Category: Worship Services

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.

Mark 16:1-8 | Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Today, with the whole church we shout our praise to our Lord who has risen victorious over sin, death, and the devil. Jesus has triumphed over all things, giving life to all the world. Each Easter, this news is proclaimed with acclamation, and each year, many gather in worship of our crucified and risen Lord. But then what? What happens after the service, after the lilies have faded, after the ham is eaten, and after we return to our day-to-day lives? Well, taking a cue from Mark’s account of the resurrection, that is where our work begins as we become people who are co-writing the story of Christ’s resurrection in our lives, in the world, and in the church. So as we rise this Easter to the dawn of another new day, join us for worship as we hear again the Gospel message of Christ’s resurrection, and as we are sent forth to continue the story of God’s resurrection promise…here and now.

Sunday, March 31, 2024, Easter 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: Prelude and Fugue in C Major. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Text and Music: Public Domain. & Magnificat Fugue. Text and Music: Johann Pachelbel, 1653-1706. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today. Text: Latin carol, 14th cent., sts. 1-3; tr. J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708, alt.; Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, st.4. Music: J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Text: John S, B, Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Frederick C. maker, 1844-1927. Text & Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: There Is a Fountain. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music:© 2014 The Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services) All Rights Reserved. ASCAP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done. Text: Symphonia Sirenum, Köln, 1695; tr. Francis Pott, 1832-1909. Music: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, 1525-1594; arr. William H. Monk, 1823-1889. Text and Music: Public Domain. & Here, at your Table, Lord. Text & Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. & Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross. Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915. Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915. Text and Music: Public Domain. & There in God’s Garden. Text: Kiraly Imre von Pecselyi, c. 1590-c. 1641; tr. Erick Routley, 1917-1982. Music: K Lee Scott, b. 1950. Text: © 1976 Hinshaw Music, Inc. Music: © 1987 Birnamwood Publications, a div. of Morningstar Music Publishers, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. & I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.
Sending Song: Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds. Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876-1947, alt. Music: Geistliche Kirchengesänge, Köln, 1623. Text: © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Postlude: Psalm XIX. Text & Music: Benedetto Marcelo, 1686-1739. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 18-19|This Friday is named “Good Friday” in the life of the church. On the surface, there is seemingly nothing “good” about this day. It’s a day filled with darkness; it’s a day filled with the depth of humanity’s brokenness and deception; it’s a day filled with seemingly the absence of God’s light. And yet, even in the darkness, and even as we look upon Christ as he is raised upon the cross, there we find the truth of God, and there we find the depth of God’s covenant with us and with all creation. So join us for worship as we remember the sacred story of Christ’s passion, as we recall our sin and brokenness, and as we wait and watch – with patience – for the dawn of God’s light.

Friday, March 29, 2024, Good Friday 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: I Surrender All. Text and Music: Mary Hayes. Text and Music: © 1993 Shawnee Press. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded. Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676, based on Arnulf of Louvain, d. 1250; tr, composite. Music: German melody, c. 1500; adapt. Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr, Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text and Music: Public Domain.
Hymn: Jesus I Will Ponder Now. Text: Sigismund von Birken, 1626-1681; tr. August Crull, 1846-1923, alt. Music: Melchior Vulpius, 1570-1615. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn: Ah Holy Jesus. Text: Johann Heermann, 1585-1647; tr. Robert Bridges, 1844-1930, alt. Music: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn: Go to Dark Gethsemane. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854. Music: Richard Redhead, 1820-1901. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn: Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt. Music: Hugh Wilson, 1764-1824. Text and Music: Public Domain.
Hymn: Were You There. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Text:Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 13:1-17, 31b-35 | To gather for worship on a Thursday isn’t “normal.” Indeed, it might feel like an interruption to our weekly rhythm. In the same way, the entire week of Holy Week may feel like an interruption in our calendar and in our lives. And yet, it is through interruption that God gets our attention. On the eve of Christ’s betrayal and arrest, Jesus captures the attention of the disciples as he got up from the table and started washing their feet. No one expected it. And it clearly interrupted dinner. But that interruption sent the disciples, and us, on a different trajectory. So, as we begin our trek through the Great Three Days, take an hour out of your day to join us for worship as we receive the interruption of God’s love given to us, and as we are challenged to allow our lives to be interrupted as we share Christ’s love with those around us. 

Thursday, March 28, 2024, Maundy Thursday 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: Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded. Text and Music: Rudy Davenport. Text and Music: Public Domain.
Gathering Hymn: Just As I Am, without One Plea. Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871. Music: William B Bradbery, 1816-1868. Text and Music: Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness: I Have Decided To Follow Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Love Consecrates the Humblest Act. Text: Silas B. McManus, 1845-1917. Music: German melody, 18th cent.; adapt. X.L. Hartig, Melodien zum Mainzer Gesangbuche, 1833. Text and Music: © 2012 MorningStar Music Publishers/Birnamwood Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Lamb of God. ELW Setting. Text and Music © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. & Jesus Remember Me. Text and Music: Jacques Berthier, Taizé Community. Test and Music: © 1981 Taiz , Les Presses de (North America). Covered under One é License subscription.

Mark 11:1-11 | The atmosphere in Jerusalem on the day that Jesus rode into the city on a donkey must’ve been electric. The people clamored to fill the sides of the streets, laying down their cloaks and waving palm branches. But at the same time that the crowd expressed their praise and adoration, they were crying out for Jesus to save and deliver them. Today, as we begin this Holy Week, we also offer Christ our adoration and acknowledge our need for God to save us, and to save the world. So as we begin our journey to the cross and empty tomb, join us for worship as we confess our need for God’s help, as we are reminded of God’s unfailing promises – even in the most unlikely places, and as we are sent to listen to the cries of those around us in the world today.

Sunday, March 24, 2024, 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. Prelude: How Majestic Is Your Name. Text and Music: Michael W. Smith. Text and Music: © 1981 Meadowgreen Music Company (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Hymn: Pave the Way with Branches. Text and Music: Bret Hesla. Text and Music: © 1999 Bret Hesla, admin. 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: Grateful. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing corporation. Covered under One License subscription.
Communion Song: Lamb of God. ELW Setting. Text and music © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Hosanna. Text and Music: Brooke Ligertwood. Test and Music: © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Rest of World) & Sony/ATV Music Publishing Australia (Aus/NZ Only). Covered under CCLI subscription.
Sending Song: Lift High the Cross. Text: George W. Kitchin, 1827-1912; rev. Michael R. Newbolt, 1874-1956. Music: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875-1947. Text and Music: © 1974 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription.

John 12: 20-33 | For a plant to grow, a seed needs to be buried in the ground. Water alone will allow the seed to germinate, but it will never grow to its full potential. As we prepare for Holy Week starting next Sunday, we hear Jesus give an example of a seed falling into the earth and dying for it to bear fruit. Christ – as our seed – died for our sake and has given us the fruit of salvation. But now, as people of faith, we too are invited into the cycle of Christ’s death and resurrection for the purpose of bearing fruit in God’s Kingdom. So join us this weekend as we consider our own faith lives and our participation in Christ’s body on earth, and as we prepare to hear once again the life-giving promise of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday, March 17, 2024, 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. Prelude: It is Well With My Soul. Text and Music:Mark Leslie Hayes, Horatio G. Spafford, Philip P Bliss. Text and Music: © 2007 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription.  Gathering Song: As the Winter Days Grow Longer. Text and Music: Mary Louise Bringle. Text and Music: © 2006 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Now the Green Blade Rises. Text: John Macleod Campbell Crum, 1872-1958. Music: French carol. Text and Music: © 2006 Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Reflection. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Beautiful Things. Text and Music: Lisa Gungor, Michael Gungor. Text and Music: © 2009 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing. Text: attr. John Fawcett, 1740-1817, sts. 1-2, alt.; Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903, st. 3, alt. Music: Sicilian, 18th cent. Text and Music: Public Domain.

John 3:1-21| On a weekend we lose an hour of sleep, it’s likely we also notice it’s just a bit darker again in the morning. What we could see out our window at 6 am now needs to wait ’til 7 am to become visible to our eyes. Light illuminates the landscape, and it exposes what is present. That light is a gift, but at times, it also may be tempting to stay in the dark. In our Gospel this weekend, we meet a leader – Nicodemus – who was skeptical to come to Jesus and to be fully seen. But even when Nicodemus hung back in the shadows, Jesus shown a spotlight on himself – revealed to Nicodemus just who God is, and then Jesus invited Nicodemus into that spotlight of God’s activity. For various reasons, we may hang in the shadows, but even then Jesus shines a spotlight on who God is to us, and invites us to come into the light so that God’s story can shine through us. So this weekend, even though it’s a bit darker in the morning, come into the light of Jesus in worship as we encounter the saving nature of God and as we are sent as vessels of God’s light. 

Sunday, March 10, 2024, 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. Prelude: Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God. Text and Music: Karen Lafferty. Text and Music: © 1972 CCCM Music (admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. & You Are Mine  Text and Music: David Haas. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross. Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915.  Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915. Text and Music: © OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: There In God’s Garden. Text and Music: K Lee Scott. Text and Music: © 1987 MorningStar Music Publishers/Birnamwood Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Will You Come and Follow Me. Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949.  Music: Scottish traditional. Text and Music: © 1987 Iona Community/WGRG (North America). Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Amazing Love. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and Music: © 1989 Make Way Music. Covered under One License 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.

John 2:13-22 | On average, it takes 9 months to build a home. Construction takes time. But, according to Jesus in our Gospel lesson, he can build an entire temple in a mere three days! At least, that’d be the literal interpretation. But, as we discover, Jesus isn’t referring to a physical building; he’s referring to himself as the temple that is filled with the glory of God. Knowing the “end of the story” – the coming of Christ’s death and resurrection – it might be one thing for us to look at this passage and nod with approval that Jesus was simply pointing to himself as the dwelling place of God. But much like the early Christians who would’ve heard this gospel passage, are there not times in which we struggle to know where and how to encounter the dwelling place of God? And, amid seeming de-construction, are there not times in which we struggle to hold onto the hope of God’s resurrection promise? On our own, we cannot encounter the truth of God. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, and gathered in community, we can be reminded of God’s ongoing work within us and around us. So this weekend, join us for worship as we once again hear – and receive – Christ’s promise given to us and as we are sent forth to become Christ’s living body as vehicles of God’s Kingdom.  

Sunday, March 3, 2024, 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. 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: Built on a Rock. Text: Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872; Carl Doving, 1867-1937, adapted. Music: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812-1887. Text and Music: © 1958 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. 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. Communion Song: Blessed Assurance. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text: Isaac Watts, J. D. Walt, and Chris Tomlin. Music: Lowell Mason, Chris Tomlin, and Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music, Vamos Publishing. Covered under CCLI
subscription.

Mark 8:31-38 | During the season of Lent, some choose to “give something up” as a way of fasting. But as we heard Jesus predict his coming death and resurrection, it’s clear that Jesus isn’t just giving “something” up. Jesus (in fact, God) is giving everything up for the sake of our life, and the life of the world. So, in response to this covenant God has made with us, then what does it mean for us to give ourselves – fully – to Jesus as we hear his call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow? Join us for worship this weekend as we receive God’s promise given to us, and as we are sent forth to faithfully follow – giving up not just “something” of our lives to the Lord, but our full selves.

Sunday, February 25, 2024, 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. Prelude: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: If You But Trust in God to Guide You. Text and Music: Georg Neumark, 1621-1681. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said. Text: Charles W. Everest, 1814-1877, alt. Music: W. Hauser, Hesperian Harp, 1848; arr. hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Jesus I Will Ponder Now. Text: Sigismund von Birken, 1626-1681; tr August Crull, 1846-1923, alt. Music: Melchior Vulpius, 1570-1615. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Take Up Your Cross. Text and Music: Jaime Cortez. Text and Music: © 2014 OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus. Text: Sigismund von Birken, 1626-1681; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, alt. Music: Georg G. Boltze, 18th cent. Text and Music: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.