News and information
When will we worship together again in our sanctuary?
That’s the question many congregations like ours are asking. What’s the answer? Now? Not yet?
Our congregation council members are studying guidance from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our Northeastern Iowa Synod, and COVID-19 research and recommendations from the scientific community.
At the council’s June 11 meeting, they will formulate our plans.
The following is from a letter sent to congregations of the Northeastern Iowa Synod in late April from the Deans and Chaplains of the synod. It offers, to my mind, the most important questions to be asking ourselves:
“We are writing to encourage you to hold fast to your Christian witness. Even when we are allowed to worship together, we must ask is this the best decision for the sake of the neighbor and the common good? Can we ensure the safety of those dear to us in our community if we gather?”
Pastor Gary
That’s the question many congregations like ours are asking. What’s the answer? Now? Not yet?
Our congregation council members are studying guidance from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our Northeastern Iowa Synod, and COVID-19 research and recommendations from the scientific community.
At the council’s June 11 meeting, they will formulate our plans.
The following is from a letter sent to congregations of the Northeastern Iowa Synod in late April from the Deans and Chaplains of the synod. It offers, to my mind, the most important questions to be asking ourselves:
“We are writing to encourage you to hold fast to your Christian witness. Even when we are allowed to worship together, we must ask is this the best decision for the sake of the neighbor and the common good? Can we ensure the safety of those dear to us in our community if we gather?”
Pastor Gary
Read the Wartburg Magazine online at the link below!!
Alumni Kate Koob did a story with the Wartburg Magazine for the Winter 2020 edition.
For those of you that don't know, Forty years ago, Kate spent more than a year in captivity during the Iranian Hostage Crisis,
and her wisdom speaks to us all during our current worldwide health crisis.
Open the magazine to read Knights' stories online at www.wartburg.edu/winter-2020-magazine.
Alumni Kate Koob did a story with the Wartburg Magazine for the Winter 2020 edition.
For those of you that don't know, Forty years ago, Kate spent more than a year in captivity during the Iranian Hostage Crisis,
and her wisdom speaks to us all during our current worldwide health crisis.
Open the magazine to read Knights' stories online at www.wartburg.edu/winter-2020-magazine.
Worship Service Videos & Readings
March 22
Prayer of the Day
Bend your ear to our prayers, Lord Christ, and come among us. By your gracious life and death for us, bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and anoint us with your Spirit, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Scripture Readings
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
Prayer of the Day
Bend your ear to our prayers, Lord Christ, and come among us. By your gracious life and death for us, bring light into the darkness of our hearts, and anoint us with your Spirit, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Scripture Readings
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
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March 29
Prayer of the Day Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us the power of the Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ and serve you in righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen Scripture Readings Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 |
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The April 5th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
April 5
Prayer of the Day Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen Scripture Readings Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14--27:66 |
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Here is the Website Link for the Good Friday Worship Service that the Church Row Pastors put together!
https://sites.google.com/towerstepsgraphics.com/fourthstreetchurches/home Youth Good Friday Worship Service |
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The April 12th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
April 12
O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Acts 10:34-43 Jeremiah 31:1-6 (alternate) Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4 Matthew 28:1-1 |
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The April 19th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
April 19
Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith in you and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-3 |
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The April 26th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
April 26
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 Readings Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-3 |
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The May 3rd Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
May 3
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 Readings Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 23 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10 |
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The May 10th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
May 10
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another, to follow in the way of his commandments, and to share his risen life with all the world, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 |
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The May 17th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
May 17
Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:8-20 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 |
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The May 24th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. *This video was done by the NEI Synod, so this Prayer of the Day and Scripture Readings are NOT the same* |
May 24
O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11 |
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The May 31st Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
May 31
O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23 |
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The June 7th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
June 7
Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Scripture Readings Genesis 1:1; 2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20 |
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The June 7th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
June 14
God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into your hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Exodus 19:2-8a Psalm 100 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35; 10:8, [9-23] |
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The June 7th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
June 21
Teach us, good Lord God, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, except that of knowing that we do your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Jeremiah 20:7-13 Psalm 69:7-10, [11-15], 16-18 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39 |
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The June 7th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
June 28
O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Jeremiah 28:5-9 Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42 |
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The July 5th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
July 5
You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 145:8-14 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 |
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The July 12th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
July 12
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 55:10-13 Psalm 65:[1-8], 9-13 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 |
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The July 19th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
July 19
Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 44:6-8 Psalm 86:11-17 Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 |
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The July 26th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
July 26
Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings 1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136 Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 |
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The August 2nd Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
August 2
Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 55:1-5 Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-21 |
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The August 9th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
August 9
O God our defender, storms rage around and within us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us in the faith of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings 1 Kings 19:9-18 Psalm 85:8-13 Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 |
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The August 16th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
August 16
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 Readings Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 Psalm 67 Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28 |
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The August 23rd Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
August 23
O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 51:1-6 Psalm 138 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20 |
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The August 30th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
August 30
O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Jeremiah 15:15-21 Psalm 26:1-8 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 |
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The September 6th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
September 6
O Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Ezekiel 33:7-11 Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 |
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The September 13th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
September 13
O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Genesis 50:15-21 Psalm 103:[1-7], 8-13 Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35 |
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The September 20th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
September 20
Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Jonah 3:10--4:11 Psalm 145:1-8 Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16 |
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The September 27th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
September 27
God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Psalm 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32 |
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The October 4th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
October 4
Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:7-15 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46 |
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The October 11th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
October 11
Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 25:1-9 Psalm 23 Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14 |
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The October 18th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
October 18
Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Isaiah 45:1-7 Psalm 96:1-9, [10-13] 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 |
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The October 25th Video can be found
on Zion's Facebook page. Please like our page and you will get the notifications when new information or videos are posted. |
October 25
O Lord God, you are the holy lawgiver, you are the salvation of your people. By your Spirit renew us in your covenant of love, and train us to care tenderly for all our neighbors, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Scripture Readings Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 Psalm 1 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46 |