| April 12, 2026
9:00am 2nd 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. |
Doubting Thomas by Nick Piliero |
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GATHERING |
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Prelude Morning Song J.S.Bach/arr. by Friedman Bach
Karen Morrissey, Piano
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.
GATHERING HYMN Now the Green Blade Rises ELW 379
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. Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith in you and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Acts 2:14a, 22-32
After the Holy Spirit comes to the apostles on Pentecost, Peter preaches the gospel to the gathered crowd. He tells them that Jesus, who obediently went to his death according to God’s plan, was raised from the dead by God. Finally, he appeals to scripture, quoting Psalm 16:8-11, to show that Jesus is the Messiah: though crucified, the risen Jesus is now enthroned.
A reading from Acts.
14a Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know 23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God raised him up, having released him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says concerning him,
‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover, my flesh will live in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades
or let your Holy One experience corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,
‘He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.’
32 “This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Peter 1:3-9
This epistle was written to encourage Christians experiencing hardships and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The letter opens by blessing God for the living hope we have through Christ’s resurrection even amid difficult circumstances and surroundings.
A reading from Colossians.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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 upstairs for Sunday School classes. Visitors are welcome to join.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Gospel John 20:19-31
The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But one of their number is missing, and his unbelief prompts another visit from the Lord.
The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So 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.”
26 A 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.” 27 Then 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.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon Pastor Cassie
HYMN OF THE DAY We Walk by Faith ELW 635
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
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.
Almighty God, you give life to the dead and call into existence things that do not exist. Breathe your Spirit upon us, that our faith may be renewed day by day. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Maker of heaven and earth, your mercies are new every morning. Open us to the wonders of creation, from the beauty of flowers to the complexity of subatomic particles.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God of peace, in every place where conflict rages, sow seeds of calm and openness to reconciliation. Strengthen the resolve of leaders and citizens to work for peace in their nations. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Healing God, come alongside all who are doubting, fearful, or suffering in any way especially Bob, Joan, Warren, Bert, Bill, Scott, Bev, Norma, Christine, Doug, Shana, Mary, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Reveal to them your presence and assure them of the inheritance you have prepared for them
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Giver of joy, let this assembly be a place of genuine love and mutual affection. Deepen our care for one another and help us to embody your forgiving and sacrificial love.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal One, we give thanks for saints who were faithful unto death and have joined the church triumphant. We thank you especially for the life of Roland Cloutier, and we celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with Ellen through our altar flowers today. Inspire us by the witness of all the saints, and bring us with them into your glorious presence. 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.
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)
SPECIAL MUSIC Andante from the 5th Symphony P. I. Tchaikovsky
Garrick Grant, Horn in F and Karen Morrissey, 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.
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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 built creation out of the emptiness of chaos.
You shaped us in your divine image, and offered us all good things.
But we found comfort in the shadows of doubt and fear.
You showed your faithfulness through our ancestors: Sarah and Samuel, 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.
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 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 this cup, open our hearts and eyes, let us see and stand with those the world overlooks. And when our journey has ended, let us take our places around the banquet table in heaven,
joining all the saints in singing our thanks 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
Come, taste, and see the table God prepares.
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 I Come with Joy ELW 482
Now the Silence ELW 460
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.
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SENDING |
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 HYMN Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises 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 Divertimento in C major, Hob.XVI:10, Finale (Presto) Joseph Haydn
Karen Morrissey, Piano
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Oliver Gros
Lector Kara Fontes
Communion Presenters Ellen Cloutier and Carie Corbett
Ushers Tate & Morgan Allen
Organist Yeon Soh
Chancel Choir Marilyn Banderet, Bruce Grams, Garrick Grant, David Hoyt, Katrina Lewonczyk, Karen Morrissey, Elliot Overholt, Ernie Zimmermann
Altar Care Holly Pavlak and Linda Frederico
Livestream Operator Ernie Zimmermann
Upcoming Commemorations
Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1573;
renewers of the church
Sunday, April 19, 2026
These two brothers studied with Luther at the University of Wittenberg and then returned to their native Sweden to introduce the Lutheran reforms. Olavus published a catechism and hymnal; Laurentius was a professor who defended the office of bishop and later became one.
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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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