| May 18, 2025
† 11:00AM Fifth Sunday of Easter Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand |
Make All Things New by James B. Janknegt |
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GATHERING |
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GATHERING SONG You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Verse:
I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted you were condemned
I’m alive and well Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again
(Verse)
Chorus:
Amazing love how can it be, that You my King would die for me
Amazing love i know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You, in all I do I honor You
(Verse)
(Chorus)
WELCOME
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
In the name of ☩ the One
who was, who is, and who is to come.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,
and called to live the baptized life,
let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.
Water may be poured before or during the thanksgiving.
Holy God,
we give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that make a people your own,
that restore to wholeness,
and empower us to be witnesses in your name.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that strengthen believers
and give new life to beloved servants of your church;
waters that extend your boundless love
and cross barriers of our own making.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that open the hearts of believers
and give a voice in the night to those in captivity;
waters that set your people on a new path,
rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One,
that our every day is shaped by these waters
that give us our very lives in you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One. Amen.
CONGREGATION SONG Bind Us Together
Chorus:
Bind us together Lord bind us together with cords that cannot be broken
Bind us together Lord bind us together Lord bind us together with love
Verse 1:
There is only one God, there is only one King
There is only one body, that is why we can sing
(Chorus)
Verse 2:
Made for the glory of God, purchased by His precious Son
Born with the right to be clean, for Jesus the vict’ry has won
(Chorus)
Verse 3:
You are the fam’ly of God, you are the promise divine
You are God’s chosen desire, you are the glorious new wine
(Chorus)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O Lord God, you teach us that without love, our actions gain nothing. Pour into our hearts your most excellent gift of love, that, made alive by your Spirit, we may know goodness and peace, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song
FIRST READING Acts 11:1-18
In defense of his earlier baptism of non-Jewish believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ testimony. In this way the mission to the Gentiles is officially authorized.
A reading from Acts.
1 Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Revelation 21:1-6
John’s vision shows us that in the resurrection the new age has dawned; God dwells with us already. Yet we wait for the time when the tears that cloud our vision will be wiped away. Then we will see the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem.
A reading from Revelation.1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Cassie
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go to the Fellowship Hall for a story and craft. Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL John 13:31-35
After washing the disciples’ feet, predicting his betrayal, and then revealing his betrayer, Jesus speaks of his glorification on the cross. This deep complicated love of Jesus, even to death on the cross, will be the distinctive mark of Jesus’ community.
The Holy Gospel according to John.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little 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.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Cassie
CONGREGATION SONG Blessed Assurance
Verse 1:
Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation purchase of God, born of His Spirit washed in His blood
Chorus:
This is my story this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long
Verse 2:
Perfect submission perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above, echoes of mercy whispers of love
(Chorus)
Verse 3:
Perfect submission all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest
Watching and waiting looking above, filled with His goodness lost in His love
(Chorus)
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
O Lord Hear My Prayer
Oh, Lord hear my prayer, Oh, Lord hear my prayer, When I call answer me
Oh, Lord hear my prayer, Oh, Lord hear my prayer, Come and listen to me
God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
Fill the church with the spirit of your redeeming love. Make us steadfast in our proclamation of your grace for all people without exceptions, especially those often overlooked in our communities.
Awaken joy in the beauty and abundance of your creation. Show us the wonder of your presence from the smallest flower to the tallest tree. Recommit us to preservation of wild places such as Bowman Conservation Area, Knowlton Preserve, and Potter Hill Meadows.
Instruct all world leaders to protect the most vulnerable among us. Guide those in power toward economic policies that are equitable and just, so that all might have sufficient resources to live safely and with dignity.
Pour out your love on all in need of care: those mourning losses, enduring trauma, experiencing broken relationships, yearning for companionship, or facing illness especially Sue, Shirley, Darlene, Michael, Linda, Bill, Lou, Nancy, Cheryl, Joanne, Terri, Maddie, Butch, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Wipe away every tear.
Abide with us at Good Shepherd. Give us a clear sense of our call as a congregation. Fill our gatherings with joy and gladness. Fill us with courage to invite friends and neighbors to come and experience this community of faith. Center us always on your life changing love and grace.
We give thanks for all the saints whose lives bear witness to your redeeming love, especially Bernie Mieth and the one year anniversary of his death, remembered through altar flowers given by Anneliese Mieth today. Guide us by their example, until we join them in your eternal home.
We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
GIFTS Revolutionary Love David Crowder
CCLI#4376859
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of this bulletin)
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise.
PREFACE
SANCTUS Holy, Holy Scholtes
Holy holy, holy Lord; God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Holy holy, holy Lord; God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest;
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
We praise you, O God, for your saving works throughout history.
We see your resurrection power in the goodness of creation,
in the fullness of community seeking to follow you, in the spirit of new life you place within us.
From the beginning, your people placed their trust in you.
Abraham and Sarah traveled to a new land and received your promise.
Moses and Miriam led the Israelites across the Red Sea into freedom.
Esther would not be silent in the face of oppression.
The prophets preached your word with passion and with power,
Daniel refused to bow down to the king.
Remembering the danger and risk in these stories and in our world, we give thanks for Jesus.
He sided with the poor, made the sick well, welcomed sinners, and ate with outcasts.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
He would not hate. He told the truth at the cost of his life.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
Betrayed and deserted by his friends, he was killed as a common criminal,
shamed and despised.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
Death could not hold him. God raised him in power from the grave.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
He returned to us without vengeance, only mercy in his hands.
He is with us now, to the end of the age.
And we remember that on the night when he was betrayed, he fed us with signs of love.
At the table, Jesus took some bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Together at the table, we say yes to the ways of love and mercy.
Together at the table, we resist the powers of death active all around.
Together at the table, we raise our voices to proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again!
Come Holy Spirit, Life of our life!
Bless this grain from the earth, this fruit of the vine.
Make them food and drink of abundant life.
Fill us with grace and courage to become servants of peace.
Make us one body in Jesus Christ, alive with you, now and for all time! Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
OR
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.
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.
When you come forward, the pastor will place bread in your hand. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. You can 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 SONG
Jesus We Love You Bethel Music, CCLI#7030068
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The God of resurrection power,
the Christ of unending joy,
and the Spirit of Easter hope
☩ bless you now and always.
Amen.
SENDING SONG I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Verse:
Over the mountains and the sea, your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart, and let the Healer set me free
I’m happy to be in the truth, and I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing, of when Your love came down yeah
Chorus:
I could sing of Your love forever, I could sing of Your love forever
I could sing of Your love forever, I could sing of Your love forever
(Verse)
(Chorus X2)
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Go in peace. In Christ you are made new! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thank you to those who helped with worship today:
Worship Assistant Pam Francis
Ushers Katie Hallett
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati, Matt Overholt, Mary Overholt
Altar Care Mary Callahan and Cherie Lynch-Conway
UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS
Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, died 1160
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Erik is considered the patron saint of Sweden. As king of that nation, he tried to bring peace in the region, and to spread Christianity in Scandinavia. He was also known for his attempts to make fair laws and to protect those who were poor or sick.
Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Influenced by her son to become Christian, Helena (or Helen) lived an exemplary life of faith. She is also remembered for traveling through Palestine building churches on the sites she believed to be associated with Christ’s life.
Nicolaus Copernicus, died 1543; Leonhard Euler, died 1783; scientists
Saturday, May 24, 2025
These two men were both scientists who helped to explain the wonders of God’s universe. Copernicus is best known for promoting the idea that the sun, not the earth, is at the center of our solar system. Euler was one of the founders of pure mathematics, and contributed to many other fields.
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| From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2025 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.
Great Thanksgiving adapted from the work of Rev. Mary Luti in her book Do This: Communion for Just and Courageous Living OneLicense # A-716488 18 May Band.docx |