Preparing for Sunday
June 1, 2025
The Ascension of Our Lord (observed)
Divine Service
Jesus promises to release the power of the Holy Spirit that will sustain the church as she magnifies the name of Christ, in all wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment. Today, the church honors Jesus’ ascent into the heavenly realms. In His absence from us, we shall be comforted and sustained by the Spirit of God. In our waiting for Christ’s return, we boldly proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations.
Readings
Hymns
“Hail Thee, Festival Day” LSB 489
“Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels” LSB 491
“We All Believe in One True God” LSB 954
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” LSB 463
“Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious” LSB 495
“A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing” LSB 493
“On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build” LSB 492
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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May 25, 2025 Sixth Sunday of Easter
Scripture reveals God’s answers, vision, and intervention. What seems perplexing is professed by faith, not by reason, yet couched in mystery and not always palpable. We cannot intellectually understand how baptism begets faith, yet we believe. We cannot comprehend the incomparable beauty of heaven, yet we see. We yearn to approach the heavenly Father, unencumbered by the weight of sin and confusion! Jesus provides clarity in His mercy, sufficient to instill within us true repentance, sincere faith, and compassionate service.
Readings
Acts 16:9-15
Acts 16:9-15
Hymns for the Day
“Life Is a Journey”
“I Walk in Danger All the Way” LSB 716
“I Walk in Danger All the Way” LSB 716
“I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light” LSB 411
Collect of the Day
O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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May 18, 2025 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
In Christ, all things are made new. Gentiles once spurned from the promises of God are baptized and made recipients of forgiveness and eternal life. They are no longer alien to God. Former things, antiquated caste systems, are null and void. New things are imminent. The resurrection of Jesus deprives mourning, crying, and dying of their power. The unleashing of the Holy Spirit changes lingering sorrow into joy, ensuring the newness of all things in heaven and on earth.
Readings:
Collect of the Day
O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Hymns:
“Life Is a Journey”
“Jerusalem, My Happy Home” LSB 673
“Jerusalem, My Happy Home” LSB 673
“Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me” LSB 722“Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face” LSB 631
“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” LSB 649“A Multitude Comes from the East and the West” LSB 510
“In Thee Is Gladness” LSB 818“Alleluia! Let Praises Ring” LSB 822
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May 11, 2025- Fourth Sunday of Easter
“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Christ alone secures salvation for believing Jews and Gentiles. He temporally and eternally anchors those persecuted for believing, asserting, and preaching divine truths. In the midst of strife, sin, disease, and death, God shepherds his people into eternity. As His sheepish people, we listen to His voice. So also we receive the living waters of Holy Baptism where He asserts His claim on us forever.
Readings:
Hymns
“Father Welcomes” LSB 605“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” LSB 709“Life Is a Journey”
“Lord Jesus Christ, Life Giving Bread” LSB 625
“Oh, Blest the House” LSB 862“Be Still My Soul” LSB 752“With All the Saints in Glory” LSB 671“Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us” LSB 711
“Lord Jesus Christ, Life Giving Bread” LSB 625
“Oh, Blest the House” LSB 862“Be Still My Soul” LSB 752“With All the Saints in Glory” LSB 671“Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us” LSB 711
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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