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.
Colors for the season of Pentecost: Summer (May 24th – August 30th)
Day of Pentecost (May 24): Red as the color of fire is used on this day when we remember the tongues of fire descended on the crowd in Jerusalem. In contrast to the color of scarlet, Pentecost’s red is a bright color.
The Holy Trinity (May 31): White is suggested, the expression of joy in the mystery of the Triune God.
Time after Pentecost (June 7 – August 30): Green is used, to indicate our growth in faith as we follow the teachings and ministry of Christ. Some assemblies use differing shades of green throughout the Sundays after Pentecost, a lighter green in summer and a darker green in fall.
Worship Information
The Sunday morning Worship Service will be at 10 am in the sanctuary.
This link will open the congregational text for the month of August’s Sunday worship services.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lVYFuwBN3adUy7hsV1uxdamhp96kNmQ0/view?usp=sharing
Pentecost: Summer Season (05.24.2026 – 08.30.2026)
Theme & Write-up
Written by the Director of Music Ministries
Living a kingdom life among God’s holy creation
As the season of Pentecost begins, we are invited to discover what it means to live a kingdom life among God’s holy creation. In the gift of the new covenant, God writes mercy upon our hearts and gathers people of every nation, language, and generation into the body of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church is strengthened to be a living witness to the gospel—not only in word, but also in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation. As the Spirit guided the disciples into bold faith and faithful service, so too are we sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
Throughout this season, we will listen closely to the teachings and parables of Jesus, learning how the kingdom of God takes root in unexpected places and ordinary lives. Christ calls us to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for our neighbors, and tend God’s creation with gratitude and humility. In the parables, we discover seeds of hope, treasures hidden in plain sight, and reminders that God’s reign is already growing among us. Together, we journey as disciples shaped by the Spirit, learning to live with generosity, courage, and love as we share in God’s renewing work throughout creation.
Altarscape
Sunday, August 16th – 12th Sunday after Pentecost
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.
Introduction
In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.
Prayer of the Day
God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 A house of prayer for all peoples
The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category.
Psalm 67 Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 God’s mercy to all, Jew and Gentile
God has not rejected Israel. Rather, the call and gifts of God are irrevocable so that, while all have been disobedient, God has mercy upon all.
Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28 The healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter
Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him for help.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.