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The 3rd Sunday of Easter A, April 26, 2020 Virtual Worship on Facebook LivePastor Beverly AurandGood Morning, and Welcome to worship today, April 26, the 3rd Sunday in Easter. I’m Pastor Beverly Aurand and I serve the Peak Springhill Lutheran Parish. There are 2 small churches in this parish; Mt Hermon Lutheran Church in Peak and Mt Olivet Lutheran Church in the Spring Hill neighborhood of Chapin—both in the midlands region in SC.Pastor Charles is again providing us with hymns this morning. He is pastor of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in York, SC.Our service this morning is again the Service of the Word from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book (ELW). Please put a small bowl with water in your worship area. You may also want to light a candle and place a cross in this area. Feel free to join along the parts of the service. We are starting on page 97, and then move to page 211.The announcements and prayer list for today will be included in the document that you will receive by email or snail mail. If you would like to be included on our email or snail mail list, please private message me from the church Facebook page and I will be happy to add you to it. Commemorations this week:On Wednesday, April 29 we remember Catherine of Siena, theologian, who died on April 29, 1380. This theologian was the first woman among Roman Catholics to receive the title "Doctor [teacher] of the Church." Catherine was a Dominican sister known for her mystical visions as well as her work on behalf of people who were poor and imprisoned.On Friday, May 1 we remember both Philip and James, Apostles. Philip was one of the first disciples of Jesus and called Nathanael to "come and see." He later responded to an Ethiopian official's request for teaching and baptism. Little is known of James, the son of Alphaeus, called "the Less" to distinguish him from another apostle named James.On Saturday, May 2 we remember Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, who died on May 2 in 373. Best remembered for defending the teaching that Christ was fully God against those who taught otherwise, Athanasius was an influential church leader around the time of the Council of Nicea. He was banished from Alexandria five times for his forthright views.Introduction to the DayToday’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.THE EASTER PROCLAMATIONWe begin our worship with the Easter Proclamation that Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed. AlleluiaTHANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM?Let us give thanks for our baptism.Blessed be the holy Trinity,???one God,the fountain of living water,the rock who gave us birth,our light and our salvation.Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.We give you thanks, O God,for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the watersand by your Word you created the world,calling forth life in which you took delight.Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom.At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons,making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.If you are by yourself, please mark the sign on the cross on your forehead by dipping a finger into the dish of water and then tracing a cross on your own forehead. If you are worshipping with others, please take turns marking the cross on each other’s face while you say, “Remember that you are a beloved child of God”We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.Shower us with your Spirit,and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.To you be given honor and praisethrough Jesus Christ our Lordin the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.Amen.THE GATHERING SONG: CHRIST IS ARISENChrist is arisen from the grave’s dark prison.So let our joy rise full and free; Christ our comfort true will be. Alleluia!Were Christ not arisen, then death were still our prison.Now, with him to life restored, we praise the Father of our Lord. Alleluia!Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Now let our joy rise full and free; Christ our comfort true will be. Alleluia!PRAYER OF THE DAY?Let us pray.O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.FIRST READING:?Acts 2:14a, 36-41A reading from Acts, the second chapter.Today’s reading is the conclusion of Peter’s sermon preached following the giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The center of his preaching is the bold declaration that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.14aPeter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed?[the crowd],?36“Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”??37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”?38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.?39For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”?40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”?41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.PSALM 116:1-4, 12-19?1I love the?Lord, who has?heard my voice,??and listened to my supplication,?2for the?Lord?has given?ear to me??whenever I called.?3The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave came upon me;??I came to?grief and sorrow.?4Then I called upon the name?of the?Lord:??“O?Lord, I pray you,?save my life.”??12How shall I repay the?Lord??for all the good things God has?done for me??13I will lift the cup?of salvation??and call on the name?of the?Lord.?14I will fulfill my vows?to the?Lord??in the presence of?all God’s people.?15Precious in your?sight, O?Lord,??is the death?of your servants.?16O?Lord, truly I?am your servant;??I am your servant, the child of your handmaid; you have freed me?from my bonds.?17I will offer you the sacrifice?of thanksgiving??and call upon the name?of the?Lord.??18I will fulfill my vows?to the?Lord??in the presence of?all God’s people,?19in the courts of?the?Lord‘s house,??in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.?Hallelujah!?SECOND READING:?1 Peter 1:17-23A reading from 1 Peter, chapter 17The imagery of exile is used to help the readers of this letter understand that they are strangers in a strange land. Christians no longer belong to this age. Through the death of Christ we belong to God, so that our focus, faith, and hope are no longer on such things as silver or gold.17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile.?18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold,?19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.?20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake.?21Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.??22Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.?23You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.GOSPEL ACCLAMATION?Alleluia.?Our hearts?burn within us while you open to?us the Scriptures.?Alleluia.?(Luke?24:32)GOSPEL:?Luke 24:13-35The holy gospel according to Luke, the 24th ChapterGlory to you, O Lord.The colorful story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus answers the question of how Jesus is to be recognized among us. Here, he is revealed through the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.13Now on that same day?when Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene, two?disciples?were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,?14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.?15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them,?16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.?17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.?18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”?19He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,?20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him.?21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.?22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning,?23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive.?24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”?25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!?26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”?27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on.?29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.?30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.?31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.?32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”?33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together.?34They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!”?35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.CHILDREN’S MESSAGEJesus took a long walk with 2 disciples, but they not recognize him until he said a blessing over the bread when he said that grace before the meal, they remembered him and recognized him as Jesus. Then they walked 7 miles back to where the rest of the disciples were to tell them that Christ was alive. So during Easter season we start and end service with Christ is risen, and reply Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!MESSAGE 3 Easter A: 4/26/2020What happens when you see someone you know that you had not seen in that particular place, or hadn’t seen in a long time? You try to figure out who they are because they stopped to talk to you. They know who you are… but you can’t place that person. You try to fake it—asking questions that would help you place the person. But—they can tell you don’t know who they are. One of those times continues to stand out in my memory, even though it goes back to the mid 1970’s. I was an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota. As a freshman I had been in a couple of classes with another young woman, and we often hung out together between classes. But after that year, we didn’t see each other again until a chance encounter in our senior year. For those of you who went to college with 500-600 or so people per class, this would hardly be possible—but the U of M had approximately 40,000 undergraduate students at its Twin Cities campus and that actually was a group of 3 physical campuses, with shuttle buses taking students back and forth from one campus, in St. Paul to West Bank (of the river) to the final one in Minneapolis (on the East Bank of the river). There were many times that I met folks in one class that I don’t remember ever seeing again.But this one person from freshman year—as she started talking, and as I was clearly blanking out, she took the time to mention one of the classes we’d taken together, and all of a sudden, like the proverbial light bulb coming on over my head, the memories of times shared flooded back and I remembered who she was and we started talking. Before we went off in different directions to different classes I thanked her for re-introducing herself and told her how nice it was to see the direction we were each heading in as we prepared for graduation in the spring.Gospel for today in Luke is one of my very favorites and is one I’ve picked to have read at my funeral, which hopefully will be a long time from now.It, along with gospel last week, focus on what happened on the evening of Easter day. In Luke’s account, 2 of Jesus’ disciples, Cleopas and another that remains unnamed, were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about 7 miles away. They were talking about what they had seen and heard in Jerusalem—that Jesus had been hung on a cross until he died and then some of the women among them had come to tell them that Jesus was no longer in the tomb and angels told these women that Jesus had arisen from the dead. Some of the men among the disciples had gone to the tomb and they also saw that the tomb was empty but did not understand what that meant. Jesus appeared to these 2 men and listened to what they said. He heard their sadness and confusion. He took time to listen to them as they grieved the loss of their lord and teacher. Jesus was the one that they hoped would free Israel from under the Roman rule- this Son of David would reunite the nation and lead the fight against all who would seek to overthrow them in the future. This hope ended along with Jesus’ death on the cross. Their words were a lament to what was now lost, a hope that had been dashed.Finally, Jesus began to speak, although the men didn’t recognize him. The gospel doesn’t say why they didn’t see him as Jesus. It certainly wasn’t because they hadn’t seen him a long time, like it had been with my college friend. Jesus taught them what scriptures had first said from the story of Moses through the prophets. That one would come from God to bring God’s word alive to the people; that he would have to suffer and die and then be raised again on the 3rd day. The 2 men hadn’t put it all together to realize that this man from God was their Lord.As they finally reached the area around Emmaus, the men urged Jesus to stay with him and not continue on as it was close to dark and then as now, there can be unseen dangers in walking alone in the dark.He agreed to stay and have an evening meal with them. He offered a blessing over the bread, which traditionally started the meal for Jews. The bread would be blessed and then broken and distributed to everyone at the table.In Luke, Jesus is often seen eating with others, and at all meals, this same blessing would be offered, so these disciples would have heard him say it many times. But this time it evoked for them a remembrance of who it was among them that had offered the blessing when they ate together. At this time, their eyes were opened, and they recognized who this man was – Jesus- alive, just as the women had told them. Seeing Jesus alive was so momentous an event that they recounted what he had told them while he was walking with them earlier—and recognized that Jesus’ words caused their hearts, at least, to recognize him and burn with longing at his presence. Then they turned their faces back to Jerusalem and began the 7 mile walk back to share with the other disciples what they themselves had experienced. It wasn’t enough just to have known that Jesus was alive—it was news too good not to share and it was too important to wait even another day. They had to leave, in spite of the dark roads, because this was news that must be shared.Peter wrote that God had sent Jesus to the people that they might come to trust God. Being in God’s presence was too much for people to handle—remember how Moses turned his face to the side of the mountain while God gave him the Law—gazing on God’s face was too to see. But through Jesus, the people learned more about a God who love them, who would heal people and provide for them. Peter reminds these people who had converted to Christianity and by that change in lifestyle had frightened their neighbors who felt judged by these Christians. Their behaviors had been the same prior to their conversion. Now however, the new Christians no longer indulged in what God had declared was immoral and wrong. Peter consoles them by saying that it is hard to live among a people with a different lifestyle and different beliefs. He writes that they should still keep their faith and hope set on God, stay obedient to God’s will; they had been born anew in their baptism and were imperishable through the living and enduring word of God.We ask God to keep our hearts and minds focused on our Lord so that we do recognize him in our midst. Jesus promised to abide with us always. And our Lord will keep this promise. AMENHYMN OF THE DAY- Down at the CrossBart Millard Down at the cross,Where my savior died;Down where for cleansingFrom sin I cried,There to my heartWas the blood applied;Singin...GLORY TO HIS NAME!!!! I am so wondrouslySaved from my sin,Jesus so sweetlyAbides within;There at the crossWhere He took me inSingin...GLORY TO HIS NAME!!!! Oh, precious fountain that saves from sin,I am so glad I have entered in;There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean;Singin...GLORY TO HIS NAME!!!!GLORY TO HIS NAMEPRECIOUS NAMEGLORY TO HIS NAME…Nicene CREEDLet us together as one body in Christ, proclaim our faith using the words of the Nicene Creed.We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father;through him all things were made.For us and for our salvationhe came down from heaven,was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Maryand became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose againin accordance with the scriptures;he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son,who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,who has spoken through the prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONUplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.For those whose hearts are fervent with love for your gospel, that they are empowered to tell the story of your love in their lives and to show hospitality in response to this love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.For the diverse natural world: for jungles, prairies, forests, valleys, mountains, and for all the wild and endangered animals who call these spaces home, that they are nurtured and protected. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.For broken systems we have inherited and that we continue to perpetuate, forgive us. Restrain the nations from fighting over limited resources. Redeem us from the cycles of scarcity and violence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.For all who call upon your healing name, give rest. Stay with us, and walk with all those who are hungry, friendless, despairing, and desiring healing in body and spirit especially those suffering from the corona virus, cancer, heart disease and so many other diseases. We also pray for all who serve on the front lines of the fight against the corona virus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We pray for the entirety of your kingdom; for those who work towards, for and with you. Be with our sisters and brothers around our synod- we especially pray for our prayer partners this week- The Rev E Arden Hallman, Jr Interim pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pomaria, SC. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We pray for our bishops Herman and Elizabeth and our companion synods of Colombia, Japan and Tanzania. We pray as well for our parish partners in the Dutch Fork Cluster. May your Spirit be present and continue to guide all of their ministries. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.Create in our hearts a yearning to rest in your promise of eternal and resurrected life. Give us thankful hearts for those who have died, even as we look forward to the hope of new life with you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.Open the way to eternal life, O God, as we remember those who have died in faith especially Catherine of Siena, Phillip and James, and Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, whom we commemorate this week. Free us from the fear of death, that we may embrace the peace you have promised. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord.Amen.PEACE?May the peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Please share the gift of Christ’s peace with those you are worshiping with today, and if you are by yourself, please name out loud some of those people that you would like to give a measure of God’s peace.THE OFFERINGWe give back to God what the Lord has first given to us, our time, our resources and our talents, that God will continue to provide us what we need to live out the promise of our baptism. Let us also remember that as we are asked to stay at home or stay at work and are not worshipping in our churches at this time, the work of the church is ongoing and we have financial obligations to meet. I ask that those of you who are members of the Peak Springhill Parish continue to send your offerings in, either to Bob Ariail at Mt Hermon or to Linda Branham at Mt Olivet.Those of you who are active in other churches or communities are invited to send your contributions to your home church or to an organization that helps the members of your community or the wider world.Let us pray:O God of justice and love, we give thanks to you that you illumine our way through of others, and at the end bring all the world to your feast; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever.Amen.LORD’S PRAYER?Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.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 thosewho 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.BLESSING?May the God of steadfastness and encouragementgrant you to live in harmony with one another,in accordance with Christ Jesus. Amen.The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.The God of all grace???bless you now and forever. Amen.SENDING HYMN: MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary,Savior divine:now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,O let me from this day be wholly thine. May thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart,my zeal inspire;as thou hast died for me, O may my love to theepure, warm, and changeless be, a living fire. While life's dark maze I tread, and griefs around me spread,be thou my guide;bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow's tears away,nor let me ever stray from thee aside. When ends life's transient dream, when death's cold, sullen streamshall o'er me roll,blest Savior, then, in love, fear and distrust remove;O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul.DISMISSALChrist is risen: Christ is risen indeed. AlleluiaNow our service is ended.Go in peace. Share the good news.Thanks be to God. Alleluia, AmenFrom Sundays and . Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS004189. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Portions reprinted under OneLicense #A-707858. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ................
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