Worship for April 25, 2021; the Fourth Sunday of Easter

Download MT Worship Bulletin 4-25-2021 E4 (Booklet) here

Download TL Worship Bulletin-TL 04-25-2021 YB E4 here

THE GATHERING

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering with Bowl and Flame (Mt. Tabor 9:00)

Prelude/Gathering Song:Hymn #413 “Come into God’s Presence” ~ Pastor Scott Mt. Tabor 9:00

Prelude: “Gentle Shepherd” arr. Fred Bock Trout Lake 10:45

Call to Worship            

The Lord Jesus Christ is our shepherd.

He lays down his life for his sheep.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our shepherd.

He knows us, and we belong to him.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our shepherd.

He speaks, and we listen for his voice.

Let us pray together:

Prayer of the Day    

We are your people, O God; the sheep of your pasture, the flock you have gathered. Lead us beside still waters; teach us the way of righteousness; and feed us at your table; through Jesus Christ, our good shepherd. Amen

Hymn of Praise: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” ~ arr. Glad Acapella Project; Mt. Tabor, 9:00 AM

Hymn of Praise #610 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Trout Lake, 10:45 AM

Invitation to Healing

If we are honest with ourselves, our wills condemn us. But God, who knows everything, is greater than us; and God’s deep desire for our hearts is mercy, love, and peace.  Therefore, let us submit to God’s love.

Prayer of Wholeness

Lord, have mercy on us. We talk about love, but our actions betray us. We talk about love, but we neglect the poor. We talk about love, but we fail to love one another. Lord, have mercy on us. Forgive us, and abide in us by the power of your Spirit so that our lives may show our love for Jesus Christ, in whose body we live and in whose name we pray. Amen.

                    Please continue in silent prayer

Kyrie #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”

Assurance of God’s Presence and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say:

Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another. Please share a sign of peace with those with whom you are worshiping.

Hymn of Response #591: “Halle, Halle, Halle” Chorus 2x ~ Pastor Scott

Celebrating Joys and where we have seen God at work

Hymn #628: “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord” ~ Pastor Scott

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

God of all who doubt and all who believe, by the gift of your Spirit enable us to hear with our ears, to see with our eyes, and to follow our shepherd’s voice.  Amen.

First Reading Acts 4:5-12

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Epistle Reading 1 John 3:16-24 (Trout Lake, 10:45 AM)

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Participatory Reflection on the Gospel Reading: John 10:11-18

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Sermon: “TL 4-25-2021 Reframing the Question” ~ Pastor Scott Crane (Trout Lake, 10:45 AM)

Please spend several moments in silent reflection

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

Hymn of Response: #187 “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us”

Affirmation of Faith: ~ Adapted from the Confession of 1967

New life in Christ takes shape in a community in which people know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are.  They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace. 

Intercessory Prayers of the People

Call and response: “Lord, in your mercy,” “Hear our prayers.”

The Lord’s Prayer “…debts…debtors…”

Invitation to Present Our Offerings with Thanksgiving

Members, friends, and guests: Thank you for your commitment and your generosity during this past year and more. Your continued tithing practice and stewardship of our life together is precious.

Offering of Thanksgiving with Poetry & Song: “My Shepherd” (trans./arr. Michael Card) ~ Pastor Scott

Prayer of Dedication:

Gracious God, we give you thanks that you have shown us the meaning of love through Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us. Show us how to share Christ’s love by giving our lives for one another; to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

SENDING

Closing Hymn #182 “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”

Charge: In the name of the Good Shepherd, love one another. Amen!

Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. May God give you: For every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.

Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Questions for Reflection

What does it mean to lay down our lives for one another (1 John 3:16)? Think about people who have been “good shepherds” for you, sharing the love and showing the way of Jesus Christ. Who has helped to lead you in right paths or walked with you in dark valleys? Who has given you comfort and calmed your fears? Who has shown you hospitality and grace, making a place at the table for you, even when you felt surrounded by enemies? How have you done these things for others?

Household Prayer: Morning

Good shepherd, walk beside me through the joy and trouble of this day, and lead me in right paths for your name’s sake. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Good shepherd, remain with me in the dark and stillness of this night, and let me lie down in safety to restore my soul. Amen.