Living Word Lutheran Church - Galena, Ohio

08/30/2026

Join us for worship!

08/29/2026

We’re moving into John 14 next Sunday.

Jesus has just told his disciples he’s leaving.

They’re confused, afraid, asking questions. And he says: do not let your hearts be troubled.

Then he tells them something about rooms and a Father’s house that has shaped how Christians have understood home and belonging for two thousand years.

Sunday at 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM
7539 Dustin Road, Galena, Ohio

08/27/2026

Peter says: Lord, I will lay down my life for you.

He means every word of it. He’s sincere. Jesus doesn’t mock him. He receives the pledge. And then he tells Peter exactly what’s coming: before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.

Not a vague warning. Three times. Before morning.
Here’s why that specificity matters:

if the failure comes as a complete surprise, it might end you.
If it comes as something that was already known and named —
you can survive it.

Jesus named it so Peter could survive it.

08/26/2026

Two dreams that died. Each of them nearly crushed me. But the dying dream was the point.

A dying dream doesn’t mean the end of the story. Sometimes a closed door is the launch of a new chapter.

08/25/2026

Jesus knew Judas was about to betray him.
And he gave him the honor seat at the table anyway.

A question for the dinner table:
“Is there someone who’s hard to be kind to right now?
What would it look like to give them the morsel anyway?”

New Grounded devotional format this week. Linked below. About 15 minutes.
https://livingwordgalena.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LWG_FamilyDevo_BetrayalLoveDenial.pdf

08/25/2026

Here’s a detail most people miss in John 13.

When Jesus dipped the bread and handed it to Judas, he wasn’t just pointing him out.

In a Jewish meal, giving the dipped morsel to someone was a gesture of
honor. You gave it to the guest you were most pleased to have.

Jesus identified the betrayer by honoring him. The last thing he did for
Judas was give him a gift.

He knew. And he gave the morsel anyway.

When was the last time you gave the morsel to someone you knew might walk out with it?

08/23/2026

Friends, we’ve lost internet connection here at Living Word. We aren’t able to live stream, but we’ll be sure to upload the service here as soon as possible!

08/23/2026

Join us for worship!

08/20/2026

Friends help me in congratulating John Zimdars as our newest pastoral candidate as he starts his vicarage (pastoral internship). Congrats John and welcome aboard! What a moment this is for Living Word Galena!