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April 27, 2025 9:00am 2nd Sunday of Easter Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
Doubting Thomas by Nick Piliero |
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GATHERING |
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PRELUDE
Christ ist Erstanden Johann C. F. Fischer
Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand, BWV 626 J. S. Bach
Yeon Soh, organ
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.
GATHERING HYMN The Day of Resurrection! ELW 361
GREETING
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.
Hymn of Praise
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.
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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.
SECOND READING Revelation 1:4-8
The book of Revelation recounts a mystical vision of the risen Christ experienced by a Christian prophet named John. Here he describes Christ as a timeless redeemer, the beginning, present, and end of all time.
A reading from Revelation.
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
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 upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
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. Glory to you, O Lord.
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
HYMN OF THE DAY O Sons and Daughters Let Us Sing ELW 386
Sing verse 1, then sing verses 5 – 8
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
God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
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.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
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. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
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.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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 always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
ANTHEM Morning Song J. S. Bach / arr. by Friedman
Karen Morrissey, piano
PRESENTATION OF GIFTS This Joyful Eastertide ELW 391
sing verse 1
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Risen One, You have given everything to us.
To You, God, we return it.
Everything we have is yours
Do with it what You will.
Give us only your love and your grace
That is enough for us. Amen.
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MEAL |
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 our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
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, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Sanctus
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!
Amen.
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.
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Every time we gather at this table, we build God’s love together.
Come and see how the foundation has been prepared!
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.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you 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.
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS
Touch That Soothes and Heals ACS 939
We Walk by Faith ELW 635
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray. Easter God, you have met us in bread and wine, and surprised us with your joy. Send us into the world dancing with delight and with hallelujahs ringing in our hearts, to share your justice and your praise. Amen.
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SENDING |
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 HYMN The Risen Christ ELW 390
Dismissal
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Go in peace. In Christ you are made new! Thanks be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
POSTLUDE Lift High the Cross arr. by Faye Lopez/Carolyn Hamlin
Karen Morrissey, piano and Yeon Soh, organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Kristen Tichenor
Lector David Hoyt
Communion Presenters Ellen Cloutier and Carie Corbett
Ushers Jim Scanlon and Lucy Pelland
Altar Care Elaine Martin and Stephanie Leclair
Livestream Operator Justine Mayotte
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 sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028. New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Prayer after communion by Jan Berry, found in Fire and Bread: Resources for Easter Day to Trinity Sunday by Ruth Burgess. |
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