Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

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Worship: Thirsty

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.

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Blog: With the wind? Or, against it?

This past Sunday, we heard the story of Nicodemus seeking Jesus in the middle of the night. Under the cloak and comfort of darkness, Nicodemus had the courage to honestly seek Jesus, to ask questions, and to allow his perspective to be changed…leading him to begin again. 

As Nicodemus left that encounter, much must’ve been going through his mind. But one concrete choice Nicodemus had was this: to decide whether he would be willing to get in the flow of the Spirit as he went on his way.

Whether running, cycling, or sailing, it makes a difference to go with the wind rather than against it. It takes an exorbitant amount of energy to go into the head on. And yet, how often do we do that with the wind of the Holy Spirit? Rather than allowing the Spirit to “blow where it chooses,” (John 3:8) how often do we try to control what the Spirit does? Or, control where the Spirit might blow us on our journeys of seeking? 

This Lent, we have an opportunity. Much like Nicodemus, we have the opportunity to seek out Jesus, to allow ourselves to be born again, and to get in the flow of the Spirit. We can dictate our own journeys as much as we want. But it’ll demand much, much more work from us. So why not get in the flow and allow the Spirit to lead us: to whatever it is we are seeking, or wherever it is we are to go? 

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Worship: Born Again

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.

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Blog: Who will you listen to?

Before reading any further, consider: how many words have you already come across today? One step further, how many words have you already come across this week? 

In seminary, one of my required books to read as a part of a preaching course was entitled The End of Words. The thrust of the books’ message was this: we are bombarded by words everyday, and yet the church throws more words at us. So what makes the words of Christ any different?  The answer: that our words  – not only as preachers, but as people of faith – are to point to the voice of Christ, who points us to the eternal Word. 

So this week, as you consider what what you listening to, also consider what words you are adding into the mix. All of us are swimming in a sea of verbiage. So as you add your words to the mix this week, consider how your words may be an aid to someone seeking on their journey of faith. Consider how your words may open the door to further conversation, creating space for another to experience the Word of Christ. And consider how your words may exemplify acceptance and love…something just about everyone can stand to use a bit more of. It is only Christ who is the Word of God. But as people made in God’s image, you too bear God’s redeeming Word to all the world.

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Worship: The Voices of Solitude and Community

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.

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Worship: An Honest Start

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.

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Remember You Are Dust

Wednesday evening, Lent begins with an invitation to be honest with ourselves and with God. In worship, we’ll recall the ways that we have sinned against God and each other and will receive the mark of ashes – reminding us that we are dust and to dust we shall return. 

In some ways, it may seem strange to begin a journey of seeking by admitting our sin, our mortality, our limits, and our failings. When beginning a journey, it’s best to be confident and secure, right? 

One would think so. But as we begin this Lenten journey of seeking, we begin by being honest with ourselves, with each other, and with God. Honest about our sin. Honest about our brokenness. Honest about our desires. Honest about our prayer. Honest about our intention. Honest about the questions we carry. Honest about what we seek.

If you haven’t made plans to join us for worship Wednesday evening, February 22 at 7:00pm, I hope you do. Consider this a marked time to “reset” before embarking on a collective journey into Lent. If you’re not able to make it to worship, but would still like to receive the imposition of ashes, please, contact me and I would be happy to meet you at your convivence. 

As you prepare for the coming season, Shepherds, receive the first verse of one of our hymns for Ash Wednesday as a blessing:

Bless sojourners and pilgrims who share this winding way;
your hope burns through the terrors, your love sustains the day.
We yearn for holy freedom while often we are bound;
together we are seeking the road where faith is found.
(ELW 326, verse 2)

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Blog: Preparing for the Journey

Before you go on a trip, you pack a suitcase with the clothes you’ll need. 
Before you go on a hike, you fill a water bottle and grab an energy bar. 
And before you enter new territory, you consult a map. 

Before setting out on a journey, it isn’t uncommon to prepare. So, why should our journey of Lent be any different? 

This coming Sunday, February 19, our GOLF Night (starting at 4:00 pm) will be geared toward helping us “pack our bags” for the season of Lent.  Though GOLF has often been geared toward families with kiddos, we’re especially inviting those participating in Midweek Lenten Gatherings to also join us as we begin to consider what we’re seeking this Lent. 

The first part of our time will be spent together with adults and kids (we’ll be burning last years’ palms in preparation for Ash Wednesday!) and then we’ll break into appropriate groups. Kids will engage in various activities to learn about what the season of Lent is about and why it matters.

I, along with our Worship and Music Team and Education Team, hope you’ll join us as we begin our journey of seeking this Lent. Though we may not always recognize exactly what we’re seeking, in the journey there is always something more waiting to be discovered. 

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Worship: Jesus and Traffic Lights

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.

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Blog: Seeking

Last summer, I was invited to go mushroom hunting. Having never done so, I had no clue what to expect, and I needed the expert guidance of someone who knew what those little ‘shrooms looked like. At first, I was a bit tentative about this whole escapade because, often, it’s my natural tendency to set out on a journey with a very clear, designated path with a distinct destination. But as I started off into the woods, I found that hunting – seeking – mushrooms was oddly freeing. I wasn’t constrained by certain expectations of what I thought I was “supposed” to find, or by a spelled out road map of where I was going to go, or even by what I “thought” my experience was going to be. Instead, I was simply on the journey, seeking whatever it was that was to be found. 

In our lives, it’s likely that we often find ourselves seeking “something.” At times, we may be able to distinctly name what it is that we are seeking: clarity, connection, wonder, justice, balance, healing. But sometimes, we may not be able to name what we’re seeking. All we know is that there’s got to be something more out there…and simply being on the journey is enough. 

Well, this Lent, we invite you into such a journey of seeking. The point of our Lenten journey won’t be to “get” to a certain place, or to come away with a certain answer, or to have a prescribed “experience.” Instead, the point of our journey – individually and collectively – will be to seek, to explore, and to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life and into the heart of God. 

By now, you may have heard about our upcoming Midweek Lenten Gatherings. These gatherings will be an intentional time to gather with God and with one another in Scripture, prayer, and conversation. It is our hope that these gatherings create a safe space for you to seek that “something more” that God has out in the woods for you. 

I, along with our Worship and Music Team, encourage you to consider joining us. And, to jump start our journey, consider joining us for our February GOLF Night when we’ll have a chance to look toward the coming season together. Take a look below for more information, and in the meantime, consider your own journey of faith….and journey of seeking. Because somewhere out in the woods, there’s still something more waiting to be discovered.