Category: Worship Services

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.

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.

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.

Acts 2:1-21 |On the day of Pentecost, the rush of a violent wind filled the place where thousands had gathered in Jerusalem, filling the people with the Holy Spirit. Some of the people there were Jews who’d traveled to celebrate the festival of Pentecost, others were there as a part of the city’s commerce, and still others were there obeying Jesus’ command to remain in the city until the Spirit came upon them. But for everyone present, this event was a surprise, and interrupted everything going on. So when we consider the work of the Spirit in our lives and in the church today, does the Spirit still interrupt us? And, if the Spirit does interrupt us, are we willing to be interrupted – and transformed – for the sake of our life and the life of the world? Join us for worship as we pray for the Spirit to come upon us, and as we are filled with God’s breath of life, sending us forth into God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, May 19, 2024, Pentecost 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. Prayers and liturgy adapted by A. Kenitzer from Rev. Adrian White | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org Prelude: I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2020 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation.  Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading. Text: Wilson Niwagila; tr. Howard S. Olson, b. 1922. Music: Wilson Niwagila; arr. Egil Hovland, b. 1924. Text: © 1968, 1993 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind. Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., b. 1923. Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932. Text and Music: © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Spirit of Gentleness. Text and Music: James K. Manley, b. 1940. Text and Music: © 1997 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. 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: Shine, Jesus, Shine. Text and Music:Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1987 Make Way Music, admin. Music Services in the Western Hemisphere. Covered under One License subscription.

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 1; John 17:6-19 | Forty days after the resurrection of Jesus, the church celebrates the ascension of our Lord. Though the ascension is often perceived as Jesus “leaving us,” quite the opposite is transpiring in this event. Jesus, in his ascension, is passing off the baton to us, as his disciples, to continue his work within the world. So how do we continue Christ’s work? Even as we await the energy of the Spirit, sending us forth? Join us for worship this weekend as we hear from Scripture what it means to carry forth the baton of Jesus, confident that Jesus, our Lord, reigns over all things.

Sunday, May 12, 2024, Seventh Sunday of Easter 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: 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: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing!. Text: Bede, 673-735;tr. Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: Geistliche Kirchengesäge, Köln, 1623. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. Text and Music: Peter Scholtes. Text and Music: © 1966 F. E. L. Publications, assigned 1991 to The Lorenz Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Jesus Loves the Little Children. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: What a Friend We Have In Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: 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. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 15:9-17; 1 John 5:1-6 | Tell a young child to do or not to do something, and their first response may be, “why?”  There are so many things we’re told – commanded – to do that, even as adults, we may question the merit of obeying a given command or teaching. So when it comes to Jesus’ command for us to love and to bear fruit, what’s our response? And, how do we receive God’s command? As an ultimatum or as an invitation? It’d be one thing to hear Jesus’ command as a stern order.  But as we hear in our Gospel reading, Jesus’ command is for our own sake, and for the sake of joy. So, as the Easter season begins to draw to a close, join us for worship as we hear Jesus’ commands directed to us not as servants but as friends, and as we consider our participation in the vine of God’s Kingdom.  

Sunday, May 5, 2024, Sixth Sunday of Easter 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: Lord, Listen to Your Children. Text and Music: Jack Schrader, Ken Medema. Text and Music: © 1973, 2020 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under CCLI subscription. & This Is My Commandment. Text and Music: Unknown. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song: Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna. Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936 and Music: Thomas Pavlechko, b. 1962. Text: © 1986 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 2006 Thomas Pavlechko, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Great God, Your Love Has Called Us. Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936. Music: Norman Cocker, 1889-1953. Text: © 1977, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Let Us Be Bread. Text and Music: Thomas J. Porter. Text and Music: © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Beautiful Savior. Text and Music:Natasha Midori. Text and Music: © 2015 Maranatha Indonesia. Sending Song: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. Text: Henry van Dyke, 1852-1922. Music: Ludwig van Beethoven, 1770-1827, adapted. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 15:1-8 | Vines. Here in Iowa, some vines are invasive, taking over everything in their path. But other vines – like grapevines or clematis bushes – have a purpose. Their purpose is to bear fruit – whether that’s an edible fruit or something that adds beauty to creation. But for vines to bear fruit, they need to be connected to their base. In the same way, as disciples of Jesus, and also as the church, our purpose is to bear fruit. But without first abiding in our vine – Jesus Christ – and without allowing the Holy Spirit to prune and shape us, we cannot live out our purpose in God’s Kingdom. So as we continue through the Easter season, join us for worship, as we once again are given the invitation to abide in Christ as he abides in us, and as we are sent forth to live out our purpose in God’s garden.

Sunday, April 28, 2024, Fifth Sunday of Easter 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: There is a Fountain. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2014 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Now the Green Blade Rises. Text and Music: John MacLeod Campell Crum, NOEL NOUVELET, French Carol. Text and Music: © 1928 Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O Blessed Spring. Text and Music: Susan Palo Cherwien, Robert Buckley Farlee. Text and Music: © 1993 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Just As I Am. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2022 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Vine and Branches. Text and Music: Trevor Thomson. Text and Music: © 2012 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! Text and Music: Herbert F. Brokering, David N. Johnson. Text and Music: © 1968, 1995 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

John 10:11-18 | Belonging. The word may simply refer to the ownership of property, or, may refer to an intent for acceptance and inclusion. More and more within society, groups have made efforts to create a space of “belonging.” But in Christ, belonging goes to the next level. For in Christ, belonging is not simply being a part of a group, but as the Gospel of John points us to, belonging is an experience of God’s abundant life – now, and into the future. So this weekend, as we witness God’s gift of grace poured out in baptism, drawing us to God’s self, join us for worship as we are invited to belong to Christ as a part of God’s flock, and as we are invited to belong to one another in community.

Sunday, April 21, 2024, Fourth Sunday of Easter 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: Morning Has Broken. Text and Music: Larry Shackley. Text and Music: © 2001, 2013 Hope Publishing Company. & Children’s Medley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © Lifeway Christian Resources. Covered under One License subscription.
Gathering Song: Have No Fear Little Flock. Text and Music: Marjorie Jillson, Heinz Werner Zimmerman. Text and Music: © 1974 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Children of the Heavenly Father. Text and Music: Ernst W. Olson. Text and Music: © 1925, 1953 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Child Of the Water. Text and Music: Hans Peterson, Larry Olson, David Lee Brown. Text and Music: © 1998 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Agnus Dei. Text and Music: Michael W. Smith. Text and Music: © 1990 Sony/ATV Milene Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing. Text and Music: H.C.A. Gaunt, Public Domain. Text and Music: © 1978 Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription.

Luke 24:36b-48 | Not too long after Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, he boldly told them, “You are witnesses of these things.” But before sending them out as witnesses, Jesus offers them God’s peace, he invites them to come close to him, and he opens their minds to understand the Scriptures and all that has taken place. In the same way, Jesus comes and seeks us out today. And even before sending us out as witnesses, first, Jesus speaks God’s peace upon us, draws us in close, and invites us to create space so that our minds and hearts may be opened to understand not only the Scriptures, but also what God is doing in our midst. So, as we continue to gather this Easter season, join us as we trust Christ’s presence in the midst of us, preparing us to go out as witnesses in his name.

Sunday, April 14, 2024, Third Sunday of Easter 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: Higher Ground. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: O God, Who Gives Us Life. Text and Music: Carl P. Daw, Jr. Text and Music: © 1990 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: As We Gather at Your Table. Text and Music: Carl P. Daw, Jr. Text and Music: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Magnificat Fugue. Text and Music: Johann Pachelbel, 1653-1706. Text and Music: Public Domain. Sending Song: Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ. Text and Music: Fred Kaan/Doreen Potter. Text and Music: © 1975 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

John 20:19-31 | On the second Sunday of Easter, we return to the evening of that first Easter Sunday as we hear from the Gospel of John. Fearful of what was to come, the disciples hide behind locked doors. But in the midst of their fear, Jesus comes, stands in the midst of them, and offers them the gift of the Holy Spirit – speaking peace. Join us this weekend as we experience Christ coming to us in Word and Sacrament and offering us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Special thanks to lay leaders of Shepherd of the Cross for leading worship, and to Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, for today’s message.

Sunday, April 7, 2024, Second Sunday of Easter 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: What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia!. Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane ELeeson, 1807-1882, alt. Music: Robert Williiams, 1781-1821. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: The Risen Christ. Text: Nigel Weaver, b. 1952. Music: T. Williams, Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789. Text: © 1975, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company.  Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Jesus Paid It All. Text and Music: Mark Hayes, Marvin Gaspard. Text and Music: © 2017 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises. Text: South African; tr. Freedom Is Coming, 1984. Music: South African; arr. Freedom Is Coming. Text and Music: © 1984 Uttryck, admin. Walton Music Corp. Covered under One License subscription.