ORDER OF WORSHIP
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 12, 2024
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman
ORDER OF WELCOME FOR THE INTERIM PASTOR
President of the Council:
People of God, the Rev. Joyce Gulliford has been appointed by the Office of the Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod to serve Grace Lutheran Church as our Interim Pastor. We welcome her into our midst as a shepherd and guide for our ministry and thank her for her willingness to be with us during our time of transition. Let us together ask God’s blessing’s on Pastor Gulliford and upon the work that we will do together in Christ’s name.
Assisting Minister:
Loving God, we thank you for sending this faithful pastor to be among us during this special time in the life of the church. And we ask that you would empower her with your Holy Spirit that her preaching and teaching may show forth you living presence, that her counsel might be blessed with wisdom and insight, and that all our work together may witness to the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Pastor Joyce Gulliford
We welcome you into our family, and pray God’s blessing be upon you.
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.
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.
KYRIE (page 165)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE (page 169)
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.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia.
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.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, 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 1:15-17, 21-26
In the days between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost, Peter oversees the process whereby one of the members of the community of believers is chosen to be the twelfth apostle, in order to fill the vacancy created by Judas’s treachery and death.
15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus — 17for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." 21So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." 23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 1 (sung responsively by full verse)
Refrain:
The Lord knows the way of the righteous.
1Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel | of the wicked,
nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats | of the scornful!
2Their delight is in the law | of the LORD,
and they meditate on God’s teaching | day and night. R
3They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season,
with leaves that | do not wither; everything they | do shall prosper.
4It is not so | with the wicked;
they are like chaff which the wind | blows away.
5Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when | judgment comes,
nor the sinner in the council | of the righteous.
6For the LORD knows the way | of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked shall | be destroyed. R
SECOND READING: 1 John 5:9-13
God has borne witness to the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in the Son of God believes in the witness of God and has the promise of eternal life.
9If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. 10Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. 11And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 171) (sing twice)
Alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eteral life.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 17:6-19
In this reading the church hears Jesus’ words on the night before his death—his prayer for his disciples and for all who would believe in him through their words.
The holy gospel according to John..
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus prayed:] 6I 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. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for 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. 9I 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. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And 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. 12While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.
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.
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
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
Come and listen to me.
A brief silence.
You sanctify us in your truth; your word is truth. Send your church out into the world to spread your love and joy. Embolden all bishops, pastors, and deacons to be faithful ministers of your word and sacraments. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your creation groans under the strain of pollution. Preserve melting glaciers and dwindling forests. Bolster those who work for climate justice and help us all to be good and faithful stewards of your creation. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your people seek wisdom, understanding, and peace. Guide all those who govern and inspire them to work on behalf of the most vulnerable in our midst. Keep safe first responders, those serving in the military, and those whose duty it is to protect others. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your children need your loving care. Protect them from all harm. Comfort those in any affliction especially Sara, Mary, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Doris, Jan, June, Chuck, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Tom, Pastor Doug, Lydia, Brian, Paul, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Mary, Scott, Irene, Ron & Flo, Carla, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, Dottie, John, Tim, Betty, Pastor Pam, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Sue, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. Support those who grieve and bring solace to those near death. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Your Spirit lives within us here. Inspire the work of this congregation and unite us as one. Bless all the mothers in our midst, console those for whom this day is difficult, and gather us all under the care of your loving wings. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Your saints dwell with you in light. Keep us ever thankful for those who have gone before us in faith. Inspire us by their witness. 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.
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
Risen Today
Charles Wesley and 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. Risen One, you call us to believe and bear fruit. May the gifts that we offer here be signs of your abiding love. Form us to be your witnesses in the world, through Jesus Christ, our true vine.
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 173)
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 (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
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 (page 174)
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.
HYMN DURING COMMUNION
When We Eat This Bread
Thomas Keesecker
Refrain: (Congregation)
When we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus.
Oh, come to us in this holy meal,
as we gather 'round this table.
Verses: (Worship Band)
Fruit from the vine and grain from the field:
God, fill us with your blessing and grant us your grace.
You have sent your Son to free us all from sin.
Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again, Refrain
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,
And happy are the people who delight in God's love.
Oh, bless the Lord, let your mouth be full of praise.
God has blessed us and saved us and called us by name. Refrain
Reveal yourself in this breaking of bread.
Raise us up! Make us the body of Christ for the work
Into us breathe life! Send us forth with hearts aflame.
Let iustice and mercv find freedom to reign. 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 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.
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
Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW 855
Crown him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne;
hark, how the heav'nly anthem drowns
all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as thy matchless king
through all eternity.
Crown him the virgin's Son,
the God incarnate born,
whose arm those crimson trophies won
which now his brow adorn;
fruit of the mystic rose,
yet of that rose the stem,
the root whence mercy ever flows,
the babe of Bethlehem.
Crown him the Lord of love--
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified.
No angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bend their burning eyes
at mysteries so bright.
Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o'er the grave
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save.
His glories now we sing,
who died and rose on high,
who died, eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.
Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For thou hast died for me;
thy praise and glory shall not fail
throughout eternity.
BENEDICTION
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad!
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Your Grace Is Enough
Matt Maher
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.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord), Words & Music:Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman. Words & music © 201 Thankyou Music | Said And DOne Music | SHOUT! Music Publishing | worshiptogether.com songs. 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.
Psalm 1 (Refrain and Tone) Text from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Music: Thomas Pavlechko © 2004, 2012, admin Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
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.
When We Eat This Bread, Liturgical text adapt. Thomas Keesecker, b. 1956, Music: Thomas Keesecker. Music © 2008 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Crown Him with Many Crowns, Text: Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894, sts. 1-3, 5; Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903, st. 4. Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893. Public domain.
Your Grace Is Enough, Words and Music by Matt Maher, Word and music © 2003 spiritandsong.com | Thankyou Music. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.