In this week’s Gospel, we hear the comforting and definitive claim of our Lord: "I am the Good Shepherd." Jesus uses this familiar, pastoral imagery to describe the intimate, sacrificial relationship He maintains with His flock. He knows His sheep by name, and His sheep know His voice. However, our Lord’s mission extends beyond the immediate walls of the visible church. He declares, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold," pointing to the vast, global mission of the Gospel to gather all whom the Father has called.

This raises a vital question for the Church today: How will those "other sheep" hear the voice of their Shepherd? While Jesus is the sole source of life and salvation, He chooses to speak through His Church. We explore our role as the Shepherd’s voice in the world, carrying the Word of God to the lost so that there may be one flock and one Shepherd. Join us as we meditate on the promise that Christ’s voice still rings out today through the faithful preaching of His Word.

Service times:

Live on YouTube
In person worship

Order of service:

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Apr 26, 2026

Readings:

Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
Psalm reading is from Psalm 23
Acts reading is from Acts 2:42–47
New Testament reading is from 1 Peter 2:19–25
Holy Gospel is from John 10:1–16

Songs and Hymns:

Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
Text: Hymns for the Young, 1836, 4th ed., London, alt.
Tune: William B. Bradbury, 1816–68.
Text and tune: Public domain.
I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb
Text by Henrietta L. von Hayn
Tune by Choral-Buch Brüder-Gemeinen, 1784
Public domain
Still Waters
Jonathan Conrad Gamble, Justin Richards, Leanna Crawford
© Capitol CMG Paragon; Jonathan Conrad Gamble Publishing; Be Essential Songs
© Seashore Lane Publishing; Remaining portion is unaffiliated
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want (Hymn 710)
Text: The Psalms of David in Meeter, 1650, Edinburgh
Tune: William Gardiner, 1770–1853
Text and tune: Public domain
Grace
Text and tune: Niki Shepherd; Jonny Robinson; Rich Thompson
© 2016 Getty Music Publishing; © Rich Thompson Music
© 2016 Jonny Robinson Music; © Little Life Lines Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
Come to the Table
Text and tune: Martin J. Nyström; Claire Cloninger
© 1991 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music; © 1991 Curb Word Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Text: Edward Perronet
Tune: Oliver Holden
Text and tune are public domain

Liturgies:

Gloria in Excelsis
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Sanctus
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Agnus Dei
Text: Stephen P. Starke

Announcements:

Sunday, Apr 26:
Worship Service (Pastor Bill Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstaris..

Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstairs.

Discovering Christianity Class: 10:45 AM

Downstairs.

Wednesday, Apr 29:
Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Thursday, Apr 30:
AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, May 2:
LWML Circle of Friends: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
Hate (Ep142)

Many people struggle with periodic feelings of hate, while others battle chronic hatred. It seems obvious that hatred is wrong and can be very damaging, but then why does the Bible sometimes describe God as hating? And does this mean there are times when hatred is appropriate for humans? Chuck and Aaron talk about hatred on this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.


Discover more from St. James Lutheran Church

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.