Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Jonathan Lange; Reader: Larry Frey and Pastor Jonathan Lange Order of service: All Saints Day, Nov 1, 2026 #sermon #gospel #AllSaintsSunday #God’SPresence #Heaven #glory #salvation #eternity #praise #GraceThroughFaith #HopeAndComfort #EternalLife #Revelation7:917 #JonathanLange

    Forever in God’s Presence - Nov 1 - All Saints Day

  3. Oct 25

    Are We Angels? Answer: Yes! - Oct 25 - Reformation Sunday

    In Revelation 14:6–7, John shares a vision of an angel flying overhead with an "eternal gospel" to proclaim to every nation, tribe, language, and people. In the original Greek, the word translated as "angel" simply means "messenger." Throughout history, God has raised up dedicated messengers—from early Christian confessors to key figures of the Protestant Reformation like Martin Luther—who stood firm on the truth that we are declared righteous purely by God's grace through faith in Jesus, apart from human works. Bound by the Holy Scriptures, these faithful witnesses ensured that the light of Christ's forgiveness would continue to shine brightly across generations. That same privilege belongs to us today! As a church family, we are called to be God’s present-day gospel messengers to our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. When we truly know the depth of Jesus’ love and what He accomplished for us on the cross, sharing that good news becomes our greatest joy. Join us as we celebrate Reformation Sunday, anchor our hearts in God's Word, and step out together to share His eternal hope with our community. Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: Joe Rathert and Rev. Tony Boos Order of service: Reformation Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 #sermon #gospel #ReformationSunday #MartinLuther #GospelMessengers #eternal #bound #scriptures #AngelsOfTheGospel #SalvationByGrace #GraceThroughFaith #Revelation14

    Are We Angels? Answer: Yes! - Oct 25 - Reformation Sunday

  4. Oct 18

    What Kind of Pattern Are You? - Oct 18 - Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

    When the Good News of Jesus takes root in our hearts, it changes everything. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are freely forgiven, saved from judgment, and filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit. We do not work to earn God's favor; instead, His grace grounds us and frees us to live with steady hope, genuine love, and active faith in our daily lives. In 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, the Apostle Paul celebrates how the Thessalonian believers received God's Word and became a pattern—a living example—of faith for their entire region. As a church family, our lives are constantly telling a story to our children, friends, and neighbors. As we gather for worship, we will celebrate what Jesus has done for us and encourage one another to let His love shine through our daily choices, relationships, and service to our community. Liturgist and Preacher: Dr. George Gude; Reader: Devin Brakenhoff and Dr. George Gude Order of service: Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, Oct 18, 2026 #sermon #gospel #PatternOfFaith #LivingExample #SavedByGrace #GospelTransformation #FaithInAction #Community&Family #HopeInChrist #JoyOfTheHolySpirit #1Thessalonians1 #GeorgeGude

    What Kind of Pattern Are You? - Oct 18 - Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

  5. Oct 11

    Are You Properly Dressed - Oct 11 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

    Imagine getting an invitation to the biggest, most joyous celebration of the century, hosted by God Himself. In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus tells the story of a king who throws a massive wedding feast for his son. After the original guests turn down the invitation, the king opens the doors wide to everyone in the community. God’s invitation to salvation is completely free and universal, welcoming us into His family just as we are. However, gathering around the King's table requires the right attire: the wedding garment. Rather than expecting us to manufacture our own goodness or earn our way in, God provides the garment Himself. This robe represents the righteousness of Jesus Christ, given to us through faith and Holy Baptism. Come worship with us as we celebrate the God who covers our sins and graciously invites us to feast in His Kingdom forever. Liturgist and Preacher: Dr. George Gude; Reader: Joe Rathert and Dr. George Gude Order of service: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Oct 11, 2026 #sermon #gospel #MarriageFeast #WeddingGarment #OuterDarkness #ParableOfTheWeddingFeast #RobeOfRighteousness #KingdomOfHeaven #SalvationByGrace #GodsInvitation #ParablesOfJesus #Matthew22 #GerogeGude

    Are You Properly Dressed - Oct 11 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

  6. Oct 4

    Receiving God’s Rebuke - Oct 4 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    None of us naturally enjoy being corrected, but in God’s hands, a loving rebuke is a life-giving gift that points us back to Jesus. In Matthew 21:33–46, Jesus confronted the religious leaders with the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, yet their pride drove them to reject His warning. In contrast, Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3:4b–11 shows what happens when God's Law breaks through our self-righteousness. Paul freely counted his former credentials as loss so he might gain Christ and receive the righteousness that comes through faith alone. Through Holy Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, God continues to expose our sins today—not to condemn us, but to turn our hearts toward Christ's forgiveness and healing. As a church family, learning to receive God’s Word with humility draws us closer to Him and strengthens our bond with one another. Join us for worship as we learn how accepting God’s correction leads to authentic transformation, freedom, and joy in our everyday lives. Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Jonathan Lange; Reader: David Moldenhauer and Pastor Jonathan Lange Order of service: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Oct 4, 2026 #sermon #gospel #rebuke #admonition #correction #ListeningToGod #discernment #HardHeartedness #repentance #contrition #ChangeOfHeart #transformation #Matthew21 #Philippians3 #JonathanLange

    Receiving God’s Rebuke - Oct 4 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

  7. Sep 27

    Second Thoughts - Sep 27 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Have you ever promised to do something only to fall short, or rejected a good path before having a change of heart? In this message, "Second Thoughts," we take a fresh look at Jesus' parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28–32. When we look honestly into the mirror of God's Word, we realize that we often embody the worst traits of both sons: we openly resist God’s will or offer quick verbal promises that our actions fail to back up. But the good news of the Gospel is that God doesn't leave us stranded in our shortcomings or expect us to earn our way into His favor. Instead, God directs our eyes to the "Third Son"—Jesus Christ. Where we falter, Jesus said a complete "yes" to the Father's will, living a life of perfect obedience and willingly laying down His life on the cross to pay for our sins. The Father's ultimate desire for your life isn't that you exhaust yourself trying to earn salvation through work, but that you rest in the finished work of His Son. Join us as we celebrate the freedom of forgiveness, receive Christ's righteousness, and discover what it means to joyfully live and serve together in God's grace. Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: William Ellington and Rev. Tony Boos Order of service: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Sep 27, 2026 #sermon #gospel #SecondThoughts #ThirdSon #works #obedience #ParableOfTheTwoSons #RighteousnessOfChrist #RepentanceAndFaith #GraceAndForgiveness #Matthew21 #TonyBoos

    Second Thoughts - Sep 27 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

  8. Sep 20

    When God’s Plans Are Not Yours - Sep 20 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

    In today’s gospel reading for Matthew chapter 20, Jesus tells a story about workers who all get paid the same, even though some worked for many hours, and others worked for just a few. This didn’t make sense to his listeners then or to us today. Sometimes God‘s way of doing things is not our way. In Isaiah chapter 55:8-9 we read the following: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (ESV) We shouldn’t be surprised when we don’t understand God, but it doesn’t make it any easier for us. Discover what the Bible has to teach us about how we can handle the dissonance when God’s plans are not our plans, and when his ways are not our ways Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Jonathan Lange; Reader: Larry Frey and Pastor Jonathan Lange Order of service: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Sep 20, 2026 #sermon #gospel #plans #God’SWill #sovereignty #submission #prayer #trust #grace #Isaiah55 #Mathew20 #JonathanLange

    When God’s Plans Are Not Yours - Sep 20 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Sermons and messages from St. James Lutheran Church. St. James was established in 1982. We are a church rooted on Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone. And we are a body of sinners and saints focused on spreading the Good News in the Greater Glen Carbon community. St. James is located in Glen Carbon, IL at 146 North Main Street. We are located across from Glen Carbon Village Hall and right next to Schon Park.

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