SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 20, 2012

“CONNECTING PEOPLE TO JESUS AND TO ONE ANOTHER TO SERVE THE WORLD”

As We Gather

Today, between our Lord's ascension and Pentecost, we see Christ's ministry continuing through His Church as Matthias is selected to replace Judas. We are part of that legacy of Christ's ministry, shaped and sustained by the truth of Christ revealed to us in Word and Sacrament.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion is being celebrated today. It is the belief of the Lutheran Church, based on Jesus’ own words, that in this Sacrament His body and blood are really present and that forgiveness of sins and the assurance of salvation are offered to all who come confessing their sins and believing in Him. Communion is therefore offered to those who share this confession of faith. Children who are not yet confirmed are invited to come forward with their parents to receive a blessing. Guests who may have questions about Communion at Mt. Calvary are encouraged to talk to Pastor Brighton.

PRELUDE

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING

OPENING HYMN: “Come, Thou Almighty King” Hymn #905

THE INVOCATION

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

THE CONFESSION OF SINS AND ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Although God declares us righteous for Jesus' sake and has incorporated us into the Church, the Body of Christ, we must admit that we do not always meditate on His law or follow His ways. Let us prepare to confess our sins.

(Please kneel)

Almighty God,

We confess that, like the wicked, we have not relied on Your mercy and grace to sustain us each day. We have failed to meditate on Your Word and have listened to the advice of worldly people. We have not recognized that You know everything about us. For Jesus' sake, forgive us; continue to nourish us with Your Word and Sacraments so that we may thrive as trees planted by streams of living water. We desire to prosper Your kingdom as did Your saints in generations before us.

Indeed, God knows our ways! On account of Christ's sacrifice, our heavenly Father looks down on us in love, grace, and mercy, claiming us as His righteous children. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

-1-

THE HYMN OF PRAISE: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” (Hymn #791)

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.

Him serve with mirth, His praise forthtell;

Come ye before Him and rejoice.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

The God whom heav’n and earth adore,

From us and from the angel host

Be praise and glory evermore.

THE PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation, but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

(Please be seated)

THE FIRST READING: Acts 1:12-26 (Jesus' ministry continues with a replacement for Judas.)

¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. ¹³ When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴ They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶ and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

¹⁸ (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’

²¹ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²² beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

-2-

THE EPISTLE READING: 1 John 5:9-15 (Our faith testifies to our eternal life in Christ.)

⁹ We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. ¹⁰ Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. ¹¹ And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

THE ALLELUIA VERSE:

THE HOLY GOSPEL IS ANNOUNCED:

The Holy Gospel according to St. John the seventeenth chapter.

THE GOSPEL: John 17:11b-19 (Jesus prays for the ministry of His Church after His ascension.)

¹¹ Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. ¹² While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

¹³ “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. ¹⁴ I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

-3-

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pete LeBorious

Director of Christian Education

ANTHEM (10:45am service) “The Lord’s Prayer” Sunday School Choir

THE HYMN OF THE DAY: “What Is the World to Me” Hymn #730

THE MESSAGE “Home” based on John 17:11b-19

THE NICENE CREED:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS: After each petition, the Worship Leader will say, “Lord in Your mercy,” and the congregation will respond, “Hear our prayer.”

THE GATHERING OF THE TITHES AND OFFERINGS

++ The Stewardship Thought ++

Because the promotion of God’s glory is our object in all that we do,

we use His blessings and gifts to glorify Him.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)

-4-

THE OFFERTORY: “We Praise You, O God” (Hymn #785)

We praise You, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;

In grateful devotion our tribute we bring.

We lay it before You, we kneel and adore You;

We bless Your holy name, glad praises we sing.

With voices united our praises we offer

And gladly our songs of thanksgiving we raise.

With You, Lord, beside us, Your strong arm will guide us.

To You, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!

THE ORDER OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE PREFACE

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing:

-5-

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.

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE SHARING OF THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

THE DISTRIBUTION (The center cup in each tray is white grape juice for

those allergic to alcohol or pregnant moms.)

THE DISTRIBUTION HYMNS: “Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray” Hymn #623

“Beautiful Savior” Hymn #537

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” Hymn #643

-6-

THE POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

Gracious God, our heavenly Father, You have given us a foretaste of the feast to come in the holy Supper of Your Son’s body and blood. Keep us firm in the true faith throughout our days of pilgrimage that, on the day of His coming, we may, together with all Your saints, celebrate the marriage feast of the lamb in His kingdom which has no end; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

THE BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

Amen.

THE CLOSING HYMN: “Guide Me, O Though Great Redeemer” Hymn #918

A MOMENT FOR SILENT PRAYER

THE POSTLUDE

Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with permission.

Divine Service Two, First Setting from Lutheran Worship © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted with permission.

All scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright © 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Voters Meeting Today! We will meet in the Michael Fellowship Hall for our Voters meeting at 12:30 pm. A light lunch (pizza and salad) will be served at noon. Come on down and join your fellow members as we conduct the church’s business!

Last Call for Graduates! We will honor all of our graduates next weekend, whether they are in town or not. Please contact the church office with the following information: Name of graduate and where graduating from, along with future plans.

This week’s Altar Flowers were provided by Gary & Lexie Hadley in honor of their granddaughter, Sara Van Lannen’s, birthday.

Newsletter Deadline: Please have all items for the June Newsletter in to the office by May 25^th.

Food Bank Collection Services – This is just a reminder that next weekend is “Food Bank Collection” Services.  All members are encouraged to help support this ongoing outreach project.  Items needed are:  non-perishable food, soap, laundry soap, tooth brushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, deodorant and diapers.   Please bring your items to whichever service you attend.  There will be a couple of boxes to collect all food items and a big “Thank You” from Social Ministry.

-7-

Mount Calvary has received gifts in memory of Mary Hood from Richard & Pat Stetzler, Bruce & Barbara Bauman and Jimmy & Ginger Martin.

Rebuilding Together Thanks – I want to thank all of the volunteers who came out and represented Mt Calvary at the Saturday, May 5^th, 2012 Rebuilding Together workday in Warner Robins.  This year the team built a rear porch railing, repaired several gutters, replaced the floor in the bathroom and painted a bedroom.  They also did a considerable amount of yard work and discovered and had a major plumbing problem repaired.  The homeowner was very happy and appreciative of our efforts and results.  Thanks also to Pete LeBorious and his family for providing lunches and drinks for our team.  A special thanks to Don Netzinger and Dick Kesler for the extra time they spent with me working on this project.  Roger Moeller, Team Captain   

Vacation Bible School – Mark your calendar today for this year’s Vacation Bible School. The Amazing Grace! Join us the week of June 11^th-15^th from 9 am till noon as we race through the Bible to discover God’s priceless gift! Our week will be full of high-energy worship, life application Bible study time, creative crafts, amazing recreation, hilarious puppets, and tasty snacks. Pre-register today. 3k - 7^th grade. Look for information at the Information Desk or contact Toli at mt-cal-dcm@att.net

Come out and support the church softball team! This week’s games: 1) Central Baptist at 9:15 pm Monday at Peavy 1; and 2) First Baptist Garmon at 8:30 pm Thursday at Peavy 2.

NEW CHURCH E-MAIL ADDRESSES

OLD ONES WILL NO LONGER WORK AFTER THIS MONTH

Pastor Brighton Pastor_Brighton@yahoo.com (No Change)

Church Office Mt-Cal@att.net

Jerry Bisping Jerry.Bisping@att.net

Pete LeBorious DCEPete@att.net

Tim Jacobsmeyer Music-Man@att.net

Vicar (Luke) Mt-Cal-Vicar@att.net

DCM (Toli) Mt-Cal-DCM@att.net

Don Netzinger Biz.Mgr@att.net

Ruthie Radcliff Ruthie-Radcliff@att.net

Don’t forget “The Fish”, our own Mount Calvary free classified ad page. Check out the current issue on the bulletin boards and the table by the front doors to see what’s for sale and what services our members can help you with. If you have items you’d like to sell or have publicized, contact Ruthie Radcliff at 397-0630 or e-mail her at ruthie-radcliff@att.net.

-8-

PRAYER CONCERNS

Jeannie Hawkins, who will be tested for cancer of the epiglottis.

Rita Crews (Betty Cummings’ friend) who is having a heart valve replaced.

Earl Bogardus, who is battling pneumonia.

Keep in your prayers: Susan Kesler, Katelyn Mae Langford, Carleen Barefoot (Nancy Gerstenberger’s mother), Lonny Walker, Grace Walker (daughter of Lonny & Elizabeth), Jim Coe (friend of the Kirchoff’s), Darryl Mastenbrook, Carol Combs, Dana McIlwain (Pat Wolfe’s daughter), Lois O’Neal, Coyt Young, Debi Cannon (Betty Cummings’ daughter), Deborah Holt (daughter of Vic Robbins), Diane McCall, Libby Parsons, Gus Fuerst (Sharon’s husband), Margaret Jennings, Jo Ann Smith, Suanne Conner (Carl & Barb Pirkle’s daughter), Larry Warner, Charles Hickman (Allen’s father), Marie Gregersen (Karen Harmon’s friend), Donna Boyt and her young children Rachel and Jonathan (friend of Karen Harmon and Rosa Foskey’s granddaughter), John Hoar, Betsy Luppino, Joe Hill (Cynthia Nelson’s father), Gordon Nelson (DJ’s father), Carol Quednow, Naomi Clark (friend of Pat Hickman), Betty Kroeger (Nancy Hoar’s mother), Annamarie vonDebschitz, John Lewis (Julie Dimes’ father), Sam Meador (neighbor of Sue Glaser), Sonya Popken and Gail Calhoun (Sonya Popken’s mom), that help may be found for their continuing health problems.

All those battling cancer, including Peggy Rodriguez, Leslie Lorenz (friend of Jack & Janet Morse and Riley Hood), Linda Faye Booher (friend of Roger & Gina Peterson), Lisa Smith (Jack & Janet Morse’s daughter), Paul Brown, Bryan Teel (friend of Ken Wallace, brother to Susan Wallace and Karen Harmon), Judy Phillips (friend of Leo & Joann Ladzinske), Elaine Mead (Jeannie Hawkins’ aunt), Helen Tolhurst (Jan Kirchoff’s aunt), Steve Engle (son of Don & Anne Engle), Bob Gerstenberger, Ginger Martin, Gerry Mortensen (Dave Gourley’s uncle), Merlin Schuman (Joan Steese’s brother), Jim Carroll (Laura Haas’ brother), Jan Dawson (Mike’s stepmother), John White, James Nichols (Rhonda Ramster’s dad), Lois Harter, Anne Engle, Beth Mastenbrook, Danny Grube, Barbara Arnold (Cindy Schafer’s sister), Sam Jackson and Bruce Oswalt (Krystal Ferguson’s father).

Mark Ennis, Chris Dierking, John Williams, Michael Welch, Jonathan Fetchik, Christian Corbitt, Gil Holcomb, Brandis Holcomb & John McIlvoy for safety and good health as they serve our country in dangerous areas.

SERVING US TODAY

PREACHER: Vicar Luke Anderson. LITURGIST: Pastor David Brighton. ELDERS: Van Bareither (8 am) and D. J. Nelson (10:45 am). ORGANIST: Tim Jacobsmeyer. ACOLYTES: Hannah Miller (8 am) and Trevor Hudlin (10:45 am). USHERS: Early – Tim Vossler, Don Parrott, Ralph Wenrick, Dale Hawkins & Larry Ellgass. Late – Paul Ferguson, Sam Culpepper, Dale Channell, Champ Aldredge & Mark Burnette. ALTAR GUILD: Sallie Brinkley, Barbara Locke, Sherry Parsons & Pat Stetzler. LAY READERS: Steve Kirchoff (8 am) and Carolyn Burnam (10:45 am).

SERVING US NEXT WEEK

ELDERS: Open (Sat), David Miller (8 am) and Jon Peterson (10:45 am). ACOLYTES: Emilie Shirley (Sat – 6 pm), William Fishbeck (8 am) & Alex Rozeboom (10:45 am). ALTAR GUILD: Debbie Fingles, Jeannie Hawkins & Susan Julson. LAY READERS: John Harmon (Sat 6 pm), Darron Counselman (8 am) and Pat Aldredge (10:45 am). GREETERS: Carl & Charleen Beahm (Sat - 6 pm), Laird & Judy Van Gorder (8 am) and John & Marie White (10:45 am).

NEXT WEEK’S READINGS

Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Acts 2:1-21

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK

Saturday – 56 Early – 98 Late – 205 Total – 359

THIS WEEK AT MOUNT CALVARY

Today 12:30 pm Voters Meeting

6:30 pm TAG Night

Monday 6:20 pm Evangelism Callers

Tuesday 11:00 am Prayer Group (Bride’s Room)

6:30 pm Praise Team Rehearsal

Wednesday 12:15 pm Prayer Group

Thursday 10:00 am Ladies Bible Study

Saturday 2:00 pm Wedding

Next Sunday Graduate Recognition