St. John’s United Church of Christ
Sunday April 30, 2023
Fourth Sunday of Easter
223 West College Avenue, Bluffton, OH 45817
Rev. Jeremy Mann (419-420-5052) Church (419-358-5641)
Email: blufftonstjohnsucc@gmail.com
Website: www.blufftonstjohns.com
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here!
PRELUDE “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” arr. Dale Wood
Sue Hardwick, Organist
WELCOME Mark Badertscher, Liturgist
OPENING PRAISE AND WORSHIP “I See Grace”
Lyric Video Micah Tyler
*GATHERING PRAYER AND ADORATION
One: Sisters and brothers, let us gather together
with glad and generous hearts.
All: For many signs and wonders are being done among us.
One: Let us break bread together and share our lives in common.
All: Let us give what we can to all who have needs
so that all people, no matter who they are,
may regard us with good will.
One: Let us devote ourselves to our prayers and to the gospel.
All: For in this way God will add to our numbers every day.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION*
All: Holy One, we confess to you and to one another that we have not always followed Christ’s example. When we have been abused, we have been abusive in return. We have gone astray. Lead us back into your fold and guard our souls in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Moment of Silent Personal Confession)
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
*PASSING OF CHRISTIAN PEACE
PASTORAL PRAYER (Joys and Concerns)
All: O Great Shepherd, hear our prayer.
One: We pray for the earth, for green pastures and still waters, that we may restore them to the goodness and purity that they had at the time that you created them.
All: O Great Shepherd, hear our prayer.
One: We pray for the people of the world, their nations, and leaders, that your wisdom and peace may govern all, so that no one will fear.
All: O Great Shepherd, hear our prayer.
One: We pray for all those in need, for those in want, those ill and those dying, that we may be the banquet that you set before them as we anoint them, feed them, and comfort them in your name.
All: O Great Shepherd, hear our prayer.
One: We pray for ourselves, our families, and those we love. May no one live in fear; may all dwell in your presence.
All: O Great Shepherd, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (“debts” and “debtors”)
*HYMN OF PREPARATION “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” P.500
SCRIPTURE READINGS
John 10:1-10 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Jesus the Good Shepherd
10 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
MESSAGE “Hearing God” 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 “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” P. 446
GIFTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE
- Call to Sharing
- Dedicating our Gifts (In Unison)
Holy and generous God, you have anointed us, and we are yours. Bless these tithes and offerings that they may become green pastures and still waters for any and all who need your comfort and restoration. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*PASTORAL BENEDICTION
*CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION “Sent Forth…” P. 712 (Vs. 1)
*POSTLUDE “Festival Canticle” Richard Hillert
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