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The 4th Sunday in Easter A, May 3, 2020 Virtual Worship on Facebook LivePastor Beverly AurandGood Morning, and Welcome to worship today May 3, the 4th 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. I would like to let you all know that Gail Boland, (Yvonne Sternenberg’s daughter) died on Tuesday, April 26 and was buried in the Mt Olivet Cemetery on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 by her home memorations this week:Monica, mother of Augustine, died on May 4 in 387Monica was married to a pagan husband who was ill-tempered and unfaithful, but whom she helped bring into the Christian faith. She repeated the influence on her son Augustine, who went on to become one of the greatest church teachers.Julian of Norwich, renewer of the church, died around 1416 and is commemorated on May 8When she was about thirty years old, Julian (or Juliana) reported visions that she later compiled into a book, Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love, now a classic of medieval mysticism. The visions declared that love was the meaning of religious experience, provided by Christ who is love, for the purpose of love.Victor the Moor, martyr, died 303 is commemorated on May 8Also known as Victor Maurus, this native of the northwest African nation of Mauritania was a soldier in the Roman Praetorian Guard. Under the persecution of Maximian, Victor died for his faith at Milan.Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, renewer of the church, hymnwriter, died 1760 on May 9.When he was 22, a group of Moravians asked permission to live on Zinzendorf's land. He agreed, and eventually worldwide Moravian missions emanated from this community. Zinzendorf participated in these missions and is also remembered for writing hymns characteristic of his Pietistic faith.IntroductionToday is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.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: The Lord’s My Shepherd1. The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;??He makes me down to lieIn pastures green; He leadeth me??The quiet waters by.2. My soul He doth restore again,??And me to walk doth makeWithin 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 anointAnd my cup overflows5. Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me,And in God’s house forevermore My dwelling-place shall be.PRAYER OF THE DAY?Let us pray.O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen.FIRST READING:?Acts 2:42-47A reading from Acts, the 2nd chapter.Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.42The baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.?44All who believed were together and had all things in common;?45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.?46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,?47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.PSALM:?Psalm 23?1The?Lord?is my shepherd;??I shall not?be in want.?2The?Lord?makes me lie down?in green pastures??and leads me beside still waters.?3You restore my?soul, O?Lord,??and guide me along right pathways?for your name’s sake.?4Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall?fear no evil;??for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they?comfort me.??5You prepare a table before me in the presence?of my enemies;??you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is?running over.?6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days?of my life,??and I will dwell in the house of the?Lord?forever.?SECOND READING:?1 Peter 2:19-25A reading from 1 Peter, the 2nd chapter.Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.19It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly.?20If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval.?21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.?22“He committed no sin,??and no deceit was found in his mouth.”23When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.?24He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.?25For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.GOSPEL ACCLAMATION?Alleluia.?Jesus says, I am?the good shepherd. I know my own and my?own know me.?Alleluia.? GOSPEL:?John 10:1-10The holy gospel according to John, the 10th chapter.Glory to you, O Lord.Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.Jesus said:?1“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.?2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.?3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.?4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.?5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”?6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.7So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.?8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.?9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.?10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.CHILDREN’S MESSAGESheep and Shepherdsmessage for 4 Easter A: 5/3/20Rev. Beverly AurandGood Shepherd SundayDid you catch the theme in the Psalm 23, Ist Peter and the 10th chapter of John? Wasn’t hard to hear that these reading have a lot of sheep in pastures with a good shepherd there to guide them.This is the 4th Sunday in Easter also known as Good Shepherd Sunday and uses Psalm 23 along with other readings that emphasize that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. We know that Jesus is our Savior, the one who bought new life for us after our earthly death. The one who willingly took on our sin and died for it on the cross—this is God’s son, our shepherd.In the gospel of John, Jesus is also described as the gatekeeper of the enclosed area where the sheep are kept at night. A safe place for them to be protected from predators. Even here, the sheep need someone to keep a wild animal or a thief from climbing over or opening the gate to get to the sheep. Many times sheep are thought of as very stupid creatures. It is more accurate to think of them as very dependent creatures. They are one of the animal kingdom’s followers. When left to their own devices, they wander away from where they should be going to find fresh water and green pastures. They have no defense against a wild animal. Sheep need someone or someone to guide them, to drive away predators, to rescue them when they get stuck in a ravine, or in prickly vegetation. Today, a shepherd uses a sheep dog to help keep the flock together along with the staff that can be stretched out to reach a wandering sheep, using the crook, the curved part of the shepherd’s staff around the neck of the sheep to gently guide it back on track. Jesus is a good shepherd because he has taught the sheep to hear his voice as he calls out to them. He is referring to us as the sheep, who need to be directed to the paths that God has set out for us to follow. We learn his voice as we study scripture, worship, pray and receive holy communion. We have also learned, unfortunately, ways to tune out that voice and wander away. We like to be in control of our lives and do things that we know are not godly, and so we wander away. But the shepherd does not forget those sheep who are so tempted to find their own pathways. Jesus will continue to call us to follow him again.And with Jesus as the gate, protecting the flock, we are promised that no matter what else happens in our world, we who been called to enter will be led to green pastures and fresh waters. Jesus knows who belong to his flock; he knows our names and does not cease to call to us. Jesus as the gate will not permit us to be taken by predators who would call us to a false truth and allow us to die apart from him. How exactly is it that we hear Jesus’ call to us? We hear it from our parents, from our brothers and sisters both in our own family and in our church family. We can experience that call from a co-worker or neighbor, from a child. We see Christ in our midst in an act of kindness, a word of prayer offered for us, an arm outstretched to lead us, in the confidence of a child’s confession of faith that “Jesus loves me because the Bible tells me so”. And all of this is reinforced when we receive the body and blood of our Lord in holy communion with the promise that it provides the gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sins.Jesus tells the community churches that John founded and that Peter founded that in the face of all of the difficulties that they face- prosecution for believing in Jesus as God’s son, physical harm for worshipping and living differently than their neighbors do, for suffering unjustly for their new lifestyle—Jesus promises them life—not just physical existence, but abundant life in his presence. It is appropriate that while we are still in the midst of a world-wide pandemic, we hear this promise of abundant life. So many have died already and so many more have become ill. This is not the first time that the people all over the world have suffered—think of all of those who died in the 2 world wars, the Viet Nam conflict, the wars in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan; the purging of the Jews by the Germans Army and so many others who died in civil wars and ethnic cleansing over the years. The fear, the ravages of disease, inadequate food and clean water, death from bombs, from mines, from an enemy who may even be a neighbor.Jesus’ words to the churches long ago is still offered today to our church, our community, to the people of the world. ‘I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Life lived abundantly in God’s presence—paradise marked by green pastures and fresh, clean rivers and streams. Let me share with you an interpretation of Psalm 23 by Eugene Peterson;God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.You have bedded me down in lush meadows;you find me quiet pools to drink from.True to your word, you let me catch my breathand send me in the right direction.Even when the way goes through Death Valley,I'm not afraid when you walk by my side.Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.You serve me a six-course dinnerright in front of my enemies.You revive my drooping head;my cup brims with blessing.Your beauty and love chase after meevery day of my life.I'm back home in the house of Godfor the rest of my life.My friends, we have been sheltering in place for a long time now. In some parts of the world, people have been ordered to stay at home for over 2 months already. Keep this Psalm in your heart and mind; this disease will not last forever, a vaccine will be found, a treatment will be discovered. Keep listening to Jesus voice and following where he leads. Live in God’s peace. AMENHYMN OF THE DAY- All Creatures of Our God and King1. All creatures of our God and King,Lift up your voice and with us sing,Alleluia! Alleluia!Thou burning sun with golden beam,Thou silver moon with softer gleam!Refrain:O praise Him! O praise Him!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong,Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,O praise Him! Alleluia!Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,Ye lights of evening, find a voice! Refrain3. Thou flowing water, pure and clear,Make music for thy Lord to hear,O praise Him! Alleluia!Thou fire so masterful and bright,That givest man both warmth and light. Refrain4. And all ye men of tender heart,Forgiving others, take your part,O praise Him! Alleluia!Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,Praise God and on Him cast your care! Refrain5. Let all things their Creator bless,And worship Him in humbleness,O praise Him! Alleluia!Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,And praise the Spirit, Three in One! RefrainNicene 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.Shepherding God, we thank you for the educational ministries of your church. Enrich the work of teachers, professors, mentors, advisors, and faculty at colleges, seminaries, and learning sites including Lenoir- Rhyne University and the Lutheran Southern Seminary. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.Creating God, we praise you for those who maintain and operate farm equipment, for those who plant and harvest crops, for local farmers’ markets, and for those involved in agriculture of any kind. Strengthen their hands as they feed the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.Guiding God, no one should be in want. Bid the nations to return to your paths of righteousness and inspire our leaders to walk in your ways, so that all may have the opportunity to live abundantly and sustainably. Lord, in your mercy, hear our forting God, you carry us tenderly. We pray for those who walk through dark valleys overshadowed by anxiety and overwhelmed with suffering especially naming those we lift up to God at this time. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.Nurturing God, you desire justice for the hungry. Bless advocacy work, food pantries, and feeding ministries in our congregations including We Care and the People’s Picnic in Finlay Park. Enable us, that none of our neighbors lack for basic needs. 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 for our prayer partner the Rev. Scott Holland, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Irmo, SC. 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.Everlasting God, your beloved have heard your voice; you have called them by name and guided them to your side in death. We thank you for their lives of faithful witness. 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 Monica, mother of Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Victor the Moor and Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, all of 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: Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us1. Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.2. We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way;Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.3. Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and pow’r to free.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.4. Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;Blessed Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.Source: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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