The Service in PDF format is at: April 21, 2024 Service
Video of service is at: YouTube
Peace Lutheran Church
We welcome you in the name of the Lord Jesus. We are honored with your presence. If you do not have a church home, you are invited to join us regularly. Please introduce yourself to Pastor Jeremy Lucke or one of the Ushers as you leave today and sign the guest book in the entryway. We continue to observe the guidelines for health safety. If you have any questions, please see an usher. Everyone is welcome.
The ringing of the bell and the lighting of the Christ candle mark the beginning of our service and a time for quiet meditation, prayer and inward reflection as we begin our worship.
Children are welcome at our worship services. If you prefer, Peace Lutheran has a playroom equipped for children three years old and younger. The room is unstaffed and can be accessed in the fellowship hall where the service is also being live streamed for your convenience and enjoyment.
Holy Communion is celebrated every first and third Sunday and will follow the order of service in the bulletin. If you are a baptized Christian and share our faith in Jesus as Savior and have been instructed in the meaning and use of the Lord’s Supper, you are invited to partake. We have pre-wrapped communion wine or juice and wafers. We also have gluten-free wafers available. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, ask the server. May the body and blood of Jesus, present in the bread and wine, be a blessing to you.
There are times during the service when you will be asked to stand if you are able. Please feel free to remain seated if standing is difficult.
Offering. Peace Lutheran Church understands and teaches that Offerings are voluntary and to be from the heart. Whether we give or do not give does not determine our salvation. Whether we give much or little does not determine our standing before God. Sharing an Offering is an opportunity to quietly practice generosity with our neighbors.
Serving You
Pastor Pastor Jeremy Lucke
Music Director Colleen Schulze
Choir Director Diane Crocker
Supt. Of Sunday School Anne Schroeder & Karyn Stanley
Admin Assistant Daniel Dusek
Parish Nurse Kathy Durling
Webmaster Jim Holroyd
Audio-Visual Johnathon Holroyd, George Abele, Nicholas Abele, Merv Munster, Callie Santora, Caleb Santora, Joyce Long, Oscar Gutbrod, Sam Worth, Rick Durling, Jim Holroyd, Debbi Weiler, Daniel Dusek
Praise Team Rick Durling, Patrick Kamins, Karyn Stanley, Nora Stanley, Diane Crocker, Kaia Lucke, Sarah Grassel, Caleb Santora
Today, April 21, 2024
Musician Colleen Schulze
Reader Debbi Weiler
Flowers Karen Motlok (honoring 25th wedding anniversary)
AS WE GATHER…………..This Sunday in the Church Year is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Flocks of sheep can number in the hundreds or even thousands. An annual trek from winter quarters to summer pastures and back again at a location in rural Idaho consistently draws hundreds of spectators to a location where the sheep must cross a major highway to reach their destination. Keeping track of two or three thousand sheep on the move is quite a task! Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows how to care for not just thousands but millions of His sheeplike people. Assured and reassured that we are part of His flock, we travel through life following the guidance of our caring Shepherd!
RINGING OF THE BELL…………. Following the ringing of the bell, we take a few moments in silence to prepare our hearts and minds for today’s worship.
Text by John Newton. Adapsted and arranged by John Coates, Jr.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found;
Was blind but now I see.
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‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
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Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
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Amazing grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found;
Was blind but now I see.
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
Leader: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Leader: By this we know love,
People: that He laid down His life for us.
Leader: “I am the good shepherd,” says the Lord.
People: The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Leader: Whoever keeps His commandments abides in God, and God in him.
People: And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
WE CONFESS OUR SINS
Leader: We confess our sins to God and one another:
People: Gracious Lord God, we confess our sins to you, the sins in our thoughts, words and actions. We confess that we do not always appreciate your Fatherly love, and the love you give to families. Help parents and grandparents to show your love, and so bring up their children and grandchildren in a loving Christian atmosphere. Amen.
~~~~~ Silence for Reflection ~~~~~
WE RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS
Leader: God is gracious and is more ready to forgive us than we are to receive it thankfully and humbly. As a fellow child of God I declare the forgiveness of all our sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
SONG OF TRUST “The Lord’s My Shepherd”
The Lord’s my shepherd; I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green: he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
He leadeth me, he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling-place shall be.
Leader: We pray together.
People: Great Shepherd of the sheep, You search us out when we are lost. You pick us up when we are hurt and you bring us to safe pasture. As we gather for worship this day, help us to clearly see and hear of your love for us so that we can leave with confidence knowing that, with you as our Shepherd, we have nothing to fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Love one another as Christ has loved us.
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;
20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;
22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd.
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
Leader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, O Christ.
SERMON HYMN “He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought”
Text: Joseph H. Gilmore, 1834-1918, alt. Tune: William B Bradbury, 1816-1868; ©1978 Published by Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church in America, Philadelphia.
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly
comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where-e’er I be,
Still God’s hand that lead-eth me.
.
Chorus: He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
.
Sometime mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Chorus
Lord, I would clasp
Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content whatever lot I see,
Since ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
Chorus
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Still God through
Jordan leadeth me.
Chorus
SERMON
Pastor Jeremy Lucke
People: I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
And was born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate.
Was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
And is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy Christian Church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting. Amen.
OFFERING
We offer our thanksgiving for what God has first given us – ourselves, our time, our possessions.
Leader: Let us pray to God Almighty for people everywhere in their various needs, for the Church around the world, for all who are near and dear to us, and for ourselves.
Reader: The Lord is my shepherd;
People: I shall not want.
Leader: We pray, O Lord, that wherever people are calling out to You, wanting for food, clothing, or shelter, that You will awaken in us and in government and social agencies care and compassion. Thus may the blessings You have showered on this planet be shared with them, bringing You all the praise. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Reader: He makes me lie down in green pastures.
People: He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
Leader: Sovereign God, we pray for all people who are suffering under the ravages of war between nations, civil unrest and revolution, and terror from extremists of all stripes. Raise up leaders who will work for peace and justice and will seek ways of reconciliation. Move government leaders to look in empathy on all who are denied basic human rights; lead them to make decisions to restore calm and human dignity for all. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Reader: He leads me in paths of righteousness
People: for His name’s sake.
Leader: O Holy Spirit, we pray for the Church here and around the world. Grant opportunity for clergy and lay leaders to share the good news, strengthening those who trust in Jesus and leading many to their Savior. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Reader: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
People: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Leader: Lord Jesus, hear us as we pray for those we know who are calling out to You for healing of body or mind, who face this day with sudden crises, are enduring long term illness, or are looking through tears of sorrow, (including………….). Grant them days of health, relief, and comfort as You accompany them on their journey. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Reader: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
People: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Leader: Heavenly Father, grant strong faith to us and all who come to the Lord’s Supper this day. Give us the blessings of life and salvation that flow from our Savior’s body and blood. Lord, in Your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Reader: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
People: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Leader: These and any other things You would have us ask of You, heavenly Father, grant to us for the sake of Jesus, Your Son, our Lord, in whose name we pray.
People: 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
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Text: Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1779-1847; Tune: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812-1887
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need your tender care;
In your pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use your fold prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
You have bought us, we are yours.
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We are yours; in love befriend us,
Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep your flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear us children when we pray.
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You have promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
You have mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to you.
.
Early let us seek your favor;
Early let us do your will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With your love our spirits fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Your have loved us, love us still;
“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing”
Text: Omer Westendorf, Tune: Wlsh Folk tune, © Public Domain
Sent forth by God’s Blessing,
Our true faith confessing,
The people of God from
his dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended,
Oh, now be extended
The fruits of this service
in all who believe.
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The seed of his teaching,
Receptive souls reaching,
Shall blossom in action for
God and for all.
His grace did invite us,
His love shall unite us
To work for God’s kingdom
and answer his call.
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With praise and thanksgiving
To God ever living,
The tasks of our ev’ry day life
we will face.
Our faith ever sharing,
In love ever caring,
Embracing his children of
each tribe and race.
.
With your feast you feed us,
With your light now lead us;
Unite us as one in this life
that we share.
Then may all the living
With praise and thanksgiving
Give honor to Christ
and his name that we bear.
Leader: Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.
People: Amen.
Leader: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.
People: Amen.
Leader: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
CLOSING SONG “On Our Way Rejoicing”
Text: John S. B. Monseel, 1811-1875, alt. Tune: Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879.©1978 by Lutheran Church in America, The American Lutheran Church, The evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
On our way rejoicing, Gladly let us go.
Christ our Lord has conquered;
Vanquished is the foe.
Christ without our safety;
Christ within our joy;
Who, if we be faithful,
Can our hope destroy?
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Chorus: On our way rejoicing;
As we forward move,
Harken to our praises,
O blest God of Love!
.
Unto God the Father, Joyful songs we sing;
Unto God the Savior
Thankful hearts we bring;
Unto God the Spirit
Bow we and adore,
On our way rejoicing
Now and evermore
Chorus
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Announcements
Church Cleanup Day. Saturday, April 27 will be the annual church cleanup day. The event will start at 9:00 and go until we are finished. We should be done by 11:00 or 12:00. We will be cleaning up both the inside and outside of the church. If you are available, we would enjoy having you help – many hands make light work.
Rotary Club Salmon & Jazz Dinner. The Philomath Rotary Club will be hosting their annual Salmon & Jazz Dinner on May 4th. Tickets are available for $40 each. This event supports many organizations at Philomath High School including scholarships for graduating seniors. Come out and support your Rotary Club and PHS while enjoying a yummy salmon or chicken dinner and some zesty jazz from the PHS jazz band. See Dan for more details or to buy tickets.