Order of Worship
Third Sunday of Easter
April 23, 2023

+ GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE 

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

In the name of the Father, and of the   Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, 
we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness. 
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

We give you thanks, O God,
for in the beginning your spirit moved over the waters
and by your Word you created the world,
calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. 
Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom.
At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, 
making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, 
and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.
Shower us with your Spirit,
And renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace and love.

To you be given honor and praise
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
In the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

GATHERING HYMN

Come You Faithful, Raise the Strain
ELW 363

Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought forth Israel
into joy from sadness,
loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke
Jacob's sons and daughters;
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.

'Tis the spring of souls today:
Christ has burst his prison,
and from three days' sleep in death
as a sun has risen.
All the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from the Light to whom we give
laud and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendor,
with the royal feast of feasts
comes its joy to render;
comes to glad Jerusalem,
who with true affection
welcomes in unwearied strain
Jesus' resurrection!

Neither could the gates of death,
nor the tomb's dark portal,
nor the watchers, nor the seal
hold you as a mortal:
but today, among your own,
you appear, bestowing
your deep peace, which evermore
passes human knowing. 

Alleluia! now we cry
to our Lord immortal,
who triumphant burst the bars
of the tomb's dark portal;
Alleluia! with the Son
God the Father praising;
Alleluia! yet again 
to the Spirit raising.

GREETING 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you. 

HYMN OF PRAISE

Now the Feast and Celebration
ELW 167

Refrain
     Now the feast and celebration,
     all of creation sings for joy
     to the God of life and love and freedom,
     praise and glory forevermore!

Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain,
whose blood has freed and united us
to be one great people of God.    Refrain

Power and riches, wisdom and might,
all honor and glory to Christ forever.    Refrain

For God has come to dwell with us,
to make us people of God;
to make all things new.    Refrain

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

+ WORD +  

FIRST READING:       Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Today’s reading is the conclusion of Peter’s sermon preached following the giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The center of his preaching is the bold declaration that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.

^14aBut Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed [them]. ³⁶Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified."
³⁷Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" ³⁸Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." ⁴⁰And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." ⁴¹So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19  (read responsively by full verse)

SECOND READING:    1 Peter 1:17-23
The imagery of exile is used to help the readers of this letter understand that they are strangers in a strange land. Christians no longer belong to this age. Through the death of Christ we belong to God, so that our focus, faith, and hope are no longer on such things as silver or gold.

¹⁷If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. ¹⁸You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. ²⁰He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. ²¹Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
²²Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. ²³You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

The Word of the Lord.  
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION     

Halle, Halle, Hallelujah
ELW 172

Halle, halle, hallelujah,
Halle, halle, hallelujah,
Halle, halle, hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

GOSPEL:       John 20:19-31
The colorful story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus answers the question of how Jesus is to be recognized among us. Here, he is revealed through the scriptures and in the breaking of bread. 

The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.

¹³Now on that same day ]when Jesus had appeared to May Magdalene,] two [disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, ¹⁶but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ¹⁷And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" ¹⁹He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. ²¹But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. ²²Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, ²³and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. ²⁴Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." ²⁵Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! ²⁶Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" ²⁷Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
²⁸As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. ²⁹But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. ³¹Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. ³²They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" ³³That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. ³⁴They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" ³⁵Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY    

All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly 
ELW 461

All who hunger gather gladly; 
holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wand'ring. 
Here in truth we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,
all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.

All who hunger, never strangers; 
seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming.
Here in joy we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered
in communion's love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.

All who hunger, sing together,
Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing.
Here in peace we have been fed.
Blest are those who from this table
live their days in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
   creator of heaven and earth.  

I believe in Jesus Christ,
   God’s only Son, our Lord,
   who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 
   born of the virgin Mary,
   suffered under Pontius Pilate,
   was crucified, died, and was buried;
   he descended to the dead.
   On the third day he rose again;
   he ascended into heaven,
   he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
   and he will come to judge the living and the dead.  

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
   the holy catholic church,
   the communion of saints,
   the forgiveness of sins,
   the resurrection of the body,
   and the life everlasting.
   Amen. 

Hear Our Prayer
ELW 178

Hear our prayer, hear our prayer,
Lord make us whole:
peace to all people,
hope for each soul. 
God of grace, in this place,
hear now our prayer.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.  

     A brief silence.  

Ever-present God, you make yourself known in the breaking of the bread and in the bonds of community. Reveal yourself to us in the faces of all we meet.  Strengthened by your body and blood, let us boldly live out your good news. Hear  us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

As we know you in the breaking of the bread, we know you in the grains of the field and the flowing waters. Care for the earth you lovingly create. Strengthen  those who safeguard threatened land and water. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

You are the authority to whom we dedicate our lives. Help us keep the needs of  those most vulnerable at the forefront of our community. Move us to care for any  who are disregarded or oppressed. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

Mothering God, you feed and comfort those who hunger. Open the hearts of those who horde resources and lead them to share your abundance. We pray for anyone hungering for your comforting presence this day, particularly: Sara, Arlene, Sherry,  Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Kaden, Julie, Carole, Carol G., Anne, Lydia, Paul, Wil,  Betty, Scott, Ron, Flo, Terry, Doris, Dottie, Theresa, Marian, Ian, Tim, Betty, Julie,  Henry, Mary, Greg, and Max. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

You pour out your love on those who are oppressed. Support and comfort anyone who is marginalized by gender or sexuality and those whose stories are not believed. Form this community to listen faithfully and speak honestly in our ministry together. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

     Here other intercessions may be offered.

We remember with thanksgiving all your beloved saints. As you have raised them  to eternal life, abide with us in your promise of resurrection. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen. 

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

  + MEAL +  

OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service.  Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option.  Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.

MUSICAL OFFERING

OFFERING SONG  

As the Grains of Wheat
ELW 465

Refrain
    As the grains of wheat once scattered on the hill
    were gathered into one to become our bread; 
    so may all your people from all the ends of earth 
    be gathered into one in you.

As this cup of blessing is shared within our midst,
may we share the presence of your love.    Refrain 

Let this be a foretaste of all that is to come
when all creation shares this feast with you.    Refrain 

OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Generous God, in this meal you offer your very self. We give thanks for these gifts of the earth. In the breaking of this bread reveal to us the Risen One. In the pouring of this wine pour us out in service to the world; through Christ our Lord. 
Amen.

    HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

PREFACE    

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has brought us to eternal life.  

And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures,  and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: 

SANCTUS

Holy, Holy, Holy
ELW 192      

Holy, holy, holy Lord, 
Lord God of pow'r and might, 
Heav'n and earth are full of your glory.  
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE 

This is the day that in joy and delight we join with all the angels of heaven and all the creatures on earth to sing our praise and thanksgiving to you, all holy and mighty and glorious God. For Christ is risen:
Christ is risen indeed.

This is the day that you gave light to the earth. This is the day that you saved the Israelites through the sea and with your pillar of fire led them to freedom. Now every night is as bright as day, and that light is Christ:
Thanks be to God.

This is the day that you broke the chains of death. This is the day that, marrying heaven to earth, you washed away sin, rescued us from evil, and brought us your peace. The Lamb who was slain has begun to reign, for Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed.  

On the night before he died, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.  

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.   Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

On this day send us the power of your Holy Spirit. Revive us with the body and blood of our risen Savior. Illumine our lives with your presence, and shine your Morning Star over the whole human race, for that light is Christ:
Thanks be to God.  

All holy and mighty and glorious God, radiant Father, victorious Son, and shining Spirit, we bless your salvation, we sing of your mercy, and we praise your victory through all time and space, for Christ is risen:
Christ is risen indeed.  

Amen and amen.
Amen and amen. 

LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
  hallowed be Your name,
  Your kingdom come,
  Your will be done,
    on earth as in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins,
  as we forgive those
    who sin against us;
Save us from the time of trial,
  and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the pow'r,
  and the glory are yours
  now and forever.
Amen. Amen. Amen.

DISTRIBUTION 
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God.  We commune at the altar rail.  The ushers will direct you down the center aisle.  Please go to an open spot at the altar rail.  After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking.  A third chalice of grape juice is also offered.  Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers.  You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle. 

SANCTUS

O Christ, Lamb of God
ELW 196  

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us your peace.  Amen.

HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
(Gift of Finest Wheat)
ELW 484

Refrain
    You satisfy the hungry heart
    with gift of finest wheat.
    Come give to us, O saving Lord,
    the bread of life to eat.

As when the shepherd calls his sheep,
they know and heed his voice;
so when you call your fam'ly, Lord,
we follow and rejoice.    Refrain

With joyful lips we sing to you
our praise and gratitude
that you should count us worthy, Lord,
to share this heav'nly food.    Refrain

Is not the cup we bless and share
the blood of Christ outpoured?
Do not one cup, one loaf, declare
our oneness in the Lord?    Refrain

The myst'ry of your presence, Lord,
no mortal tongue can tell:
whom all the world cannot contain
comes in our hearts to dwell.    Refrain

You give yourself to us, O Lord;
then selfless let us be,
to serve each other in your name
in truth and charity.    Refrain

HYMN AFTER COMMUNION

Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise
ELW 206

Thankful hearts and voices raise:
    tell ev'ryone what God has done.
    Let all who seek the Lord rejoice
    and bear Christ's holy name.
    Send us with your promises, O God,
    and lead us forth in joy 
    with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia.

BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.  
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Gracious God, in you we live and move and have our being. With your word and this meal of grace, you have nourished our life together. Strengthen us to show your love and serve the world in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

+ SENDING +  

SENDING HYMN      

Day of Delight and Beauty Unbounded
ACS 933

Day of delight and beauty unbounded,
tell the news, the gospel spread!
Day of all wonder, day of all splendor,
praise Christ risen from the dead!
Sing of the sun from darkness appearing;
sing of the seed from barren earth greening;
sing of creation, alleluia!
Sing of the stream from Jesus' side flowing;
sing of the saints in water made holy;
sing of salvation, alleluia!

Day of delight and beauty unbounded,
tell the news, the gospel spread!
Day of all wonder, day of all splendor,
praise Christ risen from the dead!
Sing now of mourning turned into dancing;
sing now the myst'ry, hope of our glory;
sing with thanksgiving, alleluia!
Sing now of fasting turned into feasting;
sing the Lord's favor lasting forever;
sing, all things living, alleluia!

BENEDICTION

DISMISSAL
Go in peace.  Follow the way of Jesus.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE  

Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761.  All rights reserved.

Come You Faithful, Raise the Strain. Text: John of Damascus, c. 696-c. 754; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Music: Johann Horn, 1490-1547. Public domain.

Now the Feast and Celebration, Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Halle, Halle, Hallelujah, Music: Carribean traditional ; arr. Mark Sedio, b. 1954.  Arr. ©  1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274<.   All rights reserved.

All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly, Text: Sylvia G. Dunstan, 1955-1993.  Music: W. Moore, Columbian Harmony, 1825; arr. hymnal version, Text © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Arr.© 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Hear Our Prayer, Text and music: Paul Andress, b. 1956.  Text and music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

As The Grains of Wheat, Text: Didache, 2nd cent.; Marty Haugen, b. 1950,  Music: Marty Haugen, Text and music © 1990 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Music: A Community Mass, Richard Proulx, b. 1937.  Music © 1971, 1977 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  

O Christ, Lamb of God,  Music: J. Bugenhagen, Christliche Ordnung, 1528.  Public domain.

Gift of Finest Wheat (You Satisfy the Hungry Heart), Text: Omer Westendorf, 1916-1997, Music: Robert E. Kreutz, 1922-1996.Text and music © 1977 Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  

Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise, Text: John W. Arthur, 1922-1980, Text © 1978, 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music: Bread of Life, Jeremy Young, b. 1948. Music © 1995 Augsburg Fortress.  Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  

Day of Delight and Beauty Unbounded, Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939, Text © 2011 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi, 1556-1622.  Public domain.