Third Sunday of Easter

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray.
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Psalm:  Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

The holy gospel according to Luke.Glory to you, O Lord. 

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

Sermon

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Separated in our residences but united by God’s promises of restoration, we pray for the church, the earth, the world, and all who are in need, saying:  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

A brief silence.

Come to the church, so burdened by heartache. Give us faith to know your loving presence among us. Open the scriptures to us, and nourish us with the bread of your word. Direct our clergy and church leaders, in their novel and difficult tasks. Bind into one all denominations around the globe in hope for the renewal of all things, and uphold the work of the World Council of Churches.

A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Come to the earth. Bless all the natural world. Renew landscapes, cleanse the waters, and protect the animals. Save your people especially at this time from destructive storms and floods. Keep viruses in check, for the sake of your beloved humans.

A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Come to the nations. Preserve all peoples from war and violence. Guide the leaders of nations, our president, our governors, and our legislators toward wise decisions in struggling against the virus and in reviving the economy. Teach all peoples how to share limited resources with those in greater need. Guide the work of the United Nations during this unprecedented situation.

A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Come to all who suffer from the virus. Comfort the mourners, heal the sick, sustain medical workers. Empower those researchers who are seeking a vaccine. Stay with us, and accompany all those who are isolated or afraid. Give to those with prior ailments and chronic disease their necessary medical care. Especially we pray for those we name here before you (especially):

A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

As at Emmaus you joined the meal of the disciples, so come also to our tables. Uphold farmers, ranchers, migrant workers, and all who produce, package and market our food. Guard the health of those who work at grocery stores. Bless the efforts of local food banks. Enable us to feed the children who have relied on food given out at school. Show us how to feed the people living in refugee camps and nations experiencing famine and drought.

A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Walk with us on our roadways, whether marked with sorrow or joy, and receive our petitions, both sad lament or fervent praise.

A longer period of silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Accept our praises for those who have died in the faith, including those who stricken with the virus, the medical workers who died healing others, and this week Catherine of Siena, the apostles Philip and James, and Bishop Athanasius, each of whom served you in their own time and place. Accompany us now, as you did them, until at the end of all things we feast at your table with all the saints in glory.

A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

With bold confidence in your providence, O holy and gracious God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our saving Lord.
Amen.

Offering

Your continued financial support is inspiring. During this season of pandemic, may we maintain our solid footing for whatever God is preparing for us in our mutual ministry and mission as a congregation. 

Offertory Prayer and Invitation

Generous God, we would be lost without the gift of your living, enduring word in Scripture. You teach us the mystery that Jesus, your dear Son, willingly gave his life to ransom us from death. Guide our hearts by your Spirit to set our hopes on you, not on perishable things like money. Accept our offerings in gratitude for all that you provide for us. Embolden our church to bring your word to enrich the lives of our neighbors. Through Christ, the source of new life, we pray. Amen. (1 Peter 1:17-23)

Let us pray.

A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Almighty God, you give us the joy of celebrating our Lord’s resurrection. Give us also the joys of life in your service, and bring us at last to the full joy of life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

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

The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Almighty God, Father, + Son and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.  Amen.

Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God. 

+        +        +

Devotional Music Links: For your individual or group devotion, you may choose to listen to the following choral recording made available through Augsburg Fortress: “Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing”

Prayer Requests

Jack Leeti, as he mourns the death of his wife Betty. 

Chet Walker prayers requested as he has been admitted to Hershey Medical Center for treatment of cancer. 

Bruce Toma was readmitted to NIH for ongoing evaluation and participation in a treatment trial for has pancreatic cancer.

Pat Midolo, is under the care of SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice.

Luther Rider has moved into skilled care at SpiriTrust Lutheran the Village at Luther Ridge.

Cameron Zeger, great-grandson of Jerry and Jeanie Madden. Cameron is back at Hershey Medical Center being treated for cancer.

For our bishops: Elizabeth, Jim, and Bishop of Konde Diocese, The Rev. Dr. Edward Johnson Mwaikali and all who serve the church.

Upcoming Commemorations

Catherine of Siena, theologian, died 1380

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

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

Friday, May 1, 2020

Philip was one of the first disciples of Jesus, and called Nathanael to "come and see." He later responded to an Ethiopian official's request for teaching and baptism. 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

Saturday, May 2, 2020

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.

Readings for the Week:

Monday Psalm 134. Tuesday 1 Peter 2:1-3. Wednesday (commemoration of Catherine of Siena, theologian, died 1380) Exodus 24:1-11. Thursday Psalm 23.  Friday (Philip and James, Apostles) John 14:8-14. Saturday (commemoration of Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, died 373) Ezekiel 34:1-16. Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10.

Daily Prayer Resources are now available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.

Announcements:

Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Online 
Grab your coffee and danish and join us today at 10:30 AM (and the Sundays following) for a time of fellowship and edification online. Spend some time face-to-face with your friends and fellow members of St. Luke. Look for the Zoom link on our website (saintlukechambersburg.org) or on our Facebook page.

Wednesday Evening Zoom Share and Prayer Meeting

Pastor Frye is leading our Wednesday evening Share and Prayer Meeting tonight on Zoom opened up to all, 7:00 PM Eastern Time. It's a good time for you to share how you are doing and ask for prayers for our Church yourself or others in need.

Join Zoom Meetings at 7:00 PM

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/8175586621

Meeting ID: 817 558 6621

(please note, this is every Wednesday at 7 PM at the same Zoom address)

You can also go to our web site and see all the new information Shelly has been adding. If you want to see the resources click here.

SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice has asked that we hold off on baking our sweet bread for Bereavement. Since it is deemed non essential they asked if we hold off until further notice and have thanked everyone for their kindness.

Do you know anyone downsizing?  Cleaning out household items or furniture during this unique time?  Well, hold on to them and donate them to those in need once the crisis is over. During the season of Easter, St. Luke is focusing on the Chambersburg Conference of Lutheran Churches Homeless Connection.  

How does it work? Once a homeless person/family is in the place to move into an apartment, the ministry (Chambersburg Conference of Lutheran Churches Homeless Connection) is notified provides needed furniture and household items.

There are three ways to help:
1. Donate money. (Make your check out to St. Luke and note "Homeless Connection" in the Memo.)
2. Donate time. (Drive your truck, or use your muscle to help lift items.)
3. Donate household items. (A full list of items can be seen on our website or our Facebook page.  If you'd like a paper copy sent to you, please contact the Church office.)

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress. Reflection material: Gordon Lathrop. Intercessory Prayer: Gail Ramshaw

Readings from Readings for the Assembly © 1995, 1996, 1997 Augsburg Fortress. Citations from the Revised Common Lectionary © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Scripture quotations from NRSV Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, adapted and edited with permission by Gordon Lathrop and Gail Ramshaw.

Easy Lemon 30 Second by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200078 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Second Sunday of Easter

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Prayer of the Day

Let us pray.
Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith in you and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

First Reading  Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Psalm  Psalm 16

Second Reading  1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel  John 20:19-31

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

Sermon

Offering

Your continued financial support is inspiring. During this season of pandemic, may we maintain our solid footing for whatever God is preparing for usin our mutual ministry and mission as a congregation. 

Prayers of Intercession

Praying in our homes while gathered together in the Spirit of Christ, we ask God to bestow peace upon a needy world, using words from today’s psalm: Protect us, O God, for we take refuge in you.

A brief silence.

Faithful God, we pray for the church around the world. Enter into our countless separate houses with your gift of peace. Guard the health of our bishops, pastors, teachers, and musicians. As Christians around the globe are united in their suffering through the coronavirus, so unite us also in the hope of life in the Risen Christ.

A brief silence.

Protect the church, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

Creating God, we pray for the earth that you have given into our care. As human society is quieted by sickness, give your plants and animals, lands and seas, a time to renew and replenish themselves. Nurture the fields that will supply our food.

A brief silence.

Protect the earth, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

Righteous God, we pray for the nations. Give peace to our troubled world. Bless the efforts of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Strengthen democracies. Bring an end to violence between nations, across borders, within countries, between gangs, and inside homes. Uphold the governors of our land. Bless our country with integrity in government, attention to the needy, persistence in facing the pandemic, and wisdom in proceeding into an unknown future.

A brief silence.

Protect the nations, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

Compassionate God, we pray for all in any need. Comfort the bereaved. Accompany the sick, especially the multitude who have contracted the coronavirus, and those we remember in our hearts (especially). Visit the homes of all who are isolated, and hold the lonely and fearful in your arms. Grant your peace to the millions of unemployed; give them food for today and hope for tomorrow. Help us find a home for refugees. Support medical care workers in their endless and sometimes fruitless tasks of attending to the pandemic patients. Provide needed medical supplies for hospitals.

A brief silence.

Protect the needy, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

Gracious God, we pray for children and youth. Shelter them from all sickness. Keep homebound children safe from hunger and abuse. Nurture teenagers with a vision of life beyond this pandemic. Give them assurance as they are separated physically from friends and mentors. Give to all children and youth forbearance beyond their years.

A brief silence.

Protect children and youth, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

Loving God, we pray for ourselves. Renew our spirits with the living hope of Christ’s resurrection, and hear also the private petitions of our hearts.

A longer period of silence.

Protect us, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

Eternal God, we praise you for the lives of all who have died in the faith, especially today the Petri brothers of Sweden and those we name here before you (especially). Sustained  by the promise of healing and resurrection, free us from the fear of death, and bring us at our end with all the saints into the joy of your presence.

A brief silence.

Protect your people, O God,
for we take refuge in you.

With bold confidence in your peace which passes human understanding, we offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, now and forever.
Amen.

Let us pray.

A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Almighty God, you give us the joy of celebrating our Lord’s resurrection. Give us also the joys of life in your service, and bring us at last to the full joy of life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

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

Blessing 

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.
Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Devotional Music Links: For your individual or group devotion, you may choose to listen to the following choral recordings made available through Augsburg Fortress, “The Chief Cornerstone”; “Come You Faithful Raise the Strain”; “Good Christian Friends Rejoice and Sing.”

Prayer Requests

Jack Leeti, as he mourns the death of his wife Betty. A graveside service was held for Betty on Friday morning in Bendersville.

Chet Walker prayers requested as he decides how to proceed with treatment of cancer. 

Marybeth Murray Emmerth, sister of Kathy Bookheimer. Marybeth is a respiratory therapist. She is a professor in a four year college respiratory program. She has been recruited to work in West Virginia Coronavirus hotspots. There are now more ventilators but not enough trained staff to use them.

Sam Main, sister of Nancy Carson and Sue Cline. She is in Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital. While she tested negative for Covid-19, she is recieving treatments to regulate her breathing.

Orlena, wife of Dick Kuhn's brother, who has been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She is awaiting a treatment plan.

Announcements:

Do you know anyone downsizing?  Cleaning out household items or furniture during this unique time?  Well, hold on to them and donate them to those in need once the crisis is over. During the season of Easter, St. Luke is focusing it's giving to the Chambersburg Conference of Lutheran Churches Homeless Connection.  

How does it work? Once a homeless person/family is in the place to move into an apartment, the ministry (Chambersburg Conference of Lutheran Churches Homeless Connection) is notified and helps by providing needed furniture and household items.

There are three ways to help:

1. Donate money. (Make your check out to St. Luke and note "Homeless Connection" in the Memo.)

2. Donate time. (Drive your truck, or use your muscle to help lift items.)

3. Donate household items. (A full list of items can be seen on our website or our Facebook page.  If you'd like a paper copy sent to you, please contact the Church office.)

Adult Faith Formation

Grab your coffee and danish and join us next Sunday, April 26 @ 10:00am and the Sundays following, for a time of fellowship and edification online. Spend some time face-to-face with your friends and fellow members of St. Luke. Look for the Zoom link on our website (saintlukechambersburg.org) or on our Facebook page.  

Readings for the Week:

Monday Psalm 114. Tuesday (commemoration of Anselm, Bishop of Canterbury, died 1109) 1 Corinthians 15:19-28. Wednesday Matthew 12:38-42. Thursday (commemoration of Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, died 1960) Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19.  Friday Isaiah 26:1-4. Saturday (Mark, Evangelist) Mark 1:1-15. Third Sunday of Easter Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35.

Upcoming Commemorations

Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1573; renewers of the church

Sunday, April 19, 2020

These two brothers studied with Luther at the University of Wittenberg and then returned to their native Sweden to introduce the Lutheran reforms. Olavus published a catechism and hymnal; Laurentius was a professor who defended the office of bishop and later became one.

Anselm, Bishop of Canterbury, died 1109

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

This eleventh-century monk was one of the greatest theologians of the Middle Ages. He is remembered for emphasizing the maternal aspects of God, and for the theory that the Son of God became human in order to make the necessary payment for our sin.

Day of the Creation (Día de la Creación) (LLC)

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

This observance invites us to notice and give God thanks for the wonders of the created universe. As stewards of that creation, we are also challenged to be careful in our use of it.

Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, died 1960

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Born in Kobe, Japan, Kagawa was orphaned as a young child. Later, when he became Christian, he was disowned by the rest of his family. Wishing to bring Christian principles into society, he worked among poor people, established schools and hospitals, and worked for peace.

Mark, Evangelist

Saturday, April 25, 2020

He was not numbered among the twelve apostles, yet Mark was probably a member of the early church community. The gospel that bears his name is the shortest and most direct, and many scholars think it was the first to be written.

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.  Intercessory Prayer: Gail Ramshaw

Readings from Readings for the Assembly © 1995, 1996, 1997 Augsburg Fortress. Citations from the Revised Common Lectionary © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Scripture quotations from NRSV Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, adapted and edited with permission by Gordon Lathrop and Gail Ramshaw.

Easter Sunday 2020

St. Luke Evangelcial Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Easter Sunday 2020

Set out and light a candle. You may wish to have a bowl of water as a reminder of your baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Opening Hymn  Jesus Christ Is Risen Today

1 Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia! our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

2Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia! who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

3 But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! our salvation have procured; Alleluia! now above the sky he's king, Alleluia! where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! praise eternal as his love; Alleluia! praise him, all you heav'nly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

Text: Latin carol, 14th cent., sts. 1-3; tr. J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708, alt.; Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, st. 4

Greeting and Prayer of the Day

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!

Let us pray:  Holy God! With the women who were the first to proclaim the good news, we gather in many places - in our houses, apartments, rooms, in front of our computers - to meditate and to sing your praises. Through the resurrection, a door has been opened and your peace is shared. Keep us in that peace throughout these exceptional times. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Readings

Acts 10:36-40a 

“You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, 
preaching peace by Jesus Christ
— he is Lord of all. 
That message spread throughout Judea, 
beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced:
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; 
how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, 
for God was with him. 
We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. 
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 
but God raised him on the third day.”
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Colossians 3:1-4 

If you have been raised with Christ, 
seek the things that are above, 
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 
Set your minds on things that are above, 
not on things that are on earth, 
for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 
When Christ who is your life is revealed, 
then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel  Matthew 28:1-10

The holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. 

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 

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

Sermon

Offering

Your continued financial support is inspiring. During this season of pandemic, may we maintain our solid footing for whatever God is preparing for usin our mutual ministry and mission as a congregation.

Offering Prayer

Merciful God,our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. We thank you for your faithfulness that is new to us every morning and equips us for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen

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 Intercession 

Concluding prayers.

Let us pray,

A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Praise and thanks to you, holy God, for by your Word you made all things: you spoke light into darkness, called forth beauty from chaos, and brought life into being. For your Word of life, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

By your Word you called your people Israel to tell of your wonderful gifts: freedom from captivity, water on the desert journey, a pathway home from exile, wisdom for life with you. For your Word of life, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

Through Jesus, your Word made flesh, you speak to us and call us to witness: forgiveness through the cross, life to those entombed by death, the way of your self-giving love. For your Word of life, O God,
we give you thanks and praise.

Send your Spirit of truth, O God; rekindle your gifts within us: renew our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love, for the sake of a world in need. Faithful to your Word, O God, draw near to all who call on you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever.
Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

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

Blessing

The blessing of God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, surround and sustain you, keep you from harm, and fill you with courage. Amen

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Devotional Music Links: For your individual or group devotion, you may choose to listen to the following choral recordings made available through Augsburg Fortress. “The Day of Resurrection”; “Awake My Heart with Gladness”

Prayer Requests

Marybeth Murray Emmerth, sister of Kathy Bookheimer. Marybeth is a respiratory therapist. She is a professor in a four year college respiratory program. She has been recruited to work in West Virginia Coronavirus hotspots. There are now more ventilators but not enough trained staff to use them.

Sam Main, sister of Nancy Carson and Sue Cline. She is in Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital. While she tested negative for Covid-19, she is recieving treatments to regulate her breathing.

Orlena, wife of Dick Kuhn's brother, who has been diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She is awaiting a treatment plan.

For Herb and Barb Faust as they mourn the death of Herb's sister, Celia.

Chet Walker is at Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital undergoing further testing and evaluation for cancer.

Sadie and Rich Garner have tested positive for Covid-19 and are at home.

Readings for the Week:

Monday Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24. 

Tuesday Colossians 3:12-17. 

Wednesday Matthew 28:1-10. 

Thursday Psalm 16. 

Friday 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. 

Saturday Song of Solomon 8:6-7.

Second Sunday of Easter (commemoration of Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1573; renewers of the church) Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31.

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress. Reflection material: Gordon Lathrop. Intercessory Prayer: Gail Ramshaw

Offertory Music:  Prelude No. 20 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/

Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/

Readings from Readings for the Assembly © 1995, 1996, 1997 Augsburg Fortress. Citations from the Revised Common Lectionary © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Scripture quotations from NRSV Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, adapted and edited with permission by Gordon Lathrop and Gail Ramshaw.