CALL TO WORSHIP P: The Lord is our Shepherd, who grants us rest and restores our souls. C: Let us worship the Lord. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS psalm 23 P: God is our shepherd, let us not fear, but confess our sin to God who restores our souls. Silence for reflection P: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. C: But, O Lord, we are consumed with wanting more. P: He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. C: But, O Lord, other pastures seem greener. The waters aren’t always still. Our souls still thirst. P: He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. C: O Lord, we long to be led by you, though we may complain along the path. P: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. C: And yet, O God, we do sometimes fear. May we feel your presence, your comfort and your forgiveness anew. P: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. C: O God, sometimes we refuse to sit down at your table. Forgive us and help us to see your overflowing mercy. P: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. C: Forgive us, God, and lead us into your house. P: Hear the good news: thanks to the Good Shepherd, our Savor Jesus Christ, we are sought, we are found, we are forgiven. C: Thanks be to God! Amen. HYMN “The Strife Is O'er, the Battle Done” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: 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. C: Amen. First Reading: Acts 2:42-47 A description of the church after the first Pentecost. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough. 42[The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Psalm 23 1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Gospel: John 10:1-10 [Jesus said:] 1“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” SERMON PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence. P: You are the shepherd who gathers us in your mighty and loving arms. Help your church to listen for your voice, especially when the voices of sin, idolatry, and oppression threaten to overpower us. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: The green pastures, still waters, and dark valleys of this earth all belong to you, O Lord. Sustain your creation with a love that is both mighty and just. Where there is destruction, bring healing. Where there is desolation, bring abundance. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You proclaim shepherding love, comfort, and protection for all people and all of creation. Help our political leaders to learn from your example and instruction. Give them servant hearts, that they generously seek the good of all. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You journey with us wherever our paths may lead. We pray for those feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression or suffering in any way. We lift up in prayer Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, Dale, and Jim. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You are the sheepgate that gives safety to your beloved flocks. Provide protection for refugees, victims of domestic violence, those who are imprisoned, and all people who are vulnerable to violence and mistreatment. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You call your sheep by name and lead them through the valley of death. We give you thanks for those who have died and now dwell in your house forever. Be with those who mourn, and give them hope in the promise of resurrection. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER Financial gifts may be sent to the church. P: Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts: our selves, our time, and our possessions. Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER Spoken in Old English (How The Lord’s Prayer would sound 1000 years ago in English) BENEDICTION P: Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen. HYMN “I Know that My Redeemer Lives!” CHARGE P: Go in peace. Serve the Risen One. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495
0 Comments
CALL TO WORSHIP 1 Peter 1:17-19, 23 P: Followers of Jesus, by his cross we are redeemed from the futility of sin. C: Alleluia! P: By his rising we are free from the fear of death. C: Alleluia! P: By his love we are made new in the living and enduring Word of God. C: Alleluia! Thanks be to God! CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: Trusting in God’s love in Jesus Christ, let us confess our sins before God and one another. Silence for reflection P: Almighty God, C: our world is filled with corruption: power disguises itself as truth; convenience masquerades as goodness; selfish pleasure imitates love. We confess to you, O God, that we have been caught in the web of the world’s sin. By the power of the Holy Spirit, save us from these deceptions and free us for glad obedience, that we may see the joy of Jesus’ resurrection and receive the promise of everlasting life. Amen. P: Followers of Jesus: God has promised salvation to us, to our children, and to all who are near and far. In the name of Jesus Christ, + you are forgiven. C: Amen. HYMN “As We Gather at Your Table” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: 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. C: Amen. Gospel: Luke 24:13-35 13Now on that same day [when Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene,] two [disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. SERMON Pastor Doole Harris, Chaplain at Hastings College It's difficult to see Pastor Doodle in this video, so here's a picture... And here's the video of her sermon... HYMN “Look Who Gathers at Christ’s Table” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. P: Ever-present God, you make yourself known in the breaking of the bread and in the bonds of community. Reveal yourself to us in the faces of all we meet. Strengthened by your body and blood, let us boldly live out your good news. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: As we know you in the breaking of the bread, we know you in the grains of the field. Help us to care for the earth you lovingly create and steward the land so that it can thrive for future generations. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You are the authority to whom we dedicate our lives. Help us keep the needs of those most vulnerable at the forefront of our community. Move us to care for any who are disregarded or oppressed. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: Mothering God, you feed and comfort those who hunger. Open the hearts of those who horde resources and lead them to share your abundance. We pray for anyone hungering for your comforting presence this day. We lift up in prayer Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, Dale, and Jim. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You pour out your love on those who are oppressed. Support and comfort anyone who is marginalized and those whose stories are not believed. Form this community to listen faithfully and speak honestly in our ministry together. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: We remember with thanksgiving all your beloved saints. As you have raised them to eternal life, abide with us in your promise of resurrection. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER Financial gifts may be sent to the church. P: Bountiful are God’s gifts to us. Almighty God, by your grace, accept the fruit of our labor and the offering of our lives. Let us be a sacrifice of thanksgiving in union with our risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you forever. C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER ASL (American Sign language) P: May the grace of + Jesus Christ our risen Lord, the love of God who raised him from the dead, and the power of the Holy Spirit who fills the world with new life bless and keep you. C: Amen. HYMN “This Joyful Eastertide” LYRICS 1 This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow! My love, the Crucified, has sprung to life this morrow. Refrain Had Christ, who once was slain, not burst his three-day prison, our faith had been in vain. But now has Christ arisen, arisen, arisen, arisen. 2 My flesh in hope shall rest and for a season slumber till trump from east to west shall wake the dead in number. Refrain 3 Death's flood has lost its chill since Jesus crossed the river. Lover of souls, from ill my passing soul deliver. Refrain CHARGE P: Go in peace. Serve the Risen One. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495 CALL TO WORSHIP 1 Peter 1:3-9 P: Blessed be the God of our Savior, Jesus Christ! C: God has given us a new birth in the living hope of the resurrection. P: God has given us an inheritance that is imperishable and unfading. C: In this we rejoice, even when we suffer trials. P: For although we have not seen Jesus, we love him; and although we have not seen him, we believe in him. C: For the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence for reflection P: Holy and gracious God, C: we confess that we have sinned against you this day. Some of our sin we know—the thoughts and words and deeds of which we are ashamed—but some is known only to you. In the name of Jesus Christ we ask forgiveness. Deliver and restore us, that we may live in peace. Amen. P: God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of + Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. C: Amen. HYMN “Now the Green Blade Rises” PRAYER OF THE DAY John 20:30–31 P: God of signs and wonders, you have revealed to us that Jesus Christ is your son and our Savior. Strengthen our faith, that we may have life in Christ’s name. C: Amen. READINGS First Reading: Acts 10:34-43 34Peter began to speak to [the people]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Gospel: John 20:19-31 19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” 26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” 30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. SERMON HYMN “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight” LYRICS 1 We walk by faith and not by sight; with gracious words draw near, O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke: “My peace be with you here.” 2 We may not touch your hands and side, nor follow where you trod; but in your promise we rejoice, and cry, “My Lord and God!” 3 Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; and may our faith abound to call on you when you are near and seek where you are found: 4 That, when our life of faith is done, in realms of clearer light we may behold you as you are, with full and endless sight. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. P: God of rebirth, the good news of your resurrection brings refreshment to a weary world. Following the women at the tomb, empower us to boldly share your radical love through our words and our work. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: As you breathed your Spirit into the disciples, breathe your spirit of healing upon all creation. Nourish the earth with sufficient rains. Strengthen us to counter the effects of pollution. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You prepared the disciples for their ministry by calming their fears and granting them your peace. Equip our communities’ leaders. Give them a spirit of peace and hearts that burn for justice, that their leadership reflects your love. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: You come among us in unexpected ways. Send us to those who hide in fear or question your love. Be a healing presence for any isolated by addiction, incarceration, mental illness, chronic pain, sickness, or grief (especially Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, Dale, and Jim). Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: As you met the disciples on the road to Emmaus, show us your presence along our journeys. Bless our doubts and questions. Nurture our connection to you and one another. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: Resurrecting God, you bring us to new life every day. Thank you for blessing us with companions on our faith journey, especially those who now rest in your love. Strengthen us with the eternal peace of your promises. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER Financial gifts may be sent to the church. P: God of great gifts: This morning we give you praise, we give you glory, we give you thanks! We joyfully present our gifts to you, a tangible chorus of thanksgiving and hope for your kingdom come! C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER Paul Zach BENEDICTION P: May God, who creates, redeems, and sustains, keep you steadfast in faith, hope, and love. And may the blessing of God, Father, Son, + and Holy Spirit, remain with you always. C: Amen. HYMN “Thine Is the Glory” CHARGE P: Go in peace. Serve the Risen One. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495 EASTER CALL TO WORSHIP P: Alleluia! Christ is risen! C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS P: God has opened to us the gates of righteousness that we may enter through them. Confident in God’s love, let us confess our sin. P: Lord Jesus, C: through the power of the Holy Spirit we have been raised from the waters of baptism to share in your glorious resurrection. Yet we have not lived as Easter people. We are unsure of your promise, confused about your will, and afraid in the face of danger. Like Mary, we weep at the tomb, but do not recognize your presence. Call us by name, risen Lord, that we may know you with confidence. Whenever we are tempted to fear death, give us courage to confess your Easter victory. Whenever we are distracted by petty conflicts, keep our minds on your reconciling love. Whenever we are overwhelmed by the power of evil, reveal again to us your triumph over the destructive powers of oppression. Forgive us our sin and let our lives be a testimony to your salvation through the love of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. P: Siblings in Christ, God who raised Jesus from the dead has not given us over to death. In the name of Jesus Christ, + you are forgiven. C: Amen. HYMN “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: 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. C: Amen. Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10 1After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY “Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: Let us unite our hearts in prayer. P: We pray for the Church throughout the world, that as we celebrate the feast of Jesus’ resurrection, we may renew our faith and strengthen our witness in Jesus’ name. God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For pastors, Deacons, PMAs, and teachers, that they be wise in leadership, humble in service, and fearless in the face of evil; God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For the governments of the world and its leaders, that they may practice compassion and reject the politics that use death and suffering as means of control; God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For our planet Earth, that people may be good stewards of its resources and share in its abundance; God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For the poor and the stranger, that they may receive a place of refuge, hope, and hospitality; God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For the sick and those in distress, that they may find healing for their pain and be restored to fullness of life; especially Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, Dale, and Jim. God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For our neighbors, that together we may dwell in harmony; God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: For our enemies, that we may love them and be agents of reconciliation in the name of Jesus; God of Resurrection, C: hear our prayer. P: Almighty God, receive these prayers we offer, and by the power of your Holy Spirit use us for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his name we pray. C: Amen. OFFERING Financial gifts may be sent to the church P: God has given us life in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In gratitude, let us offer our hearts and the fruit of our labor to God’s service. LORD’S PRAYER Sung in Hebrew by Joshua Aaron BENEDICTION P: Now may the truth of the empty tomb—the astonishing reality of Jesus’ resurrection—keep you fearless and sure that you will see the Resurrected One again and again in this life. May the power of God’s endless love surround you and guide you, this day and always. C: Amen. HYMN “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resound” CHARGE P: Alleluia! Christ is risen! C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! P: Go in peace. Tell what God has done. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495 CALL TO WORSHIP P: In this Lenten season we have heard our Lord’s call to struggle against sin, death, and the devil—all that keeps us from loving God and each other. This is the struggle to which we were called at baptism. Within the community of the church, God never wearies of forgiving sin and giving the peace of reconciliation. CONFESSION P: On this night let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor, and enter the celebration of the great Three Days reconciled with God and with one another. Silence is kept for reflection and self-examination. P: Most merciful God, C: we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by Christ’s authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. READINGS Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 1I love the Lord, who has heard my voice, and listened to my supplication, 2for the Lord has given ear to me whenever I called. 12How shall I repay the Lord for all the good things God has done for me? 13I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 14I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all God’s people. 15Precious in your sight, O Lord, is the death of your servants. 16O Lord, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds. 17I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord. 18I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all God’s people, 19in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35 1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” 31b“Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” SERMON HYMN “Love Consecrates the Humblest Act” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: God of power and might, on the night of Passover, you commanded your people to be ready to go in a hurry: to be dressed, with sandals on their feet, and walking stick in hand as they ate a special meal. We pray for people everywhere who long for freedom, who are ready, eager to do as you have commanded. Bring down oppression’s rule; overturn unjust laws; break the chains of those still enslaved; banish every form of human trafficking. Compel us, without delay, to enter a new place where all lives are honored and all voices are heard. P: God of tenderness and compassion, on the night before he died, Jesus set a table for his disciples. They took off their sandals and sat down in the presence of their Teacher and Lord, who washed their feet, one by one. We pray for people whose feet are tired and dusty from hard labor; for those whose backs are bent by care and worry; for those laid low by illness or guilt or grief. Wash away, we pray, the tiredness of our bodies and souls. Hold gently in your healing hands the broken places in our lives and relationships. Be our company in isolation, our source of hope in despair, and the way forward at every dead end. P: God of all good gifts, thank you for setting a table of welcome for everyone; for making room whether we are faithful or faithless or failures. We pray that all who are hungry will find enough to eat and clean water to drink as we share and live more responsibly. Teach us to sit down with enemies, sharing common meals and common hopes. Make us true servants of yours for the sake of the world. Teach us to love as you love for the sake of the world. We pray for faith that is worth handing on to yet another generation for the sake of the world you love. In Christ’s name we pray. C: Amen. PSALM 22 1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? 2O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest. 3Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame. 6But I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people. 7All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads; 8“Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver— let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” 9Yet it was you who took me from the womb; you kept me safe on my mother’s breast. 10On you I was cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God. 11Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12Many bulls encircle me, strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15my mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. 16For dogs are all around me; a company of evildoers encircles me. My hands and feet have shriveled; 17I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; 18they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19But you, O Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid! 20Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! 21Save me from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me. 22I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 23You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. 25From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. 26The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever! 27All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. 28For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. 29To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. 30Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, 31and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it. CALL TO WORSHIP Repeated Three Times P: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. C: Hosanna in the highest. PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL: Matthew 21:1-11 1When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5“Tell the daughter of Zion, look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” 6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” BLESSING OF THE PALMS P: We praise you, O God, for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city in triumph and was proclaimed messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Bless these branches and those who carry them. Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross, so that, joined to his death and resurrection, we enter into life with you; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen. HYMN “All Glory, Laud, And Honor” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: As we now enter into the contemplation of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and meditate on the salvation of the world through his sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection, let us pray. 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. C: Amen. PASSION STORY READING: MATTHEW HYMN OF THE DAY “Jesus, I will Ponder Now” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: Sustained by God’s abundant mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation. P: Save your church, O God. Enable us to boldly confess in every time and place that Jesus Christ is Lord. With the humility of a servant, equip congregations, synods, and other ministry settings to proclaim your extravagant love for all. Merciful God, C: receive our prayer. P: Save your creation, O God. Every living being you have made has purpose. Give us renewed appreciation of farm animals who labor in the fields, service animals who accompany their human companions, and all animals who live alongside us in creation. Merciful God, C: receive our prayer. P: Save the peoples of the earth, O God. Restore dignity to those who are scorned and persecuted for their religious beliefs or political activism, and deliver them from the hand of their enemies. Bring peace to places where conflict runs deep (especially Ukraine). Merciful God, C: receive our prayer. P: Save those who cry to you in any need, O God. Watch over all who are incarcerated or awaiting trial, and stand with those who are unjustly accused. Be present with those feeling isolated, lonely, or fearful. Merciful God, C: receive our prayer. P: Save us in your love, O God. Guide the work of church musicians, pastors, readers, deacons, and all who assist in worship. Sustain them in their leadership as they accompany congregations through this Holy Week. Merciful God, C: receive our prayer. P: We pray for healing and wholeness for people connected to our community, especially Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, Dale, and Jim. Merciful God, C: receive our prayer. P: We lift our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your steadfast love and your promise to renew your whole creation; through Jesus Christ our Savior. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER There is a special offering for Mosaic at Axtell. Items needed are: Sketch pads, Coloring Books, Colored pencils, Card games, t-shirts (M-XL) Sweat pants (M-XL) and Adult Socks. Please bring items to the church by April 16. Some quick information on Mosaic "Mosaic serves nearly 4,900 people in more than 700 communities. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and goals, allowing people to be as independent as possible. Services are designed for people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs and autism, as well as aging adults." Financial gifts may be sent to the church. P: God our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. LORD'S PRAYER Sung in Hebrew BENEDICTION P: Go in peace, assured of God’s presence with you, with the mind of + Christ Jesus as your path and guide, and the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. HYMN “Where Charity and Love Prevail” LENTEN CHARGE P: Go forth into the world to serve God with gladness; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all people; love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495 |
AuthorRev. Lori E.L. Kitzing Archives
April 2024
Categories |