SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP/COMMUNION
3rd Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!
Alleluia!
Blessing and honor and glory and might be to our God forever and ever!
Alleluia!
*HYMN #150 (Blue) ‘Come Christians Join to Sing’
Come, Christians, join to sing
Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice,
Before His throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice:
Alleluia! Amen!
Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia! Amen!
He is our guide and friend,
To us He'll condescend;
His love shall never end:
Alleluia! Amen!
Praise yet our Christ again;
Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore,
His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore,
Alleluia! Amen!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Risen from the dead, Jesus Christ longs for us to know life in all of its fullness, offering us renewal and refreshment, hope and forgiveness. Let us trust in the promise of Easter as we make our confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Generous God, in Jesus you have shown us love, love that seeks, love that suffers, love that survives all things. You call us, even command us, to show that love in our lives. Yet we turn away from what you would have us do. We confess that the ways of love are not our ways. We deny and ignore, hurt and hate, despise and reject. Have mercy on us. Help us to receive your love so that we can love others. Help us to receive your love so that we can love ourselves.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
The resurrection of Jesus shows us the grace of God is stronger than death
and the love of God has no boundary. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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
Gracious God, Living Word, as you revealed yourself to Mary that Easter morning, so reveal yourself to us. By the power of your Spirit, give each of us faith, that hearing your Word we, too, may proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!” Amen.
Open our eyes, Lord. Wake us from lethargy. O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 30 (read responsively)
1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O Lord, I cried,
and to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Acts 9:1-20 (Message)
1-2 All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.
3-4 He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?”
5-6 He said, “Who are you, Master?”
“I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.”
7-9 His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing.
10 There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.”
“Yes, Master?” he answered.
11-12 “Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.”
13-14 Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”
15-16 But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.”
17-19 So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal.
19-21 Saul spent a few days getting acquainted with the Damascus disciples, but then went right to work, wasting no time, preaching in the meeting places that this Jesus was the Son of God. They were caught off guard by this and, not at all sure they could trust him, they kept saying, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem among the believers? And didn’t he come here to do the same thing—arrest us and drag us off to jail in Jerusalem for sentencing by the high priests?”
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Alleluia, Amen!
REFLECTION: ‘An Unlikely Friendship’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #339 (Blue) ‘Be Thou My Vision’
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Great God of heaven, my treasure Thou art.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord.
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostles’ Creed
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
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need? Remembering God’s great love for the world, let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Amen. 1 John 3:16–17
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy One, you transformed the life of Saul. He was converted to your work as a disciple. We, too, have been transformed by your love. You earnestly listen for our daily response to your steadfast presence. Open our hearts so that we may walk consciously with you each day. We lift up this offering in obedience to your will. In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray. Amen. (Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Bob B
-Marlys M
-Kennedy N
-Art V
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Jerry (Judy S’s friend)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Andrew L
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dave & Lee P, John P, Harold & Marjorie P
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Europe’s Baltic Region. Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
Here is the table of the Lord, we are gathered to his supper, as a foretaste of things eternal.
Come, you who are fearful, to be made new in love.
Come, you who are doubtful, to be made strong in faith.
Come, you who are regretful, and be made whole.
Come, old and young, there is room for all and we are invited to come together to this table for we who belong to the household of Christ, brothers and sisters, in our baptized lives live out the death and resurrection of Jesus. We’re the family of the reborn and the reconciled, who inhabit a universe of grace as God moves out of the tomb.
This isn’t the table of this church, or the PCUSA, this is the Lord’s Table…
the feast awaits us all.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Creator of all, you wash away our sins, you give us new birth by the Spirit, and redeem us in the blood of Christ. As we celebrate the resurrection, renew your gift of life within us. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, almighty and eternal Father, and on this day of our redemption to celebrate with joyful hearts the memory of your wonderful works. For by the mystery of his passion Jesus Christ, your risen Son, has conquered the powers of death and hell and restored in men and women the image of your glory, He has placed them once more in paradise and opened to them the gate of life eternal. And so, in the joy of this Passover, earth and heaven resound with gladness, while angels and archangels and the powers of all creation sing for ever the hymn of your glory:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest.
And now we give you thanks because in his victory over the grave a new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world is being renewed and humanity is once again made whole.
God of Life, who for our redemption gave your only begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection have delivered us from the power of our enemy: grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
On the night in which he was betrayed our Lord took bread..
Likewise in the same manner he took the cup…
Jesus says, I am the bread of life, whoever eats of this bread will live forever. Come, taste and see the goodness of our Lord, found at this table, in the bread of life and the cup of salvation. The gifts of God for the people of God this May Day. Come for all is now ready,
WE SHARE THE BREAD AND CUP
(Zoom communion before the congregation)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, O God, for giving us communion with our risen and glorious Lord. Now send us out to be a sign of the new life that has come into the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*HYMN #371 (Blue) ‘Lift High the Cross’
Refrain:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod,
The Lamb victorious, Christ the Son of God. [Refrain]
Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Christ who died. [Refrain]
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
Your death has brought us life eternally. [Refrain]
So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
May birthdays: Bonnie F, John P, Bruce W, Trent B, Skylar H, Carolyn M, Cliff R, Saige H, Adam Y, Carolyn C, Lori W
May anniversaries: Scott & Jennifer H, Dean & Sharon H
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
HONORING WOMEN SUNDAY will be on May 8th.
CONGREGATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING will follow worship on May 15. Please sign up for lunch (pizza, salads, desserts) which will be provided by Session. We'll review together what the last Town Hall meeting discussion/questions time brought forth.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; adapted from the prayer found on: https://aprilfiet.com
3rd Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!
Alleluia!
Blessing and honor and glory and might be to our God forever and ever!
Alleluia!
*HYMN #150 (Blue) ‘Come Christians Join to Sing’
Come, Christians, join to sing
Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice,
Before His throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice:
Alleluia! Amen!
Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia! Amen!
He is our guide and friend,
To us He'll condescend;
His love shall never end:
Alleluia! Amen!
Praise yet our Christ again;
Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore,
His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore,
Alleluia! Amen!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Risen from the dead, Jesus Christ longs for us to know life in all of its fullness, offering us renewal and refreshment, hope and forgiveness. Let us trust in the promise of Easter as we make our confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Generous God, in Jesus you have shown us love, love that seeks, love that suffers, love that survives all things. You call us, even command us, to show that love in our lives. Yet we turn away from what you would have us do. We confess that the ways of love are not our ways. We deny and ignore, hurt and hate, despise and reject. Have mercy on us. Help us to receive your love so that we can love others. Help us to receive your love so that we can love ourselves.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
The resurrection of Jesus shows us the grace of God is stronger than death
and the love of God has no boundary. This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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
Gracious God, Living Word, as you revealed yourself to Mary that Easter morning, so reveal yourself to us. By the power of your Spirit, give each of us faith, that hearing your Word we, too, may proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!” Amen.
Open our eyes, Lord. Wake us from lethargy. O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 30 (read responsively)
1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O Lord, I cried,
and to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Acts 9:1-20 (Message)
1-2 All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.
3-4 He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?”
5-6 He said, “Who are you, Master?”
“I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.”
7-9 His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing.
10 There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.”
“Yes, Master?” he answered.
11-12 “Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.”
13-14 Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”
15-16 But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.”
17-19 So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal.
19-21 Saul spent a few days getting acquainted with the Damascus disciples, but then went right to work, wasting no time, preaching in the meeting places that this Jesus was the Son of God. They were caught off guard by this and, not at all sure they could trust him, they kept saying, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem among the believers? And didn’t he come here to do the same thing—arrest us and drag us off to jail in Jerusalem for sentencing by the high priests?”
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Alleluia, Amen!
REFLECTION: ‘An Unlikely Friendship’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #339 (Blue) ‘Be Thou My Vision’
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Great God of heaven, my treasure Thou art.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord.
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostles’ Creed
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
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need? Remembering God’s great love for the world, let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Amen. 1 John 3:16–17
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy One, you transformed the life of Saul. He was converted to your work as a disciple. We, too, have been transformed by your love. You earnestly listen for our daily response to your steadfast presence. Open our hearts so that we may walk consciously with you each day. We lift up this offering in obedience to your will. In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray. Amen. (Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Bob B
-Marlys M
-Kennedy N
-Art V
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Jerry (Judy S’s friend)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Andrew L
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dave & Lee P, John P, Harold & Marjorie P
Those who mourn: We pray for the Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Europe’s Baltic Region. Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
Here is the table of the Lord, we are gathered to his supper, as a foretaste of things eternal.
Come, you who are fearful, to be made new in love.
Come, you who are doubtful, to be made strong in faith.
Come, you who are regretful, and be made whole.
Come, old and young, there is room for all and we are invited to come together to this table for we who belong to the household of Christ, brothers and sisters, in our baptized lives live out the death and resurrection of Jesus. We’re the family of the reborn and the reconciled, who inhabit a universe of grace as God moves out of the tomb.
This isn’t the table of this church, or the PCUSA, this is the Lord’s Table…
the feast awaits us all.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Creator of all, you wash away our sins, you give us new birth by the Spirit, and redeem us in the blood of Christ. As we celebrate the resurrection, renew your gift of life within us. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give you thanks, almighty and eternal Father, and on this day of our redemption to celebrate with joyful hearts the memory of your wonderful works. For by the mystery of his passion Jesus Christ, your risen Son, has conquered the powers of death and hell and restored in men and women the image of your glory, He has placed them once more in paradise and opened to them the gate of life eternal. And so, in the joy of this Passover, earth and heaven resound with gladness, while angels and archangels and the powers of all creation sing for ever the hymn of your glory:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest.
And now we give you thanks because in his victory over the grave a new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world is being renewed and humanity is once again made whole.
God of Life, who for our redemption gave your only begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection have delivered us from the power of our enemy: grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
On the night in which he was betrayed our Lord took bread..
Likewise in the same manner he took the cup…
Jesus says, I am the bread of life, whoever eats of this bread will live forever. Come, taste and see the goodness of our Lord, found at this table, in the bread of life and the cup of salvation. The gifts of God for the people of God this May Day. Come for all is now ready,
WE SHARE THE BREAD AND CUP
(Zoom communion before the congregation)
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, O God, for giving us communion with our risen and glorious Lord. Now send us out to be a sign of the new life that has come into the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*HYMN #371 (Blue) ‘Lift High the Cross’
Refrain:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred name.
Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod,
The Lamb victorious, Christ the Son of God. [Refrain]
Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Christ who died. [Refrain]
O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
Your death has brought us life eternally. [Refrain]
So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The first Sunday of the month we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries:
May birthdays: Bonnie F, John P, Bruce W, Trent B, Skylar H, Carolyn M, Cliff R, Saige H, Adam Y, Carolyn C, Lori W
May anniversaries: Scott & Jennifer H, Dean & Sharon H
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
HONORING WOMEN SUNDAY will be on May 8th.
CONGREGATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING will follow worship on May 15. Please sign up for lunch (pizza, salads, desserts) which will be provided by Session. We'll review together what the last Town Hall meeting discussion/questions time brought forth.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; adapted from the prayer found on: https://aprilfiet.com