ORDER OF WORSHIP
7th Sunday of Easter
May 21, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We may not know the time or the place,
but we know that God is restoring the world.
We may not see the risen Christ before us,
but we know his spirit rests on us.
We may not know what God is doing next,
but we come together in faith, excited to discover it!
*HYMN: #139 (Blue) ‘Come, Thou Almighty King’
Come, Thou Almighty King,
help us Thy name to sing; help us to praise.
Father, all-glorious, o'er all victorious,
Come, and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend.
Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy word success,
Spirit of holiness, on us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour;
Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power.
To thee, great One in Three,
eternal praises be hence evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
and to eternity love and adore.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Scripture tells us that our sufferings are known to Christ, that we can cast all our anxiety on Jesus, who restores, supports, strengthens and establishes us. Knowing this, let us come to God in a spirit of openness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Christ our Savior, as you ascended, you left the work to us. You called us to keep the movement going, to witness to the ends of the earth, to pray, to heal, to glorify you through our thoughts, words, and deeds, to show the world a glimpse of the goodness you have given us. We have fallen short of this call. We have hidden ourselves in fear, sought our own comfort, and resigned ourselves to the status quo. Forgive us, and strengthen us to do your will, that we may be signs of your coming reign. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Listen to this prayer: “Protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
This is the prayer that Christ prayed on our behalf.
This tenderness and care for us shows us who Jesus is--
the one who hears our prayers, responding to our longing for forgiveness with mercy.
Thanks be to God, praise be to Christ, glory be to the Holy Spirit.
*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 READINGS
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (read responsively)
1 Let God rise up; let his enemies be scattered;
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
let the wicked perish before God.
3 But let the righteous be joyful;
let them exult before God;
let them be jubilant with joy.
4 Sing to God; sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds--
his name is the Lord--
be exultant before him.
5 Father of orphans and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God gives the desolate a home to live in;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;
you restored your heritage when it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord, Selah
33 O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel
and whose power is in the skies.
35 Awesome is God in his sanctuary,
the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
John 17:1-11
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6 “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
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 “But God…” Pastor Dorthy Tufte, Chaplain of United Living Community
*Hymn: #260 (Blue) ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
and He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill: God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Pass It On’ Zoe Regan, soloist and Judy Smith, pianist
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
Majestic Lord, you unselfishly provide us with the sanctuary of your love. You wisely calm our imagined fears while nurturing our dream-filled hopes. Grant us the ability to serve you faithfully. Joyfully, we honor you with these tithes and offerings. Blessed be your name! Amen. (Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 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)
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: Linda B, Bob B, Teri B, Don 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: #276 (Blue) ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
there is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION will be held next Sunday, May 28th during worship service.
Graduating will be Paige F, Saige H, and Jolena G.--Congratulations and best wishes in the future!
CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED Monday, May 29th in remembrance of Memorial Day.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
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
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.
7th Sunday of Easter
May 21, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We may not know the time or the place,
but we know that God is restoring the world.
We may not see the risen Christ before us,
but we know his spirit rests on us.
We may not know what God is doing next,
but we come together in faith, excited to discover it!
*HYMN: #139 (Blue) ‘Come, Thou Almighty King’
Come, Thou Almighty King,
help us Thy name to sing; help us to praise.
Father, all-glorious, o'er all victorious,
Come, and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend.
Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy word success,
Spirit of holiness, on us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour;
Thou who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power.
To thee, great One in Three,
eternal praises be hence evermore!
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
and to eternity love and adore.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Scripture tells us that our sufferings are known to Christ, that we can cast all our anxiety on Jesus, who restores, supports, strengthens and establishes us. Knowing this, let us come to God in a spirit of openness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Christ our Savior, as you ascended, you left the work to us. You called us to keep the movement going, to witness to the ends of the earth, to pray, to heal, to glorify you through our thoughts, words, and deeds, to show the world a glimpse of the goodness you have given us. We have fallen short of this call. We have hidden ourselves in fear, sought our own comfort, and resigned ourselves to the status quo. Forgive us, and strengthen us to do your will, that we may be signs of your coming reign. (silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Listen to this prayer: “Protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
This is the prayer that Christ prayed on our behalf.
This tenderness and care for us shows us who Jesus is--
the one who hears our prayers, responding to our longing for forgiveness with mercy.
Thanks be to God, praise be to Christ, glory be to the Holy Spirit.
*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 READINGS
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (read responsively)
1 Let God rise up; let his enemies be scattered;
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
let the wicked perish before God.
3 But let the righteous be joyful;
let them exult before God;
let them be jubilant with joy.
4 Sing to God; sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds--
his name is the Lord--
be exultant before him.
5 Father of orphans and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God gives the desolate a home to live in;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;
you restored your heritage when it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord, Selah
33 O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel
and whose power is in the skies.
35 Awesome is God in his sanctuary,
the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
John 17:1-11
1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
6 “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
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 “But God…” Pastor Dorthy Tufte, Chaplain of United Living Community
*Hymn: #260 (Blue) ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God’
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
and He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
the body they may kill: God's truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Pass It On’ Zoe Regan, soloist and Judy Smith, pianist
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
Majestic Lord, you unselfishly provide us with the sanctuary of your love. You wisely calm our imagined fears while nurturing our dream-filled hopes. Grant us the ability to serve you faithfully. Joyfully, we honor you with these tithes and offerings. Blessed be your name! Amen. (Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 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)
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: Linda B, Bob B, Teri B, Don 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: #276 (Blue) ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
there is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE RECOGNITION AND PRESENTATION will be held next Sunday, May 28th during worship service.
Graduating will be Paige F, Saige H, and Jolena G.--Congratulations and best wishes in the future!
CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED Monday, May 29th in remembrance of Memorial Day.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcome to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
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
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.