ORDER OF WORSHIP
6th Sunday of Easter
Mother’s Day
May 14, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.
And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world.
The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us.
*HYMN: (insert) ‘God on the Mountain is God of the Valley’
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain,
And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known.
But then things change and you're down in the valley;
Don’t lose faith, child, you are never alone.
Refrain:
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley,
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times;
The God of the day is still God in the night.
We talk of faith when we're up on the mountain,
But talk comes easy when life’s at its best;
It's down in the valley of trials and temptations,
That’s where faith is really put to the test. [Refrain]
CALL TO CONFESSION
God does not reject our prayers. God does not withdraw love from us.
Even when we fail to love others and struggle to love ourselves, God’s love is steadfast. Let us lift our prayers to God.
Holy One, We love you imperfectly: we do not always keep your commandments. We love each other imperfectly: we hurt those you call us to love through our actions and our inaction. We love ourselves imperfectly: we struggle to believe that we are truly your children, made in your image. Forgive us. By the power of your Spirit, make us more faithful that we might live as Christ has shown us, reflecting your love and grace. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Because Christ lives, we also live. Not because of anything we have done,
not because of our belief or faithfulness: we live because Christ lives.
This is the Christ who forgives us.
This is the God who is in us.
This is the Spirit who is with us.
Alleluia! Praise 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 READING
1 Samuel 7:2-12
2 From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.
3 Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Astartes from among you. Direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So Israel put away the Baals and the Astartes, and they served the Lord only.
5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” 6 So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord. They fasted that day and said, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.
7 When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 The Israelites said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10 As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel, but the Lord thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were routed before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them down as far as beyond Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah and named it Ebenezer, for he said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
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 “Stones of Remembrance’ Rev. Stan Gruneich
*Hymn: # 819 (Red) ‘Be Still My Soul’
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide, who through all changes faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend through thorny ways
leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake to guide the future surely as the past;
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord;
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
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)
*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
Generous and loving God, we remember. We remember the others who have encouraged us. Many people have taught us. We have been forgiven. We have been loved. We admit that we haven't done it all ourselves. In a way, this offering is a response to all that has come before us. We pray that the money will be used to encourage, to teach, to forgive, and to love in Jesus' name. Amen. (John 14:15-21 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)
Joy to Share: Robby & Donna F welcome a new granddaughter, Rylee Marie, born May 11 to their daughter Jen and son-in-law.
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: Dorothy W, Alan & Sue Y, David & Lucy B
Those who mourn: We pray for the Eich, VanderWaal, Ohnstad, Broksieck, Canaday, 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: (on insert) ‘Revive Us Again’
We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died
and is now gone above.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Hallelujah, amen!
Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
and banished our night. [Refrain]
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain. [Refrain]
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast bought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways. [Refrain]
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH COMMITTEE will be meeting today, May 12 after worship service.
BLADE ARTICLES are due on Monday May 15. The upcoming Blade will be June and July combined.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets next at the church on Tuesday May 23 at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets next on May 25 at 9:30 AM at the church.
SISTERHOOD meets on Thursday, May 18 at 11:30 AM at the Mission Coffee House.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets on Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 PM at the church lounge.
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
God will give you light for your way, strength for your burdens, peace for your worries, forgiveness for your sins, love for your healing, hope for your future. So go forth to live for Him. Amen.
I know who holds the future
and I know he holds my hand;
With God things don’t just happen
everything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow
with its problems large and small,
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
give to Him my all.
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.54.61 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.
6th Sunday of Easter
Mother’s Day
May 14, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.
And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world.
The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us.
*HYMN: (insert) ‘God on the Mountain is God of the Valley’
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain,
And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known.
But then things change and you're down in the valley;
Don’t lose faith, child, you are never alone.
Refrain:
For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley,
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times;
The God of the day is still God in the night.
We talk of faith when we're up on the mountain,
But talk comes easy when life’s at its best;
It's down in the valley of trials and temptations,
That’s where faith is really put to the test. [Refrain]
CALL TO CONFESSION
God does not reject our prayers. God does not withdraw love from us.
Even when we fail to love others and struggle to love ourselves, God’s love is steadfast. Let us lift our prayers to God.
Holy One, We love you imperfectly: we do not always keep your commandments. We love each other imperfectly: we hurt those you call us to love through our actions and our inaction. We love ourselves imperfectly: we struggle to believe that we are truly your children, made in your image. Forgive us. By the power of your Spirit, make us more faithful that we might live as Christ has shown us, reflecting your love and grace. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Because Christ lives, we also live. Not because of anything we have done,
not because of our belief or faithfulness: we live because Christ lives.
This is the Christ who forgives us.
This is the God who is in us.
This is the Spirit who is with us.
Alleluia! Praise 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 READING
1 Samuel 7:2-12
2 From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.
3 Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Astartes from among you. Direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So Israel put away the Baals and the Astartes, and they served the Lord only.
5 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” 6 So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord. They fasted that day and said, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah.
7 When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 The Israelites said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 9 So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10 As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel, but the Lord thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were routed before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them down as far as beyond Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah and named it Ebenezer, for he said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
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 “Stones of Remembrance’ Rev. Stan Gruneich
*Hymn: # 819 (Red) ‘Be Still My Soul’
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide, who through all changes faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend through thorny ways
leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake to guide the future surely as the past;
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord;
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
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)
*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
Generous and loving God, we remember. We remember the others who have encouraged us. Many people have taught us. We have been forgiven. We have been loved. We admit that we haven't done it all ourselves. In a way, this offering is a response to all that has come before us. We pray that the money will be used to encourage, to teach, to forgive, and to love in Jesus' name. Amen. (John 14:15-21 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)
Joy to Share: Robby & Donna F welcome a new granddaughter, Rylee Marie, born May 11 to their daughter Jen and son-in-law.
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: Dorothy W, Alan & Sue Y, David & Lucy B
Those who mourn: We pray for the Eich, VanderWaal, Ohnstad, Broksieck, Canaday, 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: (on insert) ‘Revive Us Again’
We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died
and is now gone above.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Hallelujah, amen!
Hallelujah! Thine the glory! Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
and banished our night. [Refrain]
All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain. [Refrain]
All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast bought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways. [Refrain]
Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH COMMITTEE will be meeting today, May 12 after worship service.
BLADE ARTICLES are due on Monday May 15. The upcoming Blade will be June and July combined.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets next at the church on Tuesday May 23 at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets next on May 25 at 9:30 AM at the church.
SISTERHOOD meets on Thursday, May 18 at 11:30 AM at the Mission Coffee House.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets on Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 PM at the church lounge.
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
God will give you light for your way, strength for your burdens, peace for your worries, forgiveness for your sins, love for your healing, hope for your future. So go forth to live for Him. Amen.
I know who holds the future
and I know he holds my hand;
With God things don’t just happen
everything by Him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow
with its problems large and small,
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
give to Him my all.
POSTLUDE
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.54.61 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.