The Second Sunday of the Easter Season
also traditionally known as Quasi Modo Geniti Sunday
(“Like new born babies”) and as
“Dominica in albis” Sunday (“the Lord’s Day in White”)
April 16, 2023
What If The Resurrection Had Never Happened?
For many people last Sunday, Easter was over even before the stroke of midnight arrived. It was almost as if Easter had never happened for them. The Easter decorations were already taken down. The chocolate bunnies and jelly beans were eaten up. In most stores, the majority of “Easter” items were put on clearance as the day dawned, and the shelf space they’d taken up was promptly being cleared – already Easter afternoon. One week after the event, even for most of us in this sanctuary, the memories of Easter 2023 are fading fast……if they aren’t entirely gone. On the one hand, I suppose that’s understandable. After all, our lives move along at a fairly rapid pace….even for the “slower” folks among us. But on the other hand, as Christians we really shouldn’t want our celebration of our Savior’s resurrection to end up too quickly in the rear view mirror of our lives of faith. After all, Easter really matters!
Perhaps that’s the reason why – across the centuries – the Christian Church has intentionally continued celebrating Christ’s resurrection throughout the six Sundays that follow Easter Sunday. This is not merely “important.” It is “essential’ to our faith that we maintain a firm focus on the precious and personally comforting key truth of Easter — that our Lord is a living Lord, and that – through faith – we will live forever with Him. And that’s what we will endeavor to emphasize through our worship services in the weeks ahead.
Easter really matters! That’s why our Scripture readings today will revolve around Jesus’ miraculous power over the grave, around two of His post-resurrection appearances, and why we will focus on the resurrection-affirming preaching of Paul. He understood that Easter mattered… because it provides the assurance we Christians need to confirm our own justification and our future resurrection from the grave. All because on that first Easter, Christ’s resurrection happened.
Today on the Church “Calendar”
This Second Sunday of the Easter Season is traditionally referred to as “Quasi modo geniti” Sunday, which is a Latin term meaning “as newborn infants.” It is the opening line of a centuries’ old dialogue between pastor and people, based on a portion of I Peter 2 and Psalm 81, which is customarily used on this Sunday. Along with select verses from Psalm 16 they will serve as today’s Psalm Reading. In the earliest days of the church this day was also known as “Dominica in albis” Sunday (“the Lord’s Day in White”), because those who had been baptized on Easter would receive communion for the first time, and then would be laying aside the white robes which they had worn throughout the week following Easter Sunday.
Recently this particular day on the church calendar also has come to be known as “Low Sunday,” both because of the contrast of this Second Sunday of Easter with the great festival celebrated 7 days earlier, and (sadly) because worship services on this day receive attendances much lower than those that were found in most Christian congregations on Easter Sunday.
Our Sequence Hymn this morning is # 144, “Christ is Arisen.” Over nearly 9 centuries this Hymn routinely has been used in Christian churches during the post-Easter season as a “sequence” hymn that separates the day’s Scripture Gospel lessons. It dates back to A.D. 1100 and is of German origin. In fact, it is one of the earliest German hymns of any kind. Martin Luther’s high opinion of this hymn is as follows: “After a time one tires of singing all other hymns, but the ‘Christ is erstanden’ (“Christ is arisen”) one can always sing again and again.” The tune we will be singing today is as old as the words of this traditional Easter hymn. It is based on a Gregorian Chant known by the Latin name is “Victimae paschali” (“to the Paschal Victim”).
This Morning’s Scripture Lessons
Today’s First Lesson is a portion of a sermon Paul preached to Jews in city of Antioch in Pisidea. In our reading he talks about Christ’s crucifixion and death, and how they fulfilled a number of Old Testament prophecies – proving Jesus is the promised Messiah! Paul then continues with the fact that God the Father raised up Christ on the 3rd day, in fulfillment of prophecy. He goes on to say all who believe in Him are justified by faith and can be certain their sins are forgiven.
Our Gospel Lesson deals with two of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, first to Ten of His disciples in the upper room on Easter evening, and then – a week later – to the Eleven in the same place. On Easter evening, Thomas was missing. As a result, he missed the Lord and the peace of being in the presence of the risen Lord, as well as the fellowship of being with his brothers in the faith. Thomas would have to wait another week (and what a long, sad week it must have been for him!) before he, too, would be able to experience the joy of seeing his risen Lord. Being certain that Christ, indeed, had risen and was alive gave the Eleven (and the rest of the early church) the purpose and foundation for their ministry. It also gave them the strength that they needed to live their lives of faith. Similarly, knowing that Christ is alive, and that He has conquered sin and death for us, gives you and me the assurance that our forgiveness and salvation are certain. It also affirms for us that Jesus truly is our God and Lord, and thus that He is worthy of our worship and trust. Finally, we realize that, just as He conquered His grave, He also will enable us to one day conquer our graves (when He raises us up on the Last Day with sin-purged bodies that are perfectly prepared for everlasting life in heaven).
In this morning’s Children’s Lesson we have a summary of the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus – after Lazarus had been dead in the grave for four days. As Christ forced death to give up its hold on Lazarus, even so – because of His resurrection victory on that first Easter – death, in the final analysis, no longer has any power over us. We need never be afraid of death again…..because Christ has conquered it (and hell) for us!
Finally, this morning’s Sermon Lesson comes to us from the “Great Resurrection Chapter,” I Corinthians 15. Here the inspired Apostle Paul will ask history’s greatest “What If” question: “What If the Resurrection Had Never Happened?” Of course Easter did happen……Christ conquered the grave, proving His deity, assuring that our sins are forgiven, affirming that our faith is valid, and confirming that – as He rose – one day, through His power and promise, our bodies also will rise perfected from our graves, prepared for heaven.
Pre-Service Prayer In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. I thank You my Heavenly
Father, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, for keeping me through the night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. Into Your hands I commit my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the Devil may have no power over me. 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
We Praise Our God
The Greeting and Invitation to Worship
The Invocation
We begin this worship service
In the name of the Father, Who gave His Son into death for us and raised Him in glory on the third day;
And of the Son, Who laid down His life only to take it up again on the third day;
And of the Holy Spirit
Through Whom Christ was made alive,
Who has worked saving faith in our hearts,
Who lives in us now through the Word,
and Who will one day give life to our mortal bodies. Amen.
Today’s Responsive Reading from I Peter 2, Psalm 81, and Psalm 16
L: Like newborn infants long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation, – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good!
- Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.
L: I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.”
C: The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot.
L: The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
C: I will bless the LORD, Who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
L: I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand I shall not be shaken.
C: Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
L: For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your Holy One see corruption.
C: You make known to me the path of life:
L: In Your presence there is fullness of joy;
C: at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
After which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn “Resurrection Medley”
I know that my Redeemer lives What comfort this sweet sentence gives.
He lives, He lives, Who once was dead. He lives my ever-living Head. (CW 152 v1)
* * * * * * *
The Foe was triumphant when on calvary The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
In Satan’s domain did the foes shout and jeer, For Jesus was slain Whom the evil ones fear. (CW 143 v2)
But short was their triumph, the Savior arose. And death, hell and Satan, He vanquished, His foes.
The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high; He lives, yes, He lives, and will nevermore die. (CW 143 v3)
* * * * * * *
Jesus lives! For me He died; Hence will I, to Jesus living
Pure in heart and act abide, Praise to Him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense; This shall be my confidence.
(CW 145 v3)
* * * * * * *
He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives, my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there. (CW 152 v7)
* * * * * * *
(The Congregation will rise for the singing of the final verse.)
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav’nly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia! AMEN (CW 157 v2)
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.
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, under His command and authority, I forgive you all your sins in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you.
Congregation Amen.
Lord Have Mercy
P: For all that we need in life, and for the wisdom to use all Your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord.
C: (sung) Lord have mercy
p: For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from Your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ:
C: (Sung) Christ have mercy.
p: For the well-being of Your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord
C: (Sung) Lord have mercy.
p: Merciful God, Maker and Preserver of life, uphold us by Your power, and keep us in Your tender care:
C: (sung) Amen.
P: The works of the Lord are great and glorious; His name is worthy of praise.
(Sung) O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
Almighty God, merciful Father, Your crown our life with Your love.
You take away our sin; You comfort our spirit;
You make us pure and holy in Your sight.
You did not spare Your only Son, but gave Him up for us all.
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth.
O Son of God, eternal Word of the Father,
You came to live with us; You made Your Father known;
You washed us from our sins in Your own blood.
You are the King of glory; You are the Lord!
O Lord, our Lord, How glorious is Your name in all the earth
The Prayer for Today
Almighty God, + Who through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, + has overcome death and opened to me the gate of everlasting life, + give me the peace beyond all understanding + that only comes from knowing that in Christ my sins are all forgiven. Also grant that, + as I trust in the merits of Your Son for my salvation, + the Holy Spirit will enable me + to produce the kind of fruits of faith in my daily life + that honors You + and that clearly proves to others + the value of the Christian faith that I profess with my lips. + And, finally, when my days on earth come to an end + grant me the blessing of entering into everlasting life in heaven + in all its completeness and joy, + for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your Son my Lord, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the one, true God, + now and forever. + Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
The First Lesson Acts 13:26-39
26 “Gentlemen, brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, this message of salvation has been sent to you. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him, and by condemning him they fulfilled the statements of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no grounds for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These same individuals are now his witnesses to the people.
32 “We are preaching to you the good news about the promise that was made to our fathers. 33 God has fulfilled this promise for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: You are my Son. Today I have begotten you. 34 That God would raise him from the dead never again to be subject to decay, God said in this way: I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David. 35 Therefore he also says in another place: You will not let your Holy One see decay. 36 For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was laid to rest with his fathers, and saw decay. 37 But the One God raised did not see decay.
38 “So, gentlemen, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, also forgiveness from everything from which you could not be justified through the law of Moses. 39 In this Jesus, everyone who believes is justified. “
The Sequence Hymn Hymn 144 “Christ is Arisen”
Christ is arisen from the grave’s dark prison, We now rejoice with gladness.
Christ will end all sadness. Lord have mercy.
All our hopes were ended, Had Jesus not ascended. From the grave triumphantly.
For this, Lord Christ, our thanks shall be. Lord have mercy.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! We now rejoice with gladness. Christ will end all sadness. Lord, have mercy.
The Gospel Lesson for the Second Sunday of Easter John 20:19-31
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” 22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24 But Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.
The Public Confession of our Christian Faith
according to the words of 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.
The Children’s Lesson John 11:17-27
17 Now when Jesus came, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met Him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, Who is coming into the world.”
Is It Wrong To Be Sad When Someone We Love Dies?
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 160 “This Joyful Eastertide”
1 This joyful Eastertide Away with sin and sorrow!
My love, the Crucified, Has sprung to life this morrow.
Refrain:
Had Christ, who once was slain, Not burst his three-day prison,
Our faith had been in vain: But now is Christ arisen, arisen, arisen; But now is Christ arisen!
2 Death’s flood has lost its chill Since Jesus crossed the river;
Lover of souls, from ill My passing soul deliver. [Refrain]
3 My flesh in hope shall rest And for a season slumber
Till trump from east to west Shall wake the dead in number. [Refrain]
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ! And grace and peace to you from Him Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come. Amen.
The Sermon Text I Corinthians 15:12-20
12 Now if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is pointless, and your faith is pointless too. 15 Then we are even guilty of giving false testimony about God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise, if it were true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then it also follows that those who fell asleep in Christ perished. 19 If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
What If the Resurrection Had Never Happened?
after the Sermon, the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, now encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Present our Prayers and Offerings to the 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, please) to our church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745); or
2) You can donate through our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
As the offerings are brought to the altar, the Congregation will rise for
The Prayer for This Today
Heavenly Father, Your Son is the Firstborn from the dead. In Him, we have been reborn into a new and living hope of forgiveness from You and eternal life in heaven for Jesus’ sake. Nourish our faith through the pure milk of Your Word, so that we might continue to grow to maturity in our faith, and one day enjoy everlasting life with You.
Gracious Lord, You overcome our doubts by the patience and grace of Your Son and the power of Your Holy Spirit working in us. Strengthen us through Your means of Grace that we might always be confident of Your truths. Remove the weight and guilt of our sins from us and, from as many as will also repent and trust for mercy in You.
Righteous King, You have promised that the faith of Your people will overcome the world. Let that happen as we – and Your whole Church on earth – courageously testify our community and the world about their sins and Your grace to us all in Christ crucified and risen for the salvation of all who believe. Through the power of Your Word overcome all the powers of this evil world, Satan, and our own sinful natures.
God of all comfort and mercy, in Your divine wisdom You sometimes allow even Your dearly loved people to face life’s difficulties, suffering and other hardships, including death. In all our challenges send Your Holy Spirit to build and others up in our faith that we may follow You through our trials into eternal life.
Merciful Lord, as Your Son made lifted the hearts and faith of His disciples when He appeared to them as their risen Lord and Savior, even so enable to find joy and peace for our souls both in His wounds and in His abiding presence among us every day of our lives. Give us all a sincere hunger for Your Word and the confidence that You are always with us, and that – for Jesus’ sake – You will never leave us or forsake us.
Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. In His name we offer this prayer, and continue now, by praying:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name; Thy 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 to the Lord
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (Sung) It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
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. He raised Christ from the dead and
seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, and placed all things under His feet for the benefit of the Church. Now have come the salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ., To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and thanks and glory and honor for ever and ever.
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of Your glory.
You are my God and I will exalt You. I will lift You up for You have become my salvation.
Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of Your glory.
Consecration of the Communion Elements (Pastor)
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
The Distribution of the Lord’s Supper
The Distribution Hymn “Your Table I Approach”
1 Your Table I approach; Dear Savior, hear my prayer;
Oh, let no unrepented sin Prove hurtful to me there!
2 Lord, I confess my sins And mourn their wretched bands;
A contrite heart is sure to find Forgiveness at Your hands.
3 Your body and Your blood, Once slain and shed for me,
Are taken here with mouth and soul, In blest reality.
4 Search not how this takes place, This wondrous mystery;
God can accomplish vastly more Than what we think could be.
5 O grant, most blessed Lord, That earth and hell combined
May not about this sacrament Raise doubt within my mind.
6 Oh, may I never fail To thank You day and night
For Your true body and true blood, O God, my Peace and Light.
The Second Communion Hymn Hymn 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.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
The Benediction
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 318 “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing”
- Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing, The people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The supper is ended. Oh, now be extended The fruits of this service in all who believe.
The seed of Christ’s teaching, receptive souls reaching, Shall blossom in action for God and for all.
His grace did invite us, His love shall unite us To work for God’s kingdom and answer His call.
2 With praise and thanksgiving to God ever-living, The tasks of our ev’ryday life we will face
–our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring, Embracing God’s children, the whole human race.
With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us; Unite us as one in this life that we share.
Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving Give honor to Christ and his name that we bear
silent prayer
announcements
post service music
Announcements
Recently At Grace Last Sunday’s Worship: 123 Online: 20
Budgetary Offerings: $3049 Online Budgetary Offerings: $393.30
Serving Next Sunday Elders: John Johnson, Rick Tragasz
Fellowship: Tom Otto / Jim and Linda Winnat
Ushers: Taylor Ashley, John Wambold Altar Guild: Mary Karloski, Vicki Walker
- Birthdays This Week April 15 – Kyla Huebner; April 20 – Marisol Huebner
Looking Ahead For our Church-Family This Week
- Today The 1st Sunday after Easter 9:30 a.m. with Communion
- Fellowship, 10:45
- Bible Class/Sunday School period, 11:05 a.m.
- Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
- April 18 (Tues) Morning Bible Class, 10:30 a.m.
- April 19 (Wed) Midweek Bible Class, 6-7 p.m.
- April 22 (Sat) Outreach Visits, 10 a.m
- April 23 (Sun) Good Shepherd Sunday Worship , 9:30am
- Fellowship Period, 10:40 a.m.
- Bible Class/Sunday School time, 11:05 a.m.
- Youth Confirmation Class, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
- Rummage Announcement…..Just about one month from now our Women’s Group will sponsor a rummage sale…..on May 19-20. If you’re one of those persons who does an annual “spring cleaning” of your home, would you please keep our rummage sale in mind? Even if you don’t do a “spring cleaning,” 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 available in early May. Please speak with Pastor about this when the time comes. We’ll do our best to work with you.
- This Week’s Bible Classes: Today: Jesus’ Parables (The parable of the Rich Fool and Parable of the Net)
- Tuesday (10:30-11:30am) ….Unfairness in Life
- Wed (6-7pm) Women…(surprise) …Christian Freedom/Adiaphora