Welcome to
St. John’s United Church of Christ
223 West College Avenue, Bluffton, OH 45817
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Rev. Jeremy Mann (419-420-5052) Church (419-358-5641)
Email: blufftonstjohnsucc@gmail.com
Website: www.blufftonstjohns.com
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No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
PRELUDE “All Creatures of Our God and King” arr. David Paxton
WELCOME
*OPENING PRAISE AND WORSHIP
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” P. 59
*GATHERING PRAYER AND ADORATION
One: Alleluia, Christ is risen!
All: The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!
One: Blessing and honor is yours, O God,
All: Glory to God forever. Amen.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: Holy God, we confess that we have strayed from your paths of right relationship and peace, and we have dishonored you, ourselves, and your creation; we repent of these hurtful ways. Forgive us, we pray, as we learn to forgive others, and guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.
(Moment of Silent Personal Confession)
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
*PASSING OF CHRISTIAN PEACE
PASTORAL PRAYER (Joys and Concerns)
One: For the goodness of the earth, that it may flourish with flowing waters, verdant pastures, and paths that lead us to protect and care for your creation. O Risen Christ,
All: Open our eyes to your mercy in the world.
One: For the peace and welfare of the world, that all our tables of work and worship promote the understanding and dignity that transform enemies into friends. O Risen Christ,
All: Open our eyes to your mercy in the world.
One: For all who suffer with sickness, need, or danger, that all our afflictions and fears are met with healing and the comforting presence of your voice. O Risen Christ,
All: Open our eyes to your mercy in the world.
One: For the blessings we receive and share, that we may live a life of ceaseless praise for the salvation that is ours through you. O Risen Christ,
All: Open our eyes to your mercy in the world.
One: For the saints in light, that you will wipe away every tear from their eyes as they dwell with you eternally. O Risen Christ,
All: Open our eyes to your mercy in the world.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (“debts” and “debtors”)
HYMN OF PREPARATION “He Leadeth Me” P. 499
SCRIPTURE READINGS
John 10:22-30 New Revised Standard Version
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.”
MESSAGE “Jesus Rejected” Pastor Jeremy
*STATEMENT OF FAITH “Apostle’s Creed”
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 again 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.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” P. 507
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up unto the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
All: It is proper and right so to do.
HYMN OF COMMUNION “We Meet as Friends at Table” P. 704
(Vs. 1 & 2)
WORDS OF INSTITUTION & CONSECRATION OF THE ELEMENTS
SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS
*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
All: We thank you, God, for inviting us to this table where we have known the presence of Christ and have received all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for
one another, and let us show forth your praise in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
HYMN OF COMMUNION “We Meet as Friends at Table” P. 704
(Vs. 3 & 4)
GIFTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE
- Call to Sharing
- Dedicating our Gifts (In Unison)
Holy God, Divine Shepherd, you anoint us with the oil of gladness; your love overflows our hearts. Accept our offering for the good of the world as we joyfully give thanks for our life in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Response after Concerns: Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayers.
Response after Joys: Praise be to God!
PASTORAL BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” P. 712 (Vs. 1)
*POSTLUDE “This Joyful Eastertide” arr. Michael Burkhardt
*Please stand if you are able.
Welcome to worship at St. John’s on the fourth Sunday of Easter. May God’s presence be with us as we celebrate Holy Communion and honor our mothers and families on this special day.
Pastor Jeremy may be reached by:
Cell: 419-420-5052
Email: jmann002@gmail.com
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday/Thursday, here
The flowers this morning are presented in honor of Mother’s Day and in appreciation for the unconditional love mothers have demonstrated to their children.
REMINDER: Worship continues at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:30 am.
May 29—Joint service with Emmanuel HERE
Carry-in lunch, Opperman Hall, following worship
To watch recorded worship services from Emmanuel UCC, use the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO7tgKm3FqJu-wM1qi2_I3g/videos
or copy and paste the link into your browser.
Invitation to St. John’s Ladies from Emmanuel Women’s Outreach
Monday, May 16
Trip to Osgood, OH, eating at Do Good Restaurant
Leaving Emmanuel, 9:30 a.m.
Returning 2:30 or 3:00 p.m.
RSVP by Wednesday, May 11
Contact Renee Caskie at 419-890-6213
Upcoming Activities:
May 10 TOPS, Opperman Hall, 5:30 p.m.
May 11 Men meet at Arby’s, 8:30 a.m.
May 15 Board of Christian Ed meets following worship
Prayer List:
Larry Kempf Shirley Rock
Lou Ann Leiber Family Ray Yoder
Worship Participants:
–Mark Badertscher, Liturgist
–Sue Hardwick, Organist
–Blaine Bauman, Sound Technician
A Mother’s Day Hymn
Sing praise to our Creator God!
Earth prospers from the way
God “mothers” each new child into
This world day after day.
God fabricates in motherhood
A channel from above
That longs to share with every child
God’s comfort, grace and love!
Sing praise to our Creator God,
Who “mothers” us from birth!
Providing what we truly need
Throughout our lives on earth.
–Peggy Ferrell
blufftonstjohns.com 