We only record videos for special Sundays of the liturgical calendar. They are archived in our YouTube Channel and we make links available here. We are always looking for volunteers to join our church’s Tech Team. Contact techteam@martinluther.ca
Our “liturgical calendar” for the Sundays is taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) as adapted for use in evangelical lutheran worship in North America. In each cycle of the liturgical calendar there are six seasons – each emphasizing a part of the life of Jesus.
We are in “Year A” which focuses on the Gospel of Matthew: The semi-continuous Old Testament readings focus on major Genesis narratives, the covenant with Moses, and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. The second, New Testament, readings are from Romans, Philippians and 1 Thessalonians. Advent: Nov. 27, 2025 – Dec. 23, 2025, Christmas: Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026, Time after Epiphany: Jan. 6 – Feb. 17, 2026, Lent: February 18 – Apr. 1, 2026,, The Three Days: Apr. 2 – Apr. 4, 2026, Easter: Apr. 5 – May 24, 2026, Time after Pentecost: May 25 – Nov. 25, 2026.
December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve
Heiligabend 2025 in der Martin Luther Kirche Toronto geleitet von Pastorin Annika Klappert
The Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2025, led by Pastor Annika Klappert, with the church choir under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist. At the end, as every year, the congregation sang the classic “Silent Night” which we sang, as always at the end, with only the Christmas tree lit. The German service can be viewed on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/zN8cEEylZhY. (46:42 minutes)
Kirchenchor am Heiligabend Gottesdienst 2025 in der Martin-Luther-Kirche Toronto
The church choir, under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist, sings “Süsser die Glocken nie klingen” (Philippe Koo plays flute) and “Still, Still, Still” at the Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2025, at Martin Luther Church in Toronto. (6:38 minutes) https://youtu.be/-7LLpb6aVKQ
Stille Nacht gesungen am Ende des Gottesdienst am Heiligabend in der Martin-Luther-Kirche Toronto
The hymn “Silent Night” (EG 46), sung by the congregation at the end of the Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2025, at the Martin Luther Church in Toronto. (3:45 minutes) https://youtu.be/6IO72wZaMqI
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November 30, 2025 First Advent -70th Anniversary Celebration of Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church
The celebration began with a worship service in German and English led by Pastor Annika Klappert.
Special Guest Rev. Katherine Gohm, Assistant to the Bishop, Eastern Synod of the ELCIC, helped lead Holy Communion. Music filled the service with Linda Marcinkus on the organ, congregational singing, our church choir, Pastor Annika singing with her guitar, together with Tanya & Sonja, as well as drumming led by Iris. Church members and friends helped with readings and prayers. Special guests included members of St. George’s Evangelical Lutheran Church from downtown Toronto.
Watch a recording of the service on our Church’s YouTube channel https://youtu.be/eMbOqgx7Q1o (26.59 minutes)
Community Welcome Speeches
After the worship service, a few of our special guests remarked on Martin Luther Church’s connection to the local neighbourhood, the German community, and our history of faith and service. A big thank you to all who took the time to say some lovely words about our church, and to Matthias for guiding the remarks.
Speakers:
Jocelyn Sommerfeld, President of Council, Martin Luther Ev. Lutheran Church
Lee Fairclough, MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Ontario
Dr. Anne Wagner-Mitchell, Consul General of Germany in Toronto
Jennifer Ardon, Refugee Resettlement Manager, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, ELCIC
Ron Mayer, Board of Directors, Martin Luther Child Care
Robert Sharkey, Chair of the Mission and Outreach Committee, Wesley Mimico United Church
Iris Schweiger, Past-President of Council, Martin Luther Ev. Lutheran Church, unveiled a new plaque to commemorate an extremely generous 500,000 USD donation given to our church in 2021 from the German United Church in Seattle, Washington, USA. This donation was instrumental in funding our building renovation in 2024. Two families’ names who made this happen are on the plaque, which reads in part: “In memory of Joseph & Agnes Kupferling and Wilhelm & Erika Mandau”
Watch a recording of the speeches on our Church’s YouTube channel https://youtu.be/kQt3KKEibiA (27.28 minutes)
November 2, 2025 All Saints
RECAP: “Filling the church with multiple generations doing activities that educate, celebrate and connect our community of faith”, that was one of the visions the council came up with during its retreat on Oct 25, 2025. The All-Saints Sunday service on November 2, 2025 gave us a sense of what that could look like.
The All Saints’ Day service also provided an opportunity to get to know our guest, Oberkirchenrat Marcus Garras, Head of the Department for North, Central, and South America, EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany). Oberkirchenrat Garras addressed the congregation, explaining why he was back in Toronto, four years after Pastor Annika Klappert was installed on October 17, 2021. In her sermon Pastor Annika Klappert acknowledged how difficult it is to grieve. She asked the children present to distribute pieces of thread and talked about how we all are woven together in a big tapestry of life and death. The congregation members that had passed in the last year and those who were dear to the people attending the service, were remembered by the lighting of candles. The choir sang under the leadership of Linda Marcinkus (https://youtu.be/tiDBXF6fvs4 ) and there was Holy Communion.
After the service potluck lunch was served in the basement. Chairs had to be added to accommodate everyone. Lively conversations took place under the participation of Oberkirchenrat Marcus Garras. There was enough food for everyone! Thank you to all helping with setting up, contributing to food and cleaning up.
The YouTube choir video has the words in the description, to follow along! “Zum Abschied (Farewell)”, a liturgical piece “Psalm 23”, a liturgical piece “Alleluia”, a song by Anne Quigley -2020 accompanied on guitar by Pastor Annika Klappert “There Is a Longing”,, and medleys “Näher mein Gott, zu Dir”, “Ūber den Sternen da wird es einst tagen”, “Sei still, mein Herz”, “Shall we gather at the river”, “Make me a channel of your peace”, and, “And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings”.
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June 8, 2025 – Pentecost with Confirmation
We congratulate Ben Wienecke and Nickolas Grammenz who were confirmed at our Martin Luther Church on Sunday June 8, 2025. All four of the young people who completed Confirmation classes with Pastor Nkanyiso Kingdom Maphumulo over the past year had a special role in the service. We thank Church Council President Jocelyn Sommerfeld for addressing the confirmands and congregation, Tanya Zielke for helping Vicar Alice Rothgordt with a blessing, Annette Rowles for preparing Holy Communion, our church choir under the direction of Linda Marcinkus for performing, Peter Schweiger on our tech team for recording the service, and everyone who participated in the service and reception.
The service on Pentecost Sunday was also the last that Pastor Nkanyiso Kingdom Maphumulo led at our Martin Luther Church before returning to his family in South Africa later this week. We wish him well!
Watch the Pentecost 2025 worship service with Confirmation on our YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/2sxJqXSqA0Y, (35.52 minutes). As well, a medley of songs on the Holy Spirit in English https://youtu.be/E-ppDuCHdrY, (2.18 minutes) and a medley of songs in German for Konfirmation https://youtu.be/_PPchjGr3Ns, (2.44 minutes) sung by the Church Choir.
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April 20, 2025 – Easter
The entire full Easter service was recorded. Sermon by Vicar Alice Rothgordt. Choir directed by Linda Marcinkus. (29.22 minutes)
As part of the Easter Sunday April 20, 2025 10:00 Bilingual German – English Service, the Church Choir performed a medley of songs “Alleluia”, “He is risen! Alleluia, Christ is risen!”, “Der Herr is auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!”, “Alleluia! Lasst und singen denn die Freudenzeit ist da”, “Cantate Domino; Sing ein frohes Lied”, and “Amen, alleluia, auf immer und ewig”. (5.17 minutes) You can find the lyrics to the songs in our YouTube channel’s description section.
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April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
The Church Choir performed for both the English Service at 9:30 am and the German Service at 11:00 am with a medley of songs “Pie Jesu Domine”, “Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe”, “Herzliebster Jesu, was hast Du verbrochen”, “Zum Agnus Dei (from Deutsche Messe, Fr. Schubert), “Adoramus Te, Christe (aus Seven Last Words of Christ, Theodore Dubois)”, “God So Loved the World”, “We adore you, O Christ”, and “Ah, Holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended”. (13.01 minutes) You can find the lyrics to the songs in our YouTube channel’s description section.
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February 23, 2025 – 7th Sundy after Epiphany
As part of the Sunday February 23, 2025 11:00 Bilingual German – English Service, the Church Choir performed the hymns “Ode to Joy”, “Kyrie Eleison”, “Glory to God”, and “Irish Blessing”. (9.10 minutes) You can find the lyrics to the songs in our YouTube channel’s description section.
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December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve
Watch our entire English Service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, led by Vicar Alice Rothgordt, on our YouTube Channel. During the service the church choir sang “Most Holy Night” (with flute accompaniment by Nicole Koo Tze Mew) and “This Peaceful Night” (with solo by Philippe Koo Tze Mew) accompanied on the piano by Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. You can find the service program and lyrics to the songs in our YouTube channel’s description section. (42.47 minutes)
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Watch our entire German service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, led by Vicar Alice Rothgordt on our YouTube channel. You can find the service program and lyrics to the songs in our YouTube channel’s description section. (46.49 minutes)
During the German Christmas Eve service the church choir sang: “Heiligste Nacht” (with flute accompaniment by Nicole Koo Tze Mew), “Mit den Hirten will ich gehen“, und “Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier” accompanied on the piano by Linda Marcinkus, our organist. You can find the lyrics to the songs in our YouTube channel’s description section. (9.48 minutes)
At the end of our service on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, the congregation sang “Silent night, holy night“, accompanied on the organ by Linda Marcinkus, our organist. (3.15 minutes)
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December 1, 2024 – First of Advent
Our church choir sang a medley of several songs under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. (7.44 minutes). The bilingual German-English service was led by our part-time interim Pastor Nkanyiso Kingdom Maphumulo. You can see the newly installed altar art in the background. You can find the lyrics to the songs below and in our YouTube channel’s description section.
Psalm 24
Refrain: Lift up the gates internal, lift up your voices; for God in glory comes, the nation rejoices. 1.See, all the earth is God’s, its people and nations; God built it on the deeps and laid its foundations. 2.Who can go up the mountain, who stand in praising? THose who are pure, who come with clean hands upraising. 3.They shall receive forgiveness, and have God’s blessing, if they wil search for God, their Saviour confessing. 4.Come, lift your voices high, be lifted to glory. The Saviour God approaches, come, shout the glory.
Komm nun, weihnachtlicher Geist
Komm nun, weihnachtlicher Geist, in unser Haus. Komm, O komm nun, wiehnachtlicher Geist, in unser Haus.
Wir Warten auf das Licht
Wir standen in Dunkeln und sah’n keinen Stern. Noch kannten wir Gott nicht, er blieb lautlos fern. Doch heimlich verborgen im Schatten der Welt tut Gott alles, dass diese Nacht sich erhellt. Noch wandern wir trostlos durch unsere Zeit. Noch weht um uns Luft, kalt und seufzend vor Leid. Doch bald wird die Sonne des Lebens aufgehn. Komm, Schönheit des Himmels, wir werden dich sehn. Wir warten auf da Licht. Gott, zeig uns dein Gesicht. Bald sehen wir die offene Tür. Der Himmel kommt zu dir und mit. Bald sehen wir die offene Tür. Der Himmel kommt zu dir und mir. Komm nun, weihnachtlicher Geist, in unser Haus. Komm, O komm nun, wiehnachtlicher Geist, in unser Haus.
Advent Song
Soon and very soon, we are goin’ to see the King! Halleluja, halleluia! We’re goin’ to see the king! Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Dear desire of ev’ry nation, Joy of ev’ry longing heart. Hark, the glad sound! The Saviour comes, the Saviou promised long; let ev’ry heart prepare a throne and eve’ry voice a song. Soon and very soon, we are goin’ to see the King! Halleluja, halleluia! We’re goin’ to see the King!
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November 3, 2024 – All Saints Sunday
Our church choir sang a medley of several songs under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. (11.39 minutes). The bilingual German-English service was led by our Vicar Alice Rothgordt. You can find the lyrics to the songs below and in our YouTube channel’s description section.
Zum Abschied (translation: On Farewell)
1.Dir Freunde all, das Lied verklang, das wir euch zugedacht. Die Zeit verging, es bleibt Gesang, der alle dankbar macht. 2.Das Lied kling’ fort bei euch daheim, es bringe Fried und Freud, es mög’ ein Freundschaftsbote sein für heut und alle Zeit. 3.Lebt wohl, ihr Freunde, fern und nah, lebt wohl, wir müssen gehn; es kommt gewiss schon bald der Tag zum frohen Wiedersehn.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord God Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father. Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father; receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Sei still, mein Herz, was immer dir gesieht, trag mit Geduld das ebens Kreuz und Leid. Gott ist ein Freund, der deine Drangsal sieht. Er bleibt dir treu im Wandel dieser Zeit. Sei still mein Herz, Gott schenkt dir Himmelsruh, und alle Not deckt seine Liebe zu.
Wir strecken uns nach Dir, in Dir wohnt die Lebendigkeit. Wir trauen uns zu Dir, in Dir wohnt die Barmherzigkeit. Du bist, wie Du bist: Schön sind Deine Namen. Halleluja. Amen. Dona nobis pacem.
How Lovely, God, is your abiding place; our soul is longing, fainting, to feast upon your grace. The saints your grace receiving, from strength to strength shall go, and from their life eternal all blessings overflow.
Pie Jesu Domine. Dona eis requiem. (translation: Merciful Jesus. Grant them rest (everlasting))
Here the sermon from All Saints Sunday on November 3, 2024 at the bilingual German-English service led by our Vicar Alice Rothgordt – The Story of Thomas -, and, the Rembrance of our members and friends who have passed away in the last year: Alfred Uhl, Siegfried Ploeger, Elfriede Kummer, Kate Mason, Elisabeth Knapp, Horst Schmidt, Inge Zwingenberger, Rosemarie Knauer, Helmut Schmidt, Erich Feyerabend, Reiner Mauke, Frieda Kaehler, Gudrun Herrmann, Wojciech Kurek, Jacob Schaeffer, Christine DeGeer (nee Kleinau), Walter Berg. (17.57 minutes)
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October 6, 2024 – German Thanksgiving
Here is the Church Choir singing under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. (8.13 minutes). You can find the lyrics to the songs in the YouTube description section.
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May 19, 2024 – Pentecost
Pentecost service church choir singing under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. (10.43 minutes) You can find the lyrics to the songs in the YouTube description section. “Psalm 104” at 0:08, “Gloria” at 2:39, “Spirit blowing through creation” at 4:38, and “O Heiliger Geist, wir singen Dir Lob” at 7:09.
Here is the Pentecost service sermon by Pastor Annika Klappert (14.08 minutes):
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March 31, 2024 – Easter Sunday
Story of the caterpillar to butterfly narrated by Pastor Annika Klappert as the sermon on Family Service Easter Sunday morning along with actors Tanya Zielke and Jocelyn Sommerfeld as sisters Mia and Thia. https://youtu.be/kkT0SNRPJp8 (9.46 minutes)
The church choir singing under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. 1. Der Herr ist auferstanden! +Exsultate! Alleluja! Lasst uns singen.+ Grosses Amen.
2.Easter Joy (Christ is risen, sing your praises – Taylor Davis + Jesus Christ is risen Today – Tune: Llanfair, Text: John Roberts https://youtu.be/2RV_QJVw_7Q (5.07 Minutes)
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March 29, 2024 – Good Friday
The church Choir singing under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director:”Jesu, denk an mich wenn du gehst zu deinem Vater.” -Jacques Berthier, Lent Taizé 2022 – in a Medley with –
“Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.” -Victor C. Johnson. (Translation: ENGLISH Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Grant us peace. GERMAN Lamm Gottes, das die Sünden der Welt trägt, erbarme dich unser. Schenke uns Frieden) https://youtu.be/LQDN7SSY1mU (3.51 minutes)
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December 24, 2023 – Christmas Eve
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Our Christmas Eve English Worship Service led by our Pastor Annika Klappert with Church Choir under the direction of Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director. Scrpture readers are Andreas Boettcher and Jocelyn Sommerfeld.(42 minutes). |
Here are the six songs which the Church Choir sang, from both the German and English Christmas Eve services. Words are in the description area to follow along. (14.46 minutes). |
Here the congregation sings “Silent Night, Holy Night” at the end of the service with house lights out. Words in the description area to sing along. (3.16 minutes). |
Here the congregation sings “Silent Night, Holy Night” at the end of the service with house lights out. Words in the description area to sing along. (3.16 minutes).
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December 3, 2023 – First Sunday of Advent
The Church Choir sang three songs led by Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director, during the worship service led by Pastor Annika Klappert. (7.18 minutes). Songs: “Gelobt sei, der da kommt”, “Komm nun, weihnachtlicher Geist, in unser Haus”, “Mach du uns still”, “All Earth is Waiting”, und “Every Valley” The words to the songs are in the description area to follow along.
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November 25, 2023 – Funeral Service of Alfred Uhl
The Church Choir sang three songs led by Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director, during the funeral service for Alfred Uhl, led by Pastor Annika Klappert. (10.00 Mminutes). Songs: “Psalm 23”, “Wir treten zum beten” (an originally instrumental piece, with German lyrics written by Alfred Uhl), and “Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me”. The words to the songs are in the description area to follow along.
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November 5, 2023 – All Saints Sunday
The Church Choir sang three songs led by Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director, during the worship service, led by Tanya Zielke and Iris Schweiger, our laypreachers. Songs: “River in Judea“, the medleys of “Von allen Seiten umgibst du mich”, “Wie Groβ Muss Gottes Hand Sein“, and a Psalm prayer according to Psalm 23. The words to the songs are in the YouTube video description area – to follow along.
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October 1, 2023 – Erntedank – German Thanksgiving
The Church Choir sangs three songs led by Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director, during the worship service, led by Pastor Annika Klappert. Songs: “Psalmgebet nach Psalm 104”, and the medleys of “Singt ein Danklied eurem Meister”,”Ich Danke meinem Gott (nach Psalm 9)”, “Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele”, “Das ist ein köstlich Ding”, and “Gott gab uns Atem”. The words to the songs are in the YouTube video description area – to follow along.
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May 28, 2023 – Pentecost
The Church Choir sangs four songs led by Linda Marcinkus, our organist and choir director, during the worship service led by Pastor Annika Klappert. Songs: a Psalm prayer according to Psalm 101, “Das Gloria Patri”, and the medley of “Komm, Gott Schepfer, Heil’ger Geist”, “Öffne Uns die Ohren, Herr”, “Holy Spirit, Lord of Love”, “Come, O Spirit, Truth Divine”.
The words to the songs are in the YouTube video description area – to follow along. https://youtu.be/2xRl9zMvwXE
Here the reading taken from Acts Chapter 2, Verses 1 – 21 read by four congregants and the English sermon by Pastor Annika Klappert https://youtu.be/H0DBpLOHrGo
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For further back videos go to our Martin Luther Church Toronto YouTube channel.