MAY 6, 2018 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER PASTOR KEITH SIVERLY

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1 IN THE NAME OF JESUS, SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS AND VISITORS!! May His Word strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and your love for Him. We celebrate Holy Communion on the second and fourth Sundays and the preceding Thursdays. We practice close communion and invite guests to speak with the pastor before coming to the Lord s Table. If you would like to know more about our congregation or Risen Savior Lutheran School, please sign the Worship Register in your pew or use the contact information found below. Also, you are invited to take a copy of the monthly calendar, available in the narthex or ask an usher for a copy. Come join us for worship again soon! The NURSERY is available for parents with small children who may be restless during the service and is located to the left as you exit the sanctuary. Please use at your discretion. Thank you for returning the toys to the tubs. QUIET BAGS, filled with items and activities for children, are available on the rack near the Nursery door. A RESTROOM is located in the narthex just past the nursery (on your left when exiting the sanctuary). MAY 6, 2018 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER After forty days of repentance and prayer, the Church bursts forth in jubilant praise at the Resurrection of our Lord. The alleluias and glorias which were muted for Lent ring out again as the Bride of Christ welcomes her Bridegroom back from the dead. Easter is as the pinnacle of the Church Year, the oldest festival and season celebrated by the worshipping Church. For a full week-- of-- weeks (49 days) the Church celebrates the resurrection of Christ on the Sundays of Easter which culminate on the 50th day, Pentecost. Welcome to all who have joined us for worship today. We pray that this service will be a blessing to you. ST MARK EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 502 West 7 th Street Mankato, MN Pastor Keith Siverly (Office), (Cell) stmark@hickorytech.net RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL 516 West 7 th Street Mankato, MN Principal Jason Rupnow (School), (Home) principal@rslsmn.com PASTOR KEITH SIVERLY St. Mark Mission: To Know Jesus and Make Jesus Known St. Mark Vision: A Welcoming Family of Believers, Sharing God s Word

2 Today we welcome Jonah Backus and the Conquerors, a band made up of five Martin Luther College students with a goal of sharing God s Word through their God-given musical talents. Jonah Backus and the Conquerors will lead us in singing different arrangements of some of our familiar hymns for this service. Please listen as they sing the first verse of each hymn to introduce these different rhythms and melodies. And then join in on the remaining verses as you feel comfortable. DIVINE SERVICE I OPENING HYMN: See This Wonder in the Making 1 See this wonder in the making: God himself this child is taking As a lamb safe in his keeping, His to be, awake or sleeping. 2 Miracle each time it happens As the door to heaven opens And the Father beams, Beloved, Heir of gifts a king would covet! 3 Far more tender than a mother, Far more caring than a father, God, into your arms we place him, With your love and peace embrace him. 4 Here we bring a child of nature; Home we take a newborn creature, Now God s precious son or daughter, Born again by Word and water. Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A REMAIN SEATED as our service begins with the baptism of Logan Arthur Londgren which will be performed by his grandfather, Reverend Kenneth Mellon. Minister (M): The grace of our Lord ( ) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Congregation (C): And also with you. 1 CONFESSION OF SINS M: Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded baptism when he said: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All of us are born into this world with a deep need for baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But Jesus took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not control us any longer. We recall what baptism means for our daily lives as we speak these words: C: Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. M: As baptized children of God we confess our sins: C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son ( ) and of the Holy Spirit. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM M: In obedience to the command of our Lord and trusting in his promise, you have brought this child to be baptized. Jesus told us: Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. It is in baptism that God grants the new life of forgiveness, joy, and peace to little children. By the power of God s Word, this gracious water of life washes away sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe. M: Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart ( ) to mark you as a redeemed child of Christ. The minister applies water to the person presented for baptism as he says: 2

3 STAND Logan Arthur Londgren, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The Almighty God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has forgiven all your sins. By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven. May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you. EXHORTATION M: Brothers and sisters in Christ: Our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that Logan may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength. C: Yes, as God gives me strength. M: Let us pray: Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for the blessing of baptism by which you offer and grant the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Help us to regard our baptism as the robe of righteousness we are to wear all the days of our life. Look with special favor on Logan and grant him a rich measure of your Spirit that he may grow in faith and godly living. Make us willing to carry out our responsibilities to those who have been baptized, so that all of us may finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus our Lord. PRAYER AND PRAISE M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord. 3 4

4 PRAYER OF THE DAY M: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. M: Let us pray. Father of lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Inspire us to think those things that are true and long for those things that are good, that we may always make our petitions according to your gracious will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 5 6

5 THE WORD FIRST LESSON Acts 11:19-26 The Church in Antioch 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that took place at the time of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene who came to Antioch and also began to speak to the Greeks, preaching the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord s hand was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 A report about this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go on to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw God s grace, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts. 24 He was a good man who was full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a large number of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) The Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), New Testament & Psalms 2017 PSALM OF THE DAY The Congregation is asked to sing all parts of the Psalm both the verses and refrain. Sing to the LORD a new song,* for he has done marvelous things. The LORD has made his salvation known* and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;* all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Refrain Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,* burst into jubilant song with music; Refrain Tune: Kermit Moldenhauer 2006 Psalm 98 make music to the LORD with the harp,* with the harp and the sound of singing. Shout for joy before the LORD, the King.* He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. Glory be to the Father and to the Son* and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,* is now, and will be forever. Amen. Refrain 7 8

6 SECOND LESSON 1 John 4:1-11 Test the Spirits 4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and is already in the world. 4 You are from God, dear children, and you have overcome the false prophets, because the one in you is greater than the one in the world. 5 They are from the world. That is why they speak from a worldly perspective and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. The one who knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we can distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. God Is Love 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love has not known God, because God is love. 9 This is how God s love for us was revealed: God has sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we may live through him. 10 This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us so much, we also should love one another. Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) The Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), New Testament & Psalms 2017 GOSPEL John 15:9-17 After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings: 9 As the Father has loved me, so also I have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you hold on to my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have held on to my Father s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that my joy would continue to be in you and that your joy would be complete. 12 This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you continue to do the things I instruct you. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will endure, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 These things I am instructing you, so that you love one another. Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) The Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), New Testament & Psalms 2017 After the Gospel, the congregation sings: VERSE OF THE DAY Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Alleluia. (John 14:23 NIV) STAND (The congregation stands and speaks words of acclamation out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.) 9 10

7 APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. HYMN OF THE DAY: Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice 1 Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, With exultation springing, And, with united heart and voice And holy rapture singing, Proclaim the wonders God has done, How his right arm the vict ry won. How dearly it has cost him! 2 Fast bound in Satan s chains I lay; Death brooded darkly o er me. Sin was my torment night and day; In sin my mother bore me. Yet deep and deeper still I fell; Life had become a living hell, So firmly sin possessed me. 3 My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining; My will against God s judgment fought, No hope for me remaining. My fears increased till sheer despair Left naught but death to be my share And hell to be my sentence. 4 But God beheld my wretched state Before the world s foundation, And, mindful of his mercies great, He planned my soul s salvation. A Father s heart he turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently; He gave his dearest treasure. He spoke to his beloved Son: Tis time to have compassion. Then go, bright Jewel of my crown, And bring mankind salvation. From sin and sorrow set them free; Slay bitter death for them that they May live with you forever. 6 The Son obeyed his Father s will, Was born of virgin mother, And, God s good pleasure to fulfill, He came to be my brother. No garb of pomp or pow r he wore; A servant s form like mine he bore To lead the devil captive. 7 To me he spoke, Hold fast to me I am your rock and castle. Your ransom I myself will be; For you I strive and wrestle. For I am yours, your friend divine, And evermore you shall be mine; The foe shall not divide us. 8 The foe shall shed my precious blood, Me of my life bereaving. All this I suffer for your good; Be steadfast and believing. Life shall from death the vict ry win; My innocence shall bear your sin, And you are blest forever. 9 Now to my Father I depart, The Holy Spirit sending And, heav nly wisdom to impart, My help to you extending. He will a source of comfort be, Teach you to know and follow me, And in all truth will guide you. 10 What I on earth have lived and taught Be all your life and teaching; So shall my kingdom s work be wrought And honored in your preaching. Take care that no one s man-made laws Should e er destroy the gospel s cause. This final word I leave you. Text: Martin Luther, ; tr. Richard Massie, , alt. SERMON TEXT: Acts 11:19-30 THEME: We can learn from the church in Antioch STAND 11 12

8 After the sermon, the congregation sings: PRAYER OF THE CHURCH FOR EASTER M: O Lord God, our strength, our song, and our salvation, you fulfilled your promises by the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead. C: Thanks be to God! You give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. M: In your compassion you sent Christ, the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life to rescue the lost. C: Drive out all doubt and gloom that we may delight in your glorious triumph. M: Lift our eyes heavenward to see him who lives to make intercession for the saints, and grant us confidence in the greatness of his power. Keep before us the vision of your redeemed people standing before your throne and singing the song of victory: C: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive wisdom and power and honor and glory and praise. M: Make us instruments of your peace as we bring the good news of hope and new life to those around us. Guide us in the use of all that you have entrusted to us: our time, our talents, and our treasures. C: Risen Lord, live in us that we may live for you. M: Merciful Lord Jesus, grant healing to the sick, and strengthen the faith of the suffering and the dying. Assure them of your abiding presence, and comfort them with the hope of eternal life. Special prayers and intercessions may follow. M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions. Silent prayer. OFFERING The members of St. Mark have joined together to do the Lord s work in our community and around the world, and our voluntary offerings are a joyful response of our faith. If you are a visitor this morning, you are welcome but not obligated to give an offering. STAND M: Gracious Father, you have restored to us the joy of your salvation. With happy hearts, we come before you and say: C: Alleluia! Thanks be to God! Amen. LORD S PRAYER Our Father (Holy Is Your Name) sung by Jonah Backus and the Conquerors 13 14

9 HYMN: O Master of the Loving Heart 1 O Master of the loving heart, The friend of all in need, We pray that we may be like you In thought and word and deed. 2 Your days were full of kindly acts; Your speech was true and plain; Of those who ever sought you, Lord, None came to you in vain. 3 Your face was warm with sympathy; Your hand God s strength revealed; Who saw your face or felt your touch Were comforted and healed. 4 Oh, grant us hearts like yours, dear Lord, So joyous, free, and true, That all your children, ev rywhere, Be drawn by us to you. Text: Calvin W. Laufer, , alt. STAND M: Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart, that being strengthened and comforted by your Holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. M: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and ( ) give you peace. CLOSING HYMN: What a Friend We Have in Jesus 1 What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev rything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Ev rything to God in prayer! 2 Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our ev ry weakness Take it to the Lord in prayer. 3 Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In his arms he ll take and shield you; You will find a solace there. Text: Joseph M. Scriven, , alt. THANK YOU to the members of Jonah Backus and the Conquerors for helping to enhance our worship service today. Members of Jonah Backus and the Conquerors include: Jonah Backus / lead singer, guitarist / pastor-track sophomore from Two Rivers, WI Jeremy Fluegge / pianist, singer /pastor-track sophomore from Onalaska, WI Caleb Koelpin / bass guitarist / pastor-track sophomore from Dallas, TX Luke Sak / drummer / pastor-track sophomore from Lake Orion, MI Paul Koepsell / guitarist / Early Childhood & Elem. Ed. sophomore from Appleton, WI A free will offering will be gathered at the back of church today to help offset the band s expenses. Look for more information about Jonah Backus and the Conquerors in the narthex