Maundy Thursday Worship
Maundy Thursday Worship service at 7 pm in the sanctuary on Thursday, April 6. This worship serviceincludes Laying on of Hands, Holy Communion, and the Stripping of the Altar.
Theme for the Season of Lent
written by Matt Reece, Director of Music Ministries
Reaching Out, Lifting Up, Shining God’s Light
During Jesus’ ministry, he encountered many people in need. Some were sick, some infirm, some hungry, some blind, some lame. Jesus also encountered those with less visible or external needs: a crisis of faith in a midnight garden, questions and misunderstandings about the Kingdom of God, disciples trying to follow and often stumbling along the way. In every case, Jesus reached out a hand, lifted up the community or individual, and became the light of God for all to see.
As we journey through forty days of darkness and shadow, the light of God shines through the cracks. We are still called to follow, even when the darkness is heavy around us and doubt and fear trouble us from all sides. In the deepest darkness, Jesus reaches out to us, lifts us up, and becomes the light of God in our own lives.
What then shall we do in response? How are we called to be disciples of God during this season of Lent, and throughout the year? May we find ways to reach out to others, whether their need is small or great, external or existential. May we lift up our community by treasuring each person as a beloved child of God. May we reflect God’s light in our loves and in our lives, shining through the cracks and the shadows to be God’s light to the world.
Introduction
On Maundy Thursday our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
Copyright © 2023 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Scripture
Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14 – The passover of the Lord
Psalm 116:1-2, 13, 17-19 – I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116:13)
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes
John 13:1-17, 31b-35 – The service of Christ: footwashing and meal
Preparation for the Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
Volunteers are needed to help pick up food from River Bend Food Bank at 8:30 am and unload food from River Bend Food Bank at All Saints Lutheran Church at 9:15 am on Thursday, April 6th this week.
Good Friday Worship
Good Friday Worship service at 7 pm in the sanctuary on Friday, April 7.
Introduction
Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently.
Copyright © 2023 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Scripture
Isaiah 52:13–53:12 – The suffering servant
Psalm 22 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps. 22:1)
Hebrews 10:16-25 – The way to God is opened by Jesus’ death
John 18:1–19:42 – The passion and death of Christ
Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
The Food Pantry & Clothing Closet are open every Saturday from 11 am – 1 pm, even holiday weekends. Volunteers should arrive no later than 10:45 am on Saturdays.
Easter Sunday Schedule
All are welcome to join us for breakfast, Sunday school/egg hunt, and worship at All Saints Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 9th.
Easter Breakfast – 8:30 am (gathering space)
Children’s Sunday school – Easter Egg Hunt 9 am
Worship – 10 am (sanctuary) – Day of Resurrection/Easter Day.
Theme & Write Up for the Season of Easter
written by Matt Reece, Director of Music Ministries
God’s grace transforms our suffering into feasting
Christ is risen – he is risen indeed! The shadows over the sun have cleared, and we rejoice in the risen Savior’s victory over sin and death.
During the season of Lent, we wore the sackcloth and ashes of silence and introspection. We looked into the shadows of ourselves and discovered God waiting for us even there. Now, a new morning has dawned. The stone has been rolled away. Suffering has been transformed into feasting. Our ears ring with shouts of “Hosanna!” and “Alleluia!”
Christ shares our suffering, and shows us God’s grace by remaining present with us even on our most difficult journeys. The trials of our lives don’t allow us to just flip a switch from darkness to light: each day is a pathway through both suffering and feasting. No matter the stones and roots we encounter on the path, God is constantly creating us anew to be filled with his Spirit of love and compassion.
As we celebrate the resurrection throughout the season of Easter, may our hearts be filled with love and light, and may our suffering be transformed into feasting.
Introduction
This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.
Scripture
Acts 10:34-43 – God raised Jesus on the third day
Psalm 118:1-2, 14, 19, 21-24 – This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Ps. 118:24)
Colossians 3:1-4 – Raised with Christ to seek the higher things
Matthew 28:1-10 – Proclaim the resurrection
Bible Study
Bible Study will resume Wednesday, April 12th at 7 pm. Look for more information next week.
Council
The All Saints Lutheran Church Council will have their monthly meeting Tuesday, April 18th at 6 pm in the library at church.
Spring Cluster 6 Meeting
The Women of the ELCA will meet for the Spring Cluster 6 Meeting on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at The Vault Coffee & Café in Eldridge at 10 am. See the kiosk for more information.
Building Use
Did you know All Saints Lutheran Church has agreements with several outside companies that use our space during the week? Please keep this in mind when you are in and out of the building during the week.
QC Studio Z
Did you know that QC Studio Z offers Zumba classes in the fellowship hall three times a week? The class schedule is Mondays & Wednesdays 5:45 – 6:45 pm and Saturdays 9:30 – 10:30 am. For more information visit their website: https://www.qcstudioz.com/
Fit4Mom
Fit4Mom holds a Stroller Strides Class from 5:30 – 6:30 pm every Tuesday evening in the fellowship hall. For more information visit their website: https://quadcities.fit4mom.com/
West Music, Inc.
West Music – Music Therapy is once again offering the special needs choir “Sound Reach” in-person at All Saints Lutheran Church on Tuesday evenings. They will use the gathering space and sanctuary for rehearsal from 5:30-6:15 pm. For more information visit their website: https://musictherapy.westmusic.com/services/recreational-music/soundreach/