Let us Pray:
Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and he world was changed forever.cTeach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen.
First reading: Acts 4:32-35
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. 35 They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Word of God; Word of Life. R/ Thanks be to God.
Psalm 133: The Blessedness of Unity; A Song of Ascents.
1 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore.
Second Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2
1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Word of God; Word of Life. R/ Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel according to John. R/ Glory to you O Lord
John 20:19-31
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
click on this link For the sermon from Bishop Michael Pryse.
https://elcic.box.com/s/f7lmydpjgwi5marp26uwz5plxussgrmx
Let us Pray:
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.
The congregation is invited to offer silent prayers in each area. If words are difficult, you are invited to sit and breathe, knowing that God does not need words to know our deepest desires.
Let us pray for the unity of the Whole church on earth: Lord in your mercy R/ hear our prayer
Let us pray for the care of this earth and all creation: Lord in your mercy R/ hear our prayer
Let us pray for nations and those in authority: Lord in your mercy R/ hear our prayer
Let us pray for the power of a generous spirit within our heart: Lord in your mercy R/ hear our prayer
Let us pray for our community to live together in love: Lord in your mercy R/ hear our prayer
Let us pray for the gift of eternal life: Lord in your mercy R/ hear our prayer
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the hope of New life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
We have been blessed with many gifts.
Take this time to offer gratitude through our gifts and tithes.
And now receive this blessing:
The God of life, Father + Son and Holy Spirit
Bless you now and forever. Amen.
GO IN PEACE, SHARE THE GOOD NEWS
THANKS BE TO GOD!
Hymns and liturgy used with permission through OneLicense #A736624. All Rights reserved. Special thanks to Tim McNabb of Halifax Lutheran Church of the Resurrection for his musical contribution of Psalm 133.
finding Grace in Surprising Ways 