ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
DICKINSON, ND

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
May 4, 2008 -- 10:30 a.m.

GATHERING

Stand
ENTRANCE HYMN #575

GREETING

P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Assembly: And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Sit
ANNOUNCEMENTS

WORD

THE READING Acts 1:6-14
The Word of the Lord Assembly: Thanks be to God

Stand
THE GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (spoken)
A Alleluia. I will not leave you orphaned, says the Lord. I am coming to you. Alleluia. (John 14:18)

THE GOSPEL John 17:1-11
P: The Holy Gospel according to John
A: Glory to you, O Lord. (spoken)

P: The Gospel of the Lord.
A: Praise to you, O Christ. (spoken)

SERMON

HYMN OF THE DAY #732

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISMAL VOWS

THE PRESENTATION OF CONFIRMANDS

PROFESSION OF FAITH

P: 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.

P: Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
R: I renounce them.

P: With the whole church, let us confess our faith.
A: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.

P: Since God welcomed you into the Church in your Baptism, do you intend to continue living your life as members of the church? Do you intend to listen to God's Word and to be fed at the Lord’s table? Do you intend to find ways in high school to let others know of your faith? Do you intend to reach out to others in need, seeking to make God's world a better place because of your faith?
R: I do and I ask God to help me.

P: People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray for them in their life in Christ?
A: We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

THE BLESSING

P: Stir up in __________ 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, both now and forever. Amen

ACCLAMATION

P: Let us rejoice with these sisters and brothers in Christ.
A: We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.

PEACE

P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. A: And also with you.

OFFERING The Offering is received as the Lord's table is prepared.

SPECIAL MUSIC This Little Light Senior Choir

MEAL

OFFERTORY HYMN Praise and Thanksgiving (#689, st. 3)
Father, providing food for your children,
By Wisdom’s guiding teach us to share
One with another, so that, rejoicing
With us, all others may know your care.

THE PRAYER & THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE LORD'S PRAYER

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

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS #595, #779, #781, #543

Stand
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep
you in his grace. A: Amen

POST-COMMUNION HYMN This Is My Father’s World (#824, st. 3)

This is my Father’s world, oh, let me not forget that,
Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world; why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is king, let heaven ring; God reigns, let earth be glad!

POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

SENDING

BLESSING & DISMISSAL

P: May God accompany you on your journey today and always. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s faces shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace (+).
A: Amen

AM: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
A: Thanks be to God.

_______________________________________

Preaching Minister: Pastor Steve Tangen
Presiding Minister: Pastor Lisa Lewton
Assisting Minister: Jess Throlson
Deacon: Kelly Cooper
Organist: Barb Arneson
Servers: Cole Hysjulien & Dainara Galster
_______________________________________

WELCOME TO WORSHIP: All the baptized are invited to the Lord’s Table. You may stand or kneel to receive the elements. Parents, prior to bringing your children to the Table, instruct them in the table etiquette of St. John Lutheran Church. We ask children who commune to extend their hands to receive the elements. Children who do not yet commune should have hands folded to receive a blessing from the pastors. You may ask a server to provide a gluten-free wafer or grape juice if needed.

STOLES were created by individual confirmands to represent their faith lives. A stole is a symbol that reminds us of the “yoke” that is laid upon our shoulders when we are called to be ministers of the Gospel.

2008 Faith Statements of Confirmation Mentor Groups: Throughout the past two years, mentor groups have worked to create a statement, shaped by their lessons and experiences, to give words to their faith.

“We know we should never be afraid to tell others about our faith, or take the gifts God has given us for granted.”
Shayna Dvorak Brooke Lietzke Melissa Moos
Alex Simonieg Melissa Sipma Sydney Smutzler
Mentor ~ Peggy Brown

“It is by grace that our loving Lord forgives us and teaches us to be good stewards in our Christian life!”
Luke Hanel Jacob Hoffer Landen Jung
Leland Krueger Mentor ~ Mort Krieg

“Who are you taking with you today . . . Jesus inspires us to witness and honor his teachings by caring for and forgiving others, so let him save us today!”
Brett Braunagel Tanner Halter Jamie Kuntz
Vlad Kutka Jonathan Wanner
Mentors ~ Curt & Julie Kittelson

“We will lean on God, and we won’t stop believing!”
Elizabeth Brown Kira Kuntz Alexa Martel
Kennedy Takle Kelsey Ward
Mentor ~ Candace Hanel

“We are thankful to be a part of God’s family. We believe that worshiping together and personal prayer strengthen our faith.”
Jayse Bender Devin Dvorak Thomas Gerber
Seth Leno Mentors ~ Keith & Faith Simonieg

“Through God’s grace we are given hope, love, peace, friends, and family. God listens to our prayers and keeps us safe.”
Madison Deibert Melanie Herauf Haley Knutson
Erika Lang Brandi Ouellette Shelby Senescall
Mentors ~ Tammy Hurt & Sandra Schobinger

A CONFIRMATION GIFT has been given to the Youth & Family Ministry Fund in honor of the St. John Puppet Troupe (Kelsey Ward, Devin Dvorak, Leland Krueger, & Kennedy Takle) by troupe directors Barb Herauf, and Allison, Cheryl and Renae Wanner.

THE SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE begins on Sunday, May 25 with worship services at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.

WORSHIP INFORMATION: Attendance last week was 563 . . . Transmitters are available for the hearing impaired. Ask an usher for help . . . If it is uncomfortable for you to stand during the service, please feel free to remain seated . . . The nursery, located in the Commons Area, is staffed Sundays from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. for infants and children up to age four . . . Children’s bags are available during worship in the Commons Area and in the church entry . . .

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL registration forms are available on the bulletin board in the Commons Area, or on the web site at www.stjohnelc.org. VBS is Friday, May 30, June 6, 13, and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Thursday, June 26 in the evening. VBS is for kids who are three years old through those entering the sixth grade. There is no cost for VBS.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL LEADERS: There are several opportunities to help lead VBS. Areas of help include working with crafts, science experiments, snacks, music, or preschool. If you are interested, please contact Susan Moberg at moberg@stjohnelc.org, or call the church office at 225-6747.

CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS may be scheduled online using the Lifetouch link on St. John’s web site (www.stjohnelc.org), or call the church office (225-6747). Plan to have your picture taken during one of these photo sessions:

Tuesday - Friday, May 6-9 2:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday, May 14-16 2:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN TEA PARTY will be held Monday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. Please bring your favorite teacup or mug. This is for all women of the church. Join us for a fun evening.

NEW ADULT CLASS TOPIC: The 9:15 a.m. May adult class, meeting in the main floor Fellowship Room, will focus on the ELCA’s Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality.

ST. JOHN STAFF MEMBERS, Faith Simonieg, Bev Olheiser, Pastor Lisa, Sonnie Otto and Jess Throlson volunteered at the Bible Camp Tuesday morning. Thank you to those who volunteered their time.

HELP WANTED: We are seeking applicants for the position of Children’s Choir Director. There are job applications for this paid position, and copies of the job description in the church office for anyone interested in the position. The time requirement for the paid position includes Wednesday evenings and two Sunday mornings each month during the school year.

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday: 5:30 p.m. Senior High Exodus Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Senior High Youth Group

Monday: 7:00 p.m. Women of the Church Tea Party

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. Quilting
2:30 - 9:00 p.m. Photo Directory pictures taken

Wednesday: 2:30 - 9:00 p.m. Photo Directory pictures taken
6:00 p.m. Junior High Youth Group
6:30 p.m. Handbell Choir Practice
6:30 p.m. Mentor Leader’s Meeting
7:00 p.m. Wednesday School for High School Students

Thursday: 2:30 - 9:00 p.m. Photo Directory pictures taken
7:30 p.m. Congregation Council Meeting
7:00 p.m. Midweek Worship

Friday: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study at Days Inn
2:30 - 9:00 p.m. Photo Directory pictures taken

Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Photo Directory pictures taken

SENIOR RECOGNITION SUNDAY is May 25 when we will recognize our senior high school graduates at 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.