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 19th – Third 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.
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=sharing
Introduction
Sunday’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.
Prayer of the Day
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Receiving God’s promise through baptism
Today’s reading is the conclusion of Peter’s sermon preached following the giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The center of his preaching is the bold declaration that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 I will call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116:13)
1 Peter 1:17-23 Born anew through the living word of God
The imagery of exile is used to help the readers of this letter understand that they are strangers in a strange land. Christians no longer belong to this age. Through the death of Christ we belong to God, so that our focus, faith, and hope are no longer on such things as silver or gold.
Luke 24:13-35 Eating with the risen Christ
The colorful story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus answers the question of how Jesus is to be recognized among us. Here, he is revealed through the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.