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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
April 26. 2026
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Pastor: The Reverend Leonard H. Bolick
Pastor Emeritus: The Reverend Terrell G. Long, Jr.
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 “where'er you walk” handel
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: “the lord’ s my shepherd” elw#778
*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.

(Continued on next page.....)

*(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-spoken

(Continued on next page.....)

CANTICLE OF PRAISE-assisting minister-spoken

(Continued on next page.....)

*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.

First Reading: Acts 2: 42-47
Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have, and ensures that everyone has enough.
A reading from Acts, the second chapter
42 [The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

second reading 1 Peter 2: 19-25
Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties, hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.
A reading from 1 Peter, the second chapter
19 It is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Psalm 23 (cantor 2, congregation 2)
1 The Lord | is my shepherd; I shall not | be in want. 2 The Lord makes me lie down | in green pastures and leads me be- | side still waters. 3 You restore my | soul, O Lord, and guide me along right pathways | for your name’s sake. 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall | fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they | comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence | of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is | running over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days | of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the | Lord forever.

*P Gospel Acclamation

P*Holy Gospel john 10: 1-10
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.
The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the tenth chapter
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] 1 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Praise to you, O Christ.

(The congregation may be seated.)

Sermon the REverend Leonard H. bolick
*hymn of the day “have no fear, little flock”

elw# 764

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.)
Shepherding God, draw all people to yourself and lead them in paths of righteousness. Embolden your church to enter the valleys of the world and guide us beside the still waters of your grace. We pray for military and prison chaplains serving near and far. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Creator God, by the resurrection of your Son, show us your steadfast love and instruct our hearts in your ways. Help us to revere and protect the wonders of your creation. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Righteous Judge, strengthen and uphold those who work for justice and advocate for human rights. Bring an end to oppression and save us from the temptation of violence or vengeance. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Great Physician, walk with those who are grieving, and anoint those who are ill or injured . Restore them to health of body, mind, and spirit. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Good Shepherd, continually seek us out as lambs of your flock, and form us into a community where all are honored and cared for. Spread a feast before us and fill our cups to overflowing. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Living God, we praise you for the saints who have died in faith and now dwell in your love. At our end, bring us, with them, to our heavenly home. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

(Continued on next page.....)

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 “Prayer” mozart

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.

*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.

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: “savior, like a shepherd lead us” elw#789

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Postlude “postlude and chorale in a minor” mArcello

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Alden Elliott & Sam Poloche by
Kelly Taylor & Amanda Pritchard Amanda Pritchard

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

Sunday Servants April 26th
Assisting Minister...................................................................................David Hartmann
Lay Reader.......................................................................................................Kelly Taylor
Ushers ……………….......................................................................Dale & Stacie Myers
Greeter..........................................................................................................Dot Fairchild
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

PLC will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, May 15th. The drive will be from 1:15 to 5:00 PM. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex. The community and friends are invited to participate. So, if you know anyone who would like to donate, please refer them to this blood drive.

Future Important Dates
May 3rd-Rachel’s Day
Sunday, May 10th-Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10th-Ascencsion Sunday
Synod Assembly– May 28th, 29th, and 30th~Registration deadline is May 5th
Sunday, June 14th-Graduate Sunday

If you are interested in attending the synod assembly, please see Pastor Bolick for information. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, May 5th. You may attend one or a multiple of days.

On Sunday, June 14th, we will celebrate “Graduate Sunday.” While we do not have any active students graduating this year, we do have some grandchildren. If you would email to me or leave information on my desk about your grandchild, (school, degree(s), major, college or work plans, I will create an insert with their names and information. I will need these no later than Sunday, May 24th.

Week of April 26th
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:oo a.m. Worship Service
Monday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
Tuesday Church Office Closed
5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 7:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

“may the hope of jesus find you” choir

Amen

O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through 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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