October 4, 2026 - Pentecost 19 - The Vineyard Was Never Ours

Scripture: Isaiah 5:1–7; Philippians 3:4b–14; Matthew 21:33–46 Speaker: Pastor Travis Wilson Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church | South Haven, Michigan What happens when caring for something slowly turns into believing we own it? In Jesus’ parable of the vineyard and its tenants, Pastor Travis Wilson explores the thin line between stewardship and control—and the freedom that comes when we remember that our lives, our churches, and even God’s future were never ours to possess. The gospel offers another way: loosening our grip, opening our hands, and trusting the God who keeps bringing new beginnings out of the places we thought were finished. Notice where care has become control. Pay attention to the places where “this matters to me” has quietly become “this has to belong to me.” Practice open-handed stewardship. Receive your life, relationships, church, resources, and opportunities as gifts entrusted to your care rather than possessions to protect. Trust God with what comes next. We are not responsible for owning or controlling God’s future; we are called to be faithful with the part of it we have been given to tend. Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church is a welcoming ELCA congregation in South Haven, Michigan. To learn more about worship, connect with the congregation, or find more sermons and resources, visit peaceinsouthhaven.org. Episode SummaryKey TakeawaysConnect with Peace