Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, :00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Transcription

1 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, :00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

2 Introduction to the Day This Sunday s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding that we read of in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world. GATHERING Please stand. Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia! Welcome and Announcements Prelude: Fantasia on Laudes Damini Mark Radice Thanksgiving for Baptism Just as God s work of creation never ends, so the gifts received in baptism are renewed every day. Let us give thanks together for the life given in baptism. We give you thanks, O God, for the waters of life: for water to bathe in, water to drink, for waters to play in and waters that inspire wonder, for water that gives life to our planet. We give you thanks, O God, for the waters of life. We give you thanks, O God, for the waters of this place: for water from our tap, for rain and snow, for Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie. We give you thanks, O God, for the waters of this place. We give you thanks for your salvation through water: for delivering Noah and his family through the floodwaters, for leading your people Israel through the sea into freedom, for preserving your prophet Elijah through the time of drought, for guiding your people across the Jordan into a new land, for quenching the Samaritan woman s thirst with living water. We give you thanks for your salvation through water. We give you thanks for the life of all the baptized, and for all who gather here; for godparents and baptismal sponsors, for children and grandchildren, for those newly baptized at the Easter Vigil and in this holy season; for our brothers and sisters in Christ whom we have never seen but to whom we are bound. We give you thanks for the life of all the baptized. We give you thanks for life in Christ through your Holy Spirit: for our entry into Jesus death through these waters, for our new birth into a life of freedom and service, for our calling to be your people, sent out for the life of the world. We give you thanks, blessed and holy Trinity, now and forever. Amen. Gathering Song: When Morning Gilds the Skies (ELW 853) 2

3 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 (ELW p. 98) 3

4 Canticle of Praise 4

5 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Prayer of the Day Let us pray. O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please be seated. WORD Special Music: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs Mark Hayes Soloist: Sarah Mears Children s Message First Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Led by the Spirit, Philip encounters an Ethiopian official who is returning to his African home after having been to Jerusalem to worship. Philip uses their encounter to proclaim the gospel to him. Upon coming to faith in Jesus, the Ethiopian is baptized by Philip. A reading from Acts: 26 An angel of the Lord said to Philip, Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go over to this chariot and join it. 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, Do you understand what you are reading? 31 He replied, How can I, unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth. 34 The eunuch asked Philip, About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else? 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized? 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he 5

6 was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 22: From you comes my praise in the great assembly; I will perform my vows in the sight of those who fear the LORD. 26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied. Let those who seek the LORD give praise! May your hearts live forever! R 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; all the families of nations shall bow before God. 28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, who rules o- ver the nations. R 29 Indeed, all who sleep in the earth shall bow down in worship; all who go down to the dust, though they be dead, shall kneel be- fore the LORD. 30 Their descendants shall serve the LORD, whom they shall proclaim to genera- tions to come. 31 They shall proclaim God's deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying to them, "The LORD has acted!" R Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-21 We love God and others because God first loved us. We cannot say we love God, whom we have not seen, while hating fellow Christians, whom we regularly see. Love toward God is to be matched by love toward others because the essence of God is love. A reading from 1 John: 7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 6

7 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Those who say, I love God, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand to welcome the gospel. Gospel Acclamation I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. Gospel: John 15:1-8 On the night of his arrest, Jesus taught his disciples about the relationship they would have with him. Those who abide in his word and love would bear fruit, for apart from him, they could do nothing. The holy gospel according to John: Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those 7

8 who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Sermon The assembly is seated. Silence for reflection follows the sermon. The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song. Hymn of the Day: Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen! (ELW #377) 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. Each petition ends: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Prayers of Intercession The prayers conclude: We entrust all our prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them by the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 8

9 The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Peace The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ s peace, and may say, Peace be with you, or similar words. The assembly is seated. MEAL Offering: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen Anne Krentz Organ Offering Hymn: At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing (ELW #362, verse 5) Mighty victim from the sky, hell's fierce pow'rs beneath you lie; you have conquered in the fight, you have brought us life and light. Alleluia! Offering Prayer Let us pray. Be known to us, O Lord, in the breaking of the bread, as you were made known to the disciples. Receive these gifts, and the offering of our lives, that we may be your risen body in the world. Amen. Great Thanksgiving Dialogue Preface 9

10 Holy, Holy, Holy Thanksgiving at the Table You are indeed holy For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. Remembering, therefore, his salutary command To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever. 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 is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Please be seated. 10

11 Communion Distribution The belief of this congregation is that participation in the Lord s Supper is the reception of the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us to eat and drink (Luther s Small Catechism, ELW p. 1166). We believe that a person who has faith in these words, given for you and shed for you for the forgiveness of sin, is really worthy and well prepared. However, a person who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, because the words for you require truly believing hearts (Luther s Small Catechism, ELW p. 1166). Communion Song Please stand. Distribution Hymn: We Raise Our Hands to You, O Lord (ELW #690) Post-Communion Canticle: Come with Us, O Blessed Jesus (ELW #501) Prayer after Communion Let us pray. Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ s death and resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of heaven to nourish your people. Send us forth as witnesses to Jesus resurrection that we may show your glory to all the world; through the same Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Amen. SENDING Blessing 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. 11

12 Sending Song: Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing (ELW #389) Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God. Dismissal Postlude: Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing Wilbur Held From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved Worship leaders today are: Presiding Minister: Rev. Dr. Eric L. Bodenstab Assisting Minister: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Organist: Ron Borchardt Lector: (8:00) Addison Stradtman (10:30) Alaina Keegan Children s Message: Marjorie Burton Prayers of the People: Laura Stellhorn Serving Bread: Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon Communion Assistants: (8:00) Kris Stradtman and Andrew Castello (10:30) John & Judy Mears Sound Board: (8:00) Andy Gundlach (10:30) Tim Kostel Ushers: (8:00) Bill Wood, Chris Antel, Bill Biehl, Andy Castello, John Castello, and Terry Pearston (10:30) Bill Bossetti, Earl & Bea Rosen, and Walter & Deb Kaufmann Gathering Hosts: (8:00) James & Jeanette Toft (10:30) Elaine Conley Greeter: Al & Juanita Mitchell Altar Guild: Tami Schultz Attendance/Offering April 21 st and 22 nd (215) General Fund Offering received $4, Midweek General Fund Offering received $1, Weekly budgeted amount $7, Total General Fund amount received $6, One side vase is given in memory of Dick Lavey, by his wife, Sharon Lavey. The other side vase and center vase are given in celebration of the wedding of Steve Lippert and Hallie Minich by the families of Jonathan Thomas and Marlys Loyer. The extra center vase is given by Steve and Hallie in honor of their marriage and in memory of loved ones. 12

13 April/May Announcements Lectionary Study Readings for May 6: Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:-1-6, and John 15:9-17 When: TODAY following the 10:30 a.m. service. Who: YOU! All hands on deck! We can use as many hands as possible to help in cleaning and straightening up and hauling out things to be disposed of. We have so many tasks to be done, there is something for everyone. Every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at Mr. Smith s Coffee House, Pastor Eric and Pastor Katie Suggitt lead a Common Lectionary Text Study All are welcome! Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m., in the Stellhorn Library. The former Men s Bible study extends an invitation to any and all who would like to join their time of discussion. Pastor s Small Group for May June will take place every Saturday, beginning May 5 th, at 3:00 p.m. We will start at Zion by talking about what to pray for as we learn about and take part in prayer walking around Sandusky. TONIGHT is Game Night! 6:00 p.m. at Zion on the last Sunday of every month! Bring games and/or snack or just show up! Come and Play! 13 Calling all parents of young children! We are redoing the nursery and would like your input on toys and furniture. If you are willing to help, please contact the church office.

14 Think Green Recycle When you think of Spring, the world greening up comes to mind. Here at Zion we are moving toward good stewardship for our environment. Here are two opportunities to be green : Recycle your bulletin in the blue bins following the service if you are not taking it with you. Bring your used plastic bags from home to place in the Plastic Bag Depository in the Gathering Room. We re having a party! Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 22nd! We, along with First Congregational United Church of Christ Church and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will be hosting a block party in celebration of Sandusky s Bicentennial. As the planning unfolds, we will update you on the details. The quilters are in need of linings for the quilts. They can use mattress pads, flannel sheets, or flannel material yardage. The office is open Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Agape Wednesday, May 2 nd at 7:00 p.m. in Zion's Library Circle of Friends Wednesday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in Zion's Chapel Priscilla Thursday May 3 rd at 9:30 a.m. at 105 Cedarbrook Lane, Sandusky. Book Connection Wednesday, May 23 rd, at 2:30 p.m. in Zion's library If you, a family member, or a friend is in need of Pastoral care, or is hospitalized, please call Pastor Eric or the church office at address It s easy to join our mailing list! Get your Zionews, updates, announcements such as funerals, etc. Just send your address by text message. Text ZIONLUTHERAN to to get started. Message and data rates may apply. 14

15 Youth Announcements Mark your Calendar 4-29 Bible Study 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul 5-5 Cinco de Mayo activities (see announcement for more info!) 5-20 Confirmation at 10:30 a.m. worship service at Zion! If you have any questions about any of the activities coming up, please contact Jenn Parkison at or Bible Study and prep meeting for Houston. We will meet April 29 th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul. Saturday May 5th we will celebrate Cinco de Mayo by heading to Fremont and getting a workout at the batting cages. I suggest bringing $20 for the activities and food. We will meet at St. Paul to leave for Fremont by 10:30. Free Day of Camp at LMC Sunday, May 06, :00am-4:00pm at Lutheran Memorial Camp Fulton, Ohio (Near Mt. Gilead) At our free day of camp we will offer tours of our facilities, campfires and s mores, programs as well as games that all ages will enjoy. People who have spent time at camp know it is a place that can change your life. Wonder what sets LOMO apart from other camps, or want to return to meet new friends, join us. Come explore camp and we ll be available to answer any questions. You can meet our staff, sing songs, hike through the woods, and witness why everyone loves camp. Invite friends, neighbors and families to experience our place apart. There is no registration required. 15

16 Children s Announcements Today is the 5th Sunday of Easter There are 7 weeks in the Easter season. Spring is a season of new life. Jesus changes our lives! An important word during Easter is Alleluia! Alleluia means Praise God! Jesus is always with us. He hears all of our prayers. He hears our prayers of thanks, prayers for ourselves, prayers for others, and I m sorry prayers. Many stories in the Bible happen on a road! The Ethiopian man met Philip on a desert road. The man was a long way from home. The Ethiopian man rode in a chariot. Philip walked on the road. When they met, Philip talked with him about Jesus. Who can you talk to about Jesus? Children of Zion meet at 9:15 a.m. in Zion s basement. All children are welcome. (Parents are welcome too!) We are finishing the story of the woman at the well. In May, we will be learning about Ruth! Do you like to sing? We would love to have you join us! We meet every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary for practice. We will be singing Sunday, May 13 th at the 10:30 a.m. service and on May 27 th at the 8:00 a.m. service. If you would like to sing with us, come on out! 16

17 To view the full calendar of events and the current weekly announcements please visit our website at Zionsandusky.org This week in Ministry: Sunday, April 29 8:00/10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Hour Children of Zion Basement Pastor s Adult Forum Library 12:30 p.m. Church Clean Up 6:00 p.m. Game Night Basement 7:00 p.m. The Gathering Bible Study at St. Paul Monday, April 30 Noon Pastor s Small Group - Library 5:30 p.m. Temple Care Takers Library 6:30 p.m. Quilters - Basement 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Basement 7:00 p.m. Firelands Chorus Sanctuary Tuesday, May 1 9:00 a.m. Quilters - Basement 1:00 p.m. Lectionary Mr. Smith s If you, a family member, or a friend is in need of Pastoral care, or is hospitalized, please call Pastor Eric or the church office at Wednesday, May 2 7:30 a.m. Lectionary Study Library 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 4:00 p.m. Faith Formation Library 5:00 p.m. Founders Day Parade Planning Meeting Room 204 5:30 p.m. Outreach Library 6:00 p.m. Property & Facilities Pastor s Office 7:00 p.m. Circle of Friends Chapel 7:00 p.m. Agape - Library Thursday, May 3 9:30 a.m. Priscilla at home of Lila Bertsch 105 Cedarbrook Ln. Sandusky 5:30 p.m. Cherub Choir - Sanctuary 6:15 p.m. Bell Choir Bell Choir Loft 7:00 p.m. Senior Choir Practice - Basement Friday, May 4 Care & Share Volunteers: Chris Hamilton, Alan Mitchell, Dean & Karen Slater Saturday, May 5 3:00 p.m. Small Group Prayer Walking meet at Zion. 6:00 p.m. Worship Pastor, Eric. L. Bodenstab Carolyn Steinfeldt, ELCA Deacon 503 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH (419) zionelc@zionsandusky.org Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission (FLAMe) Follow us at ZionELCSandusky Our 10:30 a.m. service is broadcast each Sunday over station WLEC, 1450 AM. 17