Bulletin

ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

PRAIRIE HILL

6605 Old Independence Road

Brenham, Texas 77833

Phone 836-8666 Fax 251-7551

"A Place to Call Home"

We are a family of faith,

Gathering around

Word and Sacrament,

Forming disciples,

and Proclaiming the Gospel

to the world!

8:00am and 10:05am Worship Services

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Sixth Sunday of Easter

8:00am May 13th, 2012

Holy Communion Service

WELCOME VISITORS!

We rejoice you have chosen to worship with us, and hope that you feel welcome to call Prairie Hill your home. The page numbers for the service refer to the front of the red books in the pew, and the hymns are found in the back of the hymnal.

A cry room and a bathroom are located near the entrance to the church (the back of the sanctuary). If you have any questions about our church family, please feel free to ask one of the ushers, the person next to you in the pew, or talk to Pastor David.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION is distributed by bread and wine in individual glasses or in a common cup. Individual glasses of white grape juice are also available for those who are unable to consume wine.

All baptized Christians are invited to join us at the table for the Sacrament of Holy Communion, in which we confess that we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord in, with, and under the elements of bread and wine.

If you prefer to receive a blessing instead of communion, simply come forward with your

service bulletin so that Pastor David will know to bless you.

Worship Assistants

Pastor

The Rev. David L. Hansen

Associate Pastor

The Rev. Virgil Y. Pecht

Accompanist

Linda Schulze

Acolyte

Zachory Wilson

Layreader

Karen Rosenbaum

Council Members

Cassie Westerfled, Mark Marburger

Altar Preparations

Joydell Janner, Elvera Tisdel

Altar Flowers: Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God by Kenneth & Christin Seeker In honor of Katie’s Baptism

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~~~SONGS~~~

GATHERING HYMN

Shall We Gather at the River

#423

HYMN OF PRAISE

This is the Day

HYMN OF THE DAY

I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

#325

OFFERING SONG

Blessing of Mothers

OFFERTORY

Let the Vineyards be Fruitful

COMMUNION SONG

Borning Cry

#732

SENDING HYMN

This Little Light of Mine

#677

~~~SCRIPTURE~~~

READING

1 JOHN 4:7–16A

Pew Bible, p. 213 (NT)

RESPONSIVE READING

PSALM 98

READING

1 JOHN 4:16B–21

Pew Bible, p. 213 (NT)

GOSPEL

JOHN 15:9-17

Pew Bible, p. 96 (NT)

Please refer to the 10:05 Service for the Order of Service, Prayers & Announcements

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The order of service is found in the front of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, hymns are found in the back of ELW.

Please stand as you are able for those portions of the service marked with an asterisk (*)

Worship Attendance Cards are located in the pew racks. All who join us for worship are asked to please fill out an attendance

card, and place it in the offering plate. Please make note of any special prayer concerns on the back of your card.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

10:05am May 13th, 2012

Holy Communion Service

WELCOME VISITORS!

If you prefer to receive a blessing instead of communion, simply come forward with your service bulletin so that Pastor David will know to bless you.

Worship Assistants

Pastor

The Rev. David L. Hansen

Associate Pastor

The Rev. Virgil Y. Pecht

Accompanist

Linda Schulze

Acolyte

Layreaders

Audrey Steinbach

Council Members

Cassie Westerfeld, Mark Murburger

Altar Preparations

Joydell Janner, Elvera Tisdel

Altar Flowers: Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God by Kenneth & Christin Seeker In honor of Katie’s Baptism

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~~~GATHERING AROUND THE WORD~~~

*CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS

p. 94

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

Amen.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open …

… through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

A time of silence allows us to prepare our hearts and minds for confession.

Most merciful God,

we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.

We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,

by what we have done and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;

we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.

Forgive us, renew us, and lead us,

so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways,

to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

In the mercy of Almighty God …

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

Amen.

*GATHERING HYMN

Shall We Gather at the River

#423

*GREETING

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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.

*HYMN OF PRAISE

This is the Feast

p. 149

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power and riches and wisdom and strength,

and honor and blessing and glory are his.

This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.

Sing with all the people of God and join in the hymn of all creation:

Blessing and honor and glory and might

be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.

This is the feast of victory for our God,

for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia. Alleluia.

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God,

you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

~~~PROCLAIMING THE WORD~~~

CHILDRENS SONG

FIRST READING

1 JOHN 4:7–16A

Pew Bible, p. 213 (NT)

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

RESPONSIVE READING

PSALM 98

1Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous things,

whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory.

2O LORD, you have made known your victory,

you have revealed your righteousness in the sight of the nations.

3You remember your steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel;

all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

4Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands;

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

5Sing to the LORD with the harp,

with the harp and the voice of song.

6With trumpets and the sound of the horn

shout with joy before the king, the LORD.

7Let the sea roar, and all that fills it,

the world and those who dwell therein.

8Let the rivers clap their hands,

and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,

who comes to judge the earth.

9The LORD will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

SECOND READING

1 JOHN 4:16B–21

Pew Bible, p. 213 (NT)

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL

JOHN 15:9-17

Pew Bible, p. 96 (NT)

The Holy Gospel according to Saint John, the fifteenth chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ!

SERMON

Pastor David Hansen

HYMN OF THE DAY

I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

#325

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

p. 234

In the sacrament of Holy Baptism, parents and sponsors make vows to raise the child in the life of faith, teaching them the paths of discipleship. After a time of study and preparation, these young people affirm those vows made earlier a the font, and commit themselves to a life of discipleship.

Let us pray.

Merciful God, we thank you for these sisters and brothers, whom you have made your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called them to yourself, enlightened them with the gifts of your Spirit, and nourished them in the community of faith.

Uphold your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism,

and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth.

We ask this in the name of Christ.

Amen.

I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?

R: I renounce them.

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?

R: I renounce them.

Do renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?

R: I renounce them.

Do you believe in God the Father?

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

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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 God 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.

You have made public profession of your faith.

Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:

To live among God’s faithful people,

To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,

To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,

To serve all people, following the example of Jesus,

And to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?

R: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

People of God, do you promise to support this sister and brother,

and to pray for them in their life in Christ?

We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life.

Those who are being confirmed come forward and kneel to receive the blessing.

Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in (name) the gift of your Holy Spirit:

the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord,

the spirit of joy in your presence; confirm her/his faith, guide her/his life,

empower her/him in her/his serving, give her/him patience in suffering,

and bring her/him to everlasting life.

Amen.

Remember always that you are God’s beloved child.

Let us rejoice with this brother and sister in Christ.

We rejoice with you in the life of baptism.

Together we will give thanks and praise to God

and proclaim the good news to all the world.

*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Enlivened in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we pray for the life of the church,

for those in need, and for all of God's creation.

Each petition of the prayers ends with the following response:

Hear us, O God,

Your mercy is great.

Trusting in your abundant mercy, O God, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray into your care, through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Amen.

~~~SHARING OUR GIFTS~~~

*THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

OFFERING HYMN

Blessings of Mothers

1. God gave us Mothers

to love and guide us,

A gift of living,

we can’t deserve.

Caring and sharing

they helped us always,

So we would grow and

know how to serve.

3. As I kept growing

she did support me;

Hour by hour

she felt my pain.

She listened to me

no matter the problem,

And all her guidance

is all my gain.

*OFFERTORY

Let the Vineyards be Fruitful

#184

Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,

and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.

Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,

that we may be fed with the bread of life.

Gather the hopes and dreams of all;

unite them with the prayers we offer.

Grace our table with your presence,

and give us foretaste of the feast to come.

*OFFERTORY PRAYER

Let us pray.

Blessed are you, O God, ruler of heaven and earth.

Day by day you shower us with blessings.

As you have raised us to new life in Christ, give us glad and generous hearts,

ready to praise you and to respond to those in need,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

~~~RECEIVING GOD’S SACRAMENT~~~

*DIALOGUE

p. 152

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 our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy …

… we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

*SANCTUS

p. 153

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, Lord God of pow’r and might

heav’n and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

*EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

We give you thanks, Father, through Jesus Christ …

… almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever.

Amen.

*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.

LAMB OF GOD

p. 154

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

grant us peace, grant us peace.

DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Borning Cry #732

~~~BEING SENT TO PROCLAIM~~~

BLESSING OF MOTHERS

*POST COMMUNION PRAYER

Life-giving God,

in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness,

water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people.

Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your

glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.

Amen.

*BENEDICTION

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord's face shine on you with grace and mercy.

The Lord look upon you with favor and † give you peace.

Amen.

*SENDING HYMN

This Little Light of Mine

#677

*DISMISSAL

Alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord.

Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Alleluia!

Advent Kyrie © D. Hansen.

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Our Prayer Concerns

Our Church Family:

Ben Niemeyer

Josephine Hugo

Clarence Witt

Leroy Steinfeld

Edna Plantt

Marcus Yahnke

Pearlie Becker

Wilber Hohlt

Elwood Oevermann

Rosa Lee Kokemoor

Wilbert Horstmann

Janice Cordova

Esther Klatte

Annie Gaskamp

Gladys Niemeyer

Lauren Davis

Those celebrating baptismal anniversaries:

Rebecca Schawe, Heather Horton, Tyler Klatte, Braelyn York, Cindy Clay, Karen Ray, Judy Janner, Kervin Finke, Hunter Myers, George Wilson IV, Kimberly Kraft, Ronnie Neutzler.

Those celebrating wedding anniversaries:

Debra & James Hanath, Darrell & Gayle Himly, Zach & Whitney Wagner

Friends and Family:

Viola Giese

James Elliott

Dottie Janner

Linda King

Beulah Fordham

Clint Blanchard

Matthew Engeling

Jill Engling

Tamir Ragonis

Ed Valentine

Pam Bolenbar

Jennifer Gil

Otto Kemper

Ernest Witte

Sue Muzzy

Patricia Matcek

Ann Brier

Richard Mills

Ed Lehmann

Jo Ann Winkelman

Peggy & Matt Rybarski

Curtis Smith

Susan Stroscheim

David Wagner

Lad Becka

Jannet Rosenbaum

Lydia Platzer

Sharon Graeber

Milton Roberts

Glenwood Schwartz

Jeanette Gaskamp

Teckla Rust

Deborah Kirkland

Richard Demery

Rebecca Schroeder

Those serving in the military:

Troy Giese

Trevor Voelkel

Bert Rosenbaum

Aaron Curlee

Aaron Nelson

Bret Stark

Shane Shupak

Ricky Curlee

Tyson Wieghat

Joseph Orr

Nathan Zwahr

Wesley Paul

Cody Paul

Karl Frederick Herbst

Our Leaders

Pastor David Hansen

Bishop Mark Hanson

Bishop Mike Rinehart

Governor Rick Perry

President Barack Obama

[Names on the prayer list longer than 60 days may be removed. Please let the office know if your prayer concern is on-going]

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Announcements

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

We are coming to the close of the Sunday School year, which means summer Sunday school is just around the corner. There will be no Sunday School on May 27th, and Summer Sunday school will run from June 3 – August 19. If you are interested in teaching a Sunday please contact Anna Finke at kafinke@suddenlink.net or 979-830-5691.

CONFIRMATION

Congratulations for Mina Kraft and Richie Mehr, who are today affirming their baptismal

commitments. We rejoice with you as you continue your journey of faith.

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Thank you to everyone who purchased Mother’s Day flowers to support the ministry of the Lutheran Youth

Organization of St. John. Funds raised through the sale of these flowers will be used to offset the costs of our summer Mission Trip to New Orleans.

God bless you, and your celebration of Mother’s Day.

Given by:

In Memory Of:

Ben & Carolyn Kessel

Lydia Marcus, Josephine Kessel

Linda Schulze

Evelyn Schulze, Matilda Schulze, Elsie Kuecker

Lydia Rust

Barry Rust

Al & Audrey Steinbach

Hildegard Steinbach, Lydia Westerfeld

Jean Seeker

Emma E. Seeker, Emma S. Seeker, Emma Ehlert

Lora Quebe

Arlene Quebe Rost

Morris & Elvera Quebe

Arlene Quebe Rost

Cassie Westerfeld

Lydia Westerfeld

Butch & LaNell Seeker

Our mothers & grandmothers

Virginia Altman

Virginia Uzzell, Mary Ann Steger, Verna Altman

Hinda M. Lott

Lorena Antoinette Briscoe

Jennifer & William Anderson, Kristy Wolff

Esther Schawe

Camryn and Owen Finke

Doris Holland, Anna Rau, and Annie Acker

Kory and Riley Moehlmann

Becky Moehlmann

Barnay & Connie Glaesmann

Laverne Glaesmann

Willie & Karen Rosenbaum

Linda Rosenbaum

Elvera Janner

Emma Schulze, Emma Janner

Charles & Deanna Giese

Anna Rau

Naomi Circle

Josephine Hugo, Ruby Schlottmann

Harold Lindgren

Barbara Lindgren

Howard & Mildred Kuecker

Children & Grandchildren

Kannon Koehler

Stephanie Koehler, Regina Holtkamp and Allene Holtkamp

Danney & Connie Rohde

Elvera Janner, Genell Rohde

Steve & Donna Skrla

Dolores Seeker, Pansy Skrla

Cassie Westerfeld

Debra Westerfeld, Sis Riechers

Rita Gaskamp

Annie Gaskamp, Hilda Richardson

Pastor David & Layla Hansen

Norma Hansen

Theresa & Gerald Kuecker

Mary Ann Luce

Jennifer & William Anderson, Kristy Wolff

Florence Wolff

Tina Seeker

Linda King, LaNell Seeker, Jean Seeker

Camryn and Owen Finke

Erna Fink, Ruth Finke, Peggy Acker, Godmothers

Kory and Riley Moehlmann

Shirley Moehlmann, Cheryl Posey

Sandy Ordner

Lydia Rust, Josephine Ordner, Hilda Mohr, Hilda Mohr, and Johanna Rust

Brian & Pam Knebel

Aline Knebel, Judith Toner, all foster mothers

Barnay & Connie Glaesmann

Delores Seeker

Her Daughters and Grandchildren

Connie Glaesman

Willie & Karen Rosenbaum

Ruby Schlottmann

Dodie Mehr

Carole and Bobbie

Karen Tiller

Lydia Rust

Charles & Deanna Giese

Viola Giese

Taylor, Tyler, & Austin Klatte, Sam An

Naomi Zopfi, Michael & Jan Anderson

Herbert & Esther Mae Klatte

Mark Eckert

Nita Eckert, Edith Walker, Karen Eckert

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SOMEONE WANTS YOUR IDENTITY.

PROTECT IT.

IDENTITY THEFT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

May 19, 2012

9:00 am

(Immediately after Men's Breakfast)

Fifteen people had their Identities stolen in the last 60 seconds.

Don’t become a statistic.

You’ll learn:

How identity theft occurs

How you can prevent it

What to do if your identity is stolen

Join us for this free seminar on identity theft, presented by Darlene Wieghat,

Financial Associate, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

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FLOWER CHART

The flower chart for 2012 has been posted in the annex on the bulletin board, and is available for you to sign up. There are still openings throughout the year.

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA

Are you looking for an opportunity to grow in your faith? Would you like to meet new friends and enjoy good fellowship? Why not come to one of the circles of the Women of the ELCA! We have five different groups that meet every month:

Rachel Circle—first Tuesday of the month, at 7:30 pm

Naomi Circle—first Thursday of the month, at 10:00 am

Rebecca Circle—second Tuesday of the month, at 7:00 pm

Deborah Circle—second Sunday of the month, at 8:45 am

Ladies Aid—second Thursday of the month, at 2:00 pm

Sunday School - Add excitement to your faith! Join us for Sunday School. Children gather in the Parish Hall every Sunday at 9:00 am. Youth and Adults meet in the Annex (by the offices). No matter what your age is, we have a class for you!

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Weekly Calendar

TODAY

EASTER 6

MONDAY

7:00 pm Church Council

TUESDAY

9:00 am Quilting

FRIDAY

Office Closed

SATURDAY

7:00 am Men’s Breakfast

9:00 am Identity Theft Seminar

SUNDAY

EASTER 7

8:00 AM Holy Communion

9:00 AM Christian Education

10:05 AM Holy Communion

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