Category: Worship Services

John 20:19-31 | On the second Sunday of Easter, we return to 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 16, 2023, 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: Children’s Song Medley. 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 D Leeson, 1807-1882, alt. Music: Robert Williams, 1781-1821. Text and Music: Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. Text: Joachim Neander, 1650-1690; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt. Music: Ernewerten Gesangbuch, Part II, Stralsund, 1665. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Brightest and Best. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music:© 2007 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription Sending Song: The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done. Text: Symphomia 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.

John 20:1-18 | Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! As we gather on this Easter Sunday, we exclaim with joy the news that Christ’s life is our life. But on that first Easter, as Mary went to the tomb, she wasn’t seeking life. She was seeking a body. And yet, as she remained at the tomb, and as she encountered Christ himself, her journey of seeking as transformed, sending her forth from the tomb on a whole new trajectory. Join us this morning as we once again hear the news of Christ’s resurrection and are sent forth to continue our journeys of seeking in the light of Christ’s promises.

Sunday, April 9, 2023, 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 G Minor. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Text and Music: Public Domain. Prelude and Fugue in F Major. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. 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 Alive! Let Christians Sing. Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936. Music: T. Williams, Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789. Text: © 1975, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Prelude and Fugue in C Major. Text and Music: Johann Sebastian Bach. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Now the Green Blade Rises. Text: John MacLeod Campbell Crum, 1872-1958.  Music: French carol. Text: © Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Come, Christians Join to Sing. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One LicenseI subscription. My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One LicenseI subscription. Sending Song: Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt. Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Text and Music: Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 | Have you ever cut off a dry branch from a tree? Or, seen a dead plant that didn’t make it through the winter? There comes a point when something is beyond hope for revival. Death, whether we like it or not, surrounds us. And yet, in our last week before entering Holy Week, we witness the power of God’s Spirit bringing life to that which was once dead. Join us as we acknowledge our own weakness, and as we seek the hope of Christ that will stir in us and sustain us.

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 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: Come Alive. Text and Music: Lauren Daigle. Text and Music: © Wave Music. Gathering Song: What Wondrous Love Is This. Text: North American folk hymn, 19th cent., alt. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Paul J. Christiansen, 1914-1997, alt. Text and Music: © 1955 Augsburg Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Send Your Spirit to Set Us Free. Text and Music: Barbara Hamm. Text and Music: © 2008 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2013 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Communion Song: Spirit Song. Text and Music: John Wimber. Text and Music: © 1979 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Surely The Presence Of The Lord. Text and Music: Lanny Wolfe. Text and Music: © 1977 Lanny Wolfe Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land. Text and Music: African American spiritual. Text and Music: Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

John 9:1-41 | This week in our Gospel passage we meet a man born blind. Upon seeing this man, the disciples ask Jesus, “who sinned, this man or this man’s parents, that he was born blind?” The question is off-base, and laden with judgment and assumptions. Unfortunately, after Jesus heals this man born blind, this man is subjected to even further interrogation by those who do not receive his testimony. For us, today, even without realizing it, we may carry assumptions that harm our relationship with God and with those around us. As we continue our journey of seeking, join us as we confront the assumptions we hold and as we open ourselves to receive the gift God has for us.

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 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: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Text and Music: Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2002 Pilot Point Music. Covered under One License subscription. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded. Text and Music: Hans Leo Hassler. Text and Music: © 2007 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Our Father, We Have Wandered. Text: Kevin Nichols, 1929-2006. Music: Hans Leo Hassler, 1564-1612; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750. Text: © 1981 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We Come with Questions. Text: Anna Strickland (2022). Music: Erneuerten Gesangbuch (1665); harm. W. Sterndale Bennett (19th cent.) Text: © Anna Strickland, 2021. Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Offering Song: In Breaking of the Bread. Text and Music: Bob Hurd. Text and Music: © 2006 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Broken Body of Christ. Text: Lenora Rand. Music: Gary Rand. Text and Music: © 2019 Plural Guild Music. Covered under A Sanctified Art LLC subscription. Sending Song: Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. Text: John Newton, 1725-1807, akt., sts. 1-4; anonymous, st. 5. Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Edwin O. Excel, 1851-1921, alt. Text and Music: Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

John 4:5-42 | This Lent we are focusing on the theme “seeking.” But in today’s Gospel passage, the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at a well wasn’t even aware of what she was seeking. Going through life, trying to keep up and cover the essentials, like the Samaritan woman we might not even be aware that we are seeking something more…let alone have a sense that there “could” be something more. But even then, Jesus comes to meet us; and seeing us for who we are, we have the opportunity to recognize for ourselves that which we are seeking, and we have the opportunity to receive Christ’s gift of living water. As we continue our sojourn through this sacred season, join us for worship as we allow Christ to see us as we are and as we allow Jesus to fill us with the world’s greatest elixir: a love that is better than life itself.

Sunday, March 12, 2023, 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: Living Waters. Text and Music: Ed Cash, Kristyn Getty. Text and Music: © 2016 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: Come to the Water of Life. Text and Music: Ray Makeever. Text and Music: © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty. Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939. Music: The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844; arr. Selected Hymns, 1985. Text: © 1992, 1996 Sisters of St. Benedict, St, Joseph, MN. Music: © 1985 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: The Cross Leads Home. Text and Music: Charles Gabriel. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: All Who Are Thirsty. Text and Music: Brenton Brown, Glenn Robertson. Text and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by Integrity Music). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Text: Robert Robinson, 1735-1790, alt. Music: J. Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813. Text and Music: Public Domain. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a | Beginnings are often associated with excitement and anticipation. But often, for there to be a beginning there is also an ending. In our readings today, we hear Jesus invite Nicodemus to begin again – or to be “born again”, and we hear God call Abram and Sarai to begin again as they leave their home, their family, and their land to seek what God has promised them. For Nicodemus, Abram, and Sarai, to embrace a new beginning was a risk. And yet, by doing so, they opened themselves to the fullness of God’s promises for them. As you find yourself on your own journey of seeking this Lent, join us for worship as we consider the beginnings God is calling us into, and as we dare to take the risk to begin again and be born again in God’s grace.

Sunday, March 5, 2023, 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: More Love To Thee O Christ. 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. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: This is a Day of New Beginnings. Text: Brian Wren. Music: Carlton R. Young. Text: © 1983, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 1984, 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual; arr. hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.  Communion Song: Amazing Love. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and Music: © 1986 Make Way Music, admin. Integrity Music, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: The Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Lowell Mason, Chris Tomlin, and Jesse Reeves. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music, Vamos Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

Matthew 4:1-11 | On any given day, so many voices surround us, beckoning for our attention. With an abundance of messages to listen to, as people of faith, from time to time we are beckoned to embrace the silence of the wilderness so that we may hear God’s voice for us. And yet, as people of faith, at times we may already find ourselves in the wilderness and are longing for a voice of encouragement to remind us of our identity in Christ and to remind us of God’s faithful provision. So whether you’re beginning this journey of seeking surrounded by a cacophony of sounds, or whether you’re beginning this journey mid-way into the wilderness, join us for worship as we embrace the need for solitude and the need for community as fellows pilgrims of our Lord.

Sunday, February 26, 2023, First 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: My Savior’s Love. Text and Music: Lloyd Larson. Text and Music: © 2016 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. He Leadeth Me. Text and Music: Joseph H. Gilmore. Text and Music: Public Domain. All the Way My Savior Leads Me. Text and Music: Fanny J. Crosby & Robert Lowry. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Song:If You But Trust in God to Guide You. Text and Music: Georg Neumark, 1621-1681. Text and Music: © 1978, 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Who will you listen to? Text: Anna Strickland. Music: Meyer Lyon. Text: © 2021 Commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Music: Public Domain. Offering Song: Here I Am, Lord. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1981 OCP. Covered under One License subscription.  Sending Song: Lead Me, Guide Me. Text and Music: Doris Akers. Text and Music: © 1953 Alfred Publishing. Covered under One License subscription. Confession and Forgiveness, Invitation to Communion, and Blessing adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Sarah R. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Eucharistic prayer adapted by Rev. A. Kenitzer from Rev. Mike Blair, Luther College Campus Ministries.

Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 5:1-17 | Before going on a journey, it behooves us to be honest. Just as silly as it would be to set out on a journey of hundreds of miles with no gas and no gas station in sight, it also is deceptive for us to begin our journey of seeking without taking a moment to be honest with ourselves and honest with God. So as you begin your Lenten journey, join us as we offer ourselves honestly to God, as we confess our sin, as we turn in repentance, and as we receive the promise that even as scattered, broken, people we are forgiven by our God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Ash Wednesday 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: Christ, Be Our Light. Text and Music: Bernadette Farrell. Text and music: © 1993, 2020 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Opening Litany: O Lord, Hear My Prayer. Text: Psalm 102:1-2; Taizé Community, adapt. Music: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and music: © 1982, 1991 Le Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: O Lord Throughout These Forty Days. Text: based on Claudie F. Hernaman, 1838-1898; para. Gilbert E. Doan Jr., b. 1930. Music: A. Davisson, Kentucky Harmony, 1816;arr. Theodore A. Beck, 1929-2003. Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Restor in Us, O God. Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Music: Hal H Hopson, b. 1933. Text: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Music: © 1985 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Imposition of Ashes: We Are Called. Text and music: Mark Hayes, David Haas. Text and music © 2014 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: 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 Songs: Great Thanksgiving. Holy. Lamb of God. ELW Setting 4. Text and music © 1978, 2006: Ronald A Nelson, b. 1927. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Bless Now, O God, the Journey. Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993. Music: Welsh tune, 19th cent. Text: © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Postlude: Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart. Contributors: Frederick Atkinson, Mark Hayes. Text and music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Prayers: Adapted from a prayer by Rev. Sarah A. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. by Rev. Aleese Kenitzer.

Matthew 17:1-9 | The old children’s Sunday School song – Love in a Box – suggests that God’s love, and God’s glory, can’t be contained. Yet, when Peter witnesses the glory of Jesus’ transfiguration, his first impulse is to encapsulate the moment by building three tents. Though Peter’s response may appear illogical, sometimes we also attempt to capture God’s glory in an attempt to “understand God” rather than living into the mystery – and perhaps even the questions – of our faith. As we look to the coming season of Lent, join us for worship as we are summoned to embrace the mystery of God and as we move forward – seeking Christ – on our journeys of faith.

Sunday, February 19, 2023, Transfiguration Sunday

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: Majesty. Text and Music: Jack Hayford. Text and Music: © 1981 New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Gathering Song: Great is the Lord. Text and Music: Michael W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith. Text and Music: © 1982 Meadowgreen Music, admin. EMI Christian Music Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. Hymn of the Day: Come to the Mountain. Text: Scott Tunsth. Music: Kathy Donlan Tunseth. Text and Music: © 1996 Scott Tunseth and Kathy Donlan Tunseth. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love. Text: Peter Scholtes. Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Beautiful Savior. Text: Gesangbuch, Münster, 1677; tr. Joseph A. Seiss, 1823-1904. and Music: Silesian folk turn, 19th cent. Text and Music: Public Domain. and This is My Fathers World. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2006 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Shine, Jesus, Shine. Text and Music: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1987 Make Way Music, admin. Music Services in Western Hemisphere. Covered under One License subscription.

Matthew 5:21-37 | For many of us, we hop in a car on a daily basis, traveling from point A to point B. While driving, we may be in our own little world: listening to music, thinking about where we’re going, or planning out our day.  But all the while on the road, we also have a responsibility to other drivers. Much in the same way, Jesus teaches his disciples and the crowds in his Sermon on the Mount about the importance – and implications – of living with one another in God’s Kingdom. Join us this weekend for worship as we become aware of how we have – and haven’t – paid attention to those around us, and as we hop behind the wheel – taking the risk to live together in God’s kingdom come near.

Sunday, February 12, 2023, Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 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: Shall We Gather at the River. Text and Music: Robert Lowry. Text and Music: © 2014 Alfred Sacred. Covered under One License subscription. & On Eagle’s Wings. Text and Music: Michael Joncas. Text and Music: © 1979 OCP. Covered under One License subscription.
Gathering Song: All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: Bind Us Together. Text and Music: Bob Gillman, b. 1946. Text and Music: © 1977 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering Song: My Savior’s Love. Text and Music: Charles Gabriel. Text and Music: Public Domain. Communion Song: Will You Let Me Be Your Servant. Text and Music: Richard Gillard, b. 1953. Text and Music: © 1977 Scripture In Song, admin. Integrity Music. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Bring Forth the Kingdom. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.