NOW THE FEAST AND CELEBRATION
Easter, the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, is one single celebration which lasts for fifty days. Each Sunday of Easter—from the Resurrection to Pentecost—celebrates the resurrection, the appearances, acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord, the community’s experience of the risen Lord, Christ’s mission to the disciples, and the promise of the Spirit. This fifty-day long celebration testifies to the truth that the last word and the lasting word is not death, but God’s Word of life.
Hymn for The Easter Season:
“Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!”
[click on the link below]
“Alleluia! Jesus is risen!
Trumpets resounding in glorious light!
Splendor, the Lamb, Heaven forever!
Oh, what a miracle God has in sight!
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
“Walking the way, Christ in the center
Telling the story to open our eyes;
Breaking our bread, Giving us glory:
Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise.
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
“Jesus the vine, We are the branches;
Life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree;
Heaven to earth, Christ to the people,
Gift of the future now flowing to me.
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
“Weeping, be gone; Sorrow, be silent:
Death put asunder, and Easter is bright.
Cherubim sing: “O grave, be open!”
Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light.
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
“City of God, Easter forever,
Golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb,
River of life, Saints and archangels,
Sing with creation to God the I AM!
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!”
GATHERING
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL WITH PRAISE AND PRAYER,
AND PREPARE TO HEAR GOD’S WORD OF LIFE
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 Lord Christ, Good Shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
WORD
THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE
FIRST READING
Acts 4:5-12
The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
“the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.”
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.’
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
SECOND READING
1 John 3:16-24
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.
And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
THE GOSPEL
Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St.________, the _________ chapter.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
(The Gospel is read.)
Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, O Christ.
GOSPEL READING
John 10:11-18
‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’
SERMON
[click on the link below]
HYMN OF THE DAY
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
[click on the link below]
The King of love my shepherd is,
Whose goodness fails me never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine for ever.
Where streams of living water flow,
With gentle care He leads me,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With heav’nly food he feeds me.
Perverse and foolish I have strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home rejoicing brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill,
With you, dear Lord, beside me;
Your rod and staff my comfort still,
Your cross before to guide me.
You spread a table in my sight;
Your saving grace bestowing,
And O what joy and true delight,
From your pure chalice flowing.
And so through all the length of days,
Your goodness fails me never,
Good Shepherd, may I sing your praise,
Within your house for ever.
NICENE CREED (on festival Sundays)
Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed.
All: We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS
Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, Liz Sand, Robin Stamm and baby Constantine, Mona Neher, Pat Sarich, Carl Rausch, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Norm Gregory, the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister), the family of Mary Anderson (Evelyn Robson’s mother), the family of Steve Slusar (Paul Slusar’s brother), the family of Joel Zimmerman.
We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, the Palestinians and Israelis, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslim refugees and the ethnic Karen of Myanmar, 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, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence, especially the victims and their families of the shootings in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Indianapolis, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH
[The congregational response after each petition is: “LEAD US IN THE WAY OF TRUTH AND LIFE.”
Pastor: As we celebrate the joy of the resurrection, knowing that God has given us a new birth into a living hope, let us pray for the life of the Church, for the well-being of the world, and for the whole creation as it longs for the grace of God’s new life, saying, “Hear us, O God of life,” and responding, “Lead us in the way of truth and life.”
Petitioner: God of life, you lead us to a table of plenty where everyone is welcome. We pray for all international relief agencies, and remember especially Canadian Lutheran World Relief, the Saskatoon Food Bank, the Saskatoon Friendship Inn, all individuals who care for the hungry, and most especially, all who are fed by them. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of all creation, you lead us to quiet places of rest and renewal. We pray for the protection and preservation of wilderness and sanctuary, parks, campgrounds, and reserves, for our oceans, lakes, and rivers, and for grasslands and forests. We pray for ranchers, herders, farmers, and all who care for animals, provide them with your creative power that they may care for their animals and give them all that they need to live. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of promise, Jesus, the good Shepherd, calls us and through him we have the gift of new and abundant life and are gathered together in your presence. We pray for all that you call, gather, and keep in your presence: every nation, all tribes, peoples and languages, and for all in this assembly: musicians, artists, teachers, greeters, readers, communion assistants, council members, and all who serve in so many ways. Hear us, O God of life…
Pastor: God of healing, you lead us through dark valleys and difficult circumstances. We pray for the lost, the discouraged, for 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 …. Provide for all in need of care and tending, heal them in life-giving ways they cannot even imagine. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of hope, 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 Christ, our Good Shepherd, lead us again beside the living and restorative waters of our baptism. Wash us in your goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Pour out your Holy Spirit, so that as your baptized ones we may walk without fear into the risen life your have prepared for us. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of peace, you humble the proud and lift up the lowly. Give your wisdom and humility to political and economic leaders. Teach them how to care for the environment, the poor, the unemployed, those in need of housing and health care, and for all over whom they have authority. 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. Through your Spirit lead us to put aside our own lives, that your life may abound in us. Transform our community. When we act as lost sheep, open new opportunities, renew our ministries and our callings through your promise of new life and graciously give us the resolve to faithfully worship, nurture and proclaim Christ’s love with one voice for all in our community and in our world. 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.
THANKSGIVING
THE COMMUNITY PRAISES GOD FOR THE GRACIOUS GIFTS OF CREATION
AND THE SAVING DEEDS OF JESUS CHRIST
THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE
Pastor: Sisters and brothers, rejoice, encourage one another, live in peace.
God through Christ has given us the gift of reconciliation.
People: Therefore, let us be reconciled to God and to one another.
Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And also with you.
(If with others greet one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words: “Christ’s peace be with you.”)
THE OFFERING
(We worship God with the offering of our selves, our time, our talents, and our possessions.)
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Leader: Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O God,
People: ruler of heaven and earth.
Day by day you shower us with blessings.
As you have raised us to new life in Christ,
give us glad and generous hearts.
May these gifts be signs of our whole lives returned to you,
dedicated to the healing and unity of all creation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
People: 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.
SENDING
ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOD, LEAVE IN PEACE,
AND ARE SENT OUT TO SERVE
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
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
[click on the link below]
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
much we need thy tender care;
in thy pleasant pastures feed us,
for our use thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, thine we are.
We are thine, thou dost befriend us,
be the guardian of our way;
keep thy flock, from sin defend us,
seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Thou hast promised to receive us,
poor and sinful though we be;
thou hast mercy to relieve us,
grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
We will early turn to thee.
Early let us seek thy favor,
early let us do thy will;
blessed Lord and only Savior,
with thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
Pastor: Alleluia! Go and tell the news that Christ is risen.
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Because of the high level of COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province, at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations continue to suspend all in person worship services until a time when it is safe to gather together. King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through April 2021. Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.
COMING UP AT KOG
Sunday, April 25, King of Glory online Worship service.
Wednesday, April 28, Church Council meets, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 2, King of Glory online Worship service.
Sunday, May 9, Zion provides online Worship service for all 7seven ELCIC churches.
Sunday, May 16, King of Glory online Worship service.
Sunday, May 23, King of Glory online Worship service.
February, March and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG
2020 Budget: $49,536 Monthly Budget: $4,180.50 Weekly Budget: $964.73
2021income/expenses: $1,975.33
February income/expenses: -$1,556.33
Contributions from March 20 through April 25: $2200
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 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.
The 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 and posting services from the various churches.
Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory
King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC. They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures. Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.
Additional Prayers
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 …
King of Glory Lutheran Church 