April 25, 2021 4th Sunday of Easter “The Abundant Life” Ezekiel Lutheran Church In-Person Worship 4th Sunday of Easter “The Abundant Life” John 10:11-18; 1 John 3:16-24 Sunday, April 25, 2021

Welcome to Ezekiel Lutheran Church! We are pleased that you are worshipping with us today! Today is what we often call, in this Season of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday. So that would ex- plain the several references to shepherds and sheep in today’s scripture readings, songs and pray- ers. Verses before today's gospel, calls himself "the gate". The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our head with oil and guides us besides the still waters of our bap- tism. Each Sunday, he spreads a feast before us in the midst of the world's violence and war, temptations and confusion. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God's care to all of creation.

Prelude “Allegro and Pastorale” Domenico Zipoli Welcome Opening Song: “Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us” ELW Words of Confession and Forgiveness: L: Blessed be the holy Trinity, Father, Son, and , one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. All: Amen. L: 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. All: Amen. L: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence is kept for reflection. L: Gracious God, All: have mercy on us. We confess that we have turned from you and given ourselves into the power of sin. We are truly sorry and humbly repent. In your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things we have done and things we have failed to do. Turn us again to you, and uphold us by your Spirit, so that we may live and serve you in newness of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. L: God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through . All: Amen. Apostolic Greeting L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All: And also with you. of the Day All: 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. Amen. Lesson: 1 John 3:16-24 Psalm 23 L: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. All: He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; L: he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. All: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. L: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Gospel Song “Alleluia” ELW Gospel: John 10:11-18 L: This is of our Lord. All: Praise to you O Christ. Sermon: “The Abundant Life” Pastor David Wrightsman Song of the Day: “Goodness of God” Ingram, Johnson, Cash, Fielding, Johnson 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. of the Church L: Hear us, O God. All: Your mercy is great.

Announcements

Offering “Ever Be” Strand, Wilson, Greely, Heiligenthal

Offering Prayer All: God of love, you call us beloved children and welcome us to your table. Receive our lives and the gifts we offer. Abide with us and send us in service to a world; for the sake of your beloved Child, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Words of Institution Lord’s Prayer Post Communion Blessing Blessing Closing Music

Dismissal

Distribution  As Lutherans, we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine, the body and blood of our Lord. All who desire to receive the gifs of grace, forgiveness and new life are wel- come to come to the Lord’s table. You do not need to be Lutheran or a member of Ezekiel to receive these gifts from God.  This will take place in the Narthex or Fellowship Hall on your way out; please wait for usher to release you from your pew.

Worship Assistants Pastor: David Wrightsman Musicians: John Albright (organ/piano), Matthew Mitchell, Emily Odegard, Megan Odegard, Doyle Rundle, Zach Thompson Cantors: Joyce Breen Lector: Sue Hodgson Sound: Bob Owens Ushers: Greg Carter, Bruce Peterson, Loretta Peterson, Joyce Walen Communion: Doug Cudd, Kathy Cudd, Karen Olson Altar Guild (April): Cathy Hjersjo, Sandy Tauferner, Nicky Thompson