ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE With High Delight (Sedio)
* THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
In the waters of baptism, we have passed over from death to life with Jesus Christ, and we are a new creation. For this saving mystery, and for this water, let us bless God, who was, who is, and who is to come.
We thank you, God, for your river of life, flowing freely from your throne:
through the earth, through the city, through every living thing.
You rescued Noah and his family from the flood; You opened wide the sea for the Israelites. Now in these waters you flood us with mercy, and our sin is drowned forever. You open the gate of righteousness and we pass safely through.
In Jesus Christ, you calm and trouble the waters. You nourish us and enclose us in safety. You call us forth and send us out. In lush and barren places, you are with us. You have become our salvation. Now breathe upon this water and awaken your church once more. Claim us again as your beloved and holy people. Quench our thirst; cleanse our hearts; wipe away every tear.
To you, our Beginning and our End, our Shepherd and Lamb, be honor, glory, praise, and thanksgiving, now and forever. Amen.
* PRAYER OF THE DAY
Eternal and all-merciful God, with all the angels and all the saints we laud your majesty and might. By the resurrection of your Son, show yourself to us and inspire us to follow Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
GATHERING SONG Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain (ELW 363)
VS 1-3, 5
FIRST READING: Acts 9:1-6 [7-20]
1Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me” 5He asked, “Who are you, Lord” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” 15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
PSALM: Psalm 30
1I will exalt you, O LORD, because you have lifted me up
and have not let my enemies triumph | over me.
2O LORD my God, I cried | out to you,
and you restored | me to health.
3You brought me up, O LORD, | from the dead;
you restored my life as I was going down | to the grave.
4Sing praise to the LORD, | all you faithful;
give thanks in ho- | ly remembrance.
5God’s wrath is short; God’s favor | lasts a lifetime.
Weeping spends the night, but joy comes | in the morning.
6While I felt secure, I said,
“I shall never | be disturbed.
7You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong | as the mountains.”
Then you hid your face, and I was | filled with fear.
8I cried to | you, O LORD;
I pleaded with | my Lord, saying,
9“What profit is there in my blood, if I go down | to the pit
Will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness
10Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me;
O LORD, | be my helper.”
11You have turned my wailing | into dancing;
you have put off my sackcloth and clothed | me with joy.
12Therefore my heart sings to you | without ceasing;
O LORD my God, I will give you | thanks forever.
SECOND READING: Revelation 5:11-14
11Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12singing with full voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!”
14And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
* GOSPEL: John 21:1-19
The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
1After [he appeared to his followers in Jerusalem,] Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
9When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you” because they knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
MEDITATION: Pastor Wende Bleam
* HYMN OF THE DAY Day of Arising (ELW 374)
* 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 salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and 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 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.
Lord, we pray for the Ukrainian people that they be surrounded by your love and protection against the attacks on their country. Lift them up and protect them, end this war against them and let your peace reign. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Holy One of new beginnings, fill us with new life. Send us into the world as you sent your apostles Philip and James, to invite people to come and see your wondrous acts in Christ.
Revive ecosystems along coastlands that have been devastated by natural forces and human negligence. Reestablish plant and animal life that purifies air and water and that feeds humans and other living creatures. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Accompany laborers who get little rest from their work. Give them hope when they struggle to produce what they need. Give all who labor fair treatment and just wages. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Restore all people who cry to you for help. Turn their mourning into dancing, clothe them with joy, and put a testimony of healing and praise on their lips.
We pray especially for Sherrie, Ana, Lillian, Helen, Arlene, Jose, Hoon, the Melendez family, Connie, Pat, Hazel, Deb, Joe, Ruth, Lisa, Bill, Rick, Dick, Alisia, Jacklyn, Lillian, Alexis, Jim and those we now raise before you in our hearts. We pray for those affected by the Covid virus in mind, body or spirit. Grant them healing and wholeness. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be present to faithful ones who are persecuted for following you. Sustain them by your faithfulness, and give them strength in the name of Jesus. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Join our voices with angels, creatures, and all the saints in praising Christ and bestowing upon him all blessing and honor and glory. Reveal Christ’s glory to us and through us in our worship. 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.
* 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 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.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD
Offerings may be placed in the tray as you leave the sanctuary, or on line using the donate button on our website, or mailed to the church. All gifts are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for supporting our ministry as we bring God’s Word to people and help provide for their needs.
* OFFERING PRAYER
Living God,
you gather the wolf and the lamb to feed together in your peaceable reign,
and you welcome us all at your table. Reach out to us through this meal,
and show us your wounded and risen body, that we may be nourished and believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
* DIALOGUE (SPOKEN)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
It is right to give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
* PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ; the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin, who in dying has destroyed death and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
* HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
* THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, 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 sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The risen Christ dwells with us here. All who are hungry, all who are thirsty, come.
COMMUNION SONG
CONGREGATIONAL SONG You Are Holy (ELW 525)
COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We give you thanks, generous God,
for in this bread and cup
we have tasted the new heaven and earth
where hunger and thirst are no more.
Send us from this table as witnesses to the resurrection,
that through our lives, all may know life in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
* BLESSING
God, the Author of life, Christ, the living Cornerstone, and the life-giving Spirit of adoption, bless you now and forever.
Amen.
* SENDING SONG Christ Is Risen! Alleluia! (ELW 382) VS 1, 2, 4
* DISMISSAL Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Tell what God has done. Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE PontificalMarch (Ohley)
The ETERNAL CANDLE is sponsored for the month of May by Bill Knoell in loving memory of Mary,
We recently received a large oil drop with a steep increase in the oil price. After requesting a payment plan from the oil company to pay this bill of over $5,500 in several smaller payments, we will be paying $1,375 in four payments. While we know everyone is dealing with price increases in all aspects of our lives, at this time, it will still be tough to meet these payments within the budget. We prayerfully ask all members to dig deeper and if you are able to help in some small way, please contribute to this fund along with your regular offering, You can use any envelope and just mark as Heating Fund. Thank you for your consideration.
Included with your yearly contribution statement for 2021, we included a new pledge card to offer your tithes to St, Johns. If you have not returned your pledge card, please do so at your earliest convenience. The cards can be dropped in the offering basket, or mailed to the office. If you are in need of a replacement card, additional pledge cards can be found on the hallway table. Your pledges are important for the continuation of our ministry here at St. John's as well as globally.
A sign-up sheet is available on the hallway bulletin board. Sign up for the Eternal Candle is available for the year 2022. The cost is now $20.
Each week, we collect food for our hungry neighbors in need in our SHARING GOD'S BOUNTY WAGON. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Please consider making a donation of a food item each week.
YOU CAN HELP! You can be a good steward AND get your grocery shopping done. Did you know that if you purchase a grocery food gift card from St. John’s, our congregation will receive 5% of all sales of gift cards. Please see Ruth Weaver if you wish to purchase and gift cards. Thank you for helping us raise that 5% for
Are you on FACEBOOK Do you ever like or share the church's posts We hope you do. Every little activity on our page is a good thing. More eyes to see what we're about and what we have going on is helpful. And if you leave a comment, even better. Others that may check our Facebook page out see that we're a busy, happening church. If you need our social media addresses on Facebook or Instagram, see Elaine Fisher or check out the hashtag on the bulletin board in the hallway for information.
We are registered as Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church for Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to the charities selected by customers. To register your charity designation, you will need to go to Smile.amazon.com. Then you select our name as your charity. Again, the name is registered as Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church. You will only have to register once. Next time you plan to shop online, go first to smile.amazon.com and you will be redirected to your own Amazon account. Your charity designation will be listed on the top left. So far, we have received over $135, just by doing your shopping through Smile.amazon.
The Finance Committee is looking for a member or two to join us in managing the finances of the church. This committee should have at least five members to be able to function correctly. Currently, committee consists of Chairperson, Barb Lynn, Financial Secretary, MaryAnne Rossi and Treasurer, Sherrie Modge. Pastor Wende is also a member of this committee. Ideally during the formation of the budget, we would be able to rely on the voices of a few other members. You do not need any degree or accounting classes to join. As Barb says, if you can balance your checkbook, you can be a member! Please consider joining!
Our Financial Response (April)
CURRENT
Budgeted costs per month $ 9,048.05
Offering last month $ 5,507.29
Budget required to date (4 months) $ 36,192.20
Total received to date $ 21,731.41
MISSION SUPPORT
Budget required to date (4 months) $ 2,000.00
Total received to date $ 1,923.44
Please continue to support St. John's. Our expenses continue each month
even if we are not all worshipping together inside our building.
Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our website: stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org or sent by mail to
St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.
You are welcome to watch the live service at 10:15 am at https://www.facebook.com/stjohnslutheranfolcroft
Or you can watch live streaming on the St. John's website: https://stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
If you are having trouble accessing, please let us know.
