EASTER SUNDAY:
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
April 20, 2025
10:00am
PRELUDE Crown Him with Many Crowns Improv - Engel
Lasst uns Erfreuen arr. by James Kasen
WELCOME
Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
RESURRECTION PROCLAMATION *please stand
Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
We stand here today as God’s forgiven people; freed by Friday’s death and this morning’s Easter promise. Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
By Jesus’ obedience, his trust, his grace, and his resurrection we are set free from all sin and granted the gift of eternal life. Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
We have wandered this past week through the mystery of faith. First we greeted him with palms and sang his praises. Then we received his very own life in the bread and the wine, only to turn on him because we were afraid. And still, past the crucifixion, past the denials, despite our taunts and faithless fear, God persists. God comes again in his power. God restores the garden with his presence. God comes again to us with the love of his life. Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
GATHERING HYMN Jesus Christ is Risen Today
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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY : Let us pray. O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FIRST READING: Acts 10:34-43
Peter began to speak to the people: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through ahis name.”
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks Be To God.
PSALMODY: Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24
Give thanks to the Lord, for the | Lord is good;
God’s mercy en- | dures forever.
Let Israel | now declare,
“God’s mercy en- | dures forever.”
The Lord is my strength | and my song,
and has become | my salvation.
Shouts of rejoicing and salvation echo in the tents | of the righteous:
“The right hand of the | Lord acts valiantly!
The right hand of the Lord| is exalted!
The right hand of the | Lord acts valiantly!”
I shall not | die, but live,
and declare the works | of the Lord. R
The Lord indeed pun- | ished me sorely,
but did not hand me o- | ver to death.
Open for me the | gates of righteousness;
I will enter them and give thanks | to the Lord.
“This is the gate | of the Lord;
here the righ- | teous may enter.”
I give thanks to you, for you have | answered me
and you have become | my salvation. R
The stone that the build- | ers rejected
has become the chief | cornerstone.
By the Lord has | this been done;
it is marvelous | in our eyes.
This is the day that the | Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be | glad in it. R
SECOND READING: 1st Corinthians 15:19-26
19If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; 22for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. 23But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks Be To God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION *please stand Verse 1-2,
GOSPEL READING The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke the 24th Chapter
Glory to you, O Lord.
1On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8Then they remembered his words, 9and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks verses 3-4
HOMILY Pastor Kurt R. Christenson
HYMN OF THE DAY Thine Is the Glory
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
*after each petition: Hear us O God, Your Mercy is Great
THE NICENE CREED Let us share together in the ancient story of faith.
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.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE
The Peace of Christ be with you always.
LAnd also with you.
OFFERING
Music March excerpt from Geistliche Kirchengesang arr. Diane Bish
You may also give online using the QR code to the right
or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222
OFFERING PRAYER *please stand
Let us pray…Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth. Day by day you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us 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, … with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. … New Covenant in my blood shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
AGNUS DEI
COMMUNION HYMNS
Festival Benedicite- O All Ye Works Choir Philip Stopford
All ye works of the Lord praise him and magnify him forever.
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Crown Him With Many Crowns Verses 1, 3 and 5
COMMUNION BLESSING
Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Risen Savior Jesus the Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
Living One, in this feast you have made yourself known to us.
Send us now to tell of your wonders, sing of your glory, and proclaim your risen life
to a wounded and weary world. Amen.
SENDING SONG Now All The Vault of Heaven Resounds vs. 1 and 2
Between verses 2 and 3 there will be a brief congregational meeting.
A few things to note: There are likely two firsts happening today at First. One, this may be the very first time in the history of Christendom that a congregational meeting has been held during Easter Worship and two we hope it will
also be recorded as the shortest meeting of all time.
Congregational Meeting motion: Approve a budget of up to $60,000 for emergency plumbing repair and flooring repair/replacement.
SENDING SONG Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds vs. 3 and 4
BENEDICTION & DISMISSAL
The triune God, who was, who is, and who is to come, Sovereign, Savior, and Spirit,
light your way with resurrection dawn, now and always.
Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
You are the body of Christ raised up for the world. Go in peace. Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Das Orgelbüchlein: Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 625 J.S. Bach
Dedicated to the memory of Pastor Jim Hallerberg
One of Bach's great works included in the Orgelbüchlein. This Easter hymn celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus by Martin Luther. Its melody is by Luther and Johann Walter. It was published in 1524 in the Erfurt Enchiridion and in Walter's choral hymnal “Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn”. Various composers, including Pachelbel, Bach and Telemann, have used the hymn in their compositions.
“Sitting in Luther’s church, you might have vaguely recognized the melody as a Latin chant sung at Easter, “Victimae paschali laudes.” Johann Walther (1496-1570) adapted it and published it in Geistliches Gesangbüchlein (Spiritual Songbook) in 1524. Subsequently, this became one of the most popular tunes of the Reformation. The sound of the music would remind you much more of the folk music you would hear in the village square outside the church than the choir music of the Roman Catholic Mass. The hymn captures the essence of the classic struggle between life and death. The resurrection represents the apex of this battle. With Christ’s rising from the grave, the “strong bands” of death were broken.”
-Dr. C. Michael Hawn is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology, SMU.
So keep we all this holy feast. | Where every joy invites us;
Our Sun is rising in the East, | It is our Lord Who lights us.
Through the glory of His grace | Our darkness will to-day give place.
The night of sin is over. | Hallelujah!
Sanctuary Bouquets were given by:
Paula Gutterud
Rich & Joann Masters “to our loving First Lutheran Family,” and
Jim Friedrich “to all victims of governmental abuses here and abroad.”
The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor
Bill Engel, Music Director
Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax
Trevor Patricia Watkin, Flute
Paul Engel, Cantor
Joe Slevcove, Lector
Beth Slevcove, Assisting Minister
David Pohl, Deacon Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel, Ellen Beck,
Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Victoria Pearson, Singers
Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer
Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Rich & Joann Masters, Ushers
Paula Gutterud, Greeter
Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy
from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C
© 2020 Augsburg Fortress
reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579
Easter Lilies are given to the glory of God by members and friends in memory and honor of their loved ones.
Name Dedication
Melinda Person …………………………..……… To my mother Dorothy Mukray
Pat Lindquist ………………………………………….. In memory of Pastor Jack
Gary Kashefska ………………..……………………….. In memory of my parents
Richard S. Phillips ………………………….…………………….…. Glory of God
Wane Gutterud ….……………..…………..... For younger brother Kelly Gutterud
Bill & Sheri Bengtson & family: Our LGBTQ+ community here & all over God’s world
Heidi Hoxie …………………………...……………….. For everyone in my family
Bill & Martha Radatz ………………… John & Betty Radatz, Bob & Jean Sicora
Deb & Jo …………………………………………………… Our 50th Anniversary
Peter Myrda …………….…………………………………… my father Jon Myrda
Lorena Lara …………………………………...…………………….. Mamá Juana
David Pohl ………………………….…………….. To my mother Carolyn H Pohl
Chuck Leib & Frank DeLouise …. In Loving Memory of Chuck’s father, Charlie
In loving memory of Frank’s parents, Gloria & Frank
Debra McWilliams ………………………...………..………………… He is risen!
Jan Neuhaus ………………………………...……...…… Rejoice! Christ is risen!
Christine Youngs: In loving memory of her father, Jack M. Youngs (1941-2006)
Dan & Bobbie Plough …….…….. With gratitude and love to our grandparents
The Slevcove Family ………….….... in honor of Edith, Seppy, Carla, and Sarah
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Keeping it out Front…Our Strategic Ministry At Work
First Lutheran Church Congregational Priorities:
- Connecting with each other
- Fostering leadership
- Attending to our Virtual Community
- Incorporating Children, Youth, & Families into the Life of the Congregation.
- Justice focus of Anti-Racism, Diversity and Racial Justice
Today after worship: Easter brunch
Please join us after worship for a delicious Easter brunch! Thanks to Joann and the hospitality team for arranging something so special today.
Magnifying Christ’s Light
Thanks to your generous support, we have reached $475,000 in gifts and pledges, surpassing our goal of $450,000! We are now reaching out to our extended community for one-time gifts. Any additional money raised will go toward project overages and additional facility repairs. We are on track to have our MIF loan paid off in three years! Visit the “Going Solar” page of our website for more progress details. You may begin giving toward your pledge, either online using this QR code or through check/cash by designating “Capital Appeal” on the memo or envelope.
April 24: Dining Out For Life
Chuck and Frank are once again volunteer Ambassadors helping to raise donations for the San Diego LGBTQ Center and hope they will see you at their assigned restaurants; Breakfast Republic Hillcrest for breakfast or Sisters Pizza for lunch. By simply going out to eat on April 24th you are contributing to the Center's Sexual Health and Wellness programs.
Participating restaurants will donate 25% up to 100% of the day's sales to the LGBTQ Center.
May 5: FLC Night at TACO
Fellow FLC volunteers, May 5 is the first Monday of May and our evening to assist with serving dinner at TACO. Please consider giving 2 hours of your time for this worthwhile and heartwarming experience. If you can give of your time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday May 5, please let Joann Masters know, either at church or by email: jbmasters56@gmail.com, and she'll take care of signing you up. Come join the fun! Looking forward to seeing you there.
Book Group News
First of all, please note that although we usually meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, this month’s meeting has been pushed back a week since Easter comes so late this year, and we will meet on Thursday, April 24. That being said, 6 weeks of Lent may have uniquely positioned us to appreciate this month’s selection, The Best of Us, by Joyce Maynard. This memoir follows the author’s joy at her unexpected discovery of love in her late 50s and, after just one year of marriage, her deep sorrow at the cancer diagnosis and death of her new husband. Their story is an ultimately life-affirming one of discovering strength and coming to understand true love through the experience of great loss. Anne Lamott, a favorite author of many of us, reviews this book as “heart-wrenching, inspiring, full of joy and tears and life”. Please join us for fellowship and discussion on Thursday, April 24 in the church Library. Mary Claire and Sheri Bengtson will host.
TACO Bites
- Congratulations to Jeffrey, TACO’s housing Interfaith Shelter Network’s “Spirit of Service” Award
- Calling all crafters! Got any spare yarn around your house? Donate it to FLC! Nancy Sutter’s knitting/crochet group will use it to make hats for TACO clients.
- Empty Bowls is back! May 10 at La Jolla United Methodist Church. $20 at the door for a bowl and soups. See Heartbeat for more info.
- Follow TACO (Third Avenue Charitable Organization) on Facebook for more updates!
This week at FLC
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Monday |
12:00 AA in the lounge |
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Tuesday |
Plumbing Repair: Limited building use 6:30 FLC Council Meeting in the library |
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Wednesday |
Plumbing Repair: Limited building use 10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet |
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Thursday |
Plumbing Repair: Limited building use 12:00 Al Anon in the library |
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Friday |
FLC Office Closed 9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby |
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Sunday |
9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship |
How to contact us
Pastor Kurt: 619-234-6149 ext. 2 or 619-323-7587 PastorKurt@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours best made by appointment.
Church Administrator (Erin): 619-234-6149 ext. 1 administrator@firstlutheransd.org
Office hours: M, T, Th: 2-5, W, F: 11-2
If you would like to receive our weekly announcements please email the church office at administrator@firstlutheransd.org
First Lutheran Church worships and works on the unceded territory of the Kumeyaay People.
