THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

April 29, 2018 PRELUDE Adagio from Violin Sonata I, J. S. Bach (arr. by the composer)
Holy Communion (ELW IV) WELCOME

INVOCATION

INTRODUCTION In the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the
image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each GATHERING SONG: Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing (ELW 389)
other, in the mystery of mutual abiding that we read of in the gospel and
the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and life- GREETING
giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to
the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for Alleluia! Christ is risen!
the life of the world. Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of
CHILDREN are always welcome to our Worship Service. Rainbow bags and
the Holy Spirit be with you all!
a cry room are available. A staffed nursery is also available if needed. An
usher will gladly provide you with assistance. And also with you!

KYRIE
As a worship courtesy, we ask that you please turn off or set to vibrate all
cellular telephones and pagers during the worship service.

We ask that all present today please fill out the Attendance and Communion
registration card found in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate so
that we may record your presence with us.

PRAYER UPON ENTERING THE PEW

Most gracious God, according to your loving word and wisdom the rain and
sun fall upon the earth and life bursts forth. Thank you for the return of
planting, pruning, and harvesting seasons, for the fertility of the soil, and
for providing nourishment for all of creation. Bless the work of scientists,
through whose work and passion we better understand nature. Move us
with the wisdom and passion to be a blessing to all people by sharing our
own experience of you life-giving grace. We pray this in Jesus Christ,
through whom and in whom all exist, in the loving power of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we
cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit
of love and know the fullness of your joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior
and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated.

A MESSAGE FOR OUR CHILDREN

FIRST READING: Acts 8:26-40 PSALM 22:25-31

Led by the Spirit, Philip encounters an Ethiopian official who is returning Refrain:
to his African home after having been to Jerusalem to worship. Philip uses
their encounter to proclaim the gospel to him. Upon coming to faith in
Jesus, the Ethiopian is baptized by Philip.
26
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to
the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness
road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court
official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire
treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home;
Tone:
seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit
said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30So Philip ran up to it
and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand
what you are reading?” 31He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides
me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage 25
From you comes my praise in the | great assembly;
of the scripture that he was reading was this: I will perform my vows in the sight of those who | fear the LORD.
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, 26
The poor shall eat | and be satisfied,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer, Let those who seek the LORD give praise! May your hearts | live
so he does not open his mouth. forever!
33
In his humiliation justice was denied him. 27
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn | to the LORD;
Who can describe his generation? all the families of nations shall bow | before God.
For his life is taken away from the earth.” 28
For dominion belongs | to the LORD,
34
The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet who rules o- | ver the nations. R
say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip began to
speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news 29
Indeed, all who sleep in the earth shall bow | down in worship;
about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; all who go down to the dust, though they be dead, shall kneel
and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from be- | fore the LORD.
being baptized?” 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, 30
Their descendants shall | serve the LORD,
Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized whom they shall proclaim to genera- | tions to come.
him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched 31
They shall proclaim God’s deliverance to a people | yet unborn,
Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way saying to them, “The | LORD has acted!” R
rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing
through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he SECOND READING: 1 John 4:7-21
came to Caesarea.
We love God and others because God first loved us. We cannot say we love
The word of the Lord. God, whom we have not seen, while hating fellow Christians, whom we
Thanks be to God. regularly see. Love toward God is to be matched by love toward others
because the essence of God is love.
7
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who
loves is born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not
know God, for God is love. 9God’s love was revealed among us in this way:
God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through
him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent
his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Beloved, since God loved
us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God;
if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has
given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and do testify that the Father has
sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15God abides in those who confess
that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16So we have known
and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides
in them. 17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have
boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this
world. 18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has
to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in
love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20Those who say, “I love God,”
and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a
brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have
not seen. 21The commandment we have from him is this: those who love
God must love their brothers and sisters also.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Please stand for the reading of the gospel.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL: John 15:1-8
As the Gospel is announced, worshippers are invited to trace a cross upon
their forehead, then over their lips, and then over their hearts, silently
praying, “May the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ be ever on my mind, on
my lips, and in my heart.”
The holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
On the night of his arrest, Jesus taught his disciples about the relationship
they would have with him. Those who abide in his word and love would
bear fruit, for apart from him, they could do nothing.
[Jesus said:] 1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He
removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears
fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed
by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just
as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither
can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those
who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you
can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a
branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and
burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever
you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that
you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated.
SERMON Pastor Charles Peterson
Silence for reflection and then please stand.
HYMN OF THE DAY: We Give Thee but Thine Own (ELW 686)
CREED
As they recite the creed, worshippers are invited to bow beginning with the
words “born of the virgin Mary,” until the words “he descended to the
dead.”
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
Rejoicing in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we pray for the
witness of the church, the wholeness of creation, and all who are in need.
Please sit or kneel as you are able.
Each petition ends with:
We pray:
Have mercy, O God.
We entrust all our prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them by the
power of the Holy Spirit and the love of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
CONFESSION AND PROCLAMATION OF FORGIVENESS
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We
have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have
done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our
whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the
sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us,
and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for
his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of
the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the
entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the +
Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
RITE OF ANOINTING FOR HEALING
“The order for healing is an expression in worship of the church’s ministry
of healing. Each person may come to receive a word of blessing and prayer
for healing and forgiveness, along with laying on of hands and an
anointing. These signs, first given in baptism, tell us again that we are
sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked forever with the cross of Christ, who
is health and salvation for the world.
In its ministry of healing, the church does not replace the gifts of God that
come through the scientific community nor does it promise a cure. Rather
the church offers and celebrates gifts such as these: God’s presence with
strength and comfort in time of suffering, God’s promise of wholeness and
peace and God’s love embodied in the community of faith.”
Brothers and sisters, James writes: “Is any one of you sick? Let him call the
elders of the church to prayer over him and anoint him with oil in the name
of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person
well; the Lord will raise him up.”
I invite you to come forward for anointing and prayer in the name of the
Lord.
Worshippers may come forward.
The minister will anoint each with the sign of the cross, praying:
Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit uphold you, fill you with grace,
and heal your every ill.
Amen.
When all have returned to their seats, please stand to greet one another.
PEACE DIALOGUE

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANTHEM AT THE OFFERING #2 from Six English Psalms Haydn

OFFERTORY HYMN:
God’s Paschal Lamb is Sacrificed for Us (Tune: ELW 422)

PREFACE

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray. Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth. Day by day
you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ,
give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to
those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Worshippers are invited to bow with the consecration of the Lord’s body
and blood, each time the words “Do this for the remembrance of me,” are
spoken.
You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God. Your glory fills heaven
and earth. You so loved the world that you gave your only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. We
bless you and thank you for sending him to accomplish all things to heal
and save us and all of all creation.
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim
the Lord's death until he comes.
Remembering, therefore, his life, death, resurrection, and the promise of his
return, we give thanks to you, O Lord God Almighty, not as we ought but
as we are able. With your Word and Holy Spirit bless us and these your
gifts of bread and wine, so that forgiven by you and nourished with your
body and blood we may live as your holy people now in eternal
communion with all your saints.
To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory in your
holy church, now and forever.
LORD'S PRAYER
Risen Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us!
Therefore let us keep the feast! Alleluia!
Lutherans believe, teach and confess that we receive the true Body and
Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. If you desire to pick up the cross and
live in Christ, we hope you will receive with us. Even if you do not feel
prepared to receive the sacrament today we hope you will join us at the
table. Simply hold your hands over your heart and the pastor will give you
a blessing. Pastor will be glad to discuss Holy Communion and Holy
Baptism with you!
COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Amen.
LAMB OF GOD (ELW 196)
 UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS

Catherine of Siena, theologian, died 1380

Sunday, April 29, 2018
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.

SONG DURING DISTRIBUTION: There in God’s Garden (ELW 342) Philip and James, Apostles
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Philip was one of the first disciples of Jesus, and called Nathanael to "come
Let us pray. and see." He later responded to an Ethiopian official's request for teaching
Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ's resurrection you send light to and baptism. Little is known of James, the son of Alphaeus, called "the
conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish Less" to distinguish him from another apostle named James.
your people. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son's resurrection, that we
may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, died 373
Amen. Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Best remembered for defending the teaching that Christ was fully God
BLESSING against those who taught otherwise, Athanasius was an influential church
leader around the time of the Council of Nicea. He was banished from
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Alexandria five times for his forthright views.
great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you
complete in everything good so that you may do God's will, working in you Monica, mother of Augustine, died 387
that which is pleasing in God's sight; through+ Jesus Christ, Friday, May 4, 2018
Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to whom be the Monica was married to a pagan husband who was ill-tempered and
glory forever and ever. unfaithful, but whom she helped bring into the Christian faith. She repeated
Amen. the influence on her son Augustine, who went on to become one of the
greatest church teachers.
SENDING HYMN: Let All Things Now Living (ELW 881)
The Altar flowers are administered by the worship committee. The 2018
DISMISSAL Altar Flower chart is posted on the bulletin board in the lower lobby and
there is attached to it a tear-off sheet for donors to complete and hand into
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
the office or place in the offering plate for proper publication in the
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! bulletin.
Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!
If you would like to purchase flowers for worship in memory of or in honor
of someone, please sign up. The cost is $35 per arrangement, and checks
POSTLUDE Chorale Fantasy on Let All Things Now Living Wells
should be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church. The contact person is Mary
in the church office (614) 224.6818 or email: office@oldtrinity.com.
Please do not remove flowers unless you purchased them or made
arrangements.