Worship Outline and Sermon 

Worship Outline: May 5, 2024, Sixth Sunday of Easter (Holy Communion)

Introduction to the day

This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.

(* = please stand, as able)

Quiet Time for Reflection and Prayer

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

*Confession and Forgiveness (p. 94)

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism.

In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

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.

*Opening Song Beautiful Saviour (# 838)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RguqLdAzMcg

Beautiful Saviour, King of creation,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I’d love thee, truly I’d serve thee,

Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Fair are the meadows, fair are the woodlands,

Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

He makes my sorrowing spirit sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fair is the moonlight,

Bright the sparkling stars on high;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels in the sky.

Beautiful Saviour, Lord of the nations,

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honour, praise, adoration,

Now and forevermore be thine!

(Text: ‘Gesangbuch’, Münster, 1677; tr. Joseph A. Seiss. Tune: Silesian folk tune, 19th cent. Text and music: public domain.)

*Greeting (p. 98)

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 (p.98, sung)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DboXKDOd41U

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.

Amen, amen.

*Canticle of Praise (p. 101, sung)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMZrlPTt4aI

Refrain:

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

Whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power and riches, wisdom and strength,

And honour and blessing and glory are his.

Refrain:                                                    

Sing with all the people of God,

And join in the hymn of all creation:

Blessing and honour, glory and might

Be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.

Refrain:

For the lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia.

Refrain:

*Prayer of the Day

Let us pray. 

O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading:  Acts 10:44-48

While Peter shares the good news of Jesus with a Gentile soldier and his family, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Recognizing that the Spirit works inclusively in the lives of both Jews and Gentiles, Peter commands that these Gentiles also be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

  44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

   The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Hymn Jesus Loves Me! (# 595)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L12JmMvbtVM

Jesus loves me! This I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to him belong,

They are weak, but he is strong.

Refrain:

Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me,

Yes, Jesus, loves me, the Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died

Heaven’s gates to open wide;

He will wash away my sin,

Let his little child come in.

Refrain:

Jesus loves me! He will stay

Close beside me all the way;

When at last I come to die,

He will take me home on high.

Refrain:

(Text: Anna B. Warner, alt. Music: William B. Bradley. Text and music: public domain.) 

Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6

God’s children believe that Jesus is the Messiah and love God by keeping God’s commandments. Thus the world is conquered not through military might but through love and faith.

  1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. 5Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

 6This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

      The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*Gospel Acclamation (p. 102, sung)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO3nbnAe3Do

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

*Gospel: John 15:9-17

The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.

On the night of his arrest, Jesus delivers a final testimony to his disciples to help them in the days ahead. Here, he repeats the most important of all his commands, that they love one another.

[Jesus said:] 9“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

      The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon – Pastor Matthew

*Hymn of the Day Rise Up, O Saints of God! (# 669)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQil4RTBXeU

Rise up, O saints of God!

From vain ambitions turn;

Christ rose triumphant that your hearts

With nobler zeal might burn.

Speak out, O saints of God!

Despair engulfs earth’s frame;

As heirs of God’s baptismal grace,

The word of hope proclaim.

Rise up, O saints of God!

The kingdom’s task embrace;

Redress sin’s cruel consequence;

Give justice larger place.

Give heed, O saints of God!

Creation cries in pain;

Stretch forth your hand of healing now,

With love the weak sustain.

Commit your hearts to seek

The paths which Christ has trod;

And, quickened by the Spirit’s pow’r,

Rise up, O saints of God!

(Text: Norman O. Forness, © 1978, Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net A-714392. All rights reserved. Music: William H. Walter, public domain.)

*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.

*Prayers of Intercession

Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.

A brief silence.

Your Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the word. Fill your church with the gifts of your Spirit, including our partners in the Ev. Lutheran Church in Cameroon. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

You speak and the face of the earth is renewed. Revive your creation, that habitats and every kind of living thing might flourish. Protect endangered species and help us to care for all your creatures. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Your world is divided and the nations rage. Grant wisdom and vision to world leaders, that they may seek justice, peace, and the good of all. Strengthen international partnerships and cooperation. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Your children are in need. Comfort all those who suffer, especially those afflicted by anxiety, depression, and mental illness. Help us to be conduits of your love in our care for one another. Those we remember include …God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Your work is done even in the midst of the quiet. Bless now our silent prayers … God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Your blessed saints now rest in you. Give us thankful hearts for those who have gone before us ... At the last, bring us all together around your heavenly banquet table. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord.

Amen.

*Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

*Offering Prayer

Risen One, you call us to believe and bear fruit. May the gifts that we offer here be signs of your abiding love. Form us to be your witnesses in the world, through Jesus Christ, our true vine. Amen.

*Great Thanksgiving (p.107, sung)

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 our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG49pxojgjk

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

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. 

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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.

Invitation to Communion

The risen Christ is made known to us in the breaking of the bread. Come and eat at God’s table. The body and blood of Christ given and shed for you.

Communion

If watching online, when the presiding minister says, ‘The body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you,’ we welcome all to take and eat a piece of bread, remembering and giving thanks for the promises given us in Christ Jesus. Please also do so, taking a glass of wine or another beverage.

During Communion, please join in singing:

What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine (# 774, st. 1-2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnZqJjWLkDw

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:

(Text: Elisha A. Hoffman. Music: Anthony B. Showalter. Text and music: public domain.)

Prayer after Communion

Shepherding God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend. Amen.

*Blessing

The God of resurrection power, the Christ of unending joy, and the Spirit of Easter hope ☩ bless you now and always.

Amen.

*Sending Song Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing (# 389)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0rxbAXCuQg&t=86s

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Let streets and homes with praises ring.

Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound

To distant years in Palestine,

But saving, healing, here and now,

And touching ev’ry place and time.

In ev’ry insult, rift, and war,

Where colour, scorn, or wealth divide,

Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,

And lives, where even hope has died.

Women and men, in age and youth,

Can feel the Spirit, hear the call,

And find the way, the life, the truth,

Revealed in Jesus, freed for all.

Christ is alive, and comes to bring

Good news to this and ev’ry age,

Till earth and sky and ocean ring

With joy, with justice, love, and praise.

(Text: Brian A. Wren.  © 1975, 1995 Hope Publishing Company.  Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved. Music: T. Williams, ‘Psalmodia Evangelica’, 1789, public domain.)

*Dismissal

Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad.

Thanks be to God.

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