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.
Seasonal Theme Write-Up
Written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries
Called to be disciples;
led by the light
For the season of Lent, the worship theme “Called to be disciples; led by the light” invites us into a journey of deepening faith and intentional following. Lent is a time to listen again for Jesus’ call: spoken beside the waters of baptism and echoed in every moment of repentance and renewal. As we walk with Christ through scripture, prayer, and worship, we encounter Jesus as the source of living water, meeting human thirst with grace that cannot be earned and love that does not run dry. In this season of honest reflection, we are reminded that discipleship is not about spiritual perfection but about trusting the promise of God’s mercy and allowing faith to shape how we live.
Led by the light of the world, we follow Jesus’ example of preaching good news, teaching with compassion, healing the broken, and drawing others into life-giving community. The light that guides us through Lent also exposes what needs healing within us and among us, calling us to lives marked by humility, courage, and hope. As disciples formed by grace, we are sent not only to believe but to embody Christ’s love: bearing light into places of shadow and offering living water to a thirsty world. This season prepares us to proclaim, with renewed clarity, that we are called, forgiven, and sent, led always by the light of Christ.
Altarscape
Thank you for creating the beautiful altarscape to emphasize the theme for the season Julie.
Color for the season
Lent: Purple is typically associated with Lent, suggesting repentance and solemnity.
Wednesday, February 25th – Midweek #1 Supper & Worship
Today is the first Midweek Supper at 6 pm with worship following at 7 pm. This year for worship the worship planning team decided to use the Midweek Lenten Series: “Open My Life, Lord” instead of using the Holden Evening Prayer service.
This link will open the congregational text for the five Midweek Worship Services.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uqJXi13VlVufQgxeYk1ighUqSutKQTh6/view?usp=sharing
Overview
Week of Lent 1: Open My Eyes, Lord
Paul saw the light of Christ shining around him on the road to Damascus. As individuals and communities, what do we have difficulty seeing? How does our perspective change when we view the world through the eyes of Christ?
Prayer of the Day
Open our eyes, Lord, to perceive your desire for the world. Remove those things that block our vision and widen our gaze to encompass all you would have us see. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 42:5-9
Psalm 119:17-24
Acts 26:4-18
Sunday, March 1st – Second Sunday in Lent
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.
This link will open the congregational text for the Sunday worship services (02.22.2026 – 03.22.2026).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pLVxwrZWlWxp0vYDk7iAIlNUnvZ00Rro/view?usp=sharing
Introduction
During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham, in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.
Prayer of the Day
O God, our leader and guide, in the waters of baptism you bring us to new birth to live as your children. Strengthen our faith in your promises, that by your Spirit we may lift up your life to all the world through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture
Genesis 12:1-4a The blessing of God upon Abram
God’s call of Abram and Sarai has a clear purpose—that through them all the families of the earth would gain a blessing. As they set out on their journey, they are accompanied by promises of land, nation, and a great reputation.
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills; my help comes from the Lord. (Ps. 121:1, 2)
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 The promise to those who share Abraham’s faith
In the person and example of Abraham we discover that a right relationship with God does not involve earning a reward from God but entails trusting God’s promises. Abraham is the forebear and model for both Jews and Gentiles, because we too trust that ours is a God who gives life to the dead.
John 3:1-17 The mission of Christ: to save the world
A curious Pharisee visits Jesus by night to learn from the teacher his friends reject. Jesus speaks to him about life in the Spirit and the kingdom of God.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.