Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

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Worship: Who are you looking for?

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.

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Blog: Holy Week: A Hymn With Four Stanzas

Each year, we remember the story of our Lord’s death and resurrection: the only story that satisfies whatever we find ourselves seeking. But why do we experience Holy Week every year? And why are we encouraged to observe each day of Holy Week?

Think of it this way: Holy Week is a song that we get to sing only once a year. We anticipate it. We relearn familiar parts. And from year to year, we may discover new harmonies to add. Though it is the same song, each time we approach this story, we find a new layer, a new dimension, a new way in which we are touched by God’s grace. 

And in this song, there are four distinct stanzas. Each are important, and each add their own layer of meaning and purpose. Without the first stanza, the second stanza wouldn’t make sense. And without the second stanza, the third stanza wouldn’t make sense. The point being: without each unique stanza of the song, it would be as if we would be missing a key part of the song….a key part of the story. 

So this week, though it may seem odd to devote so much time to worship, I encourage you to dedicate yourself to worship on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Come and sing this song with us that we sing only once a year, and come discover a new layer or harmony as you once again experience the abundance of God’s grace. 

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Blog: A Foreshadowing of Easter

Before the snow hit this past weekend, I noticed a tiny crocus flower sticking its head through a pile of dead leaves remaining from last fall. Leaning down, this simple sign of spring – of new life coming through the dead and decaying matter from last year – made me smile. It gave me hope that, alas, spring would come…soon. 

This past Sunday in worship, it’s as if we were given a tiny crocus flower sticking its head through the barrenness of Lent. In our Scripture readings, we heard two stories foreshadowing the coming life of Easter. In our Old Testament reading, Ezekiel prophesy to the valley of dry bones, and suddenly the bones were connected together, with sinews covering them. And with the breath of the Spirit, the bones came to life, walking on their own two feet. And in our Gospel reading, Jesus calls Lazarus to come forth from his tomb. Though still bound by strips of cloth, Lazarus experiences the resurrection that Jesus himself will experience. 

Both of these readings stare death in the face. And at the same time, both of these readings offer the hope, and the promise, of new life. 

So before launching into Holy Week next Sunday, take this last full week of Lent to take stock of what’s around you: where do you notice signs of death, and where do you experience “death”? And, where do you notice signs of resurrection, and where are you experiencing “resurrection”?

Much as we’d like to only focus on resurrection, death and resurrection go hand-in-hand. So challenge yourself to embrace both this week, as we hold onto the hope that indeed, Easter (and spring!) are coming soon. 

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Blog: The Danger of Assumptions

This past Sunday we heard the story of the healing of a man born blind. What awesome news! Or, one would think. But as we found out in our Gospel passage, after receiving his newfound sight, this man’s testimony was dismissed by everyone around him, leading him to be driven out of community.

Each time I read this story in preparation for Sunday, I empathized more and more with this man. Putting myself in his shoes, I recognized the true gift that Jesus had offered him. But I also recognized the disdain that this man received simply from the assumptions, judgments, and long-held beliefs that the Pharisees, the disciples, and his neighbors held so dearly. 

I’d like to say that I’m better than those people who ostracized this man. But I also know my sin. In the words of Peggy Hahn, “We can be so fast to resist someone who doesn’t match our own worldview or who questions our own formation. We all know that feeling of ‘don’t rock the boat’, or ‘move the cheese’, or whatever analogy you prefer.” (click here to read Peggy’s full blog).

Like the characters in our Gospel story, we may have (seemingly) valid reasons for our resistance to a new idea, a new perspective, or a new experience of God. But the longer we uphold our assumptions and long-held beliefs as something that cannot – in any way shape or form – be changed, the longer we inhibit the healing that God desires to give to us, to our world, to our church, and to our neighbors. 

So this week, as we continue to dwell in this passage, consider what assumptions you carry. Where did those assumptions originate? Do any of those assumptions inhibit you, or your neighbor, from life? And if you’ve recognized that some assumptions were misguided, what caused you to change your mind? 

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Worship: The Blindness of Assumptions

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.

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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.