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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
April 5. 2026
Easter
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Pastor Leonard H. Bolick
Kim Ledford, Music Director Judy Parker, Organist

We welcome you to worship today! May God richly bless you as we worship together. If you are visiting for the first time, please sign the guest register in the front entrance of the church.

Gathering Music
P: Welcome and announcements
Prelude “fanfare and statement on “praise the lord! Alleluia!
broughton
(Remain seated during prelude)
GATHERING: We have been gathered by the Holy Spirit.
*(As the music begins, we are invited to stand, facing the procession of the cross.)
*Gathering song: “christ is risen! alleluia”
elw#382
*greeting
P: 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.
Thanksgiving for Baptism
(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the minister begins.)
P: Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
P: Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne
and to the Lamb!
Amen.
P: Let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.
(Silence is kept for reflection.)
Merciful God,
you are the one who was, who is, and who is to come.
You lead us beside still waters.
We thank you for the waters of creation:
morning dew, gentle rain, roaring waves.
We thank you for the waters that nourish us.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
*greeting
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.
*Thanksgiving for Baptism
(The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, Xone God,
The fountain of living water,
The rock who gave us birth,
Our light and our salvation.
Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
We are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
(Water poured as all give thanks.)
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,
And above all we praise you for the gift of NEW life in Jesus Christ.
Shower us with your Spirit,
And RENEW our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
In the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

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

Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness
who accompanies us on our journeys.
We give you thanks for your life-giving death and resurrection.
We praise you for joining us in joy and sorrow.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Holy Spirit, you anoint our head with oil and our cup overflows.
Break down barriers that divide us.
Fill us with the breath of peace.
Blessed are you.
You guide us to springs of the water of life.
Holy One, we thank you for the gifts and grace of baptism,
and for making us a new creation.
We join with saints and angels, giving you honor and praise,
now and forever.
Amen.

P: *Kyrie

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CANTICLE OF PRAISE-assisting minister

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*PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray….

(The congregation may be seated .)

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

Word: God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

“jesus shall reign” handbell choir

First Reading: Acts 10: 34-43
Peter’s sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer, is a summary of the essential message of Christianity: Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
A reading from Acts, the tenth chapter
34Peter began to speak to [the people]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

second reading Colossians 3: 1-4
Easter means new life for us as it first meant new life for Christ. His resurrection reshapes the entire focus and motivation for our lives since we are now hidden with the risen Christ in God.
A reading from Colossians, the third chapter
1 If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Psalm 118 1-2, 14-24 (sung in unison)
1Give thanks to the Lord, for the | Lord is good; God’s mercy en- | dures forever. 2Let Israel | now declare, “God’s mercy en- | dures forever.”
14The Lord is my strength | and my song, and has become | my salvation. 15Shouts of rejoicing and salvation echo in the tents | of the righteous: “The right hand of the | Lord acts valiantly! 16The right hand of the Lord| is exalted! The right hand of the | Lord acts valiantly!”
17I shall not | die, but live, and declare the works | of the Lord. 18The Lord indeed pun- | ished me sorely, but did not hand me o- | ver to death. 19Open for me the | gates of righteousness; I will enter them and give thanks | to the Lord.

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20“This is the gate | of the Lord; here the righ- | teous may enter.” 21I give thanks to you, for you have | answered me and you have become | my salvation. 22The stone that the build- | ers rejected has become the chief | cornerstone. 23By the Lord has | this been done; it is marvelous | in our eyes. 24This is the day that the | Lord has made; let us rejoice and be | glad in it.

*Gospel Acclamation

P*Holy Gospel matthew 28: 1-10
Sorrow gives way to “fear and great joy” when two women are sent by an angel to proclaim the good news: Jesus is risen!
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-eighth chapter
Glory to you, O Lord.
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon pastor leonard H. bolick
*hymn of the day “the strife is o’er, the battle done”
elw# 366

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

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Assisting Minister: 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 brief silence.....we kneel or sit.)
Risen Savior, you have conquered death and opened the gates of everlasting life. Dispel our doubts and fears and renew our faith and hope in you. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Life-giving God, the created world rejoices in Christ’s victory over death. May all the earth be renewed by the light of Jesus’ resurrection, and may we be faithful stewards of all you have made. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

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Sovereign God, let the nations acknowledge your reign of justice and truth. Where violence, oppression, and corruption hold sway, pour out your holy and life-giving Spirit to transform and redeem. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Gentle Shepherd, like the women at the empty tomb, many grieve or feel lost and afraid. Draw near to those who are ill or in pain. Reveal yourself to them as the Risen One. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Faithful God, we thank you for the living hope you give us through Christ’s resurrection. Bless this community, that we may boldly proclaim Christ’s victory over death in word and deed. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Eternal One, we give thanks for all who have died and now share in the joy of your resurrection. Bring us, with them, to the unending feast of your victory. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
P: Are there any other prayer requests?
P: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 Savior.
Amen.

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

Offering (You may 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 “a festive entroit for easter” choir

Offering Prayer
P: Merciful God,
accept the fruits of our labor, gathered to give you glory.
You have set a table before us, a glimpse of that great day
when we will hunger and thirst no more.
Nourish us with the body and blood of Jesus,
that goodness and mercy may follow us
and bless the world you love.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.

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

great Thanksgiving-spoken
The presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks.

The presiding minister continues:
P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise… here the minister continues with the preface for the day, concluding: ...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Sanctus

Words of remembrance
The presiding minister continues.
P: In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

*Lord's Prayer
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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.

Invitation to Communion: P: Come to the table of new life. Receive the Risen Lord.
White grape juice is available in the center of the tray for those unable to drink wine.
When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say
The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond: Amen.
**if you would like to take communion in your seat, please indicate to an usher and they will bring it to you.**

Communion Song

Communion music
“the risen Christ” smith
“hallelujah! Christ arose” lowry

*After all have returned to their places, the assembly stands; and the minister
continues:
The Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in His Grace.

Post Communion Canticle

P: Prayer after communion
Holy One,
through this meal you have made your home among us
and are making all things new.
Send us now to speak peace to anxious hearts,
to love our enemies,
and to bring your healing to the nations.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.

P*Blessing
God Almighty, who is the beginning and the end,
Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead,
and the Spirit, our advocate and peace,
Xbless you now and forever.
Amen.

Sending Hymn: “Allleluia! Jesus is risen!”” elw#377

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Postlude “easter fanfare and chorale” chesterton

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Hubert & Marilyn Cook

The sanctuary lamp is given to the Glory of God and in memory of Sinclair Deal by Mike & Malinda Clay

Sunday Servants April 5th
Assisting Minister...................................................................................David Hartmann
Lay Reader.......................................................................................................Kelly Taylor
Ushers ……………….......................................................................Dale & Stacie Myers
Greeter..................................................................................................Revonda Heavner
Acolyte………………..…………......................................................................Leah Isley
Crucifer.........................................................................................................Marc Woodie
Tabulators……………….......................................................Marc Woodie & Leah Isley
Altar Guild……..............…….................…........................................Ron & Lisa Herman
Presenters........................................................................................Harold & Judy Smith
Children’s Message.....................................................................................Katie Hamann

Week of April 5th
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship
10:15 a.m. Breakfast
Easter Egg Hunt
Monday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
5:30 p.m. Public Meeting at Town Hall, Rezoning
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday 6:00 p.m. WELCA Meeting
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 7:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

The Granite Falls Town Council will conduct a public meeting tomorrow night (Monday, April 6th) at 5:30 PM. The meeting is to discuss rezoning of property across the street from the church (playground side) to a medium to high density multi-family residential development. The neighborhood of the proposed rezoning area is being encouraged to attend and learn about all aspects of the impact the development will have on this area.

Pastor Brenda Henry will lead the morning worship on Sunday, April 12th. She will meet with the congregation following the morning worship service to discuss future opportunities for Philadelphia Lutheran Church. We would like to encourage everyone who is able to attend this important meeting.

“may the hope of jesus find you” choir

O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Amen.

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