ASCENSION OF OUR LORDMay 24, 2020

Saint John Lutheran ChurchGriffin, Georgia

0

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome Thanksgiving for BaptismAlleluia! 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.Water may be poured into the font as the presiding minister gives thanks.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning you created us in your imageand 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.Our mission here at St. John is…We trust God and invite you to experience God’s inclusive Love!

Gathering Song (Next Page)

1

2

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.The Prayer of the Day Almighty God, your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. Mercifully give us faith to trust that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen.

WORDActs 1:1-11[Luke writes:] 1In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

3

Psalm 47 1Clap your hands, all you peoples;  shout to God with a joyful sound. 2For the Lord Most High is to be feared:  a great king over all the earth, 3who subdues the peoples under us,  and the nations under our feet; 4who chooses our inheritance for us,  the pride of Jacob, whom God loves.  5God has gone up with a shout,  the Lord with the sound of the ram’s horn. 6Sing praises to God, sing praises;  sing praises to our king, sing praises.  7For God is king of all the earth;  sing praises with a song. 8God reigns over the nations;  God is enthroned on high. 9The nobles of the peoples have gathered as the people of the God of Abraham.  The rulers of the earth belong to God, who is highly exalted.

Ephesians 1:15-2315I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

4

Gospel Acclamation

The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.Luke 24:44-5344[Jesus said to the eleven and those with them,] “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.”45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”  50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon Silence is kept for reflectionHymn of the Day

5

6

The Nicene CreedWe believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became truly human.for our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen

7

Prayers of IntercessionUplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

Living God, you chose us to be your witnesses in the world. We pray for the church in every place and the congregations in our community. Focus our hearts and minds on the ministry we share in your name. Bless the ministry of Agustinian Lutheran School, Guatemala and St. Johannes, Bavaria. We pray for Grace Missions and Chez Moi Orphanage, Haiti. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.Sovereign God, you rule the heavens, the earth, and time itself. Make this a time of justice, peace, and solidarity among all nations and peoples, so that oppression and violence rule no more. Protect those serving in the military, especially Ben Ogle, Chris Perrault, Chantz Roche. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.Tender God, we wait with hope for your presence to heal us, bless us, restore us, and give us peace. You know all the names of those suffering for whom we pray this day especially, Cathleen Dahl, Terry McCormick, Charlie Parks, William Panick, Bob Keener, Karen and Alvin Gruenewald, Susan and David Friend, Brandon, Stephanie and Kimber Roberts, Maureen Caldwell, April Kennedy, June Harnack, Debbie Sakmar, Pete and Marilyn Droegmiller, Myrna Schultz, John Bennett, Whitney O’Connor Hawk, Larry and Christie Stoermer, Sarah Lanier, Connie Klopfenstein and Charlie Norman, Bobbi Windsor, Carol Tackett, Dan Stewart, Ken Bell, Roger Mayo. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We pray for those celebrating birthdays, Phyllis Hutchings, Jennifer Miller; those celebrating anniversaries, Ethan Miller; expectant parents, Jonathon and Katie McDaniel. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We lift up all others we name in our hearts or on our lips….. (Pause). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

8

MEALWe Share the Peace of the LordSpecial Music Gathering of Gifts Prayer of ThanksgivingMerciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. Feed us again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.Spiritual Communion

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: 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. AmenThanksgiving for the WordThrough Jesus, your Word made flesh, you speak to us and call us to witness: forgiveness through the cross, life to those entombed by death, the way of your self-giving love. For your Word of life, O God, we give you thanks and praise.

9

SENDING

AnnouncementsBlessingGod bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.

God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.

God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

And God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done.The God of all grace ☩ bless you now and forever.Amen.Sending Hymn (next page) Dismissal As we go on our way, let us remember…We are an equipping and responding churchthat continues to grow, impact, and transform lives.Go in Peace, May the Holy Spirit guide youThanks be to God!Postlude

10

11

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION – MAY 24, 2020Cathleen Dahl, Terry McCormick, Charlie Parks, William Panick, Bob Keener, Karen and Alvin Gruenewald, Susan and David Friend, Brandon, Stephanie and Kimber Roberts, Maureen Caldwell, April Kennedy, John Roy, June Harnack, Debbie Sakmar, Pete and Marilyn Droegmiller, Myrna Schultz, John Bennett, Micah Stansell, Whitney O’Connor Hawk, Larry and Christie Stoermer, Sarah Lanier, Connie Klopfenstein and Charlie Norman, Bobbi Windsor, Carol Tackett, Dan Stewart, Ken Bell, Roger Mayo.

BIRTHDAYS BAPTISMS5/26 Jennifer Miller 5/26 Ethan Miller5/27 Phyllis Hutchings MILITARYEXPECTANT PARENTS Sequoya McLendon, Chantz Roche,Katie and Jonathon McDaniel Chris Perrault

FAMILY AND FRIENDS : Liz and Bob Sherliza, Deb Tutson, James and Ellen Granum, Brooke Davis (Friends of Saint John); Ruby Reid (family of Gwen Flowers-Taylor); Doug and Pat Sederquist (brother and Sister-in-law of Kathy and Bill Gates); Charles Harper, Tim Kennedy (family and friends of April Kennedy); Rick Schnaible, Phyllis Kesler (family of Lyle and Cheryl Kesler); Mary Locke (mother of Janet Kindred); Kim Lothrop, (family of Connie Klopfenstein); John Bechtel, Peggy Ussery, (family and friends of Sarah Lanier); Isaac Russell (family of Marcus Loner); Jim & Emma Shoup, Chuck and Bunny Blume, (friends of Tish Martin); Sara, Merline and family (Friends and family of Gwen and Charlie Parks), Melissa Roy, Mary Donna Harris (family of Jill Roy); Doug Maxwell, Max Maxwell (Brother and Father of Debbie Sakmar); Jack Bauser (family Carol Tackett), Anneka Swann, Anna Baron, Tina Sprouse, Amanda Doyle, Ted Helms, Herbert Rogers (family and friends of Bill, Cherie, and Mandy Tidwell).

PASTOR MARY’S CONTACT INFOE-mail: pastor_st.john@yahoo.com Cell is: (309)-212-0888.

COUNCIL NEWS:The Church Council has voted to keep the building closed through the end of May. The council will meet again before the end of May to discuss the possibility of extending the closure into June, or opening the church for worship.

While the building is closed, we are asking that everyone stay out of the building. If it is absolutely necessary to come into the building, please call Pastor Mary (309-212-0888) or Lynn (770-228-0662 or 404-867-5290) BEFORE ENTERING THE BUILDING. They will give you instructions on safe handling while you are in the building.

12

TITHINGThere are several ways to give to Saint John during the Covid-19 shutdown. (1) Mail your tithe to Saint John at the address listed on the next page. (2) Go online to Tithe.ly.com and give using a credit card. The easiest way to get to the correct page is to use the link in the weekly newsletter or the link on our webpage at www.stjohngriffin.org. This service does charge, so be sure to add the fees to your intended gift. (3) We are set up with United Bank to take gifts of stock. If you are interested in giving stocks, please let the office know and we will give you the contact info at United Bank.

Thank you for your continued support of Saint John and it’s ministries.

13

Saint John Lutheran Church1689 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

Griffin, GA 30224 Church Phone: 770-228-0662

Email: stjohnelca@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.stjohngriffin.org

Facebook: Saint John Evangelical Lutheran ChurchPastor Mary Armstrong-Reiner

Pastor_st.john@yahoo.comCell 309-212-0888

Support StaffLynn Jones, Administrative Assistant Amy Droegmiller, Youth LeadersMarilyn Droegmiller, Organist Gayle Harvil, Praise Team DirectorJoan Thomas, Choir Director Heather Loner, Nursery AttendantJennifer Durham, Choir Accompanist

Congregation CouncilMark Miller, President Donna MilamDon Taylor, Vice-President Phyllis HutchingsEnid Mswia, Secretary Liesl KompelienButch Armistead, Financial Secretary Tyler SwensonTish Martin, Treasurer Rita Johnson

Ministry ContactsAltar Guild: Sandra Harwood Member Care: Sarah Lanier, Cherie TidwellEducation: Phyllis Hutchings Property: John Sanders, Matt BaadeFellowship: Laura Miller, Martha Dansby Social Ministry: Jill Gates, Don TaylorFinance: Tish Martin, Butch Armistead Stewardship: Mark Miller Gifts and Memorials: Tish Martin Worship: Sandra Harwood Glocal Mission: Andy Harnack, Larry Schultz Youth Ministry: Amy Droegmiller

All liturgies, prayers, Bible passages and music are reprinted with permission from the following resources.Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License 23384;

OneLicense.net. License #A-701923; CCLI License # 2725291.

14