13 May BULLETIN – SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2022
WELCOME to MESSIAH & ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCHES
The Reverend Nancy Brody, Pastor
Greta Wright, Music Director
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Fifth Sunday of Easter
PRELUDE
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Please remember your baptism by making the sign of the cross.[☩]
Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Refreshed by the resurrection life we share in Christ, let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. We thank you, risen Christ, for these waters where you make us new, leading us from death to life, from tears to joy.
We bless you, risen Christ, that your Spirit comes to us in the grace-filled waters of rebirth, like rains to our thirsting earth, like streams that revive our souls, like cups of cool water shared with strangers. Breathe your peace on your church.
Clothe us with your mercy and forgiveness. Send us companions on our journey as we share your life.
Make us one, risen Christ. Cleanse our hearts. Shower us with life.
To you be given all praise, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God, now and forever. Amen.
ENTRANCE HYMN Thine Is the Glory #145
1 Thine is the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son;
endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won!
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Refrain
Thine is the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son;
endless is the vict’ry thou o’er death hast won!
2 Lo, Jesus meets thee, risen from the tomb!
Lovingly he greets thee, scatters fear and gloom;
let his church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
for the Lord now liveth death hath lost its sting! Refrain
3 No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life;
life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife;
make us more than conqu’rors, through thy deathless love;
bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. O Lord God, you teach us that without love, our actions gain nothing. Pour into our hearts your most excellent gift of love, that, made alive by your Spirit, we may know goodness and peace, through your Son, 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 11:1-18
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”
PSALM 148
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise God in the heights.
Praise the Lord, all you angels; sing praise, all you hosts of heaven.
Praise the Lord, sun and moon; sing praise, all you shining stars.
Praise the Lord, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, who commanded, and they were created,
who made them stand fast forever and ever, giving them a law that shall not pass away.
The splendor of the Lord is over earth and heaven.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps;
fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing God’s will;
mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;
wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds;
sovereigns of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world;
young men and maidens, old and young together. The splendor of the Lord is over earth and heaven.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over earth and heaven.
The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all faithful servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. Hallelujah!
The splendor of the Lord is over earth and heaven.
SECOND READING REVELATION 21:1-6
I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Our hearts burn within us while you open to us the scriptures. Alleluia. (Luke 24:32)
GOSPEL JOHN 13:31-35
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
SERMON followed by Meditation
HYMN OF THE DAY Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service #423
1 Lord, whose love in humble service bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken, worked your mercy’s perfect deed:
we, your servants, bring the worship not of voice alone, but heart;
consecrating to your purpose ev’ry gift which you impart.
2 Still your children wander homeless; still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom; still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your Spirit send your power to our world to make it whole
3 As we worship, grant us vision, till your love’s revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness dawns upon our quickened sight,
making known the needs and burdens your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to ardent service, your abundant life to share.
PRESENTATION
Confirmation is a 2-3 year period of instruction confessed in the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Those who complete the program become confirmed members through Baptism after a public profession of faith that underscores God’s action. A congregational representative presents the candidates to the minister saying, “
These three candidates have been instructed in the Christian faith and desire to make public affirmation of their Baptism.
PROFESSION OF FAITH
Brothers and sisters in Christ, in Holy Baptism our Lord Jesus Christ received you and made you members of his Church. In this community of God’s people and through his Word, you have learned God’s loving purpose for you and all creation. You have been nourished at his holy table and called to be witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, therefore, I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the Church, the faith in which we baptize. Do you renounce all the forces of evil, the devil, and all his empty promises? I do.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS
Let us pray for all the baptized everywhere:
- That they may be redeemed from all evil and rescued from the way of sin and death: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- That the Holy Spirit may open their hearts to your grace and truth: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- That they may be kept in the faith and communion of your holy Church: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- That they may be sent into the world in witness to your love: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- That they may be brought to the fullness of your peace and glory: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
AFFIRMATION
Candidates, you have made a public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear his Word and share in his supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
Each person answers in turn. I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Let us pray.
Gracious Lord, through Word, water and the Spirit you have made this young woman and two young men your own. You forgave them all their sins and brought them to newness of life. Continue to strengthen them with your Holy Spirit. Daily increase in them your gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
LAYING ON OF HANDS
The presiding minister lays both hands on the head of each person
Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in (name each confirmand) the gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm his/her faith, guide his/her life, empower him/her in his/her serving, give him/her patience in suffering, and bring him/her to everlasting life.
Each person answers: Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Set free from captivity to sin and death, we pray to the God of resurrection for the church, people in need, and all of creation. A brief silence.
- Loving God, continue to lead people of all ages to follow your Spirit rather than anything or anyone that would lead them astray. Help us be a church that cares for one another throughout all of life, perceiving your gifts as available to and present in all. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Inspire us to praise you through the beauty and majesty of the natural world around us. Urge us toward more deliberate care of the world you have made. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Humble the rulers of nations before your splendor. Direct them to people who need their attention most, and turn them from the temptation to hoard wealth or power. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Hasten to dwell among those who are in pain or distress (especially those on our prayer list). As Christ enters our deepest suffering, remain with those experiencing despair and great need. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Place holy love at the center of all our relationships and communities. By your love heal us, convict us, and renew us. Bring an end to discrimination, needless separation and distinctions. Let everyone know your goodness by the love we show one another. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Today, these candidates join the diverse company of your beloved saints. Teach them and us the value of every person, unique in identity, and blessed with shared identity as your children, kindred of Christ. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In your mercy, O God, respond to these prayers, and renew us by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
PEACE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY “Create in me…” Page 75
THE LORD’S PRAYER Page 76
BLESSING
May God, the Author of life, Christ, the living Cornerstone, and the life-giving Spirit of adoption, [☩] bless you now and forever. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN When Peace, like a River #346
1 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way;
when sorrows, like sea billows, roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain
3 He lives–oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Refrain
4 And Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;
even so it is well with my soul. Refrain
DISMISSAL
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Tell what God has done.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission. Prayers adapted from Sundays and Seasons, copyright © 2019, Augsburg Fortress. Used with permission. Psalm readings from Lutheran Book of Worship, copyright © 1978. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual Subscription #SB160715 Other quotations from Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, National Council of Churches in Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MAY
15 FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
8:30 AM Worship @ St. Peter
10:00 AM Worship @ Messiah; Confirmation
11:15 AM Brunch
DEADLINE FOR JUNE/JULY NEWSLETTER
17 St. Peter Primary Election Day Pot Pie Dinner, 3:00 PM until sold out
18 6:30 PM Ladies Aid Meeting at Messiah
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Starting May 8th, Children’s Sunday School will be offered during the 10:00 AM worship service at Messiah. On the second and fourth Sundays of each month, right after the children’s sermon, potty trained children ages 2 up to 5th grade will be escorted from the sanctuary by their teacher.
PETER PRIMARY POT-PIE DINNER
St. Peter (Fetterhoff’s) will hold their annual Primary Pot-Pie Dinner on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 17th, from 3:00 PM to 7 PM. Dinners will include either: Ham or Chicken Pot-Pie, a vegetable, applesauce, bread & butter, beverage, and dessert.
Adults – $12 Children ages 6 to 12 – $6 Children under age 6 eat free.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES UNITED WALK
Our churches’ team, “Inspired by God and Others: Messiah and St. Peter Lutheran Churches” raised $1010 this year to Help the Homeless. About twenty men, women and children (plus one dog) enjoyed walking and talking together on the evening of April 25th at the Ned Smith Center. An assortment of ice cream novelties, cookies, sausages, cheese, crackers, and a variety of chips greeted all who made it back successfully to the Wiconisco Park Pavilion. Don’t worry, no one got lost and everyone received goodies plus water. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the walk financially and to Dave and Dianna Reed for donating refreshments and for hosting.
SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CEMETERY at MESSIAH
Some of our members have loved ones whose remains are buried in cemeteries maintained by Messiah. To assist in maintaining and improving these final resting places, the Council will place envelopes inside bulletins during May. Please make checks payable to Messiah Lutheran Church and note on the memo line: Messiah Cemetery Fund. If you are unable to return envelopes in person and would still like to donate, please mail a check to 3 Church St, 17032 or to Drew Hogan, Treasurer. Thanks in advance for your support.
GROCERY GIFT CARDS
If you shop at Giant Foods and/or Weis Markets and would like to help Messiah at no cost to yourself, please consider purchasing grocery gift cards through the church. For every $100 of gift cards purchased, you receive $100 in groceries and Messiah receives $5. If you’re interested, please contact Dianna Reed at 717-692-5317.
MORE INFO
Please visit our website: halifaxmessiah.church for weekly updates and archived materials, bulletins with hymn lyrics, articles, descriptions of various programs and ministries, newsletters, recorded services, text versions of sermons, a monthly calendar, and way to give online.
Our 10:00 AM (and joint services) are available every week as a live streamed event via Facebook and available later in the day on YouTube. Please let us know if you watch online, have any questions, or would like to meet with the pastor in person.
CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED
Greta is looking to gather an adult choir to sing one song in May, and then we will revisit the situation in the fall. Please reach out to her to let her know you are willing to get together once or twice to sing with us!