Rewind
21 May 2025
Rewind.
Have you ever been watching a sporting event and there’s a play so amazing that you take the remote to rewind it so you can see it again immediately? Or been watching a show and laughed so hard at a joke that you rewound the show so you could hear it again?
Well, that’s how I feel about COS worship last weekend! Time for a “rewind.” The 8:30 AM and 9:45 AM services were wonderful as always. But our 11 AM service was packed with profundity. In this Wednesday note to you, I try not to feature announcements or show videos you can see elsewhere. But in this case, let me encourage you to pick up the remote, so to speak, and rewind Sunday’s worship video.
Life events merged so that in just one service we recognized our graduating seniors, honored Karl Dietmeyer’s 30 years of music ministry, and welcomed our brand-new Associate Pastor Wes Smith.
All peppering a dynamic service of Jesus’ Word & Sacrament with orchestra-backed hymnody and music.
So, friends, here are the time signatures for some Holy Spirit-infused moments. I invite you to “pick up your remote,” so to speak, with your computer keys. “Rewind” (or fast forward) this link and treasure once again how God stirred in our midst this past Sunday. I trust the loveliness of such experiences will carry you forward in grace-filled ways this week.
WATCH 11 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE
The delightful prelude featuring the COS flutes with Gymnopédie No. 1 Erik Satie, arr. Anne McGinty and Brother James’ Air James Leith Macbeth Bain, arr. Nora Kile, and the Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland with the COS Brass and Percussion
1:45
A rousing Earth & All Stars opening hymn with COS instrumentalists
13:11
My sermon unfolding Jesus’ promises to be with us in all life transitions, as Alpha & Omega
21:28
Our Hymn of the Day, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty with COS instrumentalists
41:15
Honoring our graduating seniors
47:20
Our new pastor, Rev. Wes Smith, presiding at communion the first time
59:00
Touching tributes to Karl Dietmeyer from Larry Peterson and David Beecher
1:08:45
The Choral Blessing, Who Puts His Trust in God Most Just (J.S. Bach, arr. Croft)
1:17:00
At a Dixieland Jazz Funeral (Trad., arr. Spears)
1:27:00
+++++
Finally, if you missed the reception honoring Karl Dietmeyer, here is the link. Enjoy special tributes from Pastors Wiese and Beecher, Sarah Juhasz, and more, plus the gift presentation by Larry Peterson. And, of course, reflections from the honoree, Karl Dietmeyer.
WATCH KARL DIETMEYER’S RETIREMENT RECEPTION
Playing my role in Jesus’ story with you,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, in all chapters of our life stories, thanks for the assurance that your Son accompanies us as our Alpha and Omega. May we take hope that you see us as precious characters in the wonderful story of creation you are unfolding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.