SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday after Easter
5-03-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Shepherd calls us by name and leads us to abundant life.
We hear your voice and hasten to follow.
The Shepherd prepares a table and lavishly pours out grace.
We hear your invitation and take our place at the feast.
The Shepherd gathers us in and welcomes us to the house of the Lord.
We hear your call and give you praise.
HYMN: “Savior Who Thy Flock Art Feeding”
Savior, who Thy flock art feeding
With the Shepherd’s kindest care,
All the feeble gently leading,
While the lambs Thy bosom share.
Now, these little ones receiving,
Fold them in Thy gracious arm;
There, we know, Thy Word believing,
Only there secure from harm.
Never, from Thy pasture roving,
Let them be the lion’s prey;
Let Thy tenderness, so loving,
Keep them through life’s dang’rous way.
Then within Thy fold eternal
Let them find a resting place,
Feed in pastures ever vernal,
Drink the rivers of Thy grace.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold; feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We have gone astray, O Shepherd. You call us to follow, and we hear your voice. Yet, we choose to heed other voices— voices that promise status and comfort and a carefree life. But such promises are empty, and that life does not satisfy. Call to us again, O Shepherd. Summon us onto right paths to pursue justice in your name, to seek after the well-being of all. Lead us to the table you prepare for us—where rivals share both bread and blessings and discover there is enough for all. (Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
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.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 23
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.
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.
1 Peter 2:19-25
19 For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure 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 right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 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, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wound 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.
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)
REFLECTION: “Jesus, Shepherd of Our Souls” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostle’s 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.
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
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)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are. Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold on to what is good; return no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Be a good sheep.) May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen!
(Thanks to everyone who helped out 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. You're loved always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, pgs. 78 & 328, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APRIL 16, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved that all activities taking place at the church would be suspended during the month of May. The decision regarding suspension of activities will be revisited at each monthly Session meeting- the next meeting will be May 14th.
We are all encouraged to stay connected by attending Sunday morning services, meetings, and Bible studies using Zoom. We also encourage you to stay connected with each other with phone calls, cards, texts, email, or drive-by’s during this time. Support one another and continue staying safe and doing what you can to slow the spread of the virus. Finally, we pray for all those affected by COVID-19: those who are ill, those whose loved ones are ill or were taken by the virus, those who are feeling isolated, those who are essential personnel and risk themselves for our safety, those who, because of the shutdown, are unemployed or their businesses have been critically damaged and now have more worry than just staying healthy.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
****************************
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
***************************
DEE WATSON: Please remember Dee with a “Thinking of You” card as Lois’ birthday would have been on Saturday, May 2nd. His address is: 2019 Arbor Ridge, Brookings, SD 57006.
ARVID DILLS 90TH BIRTHDAY: Friends and family of Avid Dills are invited to celebrate his 90th birthday on May 2nd by sending cards and best wishes to him at 1050 S Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, AZ 85128
***************************
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
· Those Who Mourn: Family and friends of Lois Watson, Carrie Van Buren’s mother Edith Lavarnway who passed away on April 15 in Ovid, New York
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, for this joy, we give you thanks.
4th Sunday after Easter
5-03-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Shepherd calls us by name and leads us to abundant life.
We hear your voice and hasten to follow.
The Shepherd prepares a table and lavishly pours out grace.
We hear your invitation and take our place at the feast.
The Shepherd gathers us in and welcomes us to the house of the Lord.
We hear your call and give you praise.
HYMN: “Savior Who Thy Flock Art Feeding”
Savior, who Thy flock art feeding
With the Shepherd’s kindest care,
All the feeble gently leading,
While the lambs Thy bosom share.
Now, these little ones receiving,
Fold them in Thy gracious arm;
There, we know, Thy Word believing,
Only there secure from harm.
Never, from Thy pasture roving,
Let them be the lion’s prey;
Let Thy tenderness, so loving,
Keep them through life’s dang’rous way.
Then within Thy fold eternal
Let them find a resting place,
Feed in pastures ever vernal,
Drink the rivers of Thy grace.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold; feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
We have gone astray, O Shepherd. You call us to follow, and we hear your voice. Yet, we choose to heed other voices— voices that promise status and comfort and a carefree life. But such promises are empty, and that life does not satisfy. Call to us again, O Shepherd. Summon us onto right paths to pursue justice in your name, to seek after the well-being of all. Lead us to the table you prepare for us—where rivals share both bread and blessings and discover there is enough for all. (Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
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.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 23
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.
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.
1 Peter 2:19-25
19 For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure 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 right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 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, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wound 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.
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)
REFLECTION: “Jesus, Shepherd of Our Souls” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostle’s 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.
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
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)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are. Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold on to what is good; return no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Be a good sheep.) May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen!
(Thanks to everyone who helped out 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. You're loved always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, pgs. 78 & 328, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APRIL 16, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved that all activities taking place at the church would be suspended during the month of May. The decision regarding suspension of activities will be revisited at each monthly Session meeting- the next meeting will be May 14th.
We are all encouraged to stay connected by attending Sunday morning services, meetings, and Bible studies using Zoom. We also encourage you to stay connected with each other with phone calls, cards, texts, email, or drive-by’s during this time. Support one another and continue staying safe and doing what you can to slow the spread of the virus. Finally, we pray for all those affected by COVID-19: those who are ill, those whose loved ones are ill or were taken by the virus, those who are feeling isolated, those who are essential personnel and risk themselves for our safety, those who, because of the shutdown, are unemployed or their businesses have been critically damaged and now have more worry than just staying healthy.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
****************************
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
***************************
DEE WATSON: Please remember Dee with a “Thinking of You” card as Lois’ birthday would have been on Saturday, May 2nd. His address is: 2019 Arbor Ridge, Brookings, SD 57006.
ARVID DILLS 90TH BIRTHDAY: Friends and family of Avid Dills are invited to celebrate his 90th birthday on May 2nd by sending cards and best wishes to him at 1050 S Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, AZ 85128
***************************
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
- Those with health concerns: Jan & Bob Jones, Jack & Alice Edge (Lee’s parents), Andrew L’Amour, Gary (undergoing treatment) & Pam (healing of injury) Larson, Alan Young, Natalie & Marvin Schroeder (Teri’s aunt & uncle), Loren & Sue Boy (Bonnie parents), Judy Smith (hand surgery recovery), Judy McCann (broken wrist recovery), Linda’s friend Terri who tested positive COVID-19
- Today’s Prayer Families: Nick & Suh Ruskin & son Finlay, Rick & Bonnie Salonen, Aaron & Christine Scheer
· Those Who Mourn: Family and friends of Lois Watson, Carrie Van Buren’s mother Edith Lavarnway who passed away on April 15 in Ovid, New York
- Our homebound or in care members: Barb Borstad, Delores Koepsell, Nona Marshall, Helen Peterson, Cliff Rindels, Stephen & Carrie Van Buren, Dee Watson
- Prayers for our sister church First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Ginny Conger will welcome a first grandchild in October
- Richard Smith was inducted into the SD Sr. Games Hall of Fame
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY for May!
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for May!
Lord, for this joy, we give you thanks.