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Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Sunday 9am - 12pm

Sion Lutheran Church, 301 Central Avenue, Lancaster, MN (2026)

06/01/2026

A brief video of "proof of life" from Pastor Andy!

05/31/2026

We gather to sing, pray, and hear the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #402036-M & CCLI, License #3212459. All rights reserved.

05/30/2026

You Are Always Welcome at
Sion Lutheran Church

Sunday, May 31st, 2026

Pastor Andy Graves

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
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, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gathering Song Come, Thou Almighty King (ELW 408)

Greeting
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.

KYRIE (ELW p. 203) & CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 204)

Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. Almighty Creator and ever-living God: we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One, and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three. Keep us steadfast in this faith, defend us in all adversity, and bring us at last into your

presence, where you live in endless joy and love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading: Genesis 1:1—2:4a
When God began to create the heavens and the earth, the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind and the cattle of every kind and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.
These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

Psalm: Psalm 8
O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!—
you whose glory is chanted above the heavens out of the mouths of infants and children; you have set up a fortress against your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
what are mere mortals that you should be mindful of them, human beings that you should care for them?
Yet you have made them little less than divine; with glory and honor you crown them.
You have made them rule over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet:
all flocks and cattle, even the wild beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the sea.
O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
[Paul writes:] Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 205)

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
The holy gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they

doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

Hymn of the Day Come, Join the Dance of Trinity (ELW 412)

CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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 into hell.
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. 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. Amen

Prayers of Intercession
Gathered together by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for the church and the needs of the world.
Holy God, we are in awe of your creative work. Continue that work in your church, making us a new creation that proclaims your presence and love. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Creator God, nature reveals your power and glory. Protect water sources, vegetation, and wildlife as reminders of who you are. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Redeemer God, you call us to pray for those in authority. Guide our leaders to pursue the work of fostering peace and community. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Sustaining God, you are mindful of your people in every circumstance. Heal those who are sick. Provide for all who hunger. Protect those in harm’s way. Comfort any experiencing hardship. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, we pray for the children of our church and community. Provide for their needs. Support their caregivers. Nurture their faith. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Loving God, we give thanks for those who have died and claimed their baptismal promises. Strengthen us to live as they did in communion with you. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Trusting you receive all our prayers, we commend our spoken and unspoken prayers to you, O God, through Jesus our Savior. Amen.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE AND OFFERING
CANTICLE OF THANKSGIVING
Salvation belongs to our God and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever. Great and wonderful are your deeds, O God of the universe; just and true are your ways, O Ruler of all the nations. Who can fail to honor you, and sing the glory of your name? Salvation belongs to our God and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever. For you alone are the Holy One, and blessed is the one whose name is the Word of God. All praise and thanks to you, holy God! Salvation belongs to our God and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE WORD
Let us pray. O God of justice and love, we give thanks to you that you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, awaken us to the needs of others, and at the end bring all the world to your feast; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.

BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

Sending Song Holy God, We Praise Your Name (ELW 414)

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Betsy Saurdiff, Shannon Bakken, Brenda Elfstrom, Colleen Kukowski, Debbie Groves, Kayla Thompson, Pam Peterson Dorion, Neil Peterson, Jay Smith, Evan Hanson, Tucker Nelson
Please pray for the families of: Anthony (AJ) Driscoll, David Danielson, Tony Johnson, We continue to pray for those serving in our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement, our Fire Departments, our Highway Road Crews and our First Responder Units.
Mark Your Calendars
June 10 - Church Clean-up Day & Church Council - featuring Rev. Rebel Hurd from the Synod Office
June 17-26 - Pastor on Continuing Ed Trip/Vacation Days
June 24 - Smorgasbord
June 27 - Pie Social?
June 28 - Community Worship?
July 20, 21, 23, 3-5pm; Vacation Bible School – contact Sadie Wallenberg
COFFEE SERVERS & READERS
06/07 – “P” Lorelei
06/14 – “S-Z” No reader
06/21 – “A-E” Megan

Cover photo courtesy of Monica Yepez Halvorson

05/28/2026

Greetings Sion Community. Summer is upon us, the calendar if filling up, and we're in those moments when we reflect on achievements and plan for the future... so here we go!

05/27/2026

Good people of the Sion Community, Pastor Andy here. I'm still alive and still fighting a nasty virus. I have improved some, still making progress, and the prognosis was 4-8 weeks of more fight. So, we're in this for a haul. I'm doing my best to be around/available, so feel free to reach out if you need anything. I can be contacted, so please do so! I might be slow on the uptake, but I'm getting there and trying to stay on top of things! YAY sickness!

05/24/2026

Congratulations class of 2026!

05/22/2026

Remembering…and Welcome to
Worship with
Sion Lutheran Church

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

Pastor Andy Graves

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
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, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gathering Song O Beautiful for Spacious Skies: America the Beautiful (ELW 888)

Greeting
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.

KYRIE (ELW p. 203) & CANTICLE OF PRAISE (ELW p. 204)

Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace,
through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading: Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, [the apostles] were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days it will be, God declares that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ ”

Psalm: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
How manifold are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Yonder is the sea, great and wide, with its swarms too many to number,
living things both small and great.
There go the ships to and fro, and Leviathan, which you made for the sport of it.
All of them look to you to give them their food in due season.
You give it to them; they gather it; you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.
When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; and so you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; O Lord, rejoice in all your works.
You look at the earth and it trembles; you touch the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will praise my God while I have my being.
May these words of mine please God. I will rejoice in the Lord.
Bless the Lord, O my soul. Hallelujah!

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the
Spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of powerful deeds, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 205)

Gospel: John 20:19-23
The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

Hymn of the Day Eternal Father, Strong to Save (ELW 756)

CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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 into hell.
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. 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. Amen

Prayers of Intercession
Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world, let us pray for the needs of all creation.
O God, you send the Holy Spirit to gather your church into one. Inspire all ministers of the gospel to speak prophetic and hope-filled words to all whom they encounter. Bless the work of interreligious dialogue. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
You send the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth. Protect all living things, bring forth clean water and abundant food, and grant us wonder as we contemplate all you have made. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You send the Holy Spirit to break down the barriers of communication among nations. Bestow peace in war-torn areas, guide all in government and society to work for justice, and guard those serving in the armed forces, especially this weekend as we remember those who died in service to their country. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You send the Holy Spirit to accompany those who feel abandoned. Provide food for those who hunger and drink for those who thirst, soothe those who are anxious or bereaved, comfort those who are sick or suffering, and answer all who call upon your name. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You send the Holy Spirit through the gift of baptism. Bless both those preparing for or affirming their baptism. May they be encouraged by this community of faith as they live out their baptismal promises. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You send the Holy Spirit to console us in our grief. We give you thanks for our ancestors in the faith whose witness to your mighty works continues to inspire our lives. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God of resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. Amen.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE AND OFFERING

CANTICLE OF THANKSGIVING
Salvation belongs to our God and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever. Great and wonderful are your deeds, O God of the universe; just and true are your ways, O Ruler of all the nations. Who can fail to honor you, and sing the glory of your name? Salvation belongs to our God and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever. For you alone are the Holy One, and blessed is the one whose name is the Word of God. All praise and thanks to you, holy God! Salvation belongs to our God and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE WORD
Let us pray.
O God of justice and love, we give thanks to you that you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, awaken us to the needs of others, and at the end bring all the world to your feast; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.

BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

Sending Song Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: Battle Hymn of the Republic (ELW 890)

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Betsy Saurdiff, Shannon Bakken, Brenda Elfstrom, Colleen Kukowski, Karen Isaacson, Debbie Groves, Kayla Thompson, Pam Peterson Dorion, Neil Peterson, Jay Smith, Laverne Isaacson, Evan Hanson, Tucker Nelson
Please pray for the families of: Anthony (AJ) Driscoll, David Danielson, Tony Johnson, Paul Saurdiff, Jeremy Pollestad, Curtis Nyegaard, Cheryl Gunnarson, Ethan Gunnarson,
We continue to pray for those serving in our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement, our Fire Departments, our Highway Road Crews and our First Responder Units.

Coffee Servers and Readers
05/24 – Coffee served by K-N Megan will read
05/31 – Coffee served by O,Q,R Geri will read

We need readers. Please sign up!

05/18/2026

Greetings Sion Community! Pastor Andy here, slow rolling back into a groove at the office! I'm still not 100%, but hopefully easing back into things will be good for my soul!

05/13/2026

Welcome to Worship and the
Celebration of Confirmation at
Sion Lutheran Church

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

Pastor Andy Graves

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
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, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thanksgiving for Baptism
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. We give you thanks, O God,
for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.
Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Gathering Song We Are Called (ELW 720)

Greeting
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.

Prayer of the Day
Let us pray.
O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

First Reading: Acts 1:6-14
When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Psalm: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
Let God arise, and let God’s enemies be scattered; let those who hate God flee.
As smoke is driven away, so you should drive them away; as the wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.
Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds;
I Am is that name, rejoice before God!
In your holy habitation, O God, you are a father to orphans, defender of widows;
you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in desert places.
O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,
the earth quaked, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
You sent a bountiful rain, O God; you restored your inheritance when it languished.
Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.
You ride in the heavens, O God, in the ancient heavens; you send forth your voice, your mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; whose strength is in the skies.
How wonderful you are in your holy places, O God of Israel, giving strength and power to your people! Blessed be God!

Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (ELW p. 188)

Gospel: John 17:1-11
The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
After Jesus had spoken these words [to his disciples,] he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I glorified you on

earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

Hymn of the Day Spirit of Gentleness (ELW 396)

Affirmation of Baptism
McCall Anderson
Asher Peterson
Carter Sobolik
Everleigh Swenson

WELCOME TO THE RITE
Even before you were born and baptized, God delighted in you and called you Beloved. You were claimed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ whether you knew it or not, whether you like it or not. And the Holy Spirit was equipping you with unique gifts and talents to share as a partner in God’s creative work in the world.

Lest you grow up thinking that God loves you from an abstract or accidental distance, the baptismal promises were spoken to you, for you, and together with your name. Your family, sponsors, and congregation gathered around you in the midst of worship and community to declare God’s love and salvation for you. This happened on a particular day in human history, marked by the calendar and the memories of the people who showed up. Seeds of faith were planted in your story. We give thanks for those who pray for you and nourish your spirt. They are signs of God’s promises at work in your life.

REMINDERS OF THE PATH AHEAD
You have invited us to gather as witnesses as you affirm your baptismal promises today. We celebrate your participation in Christian community, worship, service, prayer, and study for the sake of your sacred calling as human beings who are discovering good purpose and passion in this life.
I believe that today is a new beginning, not an ending. I can affirm your faith as belief that is still becoming, with wonder, doubts, and more to learn. Thanks to the layers of promises in baptism, you get to explore who you are and what you believe in community with the body of Christ.
I believe that baptismal promises move and adapt with you throughout your life. Sometimes they are loud and clean. Sometimes they are quiet and patient. There is nothing you can do to break this love, and it doesn’t expire.
I believe in the human tendency to earn personal success, to strive for one’s own gain, and the temptation to conquer life alone. And so the promises of baptism are countercultural. You will be fooled by the forces that defy God, but your baptism will continue to tell God’s truth about love, power and value.
I believe the church makes mistakes and is far from perfect. And yet, God does not give up on the church, but continues to shape ordinary people for sacred healing and justice in the world. God is calling us back to who we actually are, and God can do good in the world through our lives.

Together with the siblings in Christ, you wish to profess your faith in God and reject sin. We make these bold statements not because we are absolutely certain about these things, but because we are always becoming faithful to them and learning to wrestle with these claims about our relationship with God. We join our voices with yours to remind you that we are all in this together.
When you were baptized, we stood with you to speak God’s truth about power, value, and love. We promised to reject the voices that would challenge your first and forever identity as beloved children of God.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Now we invite you to stand with us in defiance of the forces of sin and evil, trusting that the same Spirit who had the power to raise Jesus Christ from the dead is alive in you.

People of God:
Do you reject the devil and all the forces that defy God, the powers of this world that rebel agains God, and the ways of sin that pull us away from God? If so, say, “We do!”
We do!

Do you promise to continue supporting these children of God, affirming them through all circumstances with their first and forever name: Beloved?
Do you promise to hold healthy and safe space for them to keep growing in faith, so they learn to trust there is nothing they can do to make God love them any more or any less than they are already loved in Jesus? If so, say, “We do!”
We do!

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. Amen.

Your baptism gathered a cloud of witnesses to speak promises on behalf of the whole Christian church. Your spiritual family grew to include sponsors, friends, and church members who have been keeping those promises and carrying your faith on your behalf. Today we ask you to make these same promises, claiming your call to active participation in the nurturing of your spirit and the work of the church on earth.
Will you join us in practicing your faith and keeping these responsibilities:
to live among God’s faithful people,
to pray daily,
to hear the Word of God and share the Supper,
to learn the prayers, creeds, and commandments,
to open the holy Scriptures,
to be nurtured by the faith and prayers of others,
so that you learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace?
If so, respond with, “I will, and I ask God to help me.”
I will, and I ask God to help me.

Let’s Pray:
Gracious God,
Thanks to the free gift of eternal life through Jesus, death’s power is destroyed! And, since death isn’t so scary anymore, we are freed for more courage and joy in our daily lives that can witness to your great love. Continue to bless
McCall, Asher, Carter and Everleigh with dignity, belonging, and purpose that come from you. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them; 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. Amen.

People of God, we proclaim:
We celebrate your faith, your voice, and your unfolding story as beloved Children of God! On behalf of the whole church on earth, we will continue to pray for your faith and give thanks for you. God Bless you now and forever!

EXCHANGE OF PEACE AND OFFERING

Offering Prayer
Let us pray. God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING – DIALOGUE
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.

Preface
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the

glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures,
and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (ELW p. 190)

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.

COMMUNION SONG (ELW p. 191)
Song after Communion We Come to the Hungry Feast (ELW 479) &O Bread of Life from Heaven (ELW 480)

Prayer after Communion
Let us pray.
O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son. By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING
Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

Sending Song O Jesus, I Have Promised (ELW 810)

Dismissal
Go in peace. Share the good news. Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Continue to remember all who are experiencing health problems in our prayers: Betsy Saurdiff, Shannon Bakken, Brenda Elfstrom, Colleen Kukowski, Karen Isaacson, Debbie Groves, Kayla Thompson, Pam Peterson Dorion, Neil Peterson, Jay Smith, Laverne Isaacson, Evan Hanson, Tucker Nelson
Please pray for the families of: Tony Johnson, Paul Saurdiff, Jeremy Pollestad, Curtis Nyegaard, Cheryl Gunnarson, Ethan Gunnarson
We continue to pray for those serving in our Armed Forces, our Law Enforcement, our Fire Departments, our Highway Road Crews and our First Responder Units.

Coffee Servers and Readers
05/17 – Coffee served by F-J Tiffany will read
05/24 – Coffee served by K-N Megan will read
05/31 – Coffee served by O,Q,R Geri will read
We have no volunteers to read in June!!
Baccalaureate at noon at Holy Rosary Church

Sion Lutheran Church

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