Great Commission Worship
A Service Celebrating God’s Call to Reach out in Mission
Rainbow Sunday – April 29, 2001

Prelude

Announcements

Call to Worship   (Congregation stands)
   L: The Lord spreads rainbows across the sky
   C: and reminds us of his love for us.
   L: The Lord establishes a covenant with us
   C: that we may belong to the Lord God Almighty.
   L: The Lord does mighty works on our behalf.
   C: Worthy to be praised is his name.
   L: The Lord commissions us to speak of his glory and to speak of his ways;
   C: we go forth confident that Jesus is with us.
   L: The Lord holds all authority in heaven and on earth
   C: and empowers us to serve and tell the good news of his grace.
   L: The Lord looks upon us with loving kindness and grants us peace.
   C: Therefore, we sing praises to God both day and night.

Hymn       “Rise, Shine, You People!”	No. 393

Invocation
   L: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
  C: Amen

Prayer
   L: Let us pray . . . Lord God, you have made us your covenant people and
       charged us with the task of going forth in your name.  Empower our witness
       by your Spirit and fill us with boldness as we live for you.  Guide and direct all
       efforts of mission that we may go, make disciples, teach of your Son, confident
       that he is with us always.  For this we pray in the name of the crucified and
       risen Christ.
   C: Amen     (Congregation is seated)

Children’s Message	(Children come forward to the altar)          

Hymn   “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”	No. 559

First Lesson	Genesis 8:12-17
Second Lesson	Romans 10:13-15a, 17

   (Congregation stands)
Hymn	    “I Love to Tell the Story”	No. 390

Gospel Lesson	Matthew 28:16-20

   (Congregation is seated)	
Sermon	Pastor Duane Pederson
Hymn     “Lord, You Give the Great Commission”	No. 748	Hymnal Supplement 1991

Apostles’ Creed (Congregation stands)
     L: Let us make confession of the God who sends us forth in his name.
     C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
          I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
	He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
	     and born of the virgin Mary.
	He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
	     was crucified, died, and was buried.
	He descended into hell.
	On the third day he rose again.
	He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand
	     of the Father.
	He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
          I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
	the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
	the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen
	(Congregation is seated)      

Offering
 
(Congregation stands)
Offertory Hymn          “Lord of Light”	No. 405 (vss 1,4)

Prayers and Lord’s Prayer
   L: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people
       according to their needs. 
(After each petition)   
P: Lord in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.

   L: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your
       mercy; throughout your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.   C: Amen

   All:	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

Charge to the Congregation
   P: People of God, you have been called to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
       Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord
       Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.

Benediction
   L: We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God.  May
        the Word of God be upon your lips and written in your hearts.
   C: Let us be steeped in your Word, O God.
   L: The Word that goes out from God does not return empty.  May the Word bear
        fruit, accomplishing its purpose in you.
   C: Let us bear fruit grounded in your word, O God.
   L: Jesus is the Word made flesh in our midst.  May his incarnation fill your
        hearts with joy and peace.
   C: Let us be doers of the Word and not hearers only!   Amen!

Hymn        “Rise Up, O Saints of God!”	No. 383

Dismissal
    P: Go in peace.  Serve the Lord.   C: Thanks be to God!

Postlude

Portions of this service are from the Lutheran Book of Worship © 1978 by Augsburg Publishing House; Hymnal Supplement 1991 © 1991 by GIA Publications. Inc.; This Far by Faith, © 1999 Augsburg Fortress