Grace Lutheran Church Grace Lutheran Church
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Sunday Morning Worship 05 14 2023
Pam Smith
Pam Smith
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Notes
Playlist

ORDER OF WORSHIP
Second Sunday of Easter
May 14, 2023

  + GATHERING +

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE 

I Am to Worship
Tim Hughes

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

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
ELW 392

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation
has redeemed us by his blood."

Alleluia! Not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! he is near us;
faith believes, nor questions how.\
Though the cloud from sight received him
when the forty days were o'er,
shall our hearts forget his promise:
"I am with you evermore"?

Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to you from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
earth's redeemer, hear our plea
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal,
Lord omnipotent we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary,
earth your footstool, heav'n your throne.
As within the veil you entered,
robed in flesh, our great high priest,
here on earth both priest and victim
in the eucharistic feast.

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation
has redeemed us by his blood."

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

Refrain
    This is the feast of victory for our God.
    Alleluia, alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.  
Power, riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his.  Refrain

Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation: 
Blessing, honor, glory, and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.   Refrain

For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.  Refrain

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, 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 17:22-31
In Athens, Paul faces the challenge of proclaiming the gospel to Greeks who know nothing of either Jewish or Christian tradition. He proclaims that the “unknown god” whom they worship is the true Lord of heaven and earth who will judge the world with justice through Jesus, whom God has raised from the dead. 

22Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. 23For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. 26From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, 27so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him — though indeed he is not far from each one of us. 28For 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said,
 'For we too are his offspring.'
29Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. 30While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Psalm 66   (sung)

 Response: 
Bless our God, you peoples;
let the sound of praise be heard.

8Bless our | God, you peoples;
  let the sound of | praise be heard.
9Our God has kept us a- | mong the living
  and has not allowed our | feet to slip. R
10For you, O God, have | tested us;
  you have tried us just as sil- | ver is tried.
11You brought us in- | to the net;
  you laid heavy burdens up- | on our backs.
12You let people ride over our heads; we went through | fire and water,
  but you brought us out into a place | of refreshment.
13I will enter your house | with burnt offerings
  and will pay | you my vows—
14those that I promised | with my lips
  and spoke with my mouth when I | was in trouble.
15I will offer you burnt offerings of fatlings with the | smoke of rams;
  I will give you ox- | en and goats. R
16Come and listen, all you | who believe,
  and I will tell you what God has | done for me.
17I called out to God | with my mouth,
  and praised the Lord | with my tongue.
18If I had cherished evil | in my heart,
  the Lord would | not have heard me;
19but in truth | God hs heard me
  and has attended to the sound | of my prayer.
20Blessed be God, who has not reject- | ed my prayer,
  nor withheld unfailing | love from me. R


SECOND READING:      1 Peter 3:13-22
The author of 1 Peter encourages Christians to remain faithful even in the face of defamation and persecution. In baptism we are made clean to act in accordance with what is right. 

13Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
14But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil.
18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

The Word of the Lord.  
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION       (sing twice)  

Alleluia. 
Lord, to whom shall we go? 
You have the words of eteral life.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL:        John 14:15-21 
In final words to his disciples on the night of his arrest, Jesus encourages obedience to his commandments and speaks of the Spirit, who will be with them forever. 

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

[Jesus said to the disciples] 15If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
18I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."

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

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY    

We Know that Christ Is Raised
ELW 449

We know that Christ is raised and dies no more.
Embraced by death, he broke its fearful hold,
and our despair he turned to blazing joy.
Hallelujah!

We share by water in his saving death.
Reborn, we share with him an Easter life,
as living members of our Savior Christ.
Hallelujah!

The Father's splendor clothes the Son with life.
The Spirit's fission shakes the church of God.
Baptized, we live with God the Three in One.
Hallelujah!

A new creation comes to life and grows
as Christ's new body takes on flesh and blood.
The universe restored and whole will sing:
Hallelujah!

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.  

God our faithful companion, you promise to never leave us and to send your Spirit to guide us in wisdom and truth. Send your people into the world to serve as mirrors that reflect and magnify your love. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

All the earth sings praises to you. Grant your care to the creatures, plants, and places that are suffering, and equip us to respond to their song. Make us agents of restoration and refreshment for all your beloved creation. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

You call all people of the world your children. Judge the nations justly, show mercy to all who are oppressed, and speak truth to power through your prophets. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Nurturing Lord, you sent your Spirit to grant us peace. Make your presence known to those who feel abandoned or alone, and to all who are sick or grieving, particularly Arlene, Sherry, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Kaden, Julie,  Carol., Anne, Lydia, Paul, Wil, Betty, Bob, Jane, Scott, Ron, Flo, Terry, Doris, Dottie, Theresa, Marian, Tim, Betty, Bev, Julie, Henry, Mary, Greg, and Max. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

You hold us in your loving care. We pray for mothers and mother figures. Console all who long to be mothers, children estranged from their mothers, anyone grieving the death of a mother, and mothers who have lost a child. Support all for whom this day is difficult. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

     Other petitions may be offered.

Almighty God, you give life and breath to all things. We give thanks for the apostle Matthias and all your saints. Sustain us by your love until we join the saints in glory. 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.

We prepare now to receive our offerings as we return to God a portion of what God has entrusted to us.

  + 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

Risen Today
Charles Wesley & Aaron Shust

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   (sung)

Our Father in heaven,
  hallowed be Your name,
  Your kingdom come,
  Your will be done,
    on earth as it is 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.

DISTRIBUTION 
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the head of the aisle where we receive the host. Then to either side of the pastor is first, a chalice for intinction and second, a common cup for drinking. Please indicate to Pastor if you prefer grape juice as a chalice for intinction is available as well. Gluten free bread is available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. 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.  

LAMB OF GOD     

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

HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

Bread of Life from Heaven
ELW 474

Refrain
    Bread of life from heaven, 
    your blood and body given,
    we eat this bread and drink this cup 
    until you come again.

Break now the bread of Christ's sacrifice;
giving thanks, hungry ones, gather round.
Eat, all of you, and be satisfied;
in Christ's presence the loaves will abound.    Refrain

Seek not the food that will pass away;
set your hearts on the food that endures.
Come, learn the true and the living way,
that the fullness of life may be yours.    Refrain

Love as the one who, in love for you,
gave himself for the life of the world.
Come to the one who is food for you,    
that your hunger and thirst be no more.    Refrain 

Dwell in the one who now dwells in you;
make your home in the lifegiving Word.
Know only Christ, Holy One of God,
and believe in the truth you have heard.    Refrain

Drink of this cup and declare his death;
eat this bread and believe Easter morn;
trust his return and, with ev'ry breath,
praise the one in whom you are reborn.    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      

Let All things Now Living
ELW 881

Let all things now living
a song of thanksgiving
to God the creator triumphantly raise,
who fashioned and made us,
protected and stayed us,
who still guides us on to the end of our days.
God's banners are o'er us,
God's light goes before us,
a pillar of fire shining forth in the night,
till shadows have vanished
and darkness is banished,
as forward we travel from light into light.

God rules all the forces:
the stars in their courses
and sun in its orbit obediently shine;
the hills and the mountains,
the rivers and fountains,
the deeps of the ocean proclaim God divine.
We too should be voicing
our love and rejoicing;
with glad adoration a song let us raise
till all things now living
unite in thanksgiving:
"To God in the highest, hosanna and praise!"

BENEDICTION

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

POSTLUDE  

We've Come This Far by Faith
Albert A. Goodson


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.

Here I Am to Worship, Words and Music by Tim Hughes. Words and Music © 2000 Thankyou Music. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.  All rights reserved.

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus. Text:.William C. Dix, 1837-1898. Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811-1887. Public domain.

We Know that Christ Is Raised, Text: John B. Geyer, 1932-2020, Text © John B. Geyer Estate. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: Charles V. Stanford, 1852-1924.  Public domain. 

Risen Today, Text: Charles Wesley and Aaron Shust. Music: Aaron Shust, Text and  music © 2011 Bridge Building Music, Inc. | CP Shust Tunes.. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477.   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.

The Lord's Prayer, Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr.  Used by permission.

Bread of Life from Heaven Text: Susan R. Briehl, b. 1952.  Music: Argentine traditional, refrain; Marty Haugen, b. 1950, stanzas.  Text and Music © 2001 GIA Publications, Inc., Text and music 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.  

Let All things Now Living, Text: Katherine K. Davis, 1892-1980, alt. Text © 1939, 1966 E.C. Schirmer Music Company. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music:Welsh folk tune.. Public domain.

We've Come This Far by Faith, Text and music: Albert A. Goodson, 1933-2003.  Text and music © 1965, ren. 1993 Manna Music, Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.