Fourth Sunday in Easter: The Good Shepherd

Sunday, April 25, 2021
10:30 AM 11:30 AM 10:30 11:30

Union Presbyterian Church 200 E Main St Endicott, NY, 13760 United States (map)

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The Lord is my shepherd, we pray. It is an image so familiar, we may forget the depth of its meaning. Join us this day at Union Presbyterian Church in Endicott- in person at 10:30 AM or here online at 1:00 PM— as we explore this image, and what it reveals about God’s care for us.

In an abundance of care for one another, we will require pre-registration for worship, masks covering the nose and mouth for those over the age of 2, and social distancing for all who wish to attend. It is such a joy to worship together. You are invited!

Easter 4 Bulletin

Union Presbyterian Church

April 25, 2021

God’s Story and Our Story: The Good Shepherd

Sharing the Light of Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Liturgist: Karl Wokan Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube

Prelude

Announcements

Flowers this week are given by Doug Moore, in honor of his wife, Jan, and his and Jan’s mothers, Mildred Moore, and Angeline Stojek.

Prelude

“Down to the River to Pray,” Douglas Wagner

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.

Welcome

Welcome, welcome back, and welcome home,

even if this is your first time with us.

Today we ponder the ancient image of God,

of Christ, as good and gentle shepherd,

and we commend a little one to the Shepherd’s care

through the sacrament of Baptism.

At the same time, we remember our own baptisms—

we ponder the deep mystery of God’s love and care for us,

Welcome. We are so grateful for each one

whether here in the sanctuary, or worshiping from the sanctuary of home,

who walks this journey with us.

Invocation

Almighty God,

you sent Jesus, our good shepherd,

to gather us together.

May we not wander from your flock,

but follow where you lead us,

listening for your voice and staying near you.

Send us out in your name to gather the lost,

to heal the injured,

and to feed the hungry,

that all might know your love.

Amen.

Hymn #522 W & R

“Shall We Gather at the River”

(Public Domain)

Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod,

With its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;

Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease;

Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;

Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

Call to New Life

Let us open our hearts to the newness of life promised in this resurrection season.

Prayer for Wholeness and Peace

God of all glory, we give you thanks

for the new life you raise up in us

through the mystery of our baptism:

the sorrow of the heavy cross;

the surprise of the empty tomb;

the love that death could not destroy.

By the power of your Holy Spirit,
let our lives be transformed by your love,
that we may proclaim the good news of the love
that breaks the chains of sin and death,
and gives us newness of life in Jesus our risen Lord.

Amen

We pause now, for a time of silent prayer.

Assurance of God’s Grace (responsive)

God’s love and faithfulness are from everlasting to everlasting.

We trust that there is nothing,

from life’s dawn, to its sunset,

to the great mystery beyond life itself,

that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

Sharing of the Peace

Hear the teaching of Christ:

A new commandment I give to you,

that you love one another as I have loved you.

Let us share the peace of God’s love with one another—

by a look, by smiling eyes, by a wave.

May the peace of God be with us all.

Scripture Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
    You make me lie down in green pastures,
and lead me beside still waters;
    you restore my soul.
You lead me in right paths
    for your name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff—
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Children’s Message Prayer Rev. Pat Raube

Dear God,

Thank you for your love.

Thank you that you care for us,

as a shepherd cares for their sheep.

Help us to follow where you lead.

We pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

“He Leadeth Me"

(Public Domain)

Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Today we baptize Hugo John Mattimore, son of John and Leslie Rathfon Mattimore

Words of Scripture

People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” ~Mark 10:13-14

Presentation

Pastor (to the congregation): Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support and care to this child about to be baptized, as he lives and grows in Christ?

Congregation: We do.

Renunciation and Affirmation

…And now, let all God’s people affirm our faith:

Do you believe in God, the Father almighty?

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

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

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.

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

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.

Thanksgiving For the Water

The Baptism

The Blessing

Welcome

And now, together, let the people of God welcome Hugo into this larger church family.

With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you into Christ’s church, to share with us in his ministry, for we are all one in Christ.

Music After Baptism Heather Ingraham, organ

“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” Kathleen Thomerson

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.

Scripture John 10:11-18

[Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

Response Holy Wisdom, Holy Word:

Thanks be to God!

Meditation Rev. Pat Raube

Anthem Colin DeLap / Joel Perkosky

“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

(Public Domain)

Prayers of the People

… Living God, hear our prayer.

God of all power and glory, receive these prayers and continue your mighty work among us. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our living Lord, praying as he taught us, debtors, trespassers, and sinners together:

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Prayer Response #311 R (verse 4)

“Now the Green Blade Rises”

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE,

When our hearts are wintery, grieving or in pain,
Your touch can call us back to life again;
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again, like wheat arising green.

Call for Offering

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication

God our Shepherd, you give us new birth in the waters of baptism, you anoint us with oil, and you nourish us at your table with heavenly food. Let these gifts of our hearts and lives enable us to extend ourselves in greater welcome to all in need of your care, and to go out with joy to serve and love you in one another. We pray in your holy name. Amen.

Hymn

“My Shepherd, You Supply My Need”

(Public Domain)

My Shepherd, you supply my need; most holy is your name;

In pastures fresh you make me feed, beside the living stream.

You bring my wandering spirit back, when I forsake your ways;

You lead me, for your mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace.

When through the shades of death I walk, your presence is my stay;

One word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.

Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;

My cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.

Your sure provisions, gracious God attend me all my days;

Oh, may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.

Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;

No more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.

Benediction

Let us go out with joy, knowing there is One who will lead us in God’s beautiful and broken world, and as we go, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit be with each and with all of us, this day and forever more. Christ is risen! Go in peace.

Thanks be to God.

Postlude

“A Cheerful Trumpet," Patricia Lou Harris

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE.