Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Day
Sunday, April 9, 2023
11AM
“The Risen Christ” -painting by Jen Norton
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
183 West Main Street
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
508-366-7095
WELCOME ALL!
Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us.
GATHERING
WORDS OF WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
People of God, who are you looking for?
The light before dawn.
Who are you looking for?
A reason to hope.
Who are you looking for?
Joy after grief.
Who are you looking for?
We are looking for the Messiah.
The good news is here in the midst of fear and awe. Christ is alive!
Surely God is in this place.
Jesus, we have spent six weeks asking questions. We have wrestled with truth.
We have sought after you. Your stories unfolded, piece by piece.
With gratitude, we recall your love poured out in water on our weary feet and shared at your table in bread and wine. With sorrow, we recall your bondage to the cross, to the cruelty and grief that so often binds your people.
But on this Easter morning, we see that your tomb is empty.
Death no longer can no longer hold you, and sin can no longer claim us.
Thank you for giving us your light in today’s dawn, granting us reason to hope, and soothing our grief with joy. And now, just as Mary came to the tomb, we come to look for the signs of your resurrection and greet your good news for all.
Be near us now in our seeking and in our celebration. Amen.
GATHERING SONG Now the Green Blade Rises ELW 379
Sing verses 1, 2, and 3. Please stand on verse 3!
EASTER PROCLAMATION
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
CONGREGATION
SONG Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
- Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia - Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia
Unto Christ our heavenly king, Alleluia
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia - But the pains which He endured, Alleluia
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia - Sing we to our God above, Alleluia
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia
Praise Him all you heavenly host, Alleluia
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; Alleluia
WORD
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST READING Jeremiah 31:1-6
A reading from Jeremiah.
1At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
2Thus says the Lord:
The people who survived the sword
found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest,
3the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
4Again I will build you, and you shall be built,
O virgin Israel!
Again you shall take your tambourines,
and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.
5Again you shall plant vineyards
on the mountains of Samaria;
the planters shall plant,
and shall enjoy the fruit.
6For there shall be a day when sentinels will call
in the hill country of Ephraim:
“Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the Lord our God.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING ACTS 10:34-43
A reading from Acts.
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.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Children’s Message Pastor Jeff
Gospel Matthew 28:1-10
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 28th chapter.
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon The Reverend Jeffrey P. Goodrich
CONGREGATION SONG The Lord Almighty Reigns
Chorus:
Hallelujah, hallelujah; hallelujah, the Lord reigns
Hallelujah, hallelujah; hallelujah, the Lord Almighty reigns (chorus)
Verse:
He has shown His awesome power, He has triumphed mightily
He’s the victor over darkness and the grave
He has broken chains that bound us, He has set the prisoner free
By His own great mercy we are saved (chorus) (verse) (chorus X2)
NICENE creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYERS
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
Lord, listen to Your children praying
Lord, send Your spirit in this place
Lord, listen to Your children praying
Send us love, send us power, send us grace
United in the hope of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
You call your church to witness to your salvation. We give thanks for all theologians, preachers, and teachers who proclaim your justice and good news, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who is commemorated today. Equip all the baptized to share the joy of the resurrection in all we say and do.
You bring abundant life throughout creation. The green blade rises, and all creation greets the resurrection dawn. Preserve farm fields, pastures, vineyards and orchards and those who tend to them, that all living things may be nourished.
You show your steadfast love without regard to borders or human-made divisions. Infuse your justice in every nation of the world—in Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, and all other sites of conflict—that all experience your Easter peace.
You anointed your Son with the Holy Spirit and with power. Encourage us by his example in our ministries of healing, care, and outreach. We pray for all who are sick or hospitalized, especially Donna, Ed, Ellie, Michael, Maria, Bill, Hope, Rachel, Ann, Matt, Gina, Garrett, John, Alyssa, the health workers who care for them, all those affected by mental illness and addiction, and all military personnel and first responders.
You have put gladness in our hearts. Inspire artists to interpret and share your good news, and musicians and dancers to rejoice with songs of victory. Bless the music ministries of this congregation and the creativity at work among us.
As you have raised Jesus from the dead, you show us your resurrection promise. With your holy ones who have sung your praise, free us from fear and empower us to go and tell the good news.
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.
Amen.
PEACE
The Peace of the Lord be with you all. And also with you
Offering Invitation
GIFTS Glorious Day Kristian Stanfill
MEAL
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE Holy, Holy, Holy Scholtes
(Women lead, Men echo)
Holy, holy, Lord God of power and might,
Holy, holy, Lord God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory,
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord
Together:
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The God you seek will meet you in the garden. And that same God has a seat saved at this table, specifically for you. Come with your questions. Come with your hunger. Come, whether this is your first time or your hundredth. Jesus Christ is risen today, and he welcomes all.
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
COMMUNION Gratitude Brandon Lake
Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace. Amen.
SENDING My Redeemer Lives
Verse: I know He rescued my soul, His blood has covered my sin; I believe, I believe
My shame He’s taken away, my pain is healed in His name; I believe, I believe
I’ll raise a banner, ‘cause my Lord has conquered the grave!
Chorus: My redeemer lives, my redeemer lives
My redeemer lives, my redeemer lives (verse) (chorus)
You lift my burden, and I rise with You I’m dancing on this mountain top, to see Your kingdom come (chorus X3)
Dismissal
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Go in peace. Tell what God has done! Thanks be to God.
Thank you to all who helped with worship!
Reading I & Communion Assistant Stephanie Leclair
Reading II Deb Casey
Ushers Josh Steinbrecher, James Sutherland & Erin Lowery-Corkran
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati, Linda Frederico & Sam Augustus
Thank you to the wonderful women of Altar Care for their service during Holy Week with
preparations, stripping of the Altar, and for decorating the Nave for our Easter Celebration!
Thank you to all who donated Easter Tulips
Aruna Sobhan Arigela
in memory of Sobhan Babu Arigela
and to the Glory of God.
Marilyn & Lou Banderet
in memory of loved ones.
Diana and Bert Barton
to the Glory of God.
Eleanor Bigwood
in honor of my loving family.
Ellen Cloutier
to the Glory of God
in thanks for his many blessings.
Stan & Carie Corbett
in memory of Carie’s brother Jay.
Ken, Erin, Ani & Brooks Corkran
in memory of Richard Lowery,
Bill and Marion Corkran.
Devaprasad & McIrney Family
in memory of loved ones.
Judy Fallon
in memory of my parents
and to the Glory of God.
Donald & Patricia Fontes
to the Glory of God.
Pamila Francis
in memory of Meera Francis & Gnanam Selvaraj.
Linda & Bob Frederico
in memory of Dot &
Robert Frederico, Sr. and
Barbara & Roland Bousquet
and Kim Forsyth.
Debra George
in memory of my father
Arthur George III
The Gillins
in celebration of God’s gift
of our lives.
Garrick & Julie Hamilton Grant
in honor of Nolan, Liam, Douglas, Mary, Molly, & David.
Bill and Bobbie Hendrick
in celebration of
God’s abundant blessing.
George Herz
in memory of
Colleen & Mark Herz.
Margaret Holst
in memory of Frederick
& Phyllis Holst
and to the Glory of God.
Stephanie Leclair
in memory of my mother
Jean Wilderoter and
in celebration of my children
and grandchildren.
PJ and Donna Mann
to the Glory of God.
Nancy Matson
in loving memory of
Arthur Matson.
Justin Mayotte
to the Glory of God.
Christiane Merrow and Sons
in memory of Ross Merrow,
husband and father.
The McCordick Family
in memory of William Kivi and Dorothy & Bill McCordick
Sue & Carl Miett
in memory of our parents
and to the Glory of God.
Bev Moehling
in memory of Irv Moehling
and in celebration of
God’s many blessings.
Jenn Morazes
in celebration of Richard’s
improved health.
Pat Olson
in memory of Roger M. Olson.
The Olsons
to the Glory of God and
in memory of family.
The Pavlak Family
to the Glory of God and
in memory of Holly’s Parents.
Sharon & Mark Proia
in memory of loved ones.
The Seitz Family
to the Glory of God.
Kris Sheehan
in memory of Vin & Louise Gill.
Shirley & Sarina Soderlund
in memory of Martin I. Soderlund.
Lisa Sottolano
in memory of Stephen Sottolano
The Sutherland Family
in memory of Tripp Sutherland & Linda Bisteny.
Joe Taxiera
in honor and memory of
Phyllis and family.
Kair Tucker
in memory of
Dr. James & Mrs. Jeannine Tucker
and to the Glory of God.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27028. New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488
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