SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
4th Sunday of Easter
Honoring the Women of our Church
May 8, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Lift your hearts, raise your voices, and join the heavenly host who forever sing:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.
*HYMN #268 (Red) ‘Crown Him with Many Crowns’
Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.
Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.
Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways
from pole to pole, that wars may cease, absorbed in prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end; and round his pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Even if we walk in the darkest of valleys, we have nothing to fear, for God is with us. Let us stand before the throne of the Lamb with confidence, trusting in God’s desire to redeem and restore us.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, in the presence of our enemies, we divide and demonize. When you face our enemies, you choose neither contempt nor punishment, but set a table and make provision for us all. Our ways are not your ways, O Creator, and they are an affront to the work of your hands. Have mercy on us, O God, and heal us. Send our risen Lord among us again to repair relationships and restore humanity. Set us free to share the love of Christ Jesus just as he does at his table. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the sound of your Shepherd’s voice: Jesus says, I give you eternal life. You will never perish. No one can snatch you out of my hand. Believe the good news.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, nurtured, and safe.
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
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.
Open our eyes, Lord. Wake us from lethargy. O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
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.
Acts 9:36-43
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Alleluia, Amen!
REFLECTION: ‘An Astonishing Imitation’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH –
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26
HONORING THE WOMEN OF OUR CHURCH
*HYMN #324 (RED) ‘For All the Faithful Women’
For all the faithful women who served in days of old,
to you shall thanks be given; to all, their story told.
They served with strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave.
To you their lives bore witness, proclaimed your power to save.
We praise your name for Miriam, who sang triumphantly
while Pharaoh’s vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea;
for Ruth, who left her homeland and ventured forth in faith,
who pledged to serve and worship Naomi’s God till death.
We sing of busy Martha, who toiled with pot and pan
while Mary sat in silence to hear the word again.
We praise the other Mary, who hastened to the tomb
and found her Lord arisen, dispelling doubt and gloom.
Lord, hear our praise of Dorcas, who served the sick and poor.
Her hands were cups of kindness, her heart an open door.
O God, for saints and servants, our fervent prayer we raise,
that, faithful in your service, our lives may sing your praise.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
As God gave us Christ, the first fruit of creation, let us humbly offer
the substance of our lives in thanksgiving to our God.
Amen.
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
Good Shepherd, you keep us safe in your Word through day and night. You strip away any enemy if we focus on your righteousness. You never lead us astray. You are the Alpha and the Omega. Your goodness and mercy overflow in our lives. May these gifts with which you have blessed us support ministries that bring others into your heavenly fold. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (Psalm 23 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: Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Rose P, Lynn & Diane R, Cliff R
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.
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 #187 (Red) ‘Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us’
Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us; for our use your folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, we are yours.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, we are yours.
We are yours, in love befriend us; be the guardian of our way.
Keep your flock, from sin defend us; seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
You have promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
you have mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to you.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to you.
Early let us seek your favor, early let us do your will.
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
MISSION/FINANCE MEETING on Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 PM via Zoom.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
SESSION MEETING on Thursday, May 12, 7:00 PM at the church.
CONGREGATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING on Sunday, May 15th following worship. Please sign up for lunch of pizza, salad, and dessert provided by Session. Free will offering will be accepted.
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
4th Sunday of Easter
Honoring the Women of our Church
May 8, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Lift your hearts, raise your voices, and join the heavenly host who forever sing:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.
*HYMN #268 (Red) ‘Crown Him with Many Crowns’
Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.
Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.
Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways
from pole to pole, that wars may cease, absorbed in prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end; and round his pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Even if we walk in the darkest of valleys, we have nothing to fear, for God is with us. Let us stand before the throne of the Lamb with confidence, trusting in God’s desire to redeem and restore us.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, in the presence of our enemies, we divide and demonize. When you face our enemies, you choose neither contempt nor punishment, but set a table and make provision for us all. Our ways are not your ways, O Creator, and they are an affront to the work of your hands. Have mercy on us, O God, and heal us. Send our risen Lord among us again to repair relationships and restore humanity. Set us free to share the love of Christ Jesus just as he does at his table. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the sound of your Shepherd’s voice: Jesus says, I give you eternal life. You will never perish. No one can snatch you out of my hand. Believe the good news.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, nurtured, and safe.
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
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.
Open our eyes, Lord. Wake us from lethargy. O dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
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.
Acts 9:36-43
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Alleluia, Amen!
REFLECTION: ‘An Astonishing Imitation’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH –
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26
HONORING THE WOMEN OF OUR CHURCH
*HYMN #324 (RED) ‘For All the Faithful Women’
For all the faithful women who served in days of old,
to you shall thanks be given; to all, their story told.
They served with strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave.
To you their lives bore witness, proclaimed your power to save.
We praise your name for Miriam, who sang triumphantly
while Pharaoh’s vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea;
for Ruth, who left her homeland and ventured forth in faith,
who pledged to serve and worship Naomi’s God till death.
We sing of busy Martha, who toiled with pot and pan
while Mary sat in silence to hear the word again.
We praise the other Mary, who hastened to the tomb
and found her Lord arisen, dispelling doubt and gloom.
Lord, hear our praise of Dorcas, who served the sick and poor.
Her hands were cups of kindness, her heart an open door.
O God, for saints and servants, our fervent prayer we raise,
that, faithful in your service, our lives may sing your praise.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
As God gave us Christ, the first fruit of creation, let us humbly offer
the substance of our lives in thanksgiving to our God.
Amen.
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
Good Shepherd, you keep us safe in your Word through day and night. You strip away any enemy if we focus on your righteousness. You never lead us astray. You are the Alpha and the Omega. Your goodness and mercy overflow in our lives. May these gifts with which you have blessed us support ministries that bring others into your heavenly fold. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (Psalm 23 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: Bob B, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Rose P, Lynn & Diane R, Cliff R
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.
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 #187 (Red) ‘Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us’
Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us; for our use your folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, we are yours.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, we are yours.
We are yours, in love befriend us; be the guardian of our way.
Keep your flock, from sin defend us; seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
You have promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
you have mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to you.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to you.
Early let us seek your favor, early let us do your will.
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
MISSION/FINANCE MEETING on Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 PM via Zoom.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
SESSION MEETING on Thursday, May 12, 7:00 PM at the church.
CONGREGATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING on Sunday, May 15th following worship. Please sign up for lunch of pizza, salad, and dessert provided by Session. Free will offering will be accepted.
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