March 27, 2016 AnnouncementsAll Saints Lutheran Church

www.allsaintspalatine.org Office phone: 847­991­2080. E­mail: office2@allsaintspalatine.org

We are glad that you are here to worship the Lord with us.Alleluia! Christ is risen!

FIRST READING: Acts 10:34­43

Peter’s sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer, sums up the essential message of Christianity. Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

34Peter began to speak to [the people]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:19­26

Paul describes the consequences of the resurrection, including the promise of new life in Christ to a world that has been in bondage to death. He celebrates the destruction of evil and the establishment of God’s victorious rule over all.

19If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; 22for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. 23But each in his own order:

Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

GOSPEL READING: Luke 24:1­12

Evidently expecting to find Jesus’ corpse, some of his women followers go to the tomb with embalming spices. After a perplexing encounter with the empty tomb and angelic visitors, the women become the first to proclaim the amazing news of resurrection.

1On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8Then they remembered his words, 9and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Next Week’s Readings – April 3, 2016Acts 5:27­32Revelation 1:4­8John 20:19­31

ALL SAINTS STUDY, SERVICE, FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIESAND SPECIAL NOTICES

Our Easter Breakfast was approved for a Thrivent grant of $500 for matching funds for PADS. We are using a free­will offering for this fund raiser. If you are not attending breakfast and would like to support PADS, please use a pew envelope and mark it Easter Breakfast. Thrivent is encouraging us to "live wisely and give generously.” Thank you for your support.

~~~~~~~~~~Endowment Fund Breakfast Briefing – The Ministry Endowment Fund (MEF) invites members and friends of All Saints to a continental breakfast on Saturday April 9th, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to hear about the endowment fund and learn about how to incorporate charitable giving into your estate planning.Begin to gather at 8:00 and at 8:30 a.m. Michael Dixon from the ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust will discuss the purpose of the endowment fund, how a Fund works, and the many ways we, as individuals, can support our endowment fund. Assets of the ASLC MEF are invested in the ELCA Pooled Trust. Please plan to attend. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Don Oppermann at djoppermann@comcast.net

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Handbell Concert – Sunday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m., All Saints’ Adult Bells will perform in concert with two other Handbell choirs at First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, 766 Graceland Avenue. Come and hear each choir perform individual selections and join together playing Stairway to Heaven, You Raise Me Up and Because He Lives. See the posters for more information.

~~~~~~~~~~Youth Group News: After over 30 years of volunteer leadership, Kevin and Linda Kinsella will be stepping down from their leadership of our High School Youth Group at the end of this school year. We give thanks to God for their leadership. A time of congregational thanksgiving will happen in May. Plans are underway for future leadership of this important ministry. If you would like to have input talk with Pastor Jenn or Seth and plan to attend one of two meetings in April: for parents (Sunday, April 17 at 6:30) and for High School and Middle School Youth (Sunday, April 24 at 5 pm).

Serving in Worship this Weekend March 27, 20168:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Acolyte: Griffin Drucker Alyssa BolbotAltar: Janet Lowe Janet Lowe

Assisting Minister: Diane Szuberla Karen PetersonBread Baker: Karrie BenjaminBulletin Help: Chris Erlinger

Communion Assistants: Nancy Oakford Jim BergoCounters: Diane Szuberla, Shirley Gruetzmacher

Council Person on Duty: Kathy GarnerLector: Steve Fedota Jim BergoUshers: Emily Catsaros

Tony CatsarosSteve FedotaRuss Peterson

Daniel BakerBill Friskics

Peggy Hollingsworth

THIS WEEK – March 27 – April 3, 2016Events on the calendar might change; if you want to use space at the church, please call the church office to confirm availability.

Sunday, March 27 Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day8:30 a.m. Holy Communion – ELW 3

Breakfast – Gathering Space11:00 a.m. Holy Communion – ELW 3

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Al Anon – Heedum HallMonday, 3/286:30 – 9:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #335 – Heedum Hall, Room 107, 111, 132

Tuesday, 3/299:45 – 11:30 a.m. Co­Dependents Anonymous – Room 1325:00 – 7:30 p.m. Big Sisters Mentoring – Gathering Space6:45 – 7:45 p.m. Committees7:00 – 9:00 p.m. AA – Heedum Hall

Wednesday, 3/307:00 – 8:00 a.m. Faith and Fellowship Study – Red Apple Restaurant4:15 – 5:00 p.m. Alleluia Choir – Gathering Space

Thursday, 3/319:30 – 10:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study – Library 9:45 – 11:30 a.m. Adult Children of Alcoholics – Room 1326:15 – 7:30 p.m. Adult Bell Choir7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Adult Choir

Friday, April 19:00 – 10:00 a.m. Bulletins Collated – Library

Saturday, 4/28:45 – 12:15 p.m. Skjold Lodge Sons of Norway – Room 13210:00 – 11:30 a.m. Contemporary Rehearsal2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Memorial Service – Sanctuary

7:00 p.m. – Sunday PADS – Lower LevelSunday, April 3 Second Sunday of Easter

8:30 a.m. Holy Communion – Contemporary9:45 a.m. Education Hour11:00 a.m. Holy Communion – Contemporary

Baptism – Cole Richard Peterson12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Peterson Party – Gathering Space4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Indian Princess Apache Tribe – Gathering Space6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Al Anon – Heedum Hall, Youth Center, Room 112, Room 113

Welcome to the TableWe will celebrate Holy Communion at worship. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Receive the bread and then either

red wine or white grape juice. Gluten­free wafers are also available; please ask the pastor serving you.Recording

All Saints records video and audio of worship services for live broadcast on the internet.These services are also archived and can be found at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aslcpalatine

Annual Flower Sale To Support Little Saints Christian Preschool

Flowers, hanging baskets, vines, grasses, vegetables, herbs

Additional items available this year! More options! Great prices!

Large variety of colors available… Plants for sun and shade… Order flats, pots, or hanging baskets

Order forms available in the Gathering Space. Orders are due by Sunday, April 24th

Pick up is Saturday, May 21th in the All Saints parking lot

Thank you!

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ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH630 South Quentin Road, Palatine, Illinois 60067­6759

Phone: (847) 991­2080E­mail: Office2@AllSaintsPalatine.org

Website: http://www.AllSaintsPalatine.orgWorship times: Sunday – 8:30 and 11:00Pastors: Seth and Jennifer Moland­Kovash

Director of Music Ministries: Douglas Williams

RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD, EASTER DAYSUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

HOLY COMMUNION ~ ELW SETTING 3

PRELUDES “Gaudeamus pariter” – arr. James Biery“A Quiet Easter Hymn” – arr. John Ferguson“Because He Lives” – William J. Gaither, arr. Cynthia Dobrinski Adult Bells“Gelobt sei Gott” – arr. Michael Burkhardt

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERINGThe congregation stands.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” HYMN 365

1 Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia!our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia!who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

3 But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!our salvation have procured; Alleluia!now above the sky he's king, Alleluia!where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!praise him, all you heav'nly host, Alleluia!Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

Text: Latin carol, 14th cent., sts. 1­3; tr. J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708,alt.; Charles Wesley, 1707­1788, st. 4 Music: J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708

GREETINGAlleluia! Christ is risen!Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!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.

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KYRIE

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HYMN OF PRAISE “This is the Feast”

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PRAYER OF THE DAY The assembly is seated.

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WORDFIRST READING Acts 10:34­43

ANTHEM (8:30) “Alleluia, Allelu” – Susan Naylor Callaway Alleluia Choir

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 15:19­26

GOSPEL PROCESSION “Festival Alleluia” – ChepponisThe assembly stands to welcome the gospel.

The congregation sings the Alleluia refrain at the direction of the cantor.

The holy gospel according to Luke, the twenty­fourth chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.

GOSPEL Luke 24:1­12The gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, O Christ.The assembly is seated.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

SERMON Pastor Seth Moland­Kovash

The assembly stands.HYMN OF THE DAY “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing!” HYMN 385

1 Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing!Now is the triumph of our king!To all the world glad news we bring:Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

2 The Lord of life is ris'n this day;death's mighty stone is rolled away;let all the world rejoice and say:Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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3 Praise we in songs of victorythat love, that life, which cannot die,and sing with hearts uplifted high:Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

4 Your name we bless, O risen Lord,and sing today with one accord,the life laid down, the life restored:Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Text: Cyril A. Alington, 1872­1955, alt. © 1952, ren. 1986 Hymns Ancient & Modern,admin. Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted under OneLicense.Net License No. A­717950.

NICENE CREEDWe 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 Maryand became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose againin accordance with the scriptures;he ascended into heavenand 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.

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PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONResponse to “Hear us, O God” is “Your mercy is great.”

MEALPEACE

The assembly is seated.OFFERING

OFFERING MUSIC “Christ the Lord Is Risen Again” Philip W. J. StopfordAdult Choir & Instruments

The assembly stands.OFFERING PRAYERLet us pray. Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth.Day by day you shower us with blessings. As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts, ready to praise you and to respond to those in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING: DIALOGUE

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PREFACE

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

GREAT THANKSGIVING

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.

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INVITATION TO COMMUNION The table of life is spread before you. Feast on the goodness and mercy of God.Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

The assembly is seated.

COMMUNION

Communion will be served by intinction. Come forward at the usher’s direction.Receive the wafer and dip in either the red wine or white grape juice.

Gluten­free wafers are available as well. All are welcome.

LAMB OF GOD

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COMMUNION HYMNS“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” HYMN 619

1 I know that my Redeemer lives!What comfort this sweet sentence gives!He lives, he lives, who once was dead;he lives, my ever­living head!

2 He lives triumphant from the grave;he lives eternally to save;he lives exalted, throned above;he lives to rule his church in love.

3 He lives to grant me rich supply;he lives to guide me with his eye;he lives to comfort me when faint;he lives to hear my soul's complaint.

4 He lives to silence all my fears;he lives to wipe away my tears;he lives to calm my troubled heart;he lives all blessings to impart.

An organ interlude follows stanza 4.

5 He lives to bless me with his love;he lives to plead for me above;he lives my hungry soul to feed;he lives to help in time of need.

6 He lives, my kind, wise, heav'nly friend; he lives and loves me to the end;he lives, and while he lives, I'll sing;he lives, my prophet, priest, and king!

7 He lives and grants me daily breath;he lives, and I shall conquer death;he lives my mansion to prepare;he lives to bring me safely there.

8 He lives, all glory to his name!He lives, my Savior, still the same;what joy this blest assurance gives:

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I know that my Redeemer lives! Text: Samuel Medley, 1738­1799, alt.

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“Now the Green Blade Rises” HYMN 379

1 Now the green blade rises from the buried grain,wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;love lives again, that with the dead has been;love is come again like wheat arising green.

2 In the grave they laid him, love by hatred slain,thinking that he would never wake again;laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen;love is come again like wheat arising green.

3 Forth he came at Easter, like the risen grain,he that for three days in the grave had lain;raised from the dead, my living Lord is seen;love is come again like wheat arising green.

4 When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain,your touch can call us back to life again,fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been;love is come again like wheat arising green.

Text: John MacLeod Campbell Crum, 1872­1958 © Oxford University Press 1928. All rights reserved.Reprinted under OneLicense.Net License No. A­717950.

“Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!” HYMN 382

1 Christ is risen! Alleluia! Risen our victorious head!Sing his praises! Alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead!Gratefully our hearts adore him as his light once more appears;bowing down in joy before him, rising up from griefs and tears.

RefrainChrist is risen! Alleluia!Risen our victorious head!Sing his praises! Alleluia!Christ is risen from the dead!

2 Christ is risen! All the sadness of our Lenten fast is o'er;through the open gates of gladness he returns to life once more;death and hell before him bending see him rise, the victor now,angels on his steps attending, glory round his wounded brow. Refrain

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3 Christ is risen! All the sorrow that last evening round him laynow has found a glorious morrow in the rising of today.See the grave its firstfruits giving, springing up from holy ground;Christ was dead, but now is living; he was lost, but he is found. Refrain

4 Christ is risen! Henceforth never death or hell shall us enthrall.We are Christ's, in him forever we have triumphed over all.All the doubting and dejection of our trembling hearts have ceased;hail the day of resurrection! Let us rise and keep the feast. Refrain

Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811­1875, alt.

The assembly stands.TABLE BLESSING

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNIONLet us pray.We give you thanks, O God, that you make your home with us, bringing heaven to earth in this holy meal. Fill us with your Spirit as we go from here, that we may wipe away tears, tend to those in mourning and pain, seek the healing of the nations, and bring to earth the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SENDINGBLESSINGThe blessing of the Lord God Almighty, the blessing of Christ, the Lamb who was slain, and the blessing of the Holy Spirit of truth be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

RECESSIONAL HYMN “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” HYMN 367

1 Now all the vault of heav'n resoundsin praise of love that still abounds: "Christ has triumphed! He is living!"Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear!Repeat their song of glory here: "Christ has triumphed! He is living!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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2 Eternal is the gift he brings,therefore our heart with rapture sings: "Christ has triumphed! He is living!"Now still he comes to give us lifeand by his presence stills all strife. "Christ has triumphed! He is living!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

3 Oh, fill us, Lord, with dauntless love;set heart and will on things above that we conquer through your triumph;grant grace sufficient for life's daythat by our lives we truly say: "Christ has triumphed! He is living!"

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

4 Adoring praises now we bringand with the heav'nly blessed sing: "Christ has triumphed! Alleluia!"Be to the Father, and our Lord,to Spirit blest, most holy God, all the glory, never ending! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876­1947, alt. © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin.Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted under OneLicense.Net License No. A­717950.

DISMISSALGo in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!For all to know Christ! Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

POSTLUDE “Festival Toccata” – Percy E. Fletcher

Instrumental EnsembleTrumpets: Joshua Crackenberger, Sylvia EltheringtonTrombone: Kenny BenjaminBaritone: Roger NelsonTimpani: Kristin Porzak

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #30885.

“Festival Alleluia” Music: James Chepponis © 1999 MorningStar Music Publishers. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.Net License No. A­717950.

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Visuals for Worship © 2006 by Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560. All rights reserved.

EASTER GARDEN FLOWERS

MARCH 27, 2016

EASTER GARDEN FLOWERSTHANKS to all who have contributedto provide today’s Easter Garden:

Donors: In Memory of:Belita Anderson E. H. Sutterfield ­ FatherPatrick & Dee Beach Mary Beach (Mother)Jim & Beth Bergo Betty FowlerMike & Sandi Bolinger Bob & Mark BolingerThe Bolbot Family Joe & Sabina Bolbot

Aage & Helen AndersonGabriel Buterbaugh Eleanor WirtanenThe Catsaros Family Our Grandparents & Our DadJan D’Amato Victor D’Amato, Jr.

Victor D’AmatoDerna D’AmatoCharles DahlMinnie Dahl

Paul & Terri DeClerck Fred TammaroNate & Sandy Drucker Arthur, Betty & Marcia MillerTom Germuska Lad & Stella Germuska – Parents Dale & Shirley Gruetzmacher Ray & Elsabeth Schumacher

Marvin GruetzmacherDavid & Penny Harney Larry MorkertPeggy Hollingsworth Maxine Herr & Ruth HollingsworthDiane Hill David Hill – Loving memory of

husbandMary Hurney George HurneyKersbergen, Wischhusen & Waspi Families

George & Janice Wischhusen

Mike & Jenny Komoll Ann Dubis & Vera AntramThe Kosko Family Parents and GrandparentsDave & Joanna Kostich Paul Kostich

Ted & Jessie CyganKathy Lehman Eugene & LaVirra LehmanPaul & Jane Majewski Mary MajewskiGene & Carol Marx Our ParentsJeanette Matsas Parents­Ellen & Otto Johnson

Donors: In Memory of:Carl Moland­Kovash Bill “Scooter” MonsenJeryle Muka­Grasso Gasper GrassoNancy Oakford Parents & BrotherKaren & Russ Peterson Ray & Marion Christensen

George & Margaret PetersonGasper GrassoJeanne Peterson

The Quinn Family Erwin Lemke – Lori’s DadThe Rohn Family Richard Rohn, Lucille Gentuso,

Cynthia CraigDean & Carol Schmidtke Donna Daniel (Carol’s sister)Bob & Mary Anne Schneider Our Parents: Sidney & Josephine

Schneider, Joseph & Olga UchanskiJohn & Kay Weir John’s parents: “They worked so hard

for their seven children.” And Kay’s parents: Grace & Kenneth McClung

Donors: In Honor of:Betty & Del Anderson Our GrandchildrenPatrick & Dee Beach Lee Boyd (Mother)Jim & Phyllis Chernich Our GrandchildrenNate & Sandy Drucker Pastor Maureen VanHeerdenSteve & Joan Fedota Marriage of Jared & Erin Fedota

Birth of Eloise Lynn JohnsonEd & Kathy Garner Jordan, Taylor & Elizabeth – Our

granddaughters

Donors: In Gratitude for:Mike & Sandi Bolinger Becki & Katie BolingerNate & Sandy Drucker Our Grandchildren: Griffin, Allyson,

Holden, Hadley & HudsonMarcela Jackson My FamilyJeanette Matsas My familyPastors Moland­Kovash The people of God at All SaintsDean and Carol Schmidtke Joie & Blake Greenberg – Grandchildren Pam & Curt Siegel Recovery of Lois SchultzDave & Denise Wuersig Our Pastors

To The Glory of GodBill & Ann Friskics

Bob & Mary Anne SchneiderGary & Joan VolberdingFlowers on the Cross

Donors: In Memory of:Irene & Jim Ohlrich Colleen & Karen Ohlrich, daughters

The Triduum * The Three Days

Welcome to worship. This service begins Maundy Thursday and concludes with the dismissal from the Easter Vigil.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy comes from the Latin, Mandatum, and you can hear other derivatives in the word, too: mandate, mandatory, command, demand. On this night we hear Jesus give a new commandment: Love one another. We remember, also, how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. During worship we have the opportunity to feel the water on our own feet as we are sent out to serve. Foot washing is, of course, optional; it is one of the many opportunities of spiritual practice during these three days.

The other focus of Maundy Thursday is the institution of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. Jesus speaks to those gathered at table with him and shares the bread and wine – “Take and eat. Take and drink. This is my body; this is my blood.” We, too, hear the invitation to eat and drink as we come to the table of grace and forgiveness. At the end of worship, the banners and the elements within the chancel are removed, the candles extinguished – just as we remember how Christ’s life was extinguished. We depart in silence.

Good Friday

Good Friday worship begins with the congregation gathering in silence. During this service we hear and participate in the story of Christ’s death through word and song. We enter times of silence in prayer and meditation, reflecting on God’s gift and sacrifice. The choir’s songs guide our prayer and open our hearts to experience the story.

The wooden cross will be brought into the sanctuary toward the end of worship as we respond to the verse: Behold the life­giving cross on which was hung the Savior of the whole world with Oh come, let us worship him. After the cross is in place, you’re invited to come forward if you wish to make a sign of reverence – bow, pray, kneel, touch the cross.

The Easter Vigil

Weather permitting, we will begin outdoors, lighting the Christ candle with new flame and bringing the light of Christ into the worship space. During the Vigil we hear many of the stories upon which our faith is built — the ancient stories of creation, God’s faithfulness through the ages, and ultimately the greatest gift of resurrection and life.

The season of Lent was used as a time of catechesis or education and preparation for baptism. During the Vigil, those who had been part of the catechumenate would come forward for baptism. In the years when we do not have a baptism at All Saints at the Vigil, all of us affirm our baptism and feel the waters of renewal.

Worship lasts about 90 minutes, and we gather for festive fellowship after we have finally proclaimed the “Alleluia! Christ has Risen!” that we have kept silent for the Lenten season.

Please join us.