Category: Worship Services

Matthew 6:7-15 | Prayer. It’s foundational to Christian discipleship; it’s something we are encouraged to do throughout Scripture; and it’s something we practice often in worship. But what, after all, is prayer? And why recite the Lord’s Prayer – a prayer that is thousands of years old? Join us this weekend as we explore the nature of prayer, and as we open ourselves to the will of God.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, Eighth 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. Prelude: This Is My Father’s World. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Text: Joseph Scriven, 1820-1886. Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918. Text and Music: Public Domain. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying. Text and Music: Ken Medema. Text and Music: © 1973 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart. Text and Music: Frederick Atkinson and Mark Hayes. Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Your Will Be Done On Earth – Mayenziwe. Text: South African, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Music: South African traditional, as taught by Gobingca George Mxadana; trans. John Bell b. 1949. Music: © 1990 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Mark 6:1-13 | As Jesus continued his ministry, eventually, he returned to his hometown. But rather than the people being proud of their “hometown boy,” the people were offended by Jesus. Today, it may sound strange to be “offended” by what Jesus teaches. But as we continue to follow Jesus as disciples, even we may be challenged to receive what Jesus communicates to us. So, trusting that Christ’s teaching is for the sake of true and abundant life for us and for the entire world, are we willing to receive Christ fully? And, are we willing to receive God’s gifts for us through others? Join us for worship as we receive Christ’s invitation given to us, and as we are commissioned to go forth as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, July 7, 2024, Seventh 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. Prelude: The Summons. Text: John Bell. Music: Traditional Scottish; arr. by John Bell. Text and Music: © 1987 and arr. © 1995 WGRG The Iona Community (Scotland), admin. by GIA Publications, Inc. Grace Alone. Text and Music: Scott Wesley Brown and Jeff Nelson (Eph. 2:8-10). Text and Music: © 1998 Maranatha! Music, admin. by The Copyright Co. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering: Would I Have Answered When You Called. Text: Herman G Stuempfle, Jr. Music: Traditional English melody. Text and Music: © 1997 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: As A Fire is Meant for Burning. Text: Ruth Duck. Music: From The Sacred Harp, 1844. Text: © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Make Me a Servant. Text and Music: Kelly Willard. Text and Music: © 1982 Willing Heart Music, admin. by Maranatha! Music ℅ The Copyright Co. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: His Strength Is Perfect. Text and Music: Steven Curtis Chapman, Jerry Salley. Text and Music: © 1988 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Songs (Admin, by Brentwood Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Greg Nelson Music & Sparrow Song (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: God’s Work, Our Hands. Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954.  Music: David N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Text: © 2019 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

2 Corinthians 8:7-15 | It may be easy to say, “we all are one in Christ.” Even across denominations, various ways of thinking, and a multitude of ways we live out our faith, we confess that we are bound together by our common confession in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. But when the rubber meets the road, what does that really mean? How are we – as individuals, as congregations, and as faith organizations – called to take up the generous undertaking of serving in God’s Kingdom? As Shepherd and New Era gather as one in worship, we invite you to join us this weekend as we hear Paul address the Corinthian church, urging them to look upon another community of faith with compassion, and as we hear the Spirit’s call to take up the work that God has already begun in our midst.

Sunday, June 30, 2024, Sixth 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. Prelude: America the Beautiful. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services All Rights Reserved. ASCAP. & Down to the River to Pray. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Text and Music: William Runyan & Thomas O Chisholm. Text and Music: © 1923, 1951 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We All Are One in Mission. Text and Music: Rusty Edwards, Finnish folk tune. Text and Music: © 1986 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Give Thanks. Text and Music: Henry Smith. Text and Music: © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Lord, You Give the Great Commission. Text and Music: Jeffery Rowthorn and Cyril V. Taylor. Text and Music: © 1978 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

Mark 4: 35-41 | “Stay calm,” we often tell kids after they’ve been hurt. Rationally, it makes sense, for it helps us treat their wounds. But even as adults, often, anxiety gets the best of us, making whatever is going on even worse. In the midst of challenging situations, questions of faith, let alone what we see happening in the church and the world around us, it may be tempting to become distressed. And yet, as we see in our Gospel passage this week, Jesus is already with us in the boat, and simply asks us to cry out to him and to calmly trust in God’s provision. Granted – easier said than done. But as we follow as Christ’s disciples, we will come to experience all that the Lord can do. So, whether you find yourself in calm or troubled waters, join us for worship as we seek the authority of our Teacher, and as once again we place our trust in Christ.

Sunday, June 23, 2024, Fifth 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. 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: Be Still and Know. Text: Psalm 4:6-10. Music: John L. Bell, b. 1949. Text and Music: © 1989 WGRG, Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: When the Storms of Life Are Raging. Text and Music: Charles A. Tindley, 1851-1933. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: We Have Heard the Joyful Sound. Text and Music: Mark Hayes, William J Kirkpatrick. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: I’ve Got Peace Like a River. Text and Music: Mark Hayes, Marvin Gaspard. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: My Life Flows On in Endless Song. Text and Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Text and Music: Public Domain.

Mark 4: 26-34 | As followers of Jesus, we believe that God’s Kingdom has come into this world through Jesus Christ. But now, today, how does that kingdom show up? And how is God’s kingdom spreading – into our hearts, our lives, and our communities? Join us for worship as we hear of the relentless persistence of God’s kingdom in our midst, and challenge ourselves to gather and nurture the beautiful bouquet of God’s presence…even if it looks like a bunch of weeds.

Sunday, June 16, 2024, Fourth 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. Prelude: Plow the Fields. Text: Matthias Claudius, 1740-1815; tr. Jane M. Campbell, 1817-1878, alt. Music: Johann A. P. Schultz, 1747-1800. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song: For the Fruit of All Creation. Text and Music: Fred Pratt Green. Text and Music: © 1970 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under CCLI  subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Build Us Up, Lord. Text and Music: Donna Hanna & Mark Glaeser. Text and Music: © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Faith of a Mustard Seed. Text and Music: Colten and Claudia May. Text and Music: © 2021 WorshipMob Recording Retreat. Sending Song: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Mark 3:20-35 | Have you ever been called crazy for something you’ve done? Or, something you’re about to do? We may use the word “crazy” rather flippantly in our lingo, but for Jesus, when he was labeled as being “crazy” – or “out of his mind” – this had implications. Based on what Jesus was doing, and what he was about to do, he was being labeled as crazy because people thought he was possessed by the ruler of the demons. Today, we assert that Jesus is controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit, giving him, and all the world life. But now, as people who follow Jesus, what are we controlled by? Join us for worship this weekend as we consider what we are choosing to do – or not to do – and as we realign ourselves with Christ and Christ’s mission in the world.

Sunday, June 9, 2024, Third 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. Prelude:Prelude: Christian We Have Met to Worship. 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 (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI  subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text and Music: John Bell. Text and Music: © 1987 Iona Community/WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Spirit of the Living God. Text and Music: Jacob Sooter and Mia Fieldes. Text and Music: © 2014 All Essential Music, Be Essential songs, HBC Worship Music, Tempo Music Investments (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lord Reign In Me. Text and Music: Brenton Brown. Text and Music: © 1996 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire), administered by Integrity. Covered under One License subscription.

Isaiah 43:16-19 | At the heart of the Christian message is the truth that, through Jesus Christ, death is not the final word. Instead, even in the midst of death, new life springs forth. So how is that new life springing forth among us? And, how and where is God doing a new thing in our lives, in our world, and in our church? Join us this morning for worship as we hear from Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and as lay leaders from Shepherd lead us in worship. 

Sunday, June 2, 2024, 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. Prelude: Come, Join the Dance of Trinity. Text: Richard Leach, b. 1953. Music: English folk tune. Music: ©2001 Shelah Publishing Co., Inc. & Crashing Waters at Creation. Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Music: attr. Christian F. Witt, 1660-1716; adapt. Henry J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. & Waterlife. Text and Music: Handt Hanson. Text and Music: © 1991 Prince of Peace Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Baptized in Water. Text and Music: Michael Saward. Text and Music: © 1982 The Jubilate Group. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Listen, God is Calling. Text and Music: Howard S. Olson. Text and Music: © 1993 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: You Are Not Alone. Text and Music: Jon Ailabouni. Recorded from the Southeastern Synod Assembly. Sending Song: This Little Light of Mine. Music: African American spiritual arr. Horace Clarence Boyer. Text: African American spiritual. Music: © 1992 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

John 3:1-17 | Together, across denominations, Christians confess their faith in the Triune God – 3-in-1 and 1-in-3. Throughout history, so many have attempted to explain the Trinity. But the Trinity was never something to be explained, nor understood. The Trinity is built on relationship; and as such, the Trinity is not only a reflection of God, but is an invitation for us to participate in relationship with our Lord. So, as we move into the summer months, we invite you to join us as we heed the wind of the Spirit that’s drawing us into encounters with Jesus, and as we are infused with love and life, sending us forth to live, and serve, in Christ’s love.

Sunday, May 26, 2024, Holy Trinity 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: Just As I Am Without One Plea. Text and Music: William Bradbury, arr. Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! Text: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826, alt. Music: John B. Dykes, 1823-1876. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Come Join the Dance of Trinity. Text: Richard Leach, b. 1953. Music: English folk tune. Text: © 2001 Selah Publishing Co., Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription.
Offering Song: Breathe on Me, Breath of God. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2009 Lorenz Publishing Company (admin. by Music Services). Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Spirit of the Living God. Text and Music: Jacob Sooter & Mia Fieldes. Text and Music: © 2014 All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, HBC Worship Music, Tempo Music Investments (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Go, My Children, with My Blessing. Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, b. 1919, alt. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Text: © 1983 Concordia Publishing House. Music: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription.

Acts 2:1-21 |On the day of Pentecost, the rush of a violent wind filled the place where thousands had gathered in Jerusalem, filling the people with the Holy Spirit. Some of the people there were Jews who’d traveled to celebrate the festival of Pentecost, others were there as a part of the city’s commerce, and still others were there obeying Jesus’ command to remain in the city until the Spirit came upon them. But for everyone present, this event was a surprise, and interrupted everything going on. So when we consider the work of the Spirit in our lives and in the church today, does the Spirit still interrupt us? And, if the Spirit does interrupt us, are we willing to be interrupted – and transformed – for the sake of our life and the life of the world? Join us for worship as we pray for the Spirit to come upon us, and as we are filled with God’s breath of life, sending us forth into God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 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. Prayers and liturgy adapted by A. Kenitzer from Rev. Adrian White | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org Prelude: I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2020 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation.  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: Come Alive (Dry Bones). Text and Music: Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren. Text and Music: © 2012 CentricSongs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) See You At the Pub (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Curb Congregation Songs (Admin. by Curb Music Publishing Remaining portion is unaffiliated. 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.

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 1; John 17:6-19 | Forty days after the resurrection of Jesus, the church celebrates the ascension of our Lord. Though the ascension is often perceived as Jesus “leaving us,” quite the opposite is transpiring in this event. Jesus, in his ascension, is passing off the baton to us, as his disciples, to continue his work within the world. So how do we continue Christ’s work? Even as we await the energy of the Spirit, sending us forth? Join us for worship this weekend as we hear from Scripture what it means to carry forth the baton of Jesus, confident that Jesus, our Lord, reigns over all things.

Sunday, May 12, 2024, 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: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing!. Text: Bede, 673-735;tr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: Geistliche Kirchengesäge, 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. Text and Music: © 1966 F. E. L. Publications, assigned 1991 to The Lorenz Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Jesus Loves the Little Children. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: What a Friend We Have In Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Crown Him With Many Crowns. Text: Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894, sts. 1-3, 5; Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903, st. 4. Music: George J. Elvey 1816-1893. Text and Music: Public Domain.