HOLY COMMUNION HOLY BAPTISM Exploring the promise of God for all Christ the Shepherd Fourth Sunday in Easter April 22, 2018 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist Christ is the shepherd who will die for wandering sheep The image of the Good Shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us to life. It is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love, that gives the shepherd authority. The shepherd s willingness to lay down his life for the sheep shows his love. First John illustrates what it means to lay down our lives for one another by the example of sharing our wealth with any sister or brother in need. The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week. PRELUDE Processional GATHERING William Mathias At the sound of the bell the assembly stands to face the worship leaders at the back of the church. EASTER PROCLAMATION repeated three times: P Alleluia! Christ is risen! a Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! PROCESSIONAL HYMN (hymn) 847 Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs stanzas 2 & 3 in harmony GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAY P The grace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. a And also with you. P Let us pray. O Lord Christ, good shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. The presider continues with words of welcome. - 1 -
EASTER WORD CHILDREN S WORD Children are invited to come forward; parents are welcome to come with their children. READING FROM THE EARLY CHURCH Salvation in the name of Jesus Acts 4:5-12 After healing a crippled man, Peter preaches to the people how God s promises to Israel have been fulfilled in Jesus. Through the proclamation of Christ s death and resurrection, God is offering them forgiveness and restoration in Jesus name. a Luke writes: The rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, By what power or by what name did you do this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone. 12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. PSALM The LORD is my shepherd Psalm 23 El Señor es mi pastor, nada me falta The choir sings the refrain which is repeated each time by the assembly. Choir, then assembly, sing the refrain after each choir verse. God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song. Translation: The Lord is my shepherd, I want for nothing. SECOND READING Love in truth and action 1 John 3:16 24 God has loved us in order to make us children of God. Though we do not yet know the full details of our future existence, we trust that God will reveal it just as God revealed Jesus to take away our sins. We know love by this, that [Jesus Christ] laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17 How does God s love abide in anyone who has the world s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? 18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us. Word of God, word of life. a Thanks be to God. - 2 -
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Luke 24:32 The assembly welcomes the gospel singing the ALLELUIA before and after the verse: a c a c a Christ being raised from the dead will die no more; death has no more dominion over him. repeat Alleluia Jesus says, I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. repeat Alleluia GOSPEL Christ the shepherd John 10:11-18 The carillon rings out the Easter gospel. The holy gospel according to John. a Glory to you, O Lord. In this account of an appearance after his resurrection, Jesus opens the minds of the disciples to understand him as Messiah. Jesus convinces them that he has been raised and sends them on a mission to proclaim the message of repentance and forgiveness. Jesus says: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father. The gospel of the Lord. a Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON P Alleluia! Christ is risen! a Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! silence for reflection follows the sermon HYMN OF THE DAY (hymn) 764 Have No Fear, Little Flock 1 all; 2 higher voices; 3 lower voices; 4 - all HOLY BAPTISM INVITATION TO THE FONT Adam James Tichich son of Jenny and Jonathan Tichich Timothy & Jessica Tichich, Ryan Port, Stacy Edwards, sponsors Finally, the presider addresses the assembly: P People of God, do you promise to help this new Christian, and pray for him in his new life in Christ? a We do. - 3 -
PROFESSION OF FAITH P I ask you, members of the assembly, together with the baptismal party, to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the Church, the faith in which we baptize. In baptism our gracious heavenly Father frees us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are born children of a fallen humanity; by water and the Holy Spirit we are reborn children of God and made members of the church, the body of Christ. Living with Christ and in the communion of saints, we grow in faith, love, and obedience to the will of God. P Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? a I renounce them. P Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? a I renounce them. P Do you renounce all the ways of sin that draw you from God? a I renounce them. P Do you believe in God the Father? a I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. P Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? a I believe in Jesus Christ, God s 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 to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. P Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? a I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER The presiding minister fills the font with water in remembrance of God s saving activity around the waters of creation. BAPTISM You Belong to Christ (ELW 211) after the baptism, the assembly welcomes the candidate, singing: The minister lays both hands on the head of the baptized and prays for the Holy Spirit: P Let us pray. ANOINTING AND SIGNING WITH THE CROSS Oil is poured on the head of the baptized as the minister prays: GIVING OF THE LIGHT A garment (blanket) and lighted candle are given to the baptized (or to the sponsor of a young child) by representatives of the congregation, saying: c As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ: - 4 -
Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. WELCOME Let us welcome the newly baptized. a We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: Join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God s creative and redeeming word to all the world. The assembly may offer acclamation with applause. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION each petition concludes: hear us, O God a your mercy is great. for the sake of the crucified and risen one, Jesus Christ, our Lord. MEAL PEACE P The peace of the risen Christ be with you always. a And also with you. The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another. God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. GATHERING OF GIFTS The offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. After the offering is gathered, bread, wine, money, and other gifts are brought forward. The assembly stands as the procession reaches the chancel. Worthy is the Lamb from Messiah Offertory Prayer A Let us pray together. a Risen Christ, receive these gifts, with our hopes, dreams, and prayers. Reveal yourself to us in the breaking of the bread, that our eyes may be opened to see your presence among us, and our lives filled with the new life of your resurrection. Amen. GREAT THANKSGIVING P The Lord be with you. a And also with you. - 5 - The assisting minister pours out the wine. The presider continues with the Great Thanksgiving, concluding Lord s Prayer (1975) a Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. G. F. Handel
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to Communion All who come seeking Jesus are invited to receive these gifts of God. Communion at this service is served standing. Please follow the directions of the ushers to a communion station. Grape juice and gluten-free bread are available upon request. The benefits of the sacrament are fully present in either the bread or the wine, should health reasons prevent you from receiving one of the elements. Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing. Communion My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (bells) arr. Jason Krug O Lord, I Trust Your Shepherd Care Heinrich Schütz silence for reflection concludes the communion Prayer after Communion A Let us pray. God of abundance, with this bread of life and cup of salvation you have united us with Christ, making us one with all your people. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord. SENDING BLESSING P May the risen Christ bring you all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. SENDING HYMN (hymn) 544 Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing DISMISSAL Please face the cross for the dismissal. A Alleluia! Christ is risen! a Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! A Go in peace. Share the good news. a Thanks be to God. God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. The carillon sends the assembly into mission. POSTLUDE Easter Sonata Johann Georg Herzog Portions of the liturgy are from Sundays and Seasons.com 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress liturgies license #26515. - 6 -
Following worship coffee is served. Brief sanctuary tours will be offered after this service. Meet a docent at the pulpit. Your assistance in helping to prepare the sanctuary for our weekday ministries is welcomed. Please meet a staff member near the front of the sanctuary following the postlude to assist in clearing the pew chairs. This service is being streamed live on the internet. www.centralmpls.org SERVING TODAY Pastor D. Foy Christopherson Pastor Peter Nycklemoe Ron Fiscus Mark Sedio Jane Lien Central Choir Central Bell Choir Froya Olson, Robin Helgen, Mike Fairbairn, Harrison Hintzsche Seminarian Danielle Dunasky & Diane Olson Jack Friesen Karen Snyder Pastor Melissa Pohlman Mark Kieffer, Marc Wilson Varney Kiazolu Judith Hedman Muriel & Jerry Olsen, New Member Ministry Team presiding preaching assisting minister cantor/organist associate cantor choir handbell choir quartet readers crucifer baptism host communion minister sound operators lead usher for April docent hosts & greeters Chancel flowers for this weekend are given by Pat and Dave Forse in celebration of their 50 th wedding anniversary which was on April 20. If you wish to donate flowers contact Judy Korogi 10 days in advance at 612-788-1288. Large print service folders, assisted listening devices, and access seating are available to aid your participation in worship. Please inquire with an usher. - 7 -
WELCOME TO CENTRAL Everyone is welcome. As a community of the people of God, the members of Central Lutheran Church are called to welcome all people regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female (Galatians 3:28). Christ has made us one. Guests are welcome. We are pleased you are worshiping with us today. We invite guests to complete the Welcome to Central card found in the pew racks and leave it with an usher or place it in the offering plate. If you would like more information about Central, please contact us at 612-870-4416, or email info@centralmpls.org. Children are welcome at all services. Worship bulletins for children and activity bags are available at Sanctuary entrances. Welcome to the Lord s Table. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome at Holy Communion. Please follow the guidance of the ushers and instructions in the order of service. During communion, ministers will bring bread and wine to persons in designated access seating areas. Communion may be received in one kind (only bread or only wine) from any station if wheat bread or alcohol presents a health concern. Gluten-free breads and alcohol-free wine are available by request at most liturgies from most communion stations. Welcome to the Holy Baptism. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome to receive Holy Baptism. Please visit with any worship leader, staff member, hospitality volunteer, contact the church office, or complete an information card, indicating that you wish to be baptized. A pastor will contact you. Text to Give! Members and guests can make one-time contributions by text. Text 73256 Enter the code word centralmpls (all lowercase) Enter a numerical amount Press send and enter your payment details on the next screen Member contributions will appear on your contribution history. Friends of Central Stay connected Across the country and beyond there are many people who have a soft spot in their heart for Central Lutheran Church people who feel a connection both to the history and the ongoing mission of this congregation. If you re one of them, we invite you to join our network of Friends of Central. Pick up a brochure or visit our website for more information or to join. Electronic giving is available at Central. You can go online through Central s website at www.centralmpls.org and click on Give Today. If you give electronically, use the green pew card to drop in the offering plate instead of an envelope. Central Lutheran is supported by givers like you. Questions? Contact the church office at 612-870-4416. - 8 -