St Ansgar Lutheran Church, London

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Sunday Morning

We invite you to join us for the following worship services:

Sundays
10:30 a.m. Worship service

Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and other locations in the church for
your use.

Washrooms will be available for use.

In the service: The service will be shown on the screen. The offering will not be gathered and presented, but there will be an offering plate at the back of the sanctuary where you can put your offering as you enter or leave. Pastor David distributes the communion wafers and an Assisting Minister distributes wine or grape juice in individual glasses.

We have coffee and fellowship time available again in Luther Hall after the service.

We will continue to evaluate our worship service procedures on a monthly basis.

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, MAY 17, 2026

St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Outline for Worship (with sermon)
May 17, 2026 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Based on ELW Setting Four

GATHERING

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
(The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at
baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)
P: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
C: Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!

P: In the name of the ☩ One who was, who is, and who is to come.
C: Amen.

P: Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, and called to live the baptized
life, let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.

(Water may be poured into the font as the presiding minister gives thanks.)

P: Holy God, we give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that
make a people your own, that restore to wholeness, and empower us
to be witnesses in your name.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
C: make us one as you are one.

P: We give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that strengthen
believers and give new life to beloved servants of your church; waters that
extend your boundless love and cross barriers of our own making.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
C: make us one as you are one.

P: We give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that open the hearts
of believers and give a voice in the night to those in captivity; waters that set
your people on a new path, rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.
Baptized into you, O Living One,
C: make us one as you are one.

P: Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One, that our every day is shaped
by these waters that give us our lives in you. We ask this in the name of Jesus,
the Crucified and Risen One.
C: Amen.

ENTRANCE HYMN - I Come with Joy (ELW #482)

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

KYRIE
A: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C: Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE (ELW p. 149)
P: This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
C: Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power and riches and wisdom and strength,
and honour and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honour and glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God,
for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray.
P: 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
Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.
C: Amen

WORD

FIRST READING: Acts 1:6-14
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when
you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He replied, "It is not for you to know
the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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."
9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud
took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up
toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They 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." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called
Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. 13 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. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together
with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

A: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM: Psalm 68:1-10; 32-35
1 Let God arise, and let God’s enemies be scattered;
let those who hate God flee.
2 As smoke is driven away, so should you drive them away;
as the wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the
presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;
let them also be merry and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds;
I AM is that name, rejoice before God!
5 In your holy habitation, O God,
you are a father to orphans, defender of widows;
6 you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom;
but the rebels shall live in desert places.
7 O God, when you went forth before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness,
8 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.
9 You sent a bountiful rain, O God;
you restored your inheritance when it languished.
10 Your people found their home in it;
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord.
33 You ride in the heavens, O God, in the ancient heavens;
you send forth your voice, your mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel; whose strength is in the skies.
35 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
12 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. 13 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. 14 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. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of
God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him,
because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion
your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 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. 10 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. 11 To
him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

A: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
C: Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
P: The Holy Gospel according to John 17:1-11
C: Glory to you, O Lord.

1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said,
"Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2
since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all
whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth
by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in
your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world
existed. 6 "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. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 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. 9 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. 10 All mine are
yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 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.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON
John 17:1-11
Let us pray: May the words of my mouth, and the prayers of our hearts, always
be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength, and our Redeemer. AMEN
The late, award-winning author Kurt Vonnegut had a rather off-beat, colourful,
and provocative way of looking at human existence. Once, in attempting to
restore the reality of some groups and organizations, Vonnegut coined the word,
“Granfalloon.”
What is a granfalloon? A granfalloon, according to Vonnegut, is an organization
that seems to have an artificial, perhaps even arbitrary, reason for existing. The
organization might do a bit of good, and it might provide some momentary
satisfaction for its participants, but by and large, a granfalloon has no real,
profound, life-changing impact on either its participants or upon the world. In
other words, granfalloons are organizations that have no long-lasting purpose
and have little or no impact on the world.
In our Gospel lesson this morning, we encounter Jesus praying for his disciples.
Later that evening Jesus will be arrested. The next day he will be crucified.
Three days later he will arise from the dead, spend a few more weeks with his
disciples, and then breathe his Spirit into his disciples before ascending to the
Father. Death, resurrection, pouring out the spirit, ascension...Jesus’ hour of
glory.

In the Gospel lesson, Jesus has just finished preparing his disciples for the life-
changing events of the next few days. He has told them he will be leaving, but
he has also assured them that they will be seeing him again. And Jesus has
promised that, during his physical absence, he and the Father will send the
Spirit, the Advocate, the Comforter, the Helper to be his ongoing presence
among and within his followers. The Spirit will dwell with the church, guide the
church, and watch over the church.
Jesus makes these promises and prays this final prayer because he knows his
disciples. He knows how frightened they are, and he knows how fickle they can
be. In fact, Jesus already predicted some things that will take place: that one of
his disciples, Judas, will betray him, and another, Peter, will deny him that very
night. Jesus knows his disciples. Jesus prays for his disciples. Jesus prays for
us.
And that is no little thing. This is no ordinary person we are talking about. The
one who is praying is the One who came from God. Jesus has come from God,
taken on our humanity, come to dwell in this world that keeps trying to push God
out, endured the hostility of many and the failure of his own followers, and
finally, will die on a cross for the sake of the whole hostile world which Jesus
loves with a deep, abiding, unending love. And Jesus knows that that death will
not be a defeat of Jesus’ work on earth. Jesus’ death will be a victory. That is
the One who is praying for his church.
And that is what makes the church not just another granfalloon. Jesus gives the
church an identity and a purpose in the world. In fact, Jesus draws the church
into the most important purpose of all -- his purpose, the entire reason for his
coming: to glorify God by drawing people into an eternal relationship with the
living God. That is the purpose of Jesus and now, with his work completed on
earth, that is the purpose of his church.
In short, our task is to change the world in Jesus’ name. Focused on Jesus, we
take up his mission in our little piece of the world. Focused on Jesus, we strive
to discern what God is doing in us, through us, and in the world. Then we follow
where Jesus leads us. Focused on Jesus, united by his love, gathered in his
name, called and sent to glorify God in the name of Jesus Christ, we are not a
granfalloon. We are God’s beloved church. And did you hear what Jesus said
about us in his final prayer?
“They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word,”
Jesus prays. I happen to think that is amazing! Here is Jesus, about to die for
his church, and for the world he loves, his church which will fail him, betray him,
and deny him, and what does he do? Jesus thanks his Father for giving his
disciples, his church, to him.
I think it is amazing because we all know that we sin and fall short. We reject the
authority the Father has given him over us and all creation because we have
this foolish notion that we can do just fine taking charge of our own lives. It is not
just Judas who betrays Jesus -- we do. And it is not just Peter who denies him –
we do. And yet, what does Jesus say about us? We are a gift to him from the
Father, and we have kept God’s word. That is what Jesus says about us, about
his church. We sinners, fickle and sometimes unfaithful, Jesus sees as a gift
from the Father, as people who remain faithful and true. That is amazing!
But that is not all Jesus says in his prayer. He keeps on pouring out his love and
grace. Jesus also asks his Father to protect and watch over his church. Jesus
knows the world is a difficult place. He knows there is indifference and hostility
to him and his teaching, and to those who strive to follow him. Jesus knows the
way will be hard for his followers after he leaves them physically. And Jesus
cares. He cares about the people who are his church. So Jesus asks his Father
to keep it strong, to keep it faithful, keep it from getting distracted and
succumbing to the temptations it faces in the world: temptations like the urge to
stay comfortable and safe rather than take the risky path of discipleship, and the
compulsion to please ourselves at the expense of others which distances us
from God. Jesus prays that the Father will protect us from this and much more
because he cares so much about his church.
And Jesus keeps on praying. He prays that his church will remain united, so that
we can be strong and vibrant and effective in our witness. Jesus prays that in all
we do we will glorify God and point others to the abundant, eternal life God
offers in Jesus Christ. Jesus prays, and prays, and prays for the strength and
vitality and mission of his church.
And Jesus goes on to do even more than that. He goes on to die on a cross. He
goes on to die out of love for his Father, love for the world, love for his church,
love for each one of us. And his love is so strong that not even death can kill
him. Jesus leaves the tomb full of God’s glory and life, and shares his victory,
pours out his glory, pours out his life, abundant and eternal life, on his disciples.
And because of this, we are not a granfalloon, an irrelevant, pointless
organization. Because of Jesus, and the Spirit he and the Father send to
empower and enliven us, we are the church! We are God’s church, loved by
God in spite of ourselves, protected by God, held together by the power and
mercy of God, and sent to glorify God in the world.
We are God’s church, gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, gathered by the
power of Jesus, gathered to give glory to God with our voices and our lives. We
are God’s church, whom Jesus prays for the night before he dies. We are God’s
church, sent by Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, to show the world the depth of
God’s love.
Yes, by the sheer grace of God the Father, the love poured out by Jesus the
Son, and the sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, we are formed and shaped
into the people of God. And may the world know who we are, not a granfalloon,
but a people with a purpose. Not a club, but a centre of mission. Not a safe,
comfortable refuge from the world, but a school for disciples, training and
sending people into the world to glorify God.
That is what Jesus prays for in this prayer. That is why Jesus dies and takes up
his life again in the resurrection. That is why God has chosen us, claimed and
named us, filled us with the Holy Spirit: to glorify God and point the world to the
unconditional, amazing, unending, eternal love of God, poured out in Jesus
Christ.
May the Father answer the prayer of the Son, and may we be the answer.
AMEN

HYMN OF THE DAY – Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (ELW #392)

NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
A: Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken
world, let us pray for the needs of all creation.
A: God of our church, send forth your Spirit as we pray for our Bishops Larry and
Carla. Empower them with your wisdom to lead the church. We also pray for the
Thames Ministry area, especially Pastor Wallace Bornhuse and the people of
Redeemer Lutheran Church, London. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: O God, your people sing praises throughout the church. By your Holy Spirit,
inspire musicians, deacons, pastors, and bishops to proclaim the gospel of
Jesus. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: Your creative power fills the universe. Bring favourable weather, nurture
plants and animals, protect us from natural disasters, and guide us to care
for all you have made. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: Your justice is exercised in society by those in authority. Instill in political
leaders, business leaders, school administrators, and all who care for others a
desire for peace and equity. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: Your compassion and care come through the gifts of medicine and
relationships. Soothe the anxious, protect widows and orphans, comfort those
living with memory loss and their families, and heal the sick. We pray especially
for Beth, Jean, Mary Margaret, Kristine, Karen, Emma, Cathy, Lene, Lyra, Bud,
Pastor Bob, Heather, Margaret, and those others who are in our hearts. Merciful
God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: Your love radiates from communities gathered in your name. Bless those
experiencing significant transitions in life such as graduation, retirement, new
employment or unemployment, and accompany us in our prayers during these
times. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: Merciful God, we pray for peace as war continues to rage in Ukraine and in
the Middle East. Shelter all living in fear; protect those seeking refuge in
neighbouring countries; sustain families separated by the horrors of war;
tend to those who are injured; comfort all who mourn their dead.
Direct your people into the way of peace. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: O God, your promise of eternal life is certain and sure. Inspire us by the
steadfast faith of those who have gone before us, so that we may be confident
in the assurances you give. Merciful God,
C: receive our prayer.

A: 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 Saviour.
C: Amen.

PEACE
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
C: And also with you.

LORD’S PRAYER
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.
C: 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.

SENDING

BLESSING
P: God Almighty, who is the beginning and the end, Jesus Christ, the firstborn of
the dead, and the Spirit, our advocate and peace, + bless you now and forever.
C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN – Crown Him with Many Crowns (ELW #855)

DISMISSAL
A: Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!
C: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

DISMISSAL HYMN – The Lord Now Sends Us Forth (ELW #538)
Verse 1
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat (2X)

Verse 2
The angels are not sent
into our world of pain
to do what we were meant
to do in Jesus' name;
that falls to you and me
and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray,
to do your will today. Repeat (2X)