04 30 23

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Welcome
 
Remembering Whose We Are
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen
 
Opening Prayer
 
Confession of Sin
Leader: Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess to You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Because of this we run for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We pray:
 
All: O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us and for His sake forgive all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and of Your will and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
Absolution
 
Songs
“That’s Why We Praise Him”
“Shout To The Lord”

First Scripture Reading
John 10:1-10 (Pew Bible pg.1527)
[1] “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. [2] The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. [3] The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. [5] But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” [6] Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. [7] Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. [8] All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. [9] I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Sermon Scripture Reading
1 Peter 2:18-25 (Pew Bible pg.1729)
[18] Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. [19] For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
 
Children’s Message
 
Little Worship
Children 4 years of age through 4th grade are invited to follow the cross in the center aisle to Little Worship. Parents are welcome to accompany their children. Children will return after the Sermon Teaching. If your child is attending Little Worship for the first time, please walk out to the lobby with your child and the Little Worship Leader will be there to greet you.

Message
Making Suffering Worship

Tithes and Offering
Song: “What A Beautiful Name”

In Whom Do We Believe? The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence he will come 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.
     
Life Talk
Pastor Bob Liebmann: The affirming life statement of our church
Because God values Life, this church is a life-affirming church. Therefore, if you find yourself with an unplanned pregnancy, please know that as your church family:

1. We will walk with you. Being pregnant is not a sin, even though a pregnancy is unplanned or unwanted. The child you carry is not a punishment. It is a divine miracle; a blessing God has given. God values life.
2. We will not shame you or abandon you. We will love you and support you.
3. We will do everything in our power to remove any obstacle standing in the way of you having this child, even though it may be unplanned. We will connect you with resources inside and outside our church to help you.
4. Because our God loves you and your child, we love you and your child.
5. Finally, if anyone has had an abortion in the past, please hear me when I say that abortion is not an unforgivable sin. The Bible clearly teaches, whoever confesses and forsakes their sin, finds God’s mercy. Please allow us as your church family, to help you find the healing and freedom from condemnation that Christ wants for you. Jesus forgives sin and says, Go and sin no more.

 
Prayers Of The Day

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.

Celebrating The Lord’s Supper
“Our Father”
“We Bow Down”
 
Blessing

Sending Song
“Revelation Song”