Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

John 20:1-18 | As spring flowers burst forth from the ground, so too do signs of God’s life burst through the dry, dusty wilderness. Today, on the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, we remember the story of God’s re-creation and re-demption of ourselves and all the world. But having heard this story once again, now what? How, if at all, does it change the way we live in this world, here and now? Crossing out of the wilderness into the good, good garden of God’s life, we invite you to join us for worship as we look for Christ’s appearance to us, and as we receive our commission to live as God’s gardeners: nurturing and cultivating life for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering: Jesus Christ is Risen Today. Text: Latin carol,14th cent., sts. 1-3;tr. J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708, alt.; Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, st.4. Music: J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Text: John S,B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: To God Be the Glory. Text and Music: Fanny J Crosby, William H Doane. Text and Music: © 2012 Hal Leonard Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Living Hope. Text & Music: Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham. Text and Music: © 2017 Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! Text: Cyril A. Alington 1872-1955,alt. Music: Melchior Vulpius, 1570-1615. Text: © 1958, ren. 1986 Hymns Ancient and Modern, admin. Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

John 18 -19 | This Friday is named “Good Friday” in the life of the church. On the surface, there is seemingly nothing “good” about this day. It’s a day filled with darkness; it’s a day filled with the depth of humanity’s brokenness and deception; it’s a day filled with seemingly the absence of God’s light. And yet, even in the darkness, and even as we look upon Christ as he is raised upon the cross, there we find the truth of God, and there we find the depth of God’s covenant with us and with all creation. So join us for worship as we remember the sacred story of Christ’s passion, as we recall our sin and brokenness, and as we wait and watch – with patience – for the dawn of God’s light.

Note for those joining on our livestream and worship video: our service this evening is highly interactive. There will be periods the congregation is moving about engaging in various activities. As you are able, recreate these activities for yourself as you participate in worship with us.

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. Gathering Hymn: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn after Procession of the Cross: There in God’s Garden. Text: Kiraly Imre von Pecselyi, c. 1590-c.1641; tr. Erik Routley, 1917-1982. Music: K. Lee Scott, b. 1950. Text: © 1976 Hinshaw Music. Inc. Music: © 1987 Birnamwood Publications, a div. of MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

John 13; Matthew 26| From the wilderness of Lent we turn to the Triduum: the great three days leading up to the news of Christ’s resurrection. Tonight, on Maundy Thursday, we are reminded that Jesus – God’s Son – came to love us, and all the world, to the end. Having received the example of Christ’s love in footwashing and in the sacrament of communion, we are now sent into the world to live as servants to one another. So, as we begin these holy days, join us as we tangibly experience God’s love for us and as we practice extending Christ’s love to one another.

Note for those joining on our livestream and worship video: our service this evening is highly interactive. There will be periods the congregation is moving about engaging in various activities. As you are able, recreate these activities for yourself as you participate in worship with us.

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. Gathering Hymn: Just As I Am, without One Plea. Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1781871. Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Taste and See. Text and Music: James E. Moore Jr., 1951, based on Ps. 34. Text and music: © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Recording by Kaitlin Rose.

Matthew 21:1-11 | “Join the movement!” may be the rallying cry for a group of people seeking to induce change. Throughout human history, many movements – large and small – have captured our attention. In the same way, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, this was God’s announcement that God’s movement on earth – having begun in Christ’s birth, life and ministry – was coming to a pivotal point. This was Jesus’ royal procession as he prepared to be enthroned upon the cross and given all power and authority through his resurrection. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, this was no cute parade. This was a clear marking of God’s movement in the world. So, as we begin one of the most sacred weeks of the Christian calendar, join us as we move with Jesus and his disciples from place to place this week, and as we consider our own participation in God’s movement in our lives and in our world. 

Sunday, March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Processional Hymn: Hosanna! Hosanna. Text and Music: Cathy Townley, Nylea L. Butler-Moore. Text & Music: © 1993, 2000 Abingdon Press (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: Hosanna! Hosanna. Text and Music: Cathy Townley, Nylea L. Butler-Moore. Text & Music: © 1993, 2000 Abingdon Press (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription.
Offering: Holy, Holy, Holy. Music: Mark Hayes. Text: © 2001 Alfre Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Hosanna (Will You Rise?). Text and Music: Isaac Wardell, Leslie Anne Jordan, Nicholas Chambers, Terrian Bass. Text and Music: © 2022 Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Little Way Creative (Admin. by Integrity Music) PG Songs And Hymns (Admin. by Integrity Music) Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: We Sang Our Glad Hosannas. Text and Music: John D. Horman, Mary Nelson Keithahn. Text and Music: ©1998 Abingdon Press (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) . Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 11:1-45 | Any story is like a tapestry, weaving together various threads to paint a picture. As we’ve dwelled in lengthy stories from the Gospel of John this season, we’ve been invited to not only look at these stories from a distance, but to enter into these stories as participants. But none of these stories stand alone. Together, they compile an even larger story so that we might trust God’s love and life for ourselves, and for the sake of the world. So as we look to Holy Week, join us as we reflect on our wilderness sojourn, and as we look in hope for God’s breath of life breaking into our lives and our world.  

Sunday, March 22, 2026, Fifth Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Restore in Us, O God. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Music: Hal H. Hopson, b. 1933. Text: © 1989 Music: © 1985 Hope Publishing Company.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: When Lazarus Lay in Death’s Cold Shroud. Text: Joy F. Patterson Music: John Bacchus Dykes, 1861. Text: © 1994 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Come Alive (Dry Bones). Text and Music: Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren. Text and Music: ©2012 CentricSongs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) See You At The Pub (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Curb Congregation Songs (Admin. by Curb Music Publishing) Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © Public Domain.

John 9:1-41 | Have you ever gone years doing a task a certain way, only to realize later in life that there’s another way to accomplish that task? Perhaps it’s learning that there’s another way to cut a bell pepper to avoid seeds flying everywhere; or perhaps it’s learning that not everyone washes their dishes with a washcloth but with a sponge. These are nominal examples, and while they may alter our habits, these examples don’t “transform” us. However, as we hear the story of the healing of a man born blind, this moment with Jesus does transform this man and his trajectory forward. And yet, those who witness this event seemingly can’t seem to grasp that God might work outside of their assumptions and their previous experience. So, if God were todo something in our lives, our congregations, our community, or our world – perhaps something that is counter to what we’ve previously experienced or known – would we be open to what God is seeking to do? As we near the end of our wilderness sojourn, join us, as we pay attention to where and how God is seeking us out us, and as we open ourselves to the power of Spirit.

Sunday, March 15, 2026, Fourth Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1984 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Open My Eyes. Text and Music: Jesse Manibusan, Ed Bolduc. Text and Music: © 1988, 1995, 1999 OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Open Our Eyes/Be Thou My Vision. Text and Music: Carol Tornquist. Text and Music: © 1995 Benson Music Group. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Broken Body of Christ. Text and Music: Gary Rand, Lenora Rand. Text and Music: ©2019 Plural Guild Music (Admin. by Plural Guild LLC) . Covered under CCLI subscription.
Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Victor Labenske, Chris Tomlin, JD Walt, Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2008 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription.

John 4:5-42 | Connection. We’re wired to live connected to one another and to God. And yet, for a myriad of reasons, it’s all too easy to remain hidden, alone, and isolated. This weekend, as we meet the Samaritan woman at the well at high noon, it’s likely she was trying to avoid connection. And yet, in that unexpected place, Jesus meets her – offering her living water. Today, even when we are not seeking Jesus, Jesus still comes to meet us where we are. And transformed by our connection with Jesus, we – just like the Samaritan woman – are also sent to testify to what we have seen, heard, and experienced. So, as we continue to journey through the wilderness this season, join us as we take a drink from the oasis of God’s grace, and as we are transformed by our connection with the only one who can truly satisfy.

Sunday, March 8, 2026, Third Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790. Music: J. Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty. Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns, 1985. Text: © 1992, 1996 Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. Music: © 1985 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Blest Are They. Text and Music: David Hass, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: All Who Are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: River of Glory. Text and Music: Daniel L Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991, Daniel L. Schutte, Published by OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription.

John 3:1-17; Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 121 | We can’t “see” the wind, but we can see what the wind does. Anyone who’s lived in Iowa for any stretch of time knows that wind can be quite strong, having the ability to move something quite the distance! In the same way, the Spirit – in whom we are born anew by God’s grace – also has the ability to move us on our wilderness sojourn. Never were we meant to remain in the same place, especially in the desert! God’s desire has always been to move you, and all creation, toward life. But are we willing to be moved by this Spirit, even when we don’t know where it will lead? Whether you’re a natural risk-taker, or would rather remain in what you know, we invite you to join us this Sunday as we hear the examples of Abram and Nicodemus, and as we are reminded that the Lord will always keep watch over our coming out and going in…no matter where we move, and no matter where the journey leads.

Sunday, March 1, 2026, Second Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Come to the Water of Life. Text and Music: Ray Makeever, b. 1943. Text: © 1999 Ray Bakeever, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Faith Begins by Letting Go. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Music: J. G. Werner, Choralbuch, 1815. Text and Music: © 1996 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Impromptu. Text and Music: Franz Schubert. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Communion Song: Weary Traveler. Text and Music: Andrew Jacob Pruis, Jordan St. Cyr, Matthew West. Text and Music: © 2021 BEC Worship (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) This Little Fire (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Combustion Five (Admin. by Me Gusta Music LLC) Combustion Four Point Five (Admin. by Me Gusta Music LLC) Inman Park Music (Admin. by Me Gusta Music LLC) Get Ur Seek On (Admin. by Seeker Music Portfolio Holdco I LP) Two Story House Music (Admin. by Seeker Music Portfolio Holdco I LP). Covered under CCLI subscription. 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 subscription.

Matthew 4:1-11; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 | Temptation. For each of us, temptation looks (and feels) different. And yet, just as Jesus was tempted in the desert, temptation is also a part of our continued sojourn into the wilderness. So how do we know what temptation is? And, how are we to respond to temptation? Join us this morning as we hear again God’s voice of promise spoken over us, and as we are given sustenance to depend on God as our benevolent Creator.

Sunday, February 22, 2026, First Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: The Glory of These Forty Days. Text: Latin hymn, 11th cent.; tr. Maurice F. Bell, 1862-1947, alt. Music: J. Klug, Geistliche Lieder, 1543. Text: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual; arr. Hymnal version. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Offering Song: Holy Forever. Text and Music: Brian Johnson, Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson, Phil Wickham . Text and Music: ©2022 Brian and Jenn Publishing (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) My Magnolia Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing . Covered CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Give Me Faith. Text and Music: Chris Brown, London Gatch, Mack Brock, Wade Joye. Text and Music: © 2009 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Music: Doris Akers, 1922-1995. Text and Music: © 1953 Doris Akers, admin. Unichappell Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21; Deuteronomy 8:1-18 | Given the choice to spend your days in rocky, sandy desert with water miles away, or to spend your days in lush forests or on a beach-side chair, many of us would choose the latter. However, in the season of Lent, we’re intentionally invited into the wilderness as a time of preparation. Why? And how is this sojourn into the wilderness important as we live as followers of Jesus in the world today? Join us for worship this evening as we commit ourselves once again to the disciplines of Lent, and as we open ourselves to the refining and transforming work of the Spirit in the desert.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ash Wednesday

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Bless Now, O God, the Journey. Text and Music: Sylvia G. Dunstan. Text: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: As Your Spirit in the Desert. Text and Music: Susan Palo Cherwien, Michael Costello. Text and Music: © 2012. 2015 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Imposition of Ashes: Dust We Are And Shall Return. Text and Music: John Arndt, Kate Gungor, Michael Gungor. Text and Music: © Replied Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Covered under CCLI subscription.  Offering: As the Deer. Text and Music: Martin Nystrom. Text and Music: © 1984 Jubilate Music Group. 1987 Maranatha! Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Songs: Only Grace. Text and Music: Lenora Rand, Hannah Rand. Text and Music © 2016 Plural Guild LLC. Covered under One License subscription.Sending Song: O Lord, throughout These Forty Days. Text: based on Claudia F. Hernaman, 1838-1898; para, Gilbert E. Doan Jr., b. 1930. Music: A. Davisson, Kentucky Harmony, 1815; arr. Theodore A. Beck, 1929-2003. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription.