| May 10, 2026
9:00am Sixth Sunday of Easter |
Paul preaching in the Areopagus Acts 17.22-31 by Sir James Thornhill |
| 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. | |
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GATHERING |
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Prelude Christ lag in Todesbanden Dietrich Buxtehude
Christ ist Erstanden BWV 627 No.1 J. S. Bach
Yeon Soh, Organ
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 Come, You Faithful Raise the Strain ELW 363
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 ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, 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 17:22-31
In Athens, Paul faces the challenge of proclaiming the gospel to Greeks who know nothing of either Jewish or Christian tradition. He proclaims that the “unknown god” whom they worship is the true Lord of heaven and earth who will judge the world with justice through Jesus, whom God has raised from the dead.
A reading from Acts.
22 Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely spiritual you are in every way. 23 For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. 26 From one ancestor he made all peoples to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27 so that they would search for God and perhaps fumble about for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. 28 For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said,
‘For we, too, are his offspring.’
29 “Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. 30 While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Special Music
Children of Light Ralph P. Merrifield, arr. Adrian V. Miller
Evie, Jax, & PJ Dibbert
accompanied by Beth Dibbert
SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:13-22
The author of 1 Peter encourages Christians to remain faithful even in the face of defamation and persecution. In baptism we are made clean to act in accordance with what is right.
A reading from 1 Peter.
13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight lives, were saved through water. 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Children’s Message Pastor Jess
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 14:15-21
In final words to his disciples on the night of his arrest, Jesus encourages obedience to his commandments and speaks of the Spirit, who will be with them forever.
The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said to the disciples: 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon Pastor Jess
Hymn of the Day
Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove ELW 404
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.
God of new life, you call us through the waters of baptism to be in relationship with you and one another. Guide the church and its leaders to proclaim Christ’s love and grace throughout the world. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You create the world and all that is in it. Shelter budding plants and young animals, provide unpolluted habitats and clean water, and raise up stewards for the environment.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You set civil servants in the places where we live. Instill truth and equity among judges and lawyers, gentleness and courage among first responders, and peace among leaders of towns and nations. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You provide comfort in times of trouble. Heal those who are sick, shelter any who are unhoused, feed those who are undernourished, and accompany and console all who are lonely, bereaved, anxious, or ill especially Ellie, Emily, Linda, H, Janet, Bob, Joan, Warren, Bert, Bill, the family and friends of Lillian DeCell, Scott, Bev, Doug, Shana, Mary, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You are love and you desire that we love one another. As a mother hen cares for her chicks, bless all who provide motherly care in our lives, and inspire us to care for one another. Bless these prayer shawls and baby blankets so that they may be a sign of your love for all who receive them. Bless the hands that created them and the hands that receive them.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of new life, your steadfast love endures forever. Inspire us by the example of the faithful departed, who clung to your promises of life, forgiveness of sins, and salvation.
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 Washed Anew Thomas Keesecker
Chancel Choir
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 O Beauty Ever Ancient ACS 1100
Earth, Earth, Awake! ACS 937
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 This Joyful Eastertide ELW 391
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
Llanfair arr. by Albert L. Travis
Yeon Soh, Organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Oliver Gros
Lector Pat Fontes
Communion Presenters Kristen & David McCordick
Ushers Debra George and Jonathan Trumbull
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
Hospitality Bill & Sue Whalen
Upcoming Commemorations
Matthias, Apostle
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Matthias was the apostle added to the Twelve after Jesus’ resurrection, as a replacement for the dead Judas Iscariot. He had traveled among the followers of Jesus throughout the Lord’s ministry. Formerly commemorated on February 24, Matthias’s celebration is moved to May 14 in agreement with most Western calendars.
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| From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2026 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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