WELCOME TO WORSHIP

It is our deepest hope that you feel welcome here. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available in the lobby area. We welcome all baptized Christians to Christ’s table for Holy Communion. Instructions for distribution are shown before the Dialogue. This worship guide is designed to provide you the information you need to join us in worship, but should you have any questions, please feel free to ask an usher, the pastor, or someone near you. Let us join in praising God as we are nourished by the Word and at the Table.

 

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 amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.

 

Prelude and bells

 

Announcements & PRAYER REQUESTS

 

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

(Stand as you are comfortable)                                       

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

 

P      Alleluia! Christ is risen.

C      Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

P      Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb!

C              Amen.

P              Let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.

Silence is kept for reflection.

 

P      Merciful God, you are the one who was, who is, and who is to come. You lead us beside still waters. We thank you for the waters of creation: morning dew, gentle rain, roaring waves. We thank you for the waters that nourish us.

Blessed are you.

 

C              You guide us to springs of the water of life.

 

P      Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness who accompanies us on our journeys. We give you thanks for your life-giving death and resurrection. We praise you for joining us in joy and sorrow.                  Blessed are you.

 

C              You guide us to springs of the water of life.

 

P              Holy Spirit, you anoint our head with oil and our cup overflows. Break down barriers that divide us. Fill us with the breath of peace.               Blessed are you.

 

C              You guide us to springs of the water of life.

 

P              Holy One, we thank you for the gifts and grace of baptism, and for making us a new creation. We join with saints and angels, giving you honor and praise,

now and forever.

 

C              Amen.

 

Opening Hymn              Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us                                            ELW 789

(stand as you are able)                                            St. 1, 2, &4

                                                                                                                                                         

1      Savior, like a shepherd lead us;

        much we need your tender care.

        In your pleasant pastures feed us,

        for our use your fold prepare.

        Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

        you have bought us; we are yours.

        Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

        you have bought us; we are yours.

 

2      We are yours; in love befriend us,

        be the guardian of our way;

        keep your flock, from sin defend us,

        seek us when we go astray.

        Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

        hear us children when we pray.

        Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

        hear us children when we pray.

 

4      Early let us seek your favor,

        early let us do your will;

        blessed Lord and only Savior,

        with your love our spirits fill.

        Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

        you have loved us, love us still.

        Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

        you have loved us, love us still.

 

Text: attr. Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

HYMN OF PRAISE                   This Is the Feast                  ELW p. 149-150

 

P      This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

 

C      Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

    whose blood set us free to be people of God.

    Power and riches and wisdom and strength,

    and honor and blessing and glory are his.

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

    Sing with all the people of God

    and join in the hymn of all creation:

    Blessing and honor and glory and might

    be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.

    This is the feast of victory for our God,

    for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.

    Alleluia. Alleluia.

                                                                                                                       

 

Prayer of the Day

 

P              The Lord be with you.       

C              And also with you.

P              Let us pray together,

 

C      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.

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.

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 through 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.

 

L:     The Word of the Lord.               

C:  Thanks be to God.

 

Psalm 23

 ¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
  I shall not be in want.
 ² The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures
  and leads me beside still waters.
 ³ You restore my soul, O Lord,
  and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
 ⁴ Though 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. 
 ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
  you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running 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. 

 

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25

Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.

 

¹⁹ It is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures 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 good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God. 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, having died to 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.

 

L:  The Word of the Lord.                           C:  Thanks be to God.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION  Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!   ELW 385

1.                   1

1              Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing!

                Now is the triumph of our king!

                To all the world glad news we bring:

                Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

Text: Cyril A. Alington, 1872-1955, alt.

Text © 1952, ren. 1986 Hymns Ancient & Modern, admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

 

P              The Holy Gospel according to John the 10^th chapter

 

C              Glory to you, O Lord

 

Gospel: John 10:1-10

Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.

 

[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.”

 

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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

 

SERMON

 

Hymn of the day         The Lord’s My Shepherd                                                                 ELW 778

(stand as you are comfortable)                                                                                                                                   st. 1, 4, & 5

 

1      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.

 

4      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.

 

5      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 Meeter, Edinburgh, 1650

 

APOSTLES’ CREED

 

C      I believe in God, the Father almighty,

                        creator of heaven and earth.

        I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

                        He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

                        and born of the virgin Mary.

                        He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

                        was crucified, died, and was buried.

                        He descended into hell.

                        On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

                        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

        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

 

Prayers of Intercession

P   Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world, let us pray for the needs of all creation.

A brief silence.

After each petition, the congregation responds:

 

P              Merciful God,            C              receive our prayer.

 

The prayers conclude:

 

P              God of resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.

C              Amen

 

Peace

 

P     The peace of the Lord be with you always.          C      And also with you.

 

OFFERING

An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. You are welcome to mail your offering to the church or access our on-line giving option: https://tinyurl.com/bp6yzvs4

 

OFFERTORY HYMN                         Thine Is the Glory                                    ELW 376 Refrain

 

        Thine is the glory, risen, conqu'ring Son;

        endless is the vict'ry thou o'er death hast won!

Text: Edmond Budry, 1854-1932; tr. R. Birch Hoyle, 1875-1939

 

OFFERING PRAYER

C    Merciful God, accept the fruits of our labor, gathered to give you glory.

You have set a table before us, a glimpse of that great day when we will hunger and thirst no more. Nourish us with the body and blood of Jesus, that goodness and mercy may follow us and bless the world you love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION   In This Feast of Love                 ACS 962 st. 1 & 2

 

1  In this feast of love, in this feast of love,

    Lord, you share your blood and your body,

    Jesus, Lamb of God.

 

2  In this bread and wine, in this bread and wine,

    you have promised, Lord, to be with us,

    Lamb of God divine.

 

Text: Jarkko Maukonen; tr. Mark Sedio, b. 1954

Text © 2017, 2020 Jarkko Maukonen, admin. Augsburg Fortress

 

 

Communion

We welcome all whom God has claimed in baptism to the Lord’s Table. Those who desire receiving communion in their seat, please notify the usher.

 

DIALOGUE

P  The Lord be with you.                           C       And also with you.

 

P  Lift up your hearts.                                              C       We lift them to the Lord.

 

P  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

  

C  It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 

P              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, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:

 

C                 HOLY, HOLY, HOLY                                                                                                                              ELW SM 193

 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might.

Heav’n 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. Hosanna in the highest.

 

P      Christ has died.  Christ has risen.  Christ will come again.

 

C              Amen, amen, amen (sung)

P              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.

 

As you take the wafer, hear these words.      “The body of Christ given for you.”  Partake of the bread.

               

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.

                         

As you take the cup of wine or juice, hear these words. “The blood of Christ shed for you.”  Partake of the wine/juice.

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

(sung - Music available on the back cover of the ELW Red Hymnal)

 

C   Our Father, which 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors;

  and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

  forever.

  Amen

 

 

RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

 

P        Come to the table of new life. Receive the risen Lord.

 

POST COMMUNION HYMN    Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing    ELW 389

1.                                         5             

5      Christ is alive, and comes to bring

        good news to this and every age,

        till earth and sky and ocean ring

        with joy, with justice, love, and praise.

Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936

Text © 1975, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission

POST COMMUNION PRAYER  

 

C              Holy One, through this meal you have made your home among us and are making all things new. Send us now to speak peace to anxious hearts,

to love our enemies, and to bring your healing to the nations. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

 

BLESSING

 

P        God Almighty, who is the beginning and the end, Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead, and the Spirit, our advocate and peace, ☩ bless you now and forever.

 

C              Amen.

 

SENDING HYMN               At the Lamb’s High Fest We Sing                                      ELW 362

1.                                                         1, 2, 7 & 8

1      At the Lamb's high feast we sing

        praise to our victorious king,

        who has washed us in the tide

        flowing from his wounded side. Alleluia!

 

2      Praise we Christ, whose love divine

        gives his sacred blood for wine,

        gives his body for the feast—

        Christ the victim, Christ the priest. Alleluia!

 

7      Easter triumph, Easter joy,

        this alone can sin destroy!

        From sin's pow'r, Lord, set us free,

        newborn souls in you to be. Alleluia!

 

8      Father, who the crown shall give,

        Savior, by whose death we live,

        Spirit, guide through all our days:

        Three in One, your name we praise.

        Alleluia!

Text: Latin hymn, 17th cent.; tr. Robert Campbell, 1814-1868, alt.

Dismissal

 

P      Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!       

 

C      Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

 

The worship has ended: the service begins

 

 

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #42052. Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-731018 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO TODAY’S FAITHFUL SERVANTS

Presiding:                                                 Vicar Chris Edmonds

Organist:                                                  Paul Foster

Greeter:                                                            Joan Smith

Usher:                                                              Dennis Hamilton

Acolyte:                                                            Elijah Danyus

Lector:                                                              Sara Corrigan

Communion Deacon:         Chris Hamilton

Coffee Host:                                              Roxie Danyus & Lucy Weyen

Altar Guild:                                                Kathy Carter                    

Cleaning:                                                  (B)   

 

               

Readings for Sunday, May 3, 2026

Acts 7:55-60

The martyrdom of Stephen

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)

1 Peter 2:2-10

God’s people chosen to proclaim God’s mighty acts

John 14:1-14

Christ the way, truth, and life