Worship Guide - Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A

My cup overflows.
Does it feel this way for you today? The psalmist affirms confidence in a God who provides, who shepherds us all the days of our lives, with goodness and mercy close behind. The gospel today affirms the psalmist’s sense that we have a Good Shepherd who provides what we need. If you do not have it today, what might be lacking? If you have more than you need, where and with whom might you share this Good News? Distribution among the sheepfold, and in our goings out and in are certainly a key.

Seattle Presbytery Co-Executive Presbyter Scott Lumsden joins us today with the reflection. Here, surely, is one example of the Good Shepherd providing all that we need as we remember our deep connections, the life and the gifts that we share with the larger body of Christ.

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

Gathering Prayer

Good Shepherd,
you call us by name,
and we know your voice.
Open the gate for us,
that we may come and go freely,
have life, and have it abundantly.
Amen.

Opening Hymn

Take a moment. Breathe. Give thanks—for friends, companions, the sheep of God’s pasture! For the earth and its gifts to us, for shelter, for human caring and contact, for inspiring generosity, for our life together as a church and as a human family. Bless. Bless one another. Bless our weakest and most vulnerable. Bless those who don’t deserve it. 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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Reflect on the Word

Loving God,
we pray that your Holy Spirit will strengthen us
to be devoted to the teachings of your Word,
that through it we may hear your voice
and follow it into eternal life.
Amen.

Acts 2:42-47 † Psalm 23:1-6 † 1 Peter 2:19-25 † John 10:1-10

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Psalm Response

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Pastoral Meditation

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Sing in Response

Find a percussion instrument! Look around, use pots and pans, wooden spoons, etc., and bang away with us!

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Gather at the Table: Give Thanks

Today, we again share together Holy Communion 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 Good Shepherd who receives 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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Hymn of Blessing

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Blessing and Charge

God the creator births and nurtures you;
God the companion calls you by name and leads you out;
God the life-giver sustains you on life’s journey
and will not abandon you.

May the Good Shepherd who calls us by name
lead you out to green pastures
and lead us all in to the safety of Christ’s fold.

Live in peace. Christ is risen. God is with you.