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 Season of Easter
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
[click on the link below]
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Prasie eternal as his love; Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 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 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.
WORD
THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE
FIRST READING
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
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.
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
SECOND READING 1 Peter 1:17-23 If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
THE GOSPEL
Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the twenty-fourth chapter.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
GOSPEL READING Luke 24:13-35 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.
Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
[click on the link below]
HYMN OF THE DAY
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, Kyrie Parimi, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Audrey Hedlin, Mona Neher, Oma Ywo, Owen Peterson, Helga Halldorsdottir, Evaline Sanders, Wayne Andre, Pat Sarich, Lauren and Brandon Pelletier and baby Grace, Cari Schappert, the family of Norm Gregory, the family of baby Mavrick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother), the family of Lois Jenkins (Ann Salmon’s mother), the family of John Beaven (Bev Gregory’s brother), the family of Carl Rausch, the family of Janet Gregory (Bev Gregory’s sister in-law).
We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the children and people buried in unmarked graves at residential schools and First Nation lands, and all those who have suffered the trauma of residential schools, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, the fighting in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Palestinians and Israelis, Ethiopia and Tigray, Myanmar and the Rohingya Muslim refugees, Lebanon, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the 100 million refugees and displaced persons, the people of Haiti suffering from political disasters, the victims and communities in Turkey and Syria devastated by earthquake, 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 still 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. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of hope, we are blessed by your continued love and presence among us and where the scriptures have been opened in our midst. Open our hearts and minds to receive your words of life, send us forth as witnesses to the resurrection, give us boldness of speech in proclaiming your new life, and daring in our actions of forgiveness, that your love for the whole world might be revealed. 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.
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
DISMISSAL
Pastor: Alleluia! Go and tell the news that Christ is risen.
People: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TODAY AT KOG
THIS WEEK AT KOG – Wednesday, April 26, Women’s Breakfast Out, at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 10:00 a.m.
– Thursday, April 27, Bev Gregory is hosting (154 Arrand Crescent) quilt- making bees every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
– Thursday, April 27, Church Council meeting via Zoom, 7:30 p.m. – Saturday, April 29, Men’s Breakfast Out at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 8:30 a.m.
COMING UP AT KOG – Thursday, May 4, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,” 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Renita Falkenstern. We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street. – Sunday, May 7Coffee Social after the service. Host needed. – Thursday, May 18, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,” 7:30 p.m. Host needed. We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.
March, April, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG
2023 Budget: $50,471 Monthly Budget: $4,260 Weekly Budget: $971
2023 income/expenses: $4,479.08
January income/expenses: -4,453.08
Weekly contributions for March: March 5: $740 March 12 and 19: $1555 March 26: $220 Weekly contributions for April: April 2: $1120 April 9: $130 April 16: $190
“A Short History of Grace”. This Bible and theology study looks at the ways grace is interpreted from the time of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, through St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and to contemporary theologies of liberation.
Thank you to Karen Larson for Hosting the April 2 Coffee Social.
Greetings from the Lutheran Anglican Women’s Retreat Committee.
The Lutheran Anglican Women’s Retreat Committee is looking for volunteers to serve with us on our committee. We are organizing an annual retreat for Lutheran and Anglican women from congregations of Saskatoon and area, to be held Saturday October 21, 2023.
We are serving the Lord through providing a retreat experience to nurture spiritual growth and faith in women.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact
Lorraine Harilstad at 306-370-7260.
Emergency Appeal – Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria: Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), along with other leading Canadian aid agencies in the Humanitarian Coalition, is appealing for funds to assist those in need in Turkey and Syria affected by the earthquake and to support rescue efforts. Our focus right now is to provide blankets, shelter, life-saving clean water, food and healthcare. Please give what you can by donating at clwr.org/earthquake or by calling 1-800-661-2597 (office hours Mon-Fri, 9 am-4 pm), and pray for all those who are affected.
Offerings.
Even though we are not all 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.
King of Glory Lutheran Church 