Category: Worship Services

John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-21 | Did you know that it’s necessary for wind to blow over seedlings in a greenhouse? Without that wind, those seedlings don’t develop a proper root system and will be shocked when transplanted in an uncontrolled environment. In the same way, it’s necessary for the wind of the Spirit to blow over (and even into) us as followers of Jesus. From day to day, that wind might feel like a soft, gentle breeze one day, and the next day feel like a derecho. But always, always, that wind of the Spirit never stops moving and that wind of the Spirit is always blowing to give us life that we will grow and flourish wherever we find ourselves.

Sunday, May 28, 2023, 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. Prelude: I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2020 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. & Breathe. Text and Music: Marie Barnett. Text and Music: © 1995 Integrity Music. Covered under One License subscription.
Gathering Song: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading. Text: Wilson Niwagila; tr. Howard S. Olson, b. 1922. Music: Wilson Niwagila; arr. Egil Hovland, b. 1924. Text: © 1968, 1993 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind. Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., b. 1923. Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932. Text and Music: © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Spirit of Gentleness. Text and Music: James K. Manley, b. 1940. Text and Music: © 1997 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Veni Sancte Spiritus. Text and Music: Jacques Berthier, Taizé Community. Text and Music: © 1979 Taizé, Les Presses de (North America) Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Send Us Out. Text and Music: James Hersch. Text and Music: © 1994 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription.

John 17:1-11 | It’s not uncommon to hear the encouragement to work together with one another. Often, within communities, we hear messages of how we are “stronger together,” and for many of us we learned the importance of “sharing” back in preschool and kindergarten. But toward the end of Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his passion, Jesus gives a specific reason why he prays for his disciples to live as one. Join us for worship as we hear God’s Word, pointing us toward what it is we are to do as we await the coming of the Spirit.

Sunday, May 21, 2023, 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. Prelude: Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 1981 Harold Flammer Music (Admin. by Hal Leonard LLC) (Admin. by Tom Cat Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Text: Bede, 673-735; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: Geistliche Kirchengesänge, Köln, 1623. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: They’ll Know We are Christians By Our Love. Text and Music: Peter Scholtes (John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:4-6). Text and Music: © 1966 F. E. L. Publications, assigned 1991 to The Lorenz Corp. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Make Us One. Text and Music: Carol Cymbala. Text and Music: © 1991, 1994 Carol Joy Music (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) Curb Word Music (Admin.
by WC Music Corp.) Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Down to the River to Pray. Text and Music: George H. Allan. Text and Music: © Creative Commons Attribution license. Public Domain. Sending Song: To Be Alive. Text and Music: David Lee Brown, Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 1993 Dakota Road Music. Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 14:15-21 | When we think of someone being an “advocate” for us, we may think of someone who stands up for us, someone who steps in when we need it most, someone who speaks or acts on our behalf, or someone who is present with us as an encouragement or a comforter. These “advocates” often make quite the difference in our lives, sometimes in ways we can’t describe. And yet, in the Spirit, we are given an Advocate who goes beyond these actions. Join us this weekend for worship as we hear the promise of our Advocate who unites us with the very life of God, and as we receive the call to join our lives with our neighbors as living advocates.

Sunday, May 14, 2023, 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. Prelude: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord). Text and Music: Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman. Text and Music: © 2011 Brodt Music. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus. Text and Music: William Dix and Rowland Prichard. Text and Music: © 1898 Willow Publishing Pty Ltd. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Loving Spirit. Text and Music: Shirley Erena Murray. Text and Music: © 1987 Hymn Society in the US and Canada. Covered under One License subscription and CCLI subscription. Offering Song: All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: My Advocate. Text and Music: Chris Llewellyn and Gareth Gilkeson. Text and Music: © 2020 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Every Move I Make. Text and Music: David Ruis. Text and Music: ©1996 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music) Vineyard Songs Canada (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 14:1-14, 1 Peter 2:2-10 | When considering our journey of faith, some of us may be able to point to specific places or spaces where we sensed the presence of Christ. These experiences are important and are a gift. But even beyond these specific experiences, we are promised that to dwell with Jesus, we don’t need to be in a specific place. Rather, by Christ’s death and resurrection, and by the power of the Spirit, Jesus has created a space for us to dwell in God within our very selves. Join us for worship this weekend as we offer a blessing to our high school graduates, as we remember God’s promise to dwell with us wherever we find ourselves, and as we let ourselves be built into a dwelling place for the sake of others.

Sunday, May 7, 2023, 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. Prelude: Higher Ground. Text and Music: Mark Leslie Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Hallelujah! Jesus Lives. Text: Carl B. Garve, 1763-1841; tr. Jane L. Borthwick, 1813-1897, alt. Music: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812-1887. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Come, Thou Almighty King. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Chosen People. Text and Music by Bread Without Cost. Shared via breadwithoutcost.com as a free download. Sending Song: You Are The Way. Text and Music: Christi Smith, Patrick Smith, Steve Angrisano, Tom Tomaszek. Text and Music: ©2002 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 10:1-10 | We “know” the voices of those close to us. At the same time, we caution our children not to listen to the voices of strangers. So then, how do we heed the voice of Jesus as our shepherd? Especially when that voice may still seem a bit foreign, or difficult to decipher? Join us for worship as together we practice listening for the voice of our Good Shepherd and as we are given the opportunity to trust and believe, leading us into abundant life.

Sunday, April 30, 2023, 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 Prelude: Christ Arose! Text and Music: Robert Lowry. Text and Music: Public Domain. Are You Washed in the Blood? Text and Music: Elisha A. Hoffmann. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song: I Know That My Redeemer Lives! Text: Samuel Medley, 1738-1799, alt. Music: attr. John Hatton, d. 1793. Text and Music: © OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us. Text: attr. Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847. Music: William B Bradbury, 1816-1868. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Text and Music: Charles C. Converse. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Shepherd Me, O God. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950, based on Psalm 23. Text and Music: © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises. Text and Music: South African; Freedom Is Coming, 1984, Anders Nyberg. Text and Music: © 1984 Walton Music. Covered under One License subscription.

.

Luke 24:13-35 | Have you ever been looking for something for hours, only to realize it was right in front of you all along? It’s mind-boggling how our perspective may be jaded by our expectations and how significant a fresh perspective may be. As we continue into the season of Easter, today we join with two of Christ’s disciples on the road who, initially, were kept from recognizing Jesus. But, by remaining on the journey and staying with Christ, eventually their eyes were opened, and they recognized their hearts were burning within them the entire time. Venturing forth onto our own journeys of faith, we invite you to join us as together we experience the presence of Christ through the Eucharist, and as open ourselves to the unexpected ways and places that Christ reveals himself to us.

Sunday, April 23, 2023, 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. Prelude: Flow River Flow. Text and Music: Bob Hurd. Text and Music:© 1986 OCP. Sing a New Song. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1972 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! Text: Herbert F. Brokering, b. 1926. Music: David N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Text: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1969 Contemporary Worship I, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Day of Arising. Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953. Music: Carl F. Schalk, b. 1929. Text: © 1996 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Near the Cross. Text and Music: William Doane, Lloyd Larson. Text and Music:© 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation.  Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: In Christ Alone. Text and Music: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend. Text and Music: © 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: To Be Alive. Text and Music: Larry Olson and David Lee Brown. Text and Music: © 1993 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription.

John 20:19-31 | On the second Sunday of Easter, we return to 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 16, 2023, 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. Prelude: Children’s Song Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane D Leeson, 1807-1882, alt. Music: Robert Williams, 1781-1821. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. Text: Joachim Neander, 1650-1690; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt. Music: Ernewerten Gesangbuch, Part II, Stralsund, 1665. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Brightest and Best. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music:© 2007 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription Sending Song: The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done. Text: Symphomia Sirenum, Köln, 1695; tr, Francis Pott, 1832-1909. Music: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594;arr. William H. Monk, 1823-1889. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 20:1-18 | Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! As we gather on this Easter Sunday, we exclaim with joy the news that Christ’s life is our life. But on that first Easter, as Mary went to the tomb, she wasn’t seeking life. She was seeking a body. And yet, as she remained at the tomb, and as she encountered Christ himself, her journey of seeking as transformed, sending her forth from the tomb on a whole new trajectory. Join us this morning as we once again hear the news of Christ’s resurrection and are sent forth to continue our journeys of seeking in the light of Christ’s promises.

Sunday, April 9, 2023, 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. Prelude: Prelude and Fugue in G Minor. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Text and Music: Public Domain. Prelude and Fugue in F Major. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song: 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 Alive! Let Christians Sing. Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936. Music: T. Williams, Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789. Text: © 1975, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Prelude and Fugue in C Major. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Now the Green Blade Rises. Text: John MacLeod Campbell Crum, 1872-1958.  Music: French carol. Text: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Come, Christians Join to Sing. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One LicenseI subscription. My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One LicenseI 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. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 | Have you ever cut off a dry branch from a tree? Or, seen a dead plant that didn’t make it through the winter? There comes a point when something is beyond hope for revival. Death, whether we like it or not, surrounds us. And yet, in our last week before entering Holy Week, we witness the power of God’s Spirit bringing life to that which was once dead. Join us as we acknowledge our own weakness, and as we seek the hope of Christ that will stir in us and sustain us.

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 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. Prelude: Come Alive. Text and Music: Lauren Daigle. Text and Music: © Wave Music. Gathering Song: What Wondrous Love Is This. Text: North American folk hymn, 19th cent., alt. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Paul J. Christiansen, 1914-1997, alt. Text and Music: © 1955 Augsburg Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Send Your Spirit to Set Us Free. Text and Music: Barbara Hamm. Text and Music: © 2008 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Communion Song: Spirit Song. Text and Music: John Wimber. Text and Music: © 1979 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Surely The Presence Of The Lord. Text and Music: Lanny Wolfe. Text and Music: © 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing. 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. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

John 9:1-41 | This week in our Gospel passage we meet a man born blind. Upon seeing this man, the disciples ask Jesus, “who sinned, this man or this man’s parents, that he was born blind?” The question is off-base, and laden with judgment and assumptions. Unfortunately, after Jesus heals this man born blind, this man is subjected to even further interrogation by those who do not receive his testimony. For us, today, even without realizing it, we may carry assumptions that harm our relationship with God and with those around us. As we continue our journey of seeking, join us as we confront the assumptions we hold and as we open ourselves to receive the gift God has for us.

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 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. Prelude: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Text and Music: Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2002 Pilot Point Music. Covered under One License subscription. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded. Text and Music: Hans Leo Hassler. Text and Music: © 2007 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Our Father, We Have Wandered. Text: Kevin Nichols, 1929-2006. Music: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text: © 1981 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We Come with Questions. Text: Anna Strickland (2022). Music: Erneuerten Gesangbuch (1665); harm. W. Sterndale Bennett (19th cent.) Text: © Anna Strickland, 2021. Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Offering Song: In Breaking of the Bread. Text and Music: Bob Hurd. Text and Music: © 2006 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Broken Body of Christ. Text: Lenora Rand. Music: Gary Rand. Text and Music: © 2019 Plural Guild Music. Covered under A Sanctified Art LLC subscription. Sending Song: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. Text: John Newton, 1725-1807, akt., sts. 1-4; anonymous, st. 5. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Edwin O. Excel, 1851-1921, alt. Text and Music: Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.