Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

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Worship: Come and See

John 1:29-42 | Ever had the experience of a young child beckoning you to come and see something? Often, we might not know what we might be going to look at, nor do we always know what we’re getting ourselves into! And yet, by accepting the invitation of that child, we’re often drawn into a moment that has the potential to expand our relationship with that child. This week, as we continue in the season of Epiphany, we hear Jesus offer to his first two disciples the invitation to “come and see.” Still today, that invitation to “come and see” is extended to us, summoning us to not only look AT Jesus, but to experience Christ for ourselves. Join us for worship as Jesus eagerly and lovingly invites us to come to him, dwelling with him, through Word and Sacrament.

Sunday, January 15, 2023, Second Sunday after Epiphany 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. Prelude: Morning Has Broken. Text and Music: Larry Shackley. Text and Music: © 2001 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: You are Holy. Text and Music: Per Harling, b. 1945. Text and Music: © 1990 Tom Vis Produktion AB, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light. Text and Music: Kathleen Thomerson, b. 1934. Text and Music: © 1970, 1975 Celebration. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry. Text: Charles Coffin, 1676-1749; tr. composite. Music: European tune, adapt. Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621. Text and Music: Public Domain.
Communion Songs: Messiah. Text and Music: Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Come to the Water. Text and Music: John Foley. Text and Music: © 1978 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: We Are Marching in the Light. Text: South African traditional; tr. Freedom Is Coming, 1984. Music: South African traditional; arr. Freedom Is Coming. Text and Music: © 1984 Utryck, admin. Walton Music Corp. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: New Year, New You?

Following the holidays, it doesn’t take long for exercise, diet, and nutrition ads to come out in full force, encouraging us to consider new habits for the new year. “Its a new year! It’s time for a new ‘you’!” ads seem to suggest. Which, isn’t all bad. Sometimes we need a fresh start in order to critically think about what we’ve been doing (or not doing) and how that impacts who we are and our relationships with others. 

But even as you consider possible resolutions or habits that might need to be tweaked, consider this: Jesus doesn’t desire a “new you.” You don’t need to be new and improved like the greatest Tide pod that just came out on the market. Instead, Jesus simply desires you to be the best “you” that you can be. And in Jesus’ eyes, that’s enough. In fact, it’s more than enough: it’s considered beautiful and honored and precious. Because as baptized children of God, we have already been made new by the grace of our Lord Jesus who came to live among us. 

So as we enter into the second full week of 2023, don’t feel as though you need to be someone you’re not. Rather, consider habits that would help you be even more who God already created YOU to be. But don’t think you have to do all that on your own. Instead, dedicate yourself to join with others in community as we remind each other of our identity in Christ, and push each other to grow more and more as disciples of Jesus. 

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Worship Services

Worship: What’s in a Name?

Matthew 3:13-17 | Each of us were given a name at our birth. For some, that name holds meaning, and for all, that name points to our unique identity. In addition to that name, through Christ’s birth, baptism, death and resurrection, we also have been given a name by God – beloved. Join us for worship as we remember Christ’s baptism, and as we remember our own baptism, calling us to intentionally pick up and live into our name.

Sunday, January 8, 2022, Baptism of Our Lord 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. Prelude: This Little Light of Mine. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Children’s Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise. Text: Christopher Wordsworth, 1807-1885, alt. Music: Jakob Hintze, 1622-1702; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters. Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns, 1985. Text: © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House, admin. The Copyright Company. Arr.: © 1985 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love. Text: Peter Scholtes. Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Spirit of Gentleness. Text and Music: James K. Manley b. 1940. Text and Music: © 1978 James K. Manley. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: This Little Light of Mine. Text: African American spiritual. Music: African American spiritual; arr. Horace Clarence Boyer, b. 1935. Text and Music: © Horace Clarence Boyer. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: Seeking Christ

This past Sunday, in addition to celebrating New Years, at Shepherd we also celebrated the Epiphany of Our Lord. Epiphany is a day often associated with the coming of the wise men – bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh – and the spread of Christ’s light to all nations. 

During our worship, we were reminded that as the wise men were directed to Christ by a star, there are many signs and practices that direct us in faith and life. Scripture, the sacraments of baptism and communion, and our prayer practices, have the potential to lead us on our quest in life and in faith. 

As a part of the sermon, those in worship were given the opportunity to experiment with a creative prayer practice as they sought to follow Christ. If you were in worship, put the word you received somewhere where you’ll see it each day. Reflect on it and open yourself to God’s invitation to you.

If you weren’t in worship and want to experiment with us, go to this Facebook post or download the entire list of star words. The idea is that these star words are a list of intention words – or guiding words – that can act as a centering point, an invitation, for the coming year. Those in worship received a word at random. If you’re doing this on your own, aim to choose a word as randomly as possible. After selecting a word, consider these prompts:

1. Craft a definition of the word, using your own words
2. What experiences do you have of this word? What does it remind you of?
3. Do you feel inclined to draw near to this word or keep it at a distance? Why?
4. How might God use this word as an invitation to you in the new year? What is that invitation?

There is the potential for so, so much to be in store for each of us in the coming year. So, as you consider what may be ahead, consider also listening to God’s invitation to you as you open yourself to God’s guiding Word upon your life. 

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Worship Services

Worship: Seeking Christ

Matthew 2:1-12 | Long ago, the wise men followed a star, leading them to Jesus. Today, we may not follow a literal star as we seek God, but we too are given signs and practices that direct us in faith and life. As we begin a new year, join us for worship as we seek after Christ, and as we open ourselves to God’s guiding word upon our lives.

Note: If you are joining us via our livestream, or our recorded worship, be sure to check out this list of star words. These star words are utilized during the message, encouraging worshippers to consider God’s invitation to them in the coming year. Words were distributed to those in-person randomly; choose a word as randomly as possible from the list.

Sunday, January 1, 2022, Epiphany Sunday 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. Prelude: Joy to the World. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: English melody, 18th cent.; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Text and Music: Public Domain. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Text and Music: Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2003 Alfred. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Angels, from the Realms of Glory. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt., sts. 1-3; Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, st. 4. Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: As with Gladness Men of Old. Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898, alt. Music: Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: O Come, All Ye Faithful. Text and Music: John Francis Wade, 1711-1786. Text and Music: Public Domain. Sending Song: Arise Your Light Has Come. Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: William H. Walter, 1825-1893. Text: © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Postlude: Angels, from the Realms of Glory. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt., sts. 1-3; Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, st. 4. Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879. Text and Music: Public Domain. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

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Blog: Telling the Story of Christ’s Birth

“Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
~ Psalm 96: 2-3

On Christmas Eve night, we gathered to adore the birth of Christ our King. But now that we have come, now that we have seen, and now that we have heard the news, now what? 

Well, now we have the opportunity, like the shepherds, to “make known what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17). How? Using our psalm from Christmas Eve night, we do so by telling of God’s salvation, declaring God’s glory, and witnessing to God’s marvelous works. 

But again, how? What does this look like? Well, think of the shepherds: after the shepherds saw the Christ child, they continued to be shepherds. Their identity didn’t change. But now, they had a different purpose. They had a different reason to travel to new grassy areas, and a different impetus to keep on moving, and growing, and believing. 

As we move into the (short!) Christmas season, we – like the shepherds – are summoned forth to tell of what we have seen and experienced in our Lord Jesus Christ. To do so, we don’t need to pursue a career change. Instead, just as the news of Christ’s birth permeated the shepherd’s being, informing their purpose in what they were already doing, we are summoned to allow the news of Christ’s birth infuse our being, informing our purpose in what we are already doing. 

Blessings to you all as you bask in the glow of Christ’s light this season, and blessings as you allow the news of our Savior’s birth fill you – to the brim – sending you forth and giving you reason to keep on moving, and growing, and believing.

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Worship Services

Worship: All is Definitely Not Calm…But All is So Much Brighter

Luke 2:1-20 | On this night, we watch in wonder as the Christ child in born among us. In the words of the beloved carol, “Silent Night,” “all is calm” and “all is bright.” And yet, when we hear the story of Christ’s birth, the reality is that all was not calm on the night that Jesus was born. Cows were mooing, Mary was forced to give birth in a cattle stall, and shepherds were jolted out of their skin as angels greeted them. Even still, through the incarnation of God’s Son, the world was filled with the brightness of Christ’s light. Join us for worship as we adore Christ on bended knee, and as we are invited to join in the brightness of Christ’s light…even when all is definitely not calm.

Sunday, December 24, 2022, Christmas Eve 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. Opening litany taken from Iona Community. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer. Prayer for Illumination by Lisa Frenz. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. Prelude: O Come All Ye Faithful. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2020 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Joy To The World. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2020 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem. Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893. Music: Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Away in a Manger. Text: North American, 19th cent. Music: James R. Murray, 1841-1905. Text and Music: Public Domain.
Offering Song: Manger Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 1991 GlorySound. Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Songs: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly. Text: Polish carol; tr. Edith M. G. Reed, 1885-1933, alt. Music: Polish carol. Text and Music: Public Domain. © Covered
under One License subscription. What Child is This. Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898. Music: English ballad, 16th cent. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gentle Mary Laid Her Child. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Silent Night. Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885. Music: Franz Gruber, 1787-1863. Text and Music: Public Domain. Postlude: Silent Night. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2019 Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: Mary Did You Know?

For weeks, Christmas music and carols have surrounded us. Appropriately so, we’re all getting excited for the joy of Christ’s birth at Christmas!

But before making our final trek to the manger in Bethlehem, I invite you to heed the words, and music, of an Advent hymn that often is left forgotten: the song of Mary. 

This past weekend in worship we heard Mary’s song. After travelling to her relative, Elizabeth’s, house, she was greeted with a blessing. From that blessing flowed Mary’s song: a song of profound trust in God’s promises fulfilled in her and for her people. 

For Mary, to declare in her song that God would act on behalf of her people was a bold move. She, and her people, had every reason to abandon hope – no longer believing that God would fulfill God’s promises to them. But still, she had the guts to believe that the Spirit of the Lord was upon her, and through the birth of Jesus, God’s promises would come to fruition for her, for her people, and for the entire world.

When we look around our lives and our world today, to boldly believe that the promises God offers to us will come to fruition may seem ludicrous. And yet, as we near the end of Advent, we are encouraged to hold onto hope – recognizing where and how God is at work within us and within the world, and looking forward to the day when all God’s creation will be joined in wholeness and peace. 

So in the remaining days of Advent, dwell in Mary’s song. Read it, or listen to various musical interpretations of it (try this link, or this one for a totally different feel). May your final days of Advent be blessed as you prepare for the fulfillment of God’s promises given to us at Christmas. 

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Worship: An Advent Song of Hope

Luke 1:39-55 | As we near the celebration of Christmas, already many Christmas songs and carols surround us, joyfully proclaiming the news of Christ’s birth. But before we arrive at Christmas, singing beloved tunes passed down to us through the generations, we hear the song of Mary: a song that isn’t as popular, and yet a song that exudes just as much joy and hope for God’s promised future. So before settling in close to the manger and singing beloved tunes of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World,” join us for worship as we sing Mary’s song and as we dare to hold onto hope, trusting that God’s promises have come, and will come, through Christ our Lord.

Sunday, December 18, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Advent 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. Prelude: Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Text and Music: Charles Wesley b. 1739. Text and Music: Public Domain. Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella. Text and Music: Joel Raney. Text and Music: © 2003 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song:Blessed Be the God of Israel. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944, based on Luke 1:68-79. Music: English folk tune; arr. Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1872-1958.Text: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Arr. © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Unexpected and Mysterious. Text: Jeannette M, Lindholm, b. 1961. Music: Calvin Hampton, 1938-1984. Text: © Jeannette M. Lindholm, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: O Come All Ye Faithful. Text and Music: John F. Wade. Text and Music: Public Domain. Sending Song: All Earth is Hopeful. Text: Alberto Taule, b. 1932; tr. Madeleine Forell Marshall, b. 1946. Music: Alberto Taule. Text and Music: © 1993 and tr. © 1995 Centro de Pastoral Liturgies, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Postlude: Joy to the World. Text and Music: Isaac Watts b. 1719. Lowell Mason b. 1848. Text and Music: Public Domain. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

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Blog: Choices

This past weekend in worship we heard the story of the angel appearing to Joseph, telling him that Mary was going to give birth to the Messiah. Before the angel appeared, Joseph had already resolved to dismiss Mary quietly. In Jewish culture, it was the “right thing to do,” and it was the most respectful choice for Mary, for her family, and for Joseph’s family. 

But after a dream, Joseph makes the courageous choice to choose a better way. That way would not be easy. In fact, it would be challenging. It would require more of Joseph, and it would launch Joseph into an entirely new direction as the adoptive father of the Son of God. 

Each and every day, we make a host of decisions. Some decisions are quite small, while others have lasting implications. As you continue your preparations this Advent season, take a moment to reflect on a time you made a difficult decision: How did you find your way to the choice you made? Who was involved in helping you make a choice? And how was God at work in that experience?

Even when we least expect it, God is moving, and God is speaking to us. At times we may choose to dismiss God’s leading. But time and time again, in compassion, our God will continually come to us, summoning us to choose a better way…to choose the truth and life of living in relationship with Christ our Lord.