About Worship
Worship at All Saints might look and feel a little different. We carefully and prayerfully select a worship theme each season, and we choose songs and liturgical elements that help communicate that theme and bring us closer to God and to one another.
All Saints Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and participates in the Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM) program offered by the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Bishop Amy Current has authorized Wanda Barber, Matthew Reece, and Julie Schoville to be Synod Authorized Ministers able to preside over all worship services and offer pastoral care. The Synod provides training and instruction throughout the year and fully supports this program.
Easter Season (04.05.2026 – 05.17.2026)
Theme & Write-up
Written by the Director of Music Ministries
Jesus is the Way: Opening the Gate to New Life
In the radiant season of Easter, we gather as a community anchored in the resurrection hope that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. As the risen gate-opener, Jesus does not merely point us toward new life — he is the passage through which we walk from death into abundant living. This truth sustains us especially in seasons of adversity, when the path forward feels uncertain or the weight of the world presses heavily upon us. It is precisely in those moments of struggle and doubt that our faith is refined and deepened, and we discover anew that the risen Christ has already gone before us, holding the gate open with nail-scarred hands. Easter does not promise a life free from hardship; it promises a Savior who walks through every hardship with us.
As we journey through this Easter season together, we are invited to experience the renewal that only Christ can offer — a renewal that is not a single moment but a continual, daily unfolding. The love of Jesus is not seasonal or conditional; it is the same yesterday, today, and forever, a constant and unwavering presence that calls us by name and refuses to let us go. The Holy Spirit, our Advocate and guide, moves among us and within us, illuminating the way when we cannot see it clearly, breathing courage into weary hearts, and drawing us ever more deeply into the community of the resurrection. Together, as an Easter people, we are called to walk through the open gate — not alone, but carried by grace, guided by the Spirit, and bound to one another in the unending love of the risen Christ.
Color for the season of Easter
White – the symbol of light, typifies innocence and purity, joy of the resurrection, and glory.
Sunday, April 26th – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Ardor (Worship Musicians)
The musicians rehearse from 9:00 to 9:45 am every Sunday morning. You are invited to join us in leading music during the worship service. The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week. Contact the Director of Music Ministries or the church office if you plan to help lead worship.
Worship Information
The Sunday morning Worship Service will be at 10 am in the sanctuary.
All Saints Lutheran Church will receive new members during the worship service this Sunday, April 26, 2026. We will also celebrate First Communion and present Bibles. There will be a reception to follow in the gathering space.
This link will open the congregational text for the Sunday worship service (04.12.2026 – 04.26.2026).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bKoqbSMSBHy0i3mYf4YXWTWNjHsgfx7R/view?usp=drive_link
Introduction
Sunday is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.
Prayer of the Day
O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture
Acts 2:42-47 The believers’ common life
Sunday’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)
1 Peter 2:19-25 Follow the shepherd, even in suffering
Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.
John 10:1-10 Christ the shepherd
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.