Pastor Luke Kuenzli
For Virtual and In-person Worship
Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Setting 6 and from
Sundays & Seasons
May 2021 during COVID-19 pandemic
St. John Lutheran Church
Website: stjohnluthchurchmineola.org
May 16, 2021 10:30am
Seventh Sunday of Easter
We are called to glorify God, grow in faith, and build community.
Mission Statement
THIS SUNDAY: May 16, 2021 – 7th Sunday of Easter
10:30 – In-person Worship with YouTube Live stream.
GUEST PREACHER: CeCe Mickells ACCOMPANIST: Barb Mass
ALTAR: Barb Mass
Tues – 1:00 Quilting
Mon/Wed/Fri – Preschool 9:00-11:30
NEXT SUNDAY: May 23, 2021 – Day of Pentecost
10:30 – In-person Worship with Communion, YouTube Live stream with
Virtual Communion
FINAL WEEK of Virtual Communion: Wednesday at 11am:
meet.google.com/ixe-mnpg-eej AND Thursday at 5:30pm:
meet.google.com/uwh-pewk-hms OR by other arrangement with Pastor
Luke.
If worshipping from home, pick up a prepackaged communion cup/wafer
at Church. (or use your own bread and wine/grape juice). Communion
during our in-person/virtual worship is planned to resume on
Pentecost Sunday, May 23. Covid-19 Precautions for in-person
worship
Food Drive
The Women of St. John are having a food drive and collecting for
Mills County Storehouse all through the month of May.
Kid-friendly cereals, canned tuna, chicken, pears, peaches and
mixed fruits, dry pastas, toilet paper and feminine hygiene
products ALWAYS welcome and needed.
Items will be collected in the shopping cart. Only food items are
counted for weight, but hygiene items are still needed!
· We will require masks be worn while you are in the building (Ages
2 and up). Refusal to wear a mask will result in your being asked
to leave.
· We will be practicing social distancing of 6 feet. Closed pews
are cordoned off and labelled.
· Please don’t gather in the hallway or enter any closed spaces.
Restrooms will be limited to single-person/family use at any given
time. Those who do not comply with social distancing policies will
be asked to leave.
· There will be limited prolonged singing and unison speaking, and
no communion, or fellowship time. Virtual communion will be held
midweek. Communion is planned to resume during Sunday worship on
Pentecost Sunday, May 23.
· We continue to advise (not require) that unimmunized persons in
the vulnerable population groups of 65+ years of age and anyone
with underlying medical conditions remain home.
· We ask that anyone with any respiratory symptoms (cough,
sniffles, sneezing, sore throat) or fever please remain home. You
will be asked to leave if you are displaying such symptoms.
· We ask that if you are traveling to areas of high virus activity,
you remain home for the Sunday following your travels.
· Hand sanitizers are located throughout the open areas. Feel free
to use them!
Looking for an opportunity to volunteer?
1) We will need a few people to help design the photo pages for the
directory, make sure all contact info is up-to-date for members in
the directory, and assist families with check-in for their photo
session.
2) The MCMA food pantry will be resuming normal operations in July,
and could use some additional volunteers to unload the delivery
truck (usually on Tuesday mornings) and to assist people with
finding the items they need.
Pantry Hours: most Thursdays 9:30am-2pm; first Thursday of the
month, 6:30-8pm.
Contact Pastor Luke for further details!
Universal Church Directory Photography Sessions
are scheduled for:
Church Code: IA112 Church Password: photos
For assistance, please see Pastor Luke after worship or contact him
during the week.
*Notes: Pets are welcome in Church Directory photos. Families of 5
or more will need two consecutive time slots.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Setting 9) (*Stand)
Prelude, Welcome/Announcements
Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Refreshed by the resurrection life we share in Christ,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
Water may be poured into the font as the minister gives
thanks.
We thank you, risen Christ,
for these waters where you make us new,
leading us from death to life, from tears to joy.
We bless you, risen Christ, that your Spirit comes to us
in the grace-filled waters of rebirth,
like rains to our thirsting earth,
like streams that revive our souls,
like cups of cool water shared with strangers.
Breathe your peace on your church when we hide in fear.
Clothe us with your mercy and forgiveness.
Send us companions on our journey as we share your life.
Make us one, risen Christ.
Cleanse our hearts.
with the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
Gathering Hymn “Christ is the King!” ELW #662
Those at home may sing along. Those in-person, please listen and
meditate on the words as one person sings.
Text from Songs of Praise, Enlarged Edition, © Oxford
University Press. All rights reserved. Music © 1978 Lutheran
Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
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.
*Kyrie (sung or hummed quietly) p. 165
*This is the Feast (sung or hummed quietly) p. 169
*Salutation The Lord be with you. And also with you.
*Prayer of the Day (spoken quietly) Gracious and glorious God, you
have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you
protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved
world, that we may find our joy in your Son, 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: A reading from Acts 1:15-17, 21-26.
15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the
crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and
said, 16“Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the
Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a
guide for those who arrested Jesus—17for he was numbered among us
and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 21So one of the
men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus
went in and out among us, 22beginning from the baptism of John
until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become
a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23So they proposed
two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and
Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know
everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have
chosen 25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship
from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26And
they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was
added to the eleven apostles.
...Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!
Psalm 1 We read responsively by whole verse.
1Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the
wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the
seats of the scornful!
2Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and they
meditate on God’s teaching day and night.
3They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in
due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything
they do shall prosper.
4It is not so with the wicked; they are like chaff which the
wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment
comes, nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but
the way of the wicked shall be destroyed.
Second Reading: A reading from 1 John 5:9-13.
9If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater;
for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his
Son. 10Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony
in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a
liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given
concerning his Son. 11And this is the testimony: God gave us
eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12Whoever has the
Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have
life. 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
…Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!
*Gospel Acclamation (sung or hummed quietly) p. 171
*Announcement of the Gospel
The holy gospel according to John 17:6-19. Glory to you, O
Lord.
*The Gospel is proclaimed
[Jesus prayed:] 6“I have made your name known to those whom
you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to
me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that
everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that
you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them
and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that
you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on
behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me,
because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are
mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no
longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to
you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me,
so that they may be one, as we are one. 12While I was with
them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I
guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined
to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But
now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so
that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14I
have given them your word, and the world has hated them because
they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the
world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world,
but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not
belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the
world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is
truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent
them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself,
so that they also may be sanctified in truth.” … The Gospel of the
Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon CeCe Mickells, Spiritual Care Coordinator at Bethany
Lutheran Health Services
In today’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus’ lengthy farewell to his
disciples. Did you know that this is Jesus’ longest prayer in the
Bible? No, I did not either. The direction of this prayer was to
our God -- on behalf of His disciples. Jesus has sent his disciples
into a world that is troubled and that is hostile. This same world
put Jesus to death.
Jesus is anticipating his departure from the world. He prays to the
Father for those who are believers and for those who are left to
carry out God’s mission in the world. He prays that each will be
sustained by their faith and be preserved from evil in this world.
Jesus does not ask that His disciples be offered an easy way out
from all the turmoil’s of life, but that they be guarded and
protected. Jesus is encouraging, giving them confidence and hope
before he departs. Can you imagine what the disciples were
thinking? Jesus will be gone and they are to teach and minister to
others about Christ. This is a critical mission for them. Jesus’
prayer asks God to give them joy, peace, unity and protection from
evil.
So let us reflect today on the order of what is going on
here:
1st- God gave his word to Jesus.
2nd- Jesus gave his words to his disciples.
3rd- The disciples then gave the same words to others.
4th- Those others told others and they told their friends and the
word spread.
It all falls in order from generation to generation and throughout
the ages, Which brings us to today.
In our lives, who are one ones that have embraced the truth of
Jesus with us? Who are the ones that have been instrumental in
teaching us to live the life where Christ is honored and glorified
through our lives?
While pondering about this sermon, I could not get out of my head
how this pertains to us today. (Being practical and seeing
parallels in everything in life, how could I not?)
In Jesus’ life, He influenced others, He taught the world about God
and served as a leader to his disciples. Today I would like us to
look and remember who served as and are now our influencers in
life. Who are those educators who have taught us and continue to
instruct us today? Who are the various spiritual leaders that have
led us on our spiritual journey? Who helps us on our journey
now?
So let us talk about the influencers, educators and spiritual
leaders who have molded us into who we are today and who have
shaped us to be Disciples of Christ.
THE INFLUENCERS
What is an influencer? Who are these influencers?
An influencer is someone who has an effect on our character
development and has an effect on us as people. An influencer can be
an ordinary person like a neighbor who lives a Godly life and sets
a good example.
At Bethany this week, I asked some of our residents who influenced
them.
They replied- Parents, Family and Friends; and they are responsible
for influencing us by:
· Teaching us about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit
· Teaching us to pray- I remember my Mom and Dad teaching us the
Lord’s Prayer and our other prayers. As one resident said, “I
remember I had to remember the works of Martin Luther.”
· Teaching us the difference between right and wrong.
· Teaching us to be givers of Christ’s love, learning that we gave
in our children’s envelopes weekly, just like Mom and Dad.
· They gave us a sense of knowing we belong in a Church
community.
· People helping us understand and know the Word, such as our
friends and various groups throughout the years. I can think of
student fellowship groups in high school and college.
Think of the times that we pray as a family. How about the time we
got out of line and our friends led us in a better direction? I am
sure you all have memories of the influencers in your life.
God’s words come to us through different people. God’s love comes
through in many ways. My husband is someone I am influenced
by.
Years ago, my husband had to get his kidney removed. He was all
right about all of this as he strongly believed that all would be
okay. He believed that whatever happened, he had Christ’s
protection. He just knew! You see, my husband has an incredible
will to live as evidence by his recent illness. He truly believes
in the power of prayer and trusting in God’s word. He prevails with
God’s grace.
THE EDUCATORS - Teachers and Instructors
What is an educator? Who are those educators who have been in our
lives? Educators are our teachers and those who provide us
instruction.
· Sunday school teachers who teach us about the Lord
I remember one Sunday school teacher who taught us what it meant to
pray. In addition, not just asking God for things. Here is
something I learned from a teacher many years ago and has been with
me for many decades.
HOW TO PRAY
P- PRAISE GOD WHO IS OUR GOD AND PROVIDES EVERYTHING FOR US
R- REPENT, BE SORRY FOR OUR SINS AND ASK TO BE RECONCILED
A-ASK FOR WHAT WE NEED OR THAT A PRAYER BE ANSWERED,
Y-YEARN TO LIVE A GODLY LIFE AND TO BE FILLED WITH CHRIST’S MERCY
AND GRACE
· Theologians who assist us in the study of the nature of the
divine and religious beliefs. I remember studying the scriptures
and learning something new about Jesus and his disciples every
day.
· Church Musicians and Worship Leaders teach us the spiritual hymns
and the joy of singing our praises to the Lord. Remember some of
the songs we were taught? “Jesus Loves Me”… or “What a Friend we
have in Jesus” … Think of all the beautiful hymns of praise we
sing.
SPIRITUAL LEADERS
What is a spiritual leader? A spiritual leader is someone who leads
us in sacred and religious affairs. Who are the spiritual leaders
in your life who have guided you or continue to guide you?
Pastors and Lay Leaders
· Perform rites and rituals- weddings, funerals and various other
services
· Prays and ministers to the church and local community. Like
Christ, in today’s gospel. The pastor prays for the congregants
that they will be protected and kept safe in this world.
· Visits and ministers to the sick, dying and hurting. WE are so
blessed to have our Pastors and volunteers minister to the
residents and community members at Bethany.
Mentors and Spiritual Directors-
A mentor or spiritual director is someone who is an experienced and
trusted advisor. Who are the mentors or spiritual directors in our
lives? Why are the spiritual leaders in who have shaped us?
· Trusted mentor- someone who lends an ear and is there for us to
discuss spiritual journey. When I took the position of Director of
Spiritual Care at Bethany, Pastor Celeste waymire mentored me. She
was always there to answer my questions and to offer ideas and
suggestions. Pastor Luke serves as my mentor also as he has
assisted me on writing and presenting sermons. I am so grateful for
the mentors in my life. Who are your mentors?
· Spiritual leaders are those who have shaped our Christian
practices. Again, I asked the community members who they thought
were our spiritual leaders. They mentioned quite a few:
· St Augustine
· Martin Luther
· Dorothy Day
· John Wesley
I know I could find a lot of wisdom and share some of their
valuable insights but we would be here the entire day. However, I
would say that in my generation Billy Graham was someone many of us
looked up to. How many remember watching Billy Graham on TV and
singing “Just as I Am”? I remember sitting down on the couch as a
family to listen to Billy’s message. Billy once said:
“JESUS LOVES ALL PEOPLE, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS
BACKGROUND IS. HE IS A GOD OF LOVE.”
How powerful is that?
What is true for all these named individuals is that they believed
that everything that Christ received came from God. These people
were given the words of Christ and they accepted them. All believed
that God sent Jesus to the world.
How about us? We are given the words of Christ and do we accept
them? How do we go about being disciples of Christ?
God gave his word to Billy Graham and others. Isn’t it powerful
that we trace God’s word all the way back to the first disciples
and to Jesus who is the WORD?
WE ARE CALLED AND CHOSEN. IT’S OUR TURN TO INFLUENCE AND MENTOR
OTHERS.
Hymn of the Day “God is Here!” #526
Those at home may sing along. Those in-person, please listen and
meditate on the words as one person sings.
Text © 1979, Music © 1942, ren. 1970 Hope Publishing Company. All
rights reserved. Used by permission.
*Nicene Creed
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.
Prayers of Intercession
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. Silence.
Holy God, in Christ Jesus the joy of the church is made complete.
Root the church in your Word and unify us as Christ’s body. Send us
into the world as your loving people, ready to testify to your
Spirit at work. We pray for all who will receive your Word through
our words and deeds, and in thanks for all from whom we have
received your Word. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Mighty God, the world is your handiwork, displaying your creative
impulse. Seas teem with life, forests reach up to praise you, and
the mystery of life lies deep in the soil. Guard and keep this
world for the well-being of all your creatures. For all farmers and
gardeners and the lands and seas which sustain us, we give you
praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Gracious Sovereign, those who follow your ways are like trees
planted near streams of water. Establish the leaders of nations and
all in authority in your grace and truth, especially President Joe
Biden, VP Kamala Harris, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Senators
Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, and Iowa Representatives Mariannette
Miller-Meeks, Cindy Axne, Ashley Hinson, and Randy Feenstra.
Strengthen them, so that the people they serve will have abundant
life. We pray also for the people of Israel and Palestine in
continued conflict over the Gaza strip; for the families and
friends of the dozens of school-girls killed and injured by
targeted bombings in Kabul. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is
great.
Generous Savior, you befriend those who are sick, suffering, poor,
lonely, outcast, rejected, or sick. Grant healing and love to all
in need especially Bill Smith, Flo Tompkins, Jaxsyn Fada, Landon
Angeroth, Tom Sperling, Chuck Brotherton, Van and Brittany Evans,
JoAnn, Gary Smith, . Give them tangible signs of your steadfast
love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Creator God, here in this community we share the gift of praying,
learning, and supporting one another. Give us thankful hearts as we
claim the gifts that are unique to us and keep us from being
envious of others with different gifts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy
is great.
Saving God, your wonderful promise is the gift of eternal life in
Jesus. Through the witness of those who have died in you,
strengthen us now in this gift of life. We cherish the memory of
your saints (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is
great.
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.
Sharing of the Peace The peace of the Lord be with you all. And
also with you.
Please greet one another with a socially distanced sign of Christ’s
Peace.
Thanksgiving for the Word: Easter
We praise you for your eternal Word, for conquering the force of
death, and for raising us up through the resurrection of our Lord.
For your Word alive among us,
All worship, praise, and blessing be to you, Source of life, Ruler
of life, and Power of life, today and forever. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Gathered together by the Holy Spirit, we pray as Jesus taught us:
(spoken quietly)
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.
Sending
Blessing
May our glorious God grant you a spirit of wisdom
to know and to love the risen Lord Jesus.
The God of life, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever. Amen.
Sending Song “Son of God, Eternal Savior” #655
Those at home may sing along. Those in-person, please listen and
meditate on the words as one person sings.
Dismissal Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed.
Alleluia!
Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia! Thanks be to God.
Alleluia!
Scripture quotations from New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©
1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by
permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Service adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. All
rights reserved. And/or from Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2021
Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual
License #46263.
“Christ is the King!” Text from Songs of Praise, Enlarged
Edition, © Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Music ©
1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress
“God is Here!” Text © 1979, Music © 1942, ren. 1970 Hope Publishing
Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Permission to print and stream above music in this service obtained
from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.
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