May 8, 2022
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship and Invitation to Lovefeast – John 21:15-17
The Moravian Grace
Be present at our table, Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored,
From thine all bounteous hand, our food,
May we receive with gratitude. Amen.
Lovefeast Conversations
“Our love for Jesus is reflected in our love for his sheep”.
How are you transformed by the love of God in Jesus? How does it help you care for his sheep? Who has demonstrated this feeding, tending and loving for you or to you in your life?
Hashtags are used to follow social media posts and gather similar posts into one spot. If we were to use, #LiveGodsLove what would we post? About us, about our church, etc.? If you like, use the paper inside the bulletin and leave us an idea for a post, an example about #LiveGodsLove.
Special Music “Feed My Sheep” Gary Gipson
Prayers of the People
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Offerings our Gifts/Remembering God’s Gifts
Hymn 819. “For the Life that You Have Given”
The Good Shepherd Liturgy (see insert)
The Good Shepherd
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, foretold by prophets, priests and kings. He was destined to be a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.
(Matthew 2:3-6)
As our Good Shepherd, he gave his life for the sake
of his sheep and made a way for us to enter his
pastures in peace.
HAYN (82 D)
Jesus makes my heart rejoice.
I’m his sheep and know his voice;
he’s a Shepherd, kind and gracious,
and his pastures are delicious;
constant love to me he shows, yea,
my very name he knows.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus lays down his life for the sheep. A hireling, who does not know the sheep, will run away if a wolf comes close. The hired hand does not care for the sheep.
The Good Shepherd knows, his sheep, as only a shepherd can.
He calls his sheep by name and welcomes them into his pasture.
The Good Shepherd has made us whole by the blood of an eternal covenant. He has made us complete in everything good so that we may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight.
May the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, keep us close to him.
(Hebrews 13:20-21)
Lord Jesus Christ, we pray now for all who confess you as Lord and Savior .
There are many sheep but only one Shepherd. For all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. We pray as well for all those who are still far away from God’s saving power:
for those who have strayed from the flock;
for those who are confused and distracted by falsehoods;
for all who are close to us in faith and heritage;
and for all who have never heard the name of
Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
We pray for their salvation that comes from profession and confidence in the strong
saving name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. (Matthew 25, Isaiah 40)
SHEPHERD (MBW 731)
Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us;
for our use your folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have brought us, yours we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have brought us, yours we are.
You have promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
you have mercy to relieve us,
grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have loved us, love us still.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will win the crown glory that never fades away.
Grace, mercy and peace will follow us all the days of our lives.
Scripture – Cheryl Ferrich
Psalm 23 (responsive reading, ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his 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.
John 10:22-30
Message
Hymn 538 For the Beauty of the Earth
Benediction