ORDER OF WORSHIP
Third Sunday of Easter
April 19, 2026
Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Amen (Because He Lives)
Cash, Ingram, Maher,
Carson, Tomlin, G & W Gaither
GATHERING
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!
Amen.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
Merciful God, you are the one who was, who is, and who is to come.
You lead us beside still waters.
We thank you for the waters of creation: morning dew, gentle rain, roaring waves.
We thank you for the waters that nourish us, including our beautiful local lakes.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness who accompanies us on our journeys.
We give you thanks for your life-giving death and resurrection.
We praise you for joining us in joy and sorrow.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Holy Spirit, you anoint our head with oil and our cup overflows.
Break down barriers that divide us. Fill us with the breath of peace.
Blessed are you. You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Holy One, we thank you for the gifts and grace of baptism, and for making us a new creation. We join with saints and angels, giving you honor and praise, now and forever. 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!
APOSTOLIC 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.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (page 169)
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power and riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honor, glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
14a Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed [the crowd]: 36 “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40 And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 116 (We will chant the Psalm responsively by whole verse.)
Refrain:
I will lift up the cup of salvation;
I will call on the name of the Lord.
1 I love the Lord, who has | heard my voice,
and listened to my | supplication,
2 for the Lord has given | ear to me
whenev- | er I called.
3 The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave | came upon me;
I came to | grief and sorrow.
4 Then I called upon the name | of the Lord:
“O Lord, I pray you, | save my life.” R
12 How shall I re- | pay the Lord
for all the good things God has | done for me?
13 I will lift the cup | of salvation
and call on the name | of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows | to the Lord
in the presence of | all God’s people.
15 Precious in your | sight, O Lord,
is the death | of your servants.
16 O Lord, truly I | am your servant;
I am your servant, the child of your handmaid; you have freed me | from my bonds.
17 I will offer you the sacrifice | of thanksgiving
and call upon the name | of the Lord. R
SECOND READING: 1 Peter 1:17-25
17 If you invoke as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s work, live in fear during the time of your exile. 18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile conduct inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20 He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21 Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your trust and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual affection, love one another deeply from the heart. 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
That word is the good news that was announced to you.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 171)
Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lors.
Save us as you promised; we wil trust your word.
GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35
The Holy Gospel according to Luke, the 24th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
13 Now on that same day two [disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
HYMN OF THE DAY
Day of Arising
ELW 374
Day of arising,
Christ on the roadway,
unknown companion walks with his own.
When they invite him,
as fades the first day,
and bread is broken, Christ is made known.
When we are walking,
doubtful and dreading,
blinded by sadness, slowness of heart,
yet Christ walks with us,
ever awaiting
our invitation: Stay, do not part.
Lo, I am with you,
Jesus has spoken.
This is Christ's promise, this is Christ's sign:
when the church gathers,
when bread is broken,
there Christ is with us in bread and wine.
Christ, our companion,
hope for the journey,
bread of compassion, open our eyes.
Grant us your vision,
set all hearts burning
that all creation with you may rise.
NICENE CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God,
Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father, through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures.
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world, let us pray for the needs of all creation.
A brief silence.
Living Savior, just as you journeyed with the disciples to Emmaus, accompany us on our journey of faith. Gather us at your table, that we recognize you in the breaking of the bread. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Almighty God, you provide for the needs of all creation. Bless the fields that are being prepared for planting, and send favorable weather so that the soil may yield an abundant harvest. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of justice, where leaders abuse power, confront them and call them to repentance. Where there is corruption, bring integrity; where there is violence, sow peace. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Healing Savior, your resurrection brings hope to a hurting world. Heal those who are sick, especially for Mary, Barbara, Mabel, Doris, June, Willah, Ann, Julie, Christen, Carol, Judy, Jeff, Gloria, Brian, James & Grace, Katie, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Dean, John, Abby, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, Phyllis, and Max. Strengthen the weary, give courage to the despairing, and comfort the dying. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Gracious One, you have made us your own through the gift of baptism. Unite us in genuine love for one another and uphold this community in your name. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal Light, we give thanks for Anne Guilford, and all who have nurtured your church’s life in ages past. Bring us at last with them to the brightness of your glorious presence. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
GRATITUDE
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.
OFFERTORY
Glorious Day
Bleeker & Hall
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
Merciful God,
accept the fruits of our labor, gathered to give you glory.
You have set a table before us, a glimpse of that great day
when we will hunger and thirst no more.
Nourish us with the body and blood of Jesus,
that goodness and mercy may follow us
and bless the world you love.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 107)
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:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (page 173)
Holy, holy, holy 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
You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God.
You are most holy,
and great is the majesty of your glory.
You so loved the world that you gave your only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish
but have eternal life.
We give you thanks for his coming into the world
to fulfill for us your holy will
and to accomplish all things for our salvation.
In the night in which he was handed over,
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.
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heav'n.
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.
All baptized children of God are invited to the Lord’s Table, where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We partake at the communion rail; gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and we will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. Anyone may remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer, following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the table of new life.
Receive the risen Lord.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
LAMB OF GOD (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.
COMMUNION HYMNS
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
Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus
ELW 501
Come with us, O blessed Jesus,
with us evermore to be.
And, in leaving now thine altar,
let us nevermore leave thee!
Let thy bright celestial chorus
never cease the heav'nly strain;
but in us, thy loving children,
come with peace, good will to reign.
POST COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in His grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Holy One, through this meal you have made your home among us
and are making all things new.
Send us now to speak peace to anxious hearts, to love our enemies,
and to bring your healing to the nations.
In the name of Jesus our crucified and risen Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen
ELW 377
Alleluia! Jesus is risen!
Trumpets resounding in glorious light!
Splendor, the Lamb, heaven forever!
Oh, what a miracle God has in sight!
Refrain
Jesus is risen and we shall arise.
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
Walking the way, Christ in the center
telling the story to open our eyes;
breaking our bread, giving us glory:
Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise. Refrain
Jesus the vine, we are the branches;
life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree;
heaven to earth, Christ to the people,
gift of the future now flowing to me. Refrain
Weeping, be gone; sorrow, be silent:
death put asunder, and Easter is bright.
Cherubim sing: O grave, be open!
Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light. Refrain
City of God, Easter forever,
golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb,
river of life, saints and archangels,
sing with creation to God the I AM! Refrain
BENEDICTION
God the Creator, the beginning and the end,
Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead,
and the Spirit, our advocate and guide,
+ bless you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE
All the People Said Amen
Maher, Moak, & Morgan
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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.
Psalm 116, Music: Mark Mummert, b. 1965, in Psalm Settings for the Church Year © 2008 Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Day of Arising, Text: Susan Palo Cherwien, 1953-2021. Text © 1996 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: Carl F. Schalk, 1929-2021. Music © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A
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 (major key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, 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.
Come With Us, O Blessed Jesus, Text: John Henry Hopkins Jr., 1820–1891. Music: Johann Schop, 1600–1665; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685–1750. Public domain.
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!, Text: Herbert F. Brokering, 1926-.2009. Text © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Music: David N. Johnson, 1922-1987. Music © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
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.
