Third Sunday of Easter
Christ Lutheran Church
Deepening people’s connections to Christ
Bringing meaning to daily life
Making a difference in our community
Welcome to Worship!
All are welcome, and we are glad you are with us as we pray and worship together, growing in faith as followers of Christ.
Today’s Worship Theme: God loves us and has called us their children. What we will be is yet to be revealed.
Masks are optional in the sanctuary since COVID levels have decreased in the community.
We thank you for silencing your cell phones.
We extend a special welcome to guests worshipping with us today! Please sign the visitor log in the narthex or sign in on the Zoom chat. We hope you’ll feel welcomed and spiritually nourished. If you’d like to speak to the pastor about the congregation, please let her know directly or call the church office at 314-962-6011.
We welcome young children to worship. Children’s bulletins and bags with children’s materials are available in the narthex.
We will celebrate communion together. Those on Zoom are invited to gather the bread and wine and join us for worship. All are welcome at God’s table!
This bulletin will be your guide in Worship. In our spoken readings and prayers, the congregation speaks the items in bold.
Assistive Listening Devices are available at the rear of the sanctuary. Please see an usher for instructions.
We are here to help you! To be added to our e-mail list, to have a hymnal delivered to your home, to get a printed bulletin mailed to you, or to assist you in any other way, please let us know.
Sunday, April 14, 10:30am
Click to join Zoom Worship or
Call in from any phone 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 824 1134 3991 Password: 63119
GATHERING
PRELUDE Christ lag in Todesbanden – Johann Sebastian Bach
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
SILENT MEDITATION Let us prepare for worship by quieting our hearts and minds.
Please rise in body or spirit.
GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Every week, we start out by remembering that we are God’s children. Sometimes, we take time to ask for God’s forgiveness and help because we all make mistakes! On other Sundays, we remember our baptisms, and we celebrate God’s love and the gift of life.
Blessed be the Holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light, and our salvation. Amen.
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.
Water is poured into the font.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters, and 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. 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 praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
GATHERING HYMN 369 Christ the Lord is Risen Today
SIGN OF PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you all! And also with you! Let us offer to one another a sign of God’s peace.
HYMN OF PRAISE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Abundant God, we give you thanks for the love you pour out in our world, and in our lives. Through Jesus, you open our minds to understanding and bring peace through your presence. When your disciples struggled to believe, you reassured them through touch and breaking of bread. May we know Jesus among us, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated.
WORD
We Lutherans call the Bible the “Living Word.” It was written a long time ago by people who were inspired by God to share about their faith. It is “living” because even today, reading the Bible helps us learn about God, and it teaches us how to bring God’s love and mercy to the world. Every week, we read from the Bible together at Worship. We call this part of the service “The Word” because we read the word of God!
Reader: Dave Fey
FIRST LESSON Acts 3:12-19
The first lesson is from the Book of Acts, the third chapter.
12Peter addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk?13The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, 15and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. 17“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.”
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
PSALM 4
1Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; you set me free when I was in distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; how long will you love illusions and seek after lies?”
3Know that the Lord does wonders for the faithful; the Lord will hear me when I call.
4Tremble, then, and do not sin; speak to your heart in silence upon your bed.
5Offer the appointed sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
6Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.
7You have put gladness in my heart, more than when grain and wine abound.
8In peace, I will lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me rest secure.
SECOND LESSON 1 John 3:1-7
The second lesson is from the first book of John, the third chapter.
1See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 4Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. 7Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please rise in body or spirit.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Reader: Pastor Meagan
GOSPEL Luke 24:36b-48
A reading of the Gospel according to Luke, the 24th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.
36bJesus himself stood among [the disciples] and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I, myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate in their presence. 44Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
SERMON
Please rise in body or spirit.
HYMN OF THE DAY 661 I Love to Tell the Story
APOSTLES’ CREED
Each week, we say a creed – a statement of what we believe as Christians. We say it every week because we are all still learning about our faith, and it helps to practice it together. We use different words sometimes, but we always say that we believe that God created all things, that God came in Jesus to show us how much he loves us, and that the Holy Spirit brings life, courage, and hope.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Please be seated.
PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
The Prayers of Intercession are when we pray together as God’s family. “Intercession” means we are praying for each other and for the world, not only for ourselves.
Prayer Leader: Mark Marting
Please rise in body or spirit.
Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.
A brief silence.
O God our holy one, you feed our deepest hunger. As we share the holy meal that is the body and blood of Jesus given for us, lead us here at Christ Lutheran and around the world to share all that we have, and find abundant life in generosity. God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God our creator, you bring forth all life on earth. Calm storms, bring water to parched places, and protect the climate so that this planet can sustain life in all its variety. God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God our savior, you offer wisdom and guidance beyond all human knowledge. Instruct lawmakers, judges, and elected officials to make decisions grounded in justice and to care for all people. God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God our center, you bring all people together in you. Help us to remember our identity and purpose in our ministry. Move us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to share in our beloved community. God of grace, receive our prayer.
Presider
O God our elder, you care for all your children. Encourage those who are in times of transition, facing the loss of old ways and routines, and anticipating change. Guide those who journey in grief, hope, and uncertainty. We pray especially for those named in Remembering One Another in Prayer, and those named by we who gather this morning . . . God of grace, receive our prayer.
O God our resting place, your Son Jesus promised that we are held in your love forever. We remember our beloved who have died. As we remember and share their love, comfort those who mourn. God of grace, receive our prayer.
Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord. Amen.
Please be seated.
OFFERING
We are called to be stewards of all of God’s abundance, so that the community in which we are planted may thrive. We are also called to financially embody care for our community inside and outside our sanctuary. Please support our ministries as you are able. To support the ministry financially, you can give electronically on our website, or send a check to the office. If you give electronically, place the “I give electronically” slip from your pew in the basket if you wish.
OFFERTORY Easter Anthem – William Billings, Christ Lutheran choir
Please rise in body or spirit.
OFFERTORY HYMN As the Grains of Wheat, v. 1
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Let us pray. Generous God, we give to you only a portion of what you have given us. All that we have is from your creative hand. Your Spirit and the love of Christ bring us renewal and wisdom. May these gifts we bring make your love known to all. In the name of Christ, the risen one. Amen.
MEAL
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
When Jesus was here on earth, he had meals with all different people, everywhere he went. Sometimes he even got into trouble because people didn’t like who he ate with! At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples they should eat with one another, so they would remember that no matter what, Jesus is right here with us, not just in our imaginations, but in the bread and wine we share together. We have Communion every week so we remember Jesus is with us, and he invites us to care for each other as he did.
It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, O God, for in great love you have made us your children and destined us for life in union with your Son, Jesus Christ. You are the creator of heaven and earth and the author of life. You revealed your promises through the prophets, and your Word came to fulfillment in your servant, Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, who was rejected and handed over to death. He was killed through our ignorance, but after three days in the tomb, you raised him from the dead. Now he embraces us with hands still wounded, and disturbs our fears and doubts with words of peace and the promise of life yet to be revealed.
And so, with the earth and all of its creatures, with all of your children of all corners of the earth, and with all of the angels and saints, we join your joyful hymn of praise.
SANCTUS
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples saying: Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins. Do this for the remembrance of me.
PRAYER OF JESUS
We say the Lord’s Prayer together every week because when the disciples wanted to know how to pray, this is how Jesus taught them. We are reminded that God loves us like a parent. We ask God to provide what we need, help us to follow God, and to forgive us when we make mistakes. And we remember that everything belongs to God.
In faith and hope, let us join together in praying the words that 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 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.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
Gathered together, separated by space, but not by time, let us, people of all ages and genders and histories, eat the bread and drink the wine. Christ is risen! Alleluia! All are welcome at God’s table. Come to the table and be nourished with Christ’s love in his body and blood.
For those in the sanctuary, we invite you to come forward and wait at the front pew until it is your household’s turn to receive communion. We will serve communion by intinction, with the servers dipping the bread into the wine for you.
For those on Zoom, we invite you to take time right now to break bread and know that this whole community of faith joins in the meal with you. Peace be upon you this day!
AGNUS DEI Now the Feast and Celebration, v. 1, 2, 5
Please be seated.
COMMUNION HYMNS 370 Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands
388 Be Not Afraid (sung 3 times.)
Please rise in body or spirit.
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
Each week, we are nourished and fed as we gather in the sanctuary and on Zoom to celebrate communion together. Also each week, members of this community bring the sacred meal to those who are unable to be with us for Worship. Share not only the sacrament we have celebrated but also the love of God and the Christ Lutheran Church family.
Let us pray. Mighty and compassionate God, you have brought us over from death to life through the resurrection of Jesus, your son, and you have fed us with the food of life in the sacrament. Christ is risen! Alleluia! Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you and our neighbors; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
SENDING
BENEDICTION
We come to Worship every week so we can go out and bring God’s love to the world, so we always end Worship with a Benediction–a blessing–to help us do that.
May God bless you and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you, and may God look upon you with favor and give you peace! Amen.
CLOSING HYMN 641 All Are Welcome
CLOSING CEREMONY Please join us as we process out to the east side of the parking lot. We are celebrating the beginning of our long-awaited renovation project!
WORSHIP LEADERS AND ASSISTANTS
We would like to thank those who helped with worship today:
Usher: Suzie and Anna Benedum
Key Person: Suzie Benedum (open) and Mike Hoyer (close)
Acolyte: Mattis Horn
Assisting Minister: Mark Marting
Altar Guild: Jess Gunther
Lector: Dave Fey
Counter: Dave Fey
Zoom Host: Kersten Horn
Organist: Mark Ruff
Musicians: Christ Choir, Director Diane Drollinger
Preacher & Presider: Rev. Meagan McLaughlin
Acknowledgments: Portions of today’s service are from: All Creation Sings published by Augsburg Fortress, copyright 2020; Lutheran Book of Worship published by Augsburg Publishing, copyright 1978; Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1, copyright 2012, printed by Westminster John Knox Press, Creative Worship Resources, Creative Communications for the Parish, reprinted by permission, all rights reserved; Now the Feast and Celebration, copyright 1990, printed by G.I.A. Publications; Sundays and Seasons, Year C 2022, copyright 2021; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship, copyright 2006, printed by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, Minnesota, reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-71-939, all rights reserved.
REMEMBERING ONE ANOTHER IN PRAYER
Please include the following people in your prayer life during this week. To add a name to the Prayer List, inform Pastor Meagan (pastor@christwg.org or 314-962-6012) or our Interim Contract Administrative Assistant, Sarah Bender (admin@christwg.org). Please ensure that the individual agrees to have his or her name printed in the bulletin.
ONGOING CONCERNS: Those who are suffering from chronic pain & diseases, Shelly Madden, Gege Brightman, Christine Austin, Kate and Brian Bates (John Hoffmann’s sister and brother-in-law), Evan Deck, Helga Hayes, John Hoffmann, Bev & Al Marcus (friend of John Hoffmann), Donna Munger, Doris & Harry Rahlfs (Karen Wood’s parents), Shirley Wolf, and Kerry Munger (son of Donna Munger), Brett Edwards (Becca Jordan’s brother), Greg Powers (close friend of Becca Jordan).
IN BLESSED MEMORY: For all of those who have died and all of those who grieve, that they may know the presence of God who grieves with us.
IN MILITARY SERVICE: Josh Duncan, Chris Hudson, Jesse Proctor, Scott Warr.
A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
WELCOME, GROW, SERVE IN CHRIST
1 Selma Avenue at Lockwood
Webster Groves, Missouri 63119-3199
Telephone: 314-962-6011
E-mail: admin@christwg.org
Website: http://www.christwg.org
Rev. Meagan McLaughlin, Pastor
Pastor’s Contact Information: 314-962-6012 | pastor@christwg.org
Organist – Mark Ruff
Director of Choirs – Diane Drollinger
Interim Contract Administrative Assistant – Sarah Bender
Church Council President – Jessica Gunther
Stephen Leaders – Linda Griffith and Carolyn Crowe
Director of Senior Adult Ministries and Faith Community Nurse – Carolyn Crowe
A designated Webster University Campus Ministry congregation
A Stephen Ministry Congregation
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
Called to Welcome and Serve 