Sixth Sunday of Easter

Date
May 9, 2021
Author
Don Bennett
Category
Bulletins

Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021 – 10:30 AM

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136

Introduction

This Sunday’s image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friend- ship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.
Eternal, Unconditional, and Unchanging
To abide is to put down roots: to dwell in the same location and with the same people for the long term. Unlike in Jesus’ time, today few of us live in the same place in which we were born. Families are routinely scattered across the country and around the world. Yet Jesus invites us, “Abide in my love” (John 15:9). While so much else in our lives seems impermanent, Jesus’ love is eternal, unconditional, and unchanging.
In today’s gospel, Jesus is on his way to the cross. Pressed for time and filled with urgency, he can convey only the most important message. Of all the subjects he has explored during his ministry, he chooses to emphasize that which matters most: his own love. Jesus knows that love is eternal, that it transcends death and the grave. He knows that love is essential, that it must be at the core of our being. He knows that love is the embodiment of all his teachings, healings, and ministry.
Jesus knows that Judas has already betrayed him. He knows that shortly, Peter will deny him. In preaching love, he shows us that the sort of love he has for each of us is stronger than our own very human shortcomings—and that his love for us, and for his disciples, is forever. As followers of Jesus, we are charged with loving one another with the unconditional, eternal love that he has for us. In a world of change, such a responsibility is challenging, yet living out that challenge is what gives our lives purpose.
The secret to love is that it puts others first. Love is the only emotion that can defeat our instinctive self-centeredness. In charging us to love one another, Jesus issues an invitation to be awake and aware, to see others as beloved children of God, and to reflect divine love back onto everyone we encounter. In this way, Jesus lives in each of us.

Gathering

PRELUDE

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Blessing of Mothers

God of all creation, pour out your blessing on all mothers and those who provide motherly care.
You have made them in your image and given them children to love and care for in your name.
Bless them with a heart like your heart: loving and kind, comforting and strong, nurturing and grace-filled.
As they participate in your ongoing creativity, give them discernment to help their children discover their unique gifts.
As they teach their children, grant them wisdom to know what is truly valuable.
As they strive to share your unconditional love, give them long-suffering patience and a lively sense of humor.
As they model your mercy, help them extend the forgiveness they themselves freely receive from you.
In all circumstances fortify their faith, that they may love you above all. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation.
Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters, and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

GATHERING HYMN – All Creatures, Worship God Most High!

All creatures, worship God most high!
Sound ev’ry voice in earth and sky: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Sing, brother sun, in splendor bright;
sing, sister moon and stars of night:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Sing, brother wind; with clouds and rain
you grow the gifts of fruit and grain: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Dear sister water, useful, clear,
make music for your Lord to hear:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Sing, brother fire, so mirthful, strong,
drive far the shadows, join the throng: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Dear mother earth, so rich in care,
praise God in colors bright and rare:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

All who for love of God forgive,
all who in pain and sorrow grieve: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ bears your burdens and your fears;
still make your song amid the tears:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And you, most gentle sister death,
waiting to hush our final breath: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Since Christ our light has pierced your gloom,
fair is the night that leads us home.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

O sisters, brothers, take your part,
and worship God with humble heart: Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, bless the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, Three in One:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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, in peace, let us pray to the…
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

For the reign of God, and for peace throughout the world;
for the unity of all let us pray to the…
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

For your people here, who have come to give you praise;
for the strength to live your Word, let us pray to the…
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Help save, and defend us, O God.
Amen.

CANTICLE OF PRAISE

Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!

Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain,
whose blood has freed and united us
to be one great people of God. Refrain

Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!

Power and riches, wisdom and might,
all honor and glory to Christ forever. Refrain

Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!

For God has come to dwell with us,
to make us people of God;
to make all things new.

Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God,
you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your prom- ises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Word

God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

FIRST READING Acts 10:44-48

While Peter shares the good news of Jesus with a Gentile soldier and his family, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Recognizing that the Spirit works inclusively in the lives of both Jews and Gentiles, Peter commands that these Gentiles also be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

A reading from the book of Acts.
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circum- cised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING 1 John 5:1-6

God’s children believe that Jesus is the Messiah and love God by keeping God’s commandments. Thus the world is conquered not through military might but through love and faith.

A reading from the book of 1 John.
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia!

GOSPEL READING John 15:9-17

On the night of his arrest, Jesus delivers a final testimony to his disciples to help them in the days ahead. Here, he repeats the most important of all his commands, that they love one another.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s command- ments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.

MESSAGE

HYMN OF THE DAY – “I Give You My Heart”

This is my desire: to honour you.
Lord, with all my heart, I worship you.
All I have within me, I give you praise.
All that I adore is in you.

Lord, I give you my heart,
I give you my soul.
I live for you alone.
Every breath that I take,
every moment I’m awake,
Lord have your way in me.

This is my desire: to honour you.
Lord, with all my heart, I worship you.
All I have within me, I give you praise.
All that I adore is in you.

Lord, I give you my heart,
I give you my soul.
I live for you alone.
Every breath that I take,
every moment I’m awake,
Lord have your way in me.

APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.

A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Meal

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

GREAT THANKSGIVING

Lift up your heads;
we lift them up to God.
Lift up your voices;
we lift them up to God.
Lift up your hearts;
we lift them up to God.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

And so we gather at the table. We come from many different places in life. And as we come together around the table we discover that our differences are not something we just tolerate, but that our differences are indeed a blessing. So come, children of God, just as you are. Wherever you are on this journey of life and faith, you are welcome here – here in this place, here in this community, here at this table. Come, children of God, come and remember.
Remember the stories that Jesus’ friends tell: Stories of bread broken and shared to feed a multitude; stories of gathering both enemy and friend together around a common table; stories of unlikely guests revealing the face of the sacred.
On a night of both celebration and betrayal Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it; gave it to his disciples and said, “Take and eat, this is my body given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Then Jesus took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples 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.”
And so we pray: Lord, bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine. Bless all of us in our eating and drinking that our eyes might be open, and that we might recognize the risen Christ in our midst, indeed in one another.

LORD’S PRAYER

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus 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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

The risen Christ invites us to this table. Come, eat and be satisfied.
Amen.

HOLY COMMUNION – Receiving the Lord’s tangible presence.

The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Each person may respond: Amen.

Communion Statement ~ If you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Redeemer and would like to receive Holy Communion, then come forward to receive the elements. If you would just like to come forward and receive a blessing, then you may do that also.
NOTE: We invite everyone to come forward for Holy Communion. If you have a gluten allergy, gluten-free wafers are available upon request when receiving Communion. Also, if you prefer not to receive wine at Communion, apple juice is available upon request.

LAMB OF GOD

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you break the chains of hatred and fear: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you are the way of justice and peace: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you are the way of mercy and love: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace, grant us peace, grant us peace.

REFLECTION DURING COMMUNION

As we prepare to receive the sacrament today, may we quietly take this time to center our- selves on Christ, and the amazing gifts of grace and forgiveness that we have been given. As we receive the body and the blood of our Lord, let us reflect upon His sacrifice. Finally, may we take this time to ask the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts, and then to work in us and through us in the coming days.

TABLE BLESSING

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Wellspring of joy,
through this meal you have put gladness in our hearts. Satisfy the hunger still around us, and send us as joyful witnesses, that your love may bring joy to the hearts of all people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sending

BLESSING

May our glorious God grant you a spirit of wisdom to know and to love the risen Lord Jesus. The God of life, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
Amen.