ORDER OF WORSHIP
Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 21, 2024
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
arr. Robert Lau
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,
the wellspring of grace, our Easter and our joy.
Amen.
Look, here is water!
Here is our water of life! Alleluia!
Immersed in the promises of baptism,
let us give thanks for what God has done for us.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning
your voice thundered over the deep
and water became the essence of life.
Adam and Eve beheld Eden’s verdant rivers.
The ark carried your creation through the flood into a new day.
Miriam led the dancing as your people passed through the sea
into freedom’s land.
In a desert pool the Ethiopian official
entered your boundless baptismal life.
Look, here is water!
Here is our water of life! Alleluia!
At the river your beloved Son was baptized by John
and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
By the baptism of Jesus’ death and resurrection
you opened the floodgates of your reconciling love,
freeing us to live as Easter people.
We rejoice with glad hearts,
giving all honor and praise to you,
through the risen Christ, our source of living water,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
Look, here is water!
Here is our water of life! Alleluia!
GATHERING HYMN
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!
ELW 385
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our king!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Lord of life is ris'n this day;
death's mighty stone is rolled away;
let all the world rejoice and say:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life, which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord,
the life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
GREETING
The beauty of the Creator inspire us,
the grace of the Good Shepherd be with us,
and the unity of the Breath of Life enfold us all.
May it be so!
HYMN OF PRAISE (page 140)
Refrain
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God. Refrain
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his. Refrain
Sing with all the people fo 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.
O Lord Christ, good shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Acts 4:5-12
Peter and John had been arrested the previous day because they were proclaiming the news of the resurrection to the people. In today’s reading, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit so that he can proclaim salvation in Jesus’ name to the religious authorities.
5The next day [the] rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, 10let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. 11This Jesus is
'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.'
12There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23 (read responsively by half verse)
1The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not be in want.
2The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
3You restore my soul, O Lord,
and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
shall fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
SECOND READING: 1 John 3:16-24
Jesus’ death on our behalf is the clearest demonstration of divine love. This is the very love we share with others, not just through our words but especially through our deeds. In sharing such love we fulfill God’s commandments.
16We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us — and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
23And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Celtic Alleluia
ELW 174
Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 10:11-18
In language that recalls the twenty-third psalm, Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who cares for his sheep. He is willing to die for them, and he is able to overcome death for them.
The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
The Lord is MY Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Pastor Mary Gilthvedt
HYMN OF THE DAY
Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW 789
Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us,
for our use your fold prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have bought us; we are yours.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have bought us; we are yours.
We are yours; in love befriend us,
be the guardian of our way;
keep your flock, from sin defend us,
seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear us children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear us children when we pray.
You have promised to receive us,
poor and sinful though we be;
you have mercy to relieve us,
grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
early let us turn to you.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
early let us turn to you.
Early let us seek your favor,
early let us do your will;
blessed Lord and only Savior,
with your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
You have loved us, love us still.
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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.
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.
Shepherding God, gather your church whenever we wander from you and one another. Empower our church in ministries around the world to worship and serve alongside global companions as equal partners and coworkers in the gospel. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Nurturing God, preserve the health of biomes and ecosystems. Inspire scientists, researchers, conservation organizations, and all people entrusted with the task of caring for creation, that we may be better stewards of the world around us. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Almighty God, lead nations and communities to share resources, cooperate in solving conflicts, and listen to the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. Help all those with power to share it and to use such power for good. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Loving God, protect the very young and the very old, those living without housing, victims of domestic abuse, and all who live with chronic illness or compromised immune systems, particularly Mary, Anne, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Doris, Chuck, Ann, Julie, Carol, Tom, Lydia, Brian, Paul, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Mary, Scott, Ron & Flo, Carla, Monica, Avery, Jan, Irene, Doris, Dottie, John, Tim, Betty, Pastor Pam, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. Guide communities to actively care for people who are vulnerable. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Gracious God, help this and all communities of faith to listen for your voice. Call us away from things that distract us from following you. Invite us to more deeply love and serve people who are lonely, isolated, and on the margins. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Other petitions may be offered.
Living God, we give thanks for our ancestors in faith. Strengthen us to share the good news in our own day. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord.
Amen.
GREETING 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
Alleluia! Jesus Lives
by David Smart
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 184
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Whatever we ask, in accordance with your will, we receive and our cup overflows. Confident in divine abundance and humbly eager to turn from covetous greed, we return what we have received for the Shepherd’s work, that green pastures and safe folds will welcome any who live in fear; that peaceful waters will sustain hurting hearts; that a voice of welcome will be heard at each gate; that a feast will be prepared for all who hunger and thirst; and all may safely graze. In the name of the One who is our comfort.
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 (page 108)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
Lord God of power and might,
Heaven 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.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Blessed are you, O God of the universe.
Your mercy is everlasting
and your faithfulness endures from age to age.
Praise to you for creating the heavens and the earth.
Praise to you for saving the earth from the waters of the flood.Praise to you for bringing the Israelites safely through the
sea.
Praise to you for leading your people through the wilderness
to the land of milk and honey.
Praise to you for the words and deeds of Jesus, your anointed one.
Praise to you for the death and resurrection of Christ.
Praise to you for your Spirit poured out on all nations.
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.
With this bread and cup we remember our Lord’s passover from death to life as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
O God of resurrection and new life: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Bless this feast. Grace our table with your presence.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread. Raise us up as the body of Christ for the world. Breathe new life into us. Send us forth, burning with justice, peace, and love.
Come, Holy Spirit.
With your holy ones of all times and places,
with the earth and all its creatures,
with sun and moon and stars,
we praise you, O God,
blessed and holy Trinity,
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 trials,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
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.
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 My Shepherd Is
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.
You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
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
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.
Amen.
HYMN AFTER COMMUNION
Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise
ELW 207
Thankful hearts and voices raise:
tell ev'ryone what God has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice
and bear the name of Christ.
Send us with your promises,
and lead us forth in joy
with shouts of thanksgiving.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Shepherding God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
You Servants of God
ELW 825
You servants of God, your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name, all-victorious, of Jesus extol;
his kingdom is glorious and rules over all!
Ascended on high, almighty to save,
yet still he is nigh, his presence we have.
The great congregation his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus, our king!
Salvation to God who sits on the throne!
Let all cry aloud and honor the Son.
The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces, and worship the Lamb.
Then let us adore and give him his right,
all glory and pow'r and wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing, with angels above,
and thanks never ceasing, and infinite love!
BENEDICTION
Little children, sheep of the Good Shepherd: As we journey toward the fold, we travel though the valley of shadow, growing in grace, becoming a blessing. Baptismal wells restore our souls, a rich feast is spread by divine abundance, and divisions end as our cup overflows.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Journey gently on this planet’s green pasture.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
The Church’s One Foundation
arr. Don Hustad
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.
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice, Text: Medieval Latin carol; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866. Music: German carol, 14th cent.; arr. Robert L. Pearsall, 1795-1856. Public domain.
Celtic Alleluia, Music: Fintan O'Carroll and Christopher Walker, Music © 1985 Fintan O'Carroll and Christopher Walker, admin. OCP Publications Inc. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us, Text: attr. Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847. Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868. 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.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Ronald A. Nelson, b. 1927. Text and music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. 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.
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, Music: Ronald A. Nelson, b. 1927. Text and music © 1978, 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
You Servants of God, Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Music: attr. Johann Michael Haydn, 1737-1806. Public domain.
