SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

INTRODUCTIONIn these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

PRELUDE

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTSGATHERING

GATHERING HYMN ELW #656 Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Confession & ForgivenessLeader: Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the fountain ofliving water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation.All: Amen. Leader: Rejoicing in Christ's victory over sin and death,let us come before God who calls us to repentance.(silence is kept for reflection) Leader: God of life, All: by the resurrection of your Son you make everything new. Newness scares us, and we confess to shutting our doors in fear. We have not listened to voices that challenge us. We have resisted the Holy Spirit moving us in new directions. Our hearts are slow to believe your promises. Forgive us, O God, and renew us to embrace without fear the new life you have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

 Leader: People of God - Christ is alive, and death has lost its power. Through the waters of baptism you have been born anew by the living word of God. Know that your sins are forgiven in + Jesus' name and that the Spirit of the risen Christ is alive in you both now and forever. All: Amen.

GREETINGThe 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.

KYRIE SETTING 10

HYMN OF PRAISE SETTING 10

PRAYER OF THE DAYO 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.

WORD

FIRST READING: Acts 1:14

Luke writes:] 1In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”  12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. PSALM: 68:1-10, 32-35

1Let God arise, and let God’s enemies be scattered;  let those who hate God flee. 2As smoke is driven away, so you should drive them away;  as the wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;  let them also be merry and joyful. 4Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds;  I AM is that name, rejoice before God!   5In your holy habitation, O God,  you are a father to orphans, defender of widows; 6you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom;  but the rebels shall live in desert places. 7O God, when you went forth before your people,  when you marched through the wilderness, 8the earth quaked, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,  at the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9You sent a bountiful rain, O God;  you restored your inheritance when it languished. 10Your people found their home in it;  in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.   32Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;  sing praises to the Lord. 33You ride in the heavens, O God, in the ancient heavens;  you send forth your voice, your mighty voice. 34Ascribe power to God,  whose majesty is over Israel; whose strength is in the skies. 35How wonderful you are in your holy places, O God of Israel,  giving strength and power to your people! Blessed be God! 

SECOND READING: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL: John 17:1-11The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.1After Jesus had spoken these words [to his disciples], he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.  6“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

KID TALK: Pastor Miranda

SERMON: Pastor Miranda

SERMON HYMN: ELW #655 Son of God, Eternal Savior (Verses 1,2, and 4)

APOSTLES’ CREEDI 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 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.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONAfter each prayer, please respond with the words “hear our prayer.”

OFFERING

OFFERING PRAYERMerciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance,just as you do with our lives. Empower us for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE WORDLet us pray.Praise and thanks to you, holy God, for by your Word you made all things: you spoke light into darkness, called forth beauty from chaos, and brought life into being. For your Word of life, O God,we give you thanks and praise.

By your Word you called your people Israel to tell of your wonderful gifts: freedom from captivity, water on the desert journey, a pathway home from exile, wisdom for life with you. For your Word of life, O God,we give you thanks and praise.

Through Jesus, your Word made flesh, you speak to us and call us to witness: forgiveness through the cross, life to those entombed by death, the way of your self-giving love. For your Word of life, O God,we give you thanks and praise.

Send your Spirit of truth, O God; rekindle your gifts within us: renew our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love, for the sake of a world in need. Faithful to your Word, O God, draw near to all who call on you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever.Amen.

LORD'S PRAYEROur 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 debts as we forgive our debtors;and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power,and the glory forever. Amen

SENDING

BLESSING May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope,and turn your mourning into dancing. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

SENDING HYMN: ELW #843 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness (Verses 1 & 3)

DISMISSAL Christ is risen, just as he said. Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

POSTLUDE From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #35743. 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.

This Week’s Events Office Closed for the Memorial Holiday – Monday, May 25th Staff Meeting – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26th Executive Committee Meeting – 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27th    Pastor Miranda meeting with Bishop Jim – 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28th Pentecost Worship broadcast on our Facebook Page and on WPRE 104.3 FM and 980 AM -  9:00

a.m. on Sunday, May 31st “Welcome Pastor” discussion group – 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 31st Seniors pick up their graduation Quilt – 1 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31st

ANNOUNCEMENTSWelcome to worship in this Easter season as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

We are broadcasting worship live at 9am Sunday mornings via 104.3 FM and 980 AM and streaming through our Facebook page using a small team of people. In-person worship is temporarily suspended.

For your convenience the bulletin is posted weekly on our website on Fridays for the Sunday worship service.

Prayer List Updates: Sympathy and prayers to Galen and Alesha McShane and family on the loss of Galen’s mother,

Helen “Chris” Lorraine (Christoffer) McShane.

Volunteers are needed for 2020 lawn mowing at the church. If you can help, please contact Al Bunders at (608) 778-6274 or Theresa in the church office at (608) 326-6411 or email stpeterpdc@hotmail.com to inquire/sign-up. Thank you for your help.

Welcome Pastor discussion group: Our first discussion of the book will be on May 31 st at 10:30 a.m . Pastor Miranda would like to invite you to an intentional 40 days of prayer and devotional reading as a way to build a strong foundation for our mission and ministry together. We will be using the resource Welcome Pastor: Building a Productive Pastor-Congregation Partnership in 40 Days. The sessions help us to get to know one another, share faith honestly and authentically, discern what God expects of both the pastor and the people, and speak openly about differences in order to handle them constructively. If you would like to join the group, please contact the church office at 608-326-6411. We will gather together for discussion on four Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. May 31st, June 14th, June 28th, and July 12th.

Join Pentecost Worship Service with the South Conference of the ELCAWe will be participating in a joint worship service with the other ELCA churches in the South Conference on May 31st. It will be a wonderful way to be a part of the larger body of Christ during this time.

Honoring our High School Seniors:We will be recognizing our high school seniors during worship on May 31st. Seniors will also have a designated time in the afternoon on May 31st for each one to come to church to receive a handmaid quilt and have their picture taken. Seniors, please send your bio information and picture to stpeterpdc@hotmail.com by Tuesday, May 27th for use in the upcoming bulletin and newsletter.

First Communion: We look forward to celebrating 1st Communion with those heading for 6th grade. The time of learning, preparing, and receiving will be fun and meaningful. We will schedule this when we are once again able to meet and worship in person

Save the Date for Vacation Bible School at St. Peter: July 27 th and 28 th , 2020 Time: 5:30-8:30 pmWho:  Potty-trained Pre-k thru kids entering 5th grade Theme: ANCHORED: DEEPENING FAITH IN GODWe are hoping to be able to gather for VBS this summer. Please save the dates. Please also reach out to Angie Henderson (608-412-1288) if you are able to help with VBS. Last year we had a total of 18 volunteers. We need teachers, crew leaders, help in the kitchen and lots more. 

St. Peter Ministry Survey:We hope to plan for growing our ministries to serve more people and to more effectively change lives through the message of hope and love embodied in our Risen Lord. We would love your input as we plan for the future. Please take some time to consider and respond to the survey that is being mailed to your home. We want to know what is important to you. Please mail the survey to the church office or complete an online version of the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XVVLQBL. Thank you so much!

Ministry at St. Peter during the Covid-19 Pandemic:The Church Council is continuing our temporary changes to in-person gatherings in order to help protect the most vulnerable. The Church Council will continue to evaluate these changes seeking the input of the CDC, local health experts, and the La Crosse Area Synod of the ELCA.

Church Building Use: The church building will be open only to staff for use throughout the week and to the small worship teams that are helping with broadcasting/streaming worship services. All other in-person meetings are discouraged at this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the office at 608-326-6411 if you or someone you know could use assistance or pastoral care.

Worship “Together” on the Radio and Facebook: We are broadcasting worship live at 9am Sunday mornings via 104.3 FM and 980 AM and streaming through our Facebook page using a small team.

Christian Education, Fellowship Groups, and Committees: All in-person meetings are discouraged at this time.

o Sunday School Families: Please see our Facebook page for a link to a “Family Sunday School” video that follows the Bible readings from worship. Additional “Family Sunday School” resources can be downloaded as well at : https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/promos/family-sunday-school/

o Confirmation Ministry had their last official meeting of the year on May 13 th; however we will continue to offer a time for youth to connect with one another and with leaders on Wednesday nights via zoom beginning on June 10th. Please watch your email for more information.

o Church Choir is temporarily cancelled.o All committees are currently meeting via phone or Zoom or making decisions via email.o All groups are encouraged to seek out ways to connect over the phone, via email, and in virtual

ways through Facebook, Zoom, etc.

Sharing Your Offering During This Time:Our congregation needs to feel your support not only through your prayers and your care for your neighbors, but also through your continued generosity in financial giving. There are four options for continuing to support the operations and ministries of St. Peter during these difficult and unprecedented times.

You can mail your check to the church at PO Box 37, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821. You can give through Simply Giving, an automated online giving program we have used successfully

for years here at St. Peter. An authorization form is included with the April newsletter, or you can find it online at https://htlcmpls.org/website/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/vanco_auth_form1.pdf 

You can also set up an offering at your bank using free Bill Pay service to have the bank print and mail your check to the church.

You can give online at stpeterpdc.org on the Home page, scroll down to GivePlus Online! Simply Giving through Vanco.

Also don’t forget the hungry jar in your giving:

The May Hungry Jar is: ELCA World Hunger Family Farm Project

Thank you for your continued support. 

St Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church201 S Michigan St., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

(608)326-6411 stpeterpdc.org

stpeterpdc@hotmail.org

Hungry Jar