May 1, 2022 The 3rd Sunday of the Easter Season
known traditionally as Misericordia Domini Sunday
(The unfailing love of the Lord)
The Lord Is My Shepherd !
Is He Your Shepherd, Too?
“The LORD is my Shepherd” is one of Scripture’s most comforting statements, one many believers throughout the ages have cherished. The Holy Spirit put those words into the heart of a shepherd-king named David roughly 1000 years before Jesus was born. They have been sung, spoken, shared and declared. They have brought comfort to the fearful, compassion to the hurting, and peace to the dying.
When David wrote, “The LORD is my Shepherd,” he was making a statement about himself and God. David realized his need for God. Like one of the many sheep he had cared for in his time as a shepherd he saw how helpless and weak he was. He saw this world as a wilderness filled with dangers to his soul. He also saw the LORD as the only One Who could truly comfort him when he was afraid, protect him when he was in danger, and provide for his needs of body and soul.
On this Good Shepherd Sunday each of us has the opportunity to once again take the inspired words of King
David as our own. May we all gladly and genuinely confess through our Psalm for this morning, “The LORD is my Shepherd!”
Of course, we also want to admit that we are at somewhat of a disadvantage in comparison to the human author of those divinely-given words. Few, if any of us have ever tended (or even seen) a flock of sheep. As a result, we don’t fully realize the subtle truths that can be found in identifying ourselves as sheep and the LORD as our Good Shepherd. Nevertheless, it’s our prayer this morning that as we meditate upon the Word of our God today we might be led to more clearly see the LORD as our ultimate Good Shepherd. May we also see in these portions of Scripture, just how much like sheep we really are.
Good Shepherd Sunday on the Church’s “Calendar”
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.” Its purpose is to provide 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.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
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 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.
Next, through our Children’s Lesson we will talk about how important it us for us, as His sheep, to LISTEN to our Good Shepherd (Jesus). We don’t listen to His voice “boom” out of the sky to us today, but we can hear Jesus anytime, by attentively listening to His voice as He speaks to us through His Word.
Today’s Gospel Lesson is taken from John 10, which is Scripture’s principal reference to Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.” In fact the entire tenth chapter of John is often referred to as “the Good Shepherd Chapter.” Here we hear Jesus identify Himself as that Good Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep, each of whom He knows by name. He also mentions some characteristics of His sheep: they know Him and gladly follow Him as their Shepherd. Most important, He promises that no one and thing will ever take His sheep away from Him.
In our Sermon for this morning, based on today’s Old Testament Lesson, we’ll ask (and answer) the question of just how “relevant” to our lives is the old-fashioned, and rather simplistic word picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd? We’ll see, from Scripture (and from a view of ourselves in the mirror of God’s Law) that the Good Shepherd image of Jesus and all that it represents for our earthly and eternal security is NOT “nostalgia” but a necessary component in a maturing, confident faith-relationship with our Lord.
Finally, we will use, as This Morning’s Final Scripture Reading: “the World’s Most Beloved Psalm,” better known to us as Psalm 23. We’ll read it in unison today, just before the close of worship.
Pre-Service Prayer –
Lord, open now, my heart to hear And through Your Word to me, draw near;
Let me Your Word e’er pure retain, Let me Your child and heir remain.
Your Word does deeply move the heart, Your Word does perfect health impart,
Your Word my soul with joy does bless, Your Word brings peace and happiness. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word 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 upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service music
The Introduction and Welcome to Worship
We Praise Our God
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for the invocation
The Invocation
Pastor 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 joyfully to the LORD, you righteous: The praise of the upright is beautiful.
C: Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully and shout praises.
P: Yes, the word of the Lord is right; and everything He does is trustworthy.
C: He loves righteousness and justice; The unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.
P: Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world revere Him.
C: How blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose to be His possession.
P: Our souls wait for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
C: Yes, in Him our heart rejoices, because we trust in His holy name.
P: May Your unfailing love, O LORD, be on us,
C: even as we wait confidently for You.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn “An Easter Season/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.
Hymn 374
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 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 God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His
forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my
thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Sung) Lord have mercy on us; Christ have mercy on us; Lord, have mercy on us.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, 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, addressing you as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and under His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
(Sung)
Glory be to God on high and on earth peace good will to men.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
We glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord God heavenly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world. Receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father. Have mercy on us.
For You only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.
Are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen
Our Prayer for This Morning
O Lord Jesus Christ, + You are the Good Shepherd + Who gave His life for the sheep. + Nourish us now in the pleasant pastures of Your Word, + that we may not only remain sheep of Your flock during this life + but also that we might continue to be part of Your fold, for all eternity. + We offer this prayer in Your name, dear Savior, + with the confidence that Your Father in heaven + will hear and answer such prayers for Your name’s sake + in ways that are always eternally good for us Who believe in You…. + Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit + One God, forever and ever. Amen.
after which the Congregation may be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 40:6-11
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.
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 Special Vocal Selection “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
verses 1, 3 & 5 sung by Cynthia and Rick Tragasz
the congregation will sing verses 2, 4, & 6
The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness fails me never:
I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow My Savior gently leads me
And where the verdant pastures grow, With food celestial feeds me.
Confused and foolish oft I strayed But yet in love He sought me.
And on His shoulder gently laid And home, rejoicing brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill With You, dear Lord, beside me;
Your rod and staff, my comfort still, Your cross before to guide me.
You spread a table in my sight; A banquet here bestowing;
Your oil of welcome, my delight; My cup is overflowing.
And so through all the length of days Your goodness fails me never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise Within Your house forever.
afterward the Congregation will rise out of respect for the words of our Savior
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 Nicene Creed
I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light. Very God of Very God. Begotten, not made. Being of one substance with the Father, By Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary And was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, And I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson John 10:16
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.
Are You Listening???
The Sermon Hymn 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 Pre-Sermon Salutation
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen.
The Sermon Text Isaiah 40:6-11
today’s Old Testament Lesson
Do You See Jesus As Your Good Shepherd?
after the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May the God of peace, Who brought back from the dead our dear Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, now equip you with everything good for doing His will. Amen.!
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.
However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can donate on our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
the Congregation will please rise as the offerings are brought to the altar
We Offer Our Prayers to the Lord
Today’s Prayers
Included in our Prayers today:
Intercessory Prayers for Allen Skogen, who is recovering from back surgery; plus for
Marilyn Outlaw, who is recovering a recent operation; and for
Dan Beck, who is contending with pancreatic cancer; also for
Norman Steinhoff (a friend of Tom Otto). Norman has just
been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name kingdom come; Thy will be done on 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.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – The Lord be with you.
Congregation (Sung) And also with You
Pastor – Lift up your hearts.
Congregation (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
Pastor – It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, and we praise You especially for
the glorious resurrection of Your Son, the true Passover Lamb, Who by His sacrifice took away the sins of the world and by His resurrection restored everlasting life to all who believe in Him. Therefore with angels and archangel, and all the company of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:
(Sung) Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of heavenly hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He, Blessed is He, Blessed is He
Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Consecration of the Elements
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – (Sung) Amen.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Grant us peace. Amen.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper (Pastor)
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time.
We believe, according to Scripture, that only those who are “one,” that is, in complete doctrinal agreement, united in a common public confession of faith, are to commune together at the same altar (see I Corinthians 10:17 and I Corinthians 1:10).
To be “in communion” means to share and to hold in common. By eating and drinking at our Lord’s Table, we are not only sharing in, with, and under the bread and wine, Jesus’
very body and blood…we are also publicly declaring that we hold in common a specific confession of faith. In other words, as a result of having comprehensively studied the Scriptures together all of our communicants have agreed to accept and proclaim the same Biblical doctrines and practices.
Through membership in a particular church body (for us, that church body is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), each person makes a public statement that he/she is in full agreement with the teachings and practices of that body. Because not every church body or Lutheran Synod teaches and practices the same things, we in the WELS
want to be honest in our recognition of the doctrinal differences that, here on earth, separate us from other church bodies. Please bear in mind that we are not, in any way, judging the legitimacy of your Christian faith. Still, we ask that if you have not (upon study of the Word with us) declared yourself to be in full doctrinal agreement with us, you would respectfully not join us in the Lord’s Supper this morning.
It is our prayer that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage anyone among us today who is not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of his/her church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word.
And if you are guest among us today, we want you to know that it is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the Biblical doctrines our congregation confesses, in order that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your understanding and respect of our Communion practice.
The Distribution of the Sacrament
The Distribution Hymn “I Stand Here Before You”
Sung to the melody of “How Firm A Foundation”
I stand here before You, O mightiest One
In need of forgiveness for wrongs I have done.
Oh, grant me Your pardon, my spirit now pleads
Forgive my transgressions in thoughts, words, and deeds.
The Tempter keeps taunting me day after day,
I often succumb and submit to his way.
From birth I’ve been evil — my mortal flesh weak,
I do not abide by the words that You speak.
I humbly confess with the deepest of shame
The times I abused Your magnificent Name.
In spite of Your right to demand faithfulness,
My life’s often guided by my selfishness.
I covet, I slander, I look with lust, too.
I fail to give honor where honor is due.
I steal and I gossip…..so far do I fall –
Your perfect commandments: I’ve broken them all.
Right here at Your table forgiveness is found
In Christ’s holy blood that flowed down to the ground,
His body and blood in the bread and the wine
A marvel of love that is truly divine!
That blood of Your Chosen was shed to erase
The sins of the world. How I cherish that grace!
Dear God I am thankful to be such a one,
Washed clean by the blood of my Savior, Your Son.
After the Sacrament is celebrated, at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise as
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
Today’s Final Scripture Lesson
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 will 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 for ever.
The Closing Blessing
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look with favor upon you, and give you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 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.
Announcements
Post-service music
Silent Prayer
Announcements
This Past Week at Grace Worship Attendance: 47 Sunday Bible Class: 24 Tuesday Bible Class: 12
Wednesday Evening Bible Classes: 3 men; 4 women
Budgetary Offerings: $1632 Online Budgetary Gifts: $246
Capital Improvement $10 Memorial for Mary Beck: $40
Serving Us Next Sunday Elders: Steve Stone, Tim Pfortmiller
Ushers: Jim Winnat, James Boatright, Jim Taylor
Video: Dale Johannes Altar Guild: Christine Quinlan, Linda Winnat
This Coming Week at Grace Lutheran Church
Today Worship Service, with the Lord’s Supper 9:30 a.m.
Fellowship Period, 10:45 Bible Class/Sunday School,11:05am
Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday Morning Bible Class, 10:30 to 11:30
Wednesday Evening Bible Classes, 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Saturday Outreach Visitation, meeting at church at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship, 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Period, 10:40a.m.
Bible Class/Sunday School – 11:05 a.m.
Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
This Week’s Bible Classes In Bible Class, we’ve just started a study of Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. Today we’re in chapter one. Tuesday, from 10:30-11:30 am, we’ll be working in the book of Ezra. We’ll find ourselves in chapters 7 & 8. Wednesday, from 6-7 p.m. we’ll offer two Bible classes, one for men, the other for women. Our men’s class is starting a study on what the Bible teaches about Heaven and Hell, while our women’s class will resume its study of the book of Hosea.
Rummage Announcement…..In less than two weeks, on May 13-14, our Women’s Group will sponsor a rummage sale. If you have items you could donate to our rummage sale, that would be very much appreciated. And, if you might need to bring items earlier than the week prior to the sale, early drop offs will be allowed in the gym (south side) in the weeks ahead. We need many volunteers – men, as well as women – to make this effort a successful one. Please call or text Karen Swogger or Lesa Roe if you can help us.