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:
“Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing”
[click on the link below]
Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.
His cross stands empty to the sky.
Let streets and homes with praises ring.
His love in death shall never die.
Chris is alive! No longer bound
To distant years in Palestine,
He comes to claim the here and now
And dwell in every place and time.
Not throned afar, remotely high,
Untouched, unmoved by human pains,
But daily, in the midst of life,
Our Savior in the Godhead reigns.
In every insult, rift, and war,
Where color, scorn, or wealth divide,
He suffers still, yet loves the more,
And lives, though ever crucified.
Christ is alive, and comes to bring
Good news to this and every age,
Till earth and all creation ring
With joy, with justice, love and praise.
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 God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you 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 8:26-40
Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Get up and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to this chariot and join it.’ So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
‘Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.’
The eunuch asked Philip, ‘About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?’ He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
SECOND READING
1 John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
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 15:1-8
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
SERMON
[click on the link below]
HYMN OF THE DAY
“All Are Welcome”
[click on the link below]
Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek
to dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine, and wheat;
a banquet hall on holy ground,
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the stranger
bear the image of God’s face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace;
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
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, 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, at baptism we are grafted into Christ and abide in his love. Feed our hunger and satisfy our thirst with Christ’s word and sacraments and encourage us so that we might become fruitful through our worship, in our mission, and by our service to others. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of all creation, we are nourished and abide in the abundance of your creation. Spread your sheltering presence over all new things in your creation: plants sprouting out of soil and young animals growing stronger. Protect all that is fragile. We pray for plentiful rains, fertile soil, just prices, and safety for all who plant and harvest our food. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of promise, you call us into situations and prepare places for us that require difficult choices and decisions. Give us the self-discipline and forethought, the faith and the courage, to recognize the needs of not only our families and friends, but also our enemies, and to respond to all with forgiveness, love, and care. Hear us, O God of life…
Pastor: God of healing, we pray for those who wait for relief from their burdens, anxieties, and griefs, for those who feel unloved or who find themselves in crisis, and for those who long for their health to be restored. We remember especially before you …. May all find comfort in the abiding presence of Jesus. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of hope, your Spirit makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. By your Spirit shape us to share your love with one another, so that others see your love and come to know you. While we abide securely within your branches, alert us to hear the cries for justice of our sisters and brothers in the world who are broken and helpless, and who suffer in the face of oppression, persecution, and violence. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of peace, you come down to us and make your dwelling and abide among mortals. Bring health and joy to all. Bring peace to our urban centres and bring well-being to our rural areas. Bring employment, security and productivity to our cities and visit farms and ranches with good weather, fair markets, and resources. 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. As Christ, the vine, brings food to us, the branches, open new opportunities, renew our ministries and our callings through your promise of new life and through your Spirit provide us with the faith and courage to reach out and love all our neighbours, especially those we find hardest to love, so that we might bear fruit for the life of the 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
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
[click on the link below]
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling;
All thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit,
into every troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit;
let us find thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
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 May 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, 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: $796.40
March income/expenses: -$1,234.48
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 