Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Resurrection of Our Lord
Easter Day
April 16, 2022 – 7:00 pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death,” Paul writes. Today Christ is risen, and we gather together with astonishment and joy. Christ is risen, and we have been set free from the bonds of death. Christ is risen, and we are forgiven. Christ is risen, and with the women at the tomb and Peter, we are amazed. Let us rejoice: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
A Happy Beginning
There’s a way of talking about Easter that makes it sound a bit like a surprise happy ending that brings a scary and suspenseful storyline to its resolution. On one level that’s true: Today is a day of joy! Death is defeated! This is the feast of victory of our God.
But if we think of today only as the final chapter in God’s story of salvation, we may leave Easter Sunday worship the same way we leave a movie theater after a satisfying film: we take a deep breath, we let out a sigh perhaps, we say, “Well, that was great,” and then we go back to our everyday lives. We go back to our grief. We go back to our fear about the future. We go back to a world where evil still seems to win.
Today is something different entirely. Easter is not a momentary interruption in the general or- der of things, a temporary reprieve from the heaviness of death. Far from wrapping things up or simply undoing the pain of Good Friday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ opens up a whole new way of living. It is not a “sigh” but an earthquake!
“But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them,” Luke writes (24:11). It takes time for the full magnitude of the empty tomb to settle in. Like the apostles upon hearing the women’s news, we can scarcely imagine what it means for us that God’s love is stronger than death, and that every aspect of our life together—indeed, the entire cosmos!—is changed by this good news. That’s why the church gives us fifty days to unpack this mystery, not just a single morning.
But one thing is for sure: Easter is not a happy ending so much as it is a new beginning. We who are baptized into Jesus Christ are free to live with death in the rearview mirror, no longer afraid of its power. Alleluia!”
GATHERING
PRELUDE
WELCOME
He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Pastor Jamie Vannoy
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 for evermore!
Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain, whose blood has freed and united us to be one great people of God.
Now the feast and celebration, all of creation sings for joy to the God of life and love and freedom: praise and glory for evermore!
Power and riches, wisdom and might, all honor and glory to Christ forever.
Now the feast and celebration, all of creation sings for joy to the God of life and love and freedom: praise and glory for evermore!
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 for evermore!
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 Isaiah 65:17-25
Through the prophet, God promises a new heaven and a new earth. Weeping will pass away, life will be abundant for God’s people, and the world—including the wild animals— will be at peace.
A reading from the book of Isaiah.
I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD—and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.
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 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.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Allelui, alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia!
GOSPEL Luke 24:1-12
Evidently expecting to find Jesus’ corpse, some of his women followers go to the tomb with embalming spices. After a perplexing encounter with the empty tomb and angelic visitors, the women become the first to proclaim the amazing news of resurrection.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE Pastor Jamie Vannoy
HYMN OF THE DAY “Christ Is Risen” and “All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises”
Ed Thieman and Duane Tackis, soloists
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.
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
On this day of resurrection joy, let us offer our prayers for ourselves, our neighbors, and our world.
A brief silence is kept.
After each petition:
Merciful God.
Receive our prayer.
We offer to you these petitions and those we carry in our hearts, trusting in your abundant and ever-present mercy.
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 dwells with us here.
All who are hungry, all who are thirsty, come.
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 sins 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
We give you thanks, generous God, for in this bread and cup we have tasted the new heaven and earth where hunger and thirst are no more. Send us from this table as witnesses to the resurrection, that through our lives, all may know life in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
SENDING
BLESSING
God, the Author of life, Christ, the living Cornerstone, and the life-giving Spirit of adoption, bless you now and forever.
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
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Tell what God has done.
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
Olavus Petri, priest, died 1552; Laurentius Petri, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1573; renewers of the church
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
These two brothers studied with Luther at the University of Wittenberg and then returned to their native Sweden to introduce the Lutheran reforms. Olavus published a catechism and hymnal; Laurentius was a professor who defended the office of bishop and later became one.
Anselm, Bishop of Canterbury, died 1109
Thursday, April 21, 2022
This eleventh-century monk was one of the greatest theologians of the Middle Ages. He is remembered for emphasizing the maternal aspects of God, and for the theory that the Son of God became human in order to make the necessary payment for our sin.
Day of the Creation (Día de la Creación) (LLC)
Friday, April 22, 2022
This observance invites us to notice and give God thanks for the wonders of the created universe. As stewards of that creation, we are also challenged to be careful in our use of it.
Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, died 1960
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Born in Kobe, Japan, Kagawa was orphaned as a young child. Later, when he became Christian, he was disowned by the rest of his family. Wishing to bring Christian principles into society, he worked among poor people, established schools and hospitals, and worked for peace.
NOTES:
Special thanks to the singers and instrumentalists, and all ministers who helped make our Holy Week and Easter celebrations possible:
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
Laura Jean Bowman Hodgkin by Charlotte Bowman
William (Bill) Bowman by Charlotte Bowman
Chris’ parents by Chris and Lisa Connelly
Family and Friends by Dave and Lorry Creech
Dorothea G. and Carl E. Leflar (parents) by Janet and Donald Grieshop
Don Grieshop’s four brothers – Dick, Doug, Bill, and Steve by Janet and Donald Grieshop
Family and Friends by Lila Harms
Loved Ones by Del and Ginny Herbeck
Margaret and James Parlett by Eileen Hunter
Paul Pfaff by Sandra Pfaff
Merlin Thompson by Sandra Pfaff
Kimberly Yale by Sandra Pfaff
Harvey Reilich by Ferne Reilich
Kevin Reilich by Ferne Reilich
Elsie Rosholt by Wayne and Sandy Rosholt
Julie Rosholt by Wayne and Sandy Rosholt
Laura Seltzer by Dave and Angie Seltzer
Our Parents by Dave and Angie Seltzer
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
Dan Steininger by Kate Steininger
Herb Steininger by Kate Steininger
Ella Yoeckel by Ed Thieman Family
Gift in Lieu of Easter Lilies Ministery 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:
All Saints of GSLC by Roger and Pam Bauser
Our Grandchildren – Sophia, William, and Maggie by Roger and Pam Bauser
David and Amanda by Roger and Pam Bauser
Kim and Brendan by Roger and Pam Bauser
PJ and Nora by Roger and Pam Bauser
Our Children – Aimee, Paul, Cameron and Peter by Chris and Lisa Connelly
James and Juli Kempf by Jim and Debbie Kempf
Nick, Jenn, and Christopher Trentman by Jim and Debbie Kempf
Leo and Thelma Thieman by Ed Thieman Family
Ed Yoeckel by Ed Thieman Family
Ashlie Weyhrauch, Tanya Watson, & Adam Watson
by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch
Oskar Watson by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch
Wallace Watson by Wayne and Michele Weyhrauch
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.