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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
May 18, 2025
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Minister Christopher Bass
Kim Ledford, Interim Music Director Judy Parker, Organist

We welcome you to our service today! May God richly bless you as you worship here. If you are visiting for the first time this morning, we ask that you please sign the guest register found in the front entrance of the church.

M: Welcome and announcements
Recognition of graduates
Prelude “all hail the power of jesus name” vogt
(Remain seated during prelude)
GATHERING: The Holy Spirit gathers us in Christ’s name!
*(You are invited to stand, facing the procession of the cross.)

*Gathering song: “turn your eyes”
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace. Repeat
.

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

*M With one voice let us pray.....

M: *Thanksgiving for baptism
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister
begins.
M: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
In the name of the XOne
who was, who is, and who is to come.
Amen.
Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,
and called to live the baptized life,
let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.

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*(Denotes when congregation stands.)
(Bold italicized print denotes when congregation speaks.)

(Water may be poured before or during the thanksgiving.)
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,
make us one as you are one.
We give you thanks for the waters of baptism,
waters that strengthen believers
and give new life to beloved servants of your church;
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,
make us one as you are one.
Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One,
that our every day is shaped by these waters
that give us our very lives in you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One.
Amen.

(The congregation may be seated.)

first Reading Acts 11: 1-18
In defense of his earlier baptism of non-Jewish believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ testimony. In this way the mission to the Gentiles is officially authorized.
A reading from the eleventh chapter of Acts
1 Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Second reading: revelation 21: 1-6
John’s vision shows us that in the resurrection the new age has dawned; God dwells with us already. Yet we wait for the time when the tears that cloud our vision will be wiped away. Then we will see the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem.
A reading from the twenty-first chapter of Revelation
1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Psalm 148 (spoken 2 x 2; cantor 2, congregation 2)
1 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise God in the heights. 2 Praise the Lord, all you angels; sing praise, all you hosts of heaven. 3 Praise the Lord, sun and moon; sing praise, all you shining stars. 4 Praise the Lord, heaven of heavens, and you waters a-bove the heavens.

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5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, who commanded, and they were created, 6 who made them stand fast forever and ever, giving them a law that shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps; 8 fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing God’s will; 9 mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; 10 wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds; 11 sovereigns of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the world; 12 young men and maidens, old and young together. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over earth and heaven. 14 The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all faithful servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. Hallelujah!

*m: Holy Gospel john 13: 31-35
After washing the disciples’ feet, predicting his betrayal, and then revealing his betrayer, Jesus speaks of his glorification on the cross. This deep complicated love of Jesus, even to death on the cross, will be the distinctive mark of Jesus’ community.
The Holy Gospel according to the thirteenth chapter of John
Glory to you, O Lord.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

*Sermon song: “as the deer”
As the deer pant-eth for the water, So my soul long-eth after Thee.
You alone are my heart’s desire — And I long to worship Thee.
You alone are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire — and I long to worship Thee.
You’re my friend and you are my brother, even though you are a King.
I love you more than any other, so much more than anything.
You alone are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire — and I long to worship Thee.
I want you more than gold or silver, only you can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy giver and the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield. To you alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart’s desire — and I long to worship Thee.
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.

M: And now as we respond to God’s Word, we confess our faith through the words of the Nicene Creed:

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For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man.
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.
with the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He 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
Assisting Minister: God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
(A brief silence.....we kneel or sit.)
Fill the church with the spirit of your redeeming love. Make us steadfast in our proclamation of your grace for all people without exceptions, especially those often overlooked in our communities. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Awaken joy in the beauty and abundance of your creation. Show us the wonder of your presence from the smallest flower to the tallest tree. Recommit us to preservation of wild places. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

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Instruct all world leaders to protect the most vulnerable among us. Guide those in power toward equitable and just economic policies, so that all might have sufficient resources to live safely and with dignity. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Pour out your love on all in need of care: those mourning losses, enduring trauma, experiencing broken relationships, yearning for companionship, or facing illness. Wipe away every tear. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Abide with all who are victims of racism, especially people who are doubly marginalized because of gender, sexuality, or ability. Destroy all forms of systemic oppression, and renew our commitment to healing the wounds of our collective body in this community and beyond. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We give thanks for all the saints whose lives bear witness to your redeeming love. Guide us by their example, until we join them in your eternal home. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
M: Are there any other intentions?
M: 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 Savior.
Amen.

*Sharing of the Peace
M: The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

MEAL: (God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ).

Offering/ Remain seated)
(Giving to those in need, is a sign of the giving of our whole selves in grateful
response for all God’s gifts.)

Offertory “we are an offering” elw #692
We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift out lives up to you: we are an offering. Lord , use our voices, Lord, use our hands, Lord, use our lives, they are yours: we are an offering. All that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be, we give to you, we give to you. We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering, we are an offering.

*“Come and See the Glory of the Lord” (The pastor sings the first two verses.)
In the night that Jesus was betrayed, in an upper room,
He took the bread and blessed it as he said..
“Here’s my body broken for you”.
He took the cup and raised it up on high, bowed His head and prayed. And then he said: “My blood for you is shed, a cleansing stream to wash your sins away”.

(Congregation joins in singing)
Come and see the glory of the Lord, come before the Lamb
Come and see the mercy of the King, bowing down before Him
For He is Lord above the heavens, Lord in all the earth.
Lord of all the angels, worthy to be served. Alleluia…..Lord!

Invitation to Communion:
Come to the table of grace. Receive the gift of new life.
COMMUNION–communion music

LORD’S PRAYER
Cantor will sing and congregation will repeat
Our Father, | who art in heaven,
hallowed be | thy name,
thy kingdom come, | thy will be done,
on earth | as in heaven.
Please give us | All that we need;
and forgive us | all our sins,
as we forgive | those who harm us
and lead us not | away from you,
For the kingdom, | and the power,
and the glory, | are yours now
forever | and ever.
Amen | Amen

Sending: (God blesses us and sends us with gifts of grace in mission to the world.)

M*Blessing
The triune God,
who was, who is, and who is to come,
Sovereign, X Savior, and Spirit,
light your way with resurrection dawn,
now and always.
Amen

*Sending Song: “Bind Us Together”
Refrain
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together
with cords that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, Lord:
bind us together in love.
There is only one God.
There is only one King.
There is only one Body;
that is why we can sing: Refrain
You are the fam’ly of God.
You are the promise divine.
You are God’s chosen desire,
you are the glorious new wine. Refrain

Shalom prayer

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. In Christ you are made new. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Postlude “thine is the glory ” dengler-handel

The altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of Kelly, Cory, Taylor & Riley by Jim Ledford

The sanctuary lamp is given to the glory of God and in memory of Joe Belk and Edith Beane by Mary Catherine Belk

Announcements

The church council will meet today at 3:00 PM.

The office will be closed Fridy, May 23rd so I can attend my grandson’s graduation. ~Joanne

The baby bottles for the Caldwell Pregnancy Center are due back to the church by Sunday, June 15th (Father’s Day). You may place coins, cash, or write a check to the center.

This Week’s Opportunities
Sunday 10:00 a.m. Worship
Monday 7:00 PM Grief Support Group
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday Church Office Closed
8:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

O Lord God, you teach us that without love, our actions gain nothing. Pour into our hearts your most excellent gift of love, that, made alive by your Spirit, we may know goodness and peace, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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