Sunday, May 9, 2021 – 8:30am
& 10:30am Services
Sixth Sunday
of Easter
Welcome and Announcements
Gathering Hymn: “Built on a Rock” LBW # 365, vs 1 – 5
Confession &
Forgiveness
Greeting & Kyrie
Canticle of Praise
Prayer of the Day
Adult Choir @ 8:30am
Psalm # 98
Second Reading, 1 John 5:1-8
Gospel Acclamation
Holy Gospel, John 15:9-17
Sermon
Hymn of the Day: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” LBW # 439, vs 1 - 3
Nicene Creed
Prayers of the Church
Offering Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal
Sending Hymn: “He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed Thought!” LBW # 501, vs 1 – 4
Postlude
***************************************************************************************************************************
(Congregational responses are in bold
print)
The community of faith comes together in worship to praise
God and be nurtured by His Word and Sacrament. As the prelude begins, prepare
to worship, use opportunities during the service to practice silence, to focus
upon God, and to offer prayer.
Welcome and Announcements Pastor
John
Gathering Hymn “Built on a Rock” LBW # 365, vs 1 – 5
Built on the Rock,
the church shall stand, Even when steeples are
falling; Crumbled have spires in ev'ry land, Bells
still are chiming and calling, Calling the young and old to rest, Calling the
souls of those distressed, Longing for life everlasting.
Not in our temples
made with hands God, the Almighty is dwelling; High in the heav'ns
his temple stands, All earthly temples excelling. Yet he
who dwells in heav'n above Designs to abide with us
in love, Making our body his temple.
We are God's house
of living stones, Built for his own habitation; He
fills our hearts, his humble thrones, Granting us life and salvation. Were two
or three to seek his face, He in their midst would show his grace, Blessings
upon them bestowing.
Yet in this house,
an earthly frame, Jesus the children is blessing;
Hither we come to praise his name, Faith in our Savior confessing. Jesus to us
his Spirit sent, Making with us his covenant, Granting
his children the kingdom.
Through all the
passing years, O Lord, Grant that, when church bells are ringing, Many may come to hear God's Word Where he this promise is
bringing: I know my own, my own know me, You, not the world, my face shall see;
My peace I leave with you. Amen.
Confession
& Forgiveness (Pastor)
Blessed be the
holy Trinity, one God, who calls us beloved children, who gathers us into one
flock, who guides us into all truth. Amen.
Let us confess
our sins, trusting that God will forgive us and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness…(silence is kept for
reflection)
Faithful and
just God, we confess that we are captive to sin, doubt
and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We have not loved our sisters
and brothers as you have first loved us. Forgive us, God of mercy. Let your
Holy Spirit work in us to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the abundant life given in Jesus Christ, our
risen Lord. Amen.
In this is
love, not that we loved God but that God loved us and
sent his only Son to atone for our sins. Let the perfect love of God cast out
fear, fill you with joy, and inspire you to live for others. 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.
Greeting (Pastor)
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
Alleluia! 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 (Worship
Assistant)
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…” (WA & Congregation)
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 (Pastor)
Let us pray…O God, all good things can come from you
alone; generously consider then our humble prayers. Inspire us to consider what
is true, and direct us to accomplish what is right; through
Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Anthem Hymn 8:30am
Service (Adult Choir)
First
Reading: Acts
10:34-48 (Worship Assistant)
34Peter opened
his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35but
in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to
him. 36As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news
of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37you yourselves
know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the
baptism that John proclaimed: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all
who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39And we are
witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him
on the third day and made him to appear, 41not to all the people but
to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after
he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach to the people
and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living
and the dead. 43To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone
who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 44While
Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the
word. 45And the believers from among the circumcised who had come
with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy
Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they were hearing
them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47“Can
anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy
Spirit just as we have?” 48And he commanded them to be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. This is the word of the Lord,
thanks be to God.
Psalm: Psalm # 98 (Worship Assistant)
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous
things.
With his right hand and his holy arm has he won for
himself the victory.
The Lord has made known his victory; his righteousness
has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house
of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands;
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the
voice of song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy
before the king, the Lord.
Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, the
lands and those who dwell therein.
Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the hills
ring out with joy before the Lord, when he comes to judge the earth.
In righteousness shall he judge the world and the
peoples with equity.
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-8 (Worship Assistant)
John brought the message of love back to the
commandments. The way by which we will love our neighbors, the children of God,
is by keeping the commandments that God has given us. Yet again, John portrayed
love as a concrete way of life rather than empty words. For those who are in
Christ, keeping God’s commandments is not burdensome, but rather a joyous
response to God’s gift of eternal life..
1Everyone who
believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves
the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2By this we know that
we love the children of God, when we love God and obey
his commandments. 3For this is the love of God,
that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4For
everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory
that has overcome the world — our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes
the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6This
is he who came by water and blood — Jesus Christ; not
by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who
testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three
that testify: 8the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these
three agree. This is the Word of God, word of
life, thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation (WA &
Congregation)
Please rise
for the Gospel reading and recite with me the Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Holy Gospel: John 15:9-17 (Pastor)
The Holy
Gospel according to St. John, the 15th Chapter. Glory to you, O
Lord.
Jesus
called his followers to live a life grounded in love by abiding in his love.
His declaration was that we remain in his love by keeping his commandment. The
commandment is both simple and complex: Love one another as Christ has loved
us. Jesus called his followers, “friends,” and told them to love one another.
9Jesus said,
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10If
you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my
Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have
spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12This
is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater
love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14You
are my friends if you do what I command you. 15No longer do I call
you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I
have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made
known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed
you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that
whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17These
things I command you, so that you will love one another.” This is the gospel of
the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon Pastor
John
Hymn of the Day “What a Friend We Have
in Jesus” LBW # 439, vs 1 – 3
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our
sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev'rything
to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit; Oh, what needless pain we
bear - All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God
in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We
should never be discouraged - Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a
friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious
Savior, still our refuge - Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends
despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In his arms he'll take and shield you; You wilt
find a solace there.
Nicene Creed (Pastor & Congregation)
With the whole church, let
us confess our faith: 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 (Pastor
& WA)
(P): Enlivened in the
resurrection of Jesus Christ, we pray for the life of the church, for those in
need, and for all God’s creation. A brief silence.
(W): Holy God, we give you thanks for all the women in our lives who have
nurtured, raised, and instilled in us a deep, abiding faith in you. Give all
mothers the patience and grace to care for their families, trusting in you for
guidance. We pray for all who have nurtured and mentored children in your ways.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): God of all good gifts, we praise your name
and thank you for the good gifts you give us each day. In this Easter season,
we especially thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. May
we live each and every day focused on your love for
us. In times of trial, help us to see your lovingkindness, trusting that you
who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): Lord
Jesus, be with our beloved pastor of 33 years as he wrestles with the decisions
of retirement. Be with our congregation in this transition. Help us to remember
your Word and give us the guidance to do your will. Give us the strength and
grace to support each another in a loving way. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): Holy God, guide and protect our military service personnel as they serve
our country and keep us free from tyranny. Keep them from harm and bring them
safely home when their mission has been completed. Watch over their families
while they are away from home. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(W): Loving Lord, you are the source of all peace and healing for our lives.
Grant us peace no matter our circumstances. Grant us your healing power whether
we are ill in body, mind, or spirit. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
(P):
Trusting in your abundant mercy, O God, we commend ourselves and all for whom
we pray into your care, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Offering Prayer (Worship
Assistant)
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.
The Lord’s
Prayer (Pastor)
Let us pray the prayer our
Savior taught us…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 (Pastor)
Almighty God, who raised our Lord Jesus
from death, lift you up and restore you to wholeness. Amen.
Jesus Christ, the Word
of Life, bless you and send you to be his witnesses. Amen.
God the Holy Spirit,
who renews the whole earth, refresh you in the gift of baptism this day and
always. Amen.
Dismissal (Worship
Assistant)
Go in peace. Share the
good news. Alleluia. Thanks be to God. Alleluia.
Sending Hymn “He Leadeth Me: Oh, Blessed
Thought!” LBW
#501, vs 1 - 4
He leadeth me: O, blessed thought! Oh,
words with heav'nly comfort fraught! Whate'er I do, where'er I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me!
(Refrain): He leadeth me, he
leadeth me, By his own hand he leadeth me. His faithful foll'wer
I would be, For by his hand he leadeth me.
Sometimes 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. (Refrain)
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. (Refrain)
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, Since God through Jordan leadeth
me. (Refrain)
Postlude Mark
Hurley
Announcements
Please visit the “Messages” page of our
website at www.stmatthewbq.org for latest on our
services or listen for our “One Call” announcements for updates and events. Not
receiving the “One Call”? Please call the office and provide a good number for
our list. Thank you!
Services at St. Matthew: All services are being held inside in the Sanctuary.
Our Sunday service times are 8:30 and 10:30am. We will require masks and social
distancing at both services. Please sit where indicated unless cleared by an
usher.
Fellowship for St. Matthew: We are holding a small fellowship between services
every Sunday with beverages and some prepackaged goodies. If you would like to help out, Irene is looking for volunteers that will set up,
man the hot beverage table, and clean up. Please contact Irene to discuss the
details.
Blessings
Jars are still being collected! Donations
from the jars will be used to support those in our community who need
assistance due to the COVID pandemic.
Flea Market, Flower and Hot Dog Sale was a success despite
a very rainy and cold start! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported
the ministries of St. Matthew.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Marlys
Hettinger on Saturday May 15th at 1pm with lunch following the
service. Please join us as we celebrate Marlys with her family. The Fishtones will play at the service. All are welcome!
A Celebration of Life will be held for Joanne
Vyskocil, Dottie Coppell’s sister, who passed
away last month on Saturday, May 22nd at Marantha
Chapel with the luncheon being held here at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. More
details will follow.
SAVE
THE DATE: The congregational picnic will be held on
Saturday, July 24th at Harewood Park from 12:00 - 4:00pm. More details to
follow...
Live Streaming Fund: The “live streaming” project has come to a close
as our equipment is up and running, allowing us to live stream our services. We
completed this project, spending approximately $3,400. We are asking for our
congregation to continue to give to this fund in an effort to
fund the purchase of visual displays for our Sanctuary. A special envelope is
in the Narthex for your convenience. Thank you for your continued support of
our ministries!
Grounds Clean-up Evenings: We have scheduled two evenings for cleaning and
power-washing the outside of the building, the doors and concrete, and mulching
the flower beds. Join us on Wednesday, May 12th at 4pm and bring a garden rake.
If you have a power washer and/or a hose that you can bring, it would be
greatly appreciated. The second date for grounds clean-up is scheduled for
Thursday, May 20th at 4pm. This date will be used to complete anything that was
not completed on May 12th and to possibly paint the outside doors of the
church. Cannot make it at 4pm? Come when you can! If you need additional
details or have questions, please call the office or
contact Keith B.
Youth Trip 2021: The Luther League Youth Group is taking a
trip to the NALC Disaster Center, Kings Island Amusement Park, and The Ark
Encounter and Creation Museum. This trip has been opened to the whole
congregation. Join us from Wednesday, August 11th to Sunday, August
15th. Cost per person is $300 (price does not include meals except
at Kings Island Amusement Park). The price includes 4 nights lodging, admission
to Kings Island Amusement Park, the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. There is
a 12-passenger van on order and reservations for the van will be first come,
first serve. A head count is by TODAY with a $50 non-refundable deposit per
person by June 6th. Please contact Vicki Borreson
at 410-456-6735 for questions or to reserve your space.
Vision
Prayer Team: With the projected retirement of Pastor John, a
team of prayer warriors have been invited to pray for the future of our church.
If you want to join our prayer team or get involved in answering the question:
“How does St. Matthew Lutheran Church move forward?”, please contact Vickie
Merson, Ray Grumbine or Jeff Markley.
If
you want to participate in the confines of your personal space and prayer time,
please pray this prayer for
the future of our church: Dearest Jesus, our Redeemer and Shepherd of our
souls, we thank you that through Holy Baptism you have made us members of your
Church, more particularly St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bowleys
Quarters, Maryland. We ask you to bless most richly this congregation you have
called us to be a part. May your Word always be purely preached and taught
among us. May we hear, learn and grow in knowledge of
you. May your Word grow our love for you. Work in us love and respect for our
pastor. Help us to uphold him in prayer and obey him as one of your shepherds
so that with joy he may fulfill the task you have given him of guarding our
souls. I humbly ask you to watch over our church as we build your plan for the
future of our church. Show us that plan, Dear Lord, with love, joy and mercy. Be with the pastors who are looking for a
call and give them guidance in choosing the right church. Bring to us calmness
through the storm and watch over us as we set in motion the next chapter of our
journey. Lead our congregation through the process and to that next chapter
with knowledge and unity. We love you Lord and wish to do your Will. Bring to
us the courage and tools to let Pastor John retire and the trust and love
needed to embrace the new pastor. You, our Lord, are always first in our
thoughts and prayers. Bring us a fruitful future. We thank you for the many
blessings you have bestowed on our church already and we ask that you continue
to bless us, in your precious name we pray. Amen.
Sick/Shut-in List: Scott Krell, Ted Rehill, Will Gohlinghorst, Janet Kohajda, Sue Baxter, Bill Keller, Charlene Stender, Gus Vourvoulas, Casey
Joyce, Bud & Joyce Adams, Fred Puhl, Shirley
Maddox, Doug & Rosemarie Buckingham, Jim & Joyce Glovier,
Richard & Millie Faircloth, Lena Holton, Jerry & Carolyn Hower, Ken Krach, Jane Newberry,
Charlotte Logue & Irene Sifel.
Prayer List: If you have requested a loved one to be
placed on our prayer list, we are happy to accommodate the request; however, we
need an update on the individual to keep them on the list past four (4) weeks.
For anyone wishing to be added to the prayer chain to be contacted when someone
falls ill, please call Pam McCracken.
Visitors: If you are a guest, it is a pleasure to
have you worship with us. Please help us to get to know you by completing a
guest card located in the card holder on the back of the pew in front of you.
Once completed, please feel free to place in the offering plate. The cards are
NOT used for solicitation purposes!
All are welcome to receive the Lord's Body and Blood who are baptized
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and believe
that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is truly present in, with and under the
forms of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life
and salvation. The Lord calls all of us to a new way of
living under his wonderful grace in our Savior. Again, thank you for worshiping
with us today. We pray God’s richest blessing for you.
Calendar – 5/9/21 to 5/16/21
Sun, 5/9: 8:30
&10:30 AM Worship Services w/out communion
Sat, 5/15: 6 PM Conference Call Worship Service
Sun, 5/16: 8:30 &10:30 AM Worship
Services w/communion
St. Matthew Lutheran Church Helping
with Worship Today:
Worship Assistants
Betty Ristau & Lee Dobry
St. Matthew Lutheran Church
Website: www.stmatthewbq.org E-mail: [email protected]
Ministers: The Congregation, Pastor: John M. Kulczycki
Choir Director: Pam McCracken, Organist: Mark Hurley
Secretary: Kathy Duvall, Office hours: Monday - Friday
9AM to 3PM
Phone: 410-335-4210/Fax: 410-335-5388
YouTube Channel: SaintMatthewLutheranChurchBowleysQuarters
Facebook Pages: Kathy Joy,
St Matthew Lutheran Church, and
St Matthew Lutheran Church
Sunday School