{"id":4538,"date":"2021-04-25T18:23:32","date_gmt":"2021-04-25T23:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=4538"},"modified":"2021-04-25T18:23:32","modified_gmt":"2021-04-25T23:23:32","slug":"sunday-worship-service-fourth-sunday-of-easter-25-april-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=4538","title":{"rendered":"Sunday Worship Service: Fourth Sunday of Easter: 25 April 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Unfortunately, the April 25th worship service that happened at First Evangelical Lutheran was not able to be recorded. Pastor Lee was intending to post and send the Lutherans Restoring Creation Earth Day Service as an additional opportunity for worship and so, in honor of Earth Month, that link is included below the First Evangelical Lutheran text of the worship service.\u00a0The Presiding Bishop Eaton preaches for this worship service from LRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is your peaceful place?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order of Worship for April 25, 2021: Good Shepherd Sunday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prelude: <\/strong>ELW 780- “Shepherd Me, O God.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanksgiving for Baptism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alleluia! Christ is risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refreshed by the resurrection life we share in Christ, let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. We thank you, risen Christ, for these waters where you make us new, leading us from death to life, from tears to joy. We bless you, risen Christ, that your Spirit comes to us in the grace-filled waters of rebirth, like rains to our thirsting earth, like streams that revive our souls, like cups of cool water shared with strangers. Breathe your peace on your church when we hide in fear. Clothe us with your mercy and forgiveness. Send us companions on our journey as we share your life. Make us one, risen Christ. Cleanse our hearts. Shower us with life. To you be given all praise, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, now and forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hymn:<\/strong> ELW 385- “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!” verses 1 & 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of the Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Reading: Acts 4:5-12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Peter and John had been arrested the previous day because they were proclaiming the news of the resurrection to the people. In today\u2019s reading, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit so that he can proclaim salvation in Jesus\u2019 name to the religious authorities.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5<\/sup>The next day [the] rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6<\/sup>with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7<\/sup>When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, \u201cBy what power or by what name did you do this?\u201d 8<\/sup>Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, \u201cRulers of the people and elders, 9<\/sup>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<\/sup>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<\/sup>This Jesus is
\u2003\u2018the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
\u2003\u2003it has become the cornerstone.\u2019
12<\/sup>There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm: Psalm 23<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1<\/sup>The Lord is my shepherd;
\u2003\u2003I shall not be in want.
\u20032<\/sup>The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures
\u2003\u2003and leads me beside still waters.
\u20033<\/sup>You restore my soul, O Lord,
\u2003\u2003and guide me along right pathways for your name\u2019s sake.
\u20034<\/sup>Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil;
\u2003\u2003for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
\u20035<\/sup>You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
\u2003\u2003you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
\u20036<\/sup>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
\u2003\u2003and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Reading: 1 John 3:16-24<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jesus\u2019 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\u2019s commandments.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

16<\/sup>We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us\u2014and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 17<\/sup>How does God\u2019s love abide in anyone who has the world\u2019s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
\u2003 18<\/sup>Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19<\/sup>And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20<\/sup>whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21<\/sup>Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22<\/sup>and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
\u2003 23<\/sup>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<\/sup>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gospel: John 10:11-18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus said: 11<\/sup>\u201cI am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12<\/sup>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\u2014and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13<\/sup>The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14<\/sup>I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15<\/sup>just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16<\/sup>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<\/sup>For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18<\/sup>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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sermon:<\/strong> Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hymn of the Day:<\/strong> ELW 587- “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy,” verses 1 & 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayers of Intercession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loving Shepherd, you know your own and your own know you. Your voice calls us to your loving embrace. Strengthen your church throughout the world that we bear witness to your expansive love. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gracious Shepherd, you are generous with the gifts of goodness and mercy. Restore your creation to wholeness so that cities and towns, countryside and wilderness, may abound with life. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope-giving Shepherd, the nations and peoples are your heritage. Place into the hearts of all leaders and rulers the passion to serve. Crucify any desire to overpower others and give leaders joy in lifting up the lowly. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abiding Shepherd, your love flows as we reach out to those around us. Move us with your Spirit, so that we lay down our lives for those in need especially Randy McIntyre; Abbey Wehrheim; Creed Kasselman; Karen Bemowski; Mary Florence; Patrick Esping; Mary Guise; Marilyn Hubbard; Rick Sandway; Nancy Johnson; Ryan Holtan; Helen Schubert, and all those we name before you. Help us love one another in truth and action. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saving Shepherd, you restore us to wholeness. Help our community in our life together and give us vigor as a people of faith. In the midst of challenges and opportunities, fill us anew with you Holy Spirit. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eternal Shepherd, you hold us securely in your loving hands. In the assurance of resurrection hope, we remember our loved ones who have died in you especially the evangelist Mark. Bring us, with them, to dwell in your house forever. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace<\/strong> (“Peace Be With You” features peaceful places in the video below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Thanksgiving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord’s Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wellspring of joy, through this meal we are about to receive you have put gladness in our hearts. Satisfy the hunger still around us, and send us as joyful witnesses, that your love may bring joy to the hearts of all people, through Jesus Christ our Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

May our glorious God grant you a spirit of wisdom to know and to love the risen Lord Jesus. The God of life, Father, \u2629 Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending Hymn:<\/strong> ELW 789- “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” verses 1 & 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dismissal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alleluia! Christ is risen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks be to God. Alleluia!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postlude: <\/strong>ELW 502- “The King of Love My Shepherd Is.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

YouTube link to Lutherans Restoring Creation Earth Day Service – April 25, 2021:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sermon: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: presiding bishop of the ELCA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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