May 3, 2020 – Easter 4 – Christ the King Lutheran Church

Make sure to scroll down for the entire service.

Welcome to the CTK "At Home" church service. Feel free to join in anytime that is convenient for you!

Sunday School Materials -- Children ages 0-109 will love these printable activities and coloring pages.

Welcome & Greeting

Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.

Call to Worship

Where is this Jesus, the one you call Messiah?
Christ is Risen! Christ is here among us!

I do not see him. I don’t believe you.
(louder) Christ is Risen! Christ is here among us!

Let me see his body, his hands and his feet.
We are Christ’s body; We are Christ’s feet.

You see the suffering in the world? Where is Jesus now?
We are going into the world to be the body of Christ.

Let us go together, let us partner with others.
For we are the body of Christ: let us share the Good News!

Opening Song

Thanksgiving for Baptism

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

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

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
we are raised with him to new life.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

Water may be poured into the font as the presiding minister gives thanks.

We give you thanks, O God,
for in the beginning you created us in your image
and planted us in a well-watered garden.
In the desert you promised pools of water for the parched,
and you gave us water from the rock.
When we did not know the way,
you sent the Good Shepherd to lead us to still waters.
At the cross, you watered us from Jesus’ wounded side,
and on this day, you shower us again with the water of life.

We praise you for your salvation through water,
for the water in this font,
and for all water everywhere.
Bathe us in your forgiveness, grace, and love.
Satisfy the thirsty, and give us the life only you can give.

To you be given honor and praise
through Jesus Christ our Lord
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

Kyrie

In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.

For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.

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.
Lord have mercy.

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.

Help, save, comfort and defend us gracious Lord.
Amen.

Canticle of Praise

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Prayer of the Day

O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading

Acts 2:42-47

Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.

⁴²[The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
⁴³Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All who believed were together and had all things in common; ⁴⁵they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Psalm

Psalm: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

¹The Lord| is my shepherd;
I shall not | be in want.
²The Lord makes me lie down | in green pastures
and leads me be- | side still waters.
³You restore my | soul, O Lord,
and guide me along right pathways | for your name’s sake.
⁴Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall | fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they | comfort me. R
⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence | of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over.
⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days | of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the | Lord forever.

Second Reading

1 Peter 2:19-25

Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.

¹⁹It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. ²⁰If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. ²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
²²“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
²³When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. ²⁴He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Gospel Song & Reading

John 10:1-10

Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.

[Jesus said:] ¹“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. ²The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
⁷So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Meditation/Homily

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Uplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

Shepherding God, we thank you for the educational ministries of your church. Enrich the work of teachers, professors, mentors, advisors, and faculty at schools, colleges, seminaries, and learning sites Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Creating God, we praise you for those who maintain and operate farm equipment, for those who plant and harvest crops, for local farmers’ markets, and for those involved in agriculture of any kind. Strengthen their hands as they feed the world. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Guiding God, no one should be in want. Bid the nations to return to your paths of righteousness and inspire our leaders to walk in your ways, so that all may have the opportunity to live abundantly and sustainably. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Comforting God, you carry us tenderly. We pray for those who walk through dark valleys overshadowed by anxiety and overwhelmed with suffering

(especially those whom we name now either silently or aloud

-- LINK TO CTK PRAYER REQUESTS).

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Nurturing God, you desire justice for the hungry. Bless advocacy work, food pantries, and feeding ministries in our congregations. May none of our neighbors lack for basic needs. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Everlasting God, your beloved have heard your voice; you have called them by name and guided them to your side in death. We thank you for their lives of faithful witness. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Passing of the Peace

Please drop in and join us in our virtual Passing of the Peace and Fellowship space on Sundays from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

https://meet.google.com/saw-xxes-khz
or
Dial-in: (US) +1 414-909-6054 PIN: 832 328 690#

Announcements

Watch the announcement video above! Thank you to Karen Creel for filming these and offering celebration and encouragement.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our friends with May Birthdays!

Many of us are shopping online these days. Please use this link when you shop on Amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to CTK!

Donate a 2020 High School Yearbook to a senior in need. Link to purchase a copy of "The Peak" yearbook: https://tinyurl.com/ybuqf48v
Fill in your name as "Angel Donor" 12th Grade
Fill in your homeroom as "Christ the King Lutheran Church"
Fill in your own email so you get a receipt.

Continue to collect your "Don't Drop the Top" for Donner Trail Elementary benches. You can drop them off at the door of the church if you'd like.

CHRIST the KING church now has online giving! Please check out our website for more information: https://ctktahoe.net/give

Offering &
Offering Prayer

Although we won’t be able to pass the offering plate, CTK's expenses do not decrease. In fact, some church expenses have already or will soon increase as we assist in needs across Lake Tahoe and beyond. We understand the current situation not only impacts CTK's finances, but also yours.

We are hoping that if you are able, you will continue your regular weekly offering. Please visit our online giving page at https://ctktahoe.net/give

Regular and special offerings can also be mailed to: CHRIST the KING Church, PO Box 6449, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Offering Prayer:

Merciful God,
our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration,
but you make of them an abundance,
just as you do with our lives.
Prepare us for service in your name,
in the strength of the risen Christ.
Amen.

Closing Song

Benediction, Doxology, & Sending

May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead
raise you to new life, fill you with hope,
and turn your mourning into dancing.
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you now and forever. Amen.

Christ is risen, just as he said.
Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

Shares, Funnies, and Prayers

Updated weekly with items CTK friends have shared during this time. Will also include photos, etc. Please email office@ctktahoe.net or pastor@ctktahoe.net.

Acts 2:42-47

Psalm: Psalm 23

1 Peter 2:19-25

John 10:1-10

Leave a Reply Cancel reply