A Warm Welcome to All A Warm Welcome to All Gathering at ... · you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true

location: 126 Front Street (corner of Front and North First on the lake) mailing address: P.O. Box 166, Cottonwood, Minnesota 56229

Church Office Phone and Voice Mail: 507-423-5100 www.christcottonwood.org e-mail: [email protected]

PASTOR JIM DEMKE—SEE OFFICE PHONE [Cell 605-370-2206]

PASTORAL ASST. GWEN ARNESON—SEE OFFICE PHONE [Cell 612-280-5987]

ADMIN. ASST. RHODA SCHMIDT– SEE OFFICE PHONE [Cell 507-829-1426]

CUSTODIANS —JON & JEANNETTE MYRVIK Cell 507-828-2401; 828-2407

A Warm Welcome to All A Warm Welcome to All A Warm Welcome to All A Warm Welcome to All

Gathering at Christ Lutheran Church Gathering at Christ Lutheran Church Gathering at Christ Lutheran Church Gathering at Christ Lutheran Church

Community of Faith Community of Faith Community of Faith Community of Faith

———— Seventh Sunday of Easter Seventh Sunday of Easter Seventh Sunday of Easter Seventh Sunday of Easter ————

———— May 8, 2016 May 8, 2016 May 8, 2016 May 8, 2016 ————

A room at the rear of the Sanctuary is available for parents or others who wish for a comfortable place to comfort a young child during the worship service. With the large glass window into the sanctuary, it is possible to continue to see and hear what is happening in the service while enjoying the comfort of the separate room. A rocking chair is available for your convenience. If you need some activities for your children, there are bags hanging on the “bag

tree” at the back of the Sanctuary with books, coloring pages, activities, and a snack. Feel free to take a bag....just please put it back when you leave church. Our Nursery is available for parents needing to comfort a young child. It is located in the lower level at the bottom of the stairs. For those needing a changing table, it is available in the rest room located on the main floor by the offices. More rest rooms are located in the basement and on the top floor (near balcony).

~ Your church family - the body of Christ, wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life. Need to talk? Want a personal visit? You are welcome to contact Pastor Jim or Lay Pastoral Assistant Gwen; stop by the church office

or give a call.

-2-

PA Operator

Craig Aamodt Offering Counters

Wade Breyfogle Linda VanUden

Altar Care

Kris Holm Anne Isaackson

Organist

Gwen Arneson Acolytes

Trinity Broberg Trenton Craig

Video Operator

Pat Hinz

Ushers

Jonathan Olson (captain), Scott Boehne, Greg Golberg, Trent

Merkins, Tyson Merkins, Corey Moseng, Linda VanUden

Assisting Minister Nellie Bjornebo

Thank You For Serving Our Lord Today Thank You For Serving Our Lord Today Thank You For Serving Our Lord Today Thank You For Serving Our Lord Today ---- May 8, 2016May 8, 2016May 8, 2016May 8, 2016

Next Sunday, May 15Next Sunday, May 15Next Sunday, May 15Next Sunday, May 15 9 a.m. Fellowship/Refreshments 9:30 a.m. Graduates and Parents Meet in Basement 10:15 a.m. Worship/Baccalaureate/Holy Communion

11:30 a.m. Reception Honoring HS Seniors 11:45 (approx.) Worship on Cable 180 6:30 p.m. Council Meeting

T h i s W e e k a t C h r i s t L u t h e r a n , M a y 8 , 2 0 1 6T h i s W e e k a t C h r i s t L u t h e r a n , M a y 8 , 2 0 1 6T h i s W e e k a t C h r i s t L u t h e r a n , M a y 8 , 2 0 1 6T h i s W e e k a t C h r i s t L u t h e r a n , M a y 8 , 2 0 1 6

Today, Sunday, May 8Today, Sunday, May 8Today, Sunday, May 8Today, Sunday, May 8

9:00 a,m. Sunday Morning Live (SML) 9:00 a.m. Fellowship/Refreshments 10:15 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. (approx.) Worship on Cable 180

Tuesday, May 10Tuesday, May 10Tuesday, May 10Tuesday, May 10

1:30 p.m. Community Bible Study

Esther’s Kitchen/Loaves & Fishes: Esther’s Kitchen/Loaves & Fishes: Esther’s Kitchen/Loaves & Fishes: Esther’s Kitchen/Loaves & Fishes: We will be serving Tuesday, May 17 and are

in need of workers. Our Monthly Congregational Servant Project, Esther’s Kitchen, is located in Marshall at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Lyon Street (north of Wells Fargo Bank). You are invited

to sign up online at our website, (christcottonwood.org), OR, by using the sheet at the rear of

the Sanctuary. The serving time is between 3:30 and 7 p.m.; many thanks for your assistance at any point during that timeframe.

Also, Christ Lutheran has also made a commitment to support the project of feeding the hungry by asking its members to give a freewill offering that will be used for providing food for the meals that are served. A container is located in the back of the sanctuary dedicated to receiving monies that will be given to Loaves & Fishes; checks are payable to Loaves & Fishes.

If you are not familiar with Esther’s Kitchen and wish to know more, contact Becky and

Terry Timm: [email protected] or phone 507 828 7628

-3-

Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 to, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in

every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And

the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in

Christ Jesus.” Your prayers are a gift to those requesting them, and encouragement for one another as we experience challenges, sorrows, or thanksgivings of any kind.

We pray for those with Health Concerns, as well as Others In Our Hearts and On Our

Minds: Desi Crain Erin Eaton (Jones) Esther Frank Sue Gropel Marietta Jarcho Lisa Jones Helen Maland Anna (Olson) Meyer Julie Pederson Ruth Post Cayson Rialson Mary Schwisow Jeff Wee All those dealing with illness, addictions, depression, unemployment, underemployment, and any challenges in their lives.

We Pray for Families of our Congregation. This week pray for: Stan and Shi Aamodt Clarence Abrahamson Callista Alm and Tom Kussatz, Skylar, Remi, Rebel Kussatz

We Pray for our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Care Center Residents. This week pray for Jill Boehne in Granite Falls.

We Pray for our Workers in Other Countries, Missionaries, and Local Congregation Missions. This week pray for Lutheran World Relief.

ELCA Good Gifts for Mother's DayELCA Good Gifts for Mother's DayELCA Good Gifts for Mother's DayELCA Good Gifts for Mother's Day

Tell mom she’s BEEautiful this Mother’s Day with an ELCA Good Gift of honeybees ($20). Invite families to join in and donate to make a difference for a family around the world. Download the coloring page to let kids in on the fun! Learn more at ELCA.org/goodgifts.

Next Sunday, May 15: High School Senior Recognition/Baccalaureate Worship—10:15 a.m. Our seniors include: Christopher Berg, Terrell Broberg, Taylor Dubbeldee, Thomas Geihl, Asbjorn Idso, Sasha Javens, Michael Louwagie, Trent Merkins, Miranda Milner, Clay Newton, Tristan Popowski, Anika Schwarz, and Jordan Tome. A Reception follows for everyone, prepared and hosted by Junior Students and Families.

May 29: Sunday Worship time changes to 9:30 for the summer.

-4-

Seventh Sunday of Easter May 8, 2016

Christ Lutheran Church – Cottonwood, Minnesota

The page number notations in the worship bulletin refer to the pages in the front portion of the

hymnal. The hymn numbers in brackets are found in the latter half of the hymnal.

GATHERING Prelude Call to Worship

Easter Proclamation P: Christ is risen! Alleluia! C: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Welcome and Announcements

Please stand as you are able.

Confession and Forgiveness

P: We worship in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: We come together in this place to hear God’s word that makes us right, C: and to hear and speak the truth that makes us one. P: We confess that God’s universal language of love can feel foreign and strange on our tongue. C: We confess that the word of the Lord isn’t usually the first word out of our mouth. P: For the hateful words that pierce and wound, C: Lord, have mercy. P: For the graceful words that we withhold, C: Christ, have mercy.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: In our confession, we pray together, C: Most merciful God, we confess the words that bring darkness into the world, the

language of discord that divides your people, the uncivil manners that break our hearts

and yours. Gentle our tongues and cleanse our mouths. Set your right Spirit within us,

that we might be people who speak your word of love. Amen.

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered

shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Lord for his own

throughout history – to our day – and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy

baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of

Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints. (Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2015)

P: Hear this Good News: This is the word of the Lord, that everyone who believes will be set free. Rejoice, then, and accept the forgiveness of God, this gift of love for new life. Be of one spirit with God and with one another. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. C: Amen.

Gathering Hymn – “Faith of Our Fathers” [813]

Greeting P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.

Hymn of Praise – “We Praise You, O God” (stanzas 1 and 3) [870]

We praise you, O God, our redeemer, creator;

in grateful devotion our tribute we bring. We lay it before you; we kneel and adore you;

we bless your holy name; glad praises we sing.

With voices united our praises we offer

and gladly our songs of thanksgiving we raise. With you, Lord, beside us, your strong arm will guide us.

To you, our great redeemer, forever be praise!

Prayer of the Day P: Let us pray. C: O God, form the minds of your faithful people into your one will. Make us love what

you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our

hearts may be fixed where true joy is found, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please be seated.

WORD First Reading – Acts 16:16-34 16One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. 17While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” 18She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 19But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews 21and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” 22The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer

-5-

to keep them securely. 24Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were

unfastened. 27When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he

and his entire family were baptized without delay. 34He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had

become a believer in God. L: Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God.

Second Reading – Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 12“See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s

work. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 16“It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. 20The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. L: Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God.

Please stand as you are able.

Gospel Acclamation page 102

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Announcement P: The Holy Gospel according to John, the seventeenth chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord.

-6-

John 17:20-26 20”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25“Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated.

Sermon Pastor Jim Demke

Hymn of the Day – “I Come with Joy” [482]

Please stand as you are able. Confession of Faith (The Nicene Creed is found inside the back cover of the hymnal.)

Sharing of God’s Peace P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you.

Please be seated. THANKSGIVING

Offering One expression of our gratitude is the outreach to others that our offerings make possible.

Let us give generously!

Choir Anthem Offering – “One Faith, One Hope, One Lord” Courtney

Please stand as you are able. Offertory Prayer A: Let us pray. Gracious God, we return for the mission and work of your church a generous portion of your goodness to us. Use these gifts to shake the foundations of evil and build new structures of peace. May they bring release to prisoners and offer sight to those enveloped in shadows. Unite us in one chorus of praise that echoes across this planet. In Jesus’ name. C: Amen.

Prayers of God’s People The congregation will respond to the prayer petitions with, “hear our prayer.”

Lord’s Prayer (Our Father, who art in heaven…)

-7-

-8-

SENDING Blessing and Dismissal P: The blessing of the Lord God Almighty, the blessing of + Christ, the Lamb who was slain, and the blessing of the Holy Spirit of truth be among you and remain with you always. C: Amen.

A: Alleluia! Go in peace. Share the good news! C: Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Sending Hymn – “We All Are One in Mission” [576]

Postlude Prayer for the Journey

Lord Jesus, bring water to our thirsty souls. Refresh us each day to provide the

inspiration we need to affirm our faith and send us into service in the world. Wash

our wounds, heal our divisions, and remove our hesitation to speak the truth in love.

Amen.

Monthly Financial Update Year to Date (as of April 30) Giving - $54,418 Year to Date Expenses - $59,516 Shortfall – (-$5098)

Congratulations to College Graduates.Congratulations to College Graduates.Congratulations to College Graduates.Congratulations to College Graduates. We join with our members and their families who are celebrating graduations from institutions near and far! We aren’t aware who is marking this important milestone in his/her life, and look forward to hearing from

you so that we might include your name in our list of thanksgivings and celebrations!

Youth Softball Players NEEDED NOW!!! Sign up with Chuck Broberg.Youth Softball Players NEEDED NOW!!! Sign up with Chuck Broberg.Youth Softball Players NEEDED NOW!!! Sign up with Chuck Broberg.Youth Softball Players NEEDED NOW!!! Sign up with Chuck Broberg.

We are short of players for our CLC Youth Softball Team. ASAP contact Chuck “Cub” Broberg at 507 828 2080 or [email protected]

A bouquet of flowers has been placed in loving memory of Blenda Miller who passed away on Mother’s Day in 1989. Thank you to family members Ardys Hjerpe and Lilly Miller for this annual gift of flowers.