Category: Worship Services

Philippians 3:4b-14 | You may have heard people refer to money or other material possessions as “blessings” from God. But does that mean God’s blessings, or God’s love, are only given to those who have material things? This week as we continue in our stewardship series, we’ll wrestle with this question and heed Paul’s words to the Philippians, urging us to consider what is valuable, what is worth our pursuit, and what it means to take up the mind of Christ – the mind of humility and servitude.

Note: due to technical difficulties, the video begins 30 seconds into Pastor Aleese’s sermon and therefore does not include the beginning portion of worship. Consider reading Philippians 3:4b-14 on your own before listening in!

Sunday, October 8, 2023, Nineteenth Sunday of 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: Beneath the Cross of Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending. Text and Music: Robert L. Edwards & Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2016 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O Christ, What Can It Mean For Us. Text and Music: Delores Dufner. Text and Music: © 2001, 2003 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Here At Your Table Lord. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: I Shall Not Want. Text and Music: Audrey Assad & Bryan Brown. Text and Music: © 2013 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fortunate Fall Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Take My Life, That I May Be. Text and Music: Frances R. Havergal & William H. Havergal. Text and Music: Public Domain.

Exodus 17:1-7 | You may have heard the phrase, “God provides” or “God will provide.” Throughout Scripture, we witness numerous examples of God remaining faithful to God’s promises. But what about today? Looking around, we may see signs of scarcity, and we ourselves might not feel as though God is providing. So how do we respond to that? Join us in worship this weekend as we hear a portion of the story of the Israelites liberation from Egypt, and as we are given the invitation to let go of our fears so we can radically place our trust in God’s faithfulness.

Sunday, October 1, 2023, Eighteenth Sunday of 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: 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: All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly. Text and Music: Sylvia G. Dunstan. Text and Music: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. Kyrie: Kyrie Eleison. Used by permission from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Setting 8 under Augsburg Fortress license. Hymn of Praise: This is the Feast. Used by permission from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Setting 8 under Augsburg Fortress license. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Used by permission from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Setting 8 under Augsburg Fortress license. Hymn of the Day: Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Text and Music: Thomas O Chisholm and William M Runyan. Text and Music: © 1923, 1951 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Breathe on Me, Breath of God. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2009 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Holy, Holy & Lamb of God. Used by permission from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Setting 8 under Augsburg Fortress license. Communion Song: All Who Are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown and Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Praise and Thanksgiving. Text and Music: Albert F Bayly, Augsburg Fortress. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 20:1-18 | Often we proclaim the message that God’s grace extends beyond the limits of imagination. In our communion liturgy, we give thanks for God’s mercy that is higher than the mountains and deeper than the seas. But all too often, we put false limits on the boundless generosity of God, leading to an exclusion of ourselves, and others, from the fullness of God’s Kingdom. As we celebrate the sacrament of baptism this Sunday, join us as we rejoice in the gift of God’s abounding love and as we are sent forth to bear that generosity and justice as marks of discipleship in the world.

Sunday, September 24, 2023, Seventeenth Sunday of 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: Day By Day. Text and Music: Stephen Schwartz. Text and Music: © Covered under Music Theatre International. Call to Worship: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord. Text and Music: Stephen Schwartz. Text and Music: © Covered under Music Theatre International. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy. Text and Music: Calvin Hampton. Text and Music: © 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: We Beseech Thee. Text and Music: Stephen Schwartz. Text and Music: © Covered under Music Theatre International. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Boundless Love. Text and Music: Hans Peterson. Text and Music: © 2001 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: All My Relatives. Text and Music: Larry Olson & Karol Baer. Text and Music: © 1992 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription.

Genesis 50:15-21; Matthew 18:21-35 | Forgiveness. Why is it sometimes so challenging to embrace? Having received mercy and compassion from God, one would think that it would be easy as pie to extend that same forgiveness to others. And yet, often it’s all too easy to hang onto the past rather than allowing ourselves to be freed to live into a renewed future and renewed relationship. As we continue with our “Marks of Discipleship” series, join us for worship as once again we receive God’s compassion, and as we are given the invitation to offer forgiveness to one another as an act of freedom.

Sunday, September 17, 2023, Sixteenth Sunday of 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. Gathering Song: Ten Thousand Reasons. Text and Music: Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman. Text and Music: © 2011 Brodt Music. Covered under One License subscription. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: God, How Can We Forgive. Text and Music: Ruth Duck. Text and Music: © 1994 The Pilgrim Press. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: The Lily of the Valley. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Loving and Forgiving. Text and Music: Scott R Soper. Text and Music: © 1992 OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Go My Children, with My Blessing. Text and Music: Jaroslav J. Vajda, Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams. Text and Music: © 1983 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 18:15-20, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 | Even in the life of the church, conflict is a given. We can’t ignore it or avoid it. Yet, how we respond and engage with one another as followers of Jesus impacts our relationships and our witness to the world. So, join us this weekend as, once again, we are reconciled to God through Christ in confession and forgiveness, and as we are called forth to witness to community as ministers of reconciliation.

Sunday, September 10, 2023, Fifteenth Sunday of 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: We Have Heard the Joyful Sound. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 Lorenz Corporation (admin. by Music Services). Covered under One License subscription. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. 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: God, When Human Bonds Are Broken. Text and Music: Fred Kaan. Text and Music: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Make Us One. Text and Music: Carol Cymbala. Text and Music: © 1991 Word Music, Inc. and Carol Joy Music ℅ Integrated Copyright Group. Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Jesu Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love. Text and Music: Tom Colvin. Text and Music: © 1969, 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: God’s Work Our Hands. Text and Music: Wayne L. Wold, David N. Johnson. Text and Music: © 1968, 2019 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 16: 21-28, Romans 12:9-21 | This weekend, as we begin a four-week mini-series on the “Marks of Discipleship,” we hear challenging words from Jesus about what it means for Christ to be our Messiah, and what it means for us to follow as disciples. Christ’s grace is offered to us as a free gift. But now, we have the opportunity to respond in faith by surrendering ourselves and our lives to God and to one another. In the midst of Labor Day festivities, join us for worship as we hear Christ’s invitation to follow, and as we receive God’s hand leading us forth into life.

Sunday, September 3, 2023, Fourteenth Sunday of 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 Christians Join to Sing. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. 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: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Text and Music: Chris Brown, Garo Christians, Mack Brock, Sadhu Sundar Singh, Wade Joye. Text and Music: ©2012 Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music
Publishing LLC) Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) . Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering Song: Lord Be Glorified. Text and Music: Bob Kilpatrick. Text and Music: © 1978 The Lorenz Corporation (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Step By Step. Text and Music: David (Beaker) Strasser. Text and Music: © 1991 Kid Brothers Of St. Frank Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Covered under One License subscription.

Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 | When kids play with Play-Dough, often they use molds to create specific shapes and creatures. Some might say that, in doing so, the Play-Dough is “conformed” to the mold. Or, others might say that the Play-Dough is “transformed” into something new. Which is it? Or, both? Though perhaps a childish example, the truth is, in our lives of faith, we have a multiplicity of things we could be conformed to; and yet, we are called to conform ourselves to Christ and his Kingdom. So where does that leave us with Paul’s command to us to also be “transformed”? Join us for worship this weekend as we hear Peter’s confession of faith, and as we consider what it means to live out our confession, continually being transformed by the power of the Spirit.

Sunday, August 27, 2023, Thirteenth Sunday of 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: Meditation from Thais. Text and Music: J. Massenet. Text and Music: ©Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. 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: Change My Heart, O God. Text and Music: Eddie Espinosa. Text and Music: © 1982 Integrity Music. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: The Body of Christ. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2019, 2020, Sarah Hart. Spirit & Son, a division of OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Take My Life, That I May Be. Text and Music: William D. Pharris. Text and Music: © 1998 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 15:10-28; Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 |Church signs often exclaim “All are welcome!” And throughout Scripture, time and time again, we are reminded that language of “insider” and “outsider” doesn’t jive with the vision of God’s Kingdom. And yet, even as people who’ve received God’s compassion, our own biases and perceptions keep us from fully living out the truth of God’s abundance for all. So, trusting that Christ meets us where we are, and trusting that the Spirit can help us recognize what it is that keeps us from living – and sharing – God’s promises freely, we invite you to join us for worship as once again we receive God’s sustenance through bread and wine, and as we are re-commissioned to join in God’s mission for the world.

Sunday, August 20, 2023, Twelfth Sunday of 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. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. 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: In Christ, There Is No East or West. Text: John Oxenham, 1852-1941, alt. Music: African American spiritual; adapt. Harry T. Burleigh, 1866-1949. Text and Music: © OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: United at the Table. Text: Joaquín Madurga; tr. Angel Mattos, b. 1947, and Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923. Music: Joaquín Madurga. Text and Music: © 1979, 1998 J. Madurga and San Pablo Internacional – SSP, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License 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.

Matthew 14:22-33|Ask any musician – or athlete – and they’ll be the first to tell you that there’s a difference between practice and performance. Once you step out onto the stage, or onto the field, there’s a risk and a chance of failure. In the same way, when it comes to our lives of faith, there’s a difference between “practicing” our confession of faith and actually “living” out that faith. In our Gospel story this week, we witness Peter take a risk in faith, trusting Jesus, and in so doing, proclaiming an even deeper confession in who he knew Christ to be. But all that came from Peter’s willingness to live his faith. Join us this weekend as we witness Peter’s example, and as we receive Christ’s hand, leading us forth to trust God’s faithfulness in all things.

Sunday, August 13, 2023, Eleventh Sunday of 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:  Revive Us Again. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. 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: Precious Lord, Take My Hand. Text and Music: George N. Allen Adapt. Thomas A. Dorsey. Text and Music: © 1995 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: 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 Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: It is Well With My Soul. Written and sung by Audrey Assad. Purchased by A. Kenitzer through Amazon Music. Sending Song: Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Music: Doris Akers. Text and Music: © 1953 Alfred Publishing. Covered under One License subscription.

Isaiah 55:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21 | Throughout Scripture, we hear examples of God’s provision for all people. Yet, living in the reality in which sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough to go around, what are we to make of these promises? Join us for worship as we receive the promise of God’s abundance in communion, hear God’s promise in Scripture, and are sent out to extend our banquet tables.

Sunday, August 6, 2023, Tenth Sunday of 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: Holy, Holy, Holy. Text and Music: Hayes/Dykes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Confession and Forgiveness: Used by permission from All Creation Sings, Setting 11 under Augsburg Fortress license. Adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer. 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: We Come to the Hungry Feast. Text and Music: Ray Makeever. Text and Music: © 1982 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.  Offering Song: Nearer My God To Thee. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Liturgy: Holy, Amen & Lamb of God. Text and Music: Sarah Hart. Text and Music: © 2010, 2018 OCP.  Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: You Satisfy the Hungry Heart. Text: Omer Westendorf, 1916-1997. Music: Robert E. Kreutz, 1922-1996. Text and Music: © 1977 Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises. Text and Music: South African; tr. & arr. Freedom Is Coming, 1984. Text and Music: © 1984 Utryck, admin. Walton Music Corp. Covered under One License subscription.