Worship and Devotions

Third Sunday of Easter

April 19, 2026

Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world!(Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)

Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.

Music

Look Who Gathers At Christ’s Table

Look Who Gathers at Christ’s Table (with lyrics) - ELW/ACS 977 - YouTube

Prayer

O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Music

Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!

Hymn Alleluia! Jesus is Risen ELW#377

Readings

Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel - Luke 24: 13-35

Gospel Reading and Sermon

https://youtu.be/_oSKCNxsmiA

Music

Day Of Arising

Day of Arising | Video Score

God Bestows On Every Sense

God Bestows on Every Sense - ELW/ACS 1069 - YouTube

Prayers of Intercession

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.

Living Saviour, just as you journeyed with the disciples to Emmaus, accompany us on our journey of faith. Gather us and our leaders, both lay and ordained, to your table, that we recognize you in the breaking of the bread. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Almighty God, you provide for the needs of all creation. Bless the fields that are being prepared for planting and send favourable weather so that the soil may yield an abundant harvest. Give us courage to seek climate justice and healthy relationships with the earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of justice, where leaders abuse power, confront them and call them to repentance. Where there is corruption, bring integrity, where there is violence, sow peace. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Healing Saviour, your resurrection brings hope to a hurting world. Comfort those who mourn and heal those who are sick. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Gracious One, you have made us your own through the gift of baptism. Unite us in genuine love for one another and uphold this community in your name. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Eternal Light, we give thanks for all who have nurtured your church’s life in ages past. Bring us at last with them to the brightness of your glorious presence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

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 Saviour.

Amen.

Music

This Joyful Eastertide

This Joyful Eastertide (Tune: Vruchten - 3vv+refrain) [with lyrics for congregations]