Category: Worship Services

Luke 19:28-40; Psalm 118:1-4, 15-29 | This Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week as we join with Jesus and the multitude of disciples entering Jerusalem, joyfully praising God for all that God has done and all that God is about to do. As we trust Christ’s promise to complete God’s mission on earth as it is in heaven, join us as we offer our praise, and as we are moved toward God in repentance and toward one another in love.

Sunday, April 13, 2025, Palm 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. Processional Hymn: Blessed is the One. Text: Psalm 118:26. Music: Nathan Houge, b. 1977. Music: © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: All Glory, Laud and Honor. Text: Theodulph of Orleans, 760-821; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Music: Melchior Teschner, 1584-1635. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: Bless Now, O God, The Journey. Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993 Music: Welsh tune, 19th cent. Text: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Hosanna. Text and Music: Brooke Ligertwood. Text and Music: © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Hosanna (Praise Is Rising). Text and Music: Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown. Text and Music: © 2005, 2006 Thankyou Music Ltd (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription.

John 12:1-8; Isaiah 43:16-21 | Ever try to cover up an unpleasant smell with a candle? Or Lysol spray? (or anything else?!) Many of us have done it. And, from time to time, it works. But sometimes, rather than covering up a smell, all the smells mesh together. In our Gospel reading this weekend, Mary pours out a pound of perfume on Jesus’ feet, filling the room with a distinct smell. But wrapped up in this scent is also the scent of devotion, mixed with the scent of death, and the scent of betrayal. All of these smells fill the room, intermingling one with the other, leading us to the story of Christ’s passion. So, as we near the end of the Lenten season, looking toward the dawn of Easter, join us as we embrace the juxtaposition of death and life, as we are encapsulated in the scent of grace, and as we’re offered the opportunity to give ourselves in devotion to Christ.

Sunday, April 6, 2025, Fifth 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. Gathering Hymn: In the Cross of Christ I Glory. Text: John Bowring, 1792-1872. Music: Ithamar Conkey, 1815-1867. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: O Jesus, I Have Promised. Text: John E. Bode, 1816-1874, alt. Music: Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch, Meiningen, 1693. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: We Fall Down. Text & Music: Chris Tomlin. Text and Music: © 1998 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Chris Tomlin, Isaac Watts, J. D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, Lowell Mason. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription.

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 | After losing something, do you ever get to the point of forgetting you’ve lost it? Or, perhaps you’ve replaced it? Or, perhaps after living without it for such a long time, you just don’t have the same need for it? Depending on what we lose, and its value, whatever we’ve lost may become unimportant. But, in God’s sight, what is lost – no matter what it is, or who it is – is worthy of being found, and worthy of being restored to its purpose. So, in this season of Lent, as we return to our Lord, and as we repent of the things and lifestyles we’ve held onto keeping us from receiving the riches of God’s feast, join us for worship as we once again receive God’s grace, and as we are commissioned as ambassadors of Christ.

Sunday, March 30, 2025, 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. Gathering Hymn: Our Father, We Have Wandered. Text: Kevin Nichols, 1929-2006. Music: Haus Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text: © 1981 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: This is a Day of New Beginnings. Text and Music: Brian Wren, Carlton R. Young. Text and Music: © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. Text and Music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909. Text and Music: © Public Domain Communion Song: In Christ Alone. Text and Music: Keith Getty, Stuart. Text and Music: © 2001 Thankyou Music Ltd. (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: You are My King/Amazing Love. Text and Music: Billy J. Foote. Text and Music: © 1996 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription.

Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9 | When we’re rock climbing, there’s a reason we cling tightly to the rope. Our very life depends on it! And, when we feel afraid, there’s a reason we cling tightly to comfort. That comfort gives us the capacity to move forward, safely and securely. But what happens when what we’re clinging to isn’t life giving? As our Scriptures testify to, God desires to fill our hands (and our lives! and our world!) with what gives life. But if our hands are clenched, tightly grasping something else, we cannot receive what God has to offer us. So, mindful of the various “things” that we’re tempted to hang onto, join us this weekend for worship as we consider what the Spirit is summoning us to let go of – to repent of – so that we may partake even more fully in the wonder of God’s banquet spread before us.

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 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. Gathering Hymn:All Who are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown & Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: God Bestows on Every Sense. Text and Music: Adam Tice. Text and Music: © 2009 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Oh, Love, How Deep. Text: Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471; tr. Benjamin Webb, 1819-1885, alt. Music: English ballad, 15th cent. Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Beautiful Things. Text & Music: Lisa Gungor & Michael Gungor. Text and Music: © 2009 worshiptogether.com songs. Covered under CCLI subscription.
Sending Song: Bless Now, O God the Journey. Text and Music: Sylvia G. Dunstan. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 13: 31-35; Genesis 15:1-18 | Have you ever started a project only for it to take (seemingly) longer than it should? Especially when it comes to home improvement, this is more so a reality than we’d like to admit! So much so, that sometimes, it may be tempting to abandon that project rather than push through to completion. As we meet Jesus in our Gospel this morning, he has many reasons to abandon the “project” God has sent him to fulfill. But even with obstacles, Jesus pushes forward, driven by a desire to care, protect, and liberate all God’s people. So confident of God’s unfailing commitment and faithfulness, are we now willing to join in God’s “project” of salvation and liberation in the world? Join us for worship as we, with Jesus, turn our face toward Jerusalem, and as we look in hope for God’s fulfillment of God’s Word.

Sunday, March 16, 2025, 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. Gathering Hymn: Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross. Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915. Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915. Text and Music: © Oregon Catholic Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Great is Thy Faithfulness. Text: Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960. Music: William M. Runyan, 1870-1957. Text: © 1923, ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.
Communion Song: Goodness of God. Text & Music: Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson. Text and Music: © 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text and Music: John Bell. Music: © 1987 Iona Community / WGRG (North America). 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.

Luke 4:1-13 | On the first Sunday of Lent, we hear how Jesus, full of the Spirit, was led into the wilderness for 40 days. At first glance, it may seem odd for the Spirit of life to lead Jesus into a barren place. But in the context of Scripture, it is in the wilderness where God’s people return to God, meet with God, learn (and re-learn) dependence on God’s provision, and are prepared for what lies ahead. So, as Jesus was led into the wilderness before the beginning of his ministry, what would it be like for us to receive an a Lenten invitation to go into the desert? Perhaps it’s not the first place we’re inclined to go. But it is there that we can hear God’s tender voice – reminding us of our belovedness, and it is there that we can prepare to live out our unique purpose – entering the land Christ is leading us toward.

Sunday, March 9, 2025, 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. Gathering Hymn: As the Winter Days Grow Longer. Text: Mary Louise Bringle, b.1953. Music: Welsh melody; arr. hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: As Your Spirit in the Desert. Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, b. 1953. Music: Michael D Costello, b. 1979. Text: © 2012 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress Music: © 2015 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

Psalm 51:1-17 | On this night, we acknowledge our sin. We admit the ways we’ve hurt one another, the earth, and God. We confront our inadequacies and our brokenness. And, we face the reality of our morality. Together with the whole church, we come before God with broken and contrite hearts: hearts that we cannot repair on our own. But in repentance, we are promised that by God’s grace, we are given a clean heart and a right spirit is renewed within us. So join us this night as we begin our Lenten journey – a journey of confession, and a journey of receiving – and participating – in God’s ongoing work of restoration.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 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. Gathering Hymn: Lord Jesus, Think on Me. Text: Synesius of Cyrene, 37430; tr. Allen W. Chatfield, 1808-1896, alt. Music: W. Daman, The Psalmes of David, 1579, alt. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day:Restore 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: Dust We Are And Shall Return. Text and Music: John Arndt, Kate Gungor, Michael Gungor. Text and Music: © Replied Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Remaining portion is unaffiliated . Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering: Christ, Be Our Light. Text and music: Bernadette Farrell. Text and Music: © 1993 Bernadette Farrell, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Songs: Only Grace. Text and Music: Lenora Rand, Hannah Rand. Text and Music © THE MANY 2016 Mirasion Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: O Lord, throughout These Forty Days. Text: based on Claudia F. Hernaman, 1838-1898; para, Gilbert E. Doan Jr., b. 1930. Music: A. Davisson, Kentucky Harmony, 1815; arr. Theodore A. Beck, 1929-2003. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 9:28-43a | When you’re on top of a mountain, it’s easier to see where you’ve come from and where you’re going. Standing higher, or on top of something, gives us a different perspective. The landscape doesn’t change, per se. But, our perspective of where we’ve been, and the road forward, has the potential to shift. This weekend, as we celebrate the last Sunday in Epiphany, we climb to the top of a mountain with Peter, James, and John. That moment at top of the mount was likely something the disciples didn’t fully understand (nor is it something we can fully grasp!) But as we stand in God’s glory and holiness, we have the potential to be transfigured as we look to Jesus as our liberator, and as we listen, ready to enter into Christ’s liberating work in the world.

Sunday, March 2, 2025, Transfiguration of Our Lord 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. Gathering: : Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair. Text: Sarum, 15th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Come to the Mountain. Text and Music: Scott Tunseth, Kathy Donlan Tunseth. Text and Music: © 1996 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Jesus on the Mountain Peak. Text and Music: Mark Sedio. Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Transfiguration by Hillsong. Text and Music: Aodhan King, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, Taya Gaukrodger. Text and Music: © 2015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Shine, Jesus, Shine. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and Music: © 1987 Make Way Music. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 6:27-38 | In any given week, we make numerous transactions. We complete transactions when we purchase an item, and even an interchange between two (or more) people is a “transaction.” Transactions are a part of life. And yet, if we only see our lives as a series of transactions, we restrict ourselves from engaging in true love. This weekend, as we continue to hear Jesus teach during his Sermon on the Plain, we hear Jesus encourage his followers to turn from a transactional way of life to a grace-filled way of living. As we hear these teachings, they may seem challenging. And yet, as we heed these words, and abide in them, not only will we live as recipients of God’s abundant grace, but we will find ourselves living in God’s Kingdom, and living out God’s grace.  

Sunday, February 23, 2025, Seventh 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. Gathering: Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive. Text: Rosamond E. Herklots, 1905-1987, alt. Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844. Text: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace. Text Olive Wise Spannaus, b. 1916, alt:. Music: Šamotulský Kancionál, 1561. Text and Music: © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Goodness Is Stronger than Evil. Text and Music: John Bell. Music: © 1996 Iona Community / WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me. Text and Music: African-American Spiritual. Text and Music: © 1995 Stephen Lee. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 6:17-26; Jeremiah 17:5-10 | “Hey there!” has become a common greeting. But “hey!” can also carry a deeper sense of urgency, or, even warning. This weekend, as Jesus continues teaching and healing, we find that he also offers several “hey!’s” to those listening as a warning. These “hey!’s” aren’t given as a judgment, but as an invitation for the people to reassess their lives in light of God’s unfolding Kingdom. So, as we look to Christ for healing and renewal, and as we uplift the world to God in prayer, join us for worship as we take seriously both God’s message of comfort given to us and God’s invitation to live in solidarity with Christ, and with one another.

Sunday, February 16, 2025, 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. Gathering: God Is Here. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Music: Curo; 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: Blest Are They. Text: David Haas, b.1957. Music: David Haas; arr. David Haas and Michael Joncas, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1985 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Wade in the Water. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 1993 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: The Blessing. Text and Music: Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Steven Furtick. Text and Music: © 2020 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: My Life Is In You. Text and Music:Daniel Gardner. Text and Music: © 1986 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription.

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