| April 27, 2025
† 11:00AM Second Sunday of Easter Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand |
Doubting Thomas by Nick Piliero |
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GATHERING |
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GATHERING SONG Great Are You Lord
Verse:
You give life. You are love. You bring light to the darkness
You give hope. You restore every heart that is broken
And great are You, Lord
Chorus:
Its Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise, we pour out pour praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only.
(verse)
(chorus)
Bridge:
And all the earth will shout your praise.
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You Lord!
And all the earth will shout your praise.
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You Lord!
(chorus)
WELCOME
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
In the name of ☩ the One
who was, who is, and who is to come.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,
and called to live the baptized life,
let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.
Water may be poured before or during the thanksgiving.
Holy God,
we give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that make a people your own,
that restore to wholeness,
and empower us to be witnesses in your name.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that strengthen believers
and give new life to beloved servants of your church;
waters that extend your boundless love
and cross barriers of our own making.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that open the hearts of believers
and give a voice in the night to those in captivity;
waters that set your people on a new path,
rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
make us one as you are one.
Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One,
that our every day is shaped by these waters
that give us our very lives in you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One. Amen.
CONGREGATION SONG
Because He Lives
Verse 1:
God sent His Son they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive
He bled and died to buy my pardon; an empty grave is there to prove
my Savior lives
Chorus:
Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because
He lives
Verse 2:
How sweet to hold our newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives
But greater still the calm assurance; this child can face uncertain days because Christ lives
(chorus)
Verse 3:
And then one day I’ll cross that river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to vict’ry, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know
He reigns
(chorus)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O God of life, you reach out to us amid our fears with the wounded hands of your risen Son. By your Spirit’s breath revive our faith in your mercy, and strengthen us to be the body of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song
FIRST READING Acts 5:27-32
Peter has been arrested for proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His response to the charges of the high priest summarizes the early church’s proclamation of forgiveness of sin through repentance.
A reading from Acts.
27 When they had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those
who obey him.”
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Cassie
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go to the Fellowship Hall for a story and craft. Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL John 20:19-31
The unprecedented events of the day of resurrection continue as the risen Jesus appears to his fearful disciples. A week later, after Thomas worships Jesus, Jesus pronounces that the blessings of the resurrection are also for those who “have not seen and yet believe.”
The Holy Gospel according to John.
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Cassie
CONGREGATION SONG I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
Verse 1:
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me; I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me; singing glory hallelujah! Jesus lifted me
Verse 2:
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me; Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me; singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me
Verse 3:
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me; when I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me; singing glory, hallelujah! Jesus lifted me
(verse 1)
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
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 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 THE PEOPLE
O Lord Hear My Prayer
Oh, Lord hear my prayer, Oh, Lord hear my prayer, When I call answer me
Oh, Lord hear my prayer, Oh, Lord hear my prayer, Come and listen to me
God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
Inspire the church with the breath of your Holy Spirit, that we sing the good news of the resurrection. Inspire deacons and pastors, lay leaders and bishops to boldly proclaim your love for all people.
Preserve the earth as a safe home for all creatures. Restore habitats contaminated by pollution, strengthen efforts to shape more sustainable communities, and make us mindful of the impacts of our daily lives on the well-being of creation.
Kindle in the nations a spirit of cooperation and mutual care. Raise up courageous leaders committed to ending the plague of gun violence. Console the victims and families affected by that violence after shootings at Florida State University and in Kashmir, India this past week.
Give your wisdom to the leaders of the Roman Catholic church as they enter a time of discernment for the future. Bless Pope Francis and the work of his ministry, that it will bear fruit and strengthen our Christian witness to the power of your love.
Embrace all who carry wounds, that they might know your compassion. Draw near to those with chronic pain or anxiety, and all for whom death is near. Comfort individuals and communities suffering in any way, especially the friends and family of Joe Taxiera, Shirley, Darlene, Steven, Michael, Linda, Bill, Lou, Jim, Nancy, Virginia, Terri, Maddie, Stella, Butch, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.
Transform our fear into curiosity and love, especially across differences in race, religion, sexuality, gender identity, and economic situation. Unravel stereotypes that lead to discrimination, and break down oppressive systems that marginalize vulnerable communities.
We remember the faithful departed from all times and places, especially the mother and father of Pat Fontes, and all victims of the Armenian genocide. Confident that you are the Alpha and Omega, we pray for your wisdom and guidance until our earthly pilgrimage is complete.
We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you.
GIFTS There’s Nothing That Our God Can’t Do Kristian Stanfill
CCLI#7141227
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of this bulletin)
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ
DIALOGUE
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 God thanks and praise.
PREFACE
SANCTUS Holy, Holy Scholtes
Refrain:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; God of power and might
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; God of power and might
Verse 1:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
(refrain)
Verse 2:
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest!
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
We praise you, O God, for your saving works throughout history.
We see your resurrection power in the goodness of creation,
in the fullness of community seeking to follow you, in the spirit of new life you place within us.
From the beginning, your people placed their trust in you.
Abraham and Sarah traveled to a new land and received your promise.
Moses and Miriam led the Israelites across the Red Sea into freedom.
Esther would not be silent in the face of oppression.
The prophets preached your word with passion and with power,
Daniel refused to bow down to the king.
Remembering the danger and risk in these stories and in our world, we give thanks for Jesus.
He sided with the poor, made the sick well, welcomed sinners, and ate with outcasts.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
He would not hate. He told the truth at the cost of his life.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
Betrayed and deserted by his friends, he was killed as a common criminal,
shamed and despised.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
Death could not hold him. God raised him in power from the grave.
We remember, we refuse to forget.
He returned to us without vengeance, only mercy in his hands.
He is with us now, to the end of the age.
And we remember that on the night when he was betrayed, he fed us with signs of love.
At the table, Jesus took some 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.
Together at the table, we say yes to the ways of love and mercy.
Together at the table, we resist the powers of death active all around.
Together at the table, we raise our voices to proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again!
Come Holy Spirit, Life of our life!
Bless this grain from the earth, this fruit of the vine.
Make them food and drink of abundant life.
Fill us with grace and courage to become servants of peace.
Make us one body in Jesus Christ, alive with you, now and for all time!
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
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.
OR
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. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence. We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
When you come forward, the pastor will place bread in your hand. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request. You can receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
COMMUNION SONG
Christ Is Risen Matt Maher
CCLI#5242683
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The God of resurrection power,
the Christ of unending joy,
and the Spirit of Easter hope
☩ bless you now and always.
Amen.
SENDING SONG Shout to the Lord
Verse:
My Jesus, my Saviour; Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter; tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am; never cease to worship You
Chorus:
Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing; power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands, forever I’ll love You forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You
(verse)
(chorus)
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Go in peace. In Christ you are made new! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thank you to those who helped with worship today:
Worship Assistant Jen Grady
Ushers Grady Family
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Michelle Grim Kati, Lawrence Kati, Matt Overholt, Mary Overholt
Altar Care Elaine Martin and Stephanie Leclair
UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS
Catherine of Siena, theologian, died 1380
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
This theologian was the first woman among Roman Catholics to receive the title “Doctor [teacher] of the Church.” Catherine was a Dominican sister known for her mystical visions as well as her work on behalf of people who were poor and imprisoned.
Philip and James, Apostles
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Philip was one of the first disciples of Jesus, and called Nathanael to “come and see.” Little is known of James, the son of Alphaeus, called “the Less” to distinguish him from another apostle named James.
Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, died 373
Friday, May 2, 2025
Best remembered for defending the teaching that Christ was fully God against those who taught otherwise, Athanasius was an influential church leader around the time of the Council of Nicea. He was banished from Alexandria five times for his forthright views.
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| From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27028. New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©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. CCLI#1313879.
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