Items for the week of Sunday, May 17th

This past Sunday, May 17^th, was the Seventh Sunday of Easter

We heard the following scripture readings, introduction, and prayer of the day during the worship service:

Introduction

In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

Prayer of the Day

O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture for the Day

Acts 1:6-14 Jesus’ companions at prayer after his departure
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 God will sustain and restore those who suffer
John 20:19-21 Peace be with you.

Message

This past Sunday All Saints Lutheran Church utilized the pre-recorded Gospel Reading and Message provided by the SEIA Synod. SEIA Synod does this four times a year. If you would like to listen to the video by Bishop Betsey Monnot, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, click on the following link: https://www.seiasynod.org/synod-worship#may-17-2026

Devotion for the week

A Focus on Relationship

The prayers of Jesus in today’s reading come at the conclusion of what is called the “Farewell Discourse” in John’s gospel, which takes place prior to Jesus’ arrest in the garden. In this discourse Jesus repeatedly emphasizes themes of relationship, mutual love, and service as he teaches, gives final instructions, and prays for the disciples.

In John, more than in the other three gospels, relationship is the ultimate focus of the life of faith. Jesus’ mission on earth is to bring people into knowledge of and relationship with God the Father. Jesus exemplifies perfect relationship with the Father and wants all people to know this same intimacy with God. He also prays that his disciples might live in such a loving and mutual relationship with one another. Moreover, he prays that we might be one, so that our unity reflects the unity of the Father and the Son.

Our relationship with God is strengthened and refreshed in faith communities that worship together, attend to each other’s needs, and serve others and creation in acts of love and compassion. In the Bantu languages and philosophy of Africa, ubuntu refers to the moral conviction that “I am because you are,” or “I am because we are.” Ubuntu recognizes that our well-being and our futures are bound up in the well-being and the future of others.

Christianity is a religion of relationship, not of self-efficacy. In an increasingly individualistic and fragmented world, our faith in Christ demonstrates a bold witness to the power and beauty of community. How might Jesus be leading us and the church in this subversive work? How might mutual love and interdependence be signs of our faith, forging a path of healing for our broken world?