Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Resurrection of our Lord
Easter Day
April 4, 2021 – 10:30 AM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia!
On the Other Side of Fear
The very last verse of this morning’s gospel comprises what scholars believe to be the original ending of Mark. Somewhat alarmingly, the final words are “they were afraid” (Mark 16:8). If you crack open your Bible today, you’ll see a few other paragraphs and endings beyond this verse; however, Mark 16:8 is thought to have been the original end to the book.
As people who are used to greeting Easter morning with flowers, banners, trumpets, and bois- terous hymns, this original ending to Mark, filled with fear and silence, isn’t quite what we expect to find at the empty tomb! The end of Mark’s Easter story can feel disquieting; maybe that’s why a faithful person added another ending or two.
Fear and silence are hallmarks of human life. Anyone who says they have never been afraid is either living under a rock or probably not sharing the full truth of their experience of things. As vulnerable human creatures, we are susceptible to fear, which can cascade into silence at our worst when we are most frightened. That is exactly where we meet the disciples today.
Yet someone, sometime, somewhere, had to have said something, or else we would not be here worshiping at Easter. At some point joy crept up and leapt over the disciples’ terror and paralysis. At some point the words were blurted out and released into the air with gladness: “Christ is risen, alleluia!”
Today, we enter the story on the other side of fear and silence. Someone among those disciples did indeed proclaim the truth: Christ is risen! We can rest assured knowing that despair and death don’t have the last word. Drawn into the resurrection life of Jesus, we are invited to take part in this movement of God, shouting with loud praise, “Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!”
Gathering
PRELUDE – “Forever” by Brian Johnson and Kari Jobe | Mary Pierce, soloist
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 – “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heav’nly king, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
praise him, all you heav’nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 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 gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ 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 10:34-43
Peter crosses the immense religious and social boundary that separates Jews from Gentiles in order to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, so that God’s forgiveness in Jesus’ name would reach out to all people.
A reading from the book of Acts.
Peter began to speak to [the people]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
PSALMODY – “Let Us Rejoice”
This is the day the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad;
this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
This is the day the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad;
this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say:
“His mercy endures forever.”
This is the day the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad;
this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
The hand of the Lord has struck with power;
His right hand is exalted.
I shall not die, but live anew,
Declaring the works of the Lord.
This is the day the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad;
this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
The stone that the builders rejected
Has become the Cornerstone.
The Lord of love and mercy
Has brought wonder to our eyes.
This is the day the lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad;
this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
The core of the Christian faith and Paul’s preaching is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the crucified and risen Christ appeared to the earliest of his followers, so we experience the presence of the Risen One in the preaching of this faith.
A reading from the Book of 1 Corinthians.
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
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 Mark 16:1-8
The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is one of terror and amazement.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint [Jesus’ body]. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY – “Christ Is Risen”, Ed Thieman, soloist
Let no one caught in sin
Remain inside the lie of inward shame,
But fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him who showed great love
And bled for us.
Freely you’ve bled for us.
Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling over death by death.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead,
We are one with Him again.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Beneath the weight of all our sin,
You bowed to none but heaven’s will.
No scheme of hell, no scoffer’s crown,
No burden great can hold You down. In strength You reign,
Forever let Your church proclaim.
Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling over death by death.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead,
We are one with Him again.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light,
The glory of God has defeated the night. Singing –
O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light.
Our God is not dead,
He’s alive, He’s alive.
Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling over death by death.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead,
We are one with Him again.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead,
Trampling over death by death.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead,
We are one with Him again.
Come awake, come awake,
Come and rise up from the grave.
HYMN OF THE DAY – “All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises”, Duane Tackis, soloist
You lived. You died.
You said in three days you would rise.
You did. You’re alive.
You rule. You reign.
You said you’re coming back again.
I know that you will,
And all the earth will sing your praises.
All the earth will sing your praises.
Interlude
You took, you take our sins away, O God;
You give, you gave your life away for us.
You came down, you saved us through the cross;
Our hearts are changed because of your great love.
You lived. You died.
You said in three days you would rise.
You did. You’re alive.
You rule. You reign.
You said you’re coming back again.
I know that you will,
And all the earth will sing your praises.
Interlude
You lived. You died.
You said in three days you would rise.
You did. You’re alive.
You rule. You reign.
You said you’re coming back again.
I know that you will,
And all the earth will sing your praises.
All the earth will sing your praises.
All the earth will sing your praises.
All the earth will sing your praises.
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 is kept.
After each petition:
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
Jesus draws the whole world to himself.
Come to this meal and be fed.
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.
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.
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
God of steadfast love,
at this table you gather your people into one body for the sake of the world. Send us in the power of your Spirit, that our lives bear witness to the love that has made us new in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Sending
BLESSING
You are what God made you to be: created in Christ Jesus for good works, chosen as holy and beloved, freed to serve your neighbor. God bless you that you may be a blessing, in the name of the holy and life-giving Trinity.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN – “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” (verses 1-4)
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood:
“Jesus out of ev’ry nation
has redeemed us by his blood.”
Alleluia! Not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! he is near us;
faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received him
when the forty days were o’er,
shall our hearts forget his promise:
“I am with you evermore”?
Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to you from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
earth’s redeemer, hear our plea
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia! King eternal,
Lord omnipotent we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary,
earth your footstool, heav’n your throne.
As within the veil you entered,
robed in flesh, our great high priest,
here on earth both priest and victim
in the eucharistic feast.
DISMISSAL
Christ is risen, just as he said. Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!!
POSTLUDE
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
Upcoming Commemorations
Benedict the African, confessor, died 1589
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Born a slave on the island of Sicily, Benedict lived as a hermit until the pope ordered all hermits to attach themselves to a monastery, at which time Benedict joined the Franciscans. Though illiterate, he was highly respected as a confessor and later superior of his community.
Albrecht Dürer, died 1528;
Matthias Grünewald, died 1529;
Lucas Cranach, died 1553; artists
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
These great artists revealed through their work the mystery of salvation and the wonder of creation. Dürer’s work reflected the apocalyptic spirit of his time. Though he remained a Ro- man Catholic, he was sympathetic to Martin Luther’s reforming work. Grünewald’s paintings are known for their dramatic forms, vivid colors, and depiction of light. Cranach’s work includes many fine religious examples and several portraits of Martin Luther. Cranach was also widely known for his woodcuts.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, died 1945
Friday, April 9, 2021
Bonhoeffer was a German theologian who wrote profoundly, yet in an accessible manner. In the Second World War, he became a leader of the Confessing Church in Germany that resisted the Nazi movement. Linked to a plot to kill Hitler, he was hanged shortly before the end of the war.
Mikael Agricola, Bishop of Turku, died 1557
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Consecrated bishop of Turku, Finland, without the approval of the pope, Agricola began a reform along Lutheran lines. In only three years, he translated the New Testament and worship texts into Finnish, in the process establishing the rules of Finnish writing that are still used today.
Special thanks to the singers and instrumentalists, and all ministers who helped make our Holy Week and Easter celebrations possible:
Mary Pierce, Ed Thieman, and Duane Tackis, soloists
The Chancel Choir and The Praise Team
All of our cantors, lectors, greeters, ushers, and ministers of communion
Michele Weyhrauch, Worship Comissioner
Alisha Minamyer, Office Staff
Mark Shoemaker, Music Director
Pastor Jamie Vannoy
The beautiful Lilies in Our Sanctuary Are Donated In Memory or In Honor of Family and Friends.
In Loving Memory Of:
Clyde and Loretta Bauser by Roger and Pam Bauser
James (Jim) Bauser by Roger and Pam Bauser
William (Bill) Bowman by Roger and Pam Bauser
Laura Bowman Hodgkin by Roger and Pam Bauser
The Good Shepherd Saints by Roger and Pam Bauser
Laura Jean Bowman Hodgkin by Charlotte Bowman
William (Bill) Bowman by Charlotte Bowman
Our family members who have passed by Chris and Lisa Connelly
Dorothea G. and Carl E. Leflar (parents) by Janet and Donald Grieshop
Don Grieshop’s four brothers by Janet and Donald Grieshop
Loved Ones by Del and Ginny Herbeck
Margaret and James Parlett by Eileen Hunter
Kal Young by Eileen Hunter
Elsie Rosholt by Wayne and Sandy Rosholt
Julie Rosholt by Wayne and Sandy Rosholt
Bob Sauer by Mary Ann Sauer
Deb DeVilbiss by Kathleen Seim
Floyd Seim by Kathleen Seim
Michael Seim by Kathleen Seim
Beth and Clinton Spencer by Kathleen Seim
Peg and Clayton Talley by Kathleen Seim
Bruce Martin by Chris and Jack Steel
Luther and Lois Martin by Chris and Jack Steel
Jack and Betty Steel by Chris and Jack Steel
Remembering Dan by Herb and Kate Steininger
Ella Yoeckel by Ed Thieman Family
Our Parents by Susan and Jeff Wehmeyer
Owen and Lavon Dawson by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch
Wesley Weyhrauch by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch
In Loving Honor Of:
PJ and Nora Bauser by Roger and Pam Bauser
David, Amanda, Sophia, and Will Bauser by Roger and Pam Bauser
Kim, Brendan, and baby girl McBrien by Roger and Pam Bauser
Our Children – Aimee, Cameron, Peter, and Son-in-Law Paul by Chris and Lisa Connelly
James and Juli Kempf by Jim and Debbie Kempf
Nick, Jenn, and Christopher Trentman by Jim and Debbie Kempf
Winnie Kvanne by Roger and Lanae Scott
Leo and Thelma Thieman by Ed Thieman Family
Ed Yoeckel by Ed Thieman Family
Oskar Watson by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch
Wallace Watson by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch