Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

Worship: Who’s on your doorstep?

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date September 25, 2022

Luke 16:19-31 | Wake up in the morning. Start a cup of coffee. Get the kids off to school. Show up for work. Get the job done. Go home to (hopefully) grab some food. Offer your time to community organizations and/or your family in the evening. Go to bed. Repeat. Sound familiar? Perhaps your daily routine is a bit different, depending on your life circumstance. Regardless, after a while, our rhythms may begin to blind us to people around us…sometimes people whom God has placed right at our doorsteps. Whether you feel as though you’re able to see those around you, or have become a bit blind to others, join us for worship as we hear a parable from Jesus – urging us to be attentive to others around us and commissioning us to give generously from what God has first given us.

Sunday, September 25, 2022, Sixteenth 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: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. We Are Called. Text and Music: David Haas. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Have You Thanked the Lord Today? Text and Music: Bill LaMotta, 1919-1980. Text and Music: © Bill (Wilbur) LaMotta. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Canticle of the Turning. Text: Rory Cooney, b. 1952, based on the Magnificat. Music: Irish traditional. Text: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: When the Poor Ones. Text: Jose Antonio Olivar, b. 1939; tr. Martin A. Sltz, b. 1951. Music: Miguel Manzano, b. 1934. Words and Music: © 1971, 1998 J. A. Olivar, Miguel Manzano, and San Pablo International – SSP, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Shall We Gather at the River . Text and Music: Robert Lowry. Words and Music: © 2014 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Build a Longer Table. Text: David Bjorlin, b. 1984. Music: French carol. Text and Music: © 2018 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Make Me An Instrument. Words and Music: Larry Olson and Karol Baer. Words © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Uncategorized

Blog: Looking to Dive into God’s Word?

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date September 20, 2022

Have you ever felt the desire to engage with God’s Word, but not know where to start? Or, when looking at your schedule, do you ever feel overwhelmed with the thought of putting one more thing in the day? You’re not alone!

This past weekend, as a part of our Bible Blessing Sunday, we shared a list of apps that provide short daily opportunities to get into Scripture. Take a look below and try out a few of the apps to see what you (and/or your family!) like best! All apps available for Android and Apple phones.

Apps for Adults

1. You Version Bible | A free Bible app to look up Scripture passages and engage in various Bible studies and devotionals. Possible to be notified each day for a verse of the day. Download on Apple Store or Google Play.

2. The BibleProject | A free app that equips you to see the Bible’s larger story. Videos, podcasts, and reading plans in the app. Material can be read or listened to. Download on Apple Store or Google Play or view online.

2. Lectio 365 | A free daily devotional, with morning and evening devotions (about 10 minutes), that helps you pray the Bible. Devotion can be read or listened to. Download on Apple Store or Google Play.

4. Everyday Sanctuary | A free app that offers a simple 5-minute spiritual practice, including time to reflect on a short verse, offer gratitude, and close in prayer. Material is read. Download on Apple Store or Google Play.

Apps for Children and Family

1. Bible App for Kids | A free children’s version of the YouVersion Bible app. Includes interactive activities and videos to help kids explore the big stories of the Bible. Download on Apple Store or Google Play.

2. God for Kids Family Devotional | A free app that that features interactive games to get to know key stories of the Bible. Aimed for preschoolers and kids under 10. Download on Apple Store or Google Play.

Worship Services

Worship: Living in the Living Word

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date September 18, 2022

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Isaiah 55:10-13 | An average person encounters 20,000 – 30,000 words each day. With so many words floating around us, it’s no wonder that, at times, we don’t fully comprehend some words, nor have the desire to listen to every word! So then, why commit ourselves to engaging with even more words in the Bible? Regardless of your relationship with God’s Word, join us for worship as we hear God’s promise to cast the Word far and wide, and as we commit ourselves to get a little messy as we wrestle with what God’s Word means for us, today.

Sunday, September 18, 2022, Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Uncategorized

Blog: A Part of the 99, or the 1?

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date September 12, 2022

Growing up, I somehow caught the message that parables of Jesus were meant to have one meaning, one moral teaching, one point. However, the longer I’ve explored Scripture, and the way that rabbis taught during the time of Jesus, I’ve re-examined this assumption. Though my black-and-white mind wants to approach parables in such a way, the truth is that parables are meant to challenge us and leave us with multiple interpretations. Further, parables are meant to allow each of us to enter into Scripture where we’re at.

This past Sunday, we heard the parable of the sheep in which 99 remain, but 1 goes astray. During worship, we explored how each of us are less like shepherds (ironic, given how often I refer to you all as “Shepherds”) and are more like sheep. But even as a sheep, it likely varies from time to time if we see ourselves as a part of the 99 that remain in the fold with the shepherd, or if we see ourselves as the 1 lone sheep that went astray. If we’re honest, we’ve been both…and perhaps are both at the same time. But where we find ourselves in the parable, at this moment, may lead us to take something different away from this story.

So this week, I encourage you to re-engage with the parable one more time. If you find yourself resonating with the 1 sheep who is lost, confess your lost-ness to God and trust that God will seek you wherever you are. Or, if you find yourself resonating with the clump of 99 sheep, consider how you may be called to offer yourself to those around you who may feel lost…or to rejoice with those who are joining the fold of God’s keeping.

Consider diving in…one more time. And consider examining where you see yourself – in relationship with God, with yourself, and with others. And from that time of devotion and prayer, trust that wherever you find yourself, together, we are the people of God’s pasture and the sheep of God’s hand (Psalm 95:6-7).

Worship Services

Worship: Lost and Found

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date September 11, 2022

Luke 15:1-10, Psalm 51:1-10 | In the era in which driving with a GPS is the norm, the chance of getting lost is greatly diminished because of a computer system constantly “re-calculating” where you are. But in our lives, we might not always feel as though we have a clear GPS guiding us, and more often than we care to admit, we may feel a bit lost. Whether you feel as though you’re right on track, or have completely lost your way, join us for worship as we hear God’s promise to persistently seek after us and as we are commissioned to dedicate ourselves one to another.

Sunday, September 11, 2022, Fourteenth 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: Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Music: Doris Akers, 1922-1995. Music: © 1953 Doris Akers, admin. Unichappell Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Christ, Be Our Light. Text and Music: Bernadette Farrell, b. 1957. Music: © 1993 Bernadette Farrell, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: God Is Here!. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Music: Cyril V. Taylor, 1907-1991. Text: © 1979 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 1942, ren. 1970 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. Text and Music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909. Words and Music: © OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: The King of Love My Shepherd Is. Text: Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877. Music: Irish tune. Words and Music: © OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Change My Heart, O God. Text and Music: Eddie Espinosa, b. 1953. Text and Music: © 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, admin. Music Services. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Go Now. Words and Music: Hans Peterson and Larry Olson. Words © 2006 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Worship Services

Worship: Follow Me

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date June 26, 2022

Luke 9:51-62 |”Follow me,” Jesus says. Often, Christians may refer to themselves as “followers of Jesus.” But what does that mean about how we live our lives? And who we are? Join us for worship as we hear Christ’s call to walk in discipleship, and as we led toward God’s gift of life. Special thanks to Pastor Bill Runaas for supplying at Shepherd of the Cross this weekend.

Sunday, June 26, 2022, Third Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgements: 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 Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: Joel Raney. Text and Music: © 2011 Hope Publishing Company. River of Glory. Text and Music: Dan Shutte. Text and Music: © 1991 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Hymn: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me. Text: Julie von Hausmann, 1825-1901; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: Fredrich Silcher, 1789-1860. Text and Music: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949. Music: Scottish traditional. Test and Music: © 1987 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Just a Closer Walk with Thee. Text and Music: North American traditional. Public Domain. In the Breaking of the Bread (The Summons). Text and Music: John Bell, b.1949. Text and Music: © 1987 Iona Community/WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Music: Doris Akers, 1922-1995. Text and Music: © 1953 Doris Akers, admin. Unichappell Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Uncategorized

Blog: A Bigger Pot

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date June 16, 2022

Along with many in the Muscatine community, recently I took my annual pilgrimage to the local greenhouse to purchase a selection of vegetables and flowers. Carefully transferring these delicate samplings into my car and then into the ground, I was proud of myself creating an environment for those little guys to grow. Taking a step back, it baffled me to think that, by the end of the summer, those thin samplings would emerge into full-blown plants needing cages to support them!

Dusting off my gloves, I made my way inside. But as I was grabbing a glass of water in the kitchen, my eye caught a succulent in a small, small pot. The succulent was a gift from a friend, given years ago, and clearly, the plant had outgrown the pot. For quite some time, repotting the plant had been an item on my to-do list. But I’d been stalling. It takes work to re-pot, I told myself. It takes time. It takes energy. And it takes new materials to work with. So, with all those excuses, for months that little succulent had stayed in a miniature pot even though it truly, truly needed something bigger.

But alas, after tending to plants outside, I recognized that maybe it was time to create a better environment for my plants inside. So, with a trip to the basement for a bigger pot, and a trip to Menards to get the right potting soil, that little succulent finally got a better home. And lo and behold, in the short time since that succulent has been in a bigger pot, the growth I’ve witnessed has been nothing short of mind-boggling.

Cleaning up my materials, it made me wonder about the times in our lives in which we keep ourselves in a smaller pot than we really need. We might recognize that something needs to change, that we’re settling, or that we need something “more” to really grow. But that takes extra work. Extra time. Extra energy. And, sometimes, other supplies or tools than we currently have at our disposal. So, we make excuses. Other things, or other people, need our attention, we tell ourselves.

But here’s the thing: when we finally allow ourselves to be replanted in a bigger pot, there’s often a heck of a lot of growth. So much so that it’s mind-boggling.

So as you look to the summer, I encourage you to consider if there are ways in which you are keeping yourself in a smaller pot than you really need in order to grow. Might there be parts of your life that need to be re-potted? Where are you feeling constricted? Where are you playing it “small”?

Just like those small samplings at our local greenhouses are not meant to stay six inches tall, you also are not meant to remain the same. You were created to grow and to thrive. So seek out those extra supplies and tools if you need ‘em and get your hands a little dirty. Because the result might very well be mind-boggling growth.

Worship Services

Midweek Worship: Brazen Act of Beauty

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date April 7, 2022

John 12:1-8 | Before entering Holy Week, we join with Mary as she anoints Jesus’ feet. Experiencing this story for ourselves, in our midweek worship we will be invited into a different form of meditation reading and prayer. Join us as we humbly come before Jesus in thanksgiving, love, and adoration.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Midweek Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgements: Music covered under 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.
Holden Evening Prayer: Text and Music: Marty Haugen Procession of Light: Text and Music: © 1990, 2016 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Evening Hymn: © 1990, 2016 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Evening Thanksgiving: © 1990, 2016 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Psalmody: © 1990, 2016 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer

Worship Services

Worship: An Invitation has Arrived…for You

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date December 25, 2021

Luke 2:1-20 | Throughout the season of Advent, we were invited to come home, coming home to each other, and coming home to Christ. Hearing the Christmas story yet again this year, it’s clear that each character also received an invitation to be a part of God’s purposes in the world. That is, except one person: Jesus, the Son of God. God never received an invitation to come to us, and yet, out of love, God didn’t wait. God came to us because he knew we needed his presence, his mercy, his love, and his forgiveness. So now that Christ has come, now we are given an invitation to come home to our Lord. Join us for worship as the characters of our live nativity lead us through various invitations given long ago—and still given today—as we ponder our invitation to be a part of God’s purposes in the world.

Worship Bulletin: Christmas Eve

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under 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 Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem. Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893. Music: ST. LOUIS, Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908. Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Away in a Manger. Text: North American, 19th cent. Music: James R Murray, 1841-1905. Public Domain. Communion Song 1: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly. Text: Polish carol; tr. Edith M. G. Reed, 1885-1933, alt. Music: W ŻŁOBIE LEŻY, Polish carol. Public Domain. Communion Song 2: What Child Is This. Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898. Music: GREENSLEEVES, English ballad, 16th cent. Public Domain. Sending Song: Silent Night. Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885. Music: STILLE NACHT, Franz Gruber, 1787-1863. Public Domain. Prayers were written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer

Worship Services

Worship: All Things New

Post author By Pastor Aleese Kenitzer
Post date November 8, 2021

John 11:32-44, Revelation 21:1-6a | Once a year the church pauses to remember the saints—not just those who are “perfect”—but all God’s children who have been named claimed, and chosen as saints through the gift of baptism. But just as much as we remember the communion of all the saints that we join, we also remember a truth that is often shoved under the rug: the reality of death. Death lurks all around us and even with us. Yet, even though death may seem inevitable, in Christ, we are promised that something else is inevitable: resurrection. Join us for worship as we are promised that all things are made new, even now, sending us forth to live in the life of Christ.

All Saints Day Worship Bulletin

Acknowledgments: Music covered under CCLI License #1141706, One License #738138-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.