Category: Worship Services

Hebrews 10:19-25; John 15:1-11 | This summer, we’re following the love of Jesus, and diving into how we are called to live as disciples of Christ. It may be tempting to think that we can follow Jesus as individuals, but this week we discover that God calls us to live in community. “Community” is a word that is often used within the church and has likely become watered-down. But as our Scripture readings point to, community is built upon Christ as our source of life, and is lived out as we provoke and encourage one another to love and good works. So, as we continue into the summer, join us as we gather in community with one another and with Christ, and as we’re sent to live the confession of our hope.

Sunday, June 22, 2025, Second 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: Bind Us Together, Lord. Text: Bob Gillman, b. 1946. Music: Bob Gillman, b. 1946. Integrity Hosanna! Music.. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Sunday Joy! Text and Music: Mark Hayes Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services). Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Text: Anonymous. Music: Anonymous. Text and Music: Public Domain.

Psalm 51; Hebrews 10:11-25; John 13:31-35 | This summer, we’re following the love of Jesus. To “follow” implies being with at least one other person. We follow Jesus, and we walk together. Which, is what we mean when we use the word “synod” within the church. The word “synod” comes from a Greek word that means “walking together.” We walk together with one another at Shepherd of the Cross, within the Muscatine community, within the Southeastern Iowa Synod, within the ELCA, and within the broader church. Even in various ministry contexts, we are bound together by the same Spirit that opens our hearts to the love of God. So this weekend, as we hear an update from the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and as we hear our synodical bishop – Bishop Amy Current – preach, join us for worship as we unite ourselves with all God’s people in Christ’s mission.

Sunday, June 15, 2025 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. Gathering: Oh, Sing to the Lord. Text: Brazilian folk song; tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923, Spanish and English. Music: Brazilian folk tune. Text and Music: © Gerhard Cartford, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Spirit, Open My Heart. Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: Irish melody; adapt. Alfred V. Fedak, b. 1953. Text: © 1996 Pilgrim Press. Music: © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song:Stir the Fire. Text: Hebrews 10:24-25. Music: www.youtube.com/@faithfulsong. Sending Song: Take My Life That I May Be. Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879, adapt,; Spanish text: Vicente Mendoza, 1875-1955. Music: William Dexheimer Pharris, b. 1956; arr. Mark Sedio, b. 1954. Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

John 14:8-17, 25-27 | As we celebrate the coming of the Spirit upon on the day of Pentecost, we join with the whole church in praying for the power of the Spirit to descend upon us. But as the Spirit comes upon us, the Spirit also prompts us to be on the move for the sake of Christ’s mission in the world. For just as Jesus addressed the disciples on the eve of his death, telling them that they would be sent to do “even greater works than these,” so too are we sent by the power of the Holy Spirit to make a mark on the world in the name of Christ. But how? And how are we to know what we are to do? Though a fast and simple answer is desirable, following the Spirit isn’t as clear-cut as maybe we’d hope it to be. And yet, as we dwell together in community, practicing living in reliance of the Holy Spirit, we can discern God’s truth together. So join us this weekend as we move into the season of Pentecost, and as together, we are sent forth to color the world with God’s grace.

Sunday, June 8, 2025, Pentecost 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. Liturgy: Text Acknowledgement for Behold, I Make All Things New. Music: Benjamin Splichal Larson. Purchased by SOTC, 2019. Gathering: Veni, Sancte, Spiritus. Text: Pentecost sequence; Taizé Community. Music: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and Music: © 1978, 1980, 1991 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading. Text: Wilson Niwagila; tr. Howard S. Olson, b. 1922. Music: Wilson Niwagila; arr. Egil Hovland, b. 1924. Text: © Lutheran Theological College, Makumira, Tanzania, admin. Augsburg Fortress Arr. © Egil Hovland. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: they’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. Text and Music: Peter Scholtes & Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Fresh Wind. Text and Music: Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, David Ware, Matt Crocker. Text and Music: © 2020 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind. Text: Herman G. Stuempfl e Jr., b. 1923. Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932. Text: © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

John 17:20-26; Acts 1:1-11 | Ever have a piece of netting that you can’t tell where it starts and where it ends? Netting – along with Christmas lights, rope, and electrical cords – can often become a jumbled ball. Often, this leads to frustration. But, as Jesus addresses his disciples prior to his betrayal and arrest, Jesus’ language of love and unity – resembling a tangled ball that can’t be undone – is actually an invitation for us to get tangled up, and lost, in the love of Jesus. So as we conclude the Easter season, and as we hear Jesus’ commission to his disciples prior to his ascension, join us for worship as we are invited to be “wrapped up” in Christ’s love, and as we are sent to wrap the world in God’s grace.

Sunday, June 1, 2025, Seventh 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: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Text and Music: Lutheran Book of Worship. Text and Music: © 1978 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love. Text and Music: Peter Scholtes. Text: © 1966 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Blessing, Honor, and Glory. Text and Music: Geoff Bullock and David Reidy. Text and Music: © 1998 Word Music, LLC and Maranatha! Music, admin. Music Services, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: We Are One. Text and Music: Alanna Glover, Claire Williams. Text and Music: © 2019 Emu Music Ltd. (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Crown Him with Many Crowns. Text and Music: DIADEMATA, George Elvey. Text and Music: © Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription.

John 5:1-9; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 | Ever helped with a home restoration project? Or, restored an old piece of furniture? Restoring furniture is hard work, but it’s often worth the effort because – by the end – that piece of furniture not only looks better, but functions better. Point being: often we don’t just restore something so it looks better, but so that it can serve its purpose more fully. Which, for ourselves as followers of Jesus, the same is true. We, too – like the man we meet in our Gospel lesson – have been restored through Christ. But now, as people who have experienced Christ’s healing and grace, how are we going forth to live? Do we also have a renewed purpose? And a renewed function? As we continue toward the end of the Easter season, join us for worship as we hear God’s promise to invest in us, and as we are sent to walk according to God’s intentions that’ve been laid since the foundation of the world.

Sunday, May 25, 2025, Sixth 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: Blessing, Honor, and Glory. Text and Music: Geoff Bullock and David Reidy. Text and Music: ©  1998 Geoff Bullock Music. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Lift Up Your Heads. Text: Susan R. Briehl, b. 1952. Music: WEST LEESTAD, Zebulon M. Highben, b. 1979. Text: © 2013 Susan R. Briehl, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 2013 Zebulon M. Highben, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Spirit of Gentleness. Text and Music: James K. Manley. Text and Music: © 1978 J. Manley Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Behold, I Make All Things New. Downloaded from the website. Permission for music copyright 2011 by Esther Mui. Sending Song: River of Glory. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991 Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription.

Acts 11:1-18 | In the church, we often speak of the boundless love of God that transcends limits. It is by this love that we are saved by grace through faith. But what happens when this love transforms not only the boundaries upon God and God’s love, but also transforms the boundaries we uphold in living with others? Join us for worship as we once again receive the boundless love of Jesus Christ and are transformed to see one another as God’s beloved…no asterisks, no exceptions.

Sunday, May 18, 2025, Fifth 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 is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Text: Brian A Wren, b. 1936. Music: Thomas Pavechko, b. 1962. Text: ©  1986 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 2006 Thomas Pavleshko, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Hans Peterson, Larry Olson. Text: © 1999 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: As the Grains of Wheat. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song:Extravagant Love. Text and Music: Lenora Rand, Hannah Rand. Text and Music: © 2019 Plural Guild Music.  Covered under One License subscription.Sending Song: Go Now. Text and Music: Hans Pterson, Larry Olson. Text: © 2006 Dakota Road Music.  Covered under One License subscription.

Psalm 23 | Many have heard (and perhaps memorized) Psalm 23. As a beloved psalm, it’s often recited near the time of death, or after a loved one has died. But what does this psalm have to say to those of us who are living? And, for those who are embarking on new journeys – like our graduates? Whether facing a new chapter that’s before us, or whether we find ourselves continuing the journey that has come before, join us as we heed the pursuit of our Shepherd who pulls us into his groove of life and love, and as we are sent in freedom to make a beautiful, beautiful song with our lives. 

Sunday, May 11, 2025, Fourth 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: Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us.Text: attr. Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847. Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868. Text and Music: © 1992 Hinshaw Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: My Shepherd, You supply My Need. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt., based on Psalm 23. Music: North American traditional. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: Create In Me a Clean Heart. Music: Liturgy of Joy, James M. Capers, b. 1948. Music: © 1993 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Shepherd. Text & Music: Amanda Cook. Music: © 2013 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Text: © 2013 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP). Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 21:1-19 | We might think that the lives of Jesus’ disciples immediately changed after the resurrected Christ appeared to them. But for Peter, and others, life continued as “normal.” And yet, in the ordinary moments, Jesus continued to seek out the disciples, find them, draw them into renewed relationship, and restore them to their purpose as a part of God’s Kingdom. Still today, whether our days seem “normal” or overly-filled with various commitments, Jesus continues to seek us out, finding us in ordinary moments to draw us into relationship. But the story doesn’t stop there. For just as Peter was restored to his purpose, we too are commissioned to follow and serve in the name of Christ. So as we move into the season of Easter, join us for worship as we open our eyes for Christ’s appearance to us today, and as we take up the opportunity to recommit ourselves as disciples of Christ in the world.

Sunday, May 4, 2025, Third 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: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926. Music: David N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Text: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1969 Contemporary Worship 1, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Rise, O Church, like Christ Arisen. Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953. Music: Timothy J. Strand, b 1958. Text: © 1997 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1997 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 2004 augsburg Fortress.Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Because He Lives. Text & Music: Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither. Text and Music: © 1971 Hanna Street Music (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ. Text: Fred Kaan, b. 1929. Music: Jamaican folk tune; adapt. Doreen Potter, 1925-1980. Text and Music: © 1975 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

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.