THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER The Ascension of Our Lord

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1 THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER The Ascension of Our Lord June 1, :00 am WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD In today's gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid all the divisions we experience with our neighbor and with each other, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family. Today we celebrate Jesus ascension to his Father s throne and give thanks that he is alive and interceding for us and for all! Small children are welcome in worship Busy bags for young children are available in the Good Shepherd room adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room also has a speaker to hear the worship service. GATHERING Welcome Confession and Forgiveness Pastor: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen Pastor: In repentant faith, we come before our Lord in confession. (Silence for reflection) Pastor: Almighty and merciful God, People: we confess to You that we are by nature sinful, and separated from You. We have sinned against You and our neighbor by our selfish thoughts, our unkind words, and our unloving actions. We have often been unprepared to offer a reason for the hope within us, and have treated others neither with gentleness nor respect. We have not kept Your commandments, and in so doing, have failed to show our love for You. For the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, forgive us. Amen. Pastor: As a called and ordained servant of the Word, I announce the forgiveness of all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus' suffering and death for us, He has brought us to God, and declared us righteous. Because He lives, we also shall live. People: Amen. Thanks be to God! Pastor: Alleluia! Christ is risen! People: He is risen indeed! Alleluia! 1

2 Processional Hymn A Hymn of Glory 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 Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. People: And also with you. 2

3 Hymn of Praise Worthy is Christ 3

4 Prayer of the Day Pastor: All: Let us pray. O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AmenAmen SERVICE OF THE WORD First Reading Acts 1: So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. Second Reading 1 Peter 4:12 14; 5: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Alleluia Verse 4

5 Holy Gospel John 17:1 11 Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. John the 17 th chapter. People: Glory to you, O Lord. After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. 6 I 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. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for 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. 9 I 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. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And 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. Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, O Christ. Children s Message Hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns 5

6 Sermon Nicene Creed All: 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; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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 (Response to each petition) Pastor: Hear us, O God, People: your mercy is great. Sharing of the Peace Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always. People: And also with you. (We share the peace of God with one another with the words Peace be with you or The peace of the Lord. Appropriate signs of peace such as a handshake, hug or kiss may also be shared.) Offering Offertory Prayer Pastor: Let us pray. People: Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth. Day by day you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 6

7 SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Invitation to the Meal Pastor: The LORD is my strength and my song; People: and He has become my salvation. Pastor: Thanks and praise to You, heavenly Father, for the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; for He is the very Paschal Lamb, who was offered for us and has taken away the sins of the world. By His death, He has destroyed death, and by His rising to life again, He has restored us to everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Sanctus ( Holy, holy, holy ) Words of Institution Lord s Prayer All: 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 is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen 7

8 Agnus Dei ( Lamb of God ) Communion Distribution Scripture says, Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther s Small Catechism says, Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink. All baptized Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief that the body and blood of Jesus are truly present in the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord s Table today. Children who have not received their first communion are invited to come forward for a blessing. As you approach the table down the center aisle, receive an empty cup from the cart. (Non-alcoholic wine is in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack) Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar. After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace. As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables. 8

9 Distribution Songs I Come With Joy One Bread, One Body 9

10 SENDING Dismissal Pastor: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in his grace. People: Amen Thanksgiving Prayer Pastor: Let us pray. We give thanks to you, risen Savior, for your body and blood for the forgiveness of our sin and for your victory over death and the grave. We thank you that you have saved us by the power of your death and resurrection. Fill our hearts with the joy of sins forgiven as we live for you in our daily lives. We pray in your name, O Christ. People: Amen. Benediction Pastor: As you go on your way may Christ go with you. May he go before you to show you the way; May he go behind you to encourage you; beside you to befriend you; above you to watch over you; and within you to give you peace. People: Amen. Pastor: Go in peace. Christ lives in you. People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Closing Hymn Thine the Amen (on next page) SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader and Preacher Jon Marxhausen Elder Bruce Gilman Piano Mary Dinesen Lector Pam Fallert Ushers Kevin Mackie & Bruce Gilman Acolyte/Crucifer Parker McMorrow Greeters Jim and Jan Roth The flowers today are presented by the Rubbert family in loving memory of Kevin Rubbert, beloved son and brother. DON T FORGET YOUR THREE-MINUTE MINISTRY Christ lives in you! Let those in worship with you today experience the warmth, the smile, the friendship, and the love of the living Jesus by your presence. 10

11 Closing Hymn Thine the Amen WELCOME, VISITORS! Thank you for worshipping with us today. Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway. Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God. You are always welcome at Grace of God. Join us for coffee and treats after worship in the gathering space! 11

12 An Independent Lutheran Congregation 420 Hayward Ave. North Oakdale, MN Jon Marxhausen, Pastor STREET CLEANING TODAY We will clean up our Adopt-a-Street this morning right after worship Bring a bag lunch to share afterwards! VOTERS ASSEMBLY Sunday, June 8 after worship On the agenda: A proposal to amend our By-Laws to clarify voting requirements for situations when the congregation would enter into a congregational liability. Copies of the proposed change available in the entryway. There will also be election of leaders at this meeting. These positions are up for election/re-election at this meeting: President Treasurer 2 Elders Board of Finance Chairperson Board of Education and Youth Chairperson If you have interest in being considered for the ballot for these positions, see President Darrel Smith. BLESSING FOR GRADUATES We will celebrate with and ask God s blessings on our high school and college graduates on Sunday, June 8 in our worship service! FUN TIMES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS! Next Sunday, June 8 after worship During the Voters Assembly there will be fun activities and a treat for Sunday School kids! SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP Having a time of fellowship after worship (with treats and coffee!) is a great way to extend our fellowship, greet one another and offer hospitality to guests and visitors. If you are able to help serve one of these times of fellowship please sign up on the clipboard by the kitchen. And if you can drop a little something into the jar as you enjoy these treats - that will help our Fellowship Committee purchase more! THANK YOU SO MUCH! 12

13 Come join your friends at Grace of God Lutheran Church for a Sunday, June 8 at 11:00 am Richard Walton Park in Oakdale Main dish, a drink and paper products provided. (Hosts are the Tuesday morning ladies Bible study) Bring a dish to share! (salad or dessert or whatever!) We ll gather up for a table prayer at 11:00 am at the picnic shelter (watch for the Grace of God banner) KICKBALL after lunch for those who would like to play! Summer is a time for refreshment, relaxing, and recreation. It is also a time when our schedules sometimes keep us from the rest we receive in Word and Sacrament and from the fellowship of the Church. Christ is our rest He refreshes and re-creates us! And He is our Sabbath. The Sabbath is not a particular day of the week it s a holy time to receive Christ whenever we gather together! So... during the summer months Grace of God will gather for worship at alternative times (in addition to regular Sunday morning worship) to help provide Sabbath worship and holy rest for those who are gone on Sunday mornings... and for those who might just welcome another time for worship! SUMMER SABBATH will take place on: Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 pm Sunday, July 6 at 7:00 pm Sunday, July 20 at 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 27 at 7:00 pm Worship will be a new musical setting for worship and communion written by Pete Erickson of Stillwater, Minnesota with music led by Caleb Marxhausen and Gabe Gazzola. ALL ARE WELCOME 13

14 Sunday, June 1 June 1-8, :00 am WORSHIP EASTER 7 10:15 am Fellowship Street Cleaning Tuesday, June 3 9:30 am Quilting Saturday, June 7 1:00 pm Recital Sunday, June 8 9:00 am WORSHIP PENTECOST Blessing of Graduates 10:15 am Fellowship Voters Assembly Treats and fun for Sunday School children 11:00 am Sonshine Walton Park If you have something to add to the church calendar, please send it to calendar@graceofgodlutheran.com SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 6/1/2014 Bruce Gilman Parker McMorrow Pam Fallert Kevin Mackie & Bruce Gilman Jim and Jan Roth 6/8/2014 Bruce Gilman Riley Benson Marilynn Epland Allen & Sally Warren Eileen Ocone 6/15/2014 Byron Epland Kassidy Mackie Randy Henderson Connor McMorrow Jordan Gollner Byron Epland Leah Marxhausen Sue Hotzel Kevin Mackie & Bruce Gilman Barb Fallert Audrey and Bruce Gilman 6/22/2014 6/29/2014 Byron Epland Joanna Dinesen Cami Stenquist Darrel & David Smith Franklin and Sue Hotzel 7/6/2014 Byron Epland Jacob Fahey Tom Schoenberg Franklin & Sue Hotzel Jeff and Jill Olofson June 4-7 June June CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE TEAM 7 Byron & Marilynn Epland/Onken family/ Sara Appolon TEAM 8 Franklin Hotzel/Dinesen family/evenson family TEAM 9 Wendy Bartz & Dan Nelson/ Errol & Cindy Bartz/ Eileen Ocone OUR RESPONSE TO GOD S GRACE May 25, 2014 Attendance General Fund Offering... $7, Year-to-date Offerings... $93, Year-to-date Budget... $104,

15 We have a big anniversary coming up this fall! Plans are now being made to celebrate our tenth year as a congregation! More details coming soon... VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Register (and volunteer!) for VBS July graceofgodlutheran.com VBS VOLUNTEERS MEETING Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30 pm HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY HOME FUNDRAISER Deacon Mick Humbert from Guardian Angels is going to bike from Homer, Alaska to the Twin Cities in mid-june as a fundraiser for Hope for the Journey Home, our community shelter on the campus of Guardian Angels for families experiencing temporary homelessness. You can help build a new Family Room for the Hope for the Journey Home families! Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to help fund the transformation of the shelter's three-car garage into a larger living space for the families during their stay at the shelter. This new space will be a relaxing respite for families. The room will be bright, spacious and provide better access to the outdoor area. Go to the link on the church website to donate to this effort! graceofgodlutheran.com 15