In today’s worship we are between Ascension and Pentecost, and we await the promised Spirit.
We‘ll find something for the kids, scripture, an Easter Message, prayers and music. We say Godspeed to two families, enjoy special music, and hear a next step in bringing us together.
Waiting for the Spirit
Worship Liturgy
Welcome
Ringing the church bell
Opening Song: “Behold, how pleasant/Miren qué bueno” ELW 649
Easter Greeting: Alleluia, Christ is risen! :: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Apostolic Greeting
Prayer of the Day
WORD
Children’s Message: WH
First Lesson Acts 1:6-14
Alleluia
Gospel John 14:15-21
Message “Restoration” Pr Wendell Hendershott
Message Hymn – ” Come Now, O Prince of Peace“, ELW #247
Prayer of the Faithful
Lord’s Prayer (Sung)
Peace
SENDING
Farewell and Godspeed (videoed)
Final Blessing
Dismissal
Prayer of the Day
O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Readings & Psalm
Jesus’ companions at prayer after his departure
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
God will sustain and restore those who suffer
John 17:1-11
Christ’s prayer for his disciples
Follow-up
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you…” 1 Peter 5:7
1 Peter is a good reminder for the days we need to hear that God will strengthen and support us. But how do we experience this? And how can we be a living witness to God’s care? Some food for thought:
https://theparentcue.org/how-the-pandemic-has-been-good-for-parenting/
– Our kids are learning resilience in the midst of all this loss. “… we are discovering, thanks to resilience, we are far more capable than we thought we were. What a surprise. And what a gift.”
“Empathy” Brené Brown Video (2:53 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=1Evwgu369Jw&feature=emb_logo
– Empathy creates connection, and connection helps heal
“Love Letters to Strangers”
Hannah Bencher Ted Talk (4:37 minutes)
– “The World Needs More Love Letters” is now a global initiative that rushes handwritten letters to those in need of a boost.
Brené Brown Ted Talk (20:04 minutes)
– What makes the difference? Knowing that you are worthy of love and belonging.
“The Science of Prayer” (Wall Street Journal, article attached) 
– Prayer and spiritual meditation (even more than secular meditation) decreases anxiety and stress, fosters connection, strength, and care.
Offerings of Thanksgiving
While we are keeping physical social distance, there are still options for you to continue bringing your offerings to God and support the ministries of Grace.
Giving Options:
- Mail a check to church address below
- Online bill pay through your bank
- Online giving – Orange button
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
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Acknowledgments:
We thank the following for today’s flowers: Cathy Mueller
Liturgy and Hymns, Arr. © 1955 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress.. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS000406.
Placeholder, Used by permission, CCLI License #1496662
Come, Now, O Prince of PEace, Text and music © Geonyong Lee.. All rights reserved. Used by permission.”Behold How Pleasant,” words and music Pablo Sosa, “O, Lord, Hear My Prayer,” Text and music © 1982, 1991 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent. 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. “Our Father,” David Haas © 1986, GIA Publication, Inc., All rights reserved, One License.Net # A-706744
New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.