Category: Worship Services

Luke 3:1-18 | As we anticipate the birth of our Lord, Emmanuel, we trust God’s promise that God will make a way to come to us—no matter the cost. But though our God is determined to draw close to home with us, all too often, we create our own roadblocks inhibiting ourselves from fully participating in God’s good gifts, and we create roadblocks inhibiting others from fully participating in God’s promised kingdom. As we prepare for Christmas, take time to “prepare the way” along with us by making a way for Christ to come to you, and making a way for all God’s children to be welcomed home.

Worship Bulletin: Third Sunday of Advent

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: Prepare the Royal Highway. Text: Frans Mikael Franzen, 1772-1847; tr Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN, Swedish folk tune, 17th cent. Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: For Everyone Born/A Place at the Table. Words: Shirley Erena Murray, © 1998 Hope Publishing Company. Music: (PLACE AT THE TABLE 11 10, 11 10 with refrain). Lori True, © 2001 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. Public Domain. Sending Song: Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn. Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: REJOICE, REJOICE, Marty Haugen. Text and music © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Prayers were written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer.

Luke 1:57-80, Philippians 1:3-11 | Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child. At the birth of John the Baptist, his father Zechariah also had dreams. But John’s birth, and his life, would not be ordinary in the least. In time, John would become the one who would lay a foundation for the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. When dreaming of bearing a child, was that the purpose Zechariah had in mind? Likely not. But convinced that God’s promises given to him were not just words, but something that could actually happen, Zechariah gave way to the greater narrative, and greater purpose, that God was calling him to participate in. Join us for worship as we consider how we are called to claim God’s promises as something that is being lived out among us, and as we are summoned to allow God’s purposes to flow through us as we work to build a world of peace.

Worship Bulletin: Second Sunday of Advent

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: Comfort, Comfort, Now My People. Text: Johann G. Olearius, 1635-1711; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt. Music: FREU DICH SEHR, Trente quatre pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551. Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Zechariah’s Lullaby. Text: Anna Strickland (2021) Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) © Anna Strickland, 2021. Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Offering Song: Come Now O Prince of Peace. Text: Geonyong Lee, b. 1947 tr. Marion Pope. Music: Geonyong Lee, b. 1947. Text and Music: © Geonyong Lee. Covered
under One License subscription. Communion Song: The Church’s One Foundation. Text: Samuel J. Storme, 1839-1900. Music: AURELIA, Samuel S Wesley, 1810-1876. Public Domain. Sending Song: Joy to the World. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: English melody, 18th cent.; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Public Domain. Prayers were written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer

Psalm 122, Ephesians 2:11-22, John 14: 1-11 | “Home” carries many connotations for each of us. For some, home is a physical place. For others, home is less about a building and more about the people surrounding us. But for all of us, as followers of Jesus, we believe that it is through Christ our King—who came to live among us, died for us, and rose again for our sake—that we find our true home. As we wrap up the church year, join us as we celebrate the truth of Jesus as our King, and as we keep our eyes open for spaces in which God is making a home among us today.

Christ the King 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. Gathering Song: I Was Glad. Text: Psalm 122:1, refrain; Jay Beech, stanzas. Music: Psalm 122, Jay Beech. Text and Music:©1999 Jay Beech. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Be My Home. Text and Music: Handt Hanson and Paul Murakami. Text and Music:© 1996 Prince of Peace Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Here Is Bread. Words and Music: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Words and Music: ©1991 Make Way Music, admin. by Music Services in the Western Hemisphere. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: God Be with You Till We Meet Again. Text: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904. Music: GOD BE WITH YOU, William G. Timer, 1833-1896. Public Domain. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription.

 

Mark 13: 1-8, Hebrews 10:11-25 | Before even turning on the news, we could likely predict what sorts of stories we’ll hear. After a while, it may seem as though we’re simply stuck in the same news cycle, over and over and over again. For centuries, God’s people have dealt with wars, violence, and destruction. So is there hope for anything to change? Join us as we hear God’s message to not be afraid, to beware, and to hold fast to the hope of our confession through Jesus Christ.

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost 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. Gathering Song: My Lord, What a Morning. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: When Peace Like A River. Text: Horatio G Spafford, 1828-1888. Music: VILLA DU HAVRE, Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876. Public Domain. Offering Song: Goodness is Stronger than Evil. Text: Desmond Tutu, b. 1931. Music: GOODNESS IS STRONGER, John L. Bell, b. 1949. Text: © 1995 Desmond Tutu, admin. Random House, Inc. and Lynn C. Franklin Associates, Ltd. Music: © 1996 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Borning Cry. Words and Music: John Ylvisaker. Words and Music: ©1985 John Ylvisaker. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Soon and Very Soon. Text and Music: Andrae Crouch, b. 1945 Text and Music: © 1976 Bud John Songs, Inc./Crouch Music, admin. EMI Christian Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

 

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.

 

Mark 10: 46-52 | “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Good advice, but sometimes a bit challenging to put into practice.  But what if we believed that, as children of God who’ve been restored through the blood of Christ’s death and resurrection, we will receive the courage we need? The courage to approach our God and Father? The courage to acknowledge our shortcomings and need for healing? The courage to be vulnerable? The courage to follow as a disciple? The courage to “feel the fear and do it anyway”? Join us for worship as we claim the promise that Jesus restores us, gives us life and gives us the gift to live courageously as his disciples.

Twenty-second Sunday of Pentecost Worship Bulletin

Acknowledgements: 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. Gathering Song: For the Beauty of the Earth. Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917, alt. Music: DIX, Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872. Text and music © 1917 Willow Publishing Pty Ltd. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: When the Poor Ones. Text: Jos’e Antonio Olivar, b. 1939; tr. Martin A. Seltz, b. 1951. Music: EL CAMINO, Miguel Manzano, b. 1934. Text and Music: © 1971, 1998 J. A. Olivar, Miguel Manzano, and San Pablo International – SSP, admin. OCP Publications. Offering Song: O God, We Call. Text and Music: Linnoa Good. Text and Music: © 1994 Borealis Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Reign of Healing. Words and Music: Hans Peterson and Larry Olson. Music and Text: © 1999 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: You Are The Way. Words by Steve Angrisano, Tom Tomaszek, and Christi Smith. Music by Steve Angrisano and Patrick Smith. Words and Music: © 2002 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

 

Mark 10: 35-45 | When we think of those who are “powerful,” our minds likely go to high-ranking CEOs, politicians, and billionaires. Often, we do not consider ourselves as people of “power” and “influence.” But each of us has been granted power. For starters, we all have been given the power of the Spirit, and many of us have also been granted power and authority based on our race, background, education, gender, and social status. So then, as people of faith, how do we steward this power? Join us for worship as we hear Christ’s example of using his power for the sake of others, and as we are challenged to assess how our power can be used to make a difference.

Twenty-first Sunday of Pentecost 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. Prelude: Pass It On. Words and Music: Kurt Kaiser. Words and Music © Lutheran Church Of Australia. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Let All Things Now Living. Text: Katherine K. Davis, 1892-1980.. Music: The Ash Grove, Welsh folk tune. Text and music © 1939, 1966 E. C. Schirmer Music Company. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service. Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984. Music: Beach Spring, The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844. Text: © Oxford University Press. The Copyright Co.  Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering Song: We Are An Offering. Words and Music by Dwight Liles. Words and Music: © 1984 Curb Word Music. Covered under CCLI License subscription. Communion Song: Make Me A Servant. Words and Music: Kelly Willard. Music and Text: © 1982 CCCM Music | Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing | Willing Heart Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Make Me An Instrument. Words by Larry Olson & Karol Baer. Words and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc.  Covered under One License subscription. 

 

Mark 10:17-31 | “Let it go, let it go,” sings Elsa in the infamous Disney movie “Frozen.” Some things in our lives and our world might be easy to “let go of,” but other things that are closer to our hearts may be harder to simply “let go of.” Indeed, some things that we hold onto tightly may not even be things, but ideals, that we couldn’t imagine loosening our grip. But as the rich man finds out in talking with Jesus, there are often things that we hang onto which inhibit us from seeing or participating in, God’s Kingdom. Out of grace, our God “let go” of all our God had so that we might live in his Kingdom. So now, in response, dare we ask ourselves what might be blocking us from fully living in the life God intends for us and all God’s people? Join us for worship as we experience God’s grace anew and are sent to be stewards of God’s Kingdom.

Twentieth Sunday of Pentecost 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. Gathering Song: God I So Good/Jesus Loves Me!. Text: William B Bradbury, 1816-1868. Music: Valerie W. Stephenson. Text and music © 2007, 2012 Choristers Guild. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Seek Ye First. Text and Music: Karen Lafferty, b. 1948. Text and Music: © 1972 Maranatha! Music. admin. The Copyright Co. Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: All My Relatives. Words and Music by Larry Olson & Karol Baer. Music and Text: © 1992 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: You Are the Way. Words by Steve Angrisano, Tom Tomaszek, and Christi Smith. Music by Steve Angrisano and Patrick Smith. Words and Music: © 2002 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

 

Mark 9:38-50, Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 | Whether we like it or not, we tend to be creatures of habit. As humans, we find one way of doing something that works and we stick with it. But then how do we respond when God shows up unexpectedly? Or, not as we envisioned? We believe that God first appeared in Jesus—in the most unexpected place—to unsuspecting people. But time and time again, God’s Kingdom shows up to us in ways we might not have imagined. Join us for worship as we hear the story of Moses and the Israelites and Jesus and his disciples, and are challenged to throw away those things that keep us from embracing where and how God’s kingdom does show up.

Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost 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. Prelude: The Gift of Love. Text: Hal Hopson. Music: John Carter.  Music: ©1972, 1995 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: What Is This Place?. Text:Huub Oosterhuis, b. 1933; Music: KOMT NU MET ZANG, A Valerius, Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck, 1626. Text © 1967 Gooi en Stecht, BV, Baarn, The Netherlands, admin OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Will You Let Me Be Your Servant. Text: Richard Gillard b. 1953. Music: THE SERVANT SONG, Richard Gillard. Text and Music © 1977 Scripture In Song (℅ Integrity’s Hosanna Music)/ASCAP. Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering Song: Sweet Hour of Prayer. Words and Music by Sandra Eithun. Music: © Choristers Guild. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Be Thou My Vision. Text: ancient Irish; tr. by Mary E Byrne, 1905; fr. Eleanor Hill’s Poem Book of Gael, 1912, alt. Music: Trad. Irish melody; adapt. fr. The Church Hymnary, 1927. Contributors: SLANE  Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Words and Music: Marty Haugen. Words and Music: © 1986 GIA Publications. 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 9:30-37, James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a| Welcome mats adorn people’s front steps. “All are welcome” is blasted across signs in front of churches and businesses, and “welcome home!” is a phrase we often use with we haven’t seen in a while. But what does it really mean to be “welcomed”? Join us for worship this week as we hear the promise of our God who became a servant so that we might be welcomed into God’s embrace, and as we are sent to be Christ’s welcome to all the world.

Seventeenth Sunday of Pentecost 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. Gathering Song: God Is Here!. Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Music: ABBOT’ LEIGH, Cyril V. Taylor, 1907-1991. Text © 1979 and Music ©1942, ren. 1970 Hope Publishing Company.. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: All My Relatives. Words and Music: Larry Olson, Karol Baer. Words and Music © 1992 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Make Me a Servant. Words and Music by Kelly Willard. Words and Music: © 1982 CCCM Music, Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Publishing, Willing Heart Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Refiner’s Fire. Words and Music: Brian Doerksen. Words and Music: © 1990 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Step By Step. Words and Music: David (Beaker) Strasser. Words and Music: © 1991 Kid Brother Of St. Frank Publishing, Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Liturgy: Now the Feast and Celebration. by Marty Haugen.©1990 by GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.