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
Almighty and ever-living God, you hold together all things in heaven and on earth. In your great mercy receive the prayers of all your children, and give to all the world the Spirit of your truth and peace, 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 17:22-31
Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, ‘Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said,
“For we too are his offspring.”
Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’
SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:13-22 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight people, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
THE GOSPEL
Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. John the fourteenth chapter.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
GOSPEL READING John 14:15-21 ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’
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, 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), the family of Robert Gregory (Bev Gregory’s brother 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 345 million people suffering from food insecurity, the people of Haiti suffering from political disasters, the victims and communities in Turkey and Syria devastated by earthquake, those in Alberta and Saskatchewan threatened by wildfires, those along the Mississippi River threatened by flooding, and those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence.
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, through the resurrection of Jesus you make all things new. We pray for all who hunger for the fruit of the Spirit, for all who feel spiritually empty, for all estranged from you. Send your Spirit to work among us creatively and redemptively to lead us into a richer, deeper meaning of living life in Christ and providing us with a love that overcomes all worry and fear. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of all creation, you have given us in baptism the waters of healing and of life. In creation you have provided water to sustain all life. We pray for this fragile earth, for all creatures that creep or run, swim or fly, that land, water, and air will be preserved and restored to nourish all life. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of promise, through your Word and font and table you call us into a love that exceeds our understanding or desire. We pray that through your renewing way of forgiveness, you would make your people into a church which abides in Christ’s love and embodies Christ’s perfect love in an imperfect world. Hear us, O God of life…
Pastor: God of healing, we pray for those who wait for relief from their burdens, anxieties, and griefs, 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 peace, you abide with the nations. Reveal your truth, so that nations and peoples govern in peace and advocate for justice and safety. While we abide securely within your love, hear the cries for justice and compassion of our sisters and brothers in the world, from all who are broken and helpless, and all who suffer in the face of oppression, persecution, and violence. Hear us, O God of life…
Petitioner: God of wholeness, your Spirit makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. Nourished by the love of our mothers and all who show care and devotion to others, we pray for mothers we love and mothers we struggle to love, for grandmothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers, and for those who long to be mothers. Build strong bonds of tender care in families and friendships, that the love they offer will be a sign of your love for all people. 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 and in your Spirit vision abounds. Paul had a vision of what to do. John had a vision of what will be. Give us vision of imagination and understanding to witness to life in you, to love, and to serve our community. 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 – Tuesday, May 16, Church Council meeting via Zoom, 7:30 p.m. – Thursday, May 11, Bev Gregory is hosting (154 Arrand Crescent) quilt- making bees every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 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.
COMING UP AT KOG – Sunday, May 21 Congregational Meeting on joint worship services with St. David’s/Trinity, after the service. – 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. – Thursday, June 1, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,” 7:30 p.m. Host needed. We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.
April, May, 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 April: April 2: $1120 April 9: $130 April 16: $190 April 23: $40 April 30: $325
Weekly contributions for May: May 7: $950
On May 7, 2023 at a congregational meeting St. David’s/Trinity “enthusiastically approved” and passed the following resolution: That St. David’s Trinity enter into an agreement with the King of Glory Lutheran Church that would see our two congregations joining in worship while the Collaborative Agreement with Mayfair United Church is in effect; with the Official Board entrusted to work out the details with the King of Glory Lutheran Church. King of Glory will discuss and vote on this matter on May 21, 2023 after the worship service.
Church Council Officers and Members-at-Large: Jennipher Karst, Chairperson, Kyle Sarich, Vice-Chairperson, Lauren Pelletier, Secretary, Ryan Baker, Treasurer, Karen McKenzie, Financial Secretary, Don Sanders, Karen Larson, and Jody Giesbrecht members-at large. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct them, that their thoughts and their actions will be rooted and grounded in Christ’s grace and love for all, and that what they plan and do will be for the building up of this community of faith.
“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.
Thank you to Carol Sarich for hosting the May Coffee Social
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 