Pastor Luke Kuenzli
For Virtual and In-person Worship
Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Setting 6 and from Sundays & Seasons
May 2021 during COVID-19 pandemic
St. John Lutheran Church
Website: stjohnluthchurchmineola.org
May 16, 2021 10:30am
Seventh Sunday of Easter
We are called to glorify God, grow in faith, and build community. Mission Statement
THIS SUNDAY: May 16, 2021 – 7th Sunday of Easter
10:30 – In-person Worship with YouTube Live stream.
GUEST PREACHER: CeCe Mickells ACCOMPANIST: Barb Mass
ALTAR: Barb Mass
Tues – 1:00 Quilting
Mon/Wed/Fri – Preschool 9:00-11:30
NEXT SUNDAY: May 23, 2021 – Day of Pentecost
10:30 – In-person Worship with Communion, YouTube Live stream with Virtual Communion
FINAL WEEK of Virtual Communion: Wednesday at 11am: meet.google.com/ixe-mnpg-eej AND Thursday at 5:30pm: meet.google.com/uwh-pewk-hms OR by other arrangement with Pastor Luke.
If worshipping from home, pick up a prepackaged communion cup/wafer at Church. (or use your own bread and wine/grape juice). Communion during our in-person/virtual worship is planned to resume on Pentecost Sunday, May 23. Covid-19 Precautions for in-person worship
Food Drive
The Women of St. John are having a food drive and collecting for Mills County Storehouse all through the month of May.
Kid-friendly cereals, canned tuna, chicken, pears, peaches and mixed fruits, dry pastas, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products ALWAYS welcome and needed.
Items will be collected in the shopping cart. Only food items are counted for weight, but hygiene items are still needed!
· We will require masks be worn while you are in the building (Ages 2 and up). Refusal to wear a mask will result in your being asked to leave.
· We will be practicing social distancing of 6 feet. Closed pews are cordoned off and labelled.
· Please don’t gather in the hallway or enter any closed spaces. Restrooms will be limited to single-person/family use at any given time. Those who do not comply with social distancing policies will be asked to leave.
· There will be limited prolonged singing and unison speaking, and no communion, or fellowship time. Virtual communion will be held midweek. Communion is planned to resume during Sunday worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 23.
· We continue to advise (not require) that unimmunized persons in the vulnerable population groups of 65+ years of age and anyone with underlying medical conditions remain home.
· We ask that anyone with any respiratory symptoms (cough, sniffles, sneezing, sore throat) or fever please remain home. You will be asked to leave if you are displaying such symptoms.
· We ask that if you are traveling to areas of high virus activity, you remain home for the Sunday following your travels.
· Hand sanitizers are located throughout the open areas. Feel free to use them!
Looking for an opportunity to volunteer?
1) We will need a few people to help design the photo pages for the directory, make sure all contact info is up-to-date for members in the directory, and assist families with check-in for their photo session.
2) The MCMA food pantry will be resuming normal operations in July, and could use some additional volunteers to unload the delivery truck (usually on Tuesday mornings) and to assist people with finding the items they need.
Pantry Hours: most Thursdays 9:30am-2pm; first Thursday of the month, 6:30-8pm.
Contact Pastor Luke for further details!
Universal Church Directory Photography Sessions
are scheduled for:
Church Code: IA112 Church Password: photos
For assistance, please see Pastor Luke after worship or contact him during the week.
*Notes: Pets are welcome in Church Directory photos. Families of 5 or more will need two consecutive time slots.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Setting 9) (*Stand)
Prelude, Welcome/Announcements
Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Refreshed by the resurrection life we share in Christ,
let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
Water may be poured into the font as the minister gives thanks.
We thank you, risen Christ,
for these waters where you make us new,
leading us from death to life, from tears to joy.
We bless you, risen Christ, that your Spirit comes to us
in the grace-filled waters of rebirth,
like rains to our thirsting earth,
like streams that revive our souls,
like cups of cool water shared with strangers.
Breathe your peace on your church when we hide in fear.
Clothe us with your mercy and forgiveness.
Send us companions on our journey as we share your life.
Make us one, risen Christ.
Cleanse our hearts.
with the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
Gathering Hymn “Christ is the King!” ELW #662
Those at home may sing along. Those in-person, please listen and meditate on the words as one person sings.
Text from Songs of Praise, Enlarged Edition, © Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
Greeting 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.
*Kyrie (sung or hummed quietly) p. 165
*This is the Feast (sung or hummed quietly) p. 169
*Salutation The Lord be with you. And also with you.
*Prayer of the Day (spoken quietly) Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, 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: A reading from Acts 1:15-17, 21-26.
15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16“Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus—17for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 21So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” 23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
...Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!
Psalm 1 We read responsively by whole verse.
1Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seats of the scornful!
2Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and they meditate on God’s teaching day and night. 
3They are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; everything they do shall prosper.
4It is not so with the wicked; they are like chaff which the wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.
6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall be destroyed. 
Second Reading: A reading from 1 John 5:9-13.
9If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. 10Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. 11And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
…Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!
*Gospel Acclamation (sung or hummed quietly) p. 171
*Announcement of the Gospel
The holy gospel according to John 17:6-19. Glory to you, O Lord.
*The Gospel is proclaimed
[Jesus prayed:] 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. 12While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.” … The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Sermon CeCe Mickells, Spiritual Care Coordinator at Bethany Lutheran Health Services
In today’s Gospel, we hear about Jesus’ lengthy farewell to his disciples. Did you know that this is Jesus’ longest prayer in the Bible? No, I did not either. The direction of this prayer was to our God -- on behalf of His disciples. Jesus has sent his disciples into a world that is troubled and that is hostile. This same world put Jesus to death.
Jesus is anticipating his departure from the world. He prays to the Father for those who are believers and for those who are left to carry out God’s mission in the world. He prays that each will be sustained by their faith and be preserved from evil in this world. Jesus does not ask that His disciples be offered an easy way out from all the turmoil’s of life, but that they be guarded and protected. Jesus is encouraging, giving them confidence and hope before he departs. Can you imagine what the disciples were thinking? Jesus will be gone and they are to teach and minister to others about Christ. This is a critical mission for them. Jesus’ prayer asks God to give them joy, peace, unity and protection from evil.
So let us reflect today on the order of what is going on here:
1st- God gave his word to Jesus.
2nd- Jesus gave his words to his disciples.
3rd- The disciples then gave the same words to others.
4th- Those others told others and they told their friends and the word spread.
It all falls in order from generation to generation and throughout the ages, Which brings us to today.
In our lives, who are one ones that have embraced the truth of Jesus with us? Who are the ones that have been instrumental in teaching us to live the life where Christ is honored and glorified through our lives?
While pondering about this sermon, I could not get out of my head how this pertains to us today. (Being practical and seeing parallels in everything in life, how could I not?)
In Jesus’ life, He influenced others, He taught the world about God and served as a leader to his disciples. Today I would like us to look and remember who served as and are now our influencers in life. Who are those educators who have taught us and continue to instruct us today? Who are the various spiritual leaders that have led us on our spiritual journey? Who helps us on our journey now?
So let us talk about the influencers, educators and spiritual leaders who have molded us into who we are today and who have shaped us to be Disciples of Christ.
THE INFLUENCERS
What is an influencer? Who are these influencers?
An influencer is someone who has an effect on our character development and has an effect on us as people. An influencer can be an ordinary person like a neighbor who lives a Godly life and sets a good example.
At Bethany this week, I asked some of our residents who influenced them.
They replied- Parents, Family and Friends; and they are responsible for influencing us by:
· Teaching us about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit
· Teaching us to pray- I remember my Mom and Dad teaching us the Lord’s Prayer and our other prayers. As one resident said, “I remember I had to remember the works of Martin Luther.”
· Teaching us the difference between right and wrong.
· Teaching us to be givers of Christ’s love, learning that we gave in our children’s envelopes weekly, just like Mom and Dad.
· They gave us a sense of knowing we belong in a Church community.
· People helping us understand and know the Word, such as our friends and various groups throughout the years. I can think of student fellowship groups in high school and college.
Think of the times that we pray as a family. How about the time we got out of line and our friends led us in a better direction? I am sure you all have memories of the influencers in your life.
God’s words come to us through different people. God’s love comes through in many ways. My husband is someone I am influenced by.
Years ago, my husband had to get his kidney removed. He was all right about all of this as he strongly believed that all would be okay. He believed that whatever happened, he had Christ’s protection. He just knew! You see, my husband has an incredible will to live as evidence by his recent illness. He truly believes in the power of prayer and trusting in God’s word. He prevails with God’s grace.
THE EDUCATORS - Teachers and Instructors
What is an educator? Who are those educators who have been in our lives? Educators are our teachers and those who provide us instruction.
· Sunday school teachers who teach us about the Lord
I remember one Sunday school teacher who taught us what it meant to pray. In addition, not just asking God for things. Here is something I learned from a teacher many years ago and has been with me for many decades.
HOW TO PRAY
P- PRAISE GOD WHO IS OUR GOD AND PROVIDES EVERYTHING FOR US
R- REPENT, BE SORRY FOR OUR SINS AND ASK TO BE RECONCILED
A-ASK FOR WHAT WE NEED OR THAT A PRAYER BE ANSWERED,
Y-YEARN TO LIVE A GODLY LIFE AND TO BE FILLED WITH CHRIST’S MERCY AND GRACE
· Theologians who assist us in the study of the nature of the divine and religious beliefs. I remember studying the scriptures and learning something new about Jesus and his disciples every day.
· Church Musicians and Worship Leaders teach us the spiritual hymns and the joy of singing our praises to the Lord. Remember some of the songs we were taught? “Jesus Loves Me”… or “What a Friend we have in Jesus” … Think of all the beautiful hymns of praise we sing.
SPIRITUAL LEADERS
What is a spiritual leader? A spiritual leader is someone who leads us in sacred and religious affairs. Who are the spiritual leaders in your life who have guided you or continue to guide you?
Pastors and Lay Leaders
· Perform rites and rituals- weddings, funerals and various other services
· Prays and ministers to the church and local community. Like Christ, in today’s gospel. The pastor prays for the congregants that they will be protected and kept safe in this world.
· Visits and ministers to the sick, dying and hurting. WE are so blessed to have our Pastors and volunteers minister to the residents and community members at Bethany.
Mentors and Spiritual Directors-
A mentor or spiritual director is someone who is an experienced and trusted advisor. Who are the mentors or spiritual directors in our lives? Why are the spiritual leaders in who have shaped us?
· Trusted mentor- someone who lends an ear and is there for us to discuss spiritual journey. When I took the position of Director of Spiritual Care at Bethany, Pastor Celeste waymire mentored me. She was always there to answer my questions and to offer ideas and suggestions. Pastor Luke serves as my mentor also as he has assisted me on writing and presenting sermons. I am so grateful for the mentors in my life. Who are your mentors?
· Spiritual leaders are those who have shaped our Christian practices. Again, I asked the community members who they thought were our spiritual leaders. They mentioned quite a few:
· St Augustine
· Martin Luther
· Dorothy Day
· John Wesley
I know I could find a lot of wisdom and share some of their valuable insights but we would be here the entire day. However, I would say that in my generation Billy Graham was someone many of us looked up to. How many remember watching Billy Graham on TV and singing “Just as I Am”? I remember sitting down on the couch as a family to listen to Billy’s message. Billy once said:
“JESUS LOVES ALL PEOPLE, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND IS. HE IS A GOD OF LOVE.”
How powerful is that?
What is true for all these named individuals is that they believed that everything that Christ received came from God. These people were given the words of Christ and they accepted them. All believed that God sent Jesus to the world.
How about us? We are given the words of Christ and do we accept them? How do we go about being disciples of Christ?
God gave his word to Billy Graham and others. Isn’t it powerful that we trace God’s word all the way back to the first disciples and to Jesus who is the WORD?
WE ARE CALLED AND CHOSEN. IT’S OUR TURN TO INFLUENCE AND MENTOR OTHERS.
Hymn of the Day “God is Here!” #526
Those at home may sing along. Those in-person, please listen and meditate on the words as one person sings.
Text © 1979, Music © 1942, ren. 1970 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
*Nicene Creed
We 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 Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and 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.
Prayers of Intercession
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love. Silence.
Holy God, in Christ Jesus the joy of the church is made complete. Root the church in your Word and unify us as Christ’s body. Send us into the world as your loving people, ready to testify to your Spirit at work. We pray for all who will receive your Word through our words and deeds, and in thanks for all from whom we have received your Word. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Mighty God, the world is your handiwork, displaying your creative impulse. Seas teem with life, forests reach up to praise you, and the mystery of life lies deep in the soil. Guard and keep this world for the well-being of all your creatures. For all farmers and gardeners and the lands and seas which sustain us, we give you praise. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Gracious Sovereign, those who follow your ways are like trees planted near streams of water. Establish the leaders of nations and all in authority in your grace and truth, especially President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, and Iowa Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Cindy Axne, Ashley Hinson, and Randy Feenstra. Strengthen them, so that the people they serve will have abundant life. We pray also for the people of Israel and Palestine in continued conflict over the Gaza strip; for the families and friends of the dozens of school-girls killed and injured by targeted bombings in Kabul. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Generous Savior, you befriend those who are sick, suffering, poor, lonely, outcast, rejected, or sick. Grant healing and love to all in need especially Bill Smith, Flo Tompkins, Jaxsyn Fada, Landon Angeroth, Tom Sperling, Chuck Brotherton, Van and Brittany Evans, JoAnn, Gary Smith, . Give them tangible signs of your steadfast love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Creator God, here in this community we share the gift of praying, learning, and supporting one another. Give us thankful hearts as we claim the gifts that are unique to us and keep us from being envious of others with different gifts. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Saving God, your wonderful promise is the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Through the witness of those who have died in you, strengthen us now in this gift of life. We cherish the memory of your saints (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sharing of the Peace The peace of the Lord be with you all. And also with you.
Please greet one another with a socially distanced sign of Christ’s Peace.
Thanksgiving for the Word: Easter
 
We praise you for your eternal Word, for conquering the force of death, and for raising us up through the resurrection of our Lord. For your Word alive among us,
 
 
All worship, praise, and blessing be to you, Source of life, Ruler of life, and Power of life, today and forever. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Gathered together by the Holy Spirit, we pray as Jesus taught us: (spoken quietly)
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.
Sending
Blessing
May our glorious God grant you a spirit of wisdom
to know and to love the risen Lord Jesus.
The God of life, Father,  Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever. Amen.
Sending Song “Son of God, Eternal Savior” #655
Those at home may sing along. Those in-person, please listen and meditate on the words as one person sings.
Dismissal Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia! Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Scripture quotations from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Service adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. All rights reserved. And/or from Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #46263.
“Christ is the King!” Text from Songs of Praise, Enlarged Edition, © Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress
“God is Here!” Text © 1979, Music © 1942, ren. 1970 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Permission to print and stream above music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.
2
9