Green Pastures With Jesus--Shepherd of the Lakes

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." But you lose everything you've worked for and enjoyed in life. To die is gain? Through faith, death is actually defeated and to die truly is gain.

"Things will work out. You just got to have faith." Faith in what? There's only one object of our faith that can actually make things work out for our good.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.

Find us online:

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Worship audio from Bob Ohland's memorial service.

Bulletin PDF here. Or below:

Service Theme: Clothed in Christ's Righteousness

The Christian Memorial for Robert Ronald Ohland

May 4, 2018

FAMILY PROCESSIONAL: Psalm 23

A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Christian MEMORIAL SERVICE of ROBERT OHLAND

Pastor: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today we gather as the family and friends of our dear relative and friend Robert Ohland. We have gathered to be comforted by the words and promises of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born as a baby at Christmas. He lived the perfect life which we could not; yet God placed our sin upon him, and Jesus was crucified for our sin. But death was not the end, because Jesus broke the power of death by rising from the grave on Easter Sunday.

Our worship service today will focus on the forgiveness which Jesus won for Bob, for you, and for me. We will talk about Christ’s promise of resurrection, and the promise of eternal life in heaven. These facts form the foundation of our faith, and these facts are our source of comfort today and always.

As we join to grieve with the grieving, let us also find comfort and joy in the words and promises of Jesus: that Bob was a forgiven child of God through Christ’s death and resurrection; that through Jesus, Bob now enjoys eternity with God; and that because of Christ’s resurrection, death will one day loosen its grip on Bob. He will be raised from the dead, and he and all believers will live forever with God in heaven – body and soul.

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
(1 Corinthians 15:56-57)

HYMN: 201 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

READING OF THE OBITUARY

GREETING AND PRAYER

Order of Service from CW p. 144

We have come together to seek God’s comfort in our sorrow and to rejoice in the promise of the resurrection. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, you wept at the grave of your friend Lazarus, and you consoled Mary and Martha in their distress. Draw near to us who mourn for Robert Ohland, and dry the tears of all who weep. Calm our troubled hearts, dispel our doubts and fears, and lead us to praise you for having brought him to faith – as well as for keeping him in that Christian faith until death. In your rising from the dead, you conquered death and opened the gates to eternal life. Strengthen us with your Word, and lead us through this earthly life until at last we are united with you and all the saints in glory everlasting. Amen.

RESURRECTION COMFORT

Please rise.

Pastor: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. The apostle Paul writes to the Romans: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus gives us this comfort: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Pastor: Death has been swallowed up in victory! Thanks be to God!

Congregation: He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

P: When Christ, who is our life, appears,

C: Then we also will appear with him in glory.

P: We will be before the throne of God,

C: And serve him day and night in his temple.

P: Never again will we hunger;

C: Never again will we thirst.

P: For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be our shepherd; he will lead us to springs of living water.

C: And God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

P: Let us pray: God of all grace, you sent your Son Jesus to destroy the power of death and to open the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Make us certain that because he lives, we too shall live. Comfort us with your promise that neither death nor life nor things present nor things to come shall be able to separate us from your love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

C: Amen.

The Word OF GOD

First Lesson: Psalm 121

The believer is confident in God’s presence & goodness:

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot stumble. He who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Yes, he who watches over Israel will not slumber. He will not sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will watch to keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.
8 The Lord will watch over your going and your coming from now to eternity.

Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17

The great multitude: Clothed in white, holding palm branches of victory, before the throne of God:

9 After these things I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in front of the throne and of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 10 They called out with a loud voice and said:
Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb.11 All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. They fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12 saying:
Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.
13 One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered him, “Sir, you know.” 14 And he said to me: These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Because of this they are in front of the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty ever again. The sun will never beat upon them, nor will any scorching heat, 17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

gospel Lesson: John 3:16-18

Jesus promises forgiveness & eternal life:

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

HYMN: 549 – Around the Throne, A Glorious Band

Sermon: Dressed & Ready to See the Lord

Apostles’ Creed

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

I believe 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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.

Prayer

P: Please rise for prayer:

Almighty God, we praise you for the great company of saints who have finished their lives in faith and now rest from their labors. We remember especially our loved one, Robert Ohland, whom you have redeemed by the blood of your Son and whom you received as your dear child through Holy Baptism. We thank you for giving him to us as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your compassion, comfort all who are sad in this hour. Lord, in your mercy,

C: Hear our prayer.

P: We praise you for your love in Christ, which sustains us in life and death. In our earthly sorrows, help us find strength in the fellowship of the church, joy in the forgiveness of sins, and hope in the resurrection to eternal life. Lord, in your mercy,

C: Hear our prayer.

P: You do not leave us comfortless but strengthen and care for us through your Word and sacrament. You give us family, friends, and neighbors to help when there is loneliness now and in the days to come. Brighten our future with a firm trust in your promises and care. Lord, in your mercy,

C: Hear our prayer.

P: We bring these requests to you in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, and we ask you to hear us – as we join in singing the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray, as printed on the next page:

Blessing

P: Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

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

The Lord look on you with favor and ♱ give you peace.

C: Amen, Amen, Amen!

HYMN: 379 – Amazing Grace

Inurnment will take place at a later date at the South Branch cemetery.
Everyone is invited downstairs for a brief luncheon.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.

Find us online:

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Worship audio from Easter 4B (April 22, 2018).  Bulletin here, or below the notes.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep.  Grant that I always hear & heed your voice in the Word and worship, that I may be preserved in the faith throughout my life; AMEN.

Works of the Law vs. Fruit of the Spirit:

4. Now, consider the distinction between the works of the Law [Galatians 2:16] and the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22–23]. We believe, teach, and confess that the works of the Law are those that are done according to the Law. They are called works of the Law as long as they are only forced out of a person by teaching the punishment and threatening of God’s wrath.

6 5. Fruits of the Spirit, however, are the works wrought by God’s Spirit, who dwells in believers. The Spirit works through the regenerate. These works are done by believers because they are regenerate ‹spontaneously and freely›. They act as though they knew of no command, threat, or reward. In this way God’s children live in the Law and walk according to God’s Law. St. Paul calls this the “law of Christ” and the “Law of my mind” in his letters. (See Romans 7:23–25; 8:7; 8:2 [; Galatians 6:2].)

Formula of Concord, Article 6  (Concordia p. 486)

Shepherd & Sheep:

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we gradually shift our focus – from the way that Christ won our salvation, to our relationship with the risen Lord.  Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, will guard & keep his flock from all danger; he does for his sheep as they hear his voice and remain close to him.
As sheep together in the family of God – how do we encourage one another?

OPENING HYMN: 150 – Christ the Lord is Risen Today

ORDER OF SERVICE: Morning Praise, CW p. 45

The Word

FIRST READING: Acts 20:28-32

The Word of grace  brings us and preserves us in the sheepfold of Christ.  Let us be on guard against those who would turn us aside from the Word of grace:

28“Always keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. 29I know that after my departure savage wolves, who will not spare the flock, will come in among you. 30Even from your own group men will rise up, twisting the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore be always on the alert! Remember that for three years, night and day, I never stopped warning each one of you with tears. 

32“And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his grace, which has power to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” 

PSALM OF THE DAY: 23, p. 72

SECOND READING: 1 John 3:1-2

The Good Shepherd’s sheep, the children of God:

See the kind of love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are! The world does not know us, because it did not know him. 2Dear friends, we are children of God now, but what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he is revealed we will be like him, and we will see him as he really is. 

THEME VERSE: John 10:14

Alleluia. Alleluia.  Christ is risen! 

He is risen indeed! Alleluia. 

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. Alleluia. 

GOSPEL READING: John 10:11-18

Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd:

11“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired man, who is not a shepherd, does not own the sheep. He sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. 13Because he works for money, he does not care about the sheep. 

14“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me 15(just as the Father knows me and I know the Father). And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I also have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This is the commission I received from my Father.”   

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Small Catechism Explanation to the Third Article (1529)

I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him.

But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers.  On the Last Day he will raise me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

This is most certainly true.

HYMN OF THE DAY: 375 – The King of Love my Shepherd Is

SERMON based on 1 John: Sheep Together in the Family of God

SUNG CONFESSION OF FAITH: Te Deum, CW p. 48

OFFERING: 485 v.1 when the offering is brought forward

KYRIE & LORD’S PRAYER: CW p. 50

HYMN: 766 (next page) – The Lord’s My Shepherd

PRAYER FOR GRACE & BLESSING: CW p. 50

CLOSING HYMN: 153 – Alleluia! Jesus Lives!

QVM today.
See the signups at the back for children’s theater, book club, and ladies’ day.

THIS WEEK

Today        2 Kings 5

        9:30 AM - Easter 4 Worship

        10:45 AM - Sunday School, QVM

Monday    2 Kings 6

Tuesday    2 Kings 7

        Treasure Haus Work Day

        7-8:30 PM  CAP Class

Wednesday    2 Kings 8

        5-6:45 - Small Catechism Class

Thursday    2 Kings 9

Friday        2 Kings 10

        Children’s Theatre at MLC - see the signup!

Saturday    2 Kings 11

Sunday    2 Kings 12

        9:30 AM - Easter 5 Worship with Holy Communion

        10:45 AM - Sunday School, Bible class

Audio from Easter Sunday – April 1, 2018.  Bulletin here or below.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, you conquered sin, death, and Satan through your victorious resurrection.  Grant that I always treasure my baptism, in which I have been buried and raised with you.  Lead me to find comfort in your resurrection for me; AMEN.

Resurrection & Forgiveness:

In the forgiveness of sins, the terrors of sin and of eternal death must be overcome in the heart. Paul testifies about this in 1 Corinthians 15:56–57, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, sin terrifies consciences. This happens through the Law, which shows God’s wrath against sin. But we gain the victory through Christ. How? Through faith, when we comfort ourselves by confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake.  Therefore, we prove that God’s wrath cannot be appeased if we set our own works against it. For Christ has been set forth as an Atoning Sacrifice so, that for His sake, the Father may be reconciled to us. But Christ is not received as a Mediator except through faith. Therefore, by faith alone we receive forgiveness of sins when we comfort our hearts with confidence in the mercy promised for Christ’s sake.

Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 4  (Concordia p. 92)

Because He Knew: He Rose from the Dead

Jesus rose from the dead - alleluia!
How does the resurrection affect our lives today & forever?

OPENING HYMN: 149 – Christ the Lord is Risen Today

The children are invited forward during verses 5 & 6 to hang their “Alleluia!” banners on the hooks.  

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: Why “Alleluia”?

EASTER DIALOGUE: 

Please stand.

M: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen!

Lord, we confess to you our sinful condition and our sinful behavior. 

Have mercy on us, Father in heaven. Bless us and keep us.

Lord, we realize that we have earned your temporal and eternal punishment.

Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus. Make your face shine on us and be gracious to us. 

Lord, we are not able to make up for our sins, nor can we set ourselves free from the guilt of our sin.  You alone must work all good within us. 

Have mercy on us, Holy Spirit. Turn your face toward us and give us peace. 

Jesus was delivered over to death for the sake of our sins. In raising him from the dead, God declared you righteous  Be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven. Christ is risen! 

He is risen indeed! 

CW 143 v. 1

He’s risen, he’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;
He opened death’s prison, the incarnate Word.
Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song;
And earth, sea, and mountain the praises prolong!

This is the day which the Lord has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Alleluia!

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Brothers and sisters, since we have been raised with Christ, let us set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  (Col. 3:1)

For God, who created light to shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  (2 Cor. 4:6)

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

CW 143 v. 2 & 3

The foe was triumphant when on Calvary;
The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
In Satan’s domain did the hosts shout and jeer;
For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones fear!

But short was their triumph; the Savior arose,
And death, hell, and Satan he vanquished, his foes.
The conquering Lord lifts his banner on high;
He lives, yes, he lives, and will nevermore die!

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.  And after my skin has been destroyed – yet in my flesh, I will see God; I myself will see him, with my own eyes; I, and not another.  How my heart yearns within me!  (John 19:25-27)

In righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.  (Psalm 17:15)  

Death has been swallowed up in victory.

Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting? 
(1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

CW 143 v. 4

Oh, where is your sting, death?  We fear you no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door!
For all our transgressions his blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are his own!

Fellow Christians, set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  (Col 3:2-3)

When Christ appears, then we also will appear with him in glory.  (Col 3:4)  Fellow Christians, may the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, in our homes, and in our lives.  (Col 3:15)

Let us pray: Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through baptism, may walk in the newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit be eternal power, dominion, and praise now and forever;

To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, and glory and power, forever and ever!  Amen!

CW 143 v. 5

Then sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice;
Proclaim the blest tidings that all may rejoice.
Laud, honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain;
Who now sits in glory, and ever shall reign!

The Word

FIRST READING: Isaiah 25:6-9

The shroud of death destroyed forever:

6On this mountain the LORD of Armies will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of aged wines, with the best cuts of meat, and the finest wines. 

7On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that covers all peoples, the burial cloth stretched over all nations. 

8He has swallowed up death forever! The LORD God will wipe away the tears from every face. He will take away the shame of his people throughout the earth. For the LORD has spoken. 

9On that day it will be said, “Look, here is our God! We waited for him, and he saved us! This is the LORD! We waited for him. Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation!”
This is the Word of the Lord.   
Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

CHORAL ANTHEM: Christ the Lord is Risen Today! Alleluia!
(Hymn #150 – The congregation is invited to join vv. 2 & 4)

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Jesus Christ, the firstfruits from death:

19If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all. 20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came by a man, the resurrection of the dead also is going to come by a man. 22For as in Adam they all die, so also in Christ they all will be made alive. 23But each in his own order: Christ as the firstfruits and then Christ’s people, at his coming. 24Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has done away with every other ruler and every other authority and power. 25For he must reign “until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” 26Death is the last enemy to be done away with. 

THEME VERSE: Psalm 118:24

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen!   He is risen indeed! Alleluia. 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 

Alleluia!

GOSPEL READING: Mark 16:1-8

The Resurrection:

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Jesus. 2Very early on the first day of the week, at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3They were saying to each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 

5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6He said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 

8They went out and hurried away from the tomb, trembling and perplexed. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.  Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 152 - I Know that My Redeemer Lives

Verse 1-2 - Everyone    
Verse 3 - Men
Verse 4 - Everyone
Verse 5 - Women
Verse 6 - Men
Vv. 7-8 - Everyone

SERMON based on 1 Corinthians 15: A Broken Tombstone for a Broken World

SUNG CONFESSION OF FAITH: Sung to the tune “Ode to Joy”
1. I believe in God the Father,   Maker of the heav’ns and earth!
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior,   God’s own Son, of human birth!
Virgin-born, the Lord’s incarnate,   Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate –   Our salvation to achieve!

2. Crucified, was dead and buried,   Down to hell in victory;
From the dead he rose the third day;   Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand he’s ruling,   By his will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations,   Both the living and the dead!

3. I believe in God the Spirit,   In his church, his chosen band.
They are joined in close communion,   Holy in his sight they stand!
I believe in sin forgiven;   That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal.   Amen! And again, Amen!

OFFERING

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Please rise for prayer.

O God of peace, who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, we thank and praise you for the mercy you have shown us through his glorious resurrection. Grant that on this day believers throughout the world may see the fullness of your grace and peace. 

Give us a living hope to believe that the grave has no power over us and that we have been made partakers of eternal life.

Almighty God, as your Son on this day rose from the dead for us, victorious over sin and the grave, grant that sin may no longer live in our hearts. By the power of his resurrection set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Encourage our Christian lives of thankfulness, that we may live in our baptismal grace every day of our lives.  

Rule over the nations of the earth, O Lord, that they may join the hosts of heaven in songs of Christ's victorious triumph. Comfort us through your Sacrament, that our eyes may be fixed more on the life to come than on this world; that our hearts may rest in your promise of preservation, rather than worry.  Above all, give us persistence in reading, studying, applying, and sharing your Word of truth.

Your Word alone can build your church, and your Word alone proclaims forgiveness, life, and salvation through Jesus Christ.  

In every adversity and trial preserve us, O Lord. Heal the sick, giving them the hope of a glorious body in the resurrection of the dead. With your Easter victory, remove the fear of death from the hearts of the dying, and the sadness of death from hearts that feel the loss of family and friends. Defend the weak and vulnerable, especially the unborn, the aged, those coping with chronic illness, those who bear extra pain for their faithful confession of your truth, and all who are hungry, homeless, or unemployed.

Lead us to daily sorrow and repentance, and nourish our faith through your chosen Means of Grace.

We give thanks for all those who have died and now live with Christ in the triumph of Easter, especially our own faithful departed loved ones.

Unite us with them in the hope of the resurrection of the dead.

Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hall0wed 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.

The Sacrament

For our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.

COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 21

DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 265 – This is the Feast of Victory

SONG OF SIMEON: CW p. 24

CLOSING HYMN: 250 – From All that Dwell Below the Skies

THIS WEEK

Today        1 Kings 6

        7:30-9  Easter Breakfast

        9:30 - Easter Festival Worship

        11:10 - Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 15

Monday    1 Kings 7

        7 PM - Pre-call Council meeting

Tuesday    1 Kings 8

        No CAP class.

Wednesday    1 Kings 9

        No catechism class.

Thursday    1 Kings 10

        6 PM - Lutheran Women Project Hour

        7 PM - Devotion & LW Business Meeting

Friday        1 Kings 11

        3:45-7:30 PM - Family Fun Fair.  (Speak with Doris if you can help!)

Saturday    1 Kings 12

        8 AM - Men’s Bible Breakfast @The Ranch

        9:30 AM - Bible Basics 

Sunday    1 Kings 13

        9:30 - Easter 2 Worship

        10:45 - Bible Class & Sunday School

        Pres. Degner will be on hand to lead our Bible study. 
        A voters’ meeting will convene at the conclusion of Bible study.

Q: Why does Easter Sunday move around?  Some years it’s near the end of March, other years it’s later in April.

A: Jesus was crucified during the Jewish Passover.  For this reason, the Christian church has always observed Easter at the same time as the Jewish Passover.  Passover moves around slightly, as the Jews follow a lunar calendar.  

Passover always falls on the 14th day of the first Hebrew calendar month, the month of Nisan.  The month begins with the first sighting of a lunar crescent, just after a new moon.  14 days after the first sliver of a waxing moon, the moon is a full moon; this is Passover.  Passover begins at sundown & continues through sundown the next day.  The Passover lamb was slaughtered at dusk on the day of Passover and consumed before sunrise; the leftovers were burned.  (See Exodus 12:10.)  In Holy Week, Passover began at sundown on Thursday & extended through sundown on Friday.  The meal needed to be consumed & leftovers burned before sunrise on Friday.  

For an interesting sidenote, see John 18:28 and 19:14.  The chief priests & Pharisees had delayed in eating the Passover and wanted to convict & crucify Jesus quickly; thus, they waited outside of Pilate’s palace so that they would remain ceremonially clean for eating the Passover meal.  Waiting outside delayed the final verdict, with the result that they did not partake in the Passover before sunrise.  According to Jewish law, they ought to have been excommunicated from the nation – see Numbers 9:13.

The Council of Nicea (AD 325) standardized the celebration of Christ’s resurrection as the first Sunday after the full moon in Vernal Equinox.  (The vernal equinox is the astronomical first day of spring, halfway between the winter & summer solstices.)  This full moon is also known as the “Paschal full moon” – Paschal, meaning Passover.  Thus, by our calendar, Easter is the Sunday following the first full moon after March 20 (March 20, the standardized date for the vernal equinox.)  

The earliest possible date for Easter is March 22 (last observed in 1818, next observed in 2285.)  The latest possible date for Easter is April 25 (last observed in 1943, next observed in 2038.)  In recent years, Easter has fallen on March 23, 2008 and April 24, 2011.  

If Easter is late, the church year includes more Sundays in the season of Epiphany (January-February.)  If Easter is early, the church year includes more Sundays in the season of Pentecost (June-October.)  

Q: When was Jesus crucified?

A: Passover is helpful in pinpointing the year & date of Christ’s crucifixion.  Historically, Pontius Pilate was governor of Palestine from AD 26-36.  Thus, Jesus must have been crucified sometime between 26 & 36.  

Scripture tells us that Christ ate the Passover with his disciples Thursday evening, and Saturday would be a “great” or “important” Sabbath – as it would be the Sabbath of Passover.

Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus hasten to bury Jesus before the “Great Sabbath” of the Passover / Unleavened Bread celebration.  They need to bury Christ so that they would be able to “keep” the Sabbath by not working.  The Sabbath (Saturday) began at sundown.  (We count days somewhat differently, with two different & commonly-observed conventions: A new day technically begins at midnight, but we recognize that sunrise also marks a new day.)  Since the Sabbath began at sundown, the women observers went home Friday evening but refrained from preparing spices until after sundown on Saturday “in obedience to the Sabbath commandment” (Luke 23:56).  

The governorship of Pontius Pilate tells us the possible years, AD 26-36.

The time of Passover tells us the dates on the Jewish lunar calendar: the 14th day of the lunar month of Nisan.  This day, roughly halfway through the lunar cycle, would be a full moon.  (Coincidentally, a solar eclipse is impossible during a full moon.  The sun actually stopped shining on Good Friday afternoon.)

The reference to Sabbath tells us Christ was crucified on Friday of the
eight-day Passover/Unleavened Bread celebration. 

Between the years of AD 26-36, only the years 30 and 33 have a Friday full moon - April 7, AD 30 and April 3, AD 33.  These are the two historical options for when the Son of God gave his life for our salvation.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Sermon by sainted Prof. Em John Jeske: Easter Makes Us Sure

Worship audio from Maundy Thursday worship - March 29, 2018.

Bulletin here, or below.

Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 

www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes 

Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.

Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.

323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN

[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr

Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

We give thanks, Lord Jesus, for rescuing your people Israel from slavery.  We give you thanks for instituting the Passover as a yearly remembrance of that rescue, as well as pointing your people ahead to the coming Messiah.  Grant that we always partake of your Supper in faith, as we remember your victory over death and await your triumphant, visible return; AMEN.

Clear Teaching about the Lord’s Supper:

In addition to Christ’s and St. Paul’s expressions (the bread in the Supper is the body of Christ or the communion of the body of Christ), the following forms are also used: under the bread, with the bread, in the bread. With these words the Roman Catholic idea of transubstantiation is rejected and the sacramental union of the bread’s unchanged essence and Christ’s body may be shown.  In the same way, the expression “the Word became flesh” [John 1:14] is repeated and explained by the equivalent expressions “the Word … dwelt among us” [John 1:14] ... showing that the divine essence is not changed into the human nature. But the two natures, unchanged, are personally united. ... Just as in Christ two distinct, unchanged natures are inseparably united, so in the Holy Supper the two substances—the natural bread and Christ’s true natural body—are present together here on earth in the appointed administration of the Sacrament. Formula of Concord, Article 7  (Concordia p. 568)

Because He Knew:

Jesus came as the perfect fulfillment of the prophetic Passover lamb.  That evening, and tonight, Christ gives his disciples his very body & blood for the forgiveness of sins.

Background for this Worship Service:

The word “Maundy” comes from a Latin word meaning “command.” Maundy Thursday gets its name from the command Jesus gave his disciples “A new command I give you: Love one another,” (John 13:34).

Ash Wednesday began Lent. Maundy Thursday ends Lent and begins the Three Holy Days of the Christian Church. Over these three days we contemplate more deeply the body and blood of Christ given and poured out for us in anguish, suffering, and innocent death. We think about the sting of eternal death that Jesus endured in our place; we see the fury of God’s wrath against our sin unleashed on Jesus. We try to grasp the incredible depth of Jesus’ love that would take that wrath in our place so we could receive forgiveness, love, and eternal life.

The institution of the Lord’s Supper sets forth the depth of Jesus’ love and gives power to the Church to live out his command. The service begins with the sermon and an exhortation regarding the end of Lent. This unusual arrangement allows the minister to explain the meaning of the Sacrament and the liturgical actions that are to take place so that they may proceed uninterruptedly and vividly from this evening through Good Friday to the Easter celebration.

OPENING HYMN: 717 – When You Woke that Thursday Morning   (Printed inside the back cover.  Soloist will sing v.1)

INVOCATION

SERMON based on Exodus 12: Foreshadow, Fulfillment

INSTRUCTION FOR THE END OF LENT

Please rise.

In this Lenten season we have heard again how our Lord walked the path of suffering which led him to the cross for our salvation. We have also heard our Lord’s call to intensify our struggle against sin, death, and the devil — all that keeps us from loving God and one another. 

This is the struggle to which we were committed at Baptism; God’s forgiveness and the power of his Spirit to amend our lives continue with us because of his love for us in Jesus our Savior.                    . . . continued . . . 

Within the family of the Church, God never wearies of giving peace and new life. In the absolution, we receive forgiveness as from God himself.

This absolution we should not doubt but firmly believe that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven, for it comes to us in the name and by the command of our Lord Jesus.

We who receive God’s love in Jesus Christ are called to love one another, to be servants to each other, as Jesus became our servant. 

In Holy Communion the members of Christ’s body participate most intimately in his love. Remembering our Lord’s Last Supper with his disciples, we eat the bread and drink the cup of this meal. Together we receive the Lord’s gift of his body and blood for forgiveness and participate in that new covenant that makes us one with him and one another. The Lord’s Supper is the promise of the great banquet we will share with all the faithful when our Lord returns, the joyous culmination of our being reconciled with God and each other.

CONFESSION OF SINS:

M: Let us confess our sins to God and ask for his forgiveness.

C: Almighty God, merciful Father, I confess to you that I have not loved you with all my heart.  In what I have done and left undone, I have pursued my ways instead of your ways.  I have not loved my brothers and sisters as myself.  For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity.  I am truly sorry for my sins.  I repent of them.  I beg for your mercy, O Lord.

Silence for meditation.

Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Substitute, who suffered and died for us.

Cleanse me from my sins.  Release me from my guilt.  Grant me your Holy Spirit to amend my sinful life.

    The almighty God has been merciful to us and has sent his Son to die for all.  For his sake, God forgives our sins and calls us from darkness to his marvelous light.  

Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Our Lord Jesus Christ has forgiven us and reconciled us to God.  He has also promised us the power to forgive and love each other; and when Christians speak a word of forgiveness, it is just as sure and certain as if Christ himself said it.  Relying on his promise, therefore, let us be reconciled to one another, and extend to each other the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Everyone turns to each other and says:

Peace be with you.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, in the Sacrament of Holy Communion you give us your true body and blood together with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins.  Grant that we remember your life, suffering, death, and resurrection, as you commanded; grant that we daily take up our cross and follow you.  By your Spirit, lead us to firmly believe your words and promise, that we may always partake of this sacrament to our eternal good; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 

Amen.

HYMN: 313 – Jesus Christ, our Blessed Savior

The Word

FIRST READING: Exodus 12:21-30

The Lord’s Passover.

21Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and take lambs for yourselves according to your family size, and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22You shall take a bundle of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and paint the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you are to go out of the door of your house until morning. 23When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over that door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. 

24“You shall observe these instructions as a perpetual regulation for you and your descendants. 25When you enter the land that the LORD will give you just as he said he would, you shall observe this ceremony.

                                . . . continued . . . 

26So when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ 27you will say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Passover to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. When he struck the Egyptians, he spared our houses.’” 

The people bowed down and worshipped. 28The Israelites went and did all this. They did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. 

29At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon, even all the firstborn of the livestock. 30During the night Pharaoh got up—he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians—and there was a loud outcry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not someone dead. 

PSALM OF THE DAY: 116, p. 107

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

The reality: Communion.

16The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ? 17Because there is one bread, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 

THEME VERSE: 1 Corinthians 11:26

As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 

Thanks be to God!

GOSPEL READING: Mark 14:12-26

The Last Supper.

12On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and there a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14Wherever he enters, tell the owner of the house that the Teacher says, ‘Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 

16His disciples left and went into the city and found things just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.  17When it was evening, he arrived with the Twelve. 

18While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “Amen I tell you: One of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”  19They began to be sorrowful and said to him one by one, “Surely not I?” 

20He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve, one who is dipping bread with me in the dish. 21Indeed, the Son of Man is going to go just as it has been written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 

22While they were eating, Jesus took bread. When he had blessed it, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take it. This is my body.” 

23Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them. They all drank from it. 24He said to them, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is poured out for many. 25Amen I tell you: I will certainly not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26After they sang a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

HYMN: 104 – Go to Dark Gethsemane

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Explanation of Holy Communion

M: What is the sacrament of Holy Communion?

C: It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Where is this written?

The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and the Apostle Paul tell us: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’

“Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

M: What blessing do we receive through this eating and drinking?

C: That is shown us by these words, “Given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.”  Through these words we receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in this sacrament. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

How can eating and drinking do such great things?

It is certainly not the eating and drinking that does such things, but the words, “Given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words are the main thing in this sacrament, along with the eating and drinking. And whoever believes these words has what they plainly say, the forgiveness of sins.

Who, then, is properly prepared to receive this sacrament?

Fasting and other outward preparations may serve a good purpose, but he is properly prepared who believes these words, “Given and poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” But whoever does not believe these words or doubts them is not prepared, because the words “for you” require nothing but hearts that believe.

OFFERING

PRAYER: A portion of the Great Litany (composed 1544) 

Please rise for prayer.

Prayer of Approach to God

Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God,

Have mercy on us.

Prayers for Deliverance

Remember not, Lord Christ, our offenses nor the offenses of our forebears. Spare us, good Lord; spare your people whom you have redeemed with your precious blood.

Spare us, good Lord.

From all spiritual blindness; from pride, vanity, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all lack of charity:

Good Lord, deliver us.

From all deadly sin and from the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil:

Good Lord, deliver us.

From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism, from hardness of heart and contempt for your Word and your will:

Good Lord, deliver us.

From earthquake and tempest; from drought, fire, and flood; from civil strife and violence; from war and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared:

Good Lord, deliver us.

By the mystery of your holy incarnation; by your baptism, fasting, and temptation; and by your proclamation of the kingdom:

Good Lord, deliver us.

By your bloody sweat and bitter grief, by your cross and suffering, and by your precious death and burial:

Good Lord, deliver us.

By your mighty resurrection, by your glorious ascension, and by the coming of the Holy Spirit:

Good Lord, deliver us.

In our times of trouble, in our times of prosperity, in the hour of death, and on the day of judgment:

Good Lord, deliver us.

Receive our prayers, O Lord our God.

Hear us, good Lord.

For the Church

Govern and direct your holy Church, fill it with love and truth, and grant it that unity which is according to your will.

Hear us, good Lord.

Enlighten all ministers with true knowledge and understanding of your Word, that by their preaching and living they may declare it clearly and show its truth.

Hear us, good Lord.

Encourage and prosper your servants who spread the gospel in all the world, and send out laborers into the harvest.

Hear us, good Lord.

Bless and keep your people, that all may serve you through Godly vocation and ministry.

Hear us, good Lord.

Give us hearts to love and revere you, that we may diligently live according to your commandments.

Hear us, good Lord.

Special prayers of intercession

Concluding Prayers

Son of God, we ask you to hear us.

Son of God, we ask you to hear us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

Grant us peace.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

All these things we ask confidently in Jesus’ name, as we join to pray:

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.

CHOIR: Remember Me

The sacrament

We continue in the hymnal on p. 21.

DISTRIBUTION: 135 – The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord
We will sing this hymn in its entirety.  

STRIPPING OF THE ALTAR
During this time, the chancel paraments and furnishings will be solemnly stripped in token of the Lord’s abandonment by his disciples.  

1    O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you.  2    May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.  3    For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave.  4    I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength.
5    I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. 6    You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
7    Your wrath lies heavily upon me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.    
8    You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape;
9    my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, O Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you.
10    Do you show your wonders to the dead?  Do those who are dead rise up and praise you?    
11    Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? 12    Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? 

13    But I cry to you for help, O Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14    Why, O Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? 15    From my youth I have been afflicted and close to death; I have suffered your terrors and am in despair.
16    Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. 17    All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me.
18    You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend. 

Good Friday Worship: 7 PM

Easter Sunday: Men arrive at 6:30 AM.  Breakfast, 7:30-9 AM.
Worship service for the Festival of the Resurrection, with Holy Communion, at 9:30 AM. 
Bible class will look at 1 Corinthians 15.

THIS WEEK

Friday        1 Kings 4

        7 PM - Good Friday Tenebrae Worship

Saturday    1 Kings 5

        9:30 AM - Bible Basics 

Sunday    1 Kings 6

        6:30 - Men arrive to cook breakfast
        7:30-9 AM - Easter Breakfast

        9:30 - Easter Festival Worship

Monday    7 PM - Council Meeting

Friday        3;45-7:30 PM - Family Fun Fair 

Sunday    9:30 Worship, 10:45 Bible class & Voters’ Mtg

NOTES

Special Council meeting, April 2 at 7 PM.

District President Degner will be at Shepherd of the Lakes for Bible class hour on April 8.  He will lead us through the doctrine of the call, our orderly calling process in the Wisconsin Synod . . .
. . . and the Bible class hour with President Degner will conclude with a brief voters’ meeting to ratify our congregation’s course of action.

Scrip is available.
Talk to Lisa Swift & see the handout in your mailbox.

The Triduum: The “Three Holy Days”

The enormous significance of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection has always been the central focus of Christian worship.  Prior to the fourth century, Easter Day itself included all three emphases, but thereafter they were distributed over three days of special observance, which Augustine called “the most holy Triduum of the crucified, buried, and risen Lord.”  The Latin term “Triduum” means “three days” and refers to the Holy Week services held on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday – the Easter Vigil, an evening service that was the time of baptism for those instructed during Lent.  These three days have long been understood as the high point of the church’s year.

Since the last half of the 20th century, Lutherans have been rediscovering the richness of the ancient Triduum and adapting the traditional services associated with it for use in evangelical Lutheran worship. Our WELS Commission on Worship included these forms of the Triduum services:

- Maundy Thursday communion service with the stripping of the altar;
- Service of the Cross of Christ, intended for Good Friday afternoon;
- Service of Darkness (Latin “Tenebrae”) for Good Friday evening;
- The Great Vigil of Easter, an Easter Eve service intended for Holy Saturday.  (Also commonly used as an Easter sunrise service for those without Saturday worship.)

This year’s Good Friday worship is a Tenebrae service, focusing on the theme of repentance & restoration.  There will be readings from the book of Lamentations, concluding with John’s account of the crucifixion.  (By contrast, last year’s Good Friday Service of the Cross of Christ focused on the seven statements of Jesus from the cross.)  

Conceptually, the Triduum worship services are one service extended over the “three holy days.”  That is why there is no closing blessing for the Maundy Thursday service or Good Friday services; there is no invocation for the Good Friday services or the Easter vigil.  

Worship audio from Palm Sunday (March 25, 2018).  Includes Pastor Hagen's announcement that he's taking the call to serve Resurrection of Maumee, OH.  Bulletin below.
Green Pastures with Jesus is the podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN.  Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  

Find us online: 
www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes
Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.
Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.
323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MN
[email protected] or (507) 236-9572

iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2  
Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stpr
Or simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app.

Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band.  Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine.

Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes!  We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all.  Come, let us worship!

For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place.  The restrooms are located on the lower level.  Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns.  

Lord Jesus, you came to your own, gentle and riding on a donkey.  Come in your Word today, as you promised; prepare me for your heavenly kingdom, and lead me to love you above all else.  AMEN.

Law & Gospel:

The Law rebukes unbelief, that is, when people do not believe God’s Word. Now the Gospel is God’s Word, and it alone properly teaches and commands people to believe in Christ. The Holy Spirit, through the Law’s office, also rebukes unbelief, that is, when people do not believe in Christ.

20 Yet it is properly the Gospel alone that teaches about saving faith in Christ. Now, a person has not kept God’s Law, but has transgressed it when his corrupt nature, thoughts, words, and works fight against it. Therefore, he is under God’s wrath, death, all temporal calamities, and the punishment of hellfire. The Gospel is properly a doctrine that teaches what a person should believe, so that he receives forgiveness of sins with God. In other words, it teaches that God’s Son, our Lord Christ, has taken upon Himself and borne the Law’s curse and has atoned and paid for all our sins. Through Him alone we again enter into favor with God, receive forgiveness of sins through faith and are delivered from death and all the punishments of sins, and are eternally saved.

Formula of Concord, Article 5  (Concordia p. 555)

Because He Knew: He Rode into Jerusalem

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to the acclamation of the crowd. 
Why do we sing Hosanna?

PROCESSIONAL: 131 vv. 1-3 – All Glory, Laud, and Honor

All glory, laud, and honor   To you, Redeemer, King,  
To whom the lips of children   Made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel   And David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming,   Our King and blessed one!

All glory, laud, and honor   To you, Redeemer, King,  
To whom the lips of children   Made sweet hosannas ring.
The company of angels   Is praising you on high,
And we with all creation   In chorus make reply.

All glory, laud, and honor   To you, Redeemer, King,  
To whom the lips of children   Made sweet hosannas ring.
The people of the Hebrews   With palms before you went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems   Before you we present.

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen!

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!  Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey.

Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness:

Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions.  I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good.  For this I deserve your punishment, both now and in eternity.  But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and his given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen!

    4.All glory, laud, and honor   To you, Redeemer, King,  
To whom the lips of children   Made sweet hosannas ring.
To you before your passion   They sang their hymns of praise;
To you, now high exalted,   Our melody we raise.

All glory, laud, and honor   To you, Redeemer, King,  
To whom the lips of children   Made sweet hosannas ring.
As you received their praises,   Accept the prayers we bring,
O source of ev’ry blessing,   Our good and gracious King!

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

M: We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palm in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever 

C: Amen.

CHORAL ANTHEM: He Comes in the Name of the Lord

The Word

FIRST READING: Zechariah 9:9-10

The coming of the King, and a picture of his Kingdom:

9Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion!  Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! 

Look! Your King is coming to you.  He is righteous and brings salvation. 

He is humble and is riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

10I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. 

The battle bow will be taken away, and he will proclaim peace to the nations.  His kingdom will extend from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. 

This is the Word of the Lord.   
Thanks be to God!

PSALM OF THE DAY: 24, CW p. 73

SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11

Christ willingly took on the character of a servant, even to death:

So then, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For i5Indeed, let this attitude be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. 6Though he was by nature God, he did not consider equality with God as a prize to be displayed, 7but he emptied himself by taking the nature of a servant. When he was born in human likeness, and his appearance was like that of any other man, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. 9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  

THEME VERSE: John 12:23

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 

Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL READING: Mark 11:1-10

The King comes to save his people:

Glory be to you, O Lord!

As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it, and he will send it back here without delay.’”
                                . . . continued . . .

4They left and found a colt on the street, tied at a door; and they untied it. 5Some who were standing there asked them, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6The disciples answered them just as Jesus had instructed them, and the men let them go. 

7They brought the colt to Jesus, threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. 8Many people spread their garments on the road. Others spread branches that they had cut from the fields. 

9Those who went in front and those who followed were crying out, 

Hosanna! 

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 

10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! 

Hosanna in the highest! 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN OF THE DAY: 134 – O Bride of Christ, Rejoice

SERMON based on Mark 11: Hosanna!

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Apostles’ Creed, p. 19

OFFERING

PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: 133 – Ride On, Ride On in Majesty

CLOSING PRAYER: CW p. 25

CLOSING HYMN: 341 – Crown Him with Many Crowns

THIS WEEK

Today        2 Samuel 23

        9:30 -  Palm Sunday Worship

        10:45 - Sunday School, Bible class

Monday    2 Samuel 24

Tuesday    1 Kings 1

        7 PM - CAP Class 

Wednesday    1 Kings 2

        5-6 PM - Small Catechism Class 

Thursday    1 Kings 3

        7 PM - Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion

Friday        1 Kings 4

        7 PM - Good Friday Worship

Saturday    1 Kings 5

        9:30 AM - Bible Basics 

Sunday    1 Kings 6

        6:30 - Men arrive to cook breakfast
        7:30-9 AM - Easter Breakfast

        9:30 - Easter Festival Worship

NOTES

Holy Week this week.