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.

Anthem for The Day of Pentecost:  

“O Day Full of Grace”

[click on the link below]

O day full of grace that now we see

appearing on earth’s horizon,

bring light from our God that we may be

abundant in joy this season.

God, shine for us now in this dark place;

your name on our hearts emblazon.

O day full of grace, O blessed time,

our Lord on the earth arriving;

then came to the world that light sublime,

great joy for us all retrieving;

for Jesus all mortals did embrace,

all shame and despair removing.

For Christ bore our sins, and not his own,

when he on the cross was hanging;

and then he arose and moved the stone,

that we, unto him belonging,

might join with angelic hosts to raise

our voices in endless singing.

God came to us then at Pentecost,

the Spirit new life revealing,

that we might no more in death be lost,

its power over us dispelling.

This flame will the mark of sin efface

and bring to us all true healing.

When we on that final journey go

that Christ is for us preparing,

we’ll gather in song, our hearts aglow,

all joy of the heavens sharing,

and there we will join God’s endless praise,

with angels and saints adoring.

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     

Mighty God, you breathe life into our bones, and your Spirit brings truth to the world.  Send us this Spirit, transform us by your truth, and give us language to proclaim your Gospel, 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 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ 

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
   and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
   and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
   in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
     and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
   and signs on the earth below,
     blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
   and the moon to blood,
     before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

SECOND READING

Romans 8:22-27

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

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 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. 

‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. 

‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 

SERMON

[click on the link below]

HYMN OF THE DAY

“O Holy Spirit, Enter In”

[click on the link below]

O Holy Spirit, enter in,

And in our hearts Your work begin,

and make our hearts your dwelling.

Sun of the soul, O Light divine, 

Around and in us brightly shine, 

your strength in us upwelling.

In your radiance life from heaven 

now is given 

overflowing,

gifts of gifts beyond all knowing.

Left to ourselves, we surely stray;

oh, lead us on the narrow way,

with wisest council guide us;

and give us steadfastness that we

may follow you forever free,

no matter who derides us.

Gently heal those hearts now broken;

give some token

you are near us,

whom we trust to light and cheer us.

O mighty Rock, O Source of Life, 

Let your good Word, in doubt and strife, 

be in us strongly burning, 

That we be faithful unto death 

and live in love and holy faith, 

from you true wisdom learning. 

Lord, your mercy on us shower;

by your power 

Christ confessing, 

we will cherish all your blessing.

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, the people of India devastated by a cyclone, those in the Prince Albert area and in Manitoba battling wildfires, those in the Northwest Territory recovering from flooding, 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:  Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of promise, with a mighty rush your people were set ablaze by holy fire.  Kindle in our hearts the blaze of your love, that we may proclaim your saving grace and share our hope in Christ to all the world and serve all people and all creation with the warmth of your love.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:  Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of all creation, every living thing depends on you for life and sustenance.  Open your hand and fill all creatures with good things.  Renew the whole earth, especially in areas that have been damaged or destroyed, and make life spring forth in waters, fields, and forests.  Help us to delight in your creation and to care for it that all may be satisfied.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:   Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of life, breathe that life into us and into our world and especially to those places and people whose lives have been disrupted and devastated in many ways.  Put our compassion into practice that the homeless might be sheltered, the hungry might be fed, the brokenhearted might be comforted, the anxious might be calmed, the burdened might find release, and that all who provide protection and aid might work in safety.  Hear us, O God of life…

Pastor:   Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of healing, in our weakness we know not how to pray.  Intercede for us, bringing hope to the sorrowful, fearful, and anxious, and healing to those who are suffering or ill.  We remember especially before you …  Make us agents of your love, serving the sick, broken, weak, grieving, and forgotten ones.   Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:   Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of hope, we give you thanks for the Lutheran institutions and ministries who care for those approaching the end of life, or who experience the challenges of aging, infirmity, or ill health.  Help us support these ministries and bless them so that they continue to provide hospitality, respect, compassion, and care for many who are in need.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:   Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of peace, protect and lead your world through these breathless times of trouble, violence, and distress, draw us together in our common humanity that your desire for peace and life may be known by governments and leaders in every time and place.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:  Breathe on us, Breath of God, God of mission, we need the visions of the young and the dreams of the old to build a community of shared ministry. The gift of your Spirit creates new ways to live.   Open new opportunities, renew our ministries and our callings through your promise of new life and through your Spirit.  Give us words that will speak compassion, open ears to listen with care, 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 be a community using our gifts for all people.   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

“Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling”

[click on the link below]

Holy Spirit, ever dwelling in the holiest realms of light; 

Holy Spirit, ever brooding o’er a world of gloom and night; 

Holy Spirit, ever raising those of earth to thrones on high; 

Living, life-imparting Spirit you we praise and magnify. 

Holy Spirit, ever breathing on the church the breath of life; 

Holy Spirit, ever striving through your people’s ceaseless strife; 

Holy Spirit, ever forming in the church the mind of Christ. 

In our worship we will praise you for your fruit and gifts unpriced.

Holy Spirit, ever working through the church’s ministry; 

Quickening, strengthening, and absolving setting captive sinners free; 

Holy Spirit, ever binding age to age and soul to soul 

In community unending you we worship and extol. 

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 23, King of Glory online Worship service. 
• Wednesday, May 26, Church Council meeting via Zoom
• Sunday, May 30, King of Glory online Worship service.
• Sunday, June 6, King of Glory online Worship service.
• Sunday, June 13, Redeemer provides online Worship service for all 7 seven ELCIC churches. 

March, April, 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 May 5 through May 23: $1750

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 with 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.

Dear Michael,

Even after everything we have seen this past year, I am sure you are just as shaken as I am by the news reports coming from India — they are truly upsetting and the situation is urgent. 

I’m writing today to ask you to stand with the people of India as they face a fight against COVID-19 that goes beyond anything the world has seen to date.

The number of cases of COVID-19 in India has surpassed 20 million and the death toll has passed 200,000. The deadly surge in infections is overwhelming health services across the country, leading to a lack of beds, healthcare personnel, and oxygen. The wave of critical illness, coupled with lockdowns and curfews, is having a serious impact on livelihoods and food security across the country.

Millions are grieving, and it’s rapidly getting worse.

As the devastation brought on by the second wave of COVID-19 continues to unfold in India, CLWR is joining leading Canadian aid agencies – through the Humanitarian Coalition – in launching an appeal to raise funds and rush emergency assistance to people in need.

Humanitarian Coalition members are already actively responding to the crisis by supporting the healthcare system with oxygen, ventilators, field hospitals and PPE, promoting COVID vaccination and safe hygiene practices, and ensuring food security and basic survival for vulnerable families.

As a member of ACT Alliance, we have local partners in India who are prepared to respond immediately, but only with your help. You can make a difference — your donation will help provide emergency medical support to those forced to be sick at home, ensure access to vaccines and medical supplies for the most vulnerable, and support critical advocacy and public awareness efforts to keep as many people safe as possible. 

Together, we have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. 

Will you give today? You can make a donation online now at clwr.org/India — it’s immediate, convenient and secure. 

Donations can also be made by phoning our office at 1-800-661-2597 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT), or by mailing a cheque to 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5. 

Thank you for responding with compassion, and for your partnership.

Many blessings,

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 …