SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
5th Sunday of Easter
May 15, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord, all the earth!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise the Lord in the heights.
Praise the name of the Lord, and the Lord’s glory shall be praised,
for people near and people far,
for people present and people to come,
for the young and for those wise with age.
Come, let us praise the Lord; come, let us worship God.
*HYMN #462 (Blue) ‘Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies’
Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o'er the shades of night;
Day-spring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee;
Joyless is the day's return,
Till Thy mercy's beams I see;
Till they inward light impart,
Cheers my eyes and warm my heart.
Visit then this soul of mine;
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, radiancy divine;
Scatter all my unbelief;
More and more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Because we are loved, we are called to turn to God in humility. We fall short of who God calls us to be, but we are never forsaken. In faith and with confidence as beloved children, let us confess our sin to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, you command us to love one another, yet we hold grudges and refuse to work for peace. You command us to care for all of creation, yet we neglect the earth and abuse nature through carelessness. You command us to walk in the ways of Jesus, yet we too often walk our own way. Forgive us, O God. Guide us as we work toward a new heaven here on earth. Lead us to reconciliation and a vision for your beloved community, as we share your love with your people everywhere. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Believe the good news: Jesus loves us and forgives us and sets us free.
Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
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 148 (read responsively)
1Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Acts 11:1-18
1Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth. ’ 9But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.
”This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Alleluia, Amen!
REFLECTION: ‘A Change of Menu’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
*HYMN #473 (Blue) ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’ (Verses 1, 2 5)
For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Refrain:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light, [Refrain ]
For Thy church that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love, [Refrain]
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
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC MK Hugghins, organist
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
Loving God, as your Holy Word reveals, your gift of grace is offered to all of your children. You wait expectantly to hear our response. In this hushed moment, we respond by offering financial gifts. We respond by praising your name in prayer. We respond by singing, “Glory be to God!” Amen. (Acts 11:1-18 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: Rick & Bonnie S, Stanley & Julie S & family Stanley & Dylan
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; 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 1 million + people have died in the U.S. 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 #485 (Blue) ‘To God be the Glory’
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory: great things He hath done!
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TOWN HALL MEETING following worship today. Pizza, salad, and desserts will be provided by Session.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
May 22 is the last day of Sunday School which resumes in September.
BLADE ARTICLES are due Monday, May 16.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church 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.
SISTERHOOD will be meeting at Mission Coffee House on Thursday, May 19 at 11:30 AM.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will be meeting at the church basement on Thursday, May 19 at 5:30 PM.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE Bed Build held this Saturday, May 21 at 708 Main Ave. S, Brookings. The times are 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE KICKOFF TO SUMMER PASTOR’S TABLE EVENT on Wednesday, May 25, 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at the Meadow Green Community Room, 2021 Monarch Lane. RSVP to the church office or on sign up sheet by Monday May 23.
We will be honoring the following graduates in our worship service Sunday, May 29th: Aaron M, Emma M, Stanley S, Hannah S
PC(USA) PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING for Children at Risk, Youth, Young Adults Donations will be accepted May 1st - June 5th.
Rev. Norlita will be away on study leave from Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20. She will be back to lead worship on Sunday, May 22.
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
5th Sunday of Easter
May 15, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord, all the earth!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise the Lord in the heights.
Praise the name of the Lord, and the Lord’s glory shall be praised,
for people near and people far,
for people present and people to come,
for the young and for those wise with age.
Come, let us praise the Lord; come, let us worship God.
*HYMN #462 (Blue) ‘Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies’
Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o'er the shades of night;
Day-spring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee;
Joyless is the day's return,
Till Thy mercy's beams I see;
Till they inward light impart,
Cheers my eyes and warm my heart.
Visit then this soul of mine;
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, radiancy divine;
Scatter all my unbelief;
More and more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Because we are loved, we are called to turn to God in humility. We fall short of who God calls us to be, but we are never forsaken. In faith and with confidence as beloved children, let us confess our sin to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, you command us to love one another, yet we hold grudges and refuse to work for peace. You command us to care for all of creation, yet we neglect the earth and abuse nature through carelessness. You command us to walk in the ways of Jesus, yet we too often walk our own way. Forgive us, O God. Guide us as we work toward a new heaven here on earth. Lead us to reconciliation and a vision for your beloved community, as we share your love with your people everywhere. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Believe the good news: Jesus loves us and forgives us and sets us free.
Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
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 148 (read responsively)
1Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
Acts 11:1-18
1Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth. ’ 9But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.
”This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Alleluia, Amen!
REFLECTION: ‘A Change of Menu’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
*HYMN #473 (Blue) ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’ (Verses 1, 2 5)
For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Refrain:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light, [Refrain ]
For Thy church that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love, [Refrain]
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
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC MK Hugghins, organist
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
Loving God, as your Holy Word reveals, your gift of grace is offered to all of your children. You wait expectantly to hear our response. In this hushed moment, we respond by offering financial gifts. We respond by praising your name in prayer. We respond by singing, “Glory be to God!” Amen. (Acts 11:1-18 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: Rick & Bonnie S, Stanley & Julie S & family Stanley & Dylan
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; 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 1 million + people have died in the U.S. 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 #485 (Blue) ‘To God be the Glory’
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory: great things He hath done!
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TOWN HALL MEETING following worship today. Pizza, salad, and desserts will be provided by Session.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45AM.
May 22 is the last day of Sunday School which resumes in September.
BLADE ARTICLES are due Monday, May 16.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church 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.
SISTERHOOD will be meeting at Mission Coffee House on Thursday, May 19 at 11:30 AM.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will be meeting at the church basement on Thursday, May 19 at 5:30 PM.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE Bed Build held this Saturday, May 21 at 708 Main Ave. S, Brookings. The times are 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE KICKOFF TO SUMMER PASTOR’S TABLE EVENT on Wednesday, May 25, 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at the Meadow Green Community Room, 2021 Monarch Lane. RSVP to the church office or on sign up sheet by Monday May 23.
We will be honoring the following graduates in our worship service Sunday, May 29th: Aaron M, Emma M, Stanley S, Hannah S
PC(USA) PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING for Children at Risk, Youth, Young Adults Donations will be accepted May 1st - June 5th.
Rev. Norlita will be away on study leave from Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20. She will be back to lead worship on Sunday, May 22.
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