Worship Outline and Sermon 

Worship Outline: April 21, 2024, Fourth Sunday of Easter (Holy Communion)

Introduction to the day

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 sibling in need.

(* = 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 Morning Has Broken  (# 556)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmV9E7qU6IM

Morning has broken

Like the first morning;

Blackbird has spoken

Like the first bird.

Praise for the singing!

Praise for the morning!

Praise for them, springing

Fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall,

Sunlit from heaven,

Like the first dewfall

On the first grass.

Praise for the sweetness

Of the wet garden,

Sprung in completeness

Where God’s feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight!

Mine is the morning,

Born of the one light

Eden saw play!

Praise with elation,

Praise ev’ry morning,

God’s re-creation

Of the new day!

(Text: Eleanor Farjeon, © Miss E. Farjeon Will Trust, admin. David Higham Associates. Permission pending. Music: Gaelic tune; arr. hymnal edition, © 2006, Augsburg Fortress, Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved.)

*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 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. Amen.

First Reading:  Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

 1The Lord is my shepherd;
  I shall not be in want.
 2The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures
  and leads me beside still waters.
 3You restore my soul, O Lord,
  and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
 4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil;
  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
  you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
  and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

     The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Hymn The Lord’s My Shepherd (# 778)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8_zd1WVfag

The Lord’s my shepherd; I’ll not want.

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; he leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

He leadeth me, he leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again,

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

E’en for his own name’s sake;

Within the paths of righteousness,

E’en for his own name’s sake.       

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill;

For thou art with me, and thy rod

And staff me comfort still;

For thou art with me, and thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast richly spread

In presence of my foes;

My head thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

My head thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me,

And in God’s house forevermore

My dwelling place shall be;

And in God’s house forevermore

My dwelling place shall be.

(Text: ‘The Psalms of David in Meter’, Edinburgh, 1650. Music: James L. Macbeth Bain; arr. Gordon Jacob. Music: public domain. Arr. © 1934, Oxford University Press. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved.)

Second Reading: 1 John 3:16-24

Jesus’ death on our behalf is the clearest demonstration of divine love. This is the very love we share with others, not just through our words but especially through our deeds. In sharing such love we fulfill God’s commandments.

  16We know love by this, that [Jesus Christ] laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17How 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?

 18Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

 23And 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. 24All 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.

      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 10:11-18

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

In language that recalls the twenty-third psalm, Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who cares for his sheep. He is willing to die for them, and he is able to overcome death for them.

    [Jesus said:] 11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The 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. 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I 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. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No 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. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon – Pastor Matthew

*Hymn of the Day Borning Cry (# 732)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e83Ydt8ZQdk

“I was there to hear your borning cry,

I’ll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized

To see your life unfold.

I was there when you were but a child,

With a faith to suit you well;

In a blaze of light you wandered off

To find where demons dwell.”         

“When you heard the wonder of the Word

I was there to cheer you on;

You were raised to praise the living Lord,

To whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

And you join your hearts as one,

I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme

From dusk till rising sun.”

“In the middle ages of your life,

Not too old, no longer young,

I’ll be there to guide you through the night,

Complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in

And you shut your weary eyes,

I’ll be there as I have always been,

With just one more surprise.”

“I was there to hear your borning cry,

I’ll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized

To see your life unfold.”

(Text and music: John C. Ylvisaker. © 1985, John C. Ylvisaker. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net A-714392. All rights reserved.)

*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.    [Continued]

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.

Shepherding God, guide and enlighten us, that living in into a renewed vision of the church we may all be strengthened in our Christian vocation in and for our church, and in and for our world. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Nurturing God, inspire scientists, researchers, conservation organizations, and all people entrusted with the task of caring for creation, that we may be better stewards of the world around us. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Almighty God, lead nations and communities to share resources, cooperate in solving conflicts, and listen to the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. Bring justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Loving God, protect the very young and the very old, those living without housing, victims of domestic abuse, and all who live with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. Guide communities to actively care for people who are vulnerable. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Gracious God, be with all those who listen for your voice. This includes … God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Comforting God, listen to our silent prayers…God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Living God, we give thanks for our ancestors in faith … Strengthen us to share the good news in our own day, even as we give thanks for the new ministry of Pastor Tim Perry with the people of St. Paul – Steinbach. 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:

For the Bread Which You Have Broken (# 494, st.1-2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRUeArT1cVY

For the bread which you have broken,

For the wine which you have poured,

For the words which you have spoken,

Now we give you thanks, O Lord.

By this promise that you love us,

By your gift of peace restored,

By your call to heav’n above us,

Hallow all our lives, O Lord.

(Text: Louis F Benson, alt. © 1925 Robert Jefferys Jr., admin. Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved. Music: ‘Gross Catolisch Gesangbuch’, Nürnberg, 1631; arr. William Smith Rockstro, 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 Go, My Children, with My Blessing (# 543)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wskMbhK5HCc

“Go, my children, with my blessing,

Never alone.

Waking, sleeping, I am with you,

You are my own.

In my love’s baptismal river

I have made you mine forever.

Go, my children, with my blessing,

You are my own.”

“Go my children, sins forgiven,

At peace and pure.

Here you learned how much I love you,

What I can cure.

Here you  heard my dear Son’s story,

Here you touched him, saw his glory.

Go, my children, sins forgiven,

At peace and pure.”

“Go, my children, fed and nourished,

Closer to me.

Grow in love and love by serving,

Joyful and free.

Here my Spirit’s power filled you,

Here my tender comfort stilled you.

Go, my children, fed and nourished,

Joyful and free.”

(Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, alt.  © 1983, Concordia Publishing House. Music: Welsh traditional; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams. © Oxford University Press. Text and arr. reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net #A-714392. All rights reserved.)

*Dismissal

Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad.

Thanks be to God.

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