Church Bulletin

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 2nd Sunday after Pentecost June 7, 2026

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Red Book p. 94
Please Stand
GATHERING HYMN Will You Come and Follow Me
Red Book # 798 v. 1, 2, 5
GREETING
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.

KYRIE
L: In peace let us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy.
L: For the peace that is from above, and for our salvation, let
us pray to the Lord. C: Lord, have mercy.
L: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the
Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the
Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.
L: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their
worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.
L: Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
C: Amen.
PSALM 50:1-15

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: O God, you are the source of life and the ground of our being. By the power of your Spirit bring healing to this wounded world, and raise us to newness of life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C: Amen.
Please be seated.
THE READINGS

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY Healer of our Every Ill Red Book # 612

Please stand
APOSTLES’ CREED Red Book p. 105

THE PRAYERS
L: Strengthened by the Spirit who gives us words to speak and hearts that care, let us bring our hopes and needs to God who listens. (A brief silence)
O God of deliverance, sustain your people as they faithfully live according to your will. May they receive and freely share the promise of Christ’s death and resurrection. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: God of abundance, we give you thanks for the fruitfulness of the earth, providing all that is needed for life. Bless those who plant and work in the fields; grant favorable weather for those who farm the land, and help us to ensure that all people may share in the fruits of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Fill the dark places of this world with your illuminating Spirit. May those who struggle with poverty, injustice, persecution, or famine find hope in your great compassion. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Speak hope into all the world. Give the leaders of the nations an understanding of your will and an eagerness to follow it. Bless and protect our own elected leaders, that peace, harmony, and all goodness may prevail. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: We pray for those who live with frailty and illness, especially those dear to us, whom we name in our hearts before you… Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
P: We lift our prayers to you, God of mercy, confident that all things are in your hands. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Please be seated
OFFERING
Please stand
OFFERTORY PRAYER
P: Merciful Father:
C: receive these gifts, and the offering of our lives, that we may bear witness in the world to your saving grace. Amen.

HOLY COMMUNION Setting Three Red Book p. 144

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: Let us pray…Loving God, by your Spirit we are born anew, and you nourish us like newborns with this holy food, by which we grow into salvation. Give us grace to live as your reborn children, until you gather us all to the heavenly table, where Christ reigns in glory forever.
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 in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

PARTING HYMN Here I Am, Lord Red Book # 574

POSTLUDE

ALTAR FLOWERS are dedicated to the glory of God by Phil & Sherri Monahan in honor of Jamie Sue’s 4th birthday.

TODAY’S SERVERS
Pianist: Catherine Ji Liturgist: Ed Stange
Ushers: Debra Kiefer, Anthony Kiefer
Altar Guild: Rosemary Henderson

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.

STRAWBERRY AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL - JUNE 28: Join us after the service in the Bethany Room for sloppy joes and ice cream with strawberries. There is a sign up sheet for those who are willing to help. Please see Sue Bernard.

SHOE COLLECTION: During the entire month of June, St. Matthew’s will be partnering with Changing Footprints to change the world two feet at a time. Shoe collection bins will be located in the Bethany Room, in the entrance to the food bank, and in Matthew’s House. Shoes of any kind, any size, and any condition may be donated. Even damaged shoes are used to make playground surface material.

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 to the baby doll bed on the display table by Father’s Day, June 21.

LADIES: DEBORAH ESTHER CIRCLE invites you to their next meeting, June 9th, at noon, in Bethany Hall. Bring a sandwich for your lunch, and dessert and beverage will be served.

WOMEN’S SUMMER FUN OUTIING: St. Matthew’s Women’s Ministry invites you to come along on Tuesday, July 14, for lunch at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury and viewing of the many quilt gardens and murals in Middlebury and Shipshewana. See details on the bulletin board, and sign up by July 7th.

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.

CHURCH COUNCIL meets Monday, June 8, 7:00 PM.

MANY THANKS to Duane, Debbie, and Tony Kiefer and James LaVorgna for power scrubbing the concrete sign in front of the church and the planting area around it. What a wonderful difference resulted from your hard work!

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS:. Larry Campbell, Dean Drews, Lynn Jones, Crystal Huth and family (friend of Doug & Candy Wellman), Damon Kuhn (Tracy Meihls’ brother) Mike Volz (brother of Cindy Beard), Pastor Art Klausmeier, Donna Koehler (Nicole Busarow’s mother), Jennifer Coyne (friend of Zach Zipf), Jim Dowling (friend of our congregation), 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.)

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

PREPARATION
P: Blessed be the Holy Trinity, +one God, full of compassion
and mercy, and abounding in steadfast love. C: Amen.
P: Trusting in God’s promise of forgiveness, let us confess our
sinfulness, seeking God’s forgiveness and the grace to live according to His will.
(a moment of silence)
Eternal God our Creator,
C: In you we live and move and have our being. Look upon
us, your children, the work of your hands. Forgive us all
our offenses, and cleanse us from proud thoughts and
empty desires. By your grace draw us near to you, our
refuge and our strength, that we may serve you with a
quiet mind and live to your glory, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
P: Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s love has been poured
into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. In the
mercy of almighty God, Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; and for his sake, God +forgives us all our sins.
C: Amen
Please Stand
GREETING
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.

HYMN OF PRAISE Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Red Book # 413

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time you are the triune God: Author of creation, eternal Word of salvation, life-giving Spirit of wisdom. Guide us by the Holy Spirit to all truth, that we may proclaim all that Christ has revealed and rejoice in the glory he shares with us. Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever.
C: Amen.

Please be seated.
THE READINGS

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY Come, Thou Almighty King Red Book # 408

Please stand
NICENE CREED Red Book p. 104

THE PRAYERS
L: In the power of the Holy Spirit, we join with the church in
every place, praying for the world that God so loves.
(A brief silence)
L: Abba Father, when we cry to you, your Spirit bears witness
with our spirit. Give to your church the confidence of the
children of God, so that we may boldly share with everyone your saving love. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: You so love the world that you gave your only Son. In these days when nation is set against nation and the world is so divided, save us. Give us strength, and fill us with your way of love. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Your Spirit sighs with every need. Guide us in honoring the dignity of everyone and opening our lives to others. Pour your healing mercies into the lives of all who need your care … especially… and all others dear to us whom we name before you ... Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.

P: With affection we remember the saints now departed and
rejoice in their faithful witness. Through their example,
provoke us to lead lives of loving service in your name.
Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
P: Trusting in your mercy, O God, we lift our prayers to you, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: AMEN.

Please be seated
OFFERING
Please stand
OFFERTORY PRAYER
P: Merciful Father:
C: receive these gifts, and the offering of our lives, that we may bear witness in the world to your saving grace. Amen.

HOLY COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG (Choir) The King of Love My Shepherd Is

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: Lord Jesus, our gracious host, we thank you for this meal. You have filled us with the signs of your great love for us. Fix our hearts on your mercy and truth, that our lives may reflect your love to others. 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 in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

PARTING HYMN Spirit Song
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you
With his Spirit and his love,
Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul.
Oh, let him have the things that hold you,
And his Spirit like a dove
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Refrain: Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

O come and sing this song with gladness
As your hearts are filled with joy,
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.
O give Him all your tears and sadness,
Give Him all your years of pain,
And you'll enter into life in Jesus' name.
CCLI 931594 Maranatha Praise IV

POSTLUDE

ALTAR FLOWERS are dedicated to the glory of God by Judy Meyer in memory of loved ones.

TODAY’S SERVERS
Pianist: Catherine Ji Liturgist: Michelle Detar
Ushers: James LaVorgna, Larry Campbell
Communion Assistants: Sue Bernard, Richard Kunkel
Altar Guild: Mercy Joshua

WINE OR GRAPE JUICE Glasses in the center ring of each communion tray contain white grape juice. Glasses in the outer rings contain wine.

LADIES: DEBORAH ESTHER CIRCLE invites you to their next meeting, June 9th, at noon, in Bethany Hall. Bring a sandwich for your lunch, and dessert and beverage will be served.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS:. Dean Drews, Lynn Jones, Crystal Huth and family (friend of Doug & Candy Wellman), Damon Kuhn (Tracy Meihls’ brother) Mike Volz (brother of Cindy Beard), Pastor Art Klausmeier, Donna Koehler (Nicole Busarow’s mother), Jennifer Coyne (friend of Zach Zipf), Jim Dowling (friend of our congregation), 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.)

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.)

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS Red Book p, 94

Please Stand
GATHERING SONG Seek Ye First
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you--
Allelu, alleluia.

Man shall not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God--
Allelu, alleluia.

Ask and it shall be given unto you,
Seek and ye shall find,
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you--
Allelu, alleluia.
CCLI 931594 Maranatha IV
P: Christ is risen!
C: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.

PSALM 31:1-5, 15-16
L: In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
C: Deliver me in your righteousness.
L: Incline your ear to me:
C: Make haste to deliver me.
L: Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold:
C: For the sake of your name, lead me and guide me.
L: Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me,
C: For you are my tower of strength.
L: Into your hands I commend my spirit,
C: For you have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.
L: My times are in your hand:
C: Rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
L: Let your face shine upon your servant:
C: Save me in your steadfast love.
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: Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another, to follow in the way of his commandments, and to share his risen life with all the world, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.

Please be seated.
THE READINGS
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Red Book p. 142
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia! Alleluia!
SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY You are the Way Red Book # 758

Please stand
HOLY BAPTISM Red Book p. 227
Drema Pressler

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)
L: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, send your Holy Spirit upon your church. Awaken in us a renewed commitment to our baptismal promises: to build up the body of Christ, to worship together, to share our faith, to serve others, and to work for justice and peace. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: Call all nations to the repentance that leads to life. Empower legislators to craft laws that reflect your commandment to love one another. Bless police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and first responders who put themselves at risk to care for others. Lord, in your mercy, C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
L: God of mercy, we pray for those who seek healing, comfort and strength. 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: We thank you for our congregation–for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep us ever in fellowship with one another in Christ, the way, the truth, the life. Lord, in your mercy,
C: HEAR OUR PRAYER.
(Here other prayers may be offered.)
P: Trusting in your mercy, O God, we lift our prayers to you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: AMEN.

Please be seated
OFFERING (Special basket offering for NALC Disaster Response)
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 Setting Three Red Book p. 144

DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONG (Choir) In Remembrance of Me

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 God of Grace and God of Glory Red Book # 705

POSTLUDE

ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Aaron & Debbie Sorg in celebration of their wedding anniversary.

TODAY’S SERVERS
Organist: Nicole Busarow
Liturgist: Ed Stange
Ushers: Stephannie & Brady Edwards
Altar Guild: Mercy Joshua

WINE OR GRAPE JUICE Glasses in the center ring of each communion tray contain white grape juice. Glasses in the outer rings contain wine.

LADIES: Last call for this Sunday’s afternoon event with the Ladies of St. John’s Lutheran Church-Lake Township. We are invited to their spring event featuring Christian writer Gloria Doty, Sunday, May 3, 12 noon to 2:30 PM. Lunch is provided. Cost is $5. Meet Debbie Sorg after the service in the Bethany Room.

Next Deborah Esther circle meeting is Tuesday, May 12. Lunch at Country Heritage Winery, then on to visit Dana at Lutheran Life Village, Kendallville.

TODAY’S SPECIAL OFFERING: On the first Sunday of each month we give a special basket offering to one of our partners in ministry. This month’s offering will go to the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response fund to assist victims of natural disasters, such as floods, storms, etc.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS:. Rich Kunkel, Phil Monahan, Cora Fisher, Lynn Jones, Crystal Huth and family (friend of Doug & Candy Wellman), Mike Volz (brother of Cindy Beard), Pastor Art Klausmeier, the family of Rita Lauer, and all 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.)