Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

There are so many moments when life feels loud, when there are too many voices, too many opinions, too many directions pulling at us all at once. Moments when you just want clarity, when you just want to know which voice to trust. This Sunday, we hear Jesus speak in Gospel of John 10:1–10, calling himself the Good Shepherd and the gate. He reminds us that his sheep know his voice, not because we always get it right, but because he keeps calling us, again and again. In a world full of noise, we’re invited into the practice of discernment: learning to recognize the voice that leads not to fear or shame, but to grace, to life, and to belonging. The voice that doesn’t demand perfection, but offers abundant life as a gift. Join us for worship this weekend as we listen for the voice of Jesus, who knows us, calls us, and leads us home, even in the middle of the noise.

Sunday, April 26, 2026, Fourth Sunday of Easter

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering: I Know That My Redeemer Lives. Text: Samuel Medley, 1738-1799, alt. Music: attr. John Hatton, d. 1793. Text and Music: © Oregon Catholic Press. 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. Sending Song: What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine. Text: Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839-1919. Music: Anthony J. Showalter, 1858-1924. 1925-1980. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 24:13-35 | Whether you’re a weather buff or not, many of us rely on weather forecasts. And, at a certain point, when the forecast indicates a certain percentage of impending rain or storm, we expect it’ll rain, altering what we choose to do, or not to do, during the day. Expectations aren’t neutral; expectations influence our decisions and our actions. In the same way, the expectations of the early disciples as they walked along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus influenced their decisions and their action (or inaction). But in that journey, Jesus didn’t let them stay where they were. Jesus remained committed to them, staying with them, transforming their expectations and their trajectory forward. So as we continue our journey forth from the empty tomb into God’s good garden, join us as we remain with Jesus, and as Christ takes us beyond our expectations into the wonder of God’s vision for the world.

Sunday, April 19, 2026, Third Sunday of Easter

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. 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 I, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Day of Arising. Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953. Music: Carl F. Schalk, b. 1929. Text: © 1996 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: No Other Name. Text and Music: Trevor Hodge. Text and Music: © 2010 Hodge, Trevor. 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.

Revelation 22:1-5; John 20:19-31 | Peace. It seems like a simple word, but it has layers of depth. We long for peace in our world, in our communities, in our homes, in our very being. Recognizing the wilderness spaces amongst us, is peace possible? Or simply wishful thinking? This weekend, as we continue to live in the hope of God’s recreation begun through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, we join with Jesus as he appears to his disciples speaking “peace.” That same peace also takes us to the final book of the Bible, proclaiming a vision of wholeness and healing for all nations. So as we seek peace in all the spaces of our world, join us for worship, for prayer, and for renewal, as we both receive and share Christ’s proclamation and promise of peace for the sake of all peoples.

Sunday, April 12, 2026, Second Sunday of Easter

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering: Gathering: At the Font We Start Our Journey. Text: Jeffery Rowthorn. Music: John Goss. Text and Music: © 1991 Hope Publishing Co. Covered under CCLI subscription. Prayer of the Day: For the Healing of the Nations. Text and Music: Susan Briehl. Text: © 2009 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Here I Am to Worship. Text and Music: Tim Hughes. Text and Music: © 2000 Thankyou Music Ltd (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Creation Awaits. Text and Music: Alanna Glover, Liv Chapman, Michael Morrow, Philip Percival. Text and Music: © 2019 Emu Music Ltd (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: River of Glory. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991, OCP. Covered under One License subscription.

John 20:1-18 | As spring flowers burst forth from the ground, so too do signs of God’s life burst through the dry, dusty wilderness. Today, on the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, we remember the story of God’s re-creation and re-demption of ourselves and all the world. But having heard this story once again, now what? How, if at all, does it change the way we live in this world, here and now? Crossing out of the wilderness into the good, good garden of God’s life, we invite you to join us for worship as we look for Christ’s appearance to us, and as we receive our commission to live as God’s gardeners: nurturing and cultivating life for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. 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: Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Text: John S,B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: To God Be the Glory. Text and Music: Fanny J Crosby, William H Doane. Text and Music: © 2012 Hal Leonard Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Living Hope. Text & Music: Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham. Text and Music: © 2017 Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: 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.

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.

Note for those joining on our livestream and worship video: our service this evening is highly interactive. There will be periods the congregation is moving about engaging in various activities. As you are able, recreate these activities for yourself as you participate in worship with us.

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. Gathering Hymn: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn after Procession of the Cross: There in God’s Garden. Text: Kiraly Imre von Pecselyi, c. 1590-c.1641; tr. Erik Routley, 1917-1982. Music: K. Lee Scott, b. 1950. Text: © 1976 Hinshaw Music. Inc. Music: © 1987 Birnamwood Publications, a div. of MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

John 13; Matthew 26| From the wilderness of Lent we turn to the Triduum: the great three days leading up to the news of Christ’s resurrection. Tonight, on Maundy Thursday, we are reminded that Jesus – God’s Son – came to love us, and all the world, to the end. Having received the example of Christ’s love in footwashing and in the sacrament of communion, we are now sent into the world to live as servants to one another. So, as we begin these holy days, join us as we tangibly experience God’s love for us and as we practice extending Christ’s love to one another.

Note for those joining on our livestream and worship video: our service this evening is highly interactive. There will be periods the congregation is moving about engaging in various activities. As you are able, recreate these activities for yourself as you participate in worship with us.

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. Gathering Hymn: Just As I Am, without One Plea. Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1781871. Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Taste and See. Text and Music: James E. Moore Jr., 1951, based on Ps. 34. Text and music: © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Recording by Kaitlin Rose.

Matthew 21:1-11 | “Join the movement!” may be the rallying cry for a group of people seeking to induce change. Throughout human history, many movements – large and small – have captured our attention. In the same way, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, this was God’s announcement that God’s movement on earth – having begun in Christ’s birth, life and ministry – was coming to a pivotal point. This was Jesus’ royal procession as he prepared to be enthroned upon the cross and given all power and authority through his resurrection. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, this was no cute parade. This was a clear marking of God’s movement in the world. So, as we begin one of the most sacred weeks of the Christian calendar, join us as we move with Jesus and his disciples from place to place this week, and as we consider our own participation in God’s movement in our lives and in our world. 

Sunday, March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Processional Hymn: Hosanna! Hosanna. Text and Music: Cathy Townley, Nylea L. Butler-Moore. Text & Music: © 1993, 2000 Abingdon Press (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: Hosanna! Hosanna. Text and Music: Cathy Townley, Nylea L. Butler-Moore. Text & Music: © 1993, 2000 Abingdon Press (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription.
Offering: Holy, Holy, Holy. Music: Mark Hayes. Text: © 2001 Alfre Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Hosanna (Will You Rise?). Text and Music: Isaac Wardell, Leslie Anne Jordan, Nicholas Chambers, Terrian Bass. Text and Music: © 2022 Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) Little Way Creative (Admin. by Integrity Music) PG Songs And Hymns (Admin. by Integrity Music) Remaining portion is unaffiliated. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: We Sang Our Glad Hosannas. Text and Music: John D. Horman, Mary Nelson Keithahn. Text and Music: ©1998 Abingdon Press (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) . Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 11:1-45 | Any story is like a tapestry, weaving together various threads to paint a picture. As we’ve dwelled in lengthy stories from the Gospel of John this season, we’ve been invited to not only look at these stories from a distance, but to enter into these stories as participants. But none of these stories stand alone. Together, they compile an even larger story so that we might trust God’s love and life for ourselves, and for the sake of the world. So as we look to Holy Week, join us as we reflect on our wilderness sojourn, and as we look in hope for God’s breath of life breaking into our lives and our world.  

Sunday, March 22, 2026, Fifth Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Restore in Us, O God. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Music: Hal H. Hopson, b. 1933. Text: © 1989 Music: © 1985 Hope Publishing Company.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: When Lazarus Lay in Death’s Cold Shroud. Text: Joy F. Patterson Music: John Bacchus Dykes, 1861. Text: © 1994 Hope Publishing Company. 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: Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © Public Domain.

John 9:1-41 | Have you ever gone years doing a task a certain way, only to realize later in life that there’s another way to accomplish that task? Perhaps it’s learning that there’s another way to cut a bell pepper to avoid seeds flying everywhere; or perhaps it’s learning that not everyone washes their dishes with a washcloth but with a sponge. These are nominal examples, and while they may alter our habits, these examples don’t “transform” us. However, as we hear the story of the healing of a man born blind, this moment with Jesus does transform this man and his trajectory forward. And yet, those who witness this event seemingly can’t seem to grasp that God might work outside of their assumptions and their previous experience. So, if God were todo something in our lives, our congregations, our community, or our world – perhaps something that is counter to what we’ve previously experienced or known – would we be open to what God is seeking to do? As we near the end of our wilderness sojourn, join us, as we pay attention to where and how God is seeking us out us, and as we open ourselves to the power of Spirit.

Sunday, March 15, 2026, Fourth Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1984 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Open My Eyes. Text and Music: Jesse Manibusan, Ed Bolduc. Text and Music: © 1988, 1995, 1999 OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Open Our Eyes/Be Thou My Vision. Text and Music: Carol Tornquist. Text and Music: © 1995 Benson Music Group. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Broken Body of Christ. Text and Music: Gary Rand, Lenora Rand. Text and Music: ©2019 Plural Guild Music (Admin. by Plural Guild LLC) . Covered under CCLI subscription.
Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Victor Labenske, Chris Tomlin, JD Walt, Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2008 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription.

John 4:5-42 | Connection. We’re wired to live connected to one another and to God. And yet, for a myriad of reasons, it’s all too easy to remain hidden, alone, and isolated. This weekend, as we meet the Samaritan woman at the well at high noon, it’s likely she was trying to avoid connection. And yet, in that unexpected place, Jesus meets her – offering her living water. Today, even when we are not seeking Jesus, Jesus still comes to meet us where we are. And transformed by our connection with Jesus, we – just like the Samaritan woman – are also sent to testify to what we have seen, heard, and experienced. So, as we continue to journey through the wilderness this season, join us as we take a drink from the oasis of God’s grace, and as we are transformed by our connection with the only one who can truly satisfy.

Sunday, March 8, 2026, Third Sunday of Lent

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. ELW Setting 4,  © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790. Music: J. Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813. Text and Music: © Public Domain. 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: Blest Are They. Text and Music: David Hass, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. 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: River of Glory. Text and Music: Daniel L Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991, Daniel L. Schutte, Published by OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription.