The Sixth Sunday of Easter
+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
Great and loving Father, your will for us in Jesus is the peace the world cannot give;
your abiding gift is the Advocate he promised. Calm all troubled hearts, dispel every fear. Keep us steadfast in love and faithful to your word, that we may always be your dwelling place. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken” – Greene Mountain Men’s Choir
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A Reading from the New Testament: Revelation 21:1-4, 22:1-5 (NLT)
The New Jerusalem
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
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Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.
No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 14:21-29 (NLT)
“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
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Intercession:
Sovereign God, ruler of all nations: Hear our prayers –
+ For nations thirsting for peace, that they may receive the Spirit’s gift of cooperation….
+ For every culture on earth, that women may be honored and respected….
+ For persecuted believers, that they may keep their heavenly reward before their eyes….
+ For our own country, that peace, reconciliation and cooperation may grow….
+ For young people recently confirmed in faith, that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit….
+ For high school and college graduates, that the Holy Spirit may guide their future….
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially those in service to our country, that they may experience your promised peace forever….
God of power and might, you graciously bless your people: give us confidence that our prayers are heard and answered according to your perfect will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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“Trust & Obey” – Chelsea Moon w/ the Franz Brothers
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Closing: – Psalm 67:2-4
May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Peanut Gallery 