First Lutheran Church 408 9th Street NW

Mandan, ND 58554

Fourth Sunday of Easter

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May 3, 2020 9:30 A.M.

WELCOME TO WORSHIP

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

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.

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.

GATHERING HYMN “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” Page 8

GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

Building Faith and Transforming Lives in Christ

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PRAYER OF THE DAY Pastor: Let us pray…. 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 LESSON: 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.

Acts 2:42-47 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.

The Word of the Lord. RESPONSE: Thanks be to God.

PSALM: Psalm 23

1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 2The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside 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. 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.

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GOSPEL: 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.

John 10:1-10

[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.”

The gospel of the Lord. “Praise to you, O Christ.”

SERMON Pastor Christina Martin

HYMN OF THE DAY “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” Page 9

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APOSTLES’ CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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 to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come 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.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

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WE GIVE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

We have to stay financially strong. The ongoing ministry of our church is dependent on the tithes and offerings of our people. Our giving has to be modified to accommodate the new reality of not gathering in person for a few weeks. Electronic giving is the best way to do this. Many of you are already on our giving platform. If you are not giving electronically, this would be a good time to do that. You can sign up here https://firstlutheranofmandan.com/. Simply click on the button on the right hand side that says “Give Online”. If you prefer to make your gifts by check, you can drop it off at the church or mail it to 408 9th St NW Mandan, ND 58554. Staying strong in worship, caring ministries, and finances is important as we work to love and serve hurting people during this tumultuous time.

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.

BENEDICTION

SENDING HYMN “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” Page 10

DOXOLOGY

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Pastor: Go in peace, serve the Lord! Cong: Thanks be to God!

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Attendance last Week: Sunday 8:30 - 10:45 - Wednesday 6:00 -

ON-GOING PRAYER CONCERNS: Noel Albrecht, Shirley Albrecht, Ernie Seeman, Amy McNalley, Darlene Hill, Crystal Halvorson, Brad Schmidt, Jared Barnhart, Joan Hanson, Arlene Dittus, Ron Otto, Elsie Rader, Rodney Olson, Wayne Walker, Edna Klein, Debbie Martineson, Kirby Johnson, Hal Lang, Patrick Lang, Walter Keidel, Jason Bjorgen, Ken Charvat, Karen Rothmann, Dave Thomas, Irene Thomas, Val Olheiser, Milo Miller, Pauline Lentz, Joann Meyer, Preston Joyce, Susan Voigt, Toby Kienzle, Ryan Hilfer, Tom Frank, Pam Weng, Claudette Thompson, Brianna Barth, Kerry Stastny, Sharon Miller, Lois Smith, Barb Carl, Darbie Young, Chris Faller, Jeff MacIver, Wally Joersz First Lutheran Church will be updating the prayer list periodically. If a name is not listed and you would like it re-listed please call the church office at 663-3594. We will re-list names for prayers.

PLEASE KEEP THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED TO SERVICE FOR OUR

COUNTRY IN YOUR PRAYERS: Todd Bauer, Alex Dove, Jacob Selzler

If you know of anyone who has ties to our congregation and is called to active duty, please contact the church office.

2020 General Fund -YTD Received Budget Difference

2020 Building Fund-YTD Received Budget Difference

____________________________________________________________ Pastor Dan Paulson’s phone number: 701-240-2681

Pastor Christina Martin’s phone number: 219-512-5517 (If you need to reach them please give them a call)

Musician: 9:30 Organ - Loretta White

17 April 26, 2020 $ 165,740.40 $ 175,423.00 $ (9,682.60)

17 April 26, 2020 $ 15,437.00 $ 19,615.45 $ (4,178.45)

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Stewardship Campaign

How are members of your congregation asked to serve? Do you primarily define service as volunteering within the church on boards or committees or other internal opportunities? Or do you provide more service opportunities that connect your members to the local community in ways that help those around you in need? It is easy to over-simplify Christianity into a weekly worship service. We worship God and make sacrifices not out of adoration, but to make God happy so that things will go well for us. This is neither worship nor stewardship. It is selfishness. As Christians, we have been made stewards of God’s name and reputation. How we care for the oppressed, the voiceless, and the weak amongst us impacts how those around us will think about our God. Proper stewardship will always take this into account and will always lead us beyond a tithe of our money, beyond religious practices, and into the humble service of others.

DOWNLOAD THE “GIVE PLUS” APP TODAY!

OR TEXT 8449340609 TO DONATE

Electronic Giving is Good for You and the Church Electronic gifts are fast and secure, and they reduce administrative costs, allowing more of every dollar to fund the important work we are called to do.• Give anytime, anywhere to your favorite funds• Schedule and manage recurring donations • Make one-time donations to special appeals • Pay for events, programs and other activities. If you would like to give electronically, visit our website or contact the church office.

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WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sunday 26 7:00 Midco Channel 12

9:30 Live Stream Worship

Monday 27

Tuesday 28

Wednesday 29 You can watch Sunday service on Face

book or our website

Thursday 30

Friday 1

Saturday 2

Sunday 3 7:00 Midco Channel 12

9:30 Live Stream Worship

______________________________________________________________________ We extend our sympathy to the family of Gen Backsen, Sandy Baier & Sue Ziemann’s mother. Please keep her family in your prayers. ______________________________________________________________________ We extend our sympathy to the family of Loretta Quanbeck, Kaye Effertz mother & Bernie Meyer & Mel Wegner’s sister. Please keep her family in your prayers. _______________________________________________________________________ We extend our sympathy to the family of Arnold Schultz, Kathy Elijah’s father & Kris Elijah’s grandfather. Please keep his family in your prayers.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 408 9

TH Street NW, Mandan, ND Phone: 663-3594 Fax: 663-6217

email: jackie@firstlutheranofmandan.org www.firstlutheranofmandan.org