Category: Worship Services

John 4:5-42 | This Lent we are focusing on the theme “seeking.” But in today’s Gospel passage, the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at a well wasn’t even aware of what she was seeking. Going through life, trying to keep up and cover the essentials, like the Samaritan woman we might not even be aware that we are seeking something more…let alone have a sense that there “could” be something more. But even then, Jesus comes to meet us; and seeing us for who we are, we have the opportunity to recognize for ourselves that which we are seeking, and we have the opportunity to receive Christ’s gift of living water. As we continue our sojourn through this sacred season, join us for worship as we allow Christ to see us as we are and as we allow Jesus to fill us with the world’s greatest elixir: a love that is better than life itself.

Sunday, March 12, 2023, 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. Prelude: Living Waters. Text and Music: Ed Cash, Kristyn Getty. Text and Music: © 2016 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: Come to the Water of Life. Text and Music: Ray Makeever. Text and Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty. Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns, 1985. Text: © 1992, 1996 Sisters of St. Benedict, St, Joseph, MN. Music: © 1985 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: The Cross Leads Home. Text and Music: Charles Gabriel. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: All Who Are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790, alt. Music: J. Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813. 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 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a | Beginnings are often associated with excitement and anticipation. But often, for there to be a beginning there is also an ending. In our readings today, we hear Jesus invite Nicodemus to begin again – or to be “born again”, and we hear God call Abram and Sarai to begin again as they leave their home, their family, and their land to seek what God has promised them. For Nicodemus, Abram, and Sarai, to embrace a new beginning was a risk. And yet, by doing so, they opened themselves to the fullness of God’s promises for them. As you find yourself on your own journey of seeking this Lent, join us for worship as we consider the beginnings God is calling us into, and as we dare to take the risk to begin again and be born again in God’s grace.

Sunday, March 5, 2023, 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. Prelude: More Love To Thee O Christ. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Spirit of the Living God. Text and Music: Daniel Iverson. Text and Music: © 1935. Renewed 1963 Birdwing Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: This is a Day of New Beginnings. Text: Brian Wren. Music: Carlton R. Young. Text: © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 1984, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual; arr. hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.  Communion Song: Amazing Love. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and Music: © 1986 Make Way Music, admin. Integrity Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Lowell Mason, Chris Tomlin, and Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music, Vamos Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. 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.

Matthew 4:1-11 | On any given day, so many voices surround us, beckoning for our attention. With an abundance of messages to listen to, as people of faith, from time to time we are beckoned to embrace the silence of the wilderness so that we may hear God’s voice for us. And yet, as people of faith, at times we may already find ourselves in the wilderness and are longing for a voice of encouragement to remind us of our identity in Christ and to remind us of God’s faithful provision. So whether you’re beginning this journey of seeking surrounded by a cacophony of sounds, or whether you’re beginning this journey mid-way into the wilderness, join us for worship as we embrace the need for solitude and the need for community as fellows pilgrims of our Lord.

Sunday, February 26, 2023, 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. Prelude: My Savior’s Love. Text and Music: Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. He Leadeth Me. Text and Music: Joseph H. Gilmore. Text and Music: Public Domain. All the Way My Savior Leads Me. Text and Music: Fanny J. Crosby & Robert Lowry. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song:If You But Trust in God to Guide You. Text and Music: Georg Neumark, 1621-1681. Text and Music: © 1978, 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Who will you listen to? Text: Anna Strickland. Music: Meyer Lyon. Text: © 2021 Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Here I Am, Lord. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1981 OCP. 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. 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.

Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 5:1-17 | Before going on a journey, it behooves us to be honest. Just as silly as it would be to set out on a journey of hundreds of miles with no gas and no gas station in sight, it also is deceptive for us to begin our journey of seeking without taking a moment to be honest with ourselves and honest with God. So as you begin your Lenten journey, join us as we offer ourselves honestly to God, as we confess our sin, as we turn in repentance, and as we receive the promise that even as scattered, broken, people we are forgiven by our God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Ash Wednesday 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, Be Our Light. Text and Music: Bernadette Farrell. Text and music: © 1993, 2020 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Opening Litany: O Lord, Hear My Prayer. Text: Psalm 102:1-2; Taizé Community, adapt. Music: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and music: © 1982, 1991 Le Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: O Lord Throughout These Forty Days. Text: based on Claudie F. Hernaman, 1838-1898; para. Gilbert E. Doan Jr., b. 1930. Music: A. Davisson, Kentucky Harmony, 1816;arr. Theodore A. Beck, 1929-2003. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Restor in Us, O God. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Music: Hal H Hopson, b. 1933. Text: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 1985 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Imposition of Ashes: We Are Called. Text and music: Mark Hayes, David Haas. Text and music © 2014 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Jesus Paid It All. Text and music: Mark Hayes, Marvin Gaspard. Text and music: © 2017 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription.
Communion Songs: Great Thanksgiving. Holy. Lamb of God. ELW Setting 4. Text and music © 1978, 2006: Ronald A Nelson, b. 1927. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Bless Now, O God, the Journey. Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Music: Welsh tune, 19th cent. Text: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Postlude: Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart. Contributors: Frederick Atkinson, Mark Hayes. Text and music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Prayers: Adapted from a prayer by Rev. Sarah A. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. by Rev. Aleese Kenitzer.

Matthew 17:1-9 | The old children’s Sunday School song – Love in a Box – suggests that God’s love, and God’s glory, can’t be contained. Yet, when Peter witnesses the glory of Jesus’ transfiguration, his first impulse is to encapsulate the moment by building three tents. Though Peter’s response may appear illogical, sometimes we also attempt to capture God’s glory in an attempt to “understand God” rather than living into the mystery – and perhaps even the questions – of our faith. As we look to the coming season of Lent, join us for worship as we are summoned to embrace the mystery of God and as we move forward – seeking Christ – on our journeys of faith.

Sunday, February 19, 2023, Transfiguration 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. Prelude: Majesty. Text and Music: Jack Hayford. Text and Music: © 1981 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: Great is the Lord. Text and Music: Michael W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith. Text and Music: © 1982 Meadowgreen Music, admin. EMI Christian Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: Come to the Mountain. Text: Scott Tunsth. Music: Kathy Donlan Tunseth. Text and Music: © 1996 Scott Tunseth and Kathy Donlan Tunseth. 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: Beautiful Savior. Text: Gesangbuch, Münster, 1677; tr. Joseph A. Seiss, 1823-1904. and Music: Silesian folk turn, 19th cent. Text and Music: Public Domain. and This is My Fathers World. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Shine, Jesus, Shine. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1987 Make Way Music, admin. Music Services in Western Hemisphere. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 5:21-37 | For many of us, we hop in a car on a daily basis, traveling from point A to point B. While driving, we may be in our own little world: listening to music, thinking about where we’re going, or planning out our day.  But all the while on the road, we also have a responsibility to other drivers. Much in the same way, Jesus teaches his disciples and the crowds in his Sermon on the Mount about the importance – and implications – of living with one another in God’s Kingdom. Join us this weekend for worship as we become aware of how we have – and haven’t – paid attention to those around us, and as we hop behind the wheel – taking the risk to live together in God’s kingdom come near.

Sunday, February 12, 2023, Sixth 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: Shall We Gather at the River. Text and Music: Robert Lowry. Text and Music: © 2014 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. & On Eagle’s Wings. Text and Music: Michael Joncas. Text and Music: © 1979 OCP. Covered under One License subscription.
Gathering Song: All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: Bind Us Together. Text and Music: Bob Gillman, b. 1946. Text and Music: © 1977 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering Song: My Savior’s Love. Text and Music: Charles Gabriel. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Will You Let Me Be Your Servant. Text and Music: Richard Gillard, b. 1953. Text and Music: © 1977 Scripture In Song, admin. Integrity Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 5:13-20 | Salt is likely the most common, most used, and oldest method of seasoning a dish while cooking. Though in America we are often cautioned to watch our salt intake, and not add too much salt to our food, salt has numerous benefits – especially as a natural preserver and flavor enhancer. So then what does it mean for Jesus to declare that we are the salt of the earth? Join us for worship as we receive our commissioning from Jesus to join in his mission, enhancing God’s Kingdom on earth.  

Sunday, February 5, 2023, Fifth 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: I Saw the Light. Text and Music: Hank Williams Sr. Text and Music: © 1948. Renewed 1975 Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. & Eye Has Not Seen. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.  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: Christ, Be Our Light. Text and Music: Bernadette Farrell, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1993 Bernadette Farrell, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light. Text and Music: Kathleen Thomerson. Text and Music: © 1970 Jubilate Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Go Light Your World. Text and Music: Chris Rice. Text and Music: © 1995 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Go, Make Disciples. Text and Music: Handt Hanson b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1996 Prince of Peace Publishing, Changing Church, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Micah 6:1-8 | What does the Lord require of you? Some might make a list of the things we’re “supposed” to do as followers of Jesus. But as we hear from the prophet Micah this morning, it’s actually quite simple: to remember what God has done and to remember our call to walk, and live, as God’s people. Join us for worship as we hear God’s call and as we are made new by the ever-faithful promises of our Lord.

Sunday, January 29, 2022, Fourth 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: Higher Ground. Text and Music: Hayes/Oatman. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporations. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: All My Relatives. Text and Music: Larry What does the Lord require of you? Some might make a list of the things we’re “supposed” to do as followers of Jesus. But as we hear from the prophet Micah this morning, it’s actually quite simple: to remember what God has done and to remember our call to walk, and live, as God’s people. Join us for worship as we hear God’s call and as we are made new by the ever-faithful promises of our Lord.Olson, Karol Baer. Text and Music: © 1992 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We are Called. Text and Music: David Haas, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Sunday Joy. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2021 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Songs: Let Us Go Now to the Banquet. Text and Music: Guillermo Cuéllar, b. 1955. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Lord of Justice. Text and Music: Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 4:12-23 | We follow the car in front of us. We follow a trend. We follow an inspiring person. We follow our parents. We follow Facebook pages, Instagram profiles, and TikTok reels. We follow so many things, ideas, and peoples. So then why do we follow Jesus? And why did Jesus’ first disciples decide to follow him? Join us for worship as we gather around the baptismal font, where our journey of discipleship begins, and as we are sent forth to claim Christ’s promises for ourselves.

Sunday, January 22, 2023, Third 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: A Place at the Table. Text and Music: Lori True. Text and Music: © 2001 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. 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. Music: Johann R. Ahle, 1625-1673. Text and Music: © OCP. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore. Text: Cesáreo Gabarián, 1936-1991; tr. Madeleine Forell Marshall, b.1946. Music: Cesáreo Gabarián. Text and Music: © 1979 Cesáreo Gabarián, OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: My Life Flows On. Text and Music: Robert Lowry, Curt Oliver. Text and Music: © 2005 Zimbel Press. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Songs: I Come with Joy. Text: Brian A. Wren, b.1936. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835. Text and Music: © 1971, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. You Are Mine. Text and Music: David Haas. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: River of Glory. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991 OCP. Covered under One License 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! 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.