In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting
for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers
and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that
Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the
unity that God intends for the whole human family.
(*) Please stand as you are able
(-) Please be seated
GATHERING
-PRELUDE
L: Christ is risen!
C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
-WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
L: Christ is risen!
C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
*ENTRANCE HYMN Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (vv. 1-4) ELW 392
*THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
All turn toward the baptismal font and may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at
baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
L: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, by whose hand we are given new birth,
by whose speaking we are given new life.
C: Amen.
L: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are welcomed, restored, and supported as citizens of the new creation. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
L: Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and mighty, you are the river of life, … Praise to you for
the life-giving water of baptism, the outpouring of the Spirit of the new creation.
C: Wash away our sin and all that separates us from you. Empower our witness to your
resurrection. Strengthen our resolve in seeking justice for all.
L: Satisfy the world’s need through this living water… We ask this through Christ, who with
you and the Spirit reigns forever.
C: Amen.
L: Christ is risen!
C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
*HYMN OF PRAISE Glory to God WOV p. 29
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
L Let us pray. O God of glory,
C your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with
Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into
your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
-FIRST READING: Acts 1:6-14
(after the reading)
L The Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
-SECOND READING: 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
(after the reading)
L The Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
-LET THE CHILDREN COME
*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Alleluia. Lord, to Whom Shall We Go? ELW p. 188
*GOSPEL: John 17:1-11,
L The holy gospel according to John, the 17th chapter. C Glory to you , O Lord.
(after the reading)
L The Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ
-MESSAGE Pastor Megan Morrow
*HYMN OF THE DAY Bind Us Together WOV 748
*APOSTLES’ CREED ELW p. 105
*PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(Each petition ends with) L Risen Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer.
*SHARING OF GOD’S PEACE
L The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C And also with you.
(Please share a sign of God’s peace with one another, such as Peace be with you.)
-PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
The Offering is presented at the altar as the Offertory is sung and the Lord’s table is prepared.
-OFFERTORY Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord WOV p. 35
*OFFERTORY PRAYER
L Let us pray. Blessed are you,
C: O Lord our God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with
these gifts. With them we offer ourselves to your service and dedicate our lives to the
care and redemption of all that you have made, for the sake of him who gave himself
for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
MEAL
*GREAT THANKSGIVING DIALOGUE & PREFACE
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,…we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
*HOLY (SANCTUS) Holy, holy, holy Lord WOV p. 36
*PRAYER & WORDS OF INSTITUTION
*LORD’S PRAYER
L Let us pray with confidence in the words our Savior gave us:
C 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.
*HOLY COMMUNION
(We invite you to come forward down the center aisle starting with the back pews. When you reach the
front, hold out your hands if you would like to receive communion, or hold your arms across your chest
to receive a blessing. If children receive communion in their home congregation, they are welcome to
receive communion at St. John’s. Just say, “Gluten free” if you would like gluten free wafers. There are
cups with red wine and white grape juice in the trays. Let us know if you’d like communion brought to
you in the pew. All are welcome at Christ’s table!)
*COMMUNION HYMNS Lamb of God WOV p. 39
Here is Bread ELW 483
-POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
*POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE Thankful hearts and voices raise WOV p. 40
*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
SENDING
*BLESSING
*SENDING HYMN Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ ELW 674
*DISMISSAL
L: Go in peace. Share the good news! Alleluia!
C: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
-POSTLUDE
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP SCHEDULES
ONLINE WORSHIP – VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: Alliancestjohns.org
OR OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AT: Alliance NE St Johns Lutheran
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BAPTISM–If you or someone you know would like to be baptized, please contact Pastor Megan.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES– Thursdays at 5:30pm.
MAY BRUNCH – Brunch TODAY! Please join us.
MAY FLOWERS– We would like to plant ‘annual’ flowers in the Memorial Garden, and planters in front of the church. If you would like to donate a ‘flat’ of flowers in honor/memory of a
loved one, or if you just like pretty flowers growing, please bring them to the church. Jerry and
Krestie Tolstedt will be planting the flowers. If you would like to help plant, please contact them
or the church office.
PRESCHOOL-HOORAY! PRAISE BE TO GOD! St. John’s Preschool has a teacher! We are
taking registrations now. Please pass the word along. Thank you for all your support of the Preschool!
SCRIPTURES FOR WEEK OF EASTER MAY 28th– Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b,
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23.
COMMUNITY TABLE – Monday, May 22nd at 10:30am. Please contact the church office at 762-1883.
WORSHIP HELPERS – May 28– Preacher– Maurine Roller, Reader– Jim Bonsall, Lay Assistant– Ron Henzler, June 4– Preacher– Melinda Ewing, Reader– Kevin Horn, Lay Assistant–
Luayne Weisgerber.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY– Wednesdays @ 9:30. Led by Jody Mischnick
ALTAR GUILD– We need volunteers to help with the Altar Guild. Contact Luayne Weisgerber
for additional information or to sign up. Thanks!
FINANCES
Actual expenses thru 5/14/2023 $59,137.01 Giving thru 5/14/2023 $53,024.61
Giving under actual expenses ($6,112.40)
19 Weeks of Budget Expenses $72,501.91 Giving under Budget Expenses ($19,477.30)
