Category: Worship Services

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.

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.