Category: Worship Services

John 20:19-31 | On the second Sunday of Easter, we return to the evening of that first Easter Sunday as we hear from the Gospel of John. Fearful of what was to come, the disciples hide behind locked doors. But in the midst of their fear, Jesus comes, stands in the midst of them, and offers them the gift of the Holy Spirit – speaking peace. Join us this weekend as we experience Christ coming to us in Word and Sacrament and offering us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Special thanks to lay leaders of Shepherd of the Cross for leading worship, and to Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, for today’s message.

Sunday, April 27, 2025, Second Sunday of Easter 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: Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia! Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane E. Leeson, 1807-1882, alt.. Music: Robert Williams, 1781-1821. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: The Risen Christ. Text: Nigel Weaver, b. 1952.  Music: Walter Greatprex. 1877-1949. Text: © 1993 Nigel Waver. Music: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription.  Offering: Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926. Music: Davic N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Text: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1969 Contemporary Worship 1 admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises. Text and Music: South African; tr. Freedom Is Coming. 1984. Tr. and Arr.: © 1984 Utryck. admin. Walton Music Corp. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 24:1-12; Isaiah 65:17-25 | Each day the sun stretches into the darkness of the horizon, there’s a new glimmer of life. And, there’s hope for what lies ahead in the day to come. But as the women returned to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body, that dawn likely didn’t have the same radiance. They’d witnessed Jesus violently crucified right before their eyes. And yet, as two men in dazzling clothes appeared to them, a new insight dawned on them, enveloping them in the hope of Christ’s life. Today, as we proclaim our Lord’s resurrection, we also gather in this hope. And, we are sent to live in the hope of Christ’s life filling us and all things. So today on this Easter Sunday, as you raise your alleluias in praise of all that God has done, join us for worship as we witness the dawn of Christ’s light over all things, and as we are sent to actively participate in God’s hope for the world.

Sunday, April 20, 2025, Easter 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.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: 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. Offering: Here, at Your Table, Lord. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: King of Kings. Text & Music: Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram, Scott Ligertwood. Text and Music: ©2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Text: John S,B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain.

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.

Sunday, April 18, 2025, Good Friday 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: O Sacred Head Now Wounded. Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676, based on Arnulf of Louvain, d. 1250; tr.composite. Music: German melody, c. 1500;adapt. Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text and Music: Public Domain.Hymn after Isaiah: Jesus, I Will Ponder Now. Text: Sigmond von Burken, 1626-1681; tr. August Crull, 1846-1923, alt. Music: Melchior Vulpius, 1570-1615. Text and Music: Public Domain.Hymn after Shadow of Denial: Ah, Holy Jesus. Text: Johann Heermann, 1585-1647; tr. Robert Bridges, 1844-1930, alt. Music: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn after Shadow of Accusation: Go to Dark Gethsemane. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854. Music: Richard Redhead, 1820-1901. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn after Shadow of Suffering: Were You There. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © 199 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.Hymn after Shadow of Brokenness: Were You There. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © 199 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Final Hymn: Beneath the Cross of Jesus.  Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane. 1830-1869. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 13:1-17, 31b-35 | To gather for worship on a Thursday isn’t “normal.” Indeed, it might feel like an interruption to our weekly rhythm. In the same way, the entire week of Holy Week may feel like an interruption in our calendar and in our lives. And yet, it is through interruption that God gets our attention. On the eve of Christ’s betrayal and arrest, Jesus captures the attention of the disciples as he got up from the table and started washing their feet. No one expected it. But that interruption sent the disciples, and us, on a different trajectory. So, as we begin our trek through the Great Three Days, take an hour out of your day to join us for worship as we receive the interruption of God’s love given to us, and as we are challenged to allow our lives to be interrupted as we share Christ’s love with those around us.

Sunday, April 17, 2025, Maundy Thursday 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: Three Holy Days Enfold Us Now. Text and Music: Delores Dufner. Text and Music: © 1995 GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Great God, Your Love Has Called Us. Text and Music: Brian A Wren, Norman Cocker. Text and Music: © 1977 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Here, at Your Table Lord. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Broken Body of Christ. Text & Music: Lenora Rand, Gary Rand. Text and Music: © 2019 Plural Guild LLC.  Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 19:28-40; Psalm 118:1-4, 15-29 | This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week as we join with Jesus and the multitude of disciples entering Jerusalem, joyfully praising God for all that God has done and all that God is about to do. As we trust Christ’s promise to complete God’s mission on earth as it is in heaven, join us as we offer our praise, and as we are moved toward God in repentance and toward one another in love.

Sunday, April 13, 2025, Palm 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. Processional Hymn: Blessed is the One. Text: Psalm 118:26. Music: Nathan Houge, b. 1977. Music: © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: All Glory, Laud and Honor. Text: Theodulph of Orleans, 760-821; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Music: Melchior Teschner, 1584-1635. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: Bless Now, O God, The Journey. Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993 Music: Welsh tune, 19th cent. Text: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Hosanna. Text and Music: Brooke Ligertwood. Text and Music: © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Hosanna (Praise Is Rising). Text and Music: Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown. Text and Music: © 2005, 2006 Thankyou Music Ltd (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 12:1-8; Isaiah 43:16-21 | Ever try to cover up an unpleasant smell with a candle? Or Lysol spray? (or anything else?!) Many of us have done it. And, from time to time, it works. But sometimes, rather than covering up a smell, all the smells mesh together. In our Gospel reading this weekend, Mary pours out a pound of perfume on Jesus’ feet, filling the room with a distinct smell. But wrapped up in this scent is also the scent of devotion, mixed with the scent of death, and the scent of betrayal. All of these smells fill the room, intermingling one with the other, leading us to the story of Christ’s passion. So, as we near the end of the Lenten season, looking toward the dawn of Easter, join us as we embrace the juxtaposition of death and life, as we are encapsulated in the scent of grace, and as we’re offered the opportunity to give ourselves in devotion to Christ.

Sunday, April 6, 2025, Fifth Sunday in Lent 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 Hymn: In the Cross of Christ I Glory. Text: John Bowring, 1792-1872. Music: Ithamar Conkey, 1815-1867. Text and Music: © Public Domain. 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. Offering: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: We Fall Down. Text & Music: Chris Tomlin. Text and Music: © 1998 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Chris Tomlin, Isaac Watts, J. D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, Lowell Mason. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription.

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 | After losing something, do you ever get to the point of forgetting you’ve lost it? Or, perhaps you’ve replaced it? Or, perhaps after living without it for such a long time, you just don’t have the same need for it? Depending on what we lose, and its value, whatever we’ve lost may become unimportant. But, in God’s sight, what is lost – no matter what it is, or who it is – is worthy of being found, and worthy of being restored to its purpose. So, in this season of Lent, as we return to our Lord, and as we repent of the things and lifestyles we’ve held onto keeping us from receiving the riches of God’s feast, join us for worship as we once again receive God’s grace, and as we are commissioned as ambassadors of Christ.

Sunday, March 30, 2025, Fourth Sunday in Lent 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 Hymn: Our Father, We Have Wandered. Text: Kevin Nichols, 1929-2006. Music: Haus Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text: © 1981 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: This is a Day of New Beginnings. Text and Music: Brian Wren, Carlton R. Young. Text and Music: © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. Text and Music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909. Text and Music: © Public Domain Communion Song: In Christ Alone. Text and Music: Keith Getty, Stuart. Text and Music: © 2001 Thankyou Music Ltd. (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: You are My King/Amazing Love. Text and Music: Billy J. Foote. Text and Music: © 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription.

Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9 | When we’re rock climbing, there’s a reason we cling tightly to the rope. Our very life depends on it! And, when we feel afraid, there’s a reason we cling tightly to comfort. That comfort gives us the capacity to move forward, safely and securely. But what happens when what we’re clinging to isn’t life giving? As our Scriptures testify to, God desires to fill our hands (and our lives! and our world!) with what gives life. But if our hands are clenched, tightly grasping something else, we cannot receive what God has to offer us. So, mindful of the various “things” that we’re tempted to hang onto, join us this weekend for worship as we consider what the Spirit is summoning us to let go of – to repent of – so that we may partake even more fully in the wonder of God’s banquet spread before us.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, Third Sunday in Lent 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 Hymn:All Who are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown & Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: God Bestows on Every Sense. Text and Music: Adam Tice. Text and Music: © 2009 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Oh, Love, How Deep. Text: Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471; tr. Benjamin Webb, 1819-1885, alt. Music: English ballad, 15th cent. Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Beautiful Things. Text & Music: Lisa Gungor & Michael Gungor. Text and Music: © 2009 worshiptogether.com songs. Covered under CCLI subscription.
Sending Song: Bless Now, O God the Journey. Text and Music: Sylvia G. Dunstan. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 13: 31-35; Genesis 15:1-18 | Have you ever started a project only for it to take (seemingly) longer than it should? Especially when it comes to home improvement, this is more so a reality than we’d like to admit! So much so, that sometimes, it may be tempting to abandon that project rather than push through to completion. As we meet Jesus in our Gospel this morning, he has many reasons to abandon the “project” God has sent him to fulfill. But even with obstacles, Jesus pushes forward, driven by a desire to care, protect, and liberate all God’s people. So confident of God’s unfailing commitment and faithfulness, are we now willing to join in God’s “project” of salvation and liberation in the world? Join us for worship as we, with Jesus, turn our face toward Jerusalem, and as we look in hope for God’s fulfillment of God’s Word.

Sunday, March 16, 2025, Second Sunday in Lent 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 Hymn: Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross. Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915. Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915. Text and Music: © Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Great is Thy Faithfulness. Text: Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960. Music: William M. Runyan, 1870-1957. Text: © 1923, ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.
Communion Song: Goodness of God. Text & Music: Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson. Text and Music: © 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text and Music: John Bell. Music: © 1987 Iona Community / WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Music: Doris Akers. Text and Music: © 1953 Alfred Publishing. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 4:1-13 | On the first Sunday of Lent, we hear how Jesus, full of the Spirit, was led into the wilderness for 40 days. At first glance, it may seem odd for the Spirit of life to lead Jesus into a barren place. But in the context of Scripture, it is in the wilderness where God’s people return to God, meet with God, learn (and re-learn) dependence on God’s provision, and are prepared for what lies ahead. So, as Jesus was led into the wilderness before the beginning of his ministry, what would it be like for us to receive an a Lenten invitation to go into the desert? Perhaps it’s not the first place we’re inclined to go. But it is there that we can hear God’s tender voice – reminding us of our belovedness, and it is there that we can prepare to live out our unique purpose – entering the land Christ is leading us toward.

Sunday, March 9, 2025, First Sunday in Lent 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 Hymn: As the Winter Days Grow Longer. Text: Mary Louise Bringle, b.1953. Music: Welsh melody; arr. hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: As Your Spirit in the Desert. Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953. Music: Michael D Costello, b. 1979. Text: © 2012 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress Music: © 2015 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.