Worship Guide - Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God… Believe in me…

How is your belief today? As these days of isolation and shelter drag on, have you taken stock of your well-being of late? What better time to do so than now—in worship, in encounter with the Creator who un-troubles and heals?

Our own Jan Dittmar joins us today with the reflection.

Set your space for worship and then enter in. What elements do you find essential today? 

Surely your daily bread, wine or juice, a community, something beautiful. The elements of survival. What we need to thrive.

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Connections with Andrea

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Prelude

As we gather, we remember that in our Sunday worship this is a time to also gather our joys and concerns. If you have a prayers you would like to share, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form.

Gathering Song

Creator, you have shaped a place for us
made of love and held in grace.
It is filled with the whispers of the ancients
who followed you and sculpted our faith.
Breathe into this place again,
that we may know your way,
your truth, and your life. Amen.

Opening Hymn

The stone the builders rejected, according to 1 Peter, has become the very head of the corner, our foundation, a giver of mercy. Those who rely on him will not be put to shame. So take a moment. Breathe. Give thanks—for friends, companions, vision and provision! For the earth and its gifts to us, for shelter, for human caring and contact, for inspiring generosity, for our solid life together as a church, in community, that sustains us even while apart. The peace of Christ be with you!
 
Now, bless someone else. Send a text to a couple of people. Make a call. Who comes to mind for you? Wish them well. More than that, wish them peace. Then click below.

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Give yourself to the Word

Lord, as we listen to your holy Word,
open our hearts to the power of your Spirit,
call us out of darkness,
and lead us into your marvelous light.
Amen.

Psalm Response

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Meditation

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Sing in Response

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Give Thanks!

Today, we again commune together in our worship. You will want to prepare a slice or a small loaf of any kind of bread to share and a cup or small cups of juice — perhaps grape or cranberry — or wine. Set these elements in the living room or kitchen where you experience worship electronically in these days with our faith community. Perhaps you want to put them on a lovely cloth or fabric that reminds you of a special time or person. Perhaps light a candle or place a flower or the photograph of someone you wish to bring into the circle of faith beside the bread and the cup. Thank you for preparing the space and yourself to receive the one who prepares a place for you!

​If you have a joy or concern you would like to share, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form.

As we respond to God's grace and new life, consider those ways you can express gratitude and thanksgiving even, and especially, where you are! And remember that we continue to keep our financial commitments to our mission partners and staff. Please remember to send in your financial pledges and offerings.

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Sending Hymn

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Blessing and Charge

May our lives sing of God
and our actions give witness to Jesus the Christ
by the Spirit in whom we have our being.
God’s Spirit is in you, with you, and for you.
Thanks be to God.