Third Sunday of Easter 5/4/25
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
MAY 4, 2025
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WELCOME TO ST. PAUL’S!
✠ ✠ ✠
THE ENTRANCE RITE
PRELUDE I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Setting: Wayne L. Wold
WELCOME
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
ENTRANCE HYMN I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light LSB 411
1 I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain
Refrain
In Him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
2 I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path,
And show me the way to the Father. Refrain
3 I’m looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus. Refrain
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION LSB 151
In the name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination.
Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have
sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what
we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not
loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal
punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us,
renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to
the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
KYRIE LSB 152
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE – “This is the Feast” LSB 155
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are His.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign. Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. O God,
through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to
Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual
gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
✠ ✠ ✠
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST LESSON (Be seated) Acts 9:1-22
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.
For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
(8:30) PSALM 30 (Sung responsively)
I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
To you, O Lord, I cry,
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
“What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
(10:30) ANTHEM Jubilation Choir Lord God, We Praise and Thank You for Your Love
Text: Dorothy R. Schultz Setting: Ralph C. Schultz
Lord God, we praise and thank you for your love,
For each new day, a gift from heav’n above,
Creator wise of earth and sea and sun,
Guide us, we pray, and let your will be done.
Lord Jesus, come and hear us as we pray,
Enfold us now within your arms today.
Redeemer true, our Shepherd and our Friend,
Protect your lambs and lead us to life’s end.
O Spirit come, our love and joy increase,
Give to our hearts the blessings of your peace.
Most holy Light, let faith within us shine,
That we may know eternal life divine.
SECOND LESSON Revelation 5:8-14
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA VERSE (Stand) LSB 156
Alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL John 21:1-14
The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the 21st chapter
Glory to You, O Lord.
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, O Christ.
SERMON (Be seated)
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. Dear friends in Christ:
The Gospel lesson just read is one of those great post-resurrection stories of Jesus filled with all kinds of interesting details meant to encourage us, teach us and cause us to think. With this story I particularly like to meditate on Jesus’ words: “Come and have breakfast.” I suppose that’s because these words remind me that Jesus understands even my most basic needs. Plus, everyone appreciates it when someone makes them breakfast!
If we were to read the next few verses, as the church suggests we can do on this day, we would then hear Jesus say something even more compelling. For after breakfast, Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” And when Peter says that he does, Jesus says: “feed my sheep.” These words of Jesus – repeated three times and each in a slightly different way – give us many things to ponder as well.
But because today is Confirmation Sunday at our church, I decided, instead, that our main text for the sermon would be today’s first reading. This reading, which tells of St. Pauls’ conversion to Christ, is fitting not only because we are a congregation that bears Paul’s name but also because Confirmation Day marks an important step in a person’s journey of conversion as they become a follower of Christ.
I’ll explain what I mean by this journey of conversion a little later in the sermon. But first, let’s review the story.
As we heard, St. Paul at this time was still called Saul. This is probably because “Saul” is a Jewish name and Saul was still very much committed to his Jewish faith. The Bible doesn’t tell us that Saul changed his name upon converting, so it’s probably best to understand that he went by both names from early on. Saul the Jew was also a Roman citizen who likely would have had a Roman name as well. “Paul” is definitely a Roman name. And since Paul then goes on to carry out many Christian missions to the Roman world, this is the name which prevails.
Before his conversion, Saul was not only committed to his Jewish faith but also engaged in trying to tamp down the Christian faith, which at this point was simply called “the Way.” We’re told that Saul was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” and even secured letters from the high priest giving him permission to capture Christians and take them to Jerusalem.
But then one day, as Saul was traveling toward the Syrian city of Damascus for this very purpose, everything changed. That’s because Saul was knocked to the ground by a blinding light and heard a voice that said to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
The voice belonged to Jesus, who identified himself and gave instructions for Saul to get up and enter the city where he would be told what to do next. Saul followed these instructions – no doubt because he’d been moved by the encounter but also because he was now in need. For the encounter had left him blind.
After a short wait of three days, Jesus provided the further instructions he promised, sending Ananias to convey them. And he also restored Saul’s sight, with something like scales falling from his eyes. In response, Saul acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus and was baptized into his name.
Saul would then go on to witness boldly to the power and message of Jesus. But before any further analysis of this, let’s first draw some parallels between his story thus far and our own experience of being called to faith. To get us started with this, let’s think in particular about the stories of those being confirmed.
Unlike St. Paul, who was knocked to the ground by a great light from heaven, our confirmand’s stories of faith seem pretty typical. They grew up in Christian homes. Attended Sunday School. Etc. But through these, heaven’s light was shining greatly upon them. Even more, the light came to each of them in the most powerful and effective way when they were baptized, for at that time their sins were forgiven, they received the Holy Spirit, and they were brought into Christ’s family. And the light has been shining on them ever since as they’ve heard God’s Word and experienced God’s love both in home and in church.
That light became extra focused when confirmation classes started. And let me just say that it did knock them down a bit. For they realized that there were lots of answers to questions that they did not know.
About those questions, no one said to them, as was said to Saul: “Why are you persecuting me?” Because none of them were doing this of course. But they were asked lots of other questions, especially the question posed over and over by our catechism: “What does this mean?”
Let me just say that it took a while for them to memorize the Ten Commandments and to understand the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism. And they had to work hard to pass their final exam. But they were all able to do it. And more importantly, they were all able, just like Saul, to follow the Lord’s instructions and to hear his Word.
And now, having been enlightened by that Word, they stand ready to lead and to serve with us as confirmed members of his church. They are taking a big step, and God is praised.
And yet, there are a few more questions they still need to answer. We’ll ask these as part of the Confirmation Rite [in a few moments]. These are not questions meant to show how much they know, but rather ones that speak to their beliefs and their intentions. These are questions which are much more personal.
I suspect that each of our confirmands will give their “yes” to these questions today. And that’s a very good thing. But in order to be kept in such faith and to fulfill such intentions over the years to come, each of them will need much more of God’s light to shine upon them. They may have completed a course of study, but life will give them many more tests.
It is in this sense that I spoke earlier of Confirmation being a step in a person’s overall journey of conversion. Because while in one sense a Christian is completely converted when they have been baptized into the faith, there is always more converting of our understanding and character and resolve that needs to take place.
When we know Christ Jesus as our Savior from sin, as our confirmands do, then we have been converted from unbelief to belief, from ignorance to wisdom, and from death to life. And as such, we know everything that is needed to make it through this life and enter into the next.
But at the same time, we still need to learn how to combat life’s many challenges to this faith. And we will need to pass life’s many trials and tests too.
“Christian, Christian,” asks the world, “why do you spend your time and money on church when you could be out there having fun?” “Christian, Christian, how can you say there is a God when you are suffering so much?” These are the types of questions we will be constantly asked.
And of course we have very good answers to these questions. For the church leads us to a joy that is greater than the so-called fun of the world. And God is there with us in our suffering – helping us through it and reminding us that it is only temporary.
Still, the world not only calls out to us with its questions. Even more, it also calls out to us with its appeals. And while some of these appeals, though ultimately empty, pose no real threat to us, others make false promises that can lead us astray. These are appeals such as: “Christian, Christian, eat this fruit and you will be just like God.”
The person of faith knows how to recognize these false appeals. And they know that God is the one who gives us the best invitations and who asks us the best questions too. God knows what we need, just as he knows our name.
“Saul, Saul,” Jesus cried out to a man who was going in the wrong direction. Jesus knew his name and he knew what was going on with him, and he knows what is going on with each of us too.
Saul needed conversion. And note how Jesus brought this to Saul’s attention not only with a display of power but also by asking a question. He said to him: “Why do you persecute me?” This question appealed to Saul’s previous learning and to his character. For Saul would have known that persecution is not the way of God.
At the same time, the question didn’t insult Saul or contradict him. Rather, it simply and respectfully asked him to look inside himself and question what he was doing.
The Lord Jesus asks us questions in the same way. He does this in order to help us grow and to help us change what needs to be changed.
As we think about the questions Jesus asks us, we do well to consider some of the ones he asked during his ministry. For example, he asked:
“Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Mt. 6:28,29).
“Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm” (Mt. 8:26).
“Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Mt. 15:3).
“Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Mt. 19:17).
“Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?” (Mt. 22:18).
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Mt. 7:3)?
“Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping” (Mk. 5:39).
And then there is the question the angel at the tomb asked on his behalf – the one we just heard on Easter: “Why do you look for the living among the dead. He is not here. He has risen!” (Lk. 24:5).
With each of these questions the Lord Jesus wants us to put behind us that which is unhealthy or unhelpful and to embrace the way of faith instead. Through his questioning he gently and thoughtfully challenges us to live from our conversion, press ahead toward the life to come, and embrace the light he shines on us.
Sadly, many people are not open to being questioned. They always consider it an insult or an attack.
But a wise person will embrace the questions posed by one who loves them. And Jesus is the one who loves us the most and who loves us the best.
Jesus loves us so much and so well that he gave his life to pay for our sins. This means that when we place our trust in him our sins are forgiven and we live securely in his grace.
Confirmation Sunday is a day for all of us to affirm what God has done for us in Baptism and to confess our faith in his love. And on this day too, we remember that He loves us so much that he calls out to us, with questions, with invitations, and with answers.
May God then bless each of us with his love and grace. For these are given in our crucified and risen Lord and Savior!
In his holy name. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY (Stand) Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen LSB 474
1 Alleluia!
Jesus is risen!
Trumpets resounding in glorious light!
Splendor, the Lamb,
Heaven forever!
Oh, what a miracle God has in sight! Refrain
Refrain
Jesus is risen and we shall arise:
Give God the glory! Alleluia!
2 Walking the way,
Christ in the center
Telling the story to open our eyes;
Breaking our bread,
Giving us glory:
Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise. Refrain
3 Jesus the vine,
We are the branches;
Life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree;
Heaven to earth,
Christ to the people,
Gift of the future now flowing to me. Refrain
4 Weeping, be gone;
Sorrow, be silent:
Death put asunder, and Easter is bright.
Cherubim sing:
“O grave, be open!”
Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light. Refrain
5 City of God,
Easter forever,
Golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb,
River of life,
Saints and archangels,
Sing with creation to God the I AM! Refrain
(10:30) THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
PROFESSION OF FAITH (Both congregation and confirmands)
Do you renounce all the forces of evil, the devil, and all his empty promises?
I do.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
RECEPTION INTO CONFIRMED MEMBERSHIP (Congregation may be seated)
Noelle Blomster Josslyn Godbee
Miriam Buuck Natalie Starck
Julia Dennis Joshua Wang
OFFERING
Offerings support the church’s mission work – both here and through our many partners. Offerings may be placed in the box at the sanctuary entrance or sent to the church through our website or the mail. Fellowship Cards help us welcome new people and track participation. Please fill one out and place it in the offering box following the service. PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
That the Lord would accomplish His holy purpose in calling more and more people to know of His redemption; and that we, as the people of God, would live lives of service as a kingdom of priests in accordance with God’s will, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the Church of God, that many men and women would be called to its service and suffer boldly for the Gospel, confounding her enemies with Christ’s wisdom, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those who have been confirmed in the faith, that as Christ provided fish for His apostles and sent them out as fishers of men, so he would keep all His disciples in His Word and continue equipping them for His service, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For all fathers and mothers, that God would strengthen their faith and increase their joy in the Gospel, and that they would declare the mighty acts of God to the generation to come, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For our rulers and for all the nations of the earth, that the God who orders them all would lead them to work for peace and justice; and that He would inspire His Church to shepherd them unto eternal life, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those among us who are struggling, especially those on our prayer list and those we name in our hearts at this time… that God would give them faith and grace and be glorified through their trials, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For the faithful reception of Christ’s body and blood, that God would give us the Holy Spirit so that what we receive with our lips we may keep in pure hearts and show forth in holy lives, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, You are holy, and You sanctify us in Christ. Give us strength during temptation, courage in times of fear, comfort in distress and resolve in the face of persecution. Help us to abound in hope in every circumstance; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
✠ ✠ ✠
SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT
OFFERTORY LSB 159
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
PREFACE LSB 160
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 Him thanks and praise.
It is truly good, right, and salutary …evermore praising You and saying:
SANCTUS
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD
PROCLAMATION OF CHRIST
As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
PAX DOMINI
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
AGNUS DEI
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.
THE COMMUNION (Be seated)
Those wishing to commune at the foot of the steps should come forward first. Those wishing to commune at the altar rail should come forward after these, front rows first, from both sides of the aisle. After receiving, all should return to their seats. A common dismissal will be given at the end.
DISTRIBUTION HYMN God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It LSB 594
1 God’s own child, I gladly say it:
I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it,
Gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth’s treasures many?
I have one worth more than any
That brought me salvation free
Lasting to eternity!
2 Sin, disturb my soul no longer:
I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger:
Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me
Since my Baptism did release me
In a dear forgiving flood,
Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?
3 Satan, hear this proclamation:
I am baptized into Christ!
Drop your ugly accusation,
I am not so soon enticed.
Now that to the font I’ve traveled,
All your might has come unraveled,
And, against your tyranny,
God, my Lord, unites with me!
4 Death, you cannot end my gladness:
I am baptized into Christ!
When I die, I leave all sadness
To inherit paradise!
Though I lie in dust and ashes
Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:
Baptism has the strength divine
To make life immortal mine.
5 There is nothing worth comparing
To this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring:
Even there I’ll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising,
Still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ;
I’m a child of paradise!
PRAYER (Stand)
BENEDICTION
SENDING HYMN Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won LSB 490
1 Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won!
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!
From the grave will Christ recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.
2 Jesus lives! To Him the throne
High above all things is given.
I shall go where He is gone,
Live and reign with Him in heaven.
God is faithful; doubtings, hence!
This shall be my confidence.
3 Jesus lives! For me He died,
Hence will I, to Jesus living,
Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to Him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense;
This shall be my confidence.
4 Jesus lives! I know full well
Nothing me from Him shall sever.
Neither death nor pow’rs of hell
Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be my sure defense;
This shall be my confidence.
5 Jesus lives! And now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense:
Jesus is my confidence!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won Setting: Paul Manz
FELLOWSHIP – Council Officers
FLOWERS – In celebration of the 80th birthday of our Dad/Granddad, David Buuck.
The family of Dan & Julia Buuck
Those serving:
Sunday, 8:00 a.m.:
Greeter: Steve Janssen
Comm. assist: Judy Koucky
Reader: Rich Kauzlarich
10:30 a.m.:
Greeter: Jim Easterly
Comm. assist: Jill Hecht
Reader: Bill Muller
Acolyte: William Dennis
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2025 Concordia Publishing House.
411 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Text and tune: Kathleen Thomerson, 1934 Text and tune: © 1970, 1975 Celebration. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
474 Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen Text: Herbert F. Brokering, 1926–2009
Tune: David N. Johnson, 1922–87 Text: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326
594 God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It Text: Erdmann Neumeister, 1671–1756; tr. Robert E. Voelker, 1957 Tune: Johann Caspar Bachofen, 1695–1755, alt. Text: © 1991 Robert E. Voelker. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
490 Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won Text: Christian Fürchtegott Gellert, 1715–69; tr. Frances E. Cox, 1812–97, alt. Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662 Text and tune: Public domain
