Christ Lutheran Church – LCMS

This decision did not come easy and after lots of prayers and following the CDC guidelines, Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo has decided to CANCEL Vacation Bible School this year. Mark your calendars for next year 2021 – Rainforest Explorers – Jesus Leads the Way

7th Sunday of Easter – May 24, 2020
Divine Service 4 LSB pg. 203-212

+ Confession and Absolution

Hymn of Invocation – LSB 594 “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It”

1 God’s own child, I gladly say it:
    I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it,
    Gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth’s treasures many?
I have one worth more than any
    That brought me salvation free
    Lasting to eternity!

2 Sin, disturb my soul no longer:
    I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger:
    Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me
Since my Baptism did release me
    In a dear forgiving flood,
    Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

3 Satan, hear this proclamation:
    I am baptized into Christ!
Drop your ugly accusation,
    I am not so soon enticed.
Now that to the font I’ve traveled,
All your might has come unraveled,
    And, against your tyranny,
    God, my Lord, unites with me!

4 Death, you cannot end my gladness:
    I am baptized into Christ!
When I die, I leave all sadness
    To inherit paradise!
Though I lie in dust and ashes
Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:
    Baptism has the strength divine
    To make life immortal mine.

5 There is nothing worth comparing
    To this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring:
    Even there I’ll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising,
Still my soul continues praising:
    I am baptized into Christ;
    I’m a child of paradise!

Text: © 1991 Robert E. Voelker. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003661

Stand
The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation & Exhortation – LSB 203

P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C Amen.
P Our help is in the name of the Lord,
C who made heaven and earth.
P If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
C But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.
P Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Confession of Sins & Prayer for Forgiveness – LSB 203

C Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.
P Almighty God, merciful Father, in Holy Baptism You declared us to be Your children and gathered us into Your one, holy Church, in which You daily and richly forgive us our sins and grant us new life through Your Spirit. Be in our midst, enliven our faith, and graciously receive our prayer and praise; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C Amen.

+ Service of the Word

Kyrie – LSB 204

C Lord, have mercy;
Christ, have mercy;
Lord, have mercy.

Gloria in Excelsis – LSB 204

C 1 To God on high be glory
    And peace to all the earth;
    Goodwill from God in heaven
    Proclaimed at Jesus’ birth!
    We praise and bless You, Father;
    Your holy name, we sing—
    Our thanks for Your great glory,
    Lord God, our heav’nly King.

2 To You, O sole-begotten,
    The Father’s Son, we pray;
    O Lamb of God, our Savior,
    You take our sins away.
    Have mercy on us, Jesus;
    Receive our heartfelt cry,
    Where You in pow’r are seated
    At God’s right hand on high—

3 For You alone are holy;
    You only are the Lord.
    Forever and forever,
    Be worshiped and adored;
    You with the Holy Spirit
    Alone are Lord Most High,
    In God the Father’s glory.
    “Amen!” our glad reply.

Salutation and Collect of the Day – Easter 7

P The Lord be with you.
C And also with you.
P Let us pray.
O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.

Sit

First Reading – Acts 1:12–2612Then [the apostles] returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 15In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18(Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20“For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’ 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 men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show 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 numbered with the eleven apostles.

P This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.

Epistle – 1 Peter 4:12–19; 5:6–11

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If the righteous is scarcely savd, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. . . .6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

P This is the Word of the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.

Stand

Alleluia and Verse – LSB 205

C Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Holy Gospel – John 17:1–11

P The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the seventeenth chapter.
C Glory to You, O Lord.

1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. 6“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

P This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C Praise to You, O Christ.

Apostles’ Creed

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Sit

Children’s Message

Hymn of the Day – LSB “728 How Firm a Foundation”

1 How firm a foundation, O saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He has said
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2 “Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

3 “The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never, forsake!

4 “When through fiery trials your pathway will lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, will be your supply.
The flames will not hurt you; I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

5 “Throughout all their lifetime My people will prove
My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And then, when gray hairs will their temples adorn,
Like lambs they will still in My bosom be borne.”

Text: Public domain

Sermon Message – “Stay, Until You Get It.”Luke 24:44-53 & John 17:7-11

Stand

Prayer of the Church

P Guard Your people, O Lord, and grant us unity of faith and singleness of heart as we come to You in prayer.
Brief silence
Lord, You have promised not to abandon Your people but to be with us always. Grant us grace to hear Your Word with faith and receive Your Holy Sacrament with repentant hearts, and to keep what we hear and receive upon our lips in holy lives. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, You have delivered the saints from fiery trial and raised up the martyr from the darkness of death to everlasting life. Give us courage, that we may give bold witness to the truth in our own day and proclaim Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, You have pledged to us Your Spirit and promised to supply Your Church with pastors who will preach and teach Your Word. Give us ears to hear and hearts to believe Your Word. Raise up those who will serve Your Church in generations to come, that we may never be without the aid of those to serve us in Your name. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, You have power over all things and appoint an order on earth for the protection of the weak, the punishment of evildoers and the encouragement of virtue. Bless Donald, our president; _____________, our governor; and all who make, administer, and judge our laws. Give them wisdom for the challenges of our times and preserve them from self-serving concerns. Give us grace, that we may honor the gift of liberty and be good citizens and neighbors to all. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, You have compassion upon all who suffer. Give grace to the sick, to those with mental illness, to the dying in their last hours and to those who grieve. Hear us especially for _____________ and those we name in our hearts before You. Grant them patience in their afflictions and deliver them according to Your gracious will. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, You are the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Bless those who teach, those who learn and especially those who graduate this year. Be the hope of those whose plans have been disappointed and grant that all graduates would find good employment. Guide them in the pursuit of Your Word and truth, to live honorable lives in worthy vocations, that in all things You may be glorified. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, You have daily and richly supplied us with all things for this body and life. Give us grateful hearts, that we may receive Your gifts with thanksgiving and bring to You our tithes and offerings. Lord, in Your mercy,
C hear our prayer.

P Lord, we rejoice in the Savior’s promise to guard the people who wear Your name by Baptism and faith. Until we are with You in Your presence forevermore, guard us against the devil who prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking those whom he might devour. Grant us the power to resist him and trust in You without fear; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

C 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.

Sit

Offering – Thank you to everyone who has donated during this time away from in person worship.

Stand

Benedicamus & Benediction – LSB 212

P Let us bless the Lord.
C Thanks be to God.
P The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace.
C Amen.

Sit

Hymn to Depart – LSB 821 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”

1 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
    His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
    His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
    Thunder like a mighty flood:
“Jesus out of ev’ry nation
    Has redeemed us by His blood.”

2 Alleluia! Not as orphans
    Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us;
    Faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him
    When the forty days were o’er,
Shall our hearts forget His promise:
    “I am with you evermore”?

3 Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
    Here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! Here the sinful
    Flee to You from day to day.
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
    Earth’s Redeemer, hear our plea
Where the songs of all the sinless
    Sweep across the crystal sea.

4 Alleluia! King eternal,
    Lord omnipotent we own;
Alleluia! Born of Mary,
    Earth Your footstool, heav’n Your throne.
As within the veil You entered,
    Robed in flesh, our great High Priest,
Here on earth both priest and victim
    In the eucharistic feast.

5 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
    His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
    His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
    Thunder like a mighty flood:
“Jesus out of ev’ry nation
    Has redeemed us by His blood.”

Text: Public domain

Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

Christ Lutheran Church
Cairo, NE
 
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sunday, May 24 – 7th Sun of Easter
Acts 1:12–26, Psalm 68:1–10
1 Peter 4:12–19; 5:6–11, John 17:1–11

No worship or Activities at Church
Watch your email for more information regarding Worship and the COVID-19 Virus updates.

Monday May 25
Tuesday May 26
Wednesday May 27
Thursday May 28
Friday May 29
Saturday May 30

Sunday, May 31 – Pentecost
Num. 11:24–30, Psalm 25:1–15
Acts 2:1–21, John 7:37–39

SAVE the DATE
Moses Basket Auction POSTPONED
Vacation Bible School – CANCELLED
GO BIG GIVE – POSTPONED until July 7
Our 100th Anniversary Celebration July 10 & 11, 2021

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK
Douglas & Angela Meyer – May 25, 1996 (24)
Tim & Peg Lemburg – May 26, 1979 (41)
Sara & Alvin Mayes – May 26, 2018 (2)
Jim & Donna Schultz – May 27 (53)
Jerry & Barb Meyer – May 29 (54)

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
Morgan Janda – May 24
Lauren Lemburg – May 24
Lynn Sundberg – May 25
Destiny Dibbern – May 26
Ethan Reynolds – May 26
Keith Harders – May 28
Deb Weber – May 28

Thank you to everyone who has donated during this time of no in person worship!

PRAYERS THIS WEEK
+ Please keep Cindy Bredthauer in your prayers, Cindy has been waiting for a while to have back surgery, it was scheduled for May 27, but due to recently being diagnosed with diabetes, the surgery has been cancelled. Prayers for peace and comfort, for Cindy as she begins her insulin injections and wisdom and compassion for her Dr’s as they work to lower her blood sugar levels would be appreciated.
+ Prayers for Charles Kemptar, Kristin Schultz’s father, in Lincoln hospital.
+ Prayers for Pastor Brian’s father, Norman continued healing at home.  
+ Prayers for Kay Budde, continued healing at home.

Suffering from Cancer
+  Flora Meester, friend of Catherine Garrett
+  Cheryl Klock, Julie Whitefoot’s Sister
+  Barb Meyer
+  Jeff Bexten, Former member of CLC
+  Pat Hughes, Barb Teichmeier’s Sister
+  Deb Homolka, Rick Gilbert’s Sister
+  Lorie Stahl, Ravenna NE.

Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 17, 2020

Divine Service 4 pg. 203-212

*Announcements

+ Confession and Absolution

Hymn of Invocation – LSB 725 – Children of the Heavenly Father

1      Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

2      God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.

3      Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

4      Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Text: © Augsburg Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003661

Stand

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation & Exhortation – LSB 203

P    In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C    Amen.

P    Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C    who made heaven and earth.

P    If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C    But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P    Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Confession of Sins & Prayer for Forgiveness – LSB 203

C    Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

P    Almighty God, merciful Father, in Holy Baptism You declared us to be Your children and gathered us into Your one, holy Church, in which You daily and richly forgive us our sins and grant us new life through Your Spirit. Be in our midst, enliven our faith, and graciously receive our prayer and praise; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C    Amen.

+ Service of the Word

Kyrie – LSB 204

C    Lord, have mercy;

Christ, have mercy;

Lord, have mercy.

Gloria in Excelsis – LSB 204

C    1 To God on high be glory

    And peace to all the earth;

    Goodwill from God in heaven

    Proclaimed at Jesus’ birth!

    We praise and bless You, Father;

    Your holy name, we sing—

    Our thanks for Your great glory,

    Lord God, our heav’nly King.

2 To You, O sole-begotten,

    The Father’s Son, we pray;

    O Lamb of God, our Savior,

    You take our sins away.

    Have mercy on us, Jesus;

    Receive our heartfelt cry,

    Where You in pow’r are seated

    At God’s right hand on high—

3 For You alone are holy;

    You only are the Lord.

    Forever and forever,

    Be worshiped and adored;

    You with the Holy Spirit

    Alone are Lord Most High,

    In God the Father’s glory.

    “Amen!” our glad reply.

Salutation and Collect of the Day – Easter 6

P    The Lord be with you.

C    And also with you.

P    Let us pray.

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C    Amen.

Sit

First Reading – Acts 17:16–31

¹⁶While Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹And they took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” ²¹Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. ²²So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. ²³For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. ²⁴The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, ²⁵nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. ²⁶And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, ²⁷that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, ²⁸for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ ²⁹Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. ³⁰The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

P    This is the Word of the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

Epistle – 1 Peter 3:13–22

¹³Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; ¹⁶yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. ¹⁸For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, ¹⁹in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, ²⁰because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. ²¹Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²²who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

P    This is the Word of the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

Stand

Alleluia and Verse – LSB 205

C  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

      These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

      Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Holy Gospel – John 14:15–21

P    The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the fourteenth chapter.

C    Glory to You, O Lord.

¹⁵[Jesus said:] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, ¹⁷even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. ¹⁸“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ²¹Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

P    This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C    Praise to You, O Christ.

Apostles’ Creed

C    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Sit

Children’s Message

Hymn of the Day – LSB 605 – Father Welcomes

ref   Father welcomes all His children
    To His fam’ly through His Son.
Father giving His salvation,
    Life forever has been won.

1      Little children, come to Me,
For My kingdom is of these.
Life and love I have to give,
Mercy for your sin. Refrain

2      In the water, in the Word,
In His promise, be assured:
Those who are baptized and believe
Shall be born again. Refrain

3      Let us daily die to sin;
Let us daily rise with Him,
Walk in the love of Christ our Lord,
Live in the peace of God. Refrain

Text: © 1986 Kevin Mayhew Ltd. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003661

Sermon – “Circular… Like a Circle…” John 14:18-20

The text for our message this morning is the Gospel Reading from John chapter 14, verses 18-20.  I encourage you to open up your Bibles to that reading, or to follow along where the readings are printed in your worship folder.

John 14:18-20 ¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

Grace, mercy and peace to you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Before Going to the Seminary, the family and I lived in the town of Parker, Colorado.  Parker is a pretty upscale suburb, south of Denver.  As such it always felt like it was trying to be something more than what it was.  In fact if you just woke up one day in the middle of town, not knowing where you were, you would probably think you were somewhere more like southern California than Colorado.  Lots of stucco, and manicured properties.  A Starbuck’s on every other corner, and all the business signs on the buildings conforming to the same color scheme.  I must say, moving there from having lived in Northern California for a long time, it was not the Colorado I remembered from when we left a decade before.  The most obvious example was all the new intersections in town were turned into roundabouts instead of standard intersections with stop lights.  Something you would expect to see in European cities, but not the towns on the plains in Colorado.  Not that there is anything wrong with roundabouts, per se, but they just made being in that town feel even more pretentious than it should.  Like the town was putting on airs, as if it was better than the other adjoining towns around it.  In fact I cringed the other day as I drove down a road in Grand Island that had been closed to through traffic for some time, and discovered to my dismay that the construction was to turn yet another intersection into a roundabout, right here in Hall County.  But like I said, there is nothing inherently wrong with roundabouts themselves, but even more frustrating than the image they project, is that people who grew up with traditional intersections, have absolutely NO IDEA how to drive through a roundabout.  They go way too fast, or they go way too slow.  Some think they need to stop before entering a roundabout, while others, once they get into it, can’t figure out how to properly get back out.  I have literally seen, on more than one occasion, disoriented drivers just keep going around and around the circle, when they couldn’t figure it out.  For the inexperienced roundabout-er, the process can be intimidating and confusing, not to mention frustrating for anyone else caught in the intersection with them, which is exactly the opposite of the intent of a roundabout.  They are intended to be a much more organic process, facilitating the flow of traffic, to keep it moving and yet still allow multiple vehicles to transition into a new direction.  Using the car’s forward momentum to gently yet quickly move from one direction to another.  Like the words of the “Golf Philosopher,” Gary Potter, when helping a fellow golfer face a transition in his life, encouraged him to “Feel the flow” of the situation.  In other words, don’t be too anxious, but rather embrace the new situation, go with it, and let the “good energy” as he called it be your guide through the transition.  And not unlike a roundabout, transitions in life don’t have to be anxiety riddled, with starts and stops and agonizing over decisions, waiting to move, or waiting for someone else to move, but we can enter those circumstances with confidence, letting that “good energy”, what we in the church might better call “our conscience” be our guide through the transition, “Feeling the flow, Circular… Like a circle.”

Now I shared that imagery, not to just embrace my inner hippy philosopher, but rather to give you a sense of the intent of Jesus’ words in our reading today.  Look at those words again with me as I read them and try to see their natural, organic, even circular flow.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

Jesus’ words go around and around, and if read too quickly, can even sound nonsensical, but there is serious intent in these words.  Jesus is addressing a very big transition that His disciples are about to face.  Jesus’ crucifixion looms just ahead of him, and also his resurrection and then His ascension to the Father.  All of which means a huge transition in the lives of the disciples.  Soon they would not have Jesus right in front of them, telling them at every turn which way to go.  In many ways they would now be on their own in their lives in this world.  But that’s where these circuitous words from Jesus make their point.  Jesus is saying, that although He was going away, they would not be alone.  Though He was returning to the Father, He was not leaving them as orphans, but in their times of need, in their transitions and circumstances, even persecutions and troubles, He would come to them.  He would not be visible to the world, or even to them, but they would know that he was there, guiding them, leading them, encouraging them through life through the memory of all he had taught them, and through the gift of the Holy Spirit whom He would send to them.  Over and over, Jesus is reinforcing the notion of His eternal presence with them, and encouraging them not to let the confusion of life’s transitions and circumstances bring them to a standstill but instead to keep moving forward with confidence, letting the truth of His Holy Word, and His Holy Spirit guide their consciences to know that everywhere they go, every decision they make, they are not alone, but He is still with them, taking them by the hand and leading in the way they should go.

            My friends, we too, like the disciples of John 14, face all kinds of transitions in this world.  Few bigger than the challenges presented by our current international health crisis.  The reality of a potentially deadly virus spreading across the globe, is a confusing, frightful, even paralyzing reality for many in the world.  I would suggest, especially for those who do not know Jesus, and as Jesus’ put it therefore, “Cannot see Him.’ Jesus would remind us that just as he did for the Disciples, He does for you and me.  Jesus comes to us, by His Holy Spirit, in His Holy Word, to guide us through ALL of life’s challenges, so that we as His children are not paralyzed with anxiety, even against the possibility of death, but have a confidence, and a hope that the world does not know.  A confidence and hope to “feel the flow” of Jesus’ truth working through us, guiding us through all of life’s transitions, to take us in the direction that he would have us go, and promises will be for the good of His people.  In this time of transition, all around the world, do not be people of anxiety and despair.  We are called into a new life of confidence and hope in a resurrected and eternal Lord, who will never leave us or forsake us.  Circular… Like a circle, through His Holy Spirit and the Word, He will guide you, and teach you, and lead you through every transition in this life until the final day of His return to take us to be with him forever.   

AMEN!

May the PEACE of God, which passes all worldly understanding guard and protect your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

Stand

Prayer of the Church

P    Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their  needs.

Brief silence

For the faithful proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him, that through hearing the Word of the Lord many may be brought to faith and to the knowledge of the truth, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    For this parish, for the work of the Kingdom in our community, and for the resources to accomplish all that God desires, that His name may be glorified among us and His purpose fulfilled in our words and works, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    For the agencies and institutions through which we love our neighbor and provide for those in need, for the destitute and homeless, and for everyone who suffers unemployment and underemployment, that we may aid them in their needs and assist them to find honorable labor to supply all their needs, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    For the lonely who suffer the burdens of life without friendship or family, for those depressed or weary of pandemic measures, and for the fellowship of the Church, that we may bear one another’s burdens and live in community with Christ as our head, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    For the sick and those who suffer, [especially _____________,] that God would grant healing to their bodies, peace for their minds, and consolation in their grief and sorrows, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    For love of godly things, that we may delight in God’s Word and walk in His ways; and for the Spirit, that we may be led into all truth and kept from error and false doctrine, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    For the nation, for those who lead our nation, for the end of the pandemic, for peace among nations, and for an end to terror and violence, that we may work for the common good so that justice may prevail, life be protected and truth abound, let us pray to the Lord:

C    Lord, have mercy.

P    O Lord, our God, as we recall the obedient life and life-giving death of Your Son for our salvation, we pray You to strengthen our faith and to make our hearts bold, that we may not fear but address our prayers to You in all humility. Hear us on behalf of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, who even now stands before You on our behalf, pleading our cause with His own blood, until that day when we are delivered from the changes and chances of this mortal life and stand before You in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C    Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

C    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.

Sit

Offering

Stand

Benedicamus & Benediction – LSB 212

P    Let us bless the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

P    The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace.

C    Amen.

Sit

Hymn to Depart – LSB – 739 Precious Lord, Take My Hand

1      Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand;
    I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
    Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home.

2      When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
    When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call;
Hold my hand lest I fall.
    Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home.

3      When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
    And the day is almost gone,
At the river I stand;
Guide my feet, hold my hand,
    Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home.

Text: © 1938 (renewed) Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., admin. Alfred Music. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003661

Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV^® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

Christ Lutheran Church
Cairo, NE
 
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

WEEKLY CALENDARSunday, May 17 – 6th Sun of Easter
Acts 17:16–31, Psalm 66:8–20
1 Peter 3:13–22, John 14:15–21
No worship or Activities at Church
Watch your email for more information regarding Worship
and the COVID-19 Virus updates.
Monday May 18
Tuesday May 19
Wednesday May 20
Thursday May 21
Friday May 22
Saturday May 23

Sunday, May 24 – 7th Sun of Easter
Acts 1:12–26, Psalm 68:1–10
1 Peter 4:12–19; 5:6–11, John 17:1–11

SAVE the DATE
Moses Basket Auction POSTPONED
Vacation Bible School – POSTPONED
GO BIG GIVE – POSTPONED until July 7
Project Hunger Easter Basket Extravaganza – July 11
Our 100th Anniversary Celebration July 10 & 11, 2021

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
Tiffany Bloomquist – May 17
Brianna Deines – May 19
Vickie Lemburg – May 19
Jessica Marsh – May 19
Adam Bierhaus – May 23
Liona Kenney – May 23

PRAYERS THIS WEEK
Prayers for the family and friends of Jeremy Leth, Peg Hadenfeldt’s nephew, Jeremy, age 39, was found at rest in his apartment early Sunday May 10, Memorial services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com.
 Prayers for Charles Kemptar, Kristin Schultz’s father, in Lincoln hospital.
 Prayers for Pastor Brian’s father, Norman continued healing at home.  
 Prayers for Kay Budde, continued healing at home.

Suffering from Cancer
  Flora Meester, friend of Catherine Garrett
  Cheryl Klock, Julie Whitefoot’s Sister
  Barb Meyer
  Jeff Bexten, Former member of CLC
  Pat Hughes, Barb Teichmeier’s Sister
  Judy Kemptar, Kristin Schultz mother
  Deb Homolka, Rick Gilbert’s Sister
  Lorie Stahl, Ravenna NE.

HLHS – Red/Blue Updates
Heartland Lutheran High School’s Red and Blue annual fundraiser has been moved online!
Items have been posted and are currently available for bidding at https://qtego.net/qlink/heartlandlutheranhs.
On May 23 at 7:00 p.m. the live auction and raffle drawing will be held with the opportunity to make a donation at the end.  On May 24 at 3:00 p.m. the silent auction will end.  
We ask for your generous support in bidding on these items that have been graciously donated by individual and business supporters of HLHS.  Thank you!  
The Red & Blue website is now live and accepting bids.
We are adding additional items every day.
Attached is a letter from Mr. Leech explaining the process of moving to an online format this year and how to register. Please email him at principal@heartlandlutheran.org with any questions.

Christ Lutheran Church
Cairo, NE
 
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Happy Mother’s Day

Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2020

Divine Service 4 pg. 203-212

+ Confession and Absolution

Hymn of Invocation – LSB 633 At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing

Please rise for verse 8 in Honor of the Triune God

1      At the Lamb’s high feast we sing
Praise to our victorious King,
Who has washed us in the tide
Flowing from His piercèd side.
    Alleluia!

2      Praise we Him, whose love divine
Gives His sacred blood for wine,
Gives His body for the feast—
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
    Alleluia!

3      Where the paschal blood is poured,
Death’s dread angel sheathes the sword;
Israel’s hosts triumphant go
Through the wave that drowns the foe.
    Alleluia!

4      Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, paschal bread;
With sincerity and love
Eat we manna from above.
    Alleluia!

5      Mighty Victim from the sky,
Hell’s fierce pow’rs beneath You lie;
You have conquered in the fight,
You have brought us life and light.
    Alleluia!

6      Now no more can death appall,
Now no more the grave enthrall;
You have opened paradise,
And Your saints in You shall rise.
    Alleluia!

7      Easter triumph, Easter joy!
This alone can sin destroy;
From sin’s pow’r, Lord, set us free,
Newborn souls in You to be.
    Alleluia!

*  8      Father, who the crown shall give,
Savior, by whose death we live,
Spirit, guide through all our days:
Three in One, Your name we praise.
    Alleluia!

Text: Public domain

Stand – The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation & Exhortation – LSB 203

P    In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C    Amen.

P    Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C    who made heaven and earth.

P    If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C    But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P    Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Confession of Sins & Prayer for Forgiveness – LSB 203

C    Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

P    Almighty God, merciful Father, in Holy Baptism You declared us to be Your children and gathered us into Your one, holy Church, in which You daily and richly forgive us our sins and grant us new life through Your Spirit. Be in our midst, enliven our faith, and graciously receive our prayer and praise; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C    Amen.

+ Service of the Word

Kyrie – LSB 204

C    Lord, have mercy;

Christ, have mercy;

Lord, have mercy.

Gloria in Excelsis – LSB 204

C    1 To God on high be glory

    And peace to all the earth;

    Goodwill from God in heaven

    Proclaimed at Jesus’ birth!

    We praise and bless You, Father;

    Your holy name, we sing—

    Our thanks for Your great glory,

    Lord God, our heav’nly King.

2 To You, O sole-begotten,

    The Father’s Son, we pray;

    O Lamb of God, our Savior,

    You take our sins away.

    Have mercy on us, Jesus;

    Receive our heartfelt cry,

    Where You in pow’r are seated

    At God’s right hand on high—

3 For You alone are holy;

    You only are the Lord.

    Forever and forever,

    Be worshiped and adored;

    You with the Holy Spirit

    Alone are Lord Most High,

    In God the Father’s glory.

    “Amen!” our glad reply.

Salutation and Collect of the Day – Easter 5

P    The Lord be with you.

C    And also with you.

P    Let us pray.

O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C    Amen.

Sit

First Reading – Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60

1Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.  7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 8And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. . . .            2And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. . . . 51You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” 54Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had   this, he fell asleep.

P    This is the Word of the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

Epistle – 1 Peter 2:2–10

2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation— 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

P    This is the Word of the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

Stand

Alleluia and Verse – LSB 205

C  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

      These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

      Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Holy Gospel – John 14:1–14

P    The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the fourteenth chapter.

C    Glory to You, O Lord.

1[Jesus said:] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4And you know the way to where I am going.” 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

P    This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C    Praise to You, O Christ.

Apostles’ Creed

C    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Sit

Children’s Message

Hymn of the Day – 829 Christ the Eternal Lord

1      Christ the eternal Lord,
    Whose promise here we claim,
Whose gifts of grace are freely poured
    On all who name Your name;
With thankfulness and praise
    We stand before Your throne,
Intent to serve You all our days
    And make Your glory known.

2      Christ the unchanging Word
    To ev’ry passing age,
Whose timeless teachings still are heard
    Set forth on Scripture’s page;
Transform our thought and mind,
    Enlighten all who read,
Within Your Word by faith to find
    The bread of life indeed.

3      Christ the redeeming Son,
    Who shares our human birth,
And by His death salvation won
    For ev’ry child of earth;
Inspire our hearts, we pray,
    To tell Your love abroad,
That all may honor Christ today
    And follow Him as Lord.

4      Christ the unfading Light
    Of everlasting day,
Our Morning Star in splendor bright,
    The Life, the Truth, the Way;
That light of truth You give
    To servants as to friends,
Your way to walk, Your life to live,
    Till earth’s brief journey ends.

5      Christ the ascended King
    Exalted high above,
Whose praise unending ages sing,
    Whom yet unseen we love;
When mortal life is past
    Your voice from heaven’s throne
Shall call Your children home at last
    To know as we are known.

Text: © 1999 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110003661

Sermon Message – “You Know the Way” – John 14:4

The text for our message this morning is the Gospel Reading from John chapter 14, verses 1-4.  I encourage you to open up your Bibles to that reading, or to follow along where the readings are printed in your worship folder.  John 14:1–4 (ESV)

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”

Grace, mercy and peace to you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

The title of today’s message is, “You Know the Way,” but might be better called, “The Waiting Room.”

Remember Highlights Magazine while sitting in a Doctor’s office waiting room…

• Remember the genius of the “Hidden Pictures” page…
• Helping an anxious child to pass the time
• Even diminishing anxiety by challenging the child’s mind to engage on a task
• Easing tension, and maybe even building confidence to face what lay ahead
• Once the hidden images are found, they obscure the bigger picture (can’t unsee)

            Reminds me of what’s going on in our text today with the disciples as Jesus is teaching them:

• The disciples “Can’t see the forest through the trees…”
• Focused on the details, they miss the bigger picture
• The disciple see what they expect or want to see, but miss the bigger picture
• For generations their image of a Messiah was of an earthly king
• For generations, worthiness for that kingdom was determined by a man’s works

            Often times we do something very similar, where we get so caught up in the details of how we do church, as if those were good works that in and of themselves are what would bring us to salvation, that we fail to see, or fail to recognize the bigger picture of Jesus, as the fulfillment of God’s promised Savior.  That that fulfilled promise, and our subsequent redemption solely by the grace of God, (not by our good works) becomes the motivation for our doing church in the first place.  It is important for us to remember, that like a child in the doctor’s office waiting room, waiting for our Lord to return to transform us for life in eternity, that the churchly things we do in the meantime are not the things that save, but are the things that keep us focused on the bigger picture of God’s grace in Jesus that saves, not our works.  And therefore pointing us back to Jesus’ saving work, our anxiety over our sins is removed because we are reminded of our forgiveness through Jesus alone, and our confidence is renewed by the hope we now have in Jesus’ saving work for us. 

            If you remember your Confirmation/Reformation history, Martin Luther was compared to a previous reformer, John Hus, who was burned at the stake for holding to the truths taught by scripture alone, rather than the manmade doctrines of Popes and Councils.  Likewise, Luther held to a similar rejection of the church’s teaching that salvation was in any way, the result of the good works of man instead of the gracious work of God in Jesus alone.  Hus reflected on today’s reading in his argument to that effect, proclaiming Christ was not merely A way, but rather the only way to God, saying, Hus: “Let the humble pilgrim look at Christ.… Behold he who wants to go, has the way, for Christ is the way, and whither he wants to go, for Christ is the truth, and where he wants to abide, for Christ is the life” (The Church, p 90).

Jesus Christ, “The Way, the Truth and the Life,” In His life, death and resurrection, and by the power of His Holy Spirit, through your baptism, He has made himself known to you.  You KNOW the WAY.  There can be no confusion.  There can be no excuse.  In Jesus Christ, you KNOW the WAY.

AMEN!

May the PEACE of God, which passes all worldly understanding guard and protect your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

Stand

Prayer of the Church

P    As newborn infants who long for the pure spiritual milk, so let us come before the Lord seeking His mercy with confidence that His grace will be sufficient for all our needs.

Brief silence

Almighty Father, everlasting God, Your Son has revealed You to us as a merciful Lord. Give to us Your Holy Spirit, that we may believe in Him whom You have sent and do the greater works He has told us we will do in His name. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    Lord God, You have promised to build up Your Church to be a holy priesthood, that Your people might offer the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving acceptable to You. Bless Your Church and bring all congregations back together again. Bless all pastors who proclaim Christ to us. Bless all church workers and those preparing for full-time church vocations, that Your Church may be supplied with faithful leaders and servants of Your Word. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    Holy God, Your power brought all things into being and still You preserve what You have made. Bless our president, the Congress of these United States, our governor, and all elected and appointed civil servants so that they may honor You and Your purpose, establishing order and justice, encouraging virtue and protecting all life. Give wisdom and moderation to them in their leadership for the well-being of the nation. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    O merciful Father, You have compassion upon the sick and those in need and have promised not to ignore them in their afflictions. Turn back the pandemic across the globe, and give us relief. Bless the sick with healing, those who suffer with strength and patience, and the dying with peace. Hear us on behalf of those who have requested our prayers [especially _____________]. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    Gracious God, You have established the home and blessed those who show us Your love. Bless all mothers and the children in their care. Bless all families and make their homes places of blessing and love, where Your Word is spoken, forgiveness reigns and love is displayed. Give us good examples to inspire youth to all that is good and pure, and to seek after these things. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    Heavenly Father, You have given us the wisdom of faith that through the Spirit we might know Your Son to be the way, the truth and the life. Bless all those who teach and all who learn, that the goal of our knowledge may be to know Christ and to make Him known. Do not let Your Word be bound, but let it have free course among us. Preserve those in isolation from idleness, and instead let our minds be renewed in Scripture and prayer. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    Compassionate Father, You are not aloof from the needs of this body and life, and You have called us to love our neighbor in need and give aid to the poor. Give us courage and faith, that we may not fear sharing the resources You have supplied with those who live in want, especially the widow, the orphan and the unemployed. Let love be perfected among us to drive out selfish fears. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    Eternal Father of an eternal mercy, You have raised up witnesses in every age and blessed us with those who endured suffering and even death in faithfulness to Christ. We give You thanks for these faithful saints and martyrs, and we pray You to make us strong when we face the day of test, that at length we may be brought with them into the joy of Your presence and the glory of everlasting life. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P    We praise You, God, for Your goodness in hearing the prayers of Your people and granting us confidence to approach Your throne of mercy. Hear us now in the name of and for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, through whom, with whom and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is Yours, almighty Father, both now and forevermore.

C    Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

C    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.

Sit

Offering

Stand

Benedicamus & Benediction – LSB 212

P    Let us bless the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

P    The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace.

C    Amen.

Sit

Hymn to Depart – LSB 660 Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

1      Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
    Ye soldiers of the cross.
Lift high His royal banner;
    It must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
    His army He shall lead
Till ev’ry foe is vanquished,
    And Christ is Lord indeed.

2      Stand up, stand up for Jesus;
    The trumpet call obey;
Stand forth in mighty conflict
    In this His glorious day.
Let all His faithful serve Him
    Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger
    And strength to strength oppose.

3      Stand up, stand up for Jesus;
    Stand in His strength alone.
The arm of flesh will fail you,
    Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor;
    Each piece put on with prayer.
Where duty calls or danger,
    Be never wanting there.

4      Stand up, stand up for Jesus;
    The strife will not be long;
This day the din of battle,
    The next the victor’s song.
The soldiers, overcoming,
    Their crown of life shall see
And with the King of Glory
    Shall reign eternally.

Text: Public domain

Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV^® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sunday, May 10 – 5th Sun of Easter
Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60, Psalm 146
1 Peter 2:2–10, John 14:1–14
No worship or Activities at Church
Watch your email for more information regarding Worship and the COVID-19 Virus updates.
Monday May 11
Tuesday May 12
Wednesday May 13
Thursday May 14
Friday May 15
Saturday May 16

Sunday, May 17 – 6th Sun of Easter
Acts 17:16–31, Psalm 66:8–20
1 Peter 3:13–22, John 14:15–21

SAVE the DATE
Moses Basket Auction POSTPONED
Vacation Bible School – POSTPONED
Project Hunger Easter Basket Extravaganza – June 6
GO BIG GIVE – POSTPONED until July 7
Our 100th Anniversary Celebration July 10 & 11, 2021

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
Stephanie Frankforter – May 10
Olivia Harders – May 11
Deb Lemburg – May 12
Marilyn Wilhelm – May 12
Tylor Dibbern – May 13
Tyler Hadenfeldt – May 13
Gavin Rasmussen – May 13

PRAYERS THIS WEEK
  Prayers for Charles Kemptar, Kristin Schultz’s father, in Lincoln hospital.
  Prayers for Pastor Brian’s father, Norman continued healing at home.  
  Prayers for Kay Budde, continued healing at home.

Suffering from Cancer
  Flora Meester, friend of Catherine Garrett
  Cheryl Klock, Julie Whitefoot’s Sister
  Barb Meyer
  Jeff Bexten, Former member of CLC
  Pat Hughes, Barb Teichmeier’s Sister
  Judy Kemptar, Kristin Schultz mother
  Deb Homolka, Rick Gilbert’s Sister
  Lorie Stahl, Ravenna NE.

Christ Lutheran Church
Cairo, NE
 
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, May 3 – 4th Sun of Easter
Acts 2:42–47, Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19–25, John 10:1–10
No worship or Activities at Church Watch your email for more information regarding Worship and the COVID-19 Virus updates.

Monday May 4 
Tuesday May 5
Wednesday May 6
Thursday May 7
Friday May 8
Saturday May 9
Sunday, May 10 – 5th Sun of Easter
Acts 6:1–9; 7:2a, 51–60, Psalm 146
1 Peter 2:2–10, John 14:1–14

SAVE the DATE
Moses Basket Auction POSTPONED
Church Clean Up Day (Outside & Inside) POSTPONED
Habitat For Humanity Build for April POSTPONED
Progressive Ag Day – POSTPONED
Vacation Bible School – POSTPONED
Project Hunger Easter Basket Extravaganza POSTPONED until June 6
GO BIG GIVE – POSTPONED until July 7
Cairo Cornstalk Festival – CANCELLED until 2021
Our 100th Anniversary Celebration July 10 & 11, 2021

OUR OFFERINGS
3/30-4/26 $4,995.00
Thank you to those who have donated during this time of isolation either through mailing a check to the church, driving through Pathway Bank or through Thrivent.  

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK
Adam & Sara Bierhaus 5/5/2007 (13)
Scottie & Jennifer Reynolds 5/5/2001 (19)

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
Cole Callahan – May 5
Garrett Teichmeier – May 5
Christopher Visser – May 5
Bill Garrett – May 7
Taryn Wright – May 7
Roger Adams – May 8
Tyler Sokol – May 8
Hunter Deines – May 9
Heather Lemburg – May 9

PRAYERS THIS WEEK
+ Prayers for Pastor Brian, his father and stepmother, his father was able to return home this past Friday following his open-heart surgery. Pastor went to Montana to help him and his stepmother with the transition to home life, Pastor will be returning to Cairo Monday evening.   
+ Payers for Kay Budde and her family, Here is an update from her daughter Sydnie on April 30… Today, my mom got results back on her EEG test. It showed that she is having non-convulsive seizures in the central region of her brain. The doctors in Grand Island decided to transfer her to CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha, so she will be able to have a more advanced neurologist. She is still slightly confused at times and goes blank quite often. We are able to talk on the phone at times, but sometimes all we can say to each other is “hello” before she goes blank and enters into another non-convulsive seizure, so I just have to hang up in hopes we can have a conversation another time. This truly is hard on her as she just wants to be home, and it breaks my heart seeing her go through this. Let’s just pray that Omaha is where the answers are and everything gets figured out because let me tell ya, I want my mama back home. Thank you all for your prayers and dedication to my family. We wouldn’t be surviving this if it weren’t for each and every one of you  P.S. my mom does have her phone, so if you happen to receive a text or message from her that pretty much doesn’t make since, just ignore it as she wants her normal life of communicating with others back, but just isn’t quite there yet.

Suffering from Cancer
  Flora Meester, friend of Catherine Garrett
  Cheryl Klock, Julie Whitefoot’s Sister
  Barb Meyer
  Jeff Bexten, Former member of CLC
  Pat Hughes, Barb Teichmeier’s Sister
  Judy Kemptar, Kristin Schultz mother
  Deb Homolka, Rick Gilbert’s Sister
  Lorie Stahl, Ravenna NE.

Message from Habitat for Humanity in Grand Island NE…GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
#GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity to take place on May 5, 2020, was launched as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
Now more than ever, we are understanding the importance of a safe and secure home. These are uncharted waters and uncertain times, and we greatly appreciate your continued support, patience, and trust as we navigate this together.
Every day, we rely on people just like the homebuyers who partner with us. Our homebuyers are nurses, food service workers, bank tellers, construction workers. Some are seeing wages eliminated, while others are working overtime to help keep our community running safely. The effects of this crisis will have ripple effects for months to come.
“Housing is the prescription we need. A healthy home is a vaccine that provides both immunity and resilience.”- Megan Sandel, MD, MPH
In a time when very little is certain, you can help build stability and certainty for your neighbors with a gift to Habitat. If you are able, please consider donating during Giving Tuesday Now on May 5. Every little bit will make a huge difference in the lives of future homebuyers.
For more information go to https://www.gihabitat.org/givingtuesdaynow

Christ Lutheran ChurchCairo, NE

 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

4^th Sunday of Easter – Sunday May 3^rd, 2020

Divine Service 4 pg. 203-212

Announcements

Confession and Absolution

Hymn of Invocation – The King of Love My Shepherd Is – LSB 709

1      The King of love my shepherd is,
    Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
    And He is mine forever.

2      Where streams of living water flow,
    My ransomed soul He leadeth
And, where the verdant pastures grow,
    With food celestial feedeth.

3      Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
    But yet in love He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
    And home rejoicing brought me.

4      In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
    With Thee, dear Lord, beside me,
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
    Thy cross before to guide me.

5      Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
    Thine unction grace bestoweth;
And, oh, what transport of delight
    From Thy pure chalice floweth!

6      And so through all the length of days
    Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
    Within Thy house forever!

Text: Public domain

Stand – The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation & Exhortation – LSB 203

P    In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C    Amen.

P    Our help is in the name of the Lord,

C    who made heaven and earth.

P    If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?

C    But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.

P    Since we are gathered to hear God’s Word, call upon Him in prayer and praise, and receive the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the fellowship of this altar, let us first consider our unworthiness and confess before God and one another that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, and that we cannot free ourselves from our sinful condition. Together as His people let us take refuge in the infinite mercy of God, our heavenly Father, seeking His grace for the sake of Christ, and saying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Confession of Sins – LSB 203

C    Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us our sins, and lead us to everlasting life. Amen.

Prayer for Forgiveness – LSB 203

P    Almighty God, merciful Father, in Holy Baptism You declared us to be Your children and gathered us into Your one, holy Church, in which You daily and richly forgive us our sins and grant us new life through Your Spirit. Be in our midst, enliven our faith, and graciously receive our prayer and praise; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C    Amen.

Service of the Word

Kyrie ♫ – LSB 204

C    Lord, have mercy;

Christ, have mercy;

Lord, have mercy.

Gloria in Excelsis ♫ – LSB 204

C    1 To God on high be glory

    And peace to all the earth;

    Goodwill from God in heaven

    Proclaimed at Jesus’ birth!

    We praise and bless You, Father;

    Your holy name, we sing—

    Our thanks for Your great glory,

    Lord God, our heav’nly King.

2 To You, O sole-begotten,

    The Father’s Son, we pray;

    O Lamb of God, our Savior,

    You take our sins away.

    Have mercy on us, Jesus;

    Receive our heartfelt cry,

    Where You in pow’r are seated

    At God’s right hand on high—

3 For You alone are holy;

    You only are the Lord.

    Forever and forever,

    Be worshiped and adored;

    You with the Holy Spirit

    Alone are Lord Most High,

    In God the Father’s glory.

    “Amen!” our glad reply.

Salutation and Collect of the Day: Easter 4

P    The Lord be with you.

C    And also with you.

P    Let us pray.

Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C    Amen.

Sit

First Reading – Acts 2:42–47

⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

P    This is the Word of the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

Epistle – 1 Peter 2:19–25

¹⁹This is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ²²He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. ²⁴He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵For you were straying like sheep but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

P    This is the Word of the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

Stand

Alleluia and Verse ♫ – LSB 205

C    Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

        These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

      Allelua, alleluia, alleluia.

Holy Gospel –  John 10:1–10

P    The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the tenth chapter.

C    Glory to You, O Lord.

¹[Jesus said:] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. ²But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ⁵A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. ⁷So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

P    This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C    Praise to You, O Christ.

Apostles’ Creed

C    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His 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 into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life T everlasting. Amen.

Sit

Children’s Message

Hymn of the Day – Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us – LSB 711

1      Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
    Much we need Your tender care.
In Your pleasant pastures feed us,
    For our use Your fold prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    You have bought us; we are Yours.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    You have bought us; we are Yours.

2      We are Yours; in love befriend us,
    Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Your flock, from sin defend us,
    Seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    Hear us children when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    Hear us children when we pray.

3      You have promised to receive us,
    Poor and sinful though we be;
You have mercy to relieve us,
    Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    Early let us turn to You.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    Early let us turn to You.

4      Early let us seek Your favor,
    Early let us do Your will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior,
    With Your love our spirits fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    You have loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
    You have loved us, love us still.

Text: Public domain

Sermon Message – “Hear the Voice of the Shepherd” John 10:4.

*No written worship script this Sunday while Pastor is out of town. Check out the sermons on the Church App.

Stand

Prayer of the Church

P     Bidden by our Shepherd, let us come before His throne of grace in prayer on behalf of all people according to their needs.

Brief silence

         Blessed Shepherd, You established Your Church with Your sacrificial death and mighty resurrection. Grant us devotion, that we may abide in the teaching of the apostles and honor the fellowship of the Church. Guard us against all enemies of Your Word, and keep us within the care of Your flock and staff forevermore. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P     Mighty Shepherd, You hold in Your hands all the might of man, and You hold accountable those who would govern Your people. Grant to us good government and good leaders who will honor Your purpose, protect Your people, serve the cause of justice and defend our liberty against all threats. Give them wisdom and moderation in their pandemic response. Lord, in Your mercy,

C    hear our prayer.

P     Loving Shepherd, You loved the world enough to shed Your blood, and You desire that all would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Inspire and equip Your Church and her ministers to speak faithfully and boldly Your Word, and bless all those who serve us on Your behalf. Bless us especially when we are persecuted for the faith or suffer for the sake of the good that honors You and is obedient to Your Word. Lord, in Your mercy,

C     hear our prayer.

P     Holy Shepherd, You have clothed us with Christ’s righteousness and taught us to love all that is good, right and true. Bless all artists and artisans, composers and musicians, and craftsmen and writers, that they may employ all their skills for Your glory and in service to the Gospel and that the arts may testify to Your saving death and resurrection. Lord, in Your mercy,

C     hear our prayer.

P     Merciful Shepherd, Your wounds are our healing and Your voice calls us to You in time of need. Hear us on behalf of all those who suffer in body or mind, who grieve those whom they love, and to whom death draws near. We pray especially for _____________ and those we name in our hearts. Grant them healing according to Your will, grace to sustain them in the day of trouble, and hope of the new and everlasting life to come. Be with the unemployed and the distraught, and return them to health and livelihood. Lord, in Your mercy,

C     hear our prayer.

P     Gracious Shepherd, You seek out those who have fallen and restore the sinner to repentance. Send forth Your Spirit to rekindle faith in the hearts of those who have fallen away from the truth or who have been overcome by temptation and sin. Bring good from ill and increase in all the hunger for Your Word and a recognition of our need, that many may be gathered into Your flock when church doors are opened wide again. Lord, in Your mercy,

C     hear our prayer.

P     Giving Shepherd, You have not withheld anything from us but emptied Yourself fully upon the cross that we might be saved. Move our hearts to such devotion and teach us such generosity, that we may bring to You the tithes and offerings of a grateful heart and serve our neighbor in need with the resources You have supplied to us so abundantly. Lord, in Your mercy,

C     hear our prayer.

P     O great Good Shepherd, we pray You to hear Your sheep and answer our prayers with mercy, granting us those things profitable for us and our salvation and keeping from us all things harmful; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C    Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

C    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.

Sit

Offering

(Offerings may be given at Pathway Bank Drive-Up Window, Thank you to everyone that has donated during this time of stay at home.)

Stand

Benedicamus & Benediction – LSB 212

P    Let us bless the Lord.

C    Thanks be to God.

P    The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look upon you with favor and T give you peace.

C    Amen.

Sit

Hymn to Depart – The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want – LSB 710

1      The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
    He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
    The quiet waters by.

2      My soul He doth restore again
    And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
    E’en for His own name’s sake.

3      Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
    Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
    And staff me comfort still.

4      My table Thou hast furnishèd
    In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
    And my cup overflows.

5      Goodness and mercy all my life
    Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
    My dwelling place shall be.

Text: Public domain

Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV^® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.

Christ Lutheran Church
Cairo, NE
 
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Due to COVID -19 and with state restrictions Christ Lutheran Church, Cairo NE. has decided to POSTPONE Vacation Bible School, that was scheduled for May 26-29 until a later date.