Category: Worship Services

Luke 1:39-55 | As we near the celebration of Christmas, already many Christmas songs and carols surround us, joyfully proclaiming the news of Christ’s birth. But before we arrive at Christmas, singing beloved tunes passed down to us through the generations, we hear the song of Mary: a song that isn’t as popular, and yet a song that exudes just as much joy and hope for God’s promised future. So before settling in close to the manger and singing beloved tunes of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World,” join us for worship as we sing Mary’s song and as we dare to hold onto hope, trusting that God’s promises have come, and will come, through Christ our Lord.

Sunday, December 18, 2022, Fourth Sunday of Advent 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: Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Text and Music: Charles Wesley b. 1739. Text and Music: Public Domain. Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella. Text and Music: Joel Raney. Text and Music: © 2003 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song:Blessed Be the God of Israel. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944, based on Luke 1:68-79. Music: English folk tune; arr. Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1872-1958.Text: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Arr. © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Unexpected and Mysterious. Text: Jeannette M, Lindholm, b. 1961. Music: Calvin Hampton, 1938-1984. Text: © Jeannette M. Lindholm, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: © 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: O Come All Ye Faithful. Text and Music: John F. Wade. Text and Music: Public Domain. Sending Song: All Earth is Hopeful. Text: Alberto Taule, b. 1932; tr. Madeleine Forell Marshall, b. 1946. Music: Alberto Taule. Text and Music: © 1993 and tr. © 1995 Centro de Pastoral Liturgies, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Postlude: Joy to the World. Text and Music: Isaac Watts b. 1719. Lowell Mason b. 1848. Text and Music: Public Domain. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

Matthew 1:18-25 | After hearing the story of the angel appearing to Mary last weekend, this Sunday we turn our attention to Joseph. Several times, Joseph seemed to be on a sure path forward. But then, the unexpected happened. Mary became pregnant, and Joseph was greeted by an angel in a dream.  In many ways, Joseph could’ve ignored these interruptions and remained committed to what he had resolved to do: dismiss Mary quietly. But instead, Joseph chose a better way. Join us this weekend for worship as we consider how God continues to appear to us, urging us to choose a better way not only for ourselves, but for the sake of the world.

Sunday, December 11, 2022, Third Sunday of Advent 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: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 1985 Gaither Music Co (ASCAP). Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Prepare the Royal Highway. Text: Frans Mikael Franzen, 1722-1847; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: Swedish folk tune, 17th cent. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. composite. Music: French processional, 15th cent. Text: sts. 2, 6, 7 © 1997, 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Sing We Now of Christmas. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 1991 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2014 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gentle Mary Laid Her Child. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835. Text and Music: © 1978, 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

Luke 1:26-38 | As we hear the beloved story of the angel appearing to Mary, it might be tempting to hold the mother of God on a different playing field than ourselves. But just as God was at work in Mary – moving and growing – God is also living and moving within us. And, recognizing that movement of God, we too are given the opportunity to give our response: offering the extent of our willingness to let God’s will have its’s way within us. Join us this weekend as we continue our preparation for Christ’s birth, and as we recognize and respond to God’s movement within ourselves.

Sunday, December 4, 2022, Second Sunday of Advent 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: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 1985 Gaither Music Co. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness. Text: With One Voice, 1995, based on the Magnificat. Music: English folk tune; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958. Text: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Here I Am. Text: Anna Strickland (2022). Music: Traditional French carol (17th cent.) . Text: © Anna Strickland, 2021. Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Emmanuel. Text and Music: Bob McGee. Text and Music: © 1976 C. A. Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Holy Is His Name. Text and Music: John Michael Talbot & Rick Modlin. Text and Music: © 1980, 1995, Birdwing Music/BMG Songs, Inc. (ASCAP) Administered by EMI Christian Music Publishing. Covered under One License subscription.
Sending Song: Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

Matthew 1:1-17 | After coming off the Thanksgiving holiday, our minds may still be thinking of family and friends: those we celebrated the holiday with, and those who bless our lives. But what about that “weird uncle” or “awkward friend” who finds their way into the circle? Some of us have stories of the like, and so did Jesus. The generations that came before him were far from perfect, poster-child Jewish boys and girls. And yet, even these unlikely people in unlikely circumstances allowed God to move through them to bring about God’s will. Join us this first weekend in the season of Advent as we consider our story within the narrative of God’s grace, as we are empowered to own our story for what it is, and as we are challenged to receive one another and the stories they offer as a gift in God’s kingdom.

Sunday, November 27, 2022, First Sunday of Advent 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: Carol of the Bells. Text and Music: Lani Smith. Text and Music: © 1967 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Text and Music: Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2011 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: I Was Glad. Text and Music: Jay Beech. Text and Music: © 1999 Jay Beech, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Song Before Readings: Jesus, Name Above All Names. Text and Music: Naida Hearn. Text and Music: © 1974 Scripture in Song, a division of Integrity Music, Inc. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: Through the Ages (Away in a Manger tune). Text: Anna Strickland (2022). Music: James R. Murray (1887). Text: © Anna Strickland, 2021. Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Music: Public Domain.
Offering Song: Christ, Be Our Light. Text and Music: Bernadette Farrell. Text and Music: © 1993 OCP. Covered under One License subscription.
Communion Song: The Holy and the Ivy. Text and Music: Jay Rouse. Text and Music: © 1966 Theodore Presser. Covered under One License subscription.
Sending Song: People Look East. Text: Eleanor Farjeon, 1881-1965. Music: French carol; arr. Bary Rose, b. 1934. Public Domain. Prayers written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 | Before launching into the season of Advent, we celebrate Christ as our King. When thinking of a “king,” we likely conjure up images of a person in fancy robes, exhibiting power and domination. But in Jesus Christ, we meet a different King: a king who comes to us in the mess. Join us for worship as we give honor to our king and as we are challenged to embrace the mess, meeting Christ in our lives.

Sunday, November 20, 2022, Christ the King 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: You are My King. Text and Music: Billy J. Foote. Text and Music: © 1996 worshiptogethe.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Majesty. Text and Music: Jack Hayford. Text and Music: © 1981 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: He is Exalted. Text and Music: Twila Paris. Text and Music: © 1985 Straightway Music, admin. EMI Christian Music publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: Holy God, Holy and Glorious. Text: Susan R Briehl, b. 1952. Music: Robert Buckly Farlee, b. 1950. Text: © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: © 2001 Robert Buckly Farlee, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: As the Grains of Wheat. Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song:. Text and Music: Crown Him with Many Crowns. Text: Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894, sts. 1-3, 5; Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903, st. 4. Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893. Covered under One License subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 8:31-36 | For something to be reformed, it needs to be supple. Flexible. Moldable. Otherwise, that thing is nothing but hard. Solid. Unchangeable. While it is good for some things to be unchangeable – like the foundations of our homes – other things within our society, our churches, and even ourselves, are open to the ever re-forming work of the Spirit. But how do we respond to the Spirit molding us? Molding our communities? And molding our world? Join us this Reformation Sunday as we remember the work of the Spirit throughout our history in shaping the church to point more clearly to God’s grace, and as we give consent to the continuing work of the Spirit in shaping us according to God’s image.

Sunday, October 30, 2022, Reformation 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: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. Text and Music: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Text and Music: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: The Church’s One Foundation. Text: Samuel J. Stone, 1839-1900. Music: Samuel S. Wesley, 1810-1876. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Offering Song: As the Grains of Wheat. Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered
under One License subscription. Communion Song: By Grace We Have Been Saved/BY GRACE. Text and Music: Jonathan Rundman, Nathan Houge. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Send Us Out. Text and Music: James Hersch. Text and Music: © 1994 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. 

Isaiah 1:10-17 | Each week, followers of Jesus gather for worship: to hear the Word of God, to receive God’s grace, to offer our praise, thanksgiving and prayer, and to join in fellowship with all the saints. This time of worship feeds us, nourishes us, and sustains us in our journeys of faith. But in addition to feeding us, this time of worship is also intended to be transformative: transforming us to receive God’s grace – given not in fairness but in mercy – and reforming us to become stewards of God’s justice in the world. So in the midst of various responsibilities and demands on your time, join us for this hour as we return to the heart of worship, and as we are sent out to offer our love in truth and in action. 

Sunday, October 23, 2022, Rethinking Stewardship: An Act of Justice 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 the Poor Ones. Text: José Antonio Olivar, b. 1939; tr. Martin A. Seltz, b. 1951. Music: Miguel Manzano, b. 1934. Text and Music: © 1971, 1998 J. A. Olivar, Miguel Manzano, and San Pablo International-SSP, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Let Us Go Now to the Banquet. Text: Guillermo Cuéllar, b. 1955, Misa popular salvadoreña; tr. Bret Hesla, b. 1957, and William Dexheimer Pharris, b. 1956. Music: Guillermo Cuéllar, b. 1955. Text and Music: © 1988, 1996 GIA Publications, Inc.. Covered under One License subscription.
Gathering Song: God of the Fertile Fields. Text and Music: Georgia Harkness. Text and Music: © 1955 Hymn Society in the US and Canada. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: A Place at the Table. Text and Music: Shirley Erena Murray, Mary McDonald. Text and Music: © 1998 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: As the Grains of Wheat. Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Make Me a Servant. Text and Music: Kelly Willard. Text and Music: © 1982 Willing Heart Music, (admin. Maranatha! Music ℅ The Copyright Company) and Maranatha! Music (admin. The Copyright Company). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: We Are Called. Text and Music: David Haas, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription. 

Mark 6:30-44 | Many within the Lutheran church have become familiar with t-shirts from Thrivent bearing the familiar slogan: “Live Generously.” Often, we are encouraged to volunteer our time, give of our resources, and live for the sake of others. But in the midst of already filled calendars and full lives, and when it seems as though it’s challenging to even think about “one more thing,” what does it mean to live generously as a follower of Jesus? As we look to the story of Jesus multiplying the fish and the loaves, join us as we witness the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, stirring him to respond in generosity, and leading us to see those around us through the eyes of compassion.

Sunday, October 16, 2022, Rethinking Stewardship: An Act of Generosity 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: In This Place. Text: Victoria Thomson. Music: Trevor Thomson. Text and Music: © 1996 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: Praise and Thanksgiving.  Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984, alt. Music: Gaelic tune; arr. hymnal version. Text:© Oxford University Press.   Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: River of Glory. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991, 1992 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: As the Grains of Wheat. Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: In This Place. Text: Victoria Thomson. Music: Trevor Thomson. Text and Music: © 1996 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: :My Life Is In You. Text and Music: Daniel Gardner. Text and Music: © 1986 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription. 

Luke 17:11-19 | When was the last time you heard, or said, “thank you”? Chances have it that it hasn’t been too long. Societally, we’ve been trained to say “thank you” as a common curtesy. But has this cheapened our response of thanksgiving? Lulling us into a habit of gratitude out of obligation rather than responding authentically? As we consider another act of stewardship – the act of gratitude – join us as we hear the story of a man who, upon receiving God’s grace, returned to Jesus to offer himself in praise and thanksgiving, and join us as we gather around Christ’s table to once again receive God’s life, healing, and forgiveness for ourselves.

Sunday, October 9, 2022, Rethinking Stewardship: An Act of Gratitude 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: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord). Text and Music: Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman. Text and Music: © 2011 Brodt Music. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Great is the Lord. Text and Music: Michael W. Smith & Deborah D. Smith, Michael W. Smith & Deborah D. Smith/arr. Bruce Greer. Text and Music: © 2011 Jubilate Music. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Have You Thanked the Lord?. Text and Music: Bill LaMotta. Text and Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: O God Beyond All Praising. Text and Music: Michael Perry and Gustav T. Holst. Text and Music: © 1982, 2007 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Give Thanks . Text and Music: Henry Smith. Text and Music: © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Oh, Sing to the Lord. Text and Music: Gerhard Cartford. Text and Music: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription. 

Luke 17:5-10 | Ever feel as though you don’t have “enough” to do something? To complete something? To be something? You’re not alone. Even Jesus’ disciples felt ill-equipped to do what Jesus was commanding them. But even when they ask Jesus – Increase our faith! – Jesus assures his disciples, and us, that we do have enough to sustain us and to complete what we’ve been asked to do. So whether you’re feeling as though your faith is in tip-top shape, or is faltering a bit, join us for worship as we practice trusting what God has already implanted within us, and as we went forth to exercise our faith in action.

Sunday, October 2, 2022, Rethinking Stewardship: An Act of Faith 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: Children’s Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Oh, Sing to God Above. Text and Music: Carlos Rosa, b 1939; tr. With One Voice. Spanish Text and Music: © 1976 Resource Publications, Inc. Tr. © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O Master, Let Me Walk with You. Text: Washington Gladden, 1836-1918, alt. Music: H. Percy Smith, 1825-1898. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: We’re Marching to Zion. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Take My Life (Holiness). Text and Music: Scott Underwood. Text and Music: © 1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI 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. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription.