Author: Pastor Aleese Kenitzer

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Worship: Eagerness in God’s Generous Undertaking

2 Corinthians 8:7-15 | It may be easy to say, “we all are one in Christ.” Even across denominations, various ways of thinking, and a multitude of ways we live out our faith, we confess that we are bound together by our common confession in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. But when the rubber meets the road, what does that really mean? How are we – as individuals, as congregations, and as faith organizations – called to take up the generous undertaking of serving in God’s Kingdom? As Shepherd and New Era gather as one in worship, we invite you to join us this weekend as we hear Paul address the Corinthian church, urging them to look upon another community of faith with compassion, and as we hear the Spirit’s call to take up the work that God has already begun in our midst.

Sunday, June 30, 2024, Sixth 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: America the Beautiful. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services All Rights Reserved. ASCAP. & Down to the River to Pray. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Text and Music: William Runyan & Thomas O Chisholm. Text and Music: © 1923, 1951 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We All Are One in Mission. Text and Music: Rusty Edwards, Finnish folk tune. Text and Music: © 1986 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Give Thanks. Text and Music: Henry Smith. Text and Music: © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Lord, You Give the Great Commission. Text and Music: Jeffery Rowthorn and Cyril V. Taylor. Text and Music: © 1978 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: Stay Calm

By this point, you may have seen pictures from the Elementary and Preschool Christian Day Camps that’ve been going on (please keep our middle schoolers and volunteers in prayer this week as they head to Saulsbury!). There have been a bunch of activities the kids have loved, but one of the favorites has proven to be fishing.

Unfortunately, this year we had a bit of an accident, however. One of the campers fishhook got stuck in the arm of another camper. Now, most often, this would be reason for a child to freak out. But instead, the camper – Lydia – was as calm as a cucumber. She knew that she couldn’t fix the situation on her own, and she knew that thrashing around would only cause more harm and damage. So, Lydia chose to remain calm, and she chose to trust those in authority to help.

This past Sunday, as we explored the story of Jesus calming the storm on the lake, we made the connection that Jesus’ disciples would’ve had something to learn from Lydia’s response. In fear, the disciples cry out to Jesus. Which, on some levels might suggest a lack of faith. But in the moment, once they recognized that they couldn’t solve the problem on their own, even they reached out to one who had more authority than they (indeed, the one who has authority over all things!). And in that moment, even there – in the boat, in the midst of the storm – Jesus proved to the disciples that God was present, and the disciples were given a front row seat to witness what God could do for them. 

For ourselves, whether we find ourselves amidst calm or troubled waters,God also comes to meet us right where we are. God doesn’t chide us for the level of faith that we do or don’t have. But, God does desire for us to trust, rather than turn to anxiety, so that we don’t hurt ourselves even further. 

So trusting that God is with us, what would it be like for us to seek out our Teacher – our Lord – who is in control of the earth, the sea, the sky and all there is? What would it be like to entrust ourselves, the ones we love, the church, and even the world, into the hands of the one who was there even as the foundations of the earth were created? Indeed, what would it be like to be a Lydia – remaining relaxed in trust – even as the storms rage? 

To trust in such a way won’t be something we can “achieve” overnight, not even something we can do on our own. But as we, like the disciples, follow after Jesus, we will experience for ourselves what the Lord can do, and we will be invited to witness the one whose power is over all that is. 

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Worship: Calm Amidst the Storm

Mark 4: 35-41 | “Stay calm,” we often tell kids after they’ve been hurt. Rationally, it makes sense, for it helps us treat their wounds. But even as adults, often, anxiety gets the best of us, making whatever is going on even worse. In the midst of challenging situations, questions of faith, let alone what we see happening in the church and the world around us, it may be tempting to become distressed. And yet, as we see in our Gospel passage this week, Jesus is already with us in the boat, and simply asks us to cry out to him and to calmly trust in God’s provision. Granted – easier said than done. But as we follow as Christ’s disciples, we will come to experience all that the Lord can do. So, whether you find yourself in calm or troubled waters, join us for worship as we seek the authority of our Teacher, and as once again we place our trust in Christ.

Sunday, June 23, 2024, Fifth 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: 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: Be Still and Know. Text: Psalm 4:6-10. Music: John L. Bell, b. 1949. Text and Music: © 1989 WGRG, Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: When the Storms of Life Are Raging. Text and Music: Charles A. Tindley, 1851-1933. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: We Have Heard the Joyful Sound. Text and Music: Mark Hayes, William J Kirkpatrick. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: I’ve Got Peace Like a River. Text and Music: Mark Hayes, Marvin Gaspard. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: My Life Flows On in Endless Song. Text and Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Text and Music: Public Domain.

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Blog: The Beauty of a Weed

Growing up, dandelions (though a weed!) were a favorite “flower” to pick.  My mother and grandmother were often the recipients of such bouquets. Later on, I learned that, to many, dandelions are nothing but a nuisance. But as a child, I saw them differently: I saw them as something special, something worthy of admiration. 

This past Sunday, we heard Jesus’ parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed. Within that, we were challenged to consider how God’s kingdom, breaking into our midst, isn’t always something that is domesticated, neat, and pristine. Instead, God’s kingdom is like a weed – relentlessly invading every square inch.  So do we mow down the “weeds” of God’s kingdom, trying to eradicate them? Or, do we take the time to gather a bouquet of “weeds” – seeing them as something worthy of admiration?

If you missed worship with us, check out our recording on our YouTube channel, and, as you continue through your week, keep your eyes open for the beauty of God’s kingdom among you…even if it seems a bit weed-y. 

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Blog: Crazy for Christ

Have you ever had someone exclaim to you, “You’re crazy!”? It might be because of something you said, something you did, or something you’re thinking. Sometimes the exclamation is justified (at least, I’ll own that for myself!) And other times, the exclamation is a result of another person not quite understanding why you are choosing to say, do, or think that you’re saying, doing, or thinking. 

In that same vein, this weekend in our Gospel lesson, Jesus is labeled as being “crazy” – or more literally, “out of his mind.” What Jesus has been saying and doing hasn’t alligned with what people expect of him, and the religious leaders of the day couldn’t understand where he was getting all his power. So, the logical conclusion they make is that Jesus must be possessed by a demon. We know that’s not the case; Jesus is possessed by God’s Holy Spirit. But it is that Spirit at work in him that is leading him to say and do the things that those around him are labeling as crazy.

Two-thousand years ago, the people around Jesus had every logical reason to call Jesus crazy because what Jesus was proclaiming and enacting as a part of the Kingdom of God was different than what people were used to, and different than what people expected. And yet, what Jesus was pointing to was the truth of God’s Kingdom on earth. 

So today, as we claim the name of Jesus for ourselves,  it very well may be that we too may be called crazy. Following the values of God’s Kingdom, we might be called crazy for building bridges, and we might be labeled idealists. We might be called crazy for striving for inclusion, diversity, and equity for all people. And we might be called crazy for giving ourselves, fully, to God and God’s will. 

Point being: to follow after Jesus is kind of crazy. But in union with Christ, it is there that we will be caught up in the work of restoring the world according to God’s vision, and we will be caught up in the crazy, crazy love of our God for us. 

So this week, lean into the crazy love of Jesus for you. And consider how Jesus is calling you to live into his crazy love in what you say, what you do, and in who you are. 

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Worship Services

Worship: Crazy for Christ

Mark 3:20-35 | Have you ever been called crazy for something you’ve done? Or, something you’re about to do? We may use the word “crazy” rather flippantly in our lingo, but for Jesus, when he was labeled as being “crazy” – or “out of his mind” – this had implications. Based on what Jesus was doing, and what he was about to do, he was being labeled as crazy because people thought he was possessed by the ruler of the demons. Today, we assert that Jesus is controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit, giving him, and all the world life. But now, as people who follow Jesus, what are we controlled by? Join us for worship this weekend as we consider what we are choosing to do – or not to do – and as we realign ourselves with Christ and Christ’s mission in the world.

Sunday, June 9, 2024, Third 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:Prelude: Christian We Have Met to Worship. 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 (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI  subscription. Kyrie: Lord, Have Mercy. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of Praise: Glory to God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text and Music: John Bell. Text and Music: © 1987 Iona Community/WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy and Amen. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Spirit of the Living God. Text and Music: Jacob Sooter and Mia Fieldes. Text and Music: © 2014 All Essential Music, Be Essential songs, HBC Worship Music, Tempo Music Investments (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lord Reign In Me. Text and Music: Brenton Brown. Text and Music: © 1996 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire), administered by Integrity. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: Beginnings and Endings

I recently had a friend tell me, “May is a month full of beginnings and endings.”

It’s true, isn’t it? For many, May is a busy month. But May is also a month in which a school year ends, and summer begins. May is a month we celebrate the graduation of high school and college seniors, and we look ahead to new beginnings. And, May is a month where the school year rhythm ends and a summer pace sets in. 

Perhaps for yourself you’ve been experiencing other beginnings and endings, too. Our lives are full of ’em. On the whole, those beginnings and endings may bring excitement. But they may also bring apprehension, uncertainty, and even grief. Though it may seem strange to think of a beginning as yeilding such emotions, it’s true. Talk to any grief counselor and they’ll tell you that any shift – an ending or a beginning – is something that impacts us. 

This past weekend in worship we heard from the prophet Isaiah, encouraging the Israelites not to look to the past, but to free themselves from what they expected in order to percieve what God was doing. To be clear – there are times that it is helpful to look to what has come before us. And, there are times in which we need to grieve something that is coming to a close. But, if we hold onto those “things” (whatever it may be) it may keep us from perceiving what God is already doing in us and around us. 

So as you continue into the summer, consider the beginnings and endings that you’ve been experiencing. And, consider if there is something that you’ve been holding onto that might be keeping you from recognizing what God is laying before you, or even before the church. All the time, God is doing something. Now, it’s up to us to join in what what God has already started.

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Worship: Listen, God is Calling

Isaiah 43:16-19 | At the heart of the Christian message is the truth that, through Jesus Christ, death is not the final word. Instead, even in the midst of death, new life springs forth. So how is that new life springing forth among us? And, how and where is God doing a new thing in our lives, in our world, and in our church? Join us this morning for worship as we hear from Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and as lay leaders from Shepherd lead us in worship. 

Sunday, June 2, 2024, Second 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: Come, Join the Dance of Trinity. Text: Richard Leach, b. 1953. Music: English folk tune. Music: ©2001 Shelah Publishing Co., Inc. & Crashing Waters at Creation. Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Music: attr. Christian F. Witt, 1660-1716; adapt. Henry J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. & Waterlife. Text and Music: Handt Hanson. Text and Music: © 1991 Prince of Peace Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Baptized in Water. Text and Music: Michael Saward. Text and Music: © 1982 The Jubilate Group. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Listen, God is Calling. Text and Music: Howard S. Olson. Text and Music: © 1993 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: You Are Not Alone. Text and Music: Jon Ailabouni. Recorded from the Southeastern Synod Assembly. Sending Song: This Little Light of Mine. Music: African American spiritual arr. Horace Clarence Boyer. Text: African American spiritual. Music: © 1992 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: Ordinary Time

After celebrating Holy Trinity Sunday this past weekend, we begin almost six months of time in the season of Pentecost. From now until November, the gospel readings will move chronologically through Matthew.

Sometimes, this time is referred to as “Ordinary Time.” Which, can be misinterpreted. “Ordinary Time” seems to suggest that it is nothing special, and something that is humdrum. But in the context of the church year, the word “ordinary” comes from the root “ordinal” meaning “related to a series.”

So instead of thinking of the next few months as “nothing special,” think of Ordinary Time as an ordered, deliberate, six-month step-by-step pilgrimage through the story of Jesus’ life with Mark as our guide. We may not have high holidays like Christmas and Easter to celebrate in the coming months. But each and every week, we have the opportunity to gather together for worship, to hear the story of Christ’s life, to grow in faith, and to be sent forth into service with the Spirit leading us. 

We hope to see you around this summer as we dive into “Ordinary Time” together, and we look forward to where our pilgrimage takes us…together!

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Worship: Life in the Trinity

John 3:1-17 | Together, across denominations, Christians confess their faith in the Triune God – 3-in-1 and 1-in-3. Throughout history, so many have attempted to explain the Trinity. But the Trinity was never something to be explained, nor understood. The Trinity is built on relationship; and as such, the Trinity is not only a reflection of God, but is an invitation for us to participate in relationship with our Lord. So, as we move into the summer months, we invite you to join us as we heed the wind of the Spirit that’s drawing us into encounters with Jesus, and as we are infused with love and life, sending us forth to live, and serve, in Christ’s love.

Sunday, May 26, 2024, Holy Trinity 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: Just As I Am Without One Plea. Text and Music: William Bradbury, arr. Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! Text: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826, alt. Music: John B. Dykes, 1823-1876. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Come Join the Dance of Trinity. Text: Richard Leach, b. 1953. Music: English folk tune. Text: © 2001 Selah Publishing Co., Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription.
Offering Song: Breathe on Me, Breath of God. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2009 Lorenz Publishing Company (admin. by Music Services). Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Spirit of the Living God. Text and Music: Jacob Sooter & Mia Fieldes. Text and Music: © 2014 All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, HBC Worship Music, Tempo Music Investments (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Go, My Children, with My Blessing. Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, b. 1919, alt. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Text: © 1983 Concordia Publishing House. Music: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription.