Updated on
June 17, 2024
Video length
40 mins
David M. Cherwien and The Choral Scholars will lead this service of song and prayer centered around the botanical images of Christ and his people found in scripture.

Order of Worship


Choral Introit: “Christ Hath a Garden”
Text: Isaac Watts
Music (O WALY WALY 8.8.8.8): English folk melody; arr. Gerald Near © 1973 Belwin-Mills Publishing
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-70770. 

Call to Worship 

Opening Hymn: “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song”
Text: Carl P. Daw, Jr. © 1982 Hope Publishing
Music (BRIDEGROOM 8.7.8.7.6): Peter Cutts; desc. Emily Brink © 1969 Hope Publishing
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-70770.

Evening Psalm: Psalm 141:1–4a, 8
Words: Psalm 141
Music: Gerald Cartford © 1998 Augsburg Fortress Publishers; arr. Bethany Vrieland © 2011 Augsburg Fortress
Psalm Text: from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress
Tone: © 1996 Augsburg Fortress Publishers
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-70770. 

Prayers of the People

Anthem: “Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree”
Text: Anonymous, 18th century, based on Song of Solomon 2:3
Music: Elizabeth Poston © 1967 Elizabeth Poston
Used by permission.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 55:6–13  

Hymn: “Light Dawns on the Weary World”
Text: Mary Louise Bringle © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc.
Music (TEMPLE OF PEACE 7.6.6.7.8 and refrain): William P. Rowan © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc.; arr. David Cherwien © 2021 GIA Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-70770.

New Testament Reading: John 15:4–17 

Hymn: “O Blessed Spring”
Text: Susan Palo Cherwien © 1993 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress
Music (BERGLUND 8.8.8.8): Robert Buckley Farlee © 1993 Robert Buckley Farlee, admin. Augsburg Fortress; arr. David Cherwien © 2011 Augsburg Fortress
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-70770.

Charge and Blessing

Closing Hymn: “Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen”
Text: Herbert F. Brokering © 1995 Augsburg Fortress
Music (EARTH AND ALL STARS 4.5.10 D refrain 10.5.4): David N. Johnson © 1968 Augsburg Fortress
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-70770. 

Recent Media Resources

Born of Water and the Spirit: Four Continental Perspectives on Baptism

While Christian baptism is predominantly a transcultural practice, distinct faith communities worldwide experience this initiation rite through unique contextualizing elements. Join us in a fascinating conversation with Christian leaders from five continents about the rich cultural diversity reflected in baptismal liturgies, imagery, and practices, and how they shape Christian life in their contexts. 

September 14, 2026 | 90 min video
Disability in Cultural Context

This panel will explore the intersectionality between culture and disability. What can we learn from the experiences of people across varying cultures and contexts? What do experiences of racism and ableism in the church have in common? How do they overlap? How does belonging for people with disabilities look different in a variety of cultural contexts? 

September 14, 2026 | 75 min video
Worship with Teenagers: History Lessons for Ministry Today

Teenagers’ desire to encounter God has been realized throughout history as youth ministry has grown and evolved. Indeed, teenagers have expressed needs and desires to practice and grow their faith at church, school, and home as well as at camps and conferences or on short- and long-term mission trips. On the one hand, these worship efforts have been deeply formative. On the other hand, these worship efforts have focused on attracting and keeping teenagers as much as, if not more than, on spiritual formation. This session will identify key historical patterns in adolescent worship and examine how we might engage their wisdom for faithful worship practices with teenagers today. 

September 14, 2026 | 77 min video