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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
April 12. 2026
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
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. We greatly appreciate and welcome to PLC, The Rev. Brenda Henry, who will be leading our worship service this morning. Also, our former music director, Karen Wilson, will be the guest accompanist filling in for Judy Parker.

Gathering Music
P: Welcome and announcements
Prelude (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: “now all the vault of heaven resounds”
elw#367
*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

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CANTICLE OF PRAISE-assisting minister-spoken

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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.

First Reading: Acts 2: 14a, 22-32
After the Holy Spirit comes to the apostles on Pentecost, Peter preaches the gospel to the gathered crowd. He tells them that Jesus, who obediently went to his death according to God’s plan, was raised from the dead by God. Finally, he appeals to scripture, quoting Psalm 16:8-11, to show that Jesus is the Messiah: though crucified, the risen Jesus is now enthroned.
A reading from Acts, the second chapter
14a Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed [the crowd]: 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know 23 this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24 But God raised him up, having released him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover, my flesh will live in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
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29 “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’ 32 “This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

second reading 1 Peter 1: 3-9
This epistle was written to encourage Christians experiencing hardships and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The letter opens by blessing God for the living hope we have through Christ’s resurrection even amid difficult circumstances and surroundings.
A reading from 1 Peter, the first chapter
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Psalm 16 (spoken in unison)
1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my good above all other.” 2 All my delight is in the godly that are in the land, upon those who are noble among the people. 3 But those who run after other gods shall have their troubles multiplied. 4 I will not pour out drink offerings to such gods, never take their names upon my lips. 5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who uphold my lot. 6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; indeed, I have a rich inheritance. 7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me night after night. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because God is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope. 10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, nor let your holy one see the pit. 11 You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

*P Gospel Acclamation-spoken

P*Holy Gospel john 20: 19-31
The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But one of their number is missing, and his unbelief prompts another visit from the Lord
The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the twentieth chapter
Glory to you, O Lord.
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon the REverend Brenda henry
*hymn of the day “thine is the glory” elw# 376

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.)
Almighty God, you give life to the dead and call into existence things that do not exist. Breathe your Spirit upon us, that our faith may be renewed day by day. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

(Continued on next page.....)

Maker of heaven and earth, your mercies are new every morning. Open us to the wonders of creation, from the beauty of flowers to the complexity of subatomic particles. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of peace, in every place where conflict rages, sow seeds of calm and openness to reconciliation. Strengthen the resolve of leaders and citizens to work for peace in their nations. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Healing God, come alongside all who are doubting, fearful, or suffering in any way. Reveal to them your presence and assure them of the inheritance you have prepared for them. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Giver of joy, let this assembly be a place of genuine love and mutual affection. Deepen our care for one another and help us to embody your forgiving and sacrificial love. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Eternal One, we give thanks for saints who were faithful unto death and have joined the church triumphant. Inspire us by their witness and bring us with them into your glorious presence. 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/Noisy money 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

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: “on our way rejoicing” elw#537

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Go in peace. Praise the Lord. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Postlude

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Tim & Jennifer Cline & Jason & Cheryl Arnold
by Karan Cline

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

Sunday Servants April 12th
Assisting Minister...................................................................................David Hartmann
Lay Reader.......................................................................................................Kelly Taylor
Ushers ……………….......................................................................Dale & Stacie Myers
Greeter.................................................................................................Amanda Pritchard
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 12th
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:oo a.m. Worship Service
Congregational Meeting with Pastor Henry
Monday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday 12:00 PM Joanne in Office
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 7:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

Pastor Brenda Henry will lead the morning worship today 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.

Thank you to James McGee for organizing and donating food for Easter breakfast, along with Revonda Heavner’s ham. Thanks to Rodney Setzer, Mike Clay, Jim Ledford, and Dale Myers for cooking and cleaning up afterwards. A special thanks to Stacie Myers for manning the grill, keeping the fellas in line and then manning the clean up sink! Thanks to Dot Fairchild and Malinda clay for the pretty table arrangements, making the fellowship hall look so festive, as well as arranging the lilies on the altar with Kay Callihan’s help. Many thanks to Kay Callihan for picking up items needed the for egg hunt, then arranging her beautiful baskets to make such an attractive display. The bulletin boards are kept updated with creative ideas always. Her egg hunts are always such fun! Thanks to Diane Chaffee for the gorgeous urns she arranges and changes seasonally at our front doors. Thanks to Kim Ledford, our choir members and bell ringers for the lovely and fitting music during Lent and Easter. Thanks to our extremely competent secretary, Joanne Crunkleton, for all the extra bulletins she produced throughout the Lenten and Easter season this year . We especially appreciate the Altar Guild for all their work, especially during Holy Week and the folks who helped with the changes. The biggest thanks goes to our Pastor Bolick for his inspirational messages that taught us so much about biblical history and background information. His Easter sermon will long be remembered for his blowing of the conch shell! We appreciate all these efforts at Philadelphia!

“may the hope of jesus find you” choir

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith in you and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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