CCLI license #1913561
Lakeview Presbyterian Church Service, April 25, 2021
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Questions for Reflection: What does it mean to lay down our life for another? Does it mean we must die for one another? Or does it mean to live for one another?
Prelude “In the Bulb There is A Flower” Natalie Sleeth, 1986
In the bulb there is a flower,
in the seed, an apple tree,
in cocoons, a hidden promise:
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
There's a song in every silence,
seeking word and melody;
there's a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future;
what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning,
in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing,
in our life, eternity,
in our death, a resurrection,
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
Opening Words
The Lord Jesus Christ is our shepherd.
He knows us, and we belong to him.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our shepherd.
He speaks, and we listen for his voice.
The Lord Jesus Christ is our shepherd.
He lays down his life for his sheep.
Let us worship the Lord.
Opening Prayer
We trust in you, Lord Jesus, because you love us and laid down your life for us.
This is the good news of the gospel: in you and through you we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Hymn " The Day of Resurrection "
Prayer for Illumination
Lord God, our good shepherd, by the leading of your Spirit, open us to hear your voice and follow in your paths all the days of our lives; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Reading from the Epistle of First John 3: 16—18
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us -- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
A Reading from the Gospels: John 10: 7—16
Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. "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.
Sermon “Maintaining Our Perspective” The Rev. Russell Lehman
Special Music:
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Good Shepherd and Redeemer, gather the church together and make us one, one in ministry and mission to the world, so that there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Lord of all, anoint all leaders with your wisdom so that they will use their power to help the poor and defend the vulnerable.
Mighty Healer, strengthen those who work each day to heal the sick, welcome the outcasts, and help sisters and brothers in need.
Merciful God, comfort all who are suffering; walk with them through dark valleys and restore them, body, mind, and soul.
Loving God, by the power of your Spirit, help us to keep your commandments and to love one another with the love of Jesus, in whose holy name we pray. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer (Ecumenical Version)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen
Statement about Offering our Gifts
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the goods of the world and sees a brother or sister in need, yet refuses to help? With love for God and neighbor, let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Donations can be mailed to Lakeview Presbyterian Church at 1310 22 nd Av S, St Petersburg, FL, 33705 or given online through our website lakeviewpresbyterianchurch.org
Hymn: " Christ is Risen Shout Hosanna "
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, we give you thanks that you have shown us the meaning of love through Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us. Show us how to share Christ’s love by giving our lives for one another; to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Charge and Blessing
In the name of the good shepherd, love one another, and may the goodness and mercy of God follow you all the days of your life, and may you dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Alleluia!
Postlude: “Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks” Donald Fishel, 1973