The Fourth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2017 St. Paul s Lutheran Church 215 N. Warren St. Orwigsburg, PA 570-366-2316 www.stpauls-orwigsburg.org 1
Rev. Lee A. Diefenderfer 610-858-4136 1295 Red Dale Road Orwigsburg, PA 17961 Justin McClure, Organist/Choir Director 570-573-4076 Office Support Staff 570-366-2316 Cody Wertman, Sexton 570-366-1520 Karen Travor, Treasurer 570-366-8757 Wayne Lutsey, Financial Secretary ******************************************************************* Welcome to worship. Today we are using Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the red book, found in the pew racks. Introduction to the day: Today is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus is called the gate of the sheep in today s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us in the midst of the world s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God s tender care to all creation. ******************************************************************* GATHERING PRELUDE CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2
Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of +Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen. GATHERING HYMN Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us #789 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. 3
HYMN OF PRAISE He Is Arisen! Glorious Word! PRAYER OF THE DAY O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 4
WORD A Reading from Acts 42 The baptized devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. (Acts 2:42-47) Psalm 23 (KJV)/ Children s Sermon 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 5
A Reading from First Peter 19 It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God s approval. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. 23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God (1 Peter 2:19-25) VERSE Christ is Risen! Alleluia! 6
Gospel John 10: 1-10 The Holy Gospel according to St. John. Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] 1 Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers. 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So again Jesus said to them, Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, O Christ. SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY The Lord s My Shepherd #778 PRAYER PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Let us pray for the church and for all people according to their needs. A brief silence. Each petition ends: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 7
PEACE Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. The Peace of the risen Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING Ushers will provide the offering plates from the center aisle. Please see that the plate is passed to the far end of the pew to the stained glass window side. Please pass the plate back to the center aisle. Offertory (8:00) Anthem (10:30) * Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! J. Althouse Chancel Choir OFFERTORY HYMN At the Lamb s High Feast 8
OFFERTORY PRAYER 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. MEAL GREAT THANKSGIVING 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. It is indeed right, our duty, and joy join their unending hymn: SANCTUS 9
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER 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. WORDS OF INSTITUTION 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. 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! Remembering, therefore, his salutary command, his life-giving passion and death, his glorious resurrection and ascension, and the promise of his coming again, we give thanks to you, O Lord God Almighty, not as we ought but as we are able; we ask you mercifully to accept our praise and thanksgiving 10
and with your Word and Holy Spirit to bless us, your servants, and these your own gifts of bread and wine, so that we and all who share in the body and blood of Christ may be filled with heavenly blessing and grace, and, receiving the forgiveness of sin, may be formed to live as your holy people and be given our inheritance with all your saints. To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever. Amen. THE 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 forever. Amen. INVITATION Now let us feast this Easter Day on Christ, the bread of heaven. DISTRIBUTION 11
AGNUS DEI COMMUNION HYMNS Children of the Heavenly Father #781 My Shepherd, You Supply My Need #782 TABLE BLESSING The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION 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 the resurrection that we may show your glory to all the world; through Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen. 12
SENDING BLESSING God the Father who raised Christ from the dead open to you the gate of everlasting life. God the Son who burst from the grave give you joy as you celebrate his resurrection. God the Holy Spirit who brought you to birth in Baptism fill you with strength and peace. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. SENDING HYMN We Know That Christ Is Raised #449 THE DISMISSAL Go in the peace of Christ, alleluia! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! POSTLUDE Our Liturgy and Music are used by permission through Augsburg Fortress License #20611. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ *Christ Is Risen! Alleluia was presented in loving memory of Elmer H. Eiche by Beverly, Catherine, Madeleine, and Benjamin. (2000). Altar flowers are presented in honor of Robin Zimmerman s birthday by Steve. Chancel flowers are presented in honor of our daughter, Alexandria Spitler, by Scott & Tina Butler. Today s bulletins are presented in honor of Steve Zimmerman s birthday (5/5) by Robin Zimmerman. 13
SERVING TODAY: 8:00 AM LECTOR: Ruth Ann Withers; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Connie Teter; USHERS: Ruth Ann Withers & Barbara Lafko; GREETER: Danielle Richards; ALTAR GUILD: Barbara Lafko & Fern Moyer. 10:30 AM LECTOR: Wayne Lutsey; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Gail Rarick; USHERS: Samantha Clarke & Barb Sterner; GREETERS: Chris Long & Becky Wehr; COUNTERS: Rosalie Wingle, Marlene Eidam, & Mary Ellen Hering; CRUCIFER: Austin Heydt; ACOLYTE: Emily Heydt SERVING NEXT WEEK (5/14/17): LECTOR: Debra Moyer; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Kay Weidensaul; USHERS: Debra Moyer & Connie Teter; GREETER: Danielle Richards; ALTAR GUILD: Barbara Lafko & Fern Moyer. 10:30 AM LECTOR: Candice Felton; COMMUNION ASSISTANT: Barb Sterner; USHERS: Kathy Couch & Candice Felton; GREETERS: Chris Long & Barb Sterner; COUNTERS: Joyce O Rourke, Gloria Dierwechter, & Dana Jenkins; CRUCIFER: Victoria Wagner; ACOLYTE: Danika Bolinsky. ******************************************************************* Freshen Up the Gardens Time (for Mother s Day) Saturday, May 13 at 9:00 AM Bring a rake, trimmer, gloves you know what I m talking about! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A Paper Pope? The Question of Authority in the Lutheran Church May 20 th /21 st 5:30 PM, 8:00 AM, & 10:30 AM A Sermon Celebrating the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation 14
Calendar Monday, May 8 7:00 PM Council Tuesday, May 9 1:00 PM WELCA 6:00 PM Service Ministry Thursday, May 11 6:00 PM Bell Choir 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Saturday, May 13 5:30 PM Worship Sunday, May 14 8:00 AM Worship 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Office Hours: Monday and Friday 10 3 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Birthday Party Committee will host our second White Elephant Event on Saturday, 20 May, the day of the borough-wide yard sale. We're seeking donations of household goods, small electronics (no TVs, please), toys and games (no stuffed animals), tools, plants, decorations, ad infinitum, but this time we'd rather not take clothing or books. We ask our wonderful St. Paul's bakers to sign up to bring any type of baked goods on the sheet on the counter under the flower charts. Two other Committees are helping us with the food and beverages, and Chefs Ritschel and Wertman will be cooking hot dogs. We're hoping that The Men of St. Paul's will offer soft pretzels and birch beer! Please think of us as you're doing your spring cleaning and mark your calendars now. We'll be taking donations the evenings of Thursday, 5/18, from 7 8 PM, in the choir room, and Friday, 5/19, from 6 8 PM, downstairs in Reidler Hall. Thanks for your support! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ As we planted the Easter Story in Sunday School we invited the pupils one by one to make a person or thing that told the Easter Story. Take time to see their effort at the rear of the center aisle. 15
A person who enjoys wrapping gifts would be greatly appreciated. If you are such a person, touch base with the Pastor. GERANIUM ORDER SHEET Pentecost Sunday is June 4. We will be decorating the church with red geraniums. Geranium orders will be taken until May 21. Cost of the flowers this year is $2.50. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul s Lutheran Church. **Please place all orders in the offering plate on the table in the gathering room below the flower charts. There are envelopes there for you to use. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name If you wish to dedicate your flowers, please fill in below: In honor of: In memory of: Total # of flowers x $2.50 = Take Leave 16