Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

Genesis 1; John 1:1-5 | Across the church, we’re celebrating a new feast: Creation in Christ. As we recall the story of creation, we give honor to God as Creator, and claim that it is through Christ that all things were made. And yet, the story of creation is far from over. Continually, God creates and re-creates according to God’s goodness in delight and joy. So as we explore this inaugural feast of Creation in Christ, and as we give honor and praise to God for the whole of creation, join us as look to Christ to re-create us and all things, and as we join with God in God’s creative and redeeming work in all the world.

Sunday, September 6, 2026, Creation in Christ Sunday

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: The Play of the Godhead. Text: Mary Louise Bringle, b. 1953. Music: William P. Rowan, b. 1951. Text: © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: © 2000 William P. Rowan, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Before the Waters Nourished Earth. Text: Jeannette M. Lindholm, b. 1961. Music: Irish melody. Text: © 1996 Jeannette M. Lindholm, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Everything That Has Breath. Text and Music: Jonathan Conrad Gamble, Jordan Sapp, Katie Torwalt, Lindy Cofer, performed by Jesus Culture, Bryan & Katie Torwalt. Text and Music: © 2023 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Jonathan Conrad Gamble Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Lindy Cofer Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Songs By JSapp (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Torwalt Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Let All Things Now Living. Text: Katherine K. Davis, 1892-1980, alt. Music: Welsh folk tune; arr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Text: © 1939, 1966 E. C. Schirmer Music Company. Music: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:9-21 | This weekend we hear challenging words from Jesus as he reframes what it means for him to be the Messiah and as he invites his disciples to take up their cross. Throughout the history of the church, these verses have often been taken out of context, creating detrimental results. And yet, within these verses we also find a beautiful invitation – and promise – from Christ. So as we continually discern who and what it is that we follow, join us this weekend for worship as we refocus our eyes on Jesus, as we let go of what hinders us from receiving God’s gift of life, and as we open our hands to the abundant of God’s blessing for us and all people.

Sunday, August 30, 2026, Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: Lord, Be Glorifi ed. Text and Music: Bob Kilpatrick, b. 1952. Music: © 1978 Bob Kilpatrick Music, assigned 1998 to The Lorenz Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Text and Music: Eugene Thomas, Holland Davis. Text and Music: © 2005 Davis, Holland (Admin. by Worshipsong.com). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Follow Me. Text and Music: Elizabeth Farris, performed by Casting Crowns. Text and Music: © 2014 Made To Thrive Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lord, Reign in Me. Text and Music: Brenton Brown. Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs. Covered under CCLI subscription.

Matthew 16:13-20; Romans 12:1-8 | As kids learn how to build with blocks, eventually they learn to build a solid foundation. In the same way, in our lives of faith, a solid foundation is necessary. Which, as followers of Jesus, we look to Jesus as our foundation: our Lord, our King, and our Messiah. But what are we – as individual disciples and as the whole body of Christ – building upon this foundation? Or perhaps even more so, are we allowing ourselves to be built up, to be transformed, to be Christ’s body? Whether your foundation feels secure or a bit shaky, join us this weekend for worship as we look to Jesus as our rock, and as we offer ourselves to the Spirit to build Christ’s Kingdom in us and through us.

Sunday, August 23, 2026, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering:  Making Their Way. Text: Deloris Dufner, OSB, b. 1939 Music: A. Valerius, Nederlandtsch Gedenckclank, 1626; arr. Adrian Engels, 1906-2003. Text: © 2011 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Change My Heart, O God. Text and Music: Eddie Espinosa, b. 1953. Text and Music: © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, admin. Music Services. Covered under One License  subscription. Communion Song: We Declare. Text and Music: Alanna Glover, Liv Chapman. Text and Music: © 2016 Emu Music Ltd (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Take My Life, That I May Be. Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879, adapt. Music: William Dexheimer Pharris, b. 1956; arr. Mark Sedio, b. 1954. Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

1 Kings 19:9-18; Matthew 14:22-33 | It’s easy to get stuck in narrative cycles. AI algorithms learn our tendencies, streamlining what we do and don’t see online, and human tendencies move us toward people with thoughts and beliefs similar to our own. But even beyond narratives around us, narratives within us can become broken records – some for our benefit, and some for our detriment. Which, as we meet Elijah in the wilderness, numerous narratives were cycling through his mind. But unfortunately, those narratives were restricting his ability to notice – and respond – to God’s presence. So, as we gather in community for worship this weekend, join us as we assess the narrative reels that occupy our minds, our churches, and our society, and as we look to Jesus for a different reel – not focused on ourselves but on the power of God – to move us onward.  

Sunday, August 9, 2026, Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: Shout to the Lord. Text and Music: Darlene Zschech. Text and Music: © 1993 Darlene Zschech/Hillsong Publishing, admin, in USA & Canada Interity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We’ve Come This Far by Faith. Text and Music: Albert A. Goodson. Text and Music: © 1993, Manna Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: It Is Well with My Soul. Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873. Music: Philip P. Bliss. Text and Music: © 2021 Tonioli Music, LLC. Performed by Audrey Assad. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine. Text and Music: Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 14:13-21 | Throughout Scripture, we’re given images of God’s abundance. Over and over, we’re promised that God is good to all and that God provides food in due season. But as we see in the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, God’s abundance is not necessarily given to one person. Nor is God’s abundance something that we – independently – can enjoy. Rather, God’s abundance begins when we offer what is in our hands to God, trusting that God can do something even beyond our imagination to nourish not only ourselves, but all people. So as we come to Christ, seeking the food that truly satisfies, join us in worship as we gather in community with one another, and as we participate in the unfolding story of God’s miraculous work happening in us and through us.

Sunday, August 2, 2026, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: All Who Are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire). Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken. Text and Music: Herman G Stuempfl e, Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc.. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Come to the Water. Text and Music: Church of the Apostles. Text and Music: © 2015 Cota Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ. Text and Music: Fred Kaan. Text: © 1975 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 | For the past few weeks, we’ve been immersed in the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13. Painting a picture of the kingdom of heaven through numerous parables, Jesus concludes by asking his disciples, “have you understood all this?” The disciples respond, “yes,” but we may find ourselves still scratching our heads. And yet, the point of Jesus’ parables is not for the sake of cognitive comprehension; instead, the whole of Jesus’ parables are an invitation to invest in the riches of God’s Kingdom. So, as we conclude our focus on Jesus’ parables, join us for worship as we receive again God’s unexpected forgiveness, and as we are formed to participate in what God has already begun in us.

Sunday, July 26, 2026, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1982, GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God. Text and Music: Karen Lafferty. Text and Music: © 1972 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours). Text and Music: Matt Maher, Bryan Fowler, Jacob Sooter. Text and Music: © Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) bryanfowlersongs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Caroco Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Just When Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Build Us Up, Lord. Text and Music: Donna Hanna, Mark Glaeser. Text: © 2003, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 | When we hear images of fire, weeping, and gnashing of teeth in Scripture, it’s not uncommon to be uncomfortable or even to label God as vindictive, angry, or judgmental. But if we look at these images in isolation, we miss the message of God’s ultimate desire for God’s Kingdom of goodness and wholeness to reign over all things. So, as we continue to wrestle with Jesus’ parables of the kingdom, join us this weekend as we acknowledge the weeds that reside within and around us, as we pray for Jesus to invade our lives and our world for good, and as we are sent to spread seeds of hope.

Sunday, July 19, 2026, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: Sing to the Lord of Harvest. Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Johann Steurlein, 1546-1613. Text and Music: © Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: The Reign of God, like Farmer’s Field. Text and Music: Delores Dufner. Text and Music: © 2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: In the Fields of the Lord. Text and Music: Isaac Wardell, Audrey Assad. Text and Music: © 2017 Essential Music Publishing LLC. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text: © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 | Of Jesus’ parables, one of the most common is the parable of the sower. Seed falls in four places, yielding fruit only in good soil. At first glance, this parable may simply be a moralistic tale giving us the message that we “should” be “good soil.” This interpretation isn’t wrong, but the way Jesus presents his parables in the Gospels push us to go deeper. So, as we consider how Jesus’ parables paint a picture of the nature of God’s Kingdom, and as we consider Jesus’ invitation for us to become active participants within God’s ongoing and active mission, join us for worship as we hear again the promise of God’s faithfulness and as we are given yet another invitation to respond in faith.

Sunday, July 12, 2026, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: For the Fruit of All Creation. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Text and Music: © 1970 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O God, Whose Word Well-Planted. Text and Music: Herman G Stuempfle, Stephen P. Folkemer. Text and Music: © 1990 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: The Gardener. Text and Music: Ben Shive, Maria Roate, Sarah Quaglia. Text and Music: © 2024 Beehive Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Fiat Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) The Sounds Of Running Club Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music) Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: God of the Fertile Fields. Text: Georgia Harkness, 1891-1974, alt. Music: ITALIAN HYMN, Felice de Giardini, 1716-1796. Text: © 1955, ren. 1983 The Hymn Society, admin Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 | We all have expectations. Expectations of what might happen at an event, expectations of what life might look like years from now, expectations of one another, and expectations of our country. Expectations aren’t inherently wrong to have, but things get interesting when expectations get out of wack. Even within the church, and in our lives of faith, we carry expectations of who Jesus is, what the church is about, and God’s mission in the world. But as we’ll see in our Gospel this weekend, sometimes those expectations become a reality that hinders us from truly listening to Jesus and becoming a part of God’s Kingdom work in the world. So as we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, join us for worship as we turn to the only one who can offer us freedom, and as we heed Jesus’ invitation to take his yoke upon ourselves and learn from him.

Sunday, July 5, 2026, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: I Was Glad. Text: Psalm 122:1, refrain; Jay Beech, stanzas. Music: Jay Beech. Text and Music: © 1999 Jay Beech. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: This Is My Song. Text: Lloyd Stone, 1912-1993, sts. 1-2; Georgia Harkness, 1891-1974, st. 3. Music: Jean Sibelius, 1865-1957. Text sts. 1-2: © 1934, 1962, Lorenz Publishing Company, st. 3 © 1964 Lorenz Publishing Company. Music: © Breitkopf & Härtel. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: We Are One (In The Father’s Love). Text and Music: Alanna Glover, Claire Williams. Text and Music: © 2019 Emu Music Ltd (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Make Me an Instrument. Text and Music: Larry Olson, Karol Baer. Text and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 10:40-42 | “Welcome!” It’s a greeting we use with one another often, and a shortened response to “thank you!” But what is “welcome” really all about? And, are we willing to not only offer welcome, but also receive it? Join us this weekend for worship as we hear Jesus’ promise given to his disciples – promising that they would find welcome and hospitality as they were sent out in mission – and as we are gathered at the table of our King who welcomes us and transforms us into Christ’s servants.

Sunday, June 28, 2026, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Mary Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Spirit, Open My Heart. Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: Irish melody; adapt. Alfred V. Fedack, b. 1953. Text: © 1996 Pilgrim Press. Music: © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: All belong Here. Text and Music: Lacey Brown. Text and Music: © 2022 PoorClare (Admin. By Lacey Brown) Brown, Lacey. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lord of Justice. Text and Music: Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road. Covered under One License subscription.