April 21, 2024 † 11:00 AM
Fourth Sunday of Easter †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. |
The Good Shepherd |
|
GATHERING |
|
GATHERING Shepherd of My Soul
Verse:
Shepherd of my soul I give You full control, wherever you may lead I will follow
I have made the choice to listen for Your voice, wherever you may lead I will go
Chorus:
Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream,
The shepherd of my soul is by my side
Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep,
The shepherd of my soul will be my guide
(verse)
(chorus)
(verse)
WELCOME
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the wellspring of grace,
our Easter and our joy.
Amen.
Look, here is water!
Here is our water of life! Alleluia!
Immersed in the promises of baptism,
let us give thanks for what God has done for us.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning
your voice thundered over the deep
and water became the essence of life.
Adam and Eve beheld Eden’s verdant rivers.
The ark carried your creation through the flood into a new day.
Miriam led the dancing as your people passed through the sea
into freedom’s land.
In a desert pool the Ethiopian official
entered your boundless baptismal life.
Look, here is water!
Here is our water of life! Alleluia!
At the river your beloved Son was baptized by John
and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
By the baptism of Jesus’ death and resurrection
you opened the floodgates of your reconciling love,
freeing us to live as Easter people.
We rejoice with glad hearts,
giving all honor and praise to you,
through the risen Christ, our source of living water,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
Look, here is water!
Here is our water of life! Alleluia!
CONGREGATION SONG Servant’s Prayer
Leader sings:
(Lord it’s You who has brought me to this day, who has carried and kept me in your care
I look back and I see You in all my years. And so forward I go, knowing You are there)
All:
May each word from my lips be a song of good news,
Every touch of my hands be a gift of grace.
Every beat of my heart be a prayer to you, and the sum of my days be a life of praise.
Verse 1:
May my feet never stumble and never stray, nor grow weary upon this rocky road
For the path I am on is a narrow way, but I know you are with me so on I go
Chorus:
May each word from my lips be a song of good news,
Every touch of my hands be a gift of grace
Every beat of my heart be a prayer to you
And the sum of my days be a life of praise.
Verse 2:
May my eyes ever fixed on your kingdom be, as my heart ever longs for joy to come
For my hope is in things that I cannot see, but because of Your promise I press on
(chorus)
Bridge:
Christ beside me to guide me on my way (pause)
Christ beside me so I am not alone (pause)
Christ within me to give me words to say (pause)
Christ behind me to bring the harvest home!
(chorus)
And the sum of my days be a life of praise!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O Lord Christ, good shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song
FIRST READING ACTS 4:5-12
Peter and John had been arrested the previous day because they were proclaiming the news of the resurrection to the people. In today’s reading, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit so that he can proclaim salvation in Jesus’ name to the religious authorities.
A reading from Acts.
5The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, 10let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. 11This Jesus is
‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.’
12There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 JOHN 3:16-24
Jesus’ death on our behalf is the clearest demonstration of divine love. This is the very love we share with others, not just through our words but especially through our deeds. In sharing such love we fulfill God’s commandments.
A reading from First John.
16We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Cassie
GOSPEL JOHN 10:11-18
In language that recalls the twenty-third psalm, Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who cares for his sheep. He is willing to die for them, and he is able to overcome death for them.
The Holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus said: 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Cassie
CONGREGATION SONG The Lord’s My Shepherd ELW 778
Verse 1:
The Lord’s my shepherd; I’ll not want. He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me the quiet waters by
He leadeth me, He leadeth me the quiet waters by
Verse 2:
My soul he doth restore again, and me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness, e’en for His own name’s sake
Within the paths of righteousness, e’en for His own name’s sake
Verse 3:
Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear no ill
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod and staff me comfort still
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod and staff me comfort still
Verse 4:
My table Thou hast richly spread in presence of my foes
My head Thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows
My head Thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows
Verse 5:
Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me
And in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be
And in God’s house forevermore my dwelling place shall be
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
Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear,
let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.
Shepherding God, gather your church whenever we wander from you and one another. Empower our church in ministries around the world to worship and serve alongside global companions as equal partners and coworkers in the gospel. Guide our ecumenical and interfaith partnerships.
Nurturing God, preserve the health of biomes and ecosystems. Inspire scientists, researchers, conservation organizations, and all people entrusted with the task of caring for creation, that we may be repairers and stewards of the land and creatures around us.
Almighty God, lead nations and communities to share resources, cooperate in solving conflicts, and listen to the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. Help all those with power to share it, and to use such power towards the liberation of the oppressed and the equity of all your children.
Loving God, protect the very young and the very old, those living without housing, victims of domestic abuse, and all who live with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. Teach us to care for the struggling, sick, or grieving, especially the family and friends of Bill Rissmiller, Jenn, Mark, Michael, Rawson, Bill, John, Susan, Carole, Al, Hazel, Ethan, Michael, Mary, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Gracious God, help this and all communities of faith to listen for your voice. Call us away from things that distract us from following you or disconnect us from each other. Invite us to more deeply love and serve people who are lonely, isolated, and on the margins.
Living God, we give thanks for our ancestors in faith, especially Bill Rissmiller. Lead us to give and receive the wisdom you grant through experience, honoring milestones like the 55th wedding anniversary of Carl and Sue Miett, which we celebrate with altar flowers today. Strengthen us to share the good news in our own lives and relationships.
Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord.
Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
GIFTS Shepherd John Tibbs
CCLI#7097818 Key of D
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the 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 our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
SANCTUS Holy, Holy Morrissey
(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!
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Glory to you, God of grace, who brings forth life out of ashes,
whose love cannot be contained in a tomb,
whose redemption bursts forth to heal the broken world.
Our wandering hearts return now to your table, greeting the risen Christ.
We tell the story of his life, death and resurrection,
remembering how he taught us to live a new kind of life.
When we fear we have nothing to offer, and our nets are empty of fish,
Jesus greets us with abundance.
When we question your calling, and allow fear to pull us under the waves,
Jesus renews us with courage.
When we deny our life in him, and turn to the power of human empires,
Jesus claims us with the power of grace.
As we celebrate together this life-giving meal, we are seated at the table with Christ,
and we remember that night in which he was betrayed,
when Jesus took 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.
And so, on this day of resurrection, we raise our voices to proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Send your Spirit into our gathering, and into each one of your children,
that we may find a home in your grace.
Lead us forth with hearts burning within us,
telling your good news and serving the world you so loved.
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.
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
Come to this table, where God promises new life! Share in all that has been prepared for us.
Jesus Christ is risen today, and we receive his invitation.
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 SONG I Am Not Alone Kari Jobe
CCLI#7007821 Key of F
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 Cornerstone
Verse:
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus name
Chorus:
Christ alone. Cornerstone. Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, he is Lord. Lord of all
Verse 2:
When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace
In every’ high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
(chorus)
Verse 3:
When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in his righteousness alone. Faultless stand before the throne.
DISMISSAL
Alleluia! Go in peace. Tell what God has done!
Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
Thank you to those who helped with worship today:
Worship Assistant Stephanie L
Ushers Stephanie L
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati,
Matt Overholt, Linda Frederico & Sam Augustus
Altar Care Barbara S & Joan O
Upcoming Commemorations
Anselm, Bishop of Canterbury, died 1109
Sunday, April 21, 2024
This eleventh-century monk was one of the greatest theologians of the Middle Ages. He is remembered for emphasizing the maternal aspects of God, and for the theory that the Son of God became human in order to make the necessary payment for our sin.
Day of the Creation (Día de la Creación) (LLC)
Monday, April 22, 2024
This observance invites us to notice and give God thanks for the wonders of the created universe. As stewards of that creation, we are also challenged to be careful in our use of it.
Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, died 1960
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Born in Kobe, Japan, Kagawa was orphaned as a young child. Later, when he became Christian, he was disowned by the rest of his family. Wishing to bring Christian principles into society, he worked among poor people, established schools and hospitals, and worked for peace.
Mark, Evangelist
Thursday, April 25, 2024
He was not numbered among the twelve apostles, yet Mark was probably a member of the early church community. The gospel that bears his name is the shortest and most direct, and many scholars think it was the first to be written.
 |
| From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 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. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. April 7 – Band Led Easter 2.docx |
| Your financial gifts help us to grow, nurture, and make disciples in Christ! Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card |
 |