Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31 | On All Saints Day, we celebrate the promise that we’ve been created, redeemed, and chosen as saints of God. Through Christ, we are seen as children of God, and have received the inheritance of God’s life with all the saints in light. But now, as people called as saints, this identity as “saints” is more than just a title. It’s a commission and a call to live as God’s holy people. So as we remember the saints who’ve gone before us, and the saints whom we’ve added to our number in the past year, join us as we reclaim Christ’s promise over our lives, and as we live as God’s representatives in the world.

Sunday, November 2, 2025, All Saints Sunday

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: For All the Saints. Text: William W. How, 1823-1897. Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Text and Music: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Give Thanks for Saints. Text: Martin E Leckebusch, b. 1962 Music: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918. Text: © 2003 Keving Mayhew Ltd. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Lord, I Lift Your Name on High. Text and Music: Rick Founds. Text and Music: © 1989 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Jesus With Your Church Abide. Text and Music: Alanna Glover, Tenielle Neda, Thomas Benson Pollock. Text and Music: © 2023 Emu Music Ltd (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Oh When the Saints Go Marching In. Text and Music: African American spiritual; arr. hymnal version. Arr.: © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 17:11-19 | When was the last time you heard, or said, “thank you”? Chances are that it hasn’t been too long. Societally, we’ve been trained to say “thank you” as a common courtesy. But has this cheapened our response of thanksgiving? And, is the act of saying “thank you” something that’s simply become a habit instilled in us over time, or is thanksgiving something that flows naturally from a personal experience of God’s grace? This weekend, we invite you to join us as we dig deeper into what gratitude and thanksgiving really boils down to in the Christian faith, and as we gather once again around the table where Christ is our host: offering himself and his grace to us, and to the world.  

Sunday, October 12, 2025, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: Great is the Lord. Text and Music: Michael W. Smith & Deborah D. Smith. Text and Music: © 1982 Meadowgreen Music, admin. EMI Christian Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI. Hymn of the Day: Give Thanks. Text and Music: Henry Smith. Text and Music: © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under CCLI. Offering Song: Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup. Text and Music: Jeremy Young, b. 1948, refrain; With One Voice, stanzas, based on Ps. 34. Text and Music: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License. Communion Song: Thank You Lord. Text and Music: Don Moen and Paul Baloche. Text and Music: © 2004 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: Lord I Lift Your Name on High. Text and Music: Rick Founds. b.1954. Text and Music: © 1989 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. Music Services. Covered under One License.

Luke 17:5-10; 2 Timothy 1:1-14 | Ever get to the point that you wonder if you’re equipped to do what’s being asked of you? As we turn to our Gospel this weekend, this seems to be the reality of Jesus’ disciples. Uncertain of their ability to fulfill what Jesus is asking of them, they boldly ask Jesus to increase their faith. But in response, Jesus suggests that the measure of their faith is not the point. Rather, their trust in God’s faithfulness, and their willingness to rely on God as they do what is commanded of them, is what Jesus seeks. So this weekend, whether you’re feeling as though your faith is in tip-top shape or is faltering a bit, join us for worship as we’re reminded of the gift that God has implanted within us, and as we are pushed (or shoved) by the Spirit to “fly out of the nest” for the sake of Christ and Christ’s Kingdom.

Sunday, October 5, 2025, Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: God of the Fertile Fields. Text: Georgia Harkness, 1891-1974, alt. Music: Felice de Giardini, 1716-1796. Text: © 1955, ren. 1983 The Hymn Society, admin, Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License. Hymn of the Day: O Jesus, I Have Promised. Text: John E. Bode, 1816-1874, alt. Music: Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch, Meiningen, 1693. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Communion Song: Faith of a Mustard Seed. Text and Music: Colten and Claudia May. Text and Music: © 2021 WorshipMob Recording Retreat. Sending Song: Build Us Up, Lord. Text and Music: Mark Glaeser, b. 1956, and Donna Hanna, b. 1952. Text and Music: © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License.

Luke 16:19-31; 1 Timothy 6:6-19 | God created us to live as one. And yet, so many chasms exist, and our response to them only continues to divide us: rich and poor, conservative and liberal, male and female, heterosexual and homosexual, old and young. As followers of Jesus, we likely “know” that these divisions are not God’s vision. But beyond a lesson in morality, telling us what we “should” do, what drives us to move from where we’re at to bridge the divide? Join us this weekend for worship, as we remember God’s action in entering the chasm of death for our sake, and as we are prompted by the Spirit to act as bridge builders of love.

Sunday, September 28, 2025, Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: We Come to the Hungry Feast. Text and Music: Ray Makeever, b. 1943. Text and Music: © 1982 Ray Makeever, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License. Hymn of the Day: Canticle of the Turning. Text: Rory Cooney, b. 1952, based on the Magnificat. Music: Irish traditional. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License. Offering Song: Wonderful Peace. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: The Greatest Commandment. Text and Music: Paul Zach. Text and Music: © Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Paul Zach Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: Lord of Justice. Text and Music: Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License.

Luke 16:1-13 | Let’s face it: money is one of those topics that isn’t openly talked about in public, let alone in the church. But as we see in our Gospel lesson this weekend, Jesus openly spoke of money, and economic practices, because he was convinced that improperly valuing money impacted people’s relationship with God and one another. So today, how are we to live as followers of Jesus and live within a society that handles money on a daily basis? Join us for worship this weekend as we wrestle with the snares of wealth, and as we are invited to return to our Lord as the one who sees our value, and as the one who alone can give us what our hearts long for. 

Sunday, September 21, 2025, Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: Son of God, Eternal Savior. Text: Somerset C. Lowry, 1855-1932. Music: Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlieties en Contredansen, 1710; arr. Julius Röntgen, 1855-1932. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending. Text: Robert L. Edwards, 1915-2006. Music: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918. Text: © 1961, ren. 1989 The Hymn Society, admin. Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License. Offering Song: The Love of God. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: The Feast Meant for Everyone. Text and Music: Sarah Hart, Tom Booth. Text and Music: © 2019 spiritandsong.com Publishing. Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: We Are Called. Text and Music: David Haas, b.1957. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License.

Luke 15:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17 | When was the last time you lost something? It might vary from person to person, but more than we care to admit, things do get lost. So how do we determine what we seek after and what we don’t? Day to day, we make decisions based on what holds value and what doesn’t. And yet, when it comes to God’s pursuit of us, God never tires of seeking after us to restore us to wholeness. But having been found, this is just the beginning of our journey. So this weekend, whether you resonate with being lost or being found, join us as we claim God’s promise for us, and as we are commissioned to be living examples of God’s relentless pursuit of all people.

Sunday, September 14, 2025, Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: O Christ, Our Light, O Radiance True. Text: Johann Heermann, 1585-1647; tr. composite. Music: Gesangbuch, Nüremberg, 1676. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License. Hymn of the Day: Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. Text and Music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Offering Song: Children’s Song Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: The Lost Are Found. Text and Music: Ben Fielding, Sam Knock. Text and Music: © 2010 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing USA). Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: Your Grace is Enough. Text and Music: Matt Maher. Text and Music: © 2003 Thankyou Music Ltd (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SPIRITANDSONG.COM PUBLISHING (Admin. by Oregon Catholic Press) . Covered under CCLI.

Luke 14:25-33; Deuteronomy 30:15-20 | Think of a die-hard fan of a sports team. You might think of what that fan wears – proudly reflecting their teams’ colors, and you might think about how that fan acts or spends their time. Committed fans are often recognizable, even by people who don’t know them. So when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus, how recognizable are we? As we conclude our summer focus on following the love of Jesus, join us as we hear challenging words from Jesus, and yet words that lead us to the life and blessing that only God can provide.

Sunday, September 7, 2025, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Gathering Song: God’s Work, Our Hands. Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954. Music: David N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Text: © 2019 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License. Hymn of the Day: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949. Music: Scottish traditional. Text: © 1987 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License. Offering Song: Benediction Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: Send Me. Text and Music: Brandon Lake, Jenn Johnson, Kari Jobe. Text and Music: © 2020 Brandon Lake Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Brian and Jenn Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Maverick City Publishing Worldwide (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Kari Jobe Carnes Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Bethel Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: Let Us Walk with Jesus. Text: Sigismund von Birken, 1626-1681; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, alt. Music: Georg G. Boltze, 18th cent. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License.

Luke 14: 1, 7-14; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 | Think of how many tables you’ve seen in the past day, how many tables you’ve worked at, how many tables you’ve ate at, and how many tables you’ve occupied with other people.  Literal tables are all over our workplaces, our schools, our homes, and our communities. But beyond these literal tables are also figurative tables where we gather with one another. And yet, are these tables always places of welcome? And, are these tables an example of mutual love and hospitality? As we begin to conclude our series on following the love of Jesus, join us this weekend as we’re once again invited to Christ’s table of grace, and as we are sent to mix things up a bit.

Sunday, August 31, 2025, Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Hymn of the Day: As We Gather at Your Table. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Music: Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlieties en Contredansen, 1710: arr. Julius Rontgen, 1855-1932. Text: © 1990 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License. Offering Song: Down to the River to Pray. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: The Feast Meant for Everyone. Text and Music: Sarah Hart, Tom Booth. Text and Music: © 2019 SPIRITANDSONG.COM PUBLISHING (Admin. By Oregon Catholic Press). Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: Let Us Go Now to the Banquet. Text: Guillermo Cuellar, b. 1955, Misa popular salvadorna; tr. Bret Hesla, b. 1957, and William Dexheimer Pharris, b. 1956. Music:Guillermo Cuellar, b. 1955. Text and Music: © 1988, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License.

Luke 12:49-56 | Often when we hear of “fire” in Scripture, our first inclination is to think of images of judgment, retribution, and punishment. But throughout Scripture, “fire” also points to the presence of God, and the ongoing work of God to (re)form the world into God’s original intention for wholeness and life. So, as we continue to follow the love of Jesus this summer, join us as we consider the power of God’s fire: refining us, the church, and all God’s creation more and more into the image of God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, August 17, 2025, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Hymn of the Day: Let Refi ner’s Fire. Text and Music: Brian Doerksen. Text and Music: © 1990 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. Covered under CCLI. Offering Song: On the Wind of Spirit. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: Fresh Wind. Text and Music: Matt Cocker, Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, David Ware. Text and Music: ©2020 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing USA). Covered under CCLI. Sending Song: Lord, Reign in Me. Text and Music: Brenton Brown. Text and Music: © 1996 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire), administered by Integrity. Covered under One License.

Luke 12:32-40; Genesis 15:1-6 | Have you ever seen a dog run toward its owner at the end of the day when they get home? Most often, dogs are full of joy when they see their favorite human. Which, there’s something to be said about the relationship between a dog and its master. This weekend in our Gospel reading, we also hear of a warning of a master’s return. But unlike the joy that typically spreads over our faces as we greet a dog at the end of the day, so often, messages of our Lord’s return is painted with the complete opposite of joy. And yet, as Scripture points us to, the day of the Lord will be one filled with the fulfillment of all God’s promises to us, and to all the world. So, as we await the fullness of God’s Kingdom on earth as in heaven, then how are we to live? Join us this weekend for worship as we continue to follow the love of Jesus, and as we are summoned to live faithfully and generously in response to God’s faithfulness as we await with joy for our bridegroom’s arrival.

Sunday, August 10, 2025, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: 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. Hymn of the Day: Faith Begins by Letting Go. Text and Music: Carl P. Daw Jr. b. 1944, J. G. Werner, Choralbuch, 1815. Text and Music: © 1996 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License. Offering Song: In Christ There Is No East or West. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License. Communion Song: We Walk by Faith. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1984 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License. Sending Song: This Is My Father’s World. Text and Music: Maltbie D. Babcock, 1858-1901, Franklin L. Sheppard, 1852-1930, adapt. Text and Music: © Public Domain.