Order of Worship
Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 11, 2025
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Amen (Because He Lives)
Cash, et al
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
In the name of the One
who was, who is, and who is to come.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,
and called to live the baptized life,
let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.
Holy God,
we give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that make a people your own,
that restore to wholeness,
and empower us to be witnesses in your name.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that strengthen believers
and give new life to beloved servants of your church;
waters that extend your boundless love
and cross barriers of our own making.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that open the hearts of believers
and give a voice in the night to those in captivity;
waters that set your people on a new path,
rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One,
that our every day is shaped by these waters
that give us our very lives in you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing
ELW 393
A hymn of glory let us sing!
New hymns throughout the world shall ring:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ, by a road before untrod,
ascends unto the throne of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The holy apostolic band
upon the Mount of Olives stand,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
and with his faithful foll'wers see
their Lord ascend in majesty.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
To whom the shining angels cry,
"Why stand and gaze upon the sky?"
Alleluia! Alleluia!
"This is the Savior!" thus they say,
"this is his glorious triumph day!"
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
"You see him now, ascending high
up to the portals of the sky."
Alleluia! Alleluia!
"Hereafter Jesus you shall see
returning in great majesty."
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
all praise to you let earth accord:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
You are, while endless ages run,
with Father and with Spirit one.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, 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.
KYRIE
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)
Refrain x 2
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 x 2
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 x 2
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia. Refrain x 2
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, 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 9:36-43
Dorcas was a faithful and devoted woman of charity in the community of Joppa. Her kindness and her work with clothing were well-known, especially to the widows in town. When she fell ill and died, Peter raised her back to life through the power of prayer.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 23
Shepherd Me, O God
ELW 780
Refrain
Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
beyond my fears, from death into life.
God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace. Refrain
Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music of your name. Refrain
Though I should wander the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope. Refrain
You have set me a banquet of love
in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my pow'r to hold. Refrain
Surely your kindness and mercy follow me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore. Refrain
SECOND READING: Revelation 7:9-17
Christ is the shepherd who leads his faithful to springs of the water of life. Christ is also the lamb who vanquishes sin and suffering.
9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.
16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;
17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 171)
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 10:22-30
Jesus responds to questions about his identity with the remarkable claim that he and the Father are one. Those who understand this are his sheep; they hear his voice, follow, and will never be snatched from his hand.
The Holy Gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Jeannine Sweet
HYMN OF THE DAY
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.
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.
APOSTLE’S 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 INTERCESSION
God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
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.
You guide your people to the waters of life. Make your church a nourishing place for all who are thirsty for hope and healing. Renew us in the waters of baptism, and send us forth as signs of your love. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You tend to the earth, sustaining life in all places. Revive fragile ecosystems and restore species in danger of extinction. Teach us new ways of living in balance and harmony with our non-human neighbors. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You lead all peoples along right pathways. Grant wisdom and compassion to judges, lawyers, mediators, and legal advocates. Dismantle systems of mass incarceration, empower processes of restorative justice, and encourage all who strive for healing in our communities. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You wipe the tears from every eye. Tend to all who struggle with anxiety or depression, loneliness, or despair. Enfold all who are in any need in your shepherding care especially Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Barbara, Ann, Julie, Brooklyn, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Barbara, Scott, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Tom & Leona, Avery, Doris, Natalie, John, Tim, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
This Mother’s Day, bless mothers, grandmothers, and all who offer mothering care. Come close to those whose relationships with their families are difficult, and console all who grieve the loss of mother figures or the loss of children. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We bless Pastor Cruz in her spiritual walk was she takes up the mantel of Pastor for Grace Lutheran Church. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You are the source of everlasting life. In deep gratitude for all your saints, we rejoice in the joy and hope of the resurrection made known to us in Jesus, your beloved child. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The 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.
OFFERING MUSIC
Glorious Day
Hall and Bleeke
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
God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and 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,
God of pow'r 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
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.
LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today 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 power, and the glory,
are yours, now and forever.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
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.
LAMB OF GOD
O Christ, Lamb of God
ELW 196
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.
COMMUNION HYMN
Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup
ELW 492
Refrain
Eat this bread, drink this cup.
Taste and see the goodness of God.
Bread of life, cup of love,
we rejoice in your presence.
I will bless the Lord at all times,
praise with heart and voice;
in my God I glory forever:
listen and rejoice! Refrain
Look upon the Lord, be radiant,
never turn away.
God will save in ev'ry affliction,
hear us when we pray. Refrain
Angels fold their wings around us,
guard through good and ill.
Those who seek the Lord will lack nothing;
taste, and have your fill. Refrain
Saints of God, bow down and worship,
bless the holy name.
Rise to tell God's greatness forever,
wondrous deeds proclaim! Refrain
TABLE BLESSING
Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Bless us now.
Amen.
SONG AFTER COMMUNION
Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise
ELW 207
Thankful hearts and voices raise;
tell ev'ryone what God has done.
Let ev'ryone who seeks the Lord rejoice
and bear the name of Christ.
Send us with your promises
and lead your people forth in joy
with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!
ELW 382
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Risen our victorious head!
Sing his praises! Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Gratefully our hearts adore him
as his light once more appears;
bowing down in joy before him,
rising up from griefs and tears.
Refrain
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Risen our victorious head!
Sing his praises! Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead!
Christ is risen! All the sadness
of our Lenten fast is o'er;
through the open gates of gladness
he returns to life once more;
death and hell before him bending
see him rise, the victor now,
angels on his steps attending,
glory round his wounded brow. Refrain
Christ is risen! All the sorrow
that last evening round him lay
now has found a glorious morrow
in the rising of today.
See the grave its firstfruits giving,
springing up from holy ground;
Christ was dead, but now is living;
he was lost, but he is found. Refrain
Christ is risen! Henceforth never
death or hell shall us enthrall.
We are Christ's, in him forever
we have triumphed over all.
All the doubting and dejection
of our trembling hearts have ceased;
hail the day of resurrection!
Let us rise and keep the feast. Refrain
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
POSTLUDE
All The People Said Amen
Maher, Moak, & Morgan
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.
Amen (Because He Lives), Words & Music: Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram,Matt Maher, Daniel Carson, William J.Gaither,
& Chris Tomlin. Words & music © 2014 Capitol CMG Paragon | Rising Springs Music | S. D. G. Publishing | Twelve Lions Music | Worship Together Music | worshiptogether.com songs | Be Essential Songs | I Am A Pilgrim Songs | Open Hands Music | So Essential Tunes | Hanna Street Music. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Text: Bede, 673-735; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. .Music: Geistliche Kirchengesänge, Köln, 1623.. Public domain.
Shepherd Me, O God, Text and music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 1999 GIA Publications, Inc, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Text: Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877. Music: Irish 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.
Glorious Day, Words: John Wilbur Chapman, Mark Hall, Music: Mark Hall, Michael Bleeker. Words & Music © 2009 Curb Songs | Be Essential Songs | My Refuge 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.
Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup, Text:and Music Jeremy Young, b. 1948, refrain; With One Voice, stanzas, based on Ps. 34, Text and Music © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. 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.
Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt., Music:Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927. Public domain.
All the People Said Amen, Words and Music by Matt Maher, Paul Moak, and Trevor Morgan. © 2013 Universal Music | Brentwood Benson Publishing | Thankyou Music | Valley Of Songs Music | Trevor Morgan Music, admin. Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc. | Capitol CMG Publishing | Trevor Morgan Music. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
