Sunday, May 2, 2021 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Prelude: “Joyful” Jim Brickman (An improvisation based on Bethoven’s Ode To Joy)
Welcome No matter who you are or where you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
Gathering Song: “Open Our Eyes, Lord” – led by Caitlin McNeish
First Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Mary Ann Horvath
Led by the Spirit, Philip encounters an Ethiopian official who is returning to his African home after having been to Jerusalem to worship. Philip uses their encounter to proclaim the gospel to him. Upon coming to faith in Jesus, he is baptized by Philip.
26An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Gospel: John 15:1-8
On the night of his arrest, Jesus taught his disciples about the relationship they would have with him. Those who abide in his word and love bear fruit, for apart from him, they can do nothing.
[Jesus said:] 1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
Help us God, as we seek to interpret what this means for our lives.
Message
Message Song “His Banner Over Me Is Love” – led by Ann Borovies
Prayers of Intercession Kathie Jones
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love. We begin with our silent personal prayers.
A brief silence.
God of all fruitfulness, you abide in your church and your church abides in you. Feed us by your word, and give yourself to all faiths on earth so that we bear fruit and witness to your love.
You are the vine, we are your many branches
God of creation, you have lovingly made the heavens and the earth. We wonder at the beauty of creation, and we seek to find the vital connections among everything that depends on the earth for life. We will work to protect all of your amazing creation.
You are the vine, we are your many branches
God of order, you rule the nations with justice and love. Give to the leaders of the earth the assurance of your abiding presence. Inspire them to lead, not by fear or posturing, but with love and compassion for those they are called to serve.
You are the vine, we are your many branches
God of love, you have loved us so that we can love others. We pray for all in need of your love and our help. We will answer your call to be your hands in ministering to those who are poor, lowly, outcast, weak, or fearful. Provide for the needs of all. Today we pray especially for Mary Ann and Ester, Timmy Henn, Jr., Andrea & Jerry, Hugh, Jane Atherholt, Linda and Leo, Mel, Kristen, Tim M., Dawn, Norine, Joe, Debbie, Ruth Meier, Kyle, Joe, Be Linney, Al Horvath, John, Pat & Al, Maryse, Paige, Teri, Claudia, Danielle & Gregor, Sam L., Glenn Mayer, and those we name in our hearts.
Hospitalized this week: Baby Girl Charlie Ivenz and Dawn Ward.
Geoff Baer who is on hospice care.
In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Becoming What We Pray” – led by Ann Borovies
Words of Institution Mark 14:22-24 (NRSV)
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
We gather at this table and remember how on the night when Jesus was handed over, he gathered with his disciples in the upper room and together they shared in an ordinary meal that had extraordinary implications.
For at this table,
Jesus broke bread and shared wine with one who betrayed him.
At this table,
Jesus broke bread and shared wine with one who denied him.
At this table,
Jesus broke bread and shared wine with those who fled from him in his time
of need.
At this table,
Jesus broke bread and shared wine with people from all walks of life.
And so whenever we gather at this table to share the bread and the cup in this community of faith, we proclaim Jesus’ life, which affirms there is a place at the table for all people, for the love of God transcends every power that tries to contain it.
The Awakening Church Service
The Lord’s Prayer Kathie Jones
The Body of Christ Given for you.
The Blood of Christ Shed for you.
With this piece of bread and sip of wine we remember Jesus
Post Communion Prayer
Gracious God, as we received this bread and wine, we receive the presence and life of Christ within us so that the spirit of Christ might work through us. Amen
Closing Hymn “Thrive”– led by CLC Praise Band
Benediction “The Blessing” – led by Ann Borovies
Dismissal: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Coffee Hour