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4th Sunday after Easter

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, May 11, 2025

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Mother’s Day

May 11, 2025

10:00 a.m.

First Lutheran Church,

The Heart of Christ in the

Heart of the City

PRELUDE Adoration Florence Price

Florence Price, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, was a pioneer black American composer who distinguished herself early on. Most notably, she is remembered as the first black American woman to garner success as a composer of symphonic music. Her first symphony is perhaps her best-known work. Winner of a national prize, it was given its première in 1933 by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra—a social and cultural milestone in this country at that time. Sadly, little of her œuvre has been published, but with her increasing popularity today, that situation is rapidly changing. Now, her renaissance is owed in large part to the discovery not long ago of a substantial treasure trove of her compositions in a derelict house, including major works for orchestra. Included in this remarkable find was the short work for organ, Adoration. -Wm E. Runyan

“I dedicate this prelude to all the mothers and mentors that helped shape who we are.”- Engel

WELCOME Alleluia! Christ is risen.

Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Blessed be the holy Trinity, the One who was, who is, and who is to come.

Amen.

Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,and called to live the baptized life,

let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.

Holy God, we give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that make a people your own, that restore to wholeness, and empower us to be witnesses in your name.

Baptized into you, O Living One, make us one as you are one.

We give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that strengthen believers

and give new life to beloved servants of your church; waters that extend your boundless love

and cross barriers of our own making.

Baptized into you, O Living One, make us one as you are one.

We give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that open the hearts of believers

and give a voice in the night to those in captivity; waters that set your people on a new path,

rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.

Baptized into you, O Living One, make us one as you are one.

Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One, that our every day is shaped by these waters that give us our very lives in you. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One. Amen.

KYRIE

THE HYMN OF PRAISE (With Organ Intro)

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 together: O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THE FIRST READING: Acts 9:36-43

Dorcas was a faithful and devoted woman of charity in the community of Joppa. Her kindness and her work with clothing were well-known, especially to the widows in town. When she fell ill and died, Peter raised her back to life through the power of prayer.

36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

PSALM 23 congregation repeats refrain after the cantor

1 The Lord | is my shepherd;

I shall not | be in want.

2 The Lord makes me lie down | in green pastures

and leads me be- | side still waters.

3 You restore my | soul, O Lord,

and guide me along right pathways | for your name’s sake.

4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall | fear no evil;

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they | comfort me. / R

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence | of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days | of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the | Lord forever. / R

EPISTLE LESSON: Revelation 7:9-17

Christ is the shepherd who leads his faithful to springs of the water of life. Christ is also the lamb who vanquishes sin and suffering.

9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom

and thanksgiving and honor

and power and might

be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 For this reason they are before the throne of God,

and worship him day and night within his temple,

and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.

16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;

the sun will not strike them,

nor any scorching heat;

17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,

and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus says, I am | the good shepherd.* I know my own and my | own know me. (John 10:14)

GOSPEL: John 10:22-30 Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus responds to questions about his identity with the remarkable claim that he and the Father are one. Those who understand this are his sheep; they hear his voice, follow, and will never be snatched from his hand.

22 At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Kurt Christenson

HYMN OF THE DAY The King of Love My Shepherd Is

OFFERING

You may also give online using the QR code to the right

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us Tune: BRADBURY

Author (attributed to): Dorothy A. Thrupp (1836); Author (attributed to): Henry F. Lyte (1836)

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, | Much we need Thy tender care;

In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, | For our use Thy folds prepare:

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, | Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;

OFFERING PRAYER

Gracious Provider, you set your immense treasures among us, opening your heart to the world. As we prepare to feast on your bountiful love, deepen our commitment to sharing those treasures with others, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*each petition will end with the phrase “Hear us, O God.” your response is “Your mercy is great.”

APOSTLES CREED We share together in the ancient story of faith.

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.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

COMMUNION LITURGY

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.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, … with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father: Endless is your mercy and eternal your reign.

You have filled all creation with light and life; heaven and earth are full of your glory…

… For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Therefore, O God, …to share with us the great and promised feast.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit, that we who share in Christ’s body and blood

may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.

Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.

Join our prayers with those of your servants… all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.

OUR LORD'S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: 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

First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is somehow present in the bread and wine, however full of mystery that might be for you, to join us at the Table of Grace and Thanksgiving. In the center of each tray there is white grape juice for those who prefer. We also have gluten free wafers. If you wish for those please indicate when you approach the Pastor.

AGNUS DEI Lamb of God

COMMUNION HYMN Thy Holy Wings Dedicated by Bill to Mary Christenson and

all mothers

COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER

Now may the body and blood of our Lord and 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 HYMN

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

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 Led Me Guide Me, Reprise Improv FLC Musicians

African American gospel songwriter Doris Mae Akers (1923–1995) contributed some of the most notable gospel songs of the second half of the twentieth century including “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place” (1962) and “Lead Me, Guide Me along the Way” (1953).

In 1945, Akers moved to Los Angeles where she met some of the important names in gospel music of that era including Sallie Martin (1895–1988), J. Earl Hines (1916–1960), and Eugene Douglas Smallwood (1920–2005). Soon after arriving, she joined the Sallie Martin Singers as a pianist and singer, formed the Akers Singers, and established her own publishing company, Akers Music House. In 1958 Akers formed the Sky Pilot Choir, the first interracial choir in Los Angeles. This choir was devoted to African American gospel music.

She was rewarded for her hundreds of gospel song publications by being called “Mrs. Gospel Music” by some. She was inducted posthumously into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Michael Ruy, Guitar

Paul Engel, Cantor

Eric Sloniker, Lector

Chuck Leib, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Joann Masters, Deacon Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel,

Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Victoria Pearson, Singers

Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer

Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Dan Kjonegaard, Ushers

Paula & Wane Gutterud, Fellowship Snacks

Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy

from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

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

Magnifying Christ’s Light

Thanks to your generous support, we have reached $480,000 in gifts and pledges, surpassing our goal of $450,000! It’s not too late to submit your pledge if you haven’t already. Our pledging phase will conclude on May 18. 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.

May 15: Book Group

Time to SPRING into action and start reading as it’s only 3 weeks til our next meeting! Due to Holy Week, our April meeting was postponed a week, which has shortened up May’s read-time. So…Ready, Set, GO as you step on to the roller-coaster ride that is The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. A secret government agency tasked with overseeing time travel to protect history from changes and disruptions, recruits a civil servant to become a “bridge” for 19th century naval office/polar explorer Graham Gore as he tries to navigate 21st century life. What follows is a “rattling good adventure story” which blends sci-fi and romance with contemporary issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Conclude your roller-coaster ride with discussion and fellowship on Thursday, May 15, 4:00PM in the church library. Paula Gutterud and Lorena Myrda will host. New members are always welcome!

TACO Bites

It’s official! Congratulations to Lorena Galligan, who was approved by the board as the permanent Executive Director.
Please visit Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant in Kensington during the month of May: Proceeds from every order of the “Taco Esperanza” will be donated to TACO!

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lobby
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet
Thursday	12:00 Al Anon in the library 4:00 Book Group in the library
Friday	9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby
Saturday	12:00 TACO First Saturday Giveaway
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship