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.

St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Outline for Worship (with sermon)

Sunday, June 1, 2025 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 - Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (ELW #645)

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, form the minds of your faithful people into your one will. Make us
love what you command and desire what you promise, that, amid all the
changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found,
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen

WORD
FIRST READING: Acts 16:16-34
16 One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl
who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money
by fortune-telling. 17 While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out,
"These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way
of salvation." 18 She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed,
turned and said to the spirit, "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come
out of her." And it came out that very hour. 19 But when her owners saw that
their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and
dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20 When they had
brought them before the magistrates, they said, "These men are disturbing
our city; they are Jews 21 and are advocating customs that are not lawful for
us as Romans to adopt or observe." 22 The crowd joined in attacking them,
and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them
to be beaten with rods. 23 After they had given them a severe flogging,
they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely.
24 Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and
fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were
praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the
prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's
chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison
doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he
supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice,
"Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." 29 The jailer called for lights,
and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he
brought them outside and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
3They answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved,
you and your household." 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him and
to all who were in his house. 33 At the same hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized
without delay. 34 He brought them up into the house and set food before
them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become
a believer in God.

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

PSALM: 97
1 The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice;
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness surround the Lord,
righteousness and justice are the foundations of God’s throne.
3 Fire goes before the Lord,
burning up enemies on every side.
4 Lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens declare your righteousness, O Lord,
and all the peoples see your glory.
7 Confounded be all who worship carved images and delight in false gods!
Bow down before the Lord, all you gods.
8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you are the Lord, most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 You who love the Lord, hate evil!
God guards the lives of the saints and rescues them from
the hand of the wicked.
11 Light dawns for the righteous,
and joy for the honest of heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous,
and give thanks to God’s holy name.

SECOND READING: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

12 "See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to
everyone's work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the
beginning and the end." 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that
they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.
16 "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches.
I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." 17 The Spirit
and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let
everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as
a gift. 20 The one who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints.
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 17:20-26

C: Glory to you, O Lord.

20 "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe
in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me
and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you
have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that
they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may
become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and
have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also,
whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which
you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
25 "Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these
know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will
make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them,
and I in them."

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

SERMON

Rev. Paul Gehrs
Assistant to the Bishop, Justice and Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
John 17:20-26
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 ELCIC acknowledges that its buildings and ministries, from coast
to coast to coast, are on traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples.
Each time we gather, to hear scripture, to pray together, and to be sent
out in peace to serve the Lord, we carry with us the knowledge that the
work of truth, healing, reconciliation, and renewed relationships between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is central to our call to participate
in God’s mission.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
Happy Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Every year, Lutherans and Anglicans lift up the Seventh Sunday of Easter
as Jerusalem and the Holy Land Sunday.
As we do in many observances:
Today, and every day, we pray for peace in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
Today, and every day, we remember our church partners - -
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)
and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (DoJ).
Jesus prayed:
I ask…also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word,…
Palestinian Christians understand themselves to have offered a continuous
witness to the resurrection since the time of Jesus. The Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) is a church
that cares very much about its community, neighbourhood, society, land,
and home. This is expressed through schools, hospitals, food programs,
work for gender justice, care for the environment. The vibrant life and
faithful witness of the ELCJHL, and sumud (steadfastness) of the
Palestinian Lutheran people is an inspiration.
In April, I had the opportunity to be part of a delegation visiting the ELCJHL.
Spending time in Jerusalem and the West Bank, our focus was on solidarity
and on listening to a variety of voices, including the thoughtful, wise, and
moving voices of high school students at Lutheran Schools.
For many years, the Palestinian churches have experienced a variety
of difficulties due to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and tensions
with the state of Israel. Since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and
the retaliation war of Israel on Gaza, these challenges have increased.
The economic situation is very difficult. Many people rely on tourism
and that is greatly reduced due to travel restrictions and travel concerns.
As well, there has been a large reduction in permits for people to go from
the West Bank into Israel to work in labour jobs.
In the Lutheran church, and other churches, many young adults do not see
a future and are emigrating to Europe and the United States. This has been
a concern for a long time, and it has increased significantly as the current
war goes on. There is a fear that the Christian community in the place
where Jesus lived might disappear altogether.
Jesus prayed:
I ask…that they may all be one.
Our relationship with global partners and our awareness of Christians
around the world is one step toward living out Jesus’ prayer that we all be one.
This solidarity visit was a reminder to the people of the ELCJHL that they
are not alone. It is also a reminder to the people of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) that our presence and accompaniment with the Palestinian
Lutheran people is a vital expression of our shared faith and commitment to
justice and peace. There is a standing invitation for you to come and see –
to witness the vibrant life and faithful witness of the church in the Holy Land.
I know that travel is not possible for everyone, but I affirm that showing up,
in whatever form it takes, matters deeply. For, as long as the ELCJHL is
there, we are all there.
On Palm Sunday, our delegation walked in the procession with Palms from
the Mount of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem. It was part street festival,
with people walking and talking. It was part liturgical rite, with some people
dressed formally, and singing hymns and playing instruments. As we walked,
there was plenty of time to ponder: to feel deeply the horribleness of war,
to feel some comfort in the broad, diverse, worshipping community, and to
hope for peace in the Holy Land, and in every land, and in any context.
It started to rain, and this made some of the stone roadways very slippery.
This felt symbolic – that sometimes the way is difficult, and we tread cautiously.
The sun came out again, and this also felt symbolic – that sometimes our
way forward and our next steps become clear.
Believing in the resurrection requires community. The seeing, the hearing,
the believing, the doubting, the sharing: all of this happens in community.
Yes, God is with you wherever you go. At the same time, the fullness of
God’s presence and God’s promises are made know in community.
Jesus prayed:
… so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them and I in
them. So that the love of Jesus may be in me. So that the love Jesus may
be in us.
The Palestinian Lutherans of the ELCJHL inspire me so much. The hospitality,
warmth, and celebration of my presence as a guest is beautiful. The clear
principle of love for community, neighbours, and land generates ministry
through schools, hospitals, food programs, work for gender justice,
and care for the environment. The resilience through occupation, war,
and hardship is a model of faithfulness.
And the Lutherans of the ELCIC inspire me so much. Thank you for every
expression of hospitality, every demonstration of true love for neighbours,
and every act for healing, justice, support and care. Thank you for every
time you model resilience.
For me, the prayer of Jesus is full of possibility:
Jesus prays:
I ask…also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word,…
I ask…that they may all be one.
I ask… that the love with which you have loved me may be in them
and I in them.
May the next steps on your journey be revealed clearly,
May the love of Jesus dwell in you,
And may the love of God blossom among us and among many.

AMEN

Silence is kept for reflection.

HYMN OF THE DAY – Son of God, Eternal Saviour (ELW #655)

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: God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church,
the world, and all who are in need.
A: God of our church, send forth your Spirit as we pray for our Bishops Susan
and Carla. Empower them with your wisdom to lead the church. We also pray
for the Thames Ministry area, especially Pastor John Goldsworthy and the
people of St. John Lutheran Church, Aylmer. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Welcoming God, you invite all people to come and encounter your love.
Give your church open hearts and minds to embrace all who seek your
presence. Increase the capacity for cooperation between denominations
and congregations. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Creating God, your might is seen in storms and in silence. When drought
threatens, bring rain. Where waters flood, ease them back. Where fire, earthquake,
hurricane, or tornado destroy, shelter your people and restore your land.
Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Discerning God, fill the hearts of leaders with your passion for justice
and mercy. Call the nations of this world to tables of peace and collaboration.
Encourage governments to seek avenues of collective benefit and joy.
Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Abiding God, all people are held in your care. Accompany survivors of abuse,
trauma, and exploitation. Strengthen our resolve to listen and advocate on
behalf of all who are unnoticed. Hear our prayers for those close to our heart,
especially Beth, Jean, Mary Margaret, Kristine, Karen, Emma, Cathy, Ahlen,
Lene, and those others we name silently before you. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Rejoicing God, be with this congregation as summer begins in the northern
hemisphere. Keep travellers safe. Keep the vulnerable cool. Invigorate summer
ministry efforts in our community, and support the well-being of children and
young people. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Merciful God, we pray for peace as war continues to rage in Ukraine and
in Israel and Gaza. 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. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: Loving God, the beginning and the end, you are with us throughout our lives.
In gratitude for the saints who have died, we look toward your coming again
among us. Hear us, O God.
C: Your mercy is great.

A: We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you
are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Saviour.
C: Amen.

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

OFFERING PRAYER
A: Risen One, you have gathered us around your table of grace along with these
gifts we bring. Come among us again, breathe your life into us, and enliven us
with this meal, that we may live as your risen body in the world.
C: Amen.

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: The triune God, who was, who is, and who is to come, Sovereign,
☩ Saviour, and Spirit, light your way with resurrection dawn, now and always.
C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN – Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (ELW #547)

DISMISSAL
A: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
C: Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
A: Go in peace. In Christ you are made new. Alleluia! Alleluia!
C: Thanks be to God. Alleluia! 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)1