Category: Worship Services

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.

Matthew 17:1-9 | When you consider your life, there may be moments you wish you could capture in a bottle. Which, as we meet the disciples on the mountain with Jesus this Sunday, they may be in a similar situation as they witness Jesus transfigured before them in radiant glory. In this powerful moment, we hear God’s voice declare, “This is my Son, the Beloved… listen to him.” But the story doesn’t end on the mountaintop. God does not remain distant in brilliance. Christ comes down the mountain, walks toward the cross, and meets us in our fear with a touch and the words, “Do not be afraid.” Join us for worship this weekend as we hear the story of a Savior who shines on the mountaintop, and stays for the valleys. 

Sunday, February 15 2026, Transfiguration of Our Lord

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: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise. Text: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908, alt. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. John Roberts, 1807-1876. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Come to the Mountain. Text: Scott Tunseth. Music: Kathy Donlan Tunseth. Text and Music: © 1996 Scott Tunseth and Kathy Donlan Tunseth. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us. Text: William B. Bradbury. Music: Jerry Ray. Text and Music: © 1992 Alfred Sacred Publishing. Covered under One License subscription.
Communion Song: Transfi guration. Text and Music: Aodhan King, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, Taya Gaukrodger. Text and Music: ©2015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Hillsong Music Publishing USA). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Shine Jesus Shine. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1987 Make Way Music, admin. Music Services in the Western Hemisphere. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 5:1-20 | Ever heard someone say they are “blessed”? We use this phrase often within society, often equating blessing with good fortune. But as Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares blessing upon people who would not otherwise be deemed “blessed.” Turning the notion of blessing on its head, we find that the people surrounding Jesus are blessed not because of their circumstances but because of what Jesus promises them: the kingdom of heaven. Today, God also looks upon us and declares blessing over us because we too have been ushered into the kingdom of heaven. But what is the kingdom of heaven? And what does it mean to live in the kingdom of heaven? Join us for worship this weekend as we hear God’s blessing upon us, and as we go forth to extend the promise of the kingdom of heaven to all the world.

Sunday, February 8 2026, Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

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: 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: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1986 GIA Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: The Blessing. Text and Music: Chris Brown, Cogy Carnes, Kari Jobe, Steven Furtick. Text and Music: © 2020 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Kari Jobe Carnes Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Writer’s Roof Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) . Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Light of the World. Text and Music: Cathy Pino, Benjamin Kornelis. Text and Music: © 2019 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Go, Make Disciples. Text and Music: Handt Hanson. Text and Music: © 1991 Changing Church Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Ephesians 2:11-22; Isaiah 2:1-4; John 2:13-22 | Ever been asked: “what church do you go to?” Especially within 21^st century America, “church” has become synonymous with a location, a place, perhaps even a building. But “church” was never intended to be a singular location, or even somewhere we “go.” Instead, “church” is a body of people on the move, living as God’s holy temple. So, as people called to follow after Jesus – called into God’s promises and called out to extend the hope of God’s Kingdom, join us this weekend as we dwell in God’s presence, and as we are sent out to be God’s presence wherever we are.

Sunday, February 1 2026, Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

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: What Is This Place. Text: Huub Oosterhuis, b. 1933; tr. David Smith, b. 1933. Music: A. Valerius, Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck, 1626; arr. Adrian Engels, b. 1906. Text and Music: © 1984 TEAM Publications, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: To Be Your Presence. Text: Delores Dugner, OCB, b. 1939. Music: Charles V. Stanford, 1852-1924. Text and Music: © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Be Thou My Vision. Text: Traditional Irish, Translated by Mary E. Byrne. Music: Traditional Irish, arr. Dan Forrest. Text and Music: © 2005 Hal Leonard Corporation. Covered under One License 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: We Are Called. Text and Music: David Haas, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Isaiah 9:1-4; Matthew 4:12-23; Psalm 27 | The psalmist prays in Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?” Surrounded by a multitude of reasons to fear, the psalmist would’ve been justified in being a bit afraid! Which, today, we (and our siblings in Christ near and far) may be justified in being fearful as well. Hearing news reports from our nation, from around the world, let alone personal struggles we face, fear seems to be an ever-present reality. And yet, as Jesus called his disciples, and as Isaiah spoke to the Israelite people, God offers us both a promise and a commission: a promise that God’s light is here, and a commission to live in Christ’s light. What does that look like – especially now? – to trust God’s light and to follow Jesus? Join us for worship as we bring our prayers for ourselves and for the whole world before God, and as we are transformed by the light of Christ to live as people of God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, January 25 2026, Third Sunday of Epiphany

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:  Dearest Jesus at Your Word. Text: Tobias Clausnitzer, 1619-1684, sts. 1-3; Gesangbuch, Berlin. 1707, st.4; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, adapt. and Music: Johann R. Ahle, 1625-1673. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: You Have Come to the Lakeshore. Text and Music: Cesáreo Gabaráin. Text and Music: © 1979, 1987 Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: I Love to Tell the Story. Text and Music: William G. Fischer, A. Catherine Hankey, Phillip Keveren. Text and Music: ©  2005 Hal Leonard Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: We Labor Unto Glory. Text and Music: Craig Harris, Isaac Wardell. Text and Music: © Hymns From The Porter’s Gate (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Go Now. Text and Music: Hans Peterson, Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 2006 Dakota Road Music. Covered under CCLI subscription.

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! But as we follow that child, often, we’re 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 invite his first two disciples 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. So as we continue to follow after the light of Christ that has enveloped us in life, join us for worship as Jesus eagerly and lovingly invites us to come to him, dwelling with him, through Word and Sacrament.

Sunday, January 18 2026, Second Sunday of Epiphany

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: Making Their Way. Text and Music: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Text and Music: © 2010 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Come and See. Text and Music: Robert A Hobby. Text and Music: © 2020 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Text and Music: Bernadine Johnson. Text and Music: © 2019 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Searcher. Text and Music: Church of the Apostles. Text and Music: © 2018 Church of the Apostles. 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.

Matthew 3:13-17; Isaiah 42:1-9 | The season of Epiphany is a season of revelations – revealing who Jesus is, the nature of God’s Kingdom, and who we are as followers of Christ. This Sunday, we hear the announcement of Jesus’ identity as God’s Son as he’s baptized in the Jordan River. From that public moment, Jesus is sent forth to fulfill God’s righteousness. At first glance, these texts seem to point only to who Jesus is as God’s Beloved. But as people who also have been baptized into God’s righteousness, on this Sunday we also claim our own identity as restored and redeemed children of God – anointed, blessed, and commissioned by the same Spirit that filled Christ. So as we venture into this season of light, join us as we remember who Christ is, and as we remember who we are as chosen servants in whom God delights.

Sunday, January 11 2026, Epiphany 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: Come to the Water of Life. Text and Music: Ray Bakeever. Text and Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Baptized and Set Free. Text and Music: Cathay Skogen-Soldner. Text and Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: How Great is Our God. Text and Music: Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: ©2004 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Wondrously Made Songs (Admin. by Reservoir Media Management, Inc.) Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Come to the Water. Text and Music: John Foley. Text and Music: © 1978 Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: This Little Light of Mine. Text and Music: Horace Clarence Boyer. Text and Music: © 1992 Augsburg Fortress Publishers Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 2:1-12 | Just as the birth of Jesus seemingly appeared “out of the blue,” the arrival of the wise men in Jerusalem, following the star that appeared in the sky, seems to happen “out of the blue.” As it happens in Scripture, often we meet characters midway through their journeys. But just because we meet the wise men at this specific point on their journey, it doesn’t discount that (likely) for years these wise men had practiced looking to the skies, awaiting a promise. For ourselves today, we might not look to the stars. But, we also engage in our own practices of faith that point us to Christ and help us recognize what God is doing in us and around us. So as you venture into 2026, join us for worship as we turn ourselves to God in prayer, and as we open our hands to receive what God has to generously bestow into our hands.

Note for online listeners: to engage with the sermon, you’ll need access to the Star Words list linked below. Those attending in-person received a star word randomly. Though this cannot be duplicated online, we encourage you to choose a word as randomly as possible to allow the Spirit to lead you to what it is that you need to hear.

Star Words List

Sunday, January 4 2026, Epiphany 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: The First Noel. Text: English traditional. Music: English traditional, arr. John Stainer, 1840-1901. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Home By Another Way. Text: Anna Strickland, A Sanctifi ed Art 2021. Music: John Henry Hopkins (1857). Text and Music: © Anna Strickland, 2021. Commissioned by A Sanctifi ed Art. Public Domain. Covered under A Sanctifi ed Art LLC. Offering Song: What Child is This. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 Lorenz Publishing Company/Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services) All Rights Reserved. ASCAP Text: © 2011 Lorenz Publishing Company/Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services) All Rights Reserved. ASCAP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Follow the Star. by Poor Claire. Purchased by Aleese Kenitzer. Transaction ID. 3258119804.
Sending Song: Arise Your Light Has Come!. Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: William H. Walter, 1825-1893. Text and Music: © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 2:13-23 | As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope. So join us this weekend for worship as we continue to bask in the light of Christ come to earth, and as we gather around word and meal where God redeems us, lifts us up, and carries us as in days of old.

Special thanks to the Bishop’s Office of the Southeastern Iowa Synod and lay leaders at Shepherd of the Cross for leadership today in worship!

Sunday, December 28 2025, First Sunday of Christmas

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 Come, All Ye Faithful. Text: attr. John Fancis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st.2. Music: attr. John Francis Wade. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: What Child is This. Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898. Music: English ballad, 16th cent. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Offering Song: Do You Hear What I Hear?. Text and Music: Gloria Adele Shain, Noel Regney. Text and Music: © 1977 Universal Music Works on behalf of Primary Wave Jewel (Admin. by Universal Music Publishing Group). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Go Tell it on the Mountain. Text: French carol; tr. H. F. Hemy, The Crown of Jesus Music, 1864. Music: French carol; arr. Edward S. Barnes, 1887-1958. Text and Music: © Public Domain.