First Sunday After Pentecost
Holy Trinity Sunday
Memorial Day
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
When we say God is the triune God, we are saying something about who God is beyond, before, and after the universe: that there is community within God. Our experience of this is reflected in Paul’s words today. When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his Abba (an everyday, intimate parental address), the Spirit prays within us, creating between us and God the same relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him.
The First Memorial Day:
The American tradition of Memorial Day began more than 100 years ago. It was at the end of a brutal war, a war in which brother fought brother and the best of friends became the worst of enemies. It was the Civil War, one of the worst wars ever fought by the people of this nation, and it was fought on our own soil. At the end of this war, family members of the many soldiers slain in battle would visit the grave sites of their fallen relatives or friends and decorate their graves with flowers. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan proclaimed this day a holiday through his General Order no. 11. The day was entitled Decoration Day for the custom of placing flags at the graves of the patriotic dead. Decoration Day was first observed on May 30, 1868.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 6: 1-8
This reading narrates Isaiah’s vision of the Lord surrounded by angels. They sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” a song the church sings at the beginning of the great thanksgiving. This liturgical text invites the church and all creation to sing in praise of God’s glory. That glory is God’s mercy toward sinners.
PSALM: Psalm 29
SECOND READING: Romans 8: 12-17
In describing the new life of faith, Paul refers to all three persons of the Trinity; the Spirit leads us to recognize that we are children of God the Father and sisters and brothers with Christ the Son.
GOSPEL: John 3: 1-17
The miracles of Jesus prompt Nicodemus to visit him in secrecy. Jesus tells him about being born of the Spirit and about the Son who has been sent by God to save.
Announcements
GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS
ELCA Advocacy is focusing on programs that assist veterans and their family members. New investments and policies in recent years have helped expand veteran access to education, labor opportunities, healthcare and housing. Still, too many veterans, active service members and their families struggle with complex challenges, ranging from barriers to benefits and increased mental health risks, to the impacts of the opioid crisis and more. We must continue to support those of us who make great sacrifices for the safety and wellbeing of our communities.
Pick a day to:
- Pray alongside those who have answered a vocation of military service and for their families; for the many military chaplains across the World who bear witness to God’s mercy and love; for those who have lost their lives in service of our country; and for veterans.
- Fast in remembrance of the sacrifices those who serve in the armed forces make for our common good; and, for their families who cope with daily challenges in the absence of their loved ones.
- Act by urging our lawmakers to pursue innovative solutions and further address the challenges facing veterans.
May Action: Support Veterans and Families
Studies from the Department of Veterans Affairs have found that 20 veterans take their lives each day (Viet Nam Veteran average is higher) -- a rate of 22 percent higher when compared to other civilian adults. Some factors like the on-going opioid epidemic also disproportionately impact veterans, increasing demand for services among those seeking recovery and contributing to the many challenges impacting families. There is a great need to do more for veterans in our communities. Through chaplains, synods and congregations across the country, ELCA ministries play a special role in welcoming returning veterans. Let us take action by asking Congress to protect programs that address the needs and equip veterans as they return from service.
Here's how to equip yourself:
Read the May Advocacy Resource, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church continue our united call to Pray, Fast, and Act in support of good policies and programs that provide opportunities for and respect the dignity of all people. For more information on the veteran programs and how the ELCA continues to work with service-member families.
- Read the May Advocacy Resource, washingtonoffice@elca.org, for more information on the veteran programs and how the ELCA continues to work with service-member families.
- Visit ELCA.org/PrayFastAct to watch a message from The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA.
- Check out ELCAchaps.com and ELCA Federal Chaplaincies this week to learn more about the work of Lutheran chaplains, resources, ways to get involved and more.
- Learn about additional opportunities for congregations to assist veterans in your community at the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Look out for the #PrayFastAct action alert on Monday, May 21, and join us as we pray, fast and advocate together
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Al Bausch, Don Brooks, Dortha Feddern, and Carol Schiff. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick during this Easter season. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)
THE BREAKFAST BUNCH
“The Breakfast Bunch” meets the first Saturday of every month at Der Dutchman in Plain City, at 8:30 a.m. “Come one, Come all” for a great breakfast, fellowship and more!
SIGN-UPS
Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!
You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.
