ORDER OF WORSHIP
Second Sunday of Easter
May 4, 2025
The disciples make a big splash and eat breakfast with the risen Jesus. Wading in the water (remembering baptism) and eating with Jesus (celebrating holy communion) is our weekly encounter with the risen Christ. Jesus asks us again and again: Do you love me? And Jesus invites us, again and again, to follow him, bringing the Easter life to others.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
arr. Paul Fey
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM (page 97)
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
I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
ELW 860
I'm so glad Jesus lifted me.
I'm so glad Jesus lifted me.
I'm so glad Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me.
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 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 and 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
Eternal and all-merciful God, with all the angels and all the saints we laud your majesty and might. By the resurrection of your Son, show yourself to us and inspire us to follow 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 9:1-6
Saul (later called Paul) was an ardent persecutor of all who followed the Way of Christ. This reading recounts the story of his transformation beginning with an encounter with Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus.
1 Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 30 (Read Responsively)
1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you,
and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead;
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing praise to the Lord, all you faithful;
give thanks in holy remembrance.
5 God’s wrath is short; God’s favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping spends the night, but joy comes in the morning.
6 While I felt secure, I said,
“I shall never be disturbed.
7 You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.”
Then you hid your face, and I was filled with fear.
8 I cried to you, O Lord;
I pleaded with my Lord, saying,
9 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me;
O Lord, be my helper.”
11 You have turned my wailing into dancing;
you have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.
12 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing;
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
SECOND READING:
SECOND READING: Revelation 5:11-14
The vision of John recorded in Revelation offers a glimpse of cosmic worship around the throne. At its center is “the Lamb who was slain.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 singing with full voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 142)
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You havee the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 21:1-19
The risen Christ appears again to his disciples by the sea where they were first called. After echoes of the fishing and feeding miracles, he gives a final reminder of the cost of a disciple’s love and obedience.
The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1 After he appeared to his followers in Jerusalem, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God. After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Jeannine Sweet
HYMN OF THE DAY
I Love to Tell the Story
ELW 661
I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it's true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain
I love to tell the story;
'twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story:
how pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God's own holy word. Refrain
I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I'll sing the old, old story
that I have loved so long. Refrain
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 INTERCESSION
God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Your love sustains the church and its ministries. By that love, equip youth directors, Sunday school teachers, and all who guide formation in the church to nurture vibrant, living faith among your people. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Your abundance is made known throughout creation. Preserve oceans and rivers, lakes and estuaries so that all creatures living in them might flourish. Make us wise stewards of our local watersheds. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Your wisdom guides all who strive for justice and peace. Strengthen the work of grassroots organizers, especially among communities on the frontlines of justice work. Amplify the voices of those most in need, that their leadership guides the way forward. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Your compassion surrounds all who are in need. We pray for all people experiencing poverty and food insecurity, and for all struggling with debt and economic uncertainty. Reassure all who experience hopelessness or need your tender 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.
You invite all people to your table of grace. Make this a community of radical hospitality where all feel loved and celebrated. Show us how to better welcome visitors and bless the ministries of hospitality in this place. 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.
We praise you for the witness of your saints of all times and places. May their lives of faith guide us in our own journeys with you, today and every day. 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 PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
ANTHEM
The Easter Gift
Tina English, arr. John Purifoy
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 181
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
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 (page 144)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. 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
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine isthe kingdom,
and the power, and the glory
forever and ever.
Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
DISTRIBUTION
SANCTUS (page 146)
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.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION
What Wondrous Love Is This
ELW 666
What wondrous love is this,
O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse
for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?
When I was sinking down,
sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down
beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown
for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb
I will sing, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb,
who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme,
I will sing, I will sing,
while millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I'm free,
I'll sing on, I'll sing on;
and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on;
and when from death I'm free,
I'll sing God's love for me,
and through eternity
I'll sing on, I'll sing on;
and through eternity I'll sing on.
Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW 685
Take my life, that I may be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect and use
ev'ry pow'r as thou shall choose.
Take my will and make it thine,
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own,
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
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.
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
Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
ELW 875
Praise, praise, praise the Lord!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise, praise, praise the Lord!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine upon 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
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
arr. Lani Smith
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.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Ernewerten Gesangbuch, Part II, Stralsund, 1665, arr. Paul Fey. b. 1998.
I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me, Text and Music: African American spiritual, Public domain.
I Love to Tell the Story, Text: Katherine Hankey, 1834-1911 Music:William E. Fischer, 1849-1936. Public domain.
The Easter Gift, Words and Music: Tina English, b. 1952, arr. John Purifoy, b. 1952. Words and Music © 1966 Hal Leonard Corporation. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress, Music © 2004 Augsburg Fortress, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
What Wondrous Love, Text: North American folk hymn, 19th cent., alt., Music: W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Paul J. Christiansen, 1914-1997, alt. Arr. © 1955 Augsburg Publishing House. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Take My Life, That I May Be, Text Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879, adapt. Music: William H. Havergal, 1793-1870. Public domain.
Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!, Text Cameroon traditional, collected by Elaine Hanson, Music: Cameroon processional, arr. Ralph M. Johnson. Text and Music © 1994 Earthsongs. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, Music: John Goss, 1800-1880, arr. Lani Smith, 1934-2015. Arr. © 2001 Lorenz Publishing Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
