St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, May 10, 2020

Fifth Sunday after Easter

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Song  “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” – LBW # 559, vs 1- 5

Confession & Forgiveness

Greeting & Kyrie

Canticle of Praise  “Glory to God…”

Prayer of the Day

First Reading, Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60

Psalm # 146

Second Reading, 1 Peter 2:2-10

Holy Gospel, John 14:1-14

Sermon

Hymn of the Day “Beautiful Savior” – LBW # 518, vs 1 - 4

Nicene Creed

Prayers of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing & Response

Dismissal

Sending Song  “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” - LBW # 479, vs 1 – 4

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Service Supplement

(Congregational responses are in bold print)

Welcome and Announcements            Pastor John

 

Gathering Song “Oh, for a Thousand…”  LBW # 559, vs 1 - 5

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of his grace!

 

My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of your name.

 

The name of Jesus charms our fears And bids our sorrows cease, Sings music in the sinner’s ears, Brings life and health and peace.

 

He breaks the power of canceled sin; He sets the prisoner free. His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me.

 

To God all glory, praise, and love Be now and ever given. By saints below and saints above, The Church in earth and heaven.

 

Confession & Forgiveness       

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. Amen.

 

God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen.

 

Greeting

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.

 

Kyrie         

In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.  Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

 

Canticle of Praise  “Glory to God…”

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

Prayer of the Day           

Let us pray…O God, you make the minds of the faithful to be of one will. Grant that your people would love what you command and desire what you promise, that, among the manifold changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are to be found; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

First Reading:                                     Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60

Stephen was one of the first deacons of “The Way” who were chosen to serve the people while the apostles did the work of preaching and teaching. Yet Stephen, too, is a witness. His telling of the story of Christ ends in his martyrdom. He is stoned in public while Paul stands and watches.

 

1Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 8And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.

 

2a And Stephen said:

 

51“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” 54Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm: Psalm # 146                 

The psalmist sings of the help of the Lord who is the only One who can ever provide aid to the weary, blind, sick, or distressed. This Lord is one who watches over strangers and exacts justice for the poor and oppressed.

 

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, for there is no help in them.

When they breathe their last, they return to earth, and in that day their thoughts perish.

Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! whose hope is in the Lord their God;

Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; who keeps his promise forever;

Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to those who hunger.

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

The Lord loves the righteous; the Lord cares for the stranger; he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked.

The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!

 

Second Reading:                                1 Peter 2:2-10

Peter instructs believers to honor God with their behavior. As they continue to mature in the faith they will long for the spiritual milk of the gospel. What they are learning and how they are living is part of the process of being formed into the living stones of Christ’s spiritual house.

 

2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

Holy Gospel: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the 14th Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. John 14:1-14: Jesus tells his disciples not to be troubled; there are many rooms in his Father’s house and he is going there to prepare a place for them. Thomas is confused by Jesus’ cryptic words, wondering, “How can we know where you are going?” In reply, Jesus proclaims, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Knowing Jesus means knowing the Father who sent him. Knowing Jesus means true life.   

 

1Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4And you know the way to where I am going.” 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                             Pastor John

 

Hymn of the Day  “Beautiful Savior…”   ELW # 518, vs 1 - 4

Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I’d love thee, Truly I’d serve thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

 

Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands, Robed in flowers of blooming spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.

 

Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight, Bright the sparkling stars on high; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels in the sky.

 

Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, Praise, adoration, Now and forevermore be thine!

 

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; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. 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. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He 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 the Church:   

(P): With a new heart and new life, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those who are in need. A brief silence.

(W): Holy God, you are the source of faith and the one who strengthens our faith. Grant that we would continue to be strengthened by your holy Word, that we would willingly serve our neighbors in need even if it costs us something. May our hearts always be open to your will in our lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Loving Spirit, you have called us to this place to be in community with one another and with you. Instill in us a deeper love for our sisters and brothers that we worship with, side by side. Give us compassionate hearts to care for one another in ways that the world does not care. Send us out from this place to share your love with all whom we meet. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Gracious Lord, you are the healer of all ills. You come to us in our suffering and you watch over us through all of life’s trials. We ask for your care and healing for all those who are ill and for all who are older and more susceptible to disease. Grant them peace and increase their faith and trust in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Almighty God, you are the ruler over all. You put people in place to govern your children so that peace may abide, and all would have what they need. We pray for our elected officials, that they would govern justly and look out for all those whom they are called to serve. Give them wisdom and sound judgment. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(P): Passing from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from death to life, we commend you, gracious and ever-living God, all for whom we pray. Amen.

 

The Lord’s Prayer:                            

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.

 

Blessing:    

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

 

Dismissal:   (WA)

Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

 

Sending Song  “My Faith Looks Up…”    LBW # 479, vs 1 - 4

My faith looks up to thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, Oh, let me from this day Be wholly thine!

 

May thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!

 

While life’s dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread, Be thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away, Nor let me ever stray From thee aside.

 

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream Shall over me roll; Blest Savior, then, in love Fear and distrust remove; Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!