GREETING

Pastor: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Pastor: The grace and peace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
People: And also with you

HYMN OF PRAISE
“Now the Feast and Celebration”
[click on the link below]

PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING
Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to Emmaus
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY
“Alleluia, Jesus is Risen”
[click on the link below]
https://youtu.be/1TygzRjinL8

TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS
Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Mabel Zolotarchuk, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Norm Gregory, the Rose family, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Hildegard Schneider (Renita Falkenstern’s mother), and the family of Cortney Palmer (Pat and Carol Sarich’s niece).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, the Palestinians and Israelis, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes, the victims, families, and communities grieving the tragic shootings in Nova Scotia, and those throughout the world, in Canada, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH
[The congregational response after each petition is: “COMPLETE YOUR NEW CREATION.”]
Pastor: As we celebrate the joy of the resurrection, let us pray for God’s continuing work of new creation in the life of the Church, for the peace and well-being of the world, and wherever brokenness and death oppose God’s abundant life, saying, “Hear us, O God of life,” and responding, “Complete your new creation.”

Petitioner: God of life, in spite of all we have heard and all that we have seen we forget where healing comes from, forget who binds all together as community, forget that life in Christ is completely different. Through touching the water of baptism, hearing the Word of forgiveness, tasting the goodness of your life-giving meal, help us remember that we have a God of truth and mercy whose gracious, steadfast love for us is certain and assured. Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner: God of all creation, you open our eyes and we marvel at the wonders of your spring-time of life. Send us forth as humble people who care for the waters, lands, and air, for the plants and animals of your creation. Help us to understand that as your life has been broken for us that we might be healed, we now might go about healing your creation which we have broken through our greed, misuse, and carelessness. Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner: God of promise, transform us from frightened individuals, communities, and nations, into a community of celebration and thanksgiving. Open our eyes to see the presence of Christ in our midst. Open our hearts to receive forgiveness, grace, and hope. Open our mouths to proclaim, “It is the Lord!” Open our doors to welcome all. Hear us, O God of life…

Pastor: God of healing, you tend to those who are weak and in distress, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. Send us forth as practitioners of compassion to attend to all facing the loss of a loved one, a job, good health, sustaining relationships, or their own inner peace and wholeness. We remember especially before you …. Renew all with your promise of life. Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner: God of peace, instill in our world, national, provincial, and local leaders a spirit of cooperation and reconciliation, and the courage to serve the way of justice and peace among nations, communities, and within families. Make them signs of hope for all in need. Send them wisdom to uphold justice and security, safe neighbourhoods, adequate housing, health care, and sufficient food and employment for all people in this time of pandemic. Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner: Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection. May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow. Hear us, O God of life …

Petitioner: God of mission, you have redeemed and anointed your people through baptism and united us in the death and resurrection of Jesus for a life-giving mission. Your resurrection creates new ways to live. When we are lost or empty, renew our ministries and our callings through this covenant of new life. Help us to discover daily Christ walking before, beside, and behind us wherever our paths may lead. Hear us, O God of life…

Pastor: Sustaining God, as you bring life even out of death, hear our call for your abundant life, make our prayers part of your new creation, and guide us with the hope of joy in your presence for the sake of the crucified and risen one, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

People: Amen.

BENEDICTION

Pastor: The God of life, who has called you to eternal life in Christ,
lift you up and restore you to wholeness.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Jesus Christ, the Living Word,
bless you and send you to be his witnesses.

People: Amen.

Pastor: God the Holy Spirit, who renews the whole earth,
refresh, restore, support, and strengthen you this day and always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN
“Christ is Alive, Let Christians Sing”
[click on the link below]
https://youtu.be/GRQoeitN5nA

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: Alleluia! Go and tell the news that Christ is risen.

People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The draft website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/ It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic. Thanks to Wayne Turner who is our website master and facebook poster and has been involved in setting up this website.

Offerings.
Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them. Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.
Send your contributions to: King of Glory Lutheran Church
3318 Merritt Street
Saskatoon, SK S7M 3P6
Thank you for your generosity.

Send Pastor Michael your cell phone number and email address. I have land line telephone numbers and house addresses for all of you, but in these times of physical distancing to be in touch with you is primarily through cell phones and the internet. If you have not done so, please send me your cell phone numbers and email addresses so we can establish various ways of communicating with one another e.g. ZOOM. My email address is michaelpoellet@sasktel.net. Thank you.

Hannah and Wendell practice extreme physical distancing in their search for crocuses!

Now that spring is here, KOG is looking another round of coping pics in this time of distancing. Please send in (click here) a picture of themselves as they cope with these anxious times, perhaps an action of shot of how you while away the hours. If you like you can include a favourite bible passage or Psalm to accompany the picture.

Here is Wendell, Hannah, and Big Shell busting out of the house.

Hosted by Resurrection Lutheran Church, Pastor Ali Tote presiding.

(Follow along the service below the audio link.)

GATHERING

Announcements

Words of Welcome

Gathering Hymn Christ Arose!
1. Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!
Refrain:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2. Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus, my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord! Refrain
3. Death cannot keep his Prey,
Jesus, my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord! Refrain
Confession and Forgiveness

Greeting

Kyrie

Kyrie Eleison, on our world and on our way.
Kyrie Eleison, ev-’ry day.
For peace in the world, for the health of the church, for the unity of all;
for this holy house, for all who worship and praise,
2
let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
Kyrie Eleison, on our world and on our way.
Kyrie Eleison, ev-’ry day.
That we may live out your impassioned response to the hungry and the poor;
that we may live out truth and justice and grace,
let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
Kyrie Eleison, on our world and on our way.
Kyrie Eleison, ev-’ry day.
For peace in our hearts, for peace in our homes, for friends and family;
for life and for love, for our work and our play,
let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
Kyrie Eleison, on our world and on our way.
Kyrie Eleison, ev-’ry day.
For your Spirit to guide; that you center our lives in the water and the word;
that you nourish our souls with your body and blood,
let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
Kyrie Eleison, on our world and on our way.
Kyrie Eleison, ev-’ry day
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray together.
Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith in you and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORD

Children’s Chat

First Reading Acts 2:14a, 22-32
God fulfills the promise to David.
14a “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I
say.
22 “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to
you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as
you yourselves know— 23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and
foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God
raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its
power. 25 For David says concerning him,
3
‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28 You
have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was
buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn
with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this,
David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did
his flesh experience corruption.’
32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 16 (We will read this responsively)
In your presence there is fullness of joy. (Ps. 16:11)
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will
not pour out or take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Second Reading 1 Peter 1:3-9
New birth to a living hope.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a
new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an
inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being
protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the
genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by
fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although
you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in
him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your
faith, the salvation of your souls.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
4
Gospel Acclamation

Holy Gospel John 20:19-31
Beholding the wounds of the risen Christ.
Gospel Response Glory to you, O Lord.
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house
where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them
and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then
the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and
said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if
you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus
came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I
see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in
his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the
doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he
said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my
side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said
to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this
book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son
of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Hymn of the Day Christ, Be Our Light
1. Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Refrain
Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
2. Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
5
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone. Refrain
3. Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come. Refrain
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 to the dead.
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 the People
Uplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times
and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
Open the doors we close, O God, when we fear those who worship you in different ways. Guide
us to unity and harmony so that we may come to respect and cherish our commonalities. Lord,
in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Open the paths we ignore, O God, when we prioritize financial gain and convenience over
listening to the groaning of the earth. Inspire all to care for the world you have made so that
living things might thrive. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
6
Open the rooms we lock, O God, to those who live without a homeland or place of safety. We
pray that generous nations offer refuge and peace for all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Open the hearts we close, O God, to the cries of those in pain. We pray for those isolated
physically or emotionally through incarceration, addiction, mental illness, chronic suffering, grief,
and all in need. We pray especially for those we bring before you now out loud or in silent prayer.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Open the ways of love, O God, in the pursuit of peace throughout the world, and bless the efforts
of missionaries, healthcare professionals, activists for women and children, and relief workers,
especially those who find themselves in harm’s way. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Open the ways of truth, O God, we pray for our Bishops Susan and Sid, all our bishops, pastors,
diaconal ministers, our lay leaders and all in ministry, for Resurrection Lutheran Church and for
all members of Christ’s body. Prepare our hearts to accept your Word. Lord, in your mercy, hear
our prayer.
Open the way to eternal life, O God, as we remember those who have died in faith. Free us from
the fear of death, that we embrace the peace you have promised. Lord, in your mercy, hear our
prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours.
Now and forever.
Amen.

Peace Please share our Lord’s gift of Peace with one another.

SENDING

Blessing

Sending Hymn Thine is the Glory
7
Thine is the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son;
endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won!
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Refrain:
Thine is the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son;
endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won!
Lo, Jesus meets thee, risen from the tomb!
Lovingly he greets thee, scatters fear and gloom;
let his church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
for the Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting! [Refrain]
No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life;
life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife;
make us more than conqu’rors, through thy deathless love;
bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. [Refrain]
Dismissal Go in peace, serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Special thanks to Worship Assistant Jill Pecar and reader Brian Hogan.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR APRIL 26th
Acts 2:141, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35
Services from the Saskatoon ELCIC 7 Churches are posted here as well as some other COVID-19
information: https://saskatoonelcic.com

Don’t forget, KOG is inviting past and present members as well as friends to send in (click here) a picture of themselves as they cope with these anxious times, perhaps an action of shot of how you while away the hours. If you like you can include a favourite bible passage or Psalm to accompany the picture.

Here is a pic from Jody Giesbrecht:

Don’t forget, KOG is inviting past and present members as well as friends to send in (click here) a picture of themselves as they cope with these anxious times, perhaps an action of shot of how you while away the hours. If you like you can include a favourite bible passage or Psalm to accompany the picture.

Here is a message and some pics from Jennipher Karst:

We’re making coronavirus crafts and Hannah is losing teeth! We also went on a snowy owl “hunt” mid-March and saw 4 snowies. The snowies will be heading north shortly to their breeding grounds on the tundra. Hannah took the attached snowy owl photo.

Hymn: “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
[click on link below]
https://youtu.be/_d0uYKcJ-CA

GREETING

Pastor: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Pastor: The grace and peace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
People: And also with you

PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of Life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through, Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

GOSPEL READING
Matthew 28:1-10
The Resurrection of Jesus
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

SERMON

Continue reading →

Don’t forget, KOG is inviting past and present members as well as friends to send in (click here) a picture of themselves as they cope with these anxious times, perhaps an action of shot of how you while away the hours. If you like you can include a favourite bible passage or Psalm to accompany the picture.

Bryan and Doreen Matschke have sent in a winter image along with a benediction:

“Go in peace. Proclaim the love of the life-giving cross. Thanks be to God”.

Augustana – where Lutherans and Anglicans worship together

For video church service click on link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=Dary-bTlgkc&feature=emb_logo

Introduction and prayer:

On this day we recall the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we hear John’s account, we focus on seven moments during that day and, as darkness still seeks to conquer the light, pause to reflect on our own sin, and that of the world.
At the end of each reading a candle will be extinguished to mark the prevailing darkness of this day.
Let us pray:
God of the daytime and the night-time,
God of light and darkness, God of joy and sorrow, we worship you.
Through you alone are we able to know that even in the darkest hours hope is present through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen

1ST MOMENT: ‘ECCE HOMO’ –

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.’ So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, ‘Here is the man!’ When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.’ The Jews answered him, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.’ John 19:1–7

The 1st candle is extinguished.

Reflection:

‘Here is the man’, ‘Ecce homo’, the Roman prefect said as he offered Jesus to the crowd. No name now for this nuisance-man whose silent threat causes such alarm. Yet even the no-name ‘Ecce homo’ has become a title for paintings, sculptures and verse over the centuries. A no-name title becoming his title, and a no-name handing-over soon to become his fate. Ecce homo – the Word made flesh.

There in God’s Garden

There in God’s garden stands the Tree of wisdom,
whose leaves hold forth the healing of the nations.
Tree of all knowledge, Tree of all compassion,
Tree of all beauty.

2ND MOMENT: GABBATHA –

Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, ‘Where are you from?’ But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, ‘Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?’ Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’ From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.’
When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called the Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, ‘Here is your King!’ They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. John 19:8–16a

The 2nd candle is extinguished.

There in God’s Garden
Its name is Jesus, name that says, ‘Our Saviour!’
There on its branches see the scars of suffering;
see where the tendrils of our human selfhood
feed on its life-blood.

3RD MOMENT: GOLGOTHA

So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.”‘ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ John 19:16b–22

The 3rd candle is extinguished.

Reflection:

The article was finished and passed on to the editor for approval. Within a few minutes the call came. ‘Are you sure you want to say this?’ she asked.
‘It’s what happened,’ the reporter replied. ‘Those were the words that were used.’
‘But they don’t quite reflect our brand, fit in with our readers. Maybe you could say “it seemed” … or “it appeared that” … or “she was unclear”.’
‘But she wasn’t. She was clear about what was said and when it occurred and what was meant by it – very clear.’
‘OK,’ the editor responded, ‘if it goes wrong, I’ll take the flak. Let it be as you have written.’
Pilate, in a moment of bravery, insists on what has been written – no fudging – ‘the King of the Jews’ it is. Even in the face of the crowd sometimes it has to be said as it is. Even when the mood of the crowd threatens, sometimes it needs to be said as it is.

There in God’s Garden
Thorns not its own are tangled in its foliage;
our greed has starved it; our despite has choked it.
Yet look, it lives! Its grief has not destroyed it,
nor fire consumed it.

4TH MOMENT: CASTING LOTS

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’
And that is what the soldiers did. John 19:23–25

The 4th candle is extinguished.

There in God’s Garden
See how its branches reach to us in welcome;
hear what the voice says, ‘Come to me, ye weary!
Give me your sickness, give me all your sorrow.
I will give blessing.’

5TH MOMENT: ‘HERE IS YOUR MOTHER’

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. John 19:25–27
The 5th candle is extinguished.

Reflection:

In a moment all can change.
That moment of fearful angelic promise.
That moment of Bethlehem’s birth pain and first-nursing.
That moment of fleeing.
That moment of apparent rejection.
That moment …
So many moments with him.
And now this moment, this handing over, as the care given to him from birth to death is now received from him, and in this moment, a new home for him and for me.

There in God’s Garden
This is my ending; this my resurrection;
into your hands, Lord, I commit my spirit.
This have I searched for; now I can possess it.
This ground is holy!

6TH MOMENT: FINISHED –
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28–30
The 6th candle is extinguished.

Reflection:

Finished. So final a word, but what is ever really finished accomplished, completed, except life itself? A race run, a record set, only serve to herald the next attempt, a new champion and holder of the prize. But once for all a death of life, an obscuring of light bringing darkness in its wake, as a moment of completion is echoed with finality. Finished … the end … extinguished light … … but only till a brighter dawn.

There in God’s Garden
All heaven is singing, ‘Thanks to Christ, whose Passion
offers in mercy healing, strength and pardon.
All men and nations, take it, take it freely!’
Amen! My Master!

7TH MOMENT: PIERCED

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. John 19:31–34

The 7th candle is extinguished.

Reflection:

Seven moments of the ordinary. Crowds, fear, power. Inhumanity made ordinary …
And so it continues as those with power quash unrest, break limbs, execute trouble-makers, instil fear. And we pause. And we wonder. In seven moments of ordinary violence, would we be different? Other days will soon come … But for now the candles are extinguished, and the darkness prevails.
Prayers:
We pray for those for whom the terrifying has become the ordinary.
We pray for ourselves, that we not become immune to those who suffer.
We ask for forgiveness for the times when we failed to speak or act.
We give thanks for those who remind us that even in the shadows of pain there is hope.
We give thanks for those who care for the sick and dying.
Lord of the cross, in you alone do we find our hope, even when hope is gone. Amen

A closing reading:

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38–42

Final prayer and departure:

When hope has left: Still we watch and wait.
When darkness prevails: Still we search for light.
When the road is hidden: Still we seek a guide.
Christ of the cross, hold us in these moments as we wait for a garden vision, a mealtime revelation, a locked room blessing, and a lakeside renewal. We go in peace.
Used with permission
Service adapted from:
SEVENMOMENTS
by Stephen J Maunder
PL10496 ISBN 978-1-84952-589-3
Published 2018:
Wild Goose Publications

Bible passages from the NRSV. Passages from NRSV 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.

For all 7 ELCIC Churches in Saskatoon:

Service provided by
Trinity, King of Glory & Resurrection Lutheran
Presider: Pastor Mark Hedlin
Preacher: Pastor Michael Poellet
Assisting Minister: Pastor Heather Hedlin
Liturgical & Technical Arrangement: Pastor Ali Tote
Worship Assistants: The Hedlin family
Prelude Music You Raise Me Up
Words of Welcome (including a word about the foot/hand washing)

Confession & Absolution

Friends in Christ, in this Lenten season we have heard our Lord’s call to struggle against sin and the devil – all that keeps us from loving God and each other. This is the struggle to which we called at baptism.
Within the community of the church, God never wearies of forgiving sin and giving the peace of reconciliation. On this night let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor, and enter the celebration of the great Three Days reconciled with God and one another.
Silence for reflection before God (Hymn My All in All)
All: Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and be what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of + Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. Amen

Hymn Ah Holy Jesus

1. Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended, That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended? By foes derided, by Thine own rejected, O most afflicted.
2. Who was the guilty- Who brought this upon Thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee. ‘Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee! I crucified Thee.
3. For me, kind Jesus, was Thine incarnation, Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life’s oblation; Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion, For my salvation.
4. Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered; The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered; For our atonement, while he nothing heedeth, God intercedeth.
5. Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee, I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee, Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving, Not my deserving.
Greeting: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And also with you
Let us pray… Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he
loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

Scripture 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for[a] you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
12 What shall I return to the LORD for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones. 16 O LORD, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

Gospel Canticle

A new commandment
I give unto you
That you love one another
As I have loved you,
That you love one another
As I have loved you
(x2)
By this shall all men
Know you are My disciples
If you have love one to another
The Holy Gospel according to John
Glory to you, O Lord.

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table,[a] took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[
b] but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants[d] are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him,[a] God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ

Homily Reverend Michael Poellet

On this night we have heard our Lord’s commandment to love another as he has loved us. We who receive God’s love in Jesus Christ are called to love another, to be servants to each other as Jesus became our servant. Our commitment to this loving service is signified in the washing of feet, following the example our Lord gave us on the night before his death.
In the time of Coronavirus we are not able to gather in physical proximity to each other and so congregations cannot engage in serving each other by washing one another’s feet as we have so reverently done for years.
This year, if you are with family or gathered with another, all are encouraged to take the time to wash the next few minutes to wash another’s feet as a sign of service and love in Jesus name.
Many may be gathered by themselves. Our world is receiving the command to wash our hands so regularly that hands are the focus of uncertainty & even fear. As a sign of Jesus commandment of love all are encouraged to consider having their hands receive water & prayer as sign of community & care as a supplement to foot washing or in place of foot washing. And for those on their own, you are encouraged to pour water over your hands and we pray this will be a sign to you of the Lord’s touch and know that your community of faith is with you in this time.
Prayerfully pour water over each hand (or allow a family member to do so)

Hymn for washing It Is Well With My Soul

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
4. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain

Abide With Me

1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3. I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Prayer Petitions

Jesus knew how to gather and give to his disciples. Tonight we are reminded that his giving was far-reaching. His sacrifice was for all – the lonely, despised, fearful, neglected and unloved. May we, too, be unreserved in our giving, so that our sharing may be a witness of God’s love for all.
May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those that have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love during this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbor.
Gracious God, help us to open your hearts and feel the yearnings of our brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. Help us to reach out in understanding, by the bonds of the Spirit to clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Hymn Fairest Lord Jesus

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O Thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.
2. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, Robed in the blooming garb of spring; Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
3. Fair is the sunshine, Fairer still the moonlight, And all the twinkling starry host; Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer Than all the angels heaven can boast.
4. Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, Now and forever more be Thine.

Stripping of the Altar

As Jesus’ life is stripped away from him for our sake, we respond this Holy Maundy Thursday night by stripping the altar. In humble submission and repentance, we also strip ourselves tonight of the things that draw us away from God.
The stripping takes place as Psalm 22 is being read and as the postlude music takes us from the physical darkness of Maundy Thursday night, and into the darkness of humanity’s humiliation of Jesus on Good Friday.

Psalm 22

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads; 8 “Commit your cause to the LORD; let him deliver— let him rescue the one in whom he delights!”
9 Yet it was you who took me from the womb; you kept me safe on my mother’s breast. 10 On you I was cast from my birth, and since my mother bore me you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls encircle me, strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15 my mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs are all around me; a company of evildoers encircles me. My hands and feet have shriveled; 17 I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.
19 But you, O LORD, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid! 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! 21 Save me from the mouth of the lion!
From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued[ me. 22 I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. 26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. 28 For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.
29 To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, 31 and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.

Postlude

Credits

Music & Hymn: Kaleb Brasee; Ron Mascarenhas; H.G. Spafford and Philip Bliss.
Postlude: Saint Martyr of the Virgin, NYC
Petitions from ELCIC worship site by Cameron Wiggins Bellm