The Service in PDF format is at: April 30, 2023 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. Offerings may be placed in the plates by the doors as we exit the sanctuary.
Serving You
Pastor Pastor Jeremy Lucke
Music Director Colleen Schulze
Choir Director Diane Crocker
Supt. Of Sunday School Brandy Stokes & 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, Nora Stanley, Debbi Weiler, Daniel Dusek
Today, April 30, 2023
Musician Colleen Schulze
Reader Debbi Weiler
Flowers Margaret Philpott
AS WE GATHER………… Today we hear about Jesus as both our Shepherd and the door for us, the sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who leads us to green pastures and still waters. And Jesus is the door, the gate by which we enter eternal life. As we follow Jesus, we know that He is always leading us toward righteousness—toward an eternity dwelling in the house of the Lord.
OPENING HYMN “Christ is our Cornerstone”
Text: Latin, c. 8th cent.; tr. John Chandler, 1806-76, alt. Tune: John Darwall, 1731-89; setting: The Lutheran Hymnal 1941; Text and Tune: Public Domain
Christ is our cornerstone,
on him alone we build;
with his true saints alone
the courts of heav’n are filled.
On his great love our hopes we place
of present grace and joys above.
.
Here may we gain from heav’n
the grace which we implore,
and may that grace, once giv’n,
be with us evermore
until that day when all the blest
to endless rest are called away.
.
Oh, then, with hymns of praise
these hallowed courts shall ring;
our voices we will raise
the Three in One to sing
and thus proclaim in joyful song,
both loud and long, that glorious name.
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: The Lord is our Good Shepherd;
People: He leads us and restores our souls.
Leader: He walks beside us through the darkness
People: and never abandons us, even in death.
Leader: He goes before us and prepares a table for us,
People: and we will dwell in His house forever.
Leader: Though our Lord goes before us, beside us, and behind us, we still find a way to turn away from His good pasture. We devote ourselves to all sorts of destruction. Still, our Good Shepherd seeks us out and brings us back to safety. He invites us to confess our sins before His heavenly Father.
~~~~~ Silence for reflection ~~~~~
Leader: Heavenly Father,
People: we have strayed from You. We have wounded You with our sin. We have wounded others with our sin. We have wounded ourselves with our sin. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us back to Your good pasture, on account of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Amen.
Leader: Though we have strayed, Jesus always keeps searching for us. Though we have been lost in our priorities, Jesus is always and ever devoted to us. We see this most clearly as almighty God, in His mercy, has given His Son to die and rise for you, and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen. We are forgiven. Our souls are restored in Christ.
HYMN OF PRAISE “In Christ Alone”
Keith Getty; Stuart Townend; 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest
drought and storm
.
What heights of love
what depths of peace
When fears are stilled
when strivings cease
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
.
In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
.
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
.
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the
precious blood of Christ
.
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
.
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
Leader: Let us pray.
Leader: Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where he leads; through the same Jesus Christ, You Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
Epistle Lesson: I Peter 2:19-25
Reader: The Old Testament lesson is from I Peter chapter 2.
Reader:
19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Reader: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the tenth chapter.
Reader:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.
2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Reader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, O Christ.
HYMN OF THE DAY “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
Text: Henry Williams Baker, 1821-77; Tune: Irish c. 18th cent.; Setting: Service Book and Hymnal, 1958; Text and Tune: Public Domain
The King of love my shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his,
And he is mine forever.
.
Where streams of living water flow,
My ransomed soul he leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.
.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love he sought me,
And on his shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.
.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
.
Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And oh, what transport of delight
From thy pure chalice floweth!
.
And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never:
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
Within thy house for ever.
MESSAGE
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.
(Using Psalm 23 as a format)
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; 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. 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. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
Leader: Sovereign God, we pray for all people who are suffering under civil unrest. 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 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, 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; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, 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.
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
Leader: The Lord bless us and keep us.
The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us.
The Lord look upon us with favor and give + us peace.
People: Amen.
CLOSING 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
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Announcements
CHILDREN’S EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP SNACKS. Several weeks ago, the head of CEF spoke to our congregation about the of belonging to CEF. This afterschool Christian program teaches the children about Jesus and his works. Because this is afterschool program, she asked if our congregation could help provide l snacks for the children. The snacks need to be individually wrapped, no nuts or peanut butter. The snacks can be placed in the basket marked CEF located in the Narthex. Your gifts of love would be greatly appreciated.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY. The Ladies Guild is looking for someone to reinstate the Prayer Shawl Ministry. If you like to knit or crochet this might be the very ministry for you. Shawls are made and blessed and given to members who are facing challenges to remind them that God loves them and prayers are heard. See Peggy Krueger for more information.
TABLES OF PEACE. Tables of Peace is returning. The sign-up list is in the hallway between the Narthex and fellowship hall. Please sign up by Sunday May 14th. Tables of Peace is a wonderful way to connect with and learn about other members at Peace.
New Bible Study. All are welcome to Peace’s new adult study! Bring an open mind and certainly bring your questions as we explore the topic of worship. We begin each Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary. This study will begin on Sunday, April 30 and conclude on Sunday, June 4.
