Bulletin May 17th
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
2305 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Telephone: (260) 483-9312
Email: pastordale@stmatthewslutheran.com
Website: http://www.stmatthewsfw.org
Ministers: The People Pastor: Dale Henderson
Music Director: Tracy Meihls Sexton: Brock Snyder 7th Sunday of Easter/Sunday after the Ascension May 17, 2026
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Red Book p. 97
Please Stand
GATHERING HYMN All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Red Book p. 634 v. 1, 2, 5, 6
THE EASTER GREETING
P: Christ is risen!
C: CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!
PSALM 68:4-6, 33-36
L: Sing to God, sing praises to his name:
C: Exalt him who rides upon the heavens.
L: Father of orphans, defender of widows…God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom.
Sing to God, sing praises to his name:
C: Exalt him who rides upon the heavens.
L: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord. Sing to God, sing praises to his name:
C: Exalt him who rides upon the heavens.
L: He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.
Sing to God, sing praises to his name:
C: Exalt him who rides upon the heavens.
L: How wonderful is God in his holy places, the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!
Sing to God, sing praises to his name:
C: Exalt him who rides upon the heavens. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: O God of glory, your blessed Son suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and with each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your gracious presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.
Please be seated.
THE READINGS
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing Red Book # 393
Please stand
NICENE CREED Red Book p. 104
THE PRAYERS
L: Trusting in the promise of new life in Jesus Christ, let us pray for the witness of the church, the wholeness of creation, and all who are in need. (A brief silence)
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, send your Holy Spirit upon your church. Unite us in Christ and keep us faithful in our witness in the world. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: You have given us this good land as our heritage. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in education, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from all that is evil. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
P: God of compassion, your Son became poor for our sake: Help us to see the face of Christ in those around us who are poor. Give us generous hearts, so those living in poverty may have adequate food, clothing, and shelter. Bless our congregation’s food bank ministry as we seek to reach out in compassion to our neighbors in need. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
P: God of mercy, we pray for all who seek healing, strength, and inner peace. Hear our prayers for those who call upon you in their need, especially… and all others whom we name ... Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Bless, we pray, the children who are finishing their years in Matthew’s House preschool and are now going on to elementary schools. Tend and nourish the seeds of faith that have been planted in their hearts. May they all grow to love and serve you, the source of life, of love, and of true peace. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
P: We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God. Come near to us with your saving help, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.. C: AMEN.
Please be seated
OFFERING
Please stand
OFFERTORY PRAYER
P: Merciful Father:
C: we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us--our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION Thanksgiving at the Table VI Red Book p. 66
DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Please stand.
POST COMMUNION
P: The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and his most precious blood, strengthen and preserve you in true faith unto everlasting life. C: Amen.
L: We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the healing power of this gift of life. In your mercy, strengthen us through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward one another, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.
C: Amen.
L: Go is peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PARTING HYMN Go, My Children, With My Blessing
Red Book # 543
POSTLUDE
TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS are dedicated to the glory of God by Aaron & Debbie Sorg in celebration of their wedding anniversary.
LAST SUNDAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS were given by Jeff and Becky Gongwer in honor of Ian’s birthday.
TODAY’S SERVERS
Pianist: Iris Ji
Liturgist: Laney Gerardot
Ushers: Brady and Stephannie Edwards
Communion Assistants: Jeff & Mindy Meyer
Altar Guild: Mercy Joshua
HOLY COMMUNION: All Christian believers are welcome at our Table. We believe and teach that the body and blood of Christ are truly present under the forms of bread and wine. Come, believing the words of Jesus himself: “This is my body given for you…this is my blood shed for you.”
Children who have not received instruction and others who do not wish to receive the sacrament, but who wish to receive a blessing, may indicate so by folding their hands over their heart.
WINE OR GRAPE JUICE Glasses in the center ring of each communion tray contain white grape juice. Glasses in the outer rings contain wine.
CHURCH PICNIC, MAY 24 - We sincerely hope that you can join us next Sunday after the Service for our Memorial Weekend picnic. Enjoy a hamburger or hot dog from the grill. Please see Debbie Sorg to sign up to set up, clean up, or provide a side, salad, or dessert for the buffet table.
A SPECIAL WELCOME TO GUEST SPEAKER MATT KLINKER who will present the vital ministry of The Gideons International at our service this morning. The special bucket offering will be for the ongoing work of the Gideons.
A BABY’S CLOSET - St. Matthew’s Women’s Ministry invites you to please see the special display table in the Bethany Room and pick up a mini-baby bottle to fill with cash, coins, or checks for A Baby’s Closet–a ministry of Associated Churches. ABC assists families experiencing hardship in Fort Wayne by providing essential items for infants. Checks may be made payable to St. Matthew’s with “baby bottle” on the memo line. Please return your bottle with your contribution by Father’s Day, June 21.
DEBORAH ESTHER CIRCLE invites you to their next meeting, June 9th, at noon.
WE WILL BE HOSTING THE FRANCINE’S FRIENDS MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY UNIT on Wednesday, July 22. Six volunteers will be needed to serve in 2 ¼ hour shifts as monitors in the Bethany Room in the event that someone needs to use the rest room. Please see the bulletin board for more information or to sign up to help.
OUR CHURCH WEBSITE - Have you checked out our church website lately? Many new features have been added, including Luther’s Small Catechism and weekly worship bulletins, sermons, and Taking Faith Home inserts. While you are there, please click on the subscribe button and add your Email address. In the future we hope to add some posts for members only, and we don’t want anyone left out. Important note: More activity on our website increases the possibility of St. Matthew’s appearing on page 1 when people search for Lutheran Churches in Fort Wayne.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS:. Dean Drews, Cora Fisher, Lynn Jones, Crystal Huth and family (friend of Doug & Candy Wellman), Mike Volz (brother of Cindy Beard), Pastor Art Klausmeier, Donna Koehler (Nicole Busarow’s mother), and our homebound members.
(Names normally remain on the prayer list for 6 weeks.
If you would like to add or remove a name.
please speak with Pastor Dale.)