The Third Sunday of the Easter Season
Also known as Misericordia Domini Sunday
(“the Lord’s Unfailing Love”)
April 19, 2026
How Well Do I Know My Good Shepherd?
It happened many years ago. A group of well-educated people had come together at the home of a friend for
a social gathering. Among them was a popular actor of the day. During the course of the evening the actor was asked to give a reading, and he obliged by reading the Twenty-Third Psalm. all were impressed by his deep, rich voice, his clear enunciation, and the rhythmic rise and fall of the well-measured tones as they came from his lips. He was an artist with words!
After he had finished, the group also asked an elderly clergyman to read the psalm. Timidly he declined. But he asked permission to explain certain of its verses, both against their historical and geographic background, and in light of their New Testament fulfillment in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. As he expounded the psalm he became more and more absorbed in its message, completely forgetting himself in the process. And, at the end, almost involuntarily, he quoted the entire psalm — as the humble confession of his believing heart. Particularly moving was the confidence with which he repeated the words: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, the comfort me.” And the light of his faith burned even more brightly from his eyes as he concluded: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
A hush had fallen over the group shortly after the clergyman began his exposition. By the time he finished, the room was filled with absolute silence.
There HAD been a difference in the two readings — a difference of which the hearers were all well aware. Later that evening one of the guest put his finger on the difference when he was overheard saying: “The actor knew the Twenty-Third Psalm; but the pastor knew the Good Shepherd.” Do you?
Do I See Jesus as My Good Shepherd?
In order that Christians might be able to answer that question affirmatively and correctly, the Christian Church has traditionally designated one of the six Sundays after Easter as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” It provides Christians with a specific, annual occasion through which we can reflect both upon Jesus’ self-described role as our “Good Shepherd,” and upon our privileged position as His “sheep.” We’ve designated this Third Sunday in Easter, then, as our occasion for observing Good Shepherd Sunday, one of the Christian Church’s oldest worship customs, but one which the early church identified by a much different, and (for us, a) rather strange-sounding name:
“Misericordia Domini” Sunday”
The term “Misericordia Domini” means”the unfailing love of the Lord,” and comes from the Latin language (which was the Roman empire’s “official language” and for many centuries was the theological language of the western/European Christian Churches). The specific phrase is drawn from the fifth verse of the liturgical Psalm reading for this day….and our Preparatory Psalm for this morning, Psalm 33. Selecting certain Psalms (as well as other Scripture lessons) to be used on specific Sundays became a generally accepted practice in the “early” Church from the 4th century on. However, as to exactly when Psalm 33 and “Misericordia Domini” became tied to the post-Easter part of the church calender, we cannot say with any precision. Suffice it to say, this tradition/custom is a long-standing one.
This reading, as well as the rest of today’s Scripture lessons emphasize the importance of trusting in Jesus as our Good Shepherd to lead us through all the trials and troubles of this life, and to ultimately rescue us from any and every adversity by taking us to be with Him in heaven’s pleasant pastures.
Through our Children’s Lesson we will talk about the great love that our Good Shepherd has for every one of us. Like sheep, we sometimes wander off in the wrong direction and into spiritual danger, but Jesus never stops calling to us through His word. He is always eager and prepared to seek us out and bring us back safely to His flock. Our Old Testament Lesson for this morning comes from the inspired pen of Isaiah the prophet. It’s a familiar prophesy about the coming Savior and His ministry…..particularly about Jesus as our Good Shepherd, Who tends/cares for us as His flock, and Who promises us protection from all real harm to our souls.
In our Epistle Lesson. the Apostle John describes his vision-portrait of Jesus in heaven as the “Lamb of God” surrounded by a multitude of believers who are dressed in white robes (the symbolic color for “purity”). Those saints – His “Sheep” – are committed to praising and serving Him endlessly. By God’s grace may we all one day be a part of their number in heaven! Today we especially want to look at the last verse (17) of this reading which declares that the Lamb will be their (and our) Shepherd Who will lead His followers “to springs of living water.” ……the “connection” to the beautiful words of Psalm 23 are unmistakable, aren’t they? For us, who are part of the Shepherd’s earthly flock, the springs of living water are none other than the “Means of Grace” (God’s Word and the Sacraments), through which the Lord develops and daily refreshes/renews our faith as we look forward to one day enjoying life eternal in heaven.
Today’s Gospel Lesson (and Sermon Text) comes from John 10. It is Scripture’s principal reference to Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.” In fact the whole of John chapter ten is called “the Good Shepherd chapter.” In the first paragraph of our reading, Jesus describes His relationship with the Church in terms of a Shepherd Who tends a flock. As our Good Shepherd, He not only watches over us, but warns us against following those false shepherds (notably false teachers) who try to lead His followers astray, and who often are violent to the sheep. He came as our Savior, to give us Spiritual life and preserve us into eternal life, a fact we celebrate with joy throughout this Easter season. In the second part of our reading (esp vv 11-16) Jesus tells us why He is our Good Shepherd, and what His purpose and goal is for us. He also reminds us that the proof that He, alone, is the Good Shepherd is found in His willingness to lay down His life for us – His sheep – and then in His power to take back His life by conquering death for us. Finally, in the closing section (vv 22-30) Jesus assures us that He knows us all by name, and that His flock will prove themselves to be His followers by faithfully listening to His Word (the Scriptures). He also promises that He will protect and preserve us from anyone who tries to deprive us not only of our faith-relationship with Him, but of the eternal life in heaven which He promises to all who are a part of His believing flock.
Finally, prior to our sermon we will read Psalm 23, called by many “the world’s most beloved Psalm.” Our sermon hymn, #360, “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want,” is – of course – based on this favorite Psalm.
Through all of our Scripture lessons, hymns, psalms, and prayers on this “Good Shepherd Sunday,” I hope you’ll join me in thanking our Heavenly Father for giving His Son to be our Good Shepherd. And so, let’s praise Jesus today, and every day, for being such a Good Shepherd to every one of us.
Pre-Service Prayer
Lord Jesus, though but two or three In Your dear name assembled be,
You will among them show Your face
And bless them with Your saving grace.
In Your dear name again we meet And worship humbly at Your feet;
You will Your gracious Word fulfill
And cheer us with Your presence still.
Jesus, from Whom all blessings flow,
Your peace and comfort now bestow;
Abide with us till life is o’er And keep us Yours forevermore. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word (other than Psalm 23 – KJV) that are used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission
Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Silent Prayer Pre-service Music
We Praise Our God
The Introduction and Invitation To Worship
following which, the Congregation will rise for the invocation
The Invocation
We begin this service in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Responsive Psalm for Today Psalm 33, selected verses
P: Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous: Praise befits the upright.
C: Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts!
P: For the word of the Lord is upright; and all His work is done in faithfulness.
C: He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD .
P: Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
C: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen as His heritage!
P: Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
C: For our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name.
P: May Your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
C: even as we hope in You.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn “An Easter/Good Shepherd Sunday Medley”
note…..each hymn selection uses a different tune
…..so there will be A BRIEF MUSICAL PAUSE after each verse grouping
Hymn 162
He is arisen! Glorious Word! Now reconciled is God my Lord;
The gates of heav’n are open. My Jesus did triumphant die,
And Satan’s arrows broken lie, Destroyed hell’s direst weapon.
Oh, hear, what cheer!
Christ victorious Rises glorious……Life He’s giving –
He was dead, but see: He’s living!
Hymn 453 v 1
Come, follow Me, the Savior spake, All in My way abiding;
Deny yourselves, the world forsake, Obey my call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, what e’er betide, Take My example for your guide.
Hymn 488
Savior, I long to walk Closer with Thee;
Led by Thy guiding hand, Ever to be
Constantly near Thy side, Quickened and purified,
Living for Him Who died, Freely for me.
Special
My Shepherd will supply my need – Jehovah is His name.
In pastures fresh He makes me feed Beside the living stream.
He brings my wand’ring spirit back When I forsake His ways
And leads me, for His mercy’s sake, In paths of truth and grace.
Hymn 432, v 2-3
Day by day, at home, away, Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me, Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go Where the quiet waters go.
Who so happy as I am, Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended, By His angel hosts attended,
He shall fold me to His breast, There within His arms to rest.
Hymn 157, v 4
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal, as His love: Alleluia!
Praise Him, all You heav’nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Amen!
After which the Pastor will invite the Congregation to rise as
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor Brothers and sisters in Christ: the Word of God urges us to confess to our Lord all our sins of thought, word, and action. This is something that ought to be daily part of our Spiritual lives, and should come forth from every heart that is humble and penitent. But we should especially do this when we meet together in His house to thank God for all that He has done for us, to praise Him, and to hear His life-giving Word. Therefore, come with me now, to our Heavenly Father’s throne of grace, and let us confess our sins together.
Congregation Miserable person that I am, + I confess and lament to You, O most holy God, + that I am a weak and sinful creature, + guilty of every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. + I also confess that Your Word has not brought forth good fruit in me. + I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly. + I do not show works of love toward my neighbor. + I am full of anger, hate, and envy. + I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil. + Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy. + Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins, + strengthen my faith, + and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word, + that I may obtain Your promised grace.
Pastor Having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, now be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, rest assured that your sins have been fully covered by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ your Savior. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Now, in the peace of God’s forgiveness, let us together praise our gracious and glorious Lord!
The Congregation responds by singing: to the melody of “Old Hundredth”
All glory be to God on high! Your name, O Lord, we glorify
We praise You for Your peace and grace,
Your favor toward our fallen race.
Our grateful thanks to You we bring,
For Your great glory, heav’nly King,
For all, O Father, You have done Through Jesus Christ,
Your only Son.
O Lamb of God, to You we pray, In love You took our sins away,
We by Your Spirit sing again: “All glory be to God!” Amen.
Our Prayer for This Morning
O Lord Jesus Christ, + You are the Good Shepherd + Who gave His life for the sheep. + Nourish us in the pastures of Your Word, + that we may remain sheep of Your flock in this life + and for all eternity. + For You live and reign + with the Father and the Holy Spirit + One God, forever and ever. Amen.
We Give Our Attention To God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 40:1-11, 27-31
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call out to her. Her warfare really is over. Her guilt is fully paid for. Yes, she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice is calling out: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord. In the wasteland make a level highway for our God. 4 Every valley will be raised up, and every mountain and hill will be made low. The rugged ground will become level, and the rough places will become a plain. 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh together will see it. Yes, the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 6 A voice was saying, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry out?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like a wildflower in the countryside.
7 Grass withers, flowers fade, when the breath of the Lord blows on them. Yes, the people are grass. 8 Grass withers, flowers fade, but the Word of our God endures forever. 9 Get up on a high mountain, O Zion, you herald of good news. Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, you herald of good news. Lift it up! Do not be afraid!
Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 Look, God the Lord will come with strength, and his arm is ruling for him. Look, his reward is with him. The result of his work is in front of him. 11 Like a shepherd he will care for his flock. With his arm he will gather the lambs. He will lift them up on his lap. He will gently lead the nursing mothers.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
The Epistle Lesson Revelation 7:9-17
9 After these things I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in front of the throne and of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 10 They called out with a loud voice and said: “Salvation comes from our God, Who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb.”
11 All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12 saying: “Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
13 One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered him, “Sir, you know.” 14 And he said to me: “These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Because of this they are in front of the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in his temple. He Who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty ever again. The sun will never beat upon them, nor will any scorching heat, 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Today’s Choir Selection “The Lord’s My Shepherd”
text and music by Stuart Townsend, Thank You Music
solo portions….Monte Ewald
The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
Refrain (choir)
And I will trust in You alone,
and I will trust in You alone,
for Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
and He anoints my head with oil,
and my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights. Refrain
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
for You are with me, and Your rod and staff
are the comfort I need to know Refrain
The Gospel Lesson John 10:1-30
“Amen, Amen, I tell you: Anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the door, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The doorkeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own sheep, he walks ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration in speaking to the people, but they did not understand what He was telling them.
7 So Jesus said again, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: I am the Door for the sheep. 8 All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the Door. Whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 The hired man, who is not a shepherd, does not own the sheep. He sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. 13 Because he works for money, he does not care about the sheep. 14 “I am the Good Shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me 15 (just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father). And I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 I also have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one Shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This is the commission I received from My Father.” 19 There was a division among the Jews again because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is out of His mind! Why listen to Him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the sayings of someone demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
22 Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 So the Jews gathered around Jesus, asking, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I am doing in My Father’s name testify about Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One.”
The Apostles’ Creed Sung to What A Friend We Have In Jesus
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heavens and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s own Son, of human birth —
Virgin-born, the Lord Incarnate, Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate, He’s the God Whom I believe.
Crucified, was dead, and buried. Down to hell in victory,
From the dead He rose the third day, Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling. By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations – both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, and His Church – His chosen band,
They are joined in Close Communion, Holy, in His sight, they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again.
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! Amen!
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Luke 15:3-6
He told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls together his friends and his neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ 7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.
Heaven’s Happiness Over Every Found Lost Sheep
Hymn of the Day Hymn 360 “The Lord’s My Shepherd I’ll Not Want
1 The Lord’s my shepherd; I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
2 My soul he doth restore again
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E’en for his own name’s sake.
3 Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For thou art with me, and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.
4 My table thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.
5 Goodness and mercy, all my life,
Shall surely follow me,
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling-place shall be.
The Salutation Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. For Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Sermon Text John 10:10-18
from today’s Gospel Lesson
What’s So Good About The Good Shepherd?
Afterward the Congregation will
REMAIN SEATED for the post-sermon blessing
Pastor May the God of peace, Who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
We offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) Those in the chapel can place their offerings in the offering plates
2) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
3) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
We Bring Our Prayers Before the Lord
Today’s Special Prayers
This morning we include a Prayer of Thanksgiving on behalf of
Terry Bruns, who successfully underwent back surgery on Friday
The Prayer for This Morning
The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name;hy kingdom come;Thy will be doneon earth as it is in heaven;Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil;For Thine is the kingdom,and the power,and the glory, forever and ever.Amen.
The Celebration of the Sacrament
Our Self-Examination Before Receiving The Lord’s Supper
Pastor -Let us now examine ourselves in preparation for receiving this Sacrament, as the inspired Apostle Paul soinstructs us in I Corinthians 11, where hewrites, “…whoever eatsthe bread and drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement upon himself.”
Pastor – Accordingly, are you sincerely sorry for your sins and determined, with God’s help, to change your sinful ways?
CongregationYes, I am sorry for my sins and desire to serve Jesus and not a sinful lifestyle.
Pastor -Do you believe that here in the Lord’s Supper you will receive, along with the bread and wine, the true body and blood of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
CongregationYes, I believe that I will be receiving the true body and blood of my Lord and Savior, which was given into death for my sins.
Pastor -Are you coming to the Lord’s table as one in the faith with this Christian congregation, as the Scriptures teach?
CongregationYes I have studied the teachings of this congregation concerning God’s Word;I agree with them;And am one in faith with them, as the Scriptures command me to be before I come to the Lord’s table with anyone.
Pastor -Finally, do you recognize your need for forgiveness and do you believe that you will receive through the Lord’s Supper the full and free forgiveness of all your sins?
CongregationYes, I have examined my life, see the need for God’s forgiveness and believe that I will receive complete forgiveness for all my sins, as my Savior has promised.
Pastor -Having examined yourselves and confessed your sins, come now with confidence and joy to your Lord’s table and receive here, through His body and blood, the guarantee that your sins are all forgiven, and that eternal life and salvation are surely yours.
The Words of Institution (Spoken by the Pastor)
(Pleasereadthefollowing if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion.Thank you.)
To our Guests this morning
….we appreciate your presence among us.It is an honor to have you join with us as we worship our Lord and listen to His Word. We truly consider it a privilege to spend this time with you! It is our hope that you will both return in the future to worship with us again, and – perhaps – that You will even choose to become part of our congregation’s membership and our Synodical (WELS) fellowship, so that you might become even more involved in worship, study of God’s Word, and in Christian ministry and fellowship with us.
In connection with our worship as Christians, we regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. But, as a key part of our church’s Biblically-based communion practice, before we can ask anyone to commune with us, we are compelled to first sit down with that individual and establish (upon a comprehensive study of the teachings of Scripture) that we are united in full doctrinal/ teaching fellowship…….which Scripture requires of any and all Christians before they can commune together.
Accordingly, we can offer the Lord’s Supper this morning only to those individuals who have completed that course of study, and who have chosen to become confirmed, communicant members of Grace Lutheran congregation or from one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) or Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) congregations.
For some guests, this Biblical practice of “Close Communion“ is both unfamiliar and (quite possibly)uncomfortable. We realize that, unfortunately, few churches today continue to follow this approach to communion…..though, in the past (when many churches were more concerned about following all of God’s Word than is the case today)nearly all did.We understand that it is not necessarily easy to watch others receiving the Lord’s Supper, while being asked – respectfully — to refrain from receiving it.Many of us who are communing today once also watched others receive the Lord’s Supper, as you are asked to do this morning, while waiting for the privilege ofone daybeing an active partner in this “Close Communion.” We want to assure you that we are not judging your faith in Christ today. Nor it is our desire to offend you. But it also is not our desire to offend or disobey our Lord’s expectations for the proper use of His Supper.Indeed, we must all obey Him above all others, and we want to obey Him. Consequently, if you have any questions or concerns about our use/practice of the Lord’s Supper (and we invite you to ask or express them — if you do),please feel free to speak with our Pastor after the service, or at your convenience.He considers it a privilege to share with you and others the Biblical reasons for our approach to receiving and offering the Lord’s Supper. In addition,you can also find a brochure in our tract/brochure rack in the entryway;it is entitled “Our Communion Practice.” This brochure also provides our guests and friends with theScripture-based explanation for our understanding of and use of the Lord’s Supper.
Finally, please know that we truly are grateful for your participation – as a fellow Christian – in this morning’s worship service. We also thank you for your patience and understanding, and for respecting this Biblical approach we must take as we endeavor to faithful make us of our Lord’s Supper.We hope and pray that you will come back to worship with us again — often. And that one day you might become a part of this Christian fellowship, not only as we worship and hear God’s Word from these pews, but as we receive the Lord’s Supper together. May God bless and keep you always!
The Distribution of the Communion Elements
The Distribution HymnsHymn 309“Draw Near and Take The Body of the Lord”
1 Draw near and take the body of the Lord,
And drink the holy blood for you outpoured.
Offered was he for greatest and for least,
Himself the victim and himself the priest.
2 He that his saints in this world rules and shields
To all believers life eternal yields,
With heav’nly bread makes them that hunger whole,
Gives living waters to the thirsty soul.
3 Come forward, then, with faithful hearts sincere,
And take the pledges of salvation here.
Before your altar, Lord, your servants bow;
In this your feast of love be with us now.
Hymn 315 “Here, O My Lord, I See You Face To Face”
1 Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face;
Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace,
And all my weariness upon you lean.
2 This is the hour of banquet and of song;
Here is the heav’nly table spread anew.
Here let me feast and, feasting, still prolong
The brief bright hour of fellowship with you.
3 I have no help but yours nor do I need
Another arm but yours to lean upon.
It is enough, O Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in your might, your might alone.
4 Mine is the sin but yours the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt but yours the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace:
Your blood, your righteousness, O Lord, my God.
5 Too soon we rise; the vessels disappear.
The feast, though not the love, is past and gone.
The bread and wine remove, but you are here,
Nearer than ever, still my shield and sun.
6 Feast after feast thus comes and passes by,
Yet, passing, points to that glad feast above,
Giving sweet foretaste of the festal joy,
The Lamb’s great marriage feast of bliss and love.
After the distribution of the Lord’s Supper is complete,
the Congregation will be invited to rise
We Conclude our Worship
P:Hear the prayer of Your people, O Lord, that the lips which have praised You here may glorify You inthe world, that the eyes which have seen the coming of Your Son may long for His coming again, and that all who have received in His true body and blood the pledge of Your forgiveness, may be restored to live a new and holy life through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.Amen.
The Benediction
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face shine upon You and be gracious unto you,
The LORD look upon you with favor,and grant you His peace. Amen.
The Closing HymnHymn 432“I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb”
1 I am Jesus’ little lamb;
Ever glad at heart I am,
For my shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my needs and well provides me,
Loves me ev’ry day the same,
Even calls me by my name.
2 Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my staff and stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, he bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.
3 Who so happy as I am,
Even now the shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By his angel hosts attended,
He shall fold me to his breast,
There within his arms to rest.
silent prayer,
announcements
post-service music
+ + +Thank You and God Bless You+ + +
Thank you for being a part of our worshiping assembly this morning.
We invite you to join those around you for some good conversation and fellowship at the conclusion of today’s announcements, in our gymnasium/fellowship hall. We also invite you to worship with us again in the future either in person, or online through our YouTube.com channel (Grace Lutheran Church, Lowell, AR). We also hope that you will participate in the future in one of our Bible studies (again, either in person, or online).
Finally,if you have any questions about membership at Grace, we would be honored to have you become a member of our church family.Please speak to our Pastor about that whenever it is convenient for you.
May the comfort of God’s love and His forgiveness through Jesus Christ be with you throughout this day and this week.