ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday of Easter
April 30, 2023
PRELUDE 'Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us'
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We come to worship the risen Christ.
Praise to Christ, the good shepherd!
Alleluia, praise to Christ, the gate!
Alleluia, praise to Christ, the lamb!
Alleluia, praise to Christ, our savior!
Christ is risen still! Alleluia!
HYMN: #442 (Blue) ‘The Church’s One Foundation’
The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is His new creation by water and the word.
From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation one Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.
Though with a scornful wonder this world sees her oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation of peace forevermore;
Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth has union with God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won;
O happy ones and Holy! Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Christ is the good shepherd, who leads us to safety and peace no matter what we have done. Christ’s voice calls us to repent and return; let us heed that voice and go to God in prayer.
God of community, you call us to a world radically different from what we are used to. You ask us to lay aside our ideas of “mine” and “yours.” You show us a life where goods are shared, where all are loved, and faithfulness is shown through generosity. But we cling to our possessions, trusting them more than we trust you. Forgive us, merciful God. Help us to truly believe in your just and peaceful realm and to work to make it so. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed.
For we were going astray like sheep, but now we have returned to the shepherd and guardian of our souls.
Thanks be to God!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Psalm 23 (read responsively)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
1 Peter 2:19-25
19 For it is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
John 10:1-10
1 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
SERMON “Oh no, I said to myself, I did it again’ Steve Van Buren, pulpit supply
Hymn: # 404 (Blue) ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, help me stand;
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light;
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near;
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall;
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH—APOSTLES’ CREED (in unison)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17)
PRESENTATION OF SENIOR OUTSTANTDING PRESBYTERIAN AWARDS
2022 – Mike McCann and Dave Peterson
2023 – Marvis Jenner and Ella Lane
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Heavenly Father, we seek to be the sheep of your holy pasture. As we dedicate these offerings, help us to examine carefully the deepest recesses of our own hearts. Guide our ways so that we may share abundantly your love and your compassion with those seeking your pasture. We pray in the name of the Risen One. Amen. (John 10:1-10 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Marj (Linda B’s sister)
-Pat B (Linda B’s friend)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Don K
-Anthony B (Teri’s son) and Teri as caregiver
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nancy T, Arlyce T, Steve & Carrie V
Those who mourn: We pray for the VanderWaal, Ohnstad, Broksieck, Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
Hymn: #356 (Blue) ‘Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing’
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing;
Tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of God’s unchanging love!
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by Thy help I’m come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SENIOR OUTSTANDING PRESBYTERIAN AWARDS RECIPIENTS: Mike McCann and Dave Peterson for 2022 plus Marvis Jenner and Ella Lane for 2023.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
THE PC(USA) PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CHILDREN AT RISK is from April 10 to May 28. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘Pentecost Special Offering’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
POSTLUDE 'Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!'
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.
4th Sunday of Easter
April 30, 2023
PRELUDE 'Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us'
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We come to worship the risen Christ.
Praise to Christ, the good shepherd!
Alleluia, praise to Christ, the gate!
Alleluia, praise to Christ, the lamb!
Alleluia, praise to Christ, our savior!
Christ is risen still! Alleluia!
HYMN: #442 (Blue) ‘The Church’s One Foundation’
The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is His new creation by water and the word.
From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation one Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.
Though with a scornful wonder this world sees her oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation of peace forevermore;
Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth has union with God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won;
O happy ones and Holy! Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly, may live eternally.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Christ is the good shepherd, who leads us to safety and peace no matter what we have done. Christ’s voice calls us to repent and return; let us heed that voice and go to God in prayer.
God of community, you call us to a world radically different from what we are used to. You ask us to lay aside our ideas of “mine” and “yours.” You show us a life where goods are shared, where all are loved, and faithfulness is shown through generosity. But we cling to our possessions, trusting them more than we trust you. Forgive us, merciful God. Help us to truly believe in your just and peaceful realm and to work to make it so. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed.
For we were going astray like sheep, but now we have returned to the shepherd and guardian of our souls.
Thanks be to God!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Psalm 23 (read responsively)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
1 Peter 2:19-25
19 For it is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
John 10:1-10
1 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
SERMON “Oh no, I said to myself, I did it again’ Steve Van Buren, pulpit supply
Hymn: # 404 (Blue) ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, help me stand;
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light;
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near;
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall;
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH—APOSTLES’ CREED (in unison)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God that he has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17)
PRESENTATION OF SENIOR OUTSTANTDING PRESBYTERIAN AWARDS
2022 – Mike McCann and Dave Peterson
2023 – Marvis Jenner and Ella Lane
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Heavenly Father, we seek to be the sheep of your holy pasture. As we dedicate these offerings, help us to examine carefully the deepest recesses of our own hearts. Guide our ways so that we may share abundantly your love and your compassion with those seeking your pasture. We pray in the name of the Risen One. Amen. (John 10:1-10 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Marj (Linda B’s sister)
-Pat B (Linda B’s friend)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Don K
-Anthony B (Teri’s son) and Teri as caregiver
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nancy T, Arlyce T, Steve & Carrie V
Those who mourn: We pray for the VanderWaal, Ohnstad, Broksieck, Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
Hymn: #356 (Blue) ‘Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing’
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing;
Tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of God’s unchanging love!
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by Thy help I’m come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SENIOR OUTSTANDING PRESBYTERIAN AWARDS RECIPIENTS: Mike McCann and Dave Peterson for 2022 plus Marvis Jenner and Ella Lane for 2023.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
THE PC(USA) PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CHILDREN AT RISK is from April 10 to May 28. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘Pentecost Special Offering’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
POSTLUDE 'Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!'
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.