AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SUN CITY

Welcome! If this is your first time at American Lutheran Church of Sun City, we invite you to sign our Guest Book located in the Narthex. Also, please fill out the Welcome Pad placed in your pew.

OUR MISSION: To proclaim the love of Jesus Christ, invite others to participate in our faith community, and be a blessing to all in word and deed.

A Singing Sermon: Song, Word & Spirit Pastor Gary E. Benson

Third Sunday of Easter April 21, 2018 4:00 p.m.

April 22, 2018 8:30/10:30 a.m.

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WE GATHER

GATHERING MUSIC PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP (Saturday) The King of Love My Shepherd Is ST. COLUMBA, arr. D. Wood (Sunday) Shepherd Me, O God Marty Haugen/Mark Hayes Carol Fagerlund, Soloist; Priscilla Woodley, Piano (text/refrain, pg. 13) WELCOME AND MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

(Today’s theme) The image of the Good Shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us to life. It is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love, that gives the shepherd authority. The shepherd’s willingness to lay down his life for the sheep shows his love. First John illustrates what it means to lay down our lives for one another by the example of sharing our wealth with any sister or brother in need.

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^OPENING HYMN The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want LBW 451 (^ Indicates to stand)

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P: Alleluia! Christ is risen! C: He 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. P: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism and the hope we have in Jesus,

who died but has risen, we gather this day with faith and joy to worship in the name of (+) the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen.

^APOSTOLIC GREETING

OPENING INVOCATION

P: This is the day that the LORD has made. C: Let us rejoice and be glad in it! P: Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Exult, all creation around

God’s throne! C: Jesus Christ, our King, is risen! P: Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor, radiant in the brightness of your King! C: Sound the trumpet of salvation! P: Christ has conquered! Glory fills you! Darkness vanishes forever! C: The risen Savior shines upon us! P: Let this place resound with joy, echoing the mighty song of all God’s people! C: Jesus Christ, our King, is risen! Alleluia! Amen. P: Alleluia! Christ is risen! C: He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen!

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ORDER OF CONFESSION

P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.

P: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But we know that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ. Therefore, if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us then open ourselves to the Lord and confess our sins in penitence, faith, and hope. Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death.

HYMN OF PRAISE Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! LBW 144

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C: We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

P: Hear the good news! In raising Jesus from the grave, you are no longer captives, but are set free. Hear God say to you now: “Your sins are forgiven.” As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. God has made you alive together with Christ by nailing your trespasses to the cross. By grace you have been saved. Go in the knowledge of this salvation to serve God and one another.

C: Thanks be to God! Amen.

SALUTATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY

P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you.

P: Let us pray. O Lord Christ, good shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen.

ANTHEM (Saturday) The Twenty-Third Psalm Albert Malotte Carol Fagerlund, Soloist; Priscila Woodley, Piano (text, pg.13)

(Sunday) The New 23rd Ralph Carmichael Celebration Choir (text, page 14)

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FIRST LESSON Acts 4:5-12

Peter and John had been arrested the previous day because they were proclaiming the news of the resurrection to the people. In today’s reading, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit so that he is able to proclaim salvation in Jesus’ name to the religious authorities.

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

PSALM 23

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^ ALLELUIA VERSE

^ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL

SECOND LESSON 1 John 3:16-24

Jesus’ death on our behalf is the clearest demonstration of divine love. This is the very love we share with others, not just through our words but especially through our deeds. In sharing such love, we fulfill God’s commandments.

L: This is the Word of the Lord C: Thanks be to God!

^READING OF THE GOSPEL John 10:11-18

In language that recalls the twenty-third Psalm, Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who cares for his sheep. He is willing to die for them, and he is able to overcome death for them.

^RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL

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^CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again

to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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OFFERTORY RESPONSE

OFFERTORY (Saturday) Shepherd Me, O God Marty Haugen/Mark Hayes Carol Fagerlund, Soloist; Priscilla Woodley, Piano (text p. 13) (Sunday) The King of Love My Shepherd Is ST. COLUMBA, arr. D. Wood

SERMON A Singing Sermon: Song, Word & Spirit Pastor Gary E. Benson

Please see the “Singing Sermon Songbook” insert for texts and melodies.

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^BLESSING AND RESPONSE Threefold Amen (All sing)

^THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

P: Rejoicing in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we pray for the witness of the church, the wholeness of creation, and all who are in need.

(Following each petition) Lord in your mercy… C: Hear our prayer. P: We entrust all our prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them by the power

of the Holy Sprit and the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who taught us to pray...

^PRAYERS

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^CLOSING HYMN Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia! LBW 128

^DISMISSAL P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. C:Thanks be to God! POSTLUDE Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing arr. David Paxton

~Our worship continues in the Chapel as all are invited to partake in Holy Communion~

Please join us for coffee in the Fellowship Hall between the Sunday services

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

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The Twenty-Third Psalm Albert Malotte Carol Fagerlund, Soloist; Priscila Woodley, Piano

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (cont.)

Refrain: Shepherd me, O God beyond my wants beyond my fears from death into life. God is my shepherd so nothing shall I want I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love I walk by the quiet waters of peace. (Refrain) Gently You raise me and heal my weary soul You lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth My spirit shall sing the music of Your Name. (Refrain) Though I should wander the valley of death I fear no evil for You are at my side Your rod and Your staff my comfort and my hope. (Refrain) You have set me a banquet of love In the face of hatred Crowning me with love beyond my power to hold. (Refrain) Surely Your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore. (Refrain)

Shepherd Me, O God Marty Haugen /Mark Hayes Carol Fagerlund, Soloist; Priscilla Woodley, Piano

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Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything that I need.

He lets me rest in meadows green and leads me beside the quiet stream; He keeps on giving life to me and helps me to do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death. I will never be afraid, for He is close beside me. Guarding, guiding all the way, He spreads a feast before me. In the presence of my enemies He welcomes me as His special guest With blessings overflowing, His goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life. And afterwards I shall live with him forever in his home.

The New 23rd Ralph Carmichael Celebration Choir

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil,

my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, and evermore.

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WEEKEND PASTORAL CARE – If you have a pastoral care situation on the weekend, please call the church office at 623.974.2512 and press 109 for the Care Pastors’ voicemail. If you have an emergency, call any of the pastors at their home numbers (found in the church directory) until you contact one.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pastor’s Bible Study— Tues,10:00 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Benson’s final

bible study—please join him one last time!

Men’s Bible Study- Thursdays, 8:00 am, in Room C. Please join us as we study the

scripture lessons for next weekend. See lessons on reverse page.

Women’s Bible Study— Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month in the Multi-Purpose

Room, October through April.

Bible Study with Dianne— Fridays, 9-11 am, in Ed A/B. See you in November!

Pastor’s Bible Study ~ Pastor Benson will hold his final bible study this Tuesday, 10:00 am, with an all-encompassing topic. He hopes that all who

have been involved in the past will join him one last time. (There will be no Pastor’s Bible Study during the month of May.)

Danube River Cruise meeting Sun, April 22, Noon, in the Fellowship Hall.

National Day of Prayer Breakfast, May 3, 8:00 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up today in the courtyard to make a reservation for breakfast and to sign up for a personal 15 minute Vigil of Prayer in the Chapel, between 9 am - 4 pm.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE ALC FAMILY? Speak with Pastor Chuck Paulson today or call the church office (623-974-2512) and ask for Pastor Chuck or Diane Lewis. New-Member Orientation sessions will begin Sat, May 5, 9:30 am, in Ed A/B, and runs for 4 weeks. New members will be received Sunday, May 27.

Save the weekend of May 20th for Pastor Benson’s Retirement Services (and 70th birthday!). A cake reception will take place following all three services.

COMING SOON! Take It Or Donate It Quilt Sale on Mother’s Day Weekend.

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PASTORAL STAFF

Rev. Gary E. Benson – Senior Pastor g.benson@alcsuncity.org

Rev. Ellis E. Eskritt – Lead Pastor of Care e.eskritt@alcsuncity.org

Rev. Charles T. Paulson – Pastor of Outreach cpaulson@cox.net

Rev. Gary R. Ulrich – Pastor of Care g.ulrich@alcsuncity.org

Rev. Gary R. Garvey – Visitation Pastor g.garvey@alcsuncity.org

American Lutheran Church of Sun City 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ

85373 Phone: 623.974.2512, Fax: 623.974.2515

www.alcsuncity.org Office Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Liturgy, hymns and praise songs are reprinted with permission from Augsburg Fortress License #9786000167707/

CCLI License #511983

Sunday, April 22 8:30/10:30 am Worship –1 9:30 Coffee Fellowship –5 12:00 River Cruise Meeting –5 2:30 Spirit in the Desert Open House 3:00 West Valley Youth Orchestra –1

($5 @ door)

Monday, April 23 9:00 Sewing/Crafts/Pr. Shawl –5 1:00 Global Health Ministries –5 3:00 Intercessors –11 3:00 Call Committee –10

Tuesday, April 24 8:00 Church Council Meeting –9 10:00 Pastor’s Bible Study (last one) –5 12:00 Cactus Conf. Pastors –19 3:30 Christo Bells –1 6:30 AA – 10 6:30 Al-Anon – 9

Wednesday, April 25 12:00 Staff Appreciation Luncheon –9 1:30 Staff Meeting –19

Thursday, April 26 8:00 Men’s Bible Study – 10 10:00 Freedom Plaza Communion 10:30 Cursillo Small Group –11 2:30 Celebration Choir –12

Friday, April 27 8:00 Outreach Crew –9 8:00 Bulletin Crew –10 9:30 Faith Exercise @ ALC –6 11:00 Morning Ladies @ 5 & Diner 7:30 Phoenix Chorale –1 (phoenixchorale.org for tickets)

Saturday, April 28 9:00 El Dorado @ El Dorado 10:30 Virginia Blair Memorial –1/5 4:00 Worship – 1

Sunday, April 29 8:30/10:30 Worship – 1 9:30 Coffee Fellowship –5 3:00 Orpheus Male Chorus –1 (Orpheus.org for tickets $15/$20)

Next Week’s Lessons: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8

SERVING TODAY IN WORSHIP

LAY READERS: Bette Krenzke, Dick Jorgenson, Denice Louderback

TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS ARE PROVIDED BY: Ken & Sharon Friedrichsen ~ In memory of loved ones Mike & Grace Simons ~ In celebration of Eleanor Simon’s 99th birthday

Weekly sermon videos may be viewed on

our website, alcsuncity.org, under the

Worship and Events banner.