Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Westborough, Massachusetts
Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Day
9:00am † April 5, 2026
Easter, Celebration of the Resurrection of Christ
By Valery Rybakov
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.
Prelude Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Wittenberg, 1524
GATHERING
Harmony J.S. Bach
Alleluia! Jesus Lives! Ludwig Lindeman
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Beethoven, arr.B.C.Dockery
Christ Arose Robert Lowr, arr. B.C. Dockery
Brass Quintet
WORDS OF WELCOME
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.
Merciful God, we thank you for the waters of creation.
We thank you for the waters that nourish us.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Jesus Christ, we give you thanks for your life-giving death and resurrection.
We praise you for joining us in joy and sorrow.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Holy Spirit, break down barriers that divide us.
Fill us with the breath of peace.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Holy One, we thank you for the gifts and grace of baptism, and for making us a new creation.
We join with saints and angels, giving you honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Entrance Hymn
Jesus Christ is Risen Today ELW 365
EASTER PROCLAMATION
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
Hymn of Praise
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. 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.
WORD
Amen.
FIRST READING Acts 10:34-43
Peter’s sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer, is a summary of the essential message of Christianity: Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, “receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
A reading from Acts.
34 Peter began to speak to Cornelius and his household: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how 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. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not 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. 42 He 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. 43 All 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.
SECOND READING Colossians 3:1-4
Easter means new life for us as it first meant new life for Christ. His resurrection reshapes the entire focus and motivation for our lives since we are now hidden with the risen Christ in God.
A reading from Colossians.
1 If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Special Music Alleluia! Sing, Christ Is Risen Terry D. Taylor
Joyful Noise
Children’s Message Pastor Cassie
GOSPEL PROCESSION Stand for the Gospel procession. Please turn to face the cross.
Organ will play through once, please join in singing the second time through.
Gospel Matthew 28:1-10
Sorrow gives way to “fear and great joy” when two women are sent by an angel to proclaim the good news:
Jesus is risen!
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 28th chapter.
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then 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.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Response Voluntary No. 5 Arlen Clarke
Yeon Soh, Organ
Sermon The Reverend Cassandra Hartnett
Hymn of the Day
The Risen Christ ELW 390
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 OF THE PEOPLE
Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world,
let us pray for the needs of all creation.
A brief silence.
Risen Savior, you have conquered death and opened the gates of everlasting life. Dispel our doubts and fears and renew our faith and hope in you. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Life-giving God, the created world rejoices in Christ’s victory over death. May all the earth be renewed by the light of Jesus’ resurrection, and may we be faithful stewards of all you have made. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Sovereign God, let the nations acknowledge your reign of justice and truth. Where violence, oppression, and corruption hold sway, pour out your holy and life-giving Spirit to transform and redeem. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Gentle Shepherd, like the women at the empty tomb, many grieve or feel lost and afraid. Draw near to those who are ill or in pain, especially Bob, Joan, Pat, Patty, Warren, Bert, Bill, Norma, Christine, Doug, Shana, Mary, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Reveal yourself to them as the Risen One.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Faithful God, we thank you for the living hope you give us through Christ’s resurrection. Bless this community, that we may boldly proclaim Christ’s victory over death in word and deed.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal One, we give thanks for all who have died and now share in the joy of your resurrection. With our altar flowers today, we remember your beloved child Anthony Putnam, who celebrates his birthday in your presence this week. Bring us who mourn, with all the saints, to the unending feast of your victory. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God of resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. Amen.
Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
OFFERING ANTHEM This is the Day arr. Linda Cable Shute
Easter Festival Choir with organ & piano
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS Day of Arising ELW 374
Sing verses 3 & 4
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray: Merciful God, you have set a table before us,
a glimpse of that day when we will hunger and thirst no more.
Nourish us with the body and blood of Jesus,
that goodness and mercy may follow us and bless the world you love. Amen.
MEAL
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
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death,
and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Sanctus
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
God of new life, you opened your hands, pouring creation’s glory into the emptiness of chaos.
You shaped us in your divine image, pointing out all the good you offer us.
But we found comfort in the shadows of sin.
Fear and doubt claimed us as friends, and we turned our backs on you.
You showed your faithfulness through our ancestors in the faith,
through Sarah and Samuel, through Hannah and Hosea.
Still, we forgot their stories and clung to empty promises.
So, you sent your child to us, that we might have this hope offered to us in Jesus.
The love he gave is with us now, as we remember:
In the night when he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
he 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.
As we gather around this table, we speak of a love we do not always understand:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
In this moment, and in this place, pour out your Spirit upon us, and on these gifts of bread and cup. As we take the bread from your scarred hands, may we reach out to mend the broken of our world. As we drink from the cup, open our hearts and eyes, so we may see and stand with those the world overlooks.
And when our journey has ended, when at last all is revealed to us, we will take our places around the banquet table in heaven, joining all the saints in singing our thanks and joy to you, Holy God, now and forevermore. 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
Jesus says, ‘Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst.’
Come, taste, and see.
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.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS
Celebrate with Gladness arr by Susan E. Geschke
Gospel Ringers
Now We Join in Celebration ELW 462
By Your Hand You Feed Your People ELW 469
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray: Holy One, through this meal you have made your home among us
and are making all things new. Send us to speak peace, love our enemies,
and bring your healing to the world. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
SENDING
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 HYMN Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds ELW 367
Dismissal
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Go in peace. In Christ you are made new! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
POSTLUDE Thine Is The Glory Lani Smith
Yeon Soh, Organ
Karen Morrissey, piano
PARTICIPANTS
Pastors: The Reverend Jessica Goodrich & The Reverend Cassandra Harnett
Worship Assistant Oliver Gros
Lector Becky Nanof
Acolyte Lillian Fontes
Crucifer Elizabeth Fontes
Book Bearer Marie Claire Gros
Torch Bearers Preston Spring & Scarlett Spring
Communion Presenters Morgan & Tate Allen
Ushers Josh Pajak, Lauren Pajak, Patty Bianchi, Francesca Bianchi
Livestream Operator Justin Mayotte
Organist Yeon Soh
Piano Karen Morrissey
Brass Quintet Thomas Heisen, Karilyn Heisen, Paul Gillin, Paula Limberg, Elliott Overholt
Bell Ringers Kalae Heisen, Karilyn Heisen, Katrina Lewonczyk, Paula Limberg,
Becky Nanof, Elliot Overholt, Holly Pavlak, Ernie Zimmermann, Katy Zimmermann
Joyful Noise Evie Dibbert, Jax Dibbert, PJ Dibbert
Chimes Liam Grant, Nolan Grant
Joyful Noise/Chimes Directors Julie Hamilton Grant and Julie Schwingback
Easter Festival Choir
Marilyn Banderet
Dana Gillin
Bruce Grams
Garrick Grant
Julie Hamilton Grant
David Hoyt
Katrina Lewonczyk
Karen Morrissey
Elliot Overholt
Ernie Zimmermann
Altar Care
Thank you to the wonderful members of Altar Care for their service during Holy Week with
preparations, stripping of the Altar, and for decorating the Nave for our Easter Celebration!
Stephanie Leclair, Joan Olson, Elaine Martin, Linda Frederico, Barbara Shumaker, Trudy Roybal,
Cherie Conway-Lynch, Mary Callahan, Katie Zimmermann, Holly Pavlak
Thank you to all who donated Easter Tulips
Lou & Marilyn Banderet
in memory of loved ones
Bianchi Family
in memory of parents
Paul & Stella Slimko
and grandparents
Victor & Janice Bianchi
Ellen Cloutier
in memory of
Roland, Michael, Toby, Josh
and all other departed ones
Carie & Stan Corbett
in memory of loved ones
David, Kara,
Elizabeth & Lillian Fontes
in memory of our loved ones
Caryn Francese
in memory of
Paul and Susan Francese
Debra George
in memory of my father
Arthur George III.
The Gillins
in celebration of the miracle of our children
Bruce Grams
in honor of family and friends near and far
Jim & Deb Henderson
in memory of Oscar Henderson
H Heusmann
in memory of Carolyn Heusmann
Margaret Holst
in memory of
Frederick & Phyllis Holst
David & Linda Hoyt
in honor of our family
Elke Jacobson
in memory of
Guenter & Dorothea Thomanschefsky
Stephanie Leclair
in memory of my mother and
in celebration of my grandchildren.
Elaine Martin
in memory of John Martin
McCordick Family
William Kivi and
Dorothy & Bill McCordick
Bev Moehling
to the glory of God
Kate & Jim Molloy
to the glory of God
Jennifer Morazes
in memory of my soulmate
Richard Weber
Becky Nanof
in memory of Pete & Shirley Nanof
and Avis & Rik Hokans
Joan & Tom Olson
in memory of loved ones
Pat Olson
in memory of
my husband Roger and my son Mark
Holly & Ray Pavlak
in memory of Raymond and Marianne Pavlak
and Emarine & Bill Sharon.
Trudy Roybal
in honor of Mom and Dad
Sutherland Family
in memory of
Linda Bistany and Tripp Sutherland
Jonathan Trumbull
in memory of my mother Virginia Trumbull
Gail & Bob Walker
in celebration of God’s Blessings
Katy & Ernie Zimmermann
In celebration of our granddaughter Emma
Upcoming Commemorations
Albrecht Dürer, died 1528; Matthias Grünewald, died 1529; Lucas Cranach, died 1553; artists
Monday, April 6, 2026
These great artists revealed through their work the mystery of salvation and the wonder of creation. Dürer’s work reflected the apocalyptic spirit of his time. Though he remained a Roman Catholic, he was sympathetic to Martin Luther’s reforming work. Grünewald’s paintings are known for their dramatic forms, vivid colors, and depiction of light. Cranach’s work includes many fine religious examples and several portraits of Martin Luther. Cranach was also widely known for his woodcuts.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, died 1945
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Bonhoeffer was a German theologian who wrote profoundly, yet in an accessible manner. In the Second World War, he became a leader of the Confessing Church in Germany that resisted the Nazi movement. Linked to a plot to kill Hitler, he was hanged shortly before the end of the war.
Mikael Agricola, Bishop of Turku, died 1557
Friday, April 10, 2026
Consecrated bishop of Turku, Finland, without the approval of the pope, Agricola began a reform along Lutheran lines. In only three years, he translated the New Testament and worship texts into Finnish, in the process establishing the rules of Finnish writing that are still used today.
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| From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028. New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Thanksgiving at the Table adapted from the work of Rev. Thom Shuman found at: www.liturgylink.net/2012/04/19/easter-season-communion/ |
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