Join us in-person or online for Holy Eucharist
Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 9:30 am
@ Bethlehem Lutheran Church
40 10th Street West, Billings
Fifteenth Sunday after the Pentecost – Proper 18
Author: Father Stephen
Father Stephen started serving as the rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on January 10, 2020. Prior to that position he served as priest-in-charge in Miles City and Forsyth, Montana. He is originally from West Virginia and has experience in youth ministry, mission work and more.
September 5 – Katharina Zell
Katharina Zell, Church Reformer and Writer, 1562
Almighty God, whose servant Katharina Zell toiled for the reform of your church both in word and in deed: Fill us with the wisdom to speak out in defense of your truth, with love for you and for our neighbor, that we may serve you and welcome all your people with a mother’s heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
September 3 – Phoebe
Phoebe, Deacon
Eternal God, who raised up Phoebe as a deacon in your church and minister of your Gospel; Grant us that same grace that, assisted by her prayers and example, we too may take the Gospel to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
September 2 – The Martyrs of New Guinea
The Martyrs of New Guinea, 1942
Almighty God, we remember before you this day the blessed martyrs of New Guinea, who, following the example of their Savior, laid down their lives for their friends, and we pray that we who honor their memory may imitate their loyalty and faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
September 1 – David Pendleton Oakerhater
David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon, 1931
O God of unsearchable wisdom and mercy; Liberate us from bondage to self, and empower us to serve you and our neighbors, that like your servant David Oakerhater, we might bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; through Jesus Christ, the captain of our salvation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Lesser Feast for August 31 – Aidan of Lindisfarne
Aidan of Lindisfarne, Bishop, 651
O loving God, you called your servant Aidan from the cloister to re-establish the Christian mission in northern England: Grant that we, following his example, may use what you have given us for the relief of human need, and may persevere in commending the saving Gospel of our Redeemer Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lesser Feast for August 30 – Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow, and Anne Line
Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow, and Anne Line, Martyrs, 1588, 1586, and 1601
Most Merciful God, who despises not a broken and contrite heart and has promised to fill those who hunger and thirst after righteousness; We humbly beseech you, remember not the sins and offenses of our ancestors, but grant that, like your servants Margaret Ward, Margaret Clitherow, and Anne Line, we may sanctify you in our hearts and be always ready to answer for our faith with meekness and fear; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lesser Feast for August 29 – The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Almighty God, who called your servant John the Baptist to go before your Son our Lord both in life and death; Grant that we who remember his witness may with boldness speak your truth and in humility hear it when it is spoken to us, through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Lesser Feast for August 28 – Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian, 430
Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you: Help us, following the example of your servant, Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whose service is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Lesser Feast for August 27 – Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle
Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle, Priests, 1902 and 1890
O Loving God, whose will it is that everyone should come to you and be saved: We bless your holy Name for your servants Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle, and we pray that you will continually move your Church to respond in love to the needs of all people; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.