MOBILE-FRIENDLY BULLETIN
Weekly Church News
Prelude "Mein Jesus ist erstanden" (My Jesus Is Arisen) J. S. Bach (BWV 61.2)
Mein Jesus ist erstanden,
Allein, was schreckt mich noch?
Mein Glaube kennt des Heilands Sieg,
Doch fühlt mein Herze Streit und Krieg,
Mein Heil, erscheine doch!
My Jesus is arisen,
So what still frightens me?
My faith knows that my Saviour is victorious,
Yet still my heart feels strife and battle.
My salvation, appear then!
Welcome Vicar Micah Raebel
Ringing of the Bell
Opening Hymn “With High Delight Let Us Unite”
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 483.
With high delight
Let us unite
In songs of great jubilation.
Ye pure in heart,
All bear your part,
Sing Jesus Christ, our salvation.
To set us free
Forever, He
Is ris’n and sends
To all earth’s ends
Good news to save ev’ry nation.
True God, He first
From death has burst
Forth into life, all subduing.
His enemy
Doth vanquished lie;
His death has been death’s undoing.
“And yours shall be
Like victory
O’er death and grave,”
Saith He, who gave
His life for us, life renewing.
Let praises ring;
Give thanks, and bring
To Christ our Lord adoration.
His honor speed
By word and deed
To ev’ry land, ev’ry nation.
So shall His love
Give us above,
From misery
And death set free,
All joy and full consolation.
Invocation
Liturgist: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19b)
People: Amen.
Liturgist: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
People: But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confession and Absolution
Liturgist: Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.
People: Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.
Liturgist: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
People: Amen.
Kyrie
Liturgist: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
All sing: Lord, have mercy.
Liturgist: For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
All sing: Lord, have mercy.
Liturgist: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
All sing: Lord, have mercy.
Liturgist: For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
All sing: Lord, have mercy.
Liturgist: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
All sing: Amen.
Gloria “Glory to God, We Give You Thanks and Praise”
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 946.
Glory to God, we give You thanks and praise;
Of heav’nly joy and earthly peace we sing.
We worship You, to You our hearts we raise,
Lord God, almighty Father, heav’nly King.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s only Son,
You bore for us the load of this world’s sin.
O Lamb of God, Your glorious vict’ry won,
Receive our prayer, grant us Your peace within.
Alone, O Christ, You only are the Lord,
At God’s right hand in majesty most high:
Who with the Spirit worshiped and adored,
With all the heav’nly host we glorify.
Salutation and Collect of the Day
Liturgist: The Lord be with you.
All sing: And also with you.
Liturgist: Let us pray.
Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
All sing: Amen.
First Reading Acts 5:29–42 NIV
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Choral Anthem
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
And hath redeemed us to God by His blood,
To receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
And honor, and glory, and blessing.
Blessing, and honor, glory, and pow’r be unto Him
That sitteth upon the throne
And unto the Lamb
Forever and ever.
(Revelation 5:9, 12–13)
Epistle Reading 1 Peter 1:3–9 NIV
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Lector: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Alleluia and Verse
All Sing:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
These things are written that you may believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Song of God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Holy Gospel John 20:19-31 NIV
Lector: The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the twentieth chapter.
All sing: Glory to You, O Lord.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Lector: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
All sing: Praise to You, O Christ.
Hymn of the Day “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done” arr. Owen Duncan ‘19
If you wish to follow the music, refer to hymnal 464.
Refrain:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is the victor’s triumph won;
Now be the song of praise begun.
Alleluia!
The pow’rs of death have done their worst,
But Christ their legions hath dispersed.
Let shouts of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!
The three sad days have quickly sped,
He rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head!
Alleluia!
He broke the age-bound chains of hell;
The bars from heav’n’s high portals fell.
Let hymns of praise His triumph tell.
Alleluia!
Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free
That we may live and sing to Thee.
Alleluia! refrain
Message Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
Each petition concludes with:
Liturgist: Lord, in your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Gathering of Our Tithes and Offerings
Music at the Offering
"Friede sei mit euch" (Peace Be with You) J. S. Bach (BWV 67.6)
Friede sei mit euch!
Wohl uns! Jesus hilft uns kämpfen
Und die Wut der Feinde dämpfen,
Hölle, Satan, weich!
Friede sei mit euch!
Jesus holet uns zum Frieden
Und erquicket in uns Müden
Geist und Leib zugleich.
Friede sei mit euch!
O Herr, hilf und lass gelingen,
Durch den Tod hindurchzudringen
In dein Ehrenreich!
Peace be with you!
How fortunate we are! Jesus helps us to fight
and to subdue the rage of the enemy,
Hell and Satan, surrender!
Peace be with you!
Jesus calls us to peace
and revives us who are weary,
spirit and body together.
Peace be with you!
Oh Lord, help us and let us succeed
in pressing on through death
into Your glorious kingdom.
"Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ" (You Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ)
J. S. Bach (BWV 67.6)
Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ,
Wahr' Mensch und wahrer Gott,
Ein starker Nothelfer du bist
Im Leben und im Tod:
Drum wir allein
Im Namen dein
Zu deinem Vater schreien.
You Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ,
true man and true God,
You are a strong helper in distress,
in life and in death.
Therefore we only
in Your name
cry to Your Father.
The Lord's Prayer
Liturgist: Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
People: 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.
Benediction
Liturgist: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
People: Amen.
Closing Hymn “Let Our Gladness Have No End”
(Easter text in collaboration with Amy Held and hymn arrangement by Ethan Schneider ‘25)
Christ has triumphed o’er the grave, Alleluia!
Love incarnate died to save, Alleluia!
Refrain:
For today Christ rose from death
That He might give life and breath,
Gives His peace and gladness.
Though His followers have great fear, Christ has risen!
“Thomas, place your finger here.” Life is given. refrain
Choir: With omniscient depths of truth: “Peace be with you.”
Holy Spirit in pursuit, we are made new. all sing refrain
Let our gladness have no end! Alleluia!
Our rejoicing ever blend, “Alleluia!” refrain
Worship Service Participants
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer
Liturgist: Vicar Micah Raebel
Organ: Olivia Thoelke ‘26
Musicians: Concordia Concertato Ensemble
Audio/Visual: Hector Cerda, Mark Todd, Krey Pillei, and Blaine Currer
This service was planned by Concordia church music major, Olivia Thoelke. Concordia University Irvine wishes to thank the St. John's congregation for its generous support of church musician training through the Dr. William J. Heide Church Music Scholarship Endowment.
Thanks for joining us today!
April 12, 2026
Prayers of the Church
April 12, 2026
Lord God, like Thomas we wrestle with faith amid doubts and fears.
Grant us Your Holy Spirit, that believing, we may see,
and seeing, we may rejoice in Your Son and the power of His resurrection.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Almighty God and Father, we give You thanks and praise
that You graciously preserve and grow Your family through Holy Baptism.
Thank You for the Baptism today of Emmy Leticia Holt,
daughter of Michael and Jessica Holt, and Isaac Shing Chak Ho.
Keep them in their baptismal grace, that according to Your good pleasure,
they may faithfully grow to lead a godly life to the praise and honor of Your name, and finally, with all Your saints, obtain the promised inheritance in heaven. Lord, in Your mercy,
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness to the skies.
We give You thanks for the marriage yesterday of Sarah Klinkenberg and Andy Yingling.
Strengthen them and all spouses in faithfulness and love toward each other.
Help them to live in faith toward You, in the communion of Your holy Church,
and in loving service to each other, that they may ever enjoy Your heavenly blessing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Gracious Father, as Your Son’s wounds brought gladness and peace to the troubled disciples, give Your presence and comfort to the troubled in our midst.
We pray especially for…. Linda Blakesley, Rachel Cann, Blake Charette, Todd Christian, Cynthia Fitschen, Brandi Fleming, Manuel Gardea, Brent Grenado, Sara Grewe, Tana Diaz-Margerum, Lawrie Sloan Hawes, Bruce Matthias, Ryan Nguyen, Jimmy Rocha, Joan Roslington, Terry Steinhauer, Taylor and Adriana, Robert, those on our printed prayer lists, and those we name silently in our hearts. Grant them Your healing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
God of consolation, comfort also those who weep.
We pray especially for the family and friends of Julie Ezell
and the family and friends of Jad Davis,
that they would be comforted with the blessed joy of Easter morning
and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, in Your mercy,
Lord God of hosts, You have added believers to the Lord Jesus in all times and places, receptive places and hostile places.
Shepherd the nations and bring all peoples to embrace the Gospel of the resurrected Christ. Guide our rulers and authorities, especially President Trump, Governor Newsom, and Mayor Slater, that they would govern with integrity and lead with humility.
Protect our active and reserve military in friendly and hostile places.
Watch over our astronauts in their exploration and study of new places.
Watch over their coming and their going, and grant all safe return home.
Lord, in Your mercy,
O Lord, heavenly Father, give us all things good and beneficial to us,
and to our salvation, and keep us from all things harmful.
All these things, through Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Savior,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Bring your Bible and grab a donut. Together we learn, reflect, and grow...
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
All volunteers welcome // Free Live Scan Event // For everyone's safety, all volunteers who are working with children in any capacity must have valid Live Scan fingerprints on file.
Monday, April 20, 2026, 5:30 PM
A Leadership Event Series for Women - With three dynamic and accomplished speakers you’ll be inspired, energized and better equipped to be the leader He wants you to be.
Thursday, May 07, 2026, 9:00 AM
Prayer Gathering - St. John's Sanctuary - We Gather to Pray for our Nation. 2026 Theme: "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM
Members 18 years and older please attend and participate. Senior Pastor's REPORT, Financial Report, Proposed Budget, Election of New Leaders, Very Important Updates...
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
All volunteers welcome // Free Live Scan Event // For everyone's safety, all volunteers who are working with children in any capacity must have valid Live Scan fingerprints on file.
Daily, from 06/22/2026 to 06/26/2026, 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Five days of fun for kids age 3 to grade 6 -- incredible worship, engaging Bible lessons, games, crafts, snacks, mission project, and more... June 22-26, 2026.
Every Sunday, from 09/20/2026 to 11/01/2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Our seven-session Membership Class is intended for those that are new to St. John's, either as a new member, transfer member, or anyone who is interested!
Weekly Church News
Welcome
Invocation
Worship Set
“Open The Eyes Of My Heart"
“This Is Amazing Grace"
Confession and Absolution
“Here I Am To Worship"
Sacrament of Baptism
Scripture Readings
Message Pastor Paul Elliott
Apostles’ Creed
Prayers of the Church
The Lord’s Prayer
"Free Amen"
Benediction
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Paul Elliott
Director of Contemporary Worship: Stephan Nosrat
Thanks for joining us today!
April 12, 2026
Prayers of the Church
April 12, 2026
Lord God, like Thomas we wrestle with faith amid doubts and fears.
Grant us Your Holy Spirit, that believing, we may see,
and seeing, we may rejoice in Your Son and the power of His resurrection.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Almighty God and Father, we give You thanks and praise
that You graciously preserve and grow Your family through Holy Baptism.
Thank You for the Baptism today of Emmy Leticia Holt,
daughter of Michael and Jessica Holt, and Isaac Shing Chak Ho.
Keep them in their baptismal grace, that according to Your good pleasure,
they may faithfully grow to lead a godly life to the praise and honor of Your name, and finally, with all Your saints, obtain the promised inheritance in heaven. Lord, in Your mercy,
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness to the skies.
We give You thanks for the marriage yesterday of Sarah Klinkenberg and Andy Yingling.
Strengthen them and all spouses in faithfulness and love toward each other.
Help them to live in faith toward You, in the communion of Your holy Church,
and in loving service to each other, that they may ever enjoy Your heavenly blessing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Gracious Father, as Your Son’s wounds brought gladness and peace to the troubled disciples, give Your presence and comfort to the troubled in our midst.
We pray especially for…. Linda Blakesley, Rachel Cann, Blake Charette, Todd Christian, Cynthia Fitschen, Brandi Fleming, Manuel Gardea, Brent Grenado, Sara Grewe, Tana Diaz-Margerum, Lawrie Sloan Hawes, Bruce Matthias, Ryan Nguyen, Jimmy Rocha, Joan Roslington, Terry Steinhauer, Taylor and Adriana, Robert, those on our printed prayer lists, and those we name silently in our hearts. Grant them Your healing.
Lord, in Your mercy,
God of consolation, comfort also those who weep.
We pray especially for the family and friends of Julie Ezell
and the family and friends of Jad Davis,
that they would be comforted with the blessed joy of Easter morning
and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, in Your mercy,
Lord God of hosts, You have added believers to the Lord Jesus in all times and places, receptive places and hostile places.
Shepherd the nations and bring all peoples to embrace the Gospel of the resurrected Christ. Guide our rulers and authorities, especially President Trump, Governor Newsom, and Mayor Slater, that they would govern with integrity and lead with humility.
Protect our active and reserve military in friendly and hostile places.
Watch over our astronauts in their exploration and study of new places.
Watch over their coming and their going, and grant all safe return home.
Lord, in Your mercy,
O Lord, heavenly Father, give us all things good and beneficial to us,
and to our salvation, and keep us from all things harmful.
All these things, through Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Savior,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Every Sunday, 9:45 AM
An in-depth teaching Bible Study between services on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:25 - held in Walker Hall Dining Room. Bring your Bible and grab a donut. Together we learn, reflect, and grow...
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
All volunteers welcome // Free Live Scan Event // For everyone's safety, all volunteers who are working with children in any capacity must have valid Live Scan fingerprints on file.
Monday, April 20, 2026, 5:30 PM
A Leadership Event Series for Women - With three dynamic and accomplished speakers you’ll be inspired, energized and better equipped to be the leader He wants you to be.
Thursday, May 07, 2026, 9:00 AM
Prayer Gathering - St. John's Sanctuary - We Gather to Pray for our Nation. 2026 Theme: "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 7:00 PM
Members 18 years and older please attend and participate. Senior Pastor's REPORT, Financial Report, Proposed Budget, Election of New Leaders, Very Important Updates...
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
All volunteers welcome // Free Live Scan Event // For everyone's safety, all volunteers who are working with children in any capacity must have valid Live Scan fingerprints on file.
Daily, from 06/22/2026 to 06/26/2026, 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Five days of fun for kids age 3 to grade 6 -- incredible worship, engaging Bible lessons, games, crafts, snacks, mission project, and more... June 22-26, 2026.
Every Sunday, from 09/20/2026 to 11/01/2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Our seven-session Membership Class is intended for those that are new to St. John's, either as a new member, transfer member, or anyone who is interested!