Order of Worship
Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 30, 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

At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
ELW 362  (v. 1,2,6,7)

At the Lamb's high feast we sing
praise to our victorious king,
who has washed us in the tide
flowing from his wounded side. Alleluia!

Praise we Christ, whose love divine
gives his sacred blood for wine,
gives his body for the feast—
Christ the victim, Christ the priest. Alleluia!

Now no more can death appall,
now no more the grave enthrall;
you have opened paradise,
and your saints in you shall rise. Alleluia!

Easter triumph, Easter joy,
this alone can sin destroy!
From sin's pow'r, Lord, set us free,
newborn souls in you to be. Alleluia!

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, our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys
of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast
prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

+ WORD +  

FIRST READING:       Acts 2:42-47
Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.

⁴²[The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
⁴³Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All who believed were together and had all things in common; ⁴⁵they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 23 

The Lord's My Shepherd
ELW 778

¹⁹It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. ²⁰If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. ²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
 ²²"He committed no sin,
 and no deceit was found in his mouth."
²³When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. ²⁴He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
²⁵For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

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 10:1-10
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.

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

[Jesus said] ¹Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. ²The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." ⁶Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
⁷So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

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

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY    

Children of the Heavenly Father
ELW 781

Children of the heav'nly Father
safely in his bosom gather;
nestling bird nor star in heaven
such a refuge e'er was given.

God his own doth tend and nourish,
in his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things he spares them,
in his mighty arms he bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever
from the Lord his children sever;
unto them his grace he showeth,
and their sorrows all he knoweth.

Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children ne'er forsaketh;
his the loving purpose solely
to preserve them pure and holy.

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.  

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 

You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God. You are most holy, and great is the majesty of your glory.

You so loved the world that you gave your only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish
but have eternal life.

We give you thanks for his coming into the world
to fulfill for us your holy will
and to accomplish all things for our salvation.
 
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus 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.
 
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
 
Remembering, therefore, his salutary command,
his life-giving passion and death, his glorious resurrection and ascension,
and the promise of his coming again,
we give thanks to you, O Lord God Almighty,
not as we ought but as we are able;
we ask you mercifully to accept our praise and thanksgiving
and with your Word and Holy Spirit to bless us, your servants,
and these your own gifts of bread and wine,
so that we and all who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be filled with heavenly blessing and grace,
and, receiving the forgiveness of sin,
may be formed to live as your holy people
and be given our inheritance with all your saints.
 
To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever.
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

The King of Love
ELW 502

The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth
and, where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death's dark vale I fear no ill,
with thee, dear Lord, beside me,
thy rod and staff my comfort still;
thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
thine unction grace bestoweth;
and, oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!

And so, through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never.
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.

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      

Go, My Children, with My Blessing
ELW 543

"Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river
I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.”

“Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son’s story,
here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.”

“Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.
Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.
Here my Spirit’s power filled you,
here my tender comfort stilled you.
Go, my children, fed and nourished, joyful and free.”

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.

At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing. Text: Latin hymn, 17th cent.; tr. Robert Campbell, 1814-1868, alt. Music: Bohemian Brethren, Kirchengeseng, 1566. 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.

The Lord's My Shepherd, Text: The Psalms of David in Meeter, Edinburgh, 1650. Public domain. Music: James L. Macbeth Bain; arr. Gordon Jacob, 1895-1984.  Arr. © Oxford University Press. Music 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.

Children of the Heavenly Father, Text: Carolina Sandell Berg, 1832-1903; tr. Ernst W. Olson, 1870-1958.  Text © 1925 Board of Publication. Lutheran Church in America.  Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved. Music: Swedish folk tune.  Public domain.

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.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Text: Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877, Music: Irish tune.  Public domain.

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.  

Go, My Children, with My Blessing, Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, b. 1919, alt. Text © 1983 Concordia Publishing House. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958.  Arr. © Oxford University Press. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.