Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Westborough, Massachusetts
Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Day
9:00am † April 20, 2025
The Women at the Tomb
painting by Sister Mary Stephens
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 lag in Todesbanden Johann Pachelbel
GATHERING
Christ ist Erstanden BWV 627 V.1 J. S. Bach
Yeon Soh, organ
WORDS OF WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the day when tears are wiped away and shattered hearts are mended.
Our fears are replaced with joy.
This is the day when God rolls away the stone of fear and Jesus throws off the clothes of death.
The Holy Spirit leads us into God’s future.
This is the day when death has no fear for us and sin has lost its power over us.
God opens the tombs of our hearts to fill us with new life.
This is the day the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Easter introit arr. Bob Moore
Chancel Choir, Organ, Trumpet, and Bells
Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he is risen! Alleluia!
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. 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 Isaiah 25:6-9
WORD
More than 700 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah proclaims the good news of God’s salvation and calls all people to rejoice! God will make a rich feast for all people. God will wipe the tears from their eyes. And most importantly, God will destroy death itself.
A reading from Isaiah.
6On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
7And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations;
8he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
9It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Acts 10:34-43
The core of the Christian faith and Paul’s preaching is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the crucified and risen Christ appeared to the earliest of his followers, so we experience the presence of the Risen One in the preaching of this faith.
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 Jess
GOSPEL PROCESSION Stand for the Gospel procession. Please turn to face the cross.
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us keep the feast.
Repeat Alleluia
Gospel Luke 24:1-12
Evidently expecting to find Jesus’ corpse, some of the women among his followers go to the tomb with embalming spices. After a perplexing encounter with the empty tomb and angelic visitors, the women become the first to proclaim the amazing news of resurrection.
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 24th chapter.
1 On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Response Voluntary No. 5 Arlen Clarke
Yeon Soh, Organ
Sermon The Reverend Jessica Goodrich
Hymn of the Day
Now All the Vault of Heav’n Resounds ELW 367
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
God of resurrection and new life,
we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Kindle new life in your church. Encourage all who seek creative ways to share the good news of Christ’s resurrection. Bless mission developers and new ministries or congregation members, that their work plant seeds that flourish. God of grace,
Your love endures forever. Alleluia!
Nourish new life in all of creation. Shower forests and grasslands, deserts, and mountains with life-giving rains. Grant us delight in all that grows, as living examples of your glory. God of grace,
Your love endures forever. Alleluia!
Empower new life among the nations. As you raised Jesus from the dead, bring new hope for peace and reconciliation in places of war and strife, especially Palestine, and Ukraine. Raise up leaders who are steadfast in their commitment to justice and transformation. God of grace,
Your love endures forever. Alleluia!
Bring new hope among all who are oppressed or in need, especially those whose housing and food supply is at risk. Bring healing to all who are ill or grieving, especially the friends and family of Joe Taxiera, Shirley, Darlene, Steven, Michael, Linda, Bill, Lou, Jim, Nancy, the friends and family of Darlene Honaman, Terri, Maddie, Stella, Butch, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. God of grace,
Your love endures forever. Alleluia!
Awaken new life in this place. Open our hearts to ways you are calling us to be at work in the world and among our neighbors. Care for our local coalitions and participants in community events, especially those who gather for the Boston Marathon tomorrow. Set us as examples of how you cultivate and renew human relationships, as we celebrate Carl and Sue Miett’s 57th wedding anniversary with our altar flowers today. God of grace,
Your love endures forever. Alleluia!
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Trusting in the promises of resurrection, we remember with thanksgiving our beloved dead. Sustain us with living hope until we are united with all the saints at the heavenly banquet. God of grace,
Your love endures forever. Alleluia!
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 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 at the end of the bulletin)
OFFERING ANTHEM
He Is Risen! Robert Hebble
Easter Festival Choir
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS This Joyful Eastertide ELW 391
sing verse 1
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Risen One, You have given everything to us.
To You, God, we return it.
Everything we have is yours
Do with it what You will.
Give us only your love and your grace
That is enough for us. Amen.
MEAL
Dialogue
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
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:
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!
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
Every time we gather at this table, we build God’s love together.
Come and see how the foundation has been prepared!
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
Christ Has Risen ACS 938
Earth, Earth Awake! ACS 937
Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing ELW 389
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. Easter God, you have met us in bread and wine, and surprised us with your joy. Send us into the world dancing with delight and with hallelujahs ringing in our hearts, to share your justice and your praise. 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 Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen ELW 377
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 arr. Lani Smith
Karen Morrissey, Piano & Yeon Soh, Organ
PARTICIPANTS
Pastors: The Reverend Jessica Goodrich & The Reverend Cassandra Harnett
Worship Assistant Becky Nanof
Lector Paula Limberg
Acolyte Lillian Fontes
Crucifer Savannah Spring
Book Bearer Asher Gillin
Communion Presenters Kristen & David McCordick
Ushers Carl Miett, Lucy Pelland, Morgan &Tate Allen, & Lisa Sottolano
Livestream Operator Ernie Zimmermann
Director of Music Kirby Stalley
Organist Yeon Soh
Piano Karen Morrissey
Brass Quintet Randy Gomez, Thomas Heisen, Karilyn Heisen, Jeff Schiebe, Paul Gillin
Bell Ringers Lillian Fontes, Katrina Lewonczyk, Paula Limberg, Elliot Overholt
Easter Festival Choir
Marilyn Banderet
Francesca Bianchi
David Fontes
Elizabeth Fontes
Kara Fontes
Dana Gillin
Lillian Gillin
Bruce Grams
David Hoyt
Jennifer Lentz
Katrina Lewonczyk
Karen Morrissey
Mary 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, Caryn Francese, Katie Zimmermann, Holly Pavlak
Thank you to all who donated Easter Tulips
Lou & Marilyn Banderet
in memory of loved ones
Francesca Bianchi
in memory of Leah Davis
Norma Brandt
in memory of
the Rev. Robert Brandt
Kelsey Chin
in honor of Betty Williams & Willow Burts
in memory of Wayne Williams & Everett Burts
and sister-in-law Cheryl Chin
Ellen Cloutier
the beauty and hope of Spring
Carie & Stan Corbett
in memory of loved ones
Kay Devaprasad
in memory of my loved ones
David, Kara,
Elizabeth & Lillian Fontes
in memory of our loved ones
Linda &Robert Frederico
to the Glory of God
Debra George
in memory of my father
Arthur George III.
The Gillins
in honor of the Trillins
in memory of Uncle Eddie
in celebration of God’s love
Jen & Paul Grady
to the Glory of God
Bruce Grams
in celebration of family
near and far
Deb Henderson
in honor of Sheldon Zaklow
Bobbie & Bill Hendrick
to the Glory of God
H Heusmann
in memory of Carolyn Heusmann
Margaret Holst
in memory of
Frederick & Phyllis Holst
Stephanie Leclair
in honor of my father
and in celebration of my
four grandchildren.
McCordick Family
William Kivi and
Dorothy & William McCordick
Merrow Family
in memory of loved ones
Bev Moehling
God’s Love & Blessings
Becky Nanof
in memory of Avis & Rik Hokans
and Pete & Shirley Nanof
Joan & Tom Olson
To the Glory of God
Pat Olson
in memory of my husband
Roger M. Olson
Overholt Family
in memory of Anna Cusher
Holly & Ray Pavlak
in memory Ray Pavlak Sr and
Emarine & Bill Sharon.
Salfeld/Wang Family
in memory of Joann Sagan and Beverly Munn
Lisa Sottolano
in memory of Stephen Sottolano
Sutherland Family
in memory of
Linda Bistany and Tripp Sutherland
Joe Taxiera
in memory of Phyllis
Jonathan Trumbull
in celebration of Peace
Gail Herath-Veiby & Peter Veiby
in memory of Jacqueline & David Herath
Gail & Bob Walker
to the Glory of God
William & Sue Whalen
in memory of Herbert Baurle and
John & Jean Whalen
Wilson Family
in celbration of Cory’s visit
Ernie & Katie Zimmermann
to the Glory of God
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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. Call to worship adapted from Thom Shuman’s Lectionary Liturgies website www.lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca Great Thanksgiving adapted from the work of Rev. Mary Luti in her book Do This: Communion for Just and Courageous Living Prayer after communion by Jan Berry, found in Fire and Bread: Resources for Easter Day to Trinity Sunday by Ruth Burgess. |
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