NOWTHE FEASTAND 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 our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death.  Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior 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 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. 

SECOND READING                                                                                                        1 Peter 2:19-25                                                                                                                    For it is to your credit if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, where is the credit in that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
‘He committed no sin,
   and no deceit was found in his mouth.’
When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. 

THE GOSPEL

Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. John the tenth chapter.

People: Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL READING                                                                                                         John 10:1-10                                                                                                                   ‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 

So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 

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, 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…

Petitioner:  God of all creation, in the gift of the earth blessed by you for us, our acts of disobedience and faithfulness stand side by side.  Forgive our lack of care and renew our stewardship for endangered species, polluted watersheds, clear-cut forests, land scarred by mining and ruined by poor farming practices, and a toxic atmosphere.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:   God of promise, you lead us to a table of plenty where everyone is welcome.  We pray for international relief agencies such as Canadian Lutheran World Relief, and local agencies such as the Saskatoon Food Bank, the Friendship Inn, all individuals who care for the hungry, and especially for all who are fed by them.  Hear us, O God of life…

Pastor:   God of healing, you lead us through dark valleys and difficult circumstances.  We pray for the lost and 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 ….   Renew all with your promise of abundant life.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:   God of peace, while securely within your fold, do not let us sleep, but awaken us to hear the cries of our sisters and brothers in the world, who live in fear, who are broken and helpless, who suffer in the face of oppression, persecution, and violence, and yearn for peace.  Hear us, O God of life…

Petitioner:  God of wholeness, you seek us in steadfast love.  Gather the people of St. David’s/Trinity, Resurrection, Trinity, and King of Glory into a unity of ministries, and send us out so that we may boldly spread the good news of new life in Jesus Christ and may be both a prophetic witness and a pastoral presence in a needy world.  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. 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

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

– Thursday, May 4, Bev Gregory is hosting (154 Arrand Crescent)  quilt- making bees every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                               

– 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.

COMING UP AT KOG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         – Sunday, May 7Coffee Social after the service.  Hosted by Carol Sarich.               – Tuesday, May 16, Church Council meeting via Zoom, 7:30 p.m.                                 – 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.                    – Saturday, May 27, Men’s Breakfast Out at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar           Avenue, 8:30 a.m.                                                                                                   – Wednesday, May 31, Women’s Breakfast Out, at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 10:00 a.m.                                                                          

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: $4,263.63

March income/expenses: -676.89

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 April 23: $40 

We welcome to the new life in Christ through baptism Grace Helen Pelletier.  We rejoice with parents Lauren and Brandon Pelletier, sponsors Stephanie McGowan and Kyle Sarich, extended family and friends.  We pray for the outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon Grace Helen and that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lead her to the green pastures of goodness and abundant life and the still waters of steadfast love and forgiveness.

“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. 

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.