“Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.  Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:4-5).

In good Jewish tradition, Peter thinks in terms of the feast of booths, or tabernacles, which leads us to ponder the vastness of eternity.  Peter wants to build a stone of remembrance.  What a great sight to see Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  The Lord wanted them to see.  The Lord wants us to see.  He will build His tabernacle in us.  Yes, what we do here is important, but never lose sight that it is what we shall be that is the goal of where we are heading.

Lord, help me to live the life You have given me.  It is good to remember the traditions that remind me of Your goodness and grace, but help me to keep moving along the path You have set before me and not rest at the place of a monument.  So many seem to stop and rest, but the vineyard is ready for the harvest.  Help me to do the work You give me to do while it is day knowing that the day will come when I too shall stand in Your glorified presence.

Lord Jesus, it seems that too few earnestly walk the path of faith You have set before us.  But then, what is that to me when You have asked me to do what You have asked me to do.  Grant me the encouragement I need in Your grace so that I may humbly move where You lead me.  Grant me the ability to learn how to be faithful in and through all things.  Lead me and grant me the motivation to always follow You.  Amen.

Hymns, Lessons, and Prayers, The Vigil of Easter, A,  April 4, 2026

The Service of Holy Communion

All: Romans 6:3-11: We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ:

dead now to sin, alive in Christ!

All: John 20:1-18: John and Peter race to the tomb; Mary Magdalene encounters

the risen Jesus

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Hymn of Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603

Communion Hymn: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide: WOV #676, ELW #391,LSB #482

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Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, “thanks” is too small a word, except that your Spirit searches our hearts, and utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are. We thank and adore you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your life. Make it resplendent with holiness, charity, and truth. Let it shine the light of your love upon those who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of all who persecute your followers. Raise up your suffering servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, lead their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in robes of faith and innocence. Keep them in faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. May your will be done in places of danger and injustice, so all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant us your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them” (Mark 9:2-3).

These three saw Jesus as He is.  The unreality of this age stripped off and the power of the Eternal One shining.  They described it the best they could.  Three witnesses and a direct and literal fulfillment of what Jesus said.  They saw Jesus in His glory.  We have been told who Jesus is and we know that He calls us to follow Him.  He who made You is still making You through grace into what You will be.

Lord, amidst the mystery of this life, I know that I am not yet where I will be.  You have called me out of the pit of condemnation to live by grace following You as You make of me what You intend.  I am puzzled along the way.  Guide me Lord so that I learn to trust You above all things.  I see who You are and I see You on the cross and I do not understand suffering.  I see it, but I do not understand it.

Lord Jesus, author of my salvation, what great love You have shown, abandoning the glory of eternity to walk with us so that we may be a part of Your reign forever.  Help me to emulate Your love through all I do.  Guide me to see that only in You is there hope and a future.  Guide me through my lack of understanding to trust in Your leading and walk with You all the days of my life.  Amen.

“And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mark 9:1).

Perhaps Pilate momentarily considered an invasion by Jesus’ army when Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”  The power that Jesus has unleashed is the power of the cross.  That power is here and saves all who believe.  John would see the vision which we call Revelation.  We shall all taste death.  We must die to sin, death, and the devil.  Jesus will raise us from the dead.

Lord, I try to pin everything down into terms I can understand.  You are God, Creator of all things.  There is no way I can consider all the worlds You have made, nor comprehend that no bird falls from the sky that You do not know about.  What I can comprehend is the simple command to follow Jesus.  Bring me in the power of the cross to where You will take me.

Lord Jesus, You have told us plainly the things we are able to understand.  Help me to learn how to trust You above all things, realizing that the weakness which conquered death on the cross is the power of the resurrection.  How much more, the strength?  Lead me Lord, for all things are in Your hands and You are my Savior.  You know what I need.  Help me to listen to You and always follow Your lead.  Amen.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church (NALC) in State College, PA is a dynamic, growing, and multi-generational church plant located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University. Celebrating 10 years of faith, growth, and community, Emmanuel’s name, God with us, captures the essence of our journey. From the very beginning, we’ve felt God’s presence guiding us as we seek to live out His calling.

Our core values are foundational to everything we do: Grounded in God’s Word, Confident in God’s Grace, and Committed to Sharing God’s Love. These principles shape our worship, outreach, and relationships, as we strive to be a faithful, generous, and enthusiastic presence in our community. A pastor called to Emmanuel will find a supportive and encouraging congregation, eager to partner in ministry and growth. We are committed to providing opportunities for both personal and family development, as well as a welcoming environment for leadership and spiritual growth. As we look to the future, we are excited to call our next pastor; a shepherd who will help guide us in sharing the Good News and extending God’s love in the State College area. Together, we will continue to grow in faith, hope, and mission.

For more information about Emmanuel, see the Congregational Profile at:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/17VNb_7wyQAMPb2-sn8Dj29BxM9_0x8dD/view

A video about Emmanuel is available at:  

Link’s to Emmanuel’s webpage and Facebook page:     

https://www.emmanuelnalc.org

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38-39).

This world hates Jesus.  It even hates the name of Jesus.  This world despises love, loyalty, and the very things that make us truly human.  We are driven, like sheep to the slaughter, to the place of self-destruction.  Clinging to the salvation in, by, and through Jesus is hard because this world tugs at the ones who hear and follow the voice of the Master.  Yet, Jesus has given us the words of eternal life.  There is no other place to go, except destruction.

Lord, I read these words and they are plain and simple.  I see the struggle, but living amidst the struggle is so hard.  Help me to take the steps that are needed in order to enter the journey.  Help me to see that what I am giving up is nothing and that what You are giving me through grace is everything.  Empower each step I take to move forward on the journey of salvation.  Be the One who leads me.

Lord Jesus, with just a few words You have revealed the truth of the journey before me.  This world shouts that if it does not feel good it cannot be good.  You tell me otherwise.  Help me to hear Your voice and let it break through to my soul so that the eternal life words that You have spoken would reside in me.  Lord, I ask that the truth reside in my heart and be unshakable through the storms of this world.  Amen.

“And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”  And He warned them to tell no one about Him” (Mark 8:29-30).

Who is Jesus?  That is the most important question anyone can ask.  He is either who He says He is or else a lunatic or a liar.  No one treated Him as if He were crazy, so He either is the Son of God or else a deceiver.  Everyone must make their choice.  If You hear His voice and know that He is the Christ, then fall at His feet and worship Him.  He will lift You up and send you to work in His kingdom.

Lord, this simple question must be answered by each of us.  Some will ignore the question, which is its own answer.  Some will spend a lifetime trying to deny the answer and even be fanatical about it.  Help me to realize that You are the Son of God, the Messiah or Christ, the anointed One of God, God in the flesh.  All who hear His voice know He is our Shepherd.  Hear, follow, and obey.

Lord Jesus, You have said that the sheep know Your voice.  Help me to hear and obey all that You command.  Lead me far from the doubts of this age to live in the truth that You are the One who has come to save all who believe.  Lead me through the doubts of this age to humbly submit to the trust what You have revealed for all ages.  Guide me in faith to live according to Your word and live into the Father’s will.  Amen.

“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Marl 8:34-35).

We were created.  God created us.  We were born into a rebellion of the heart where we act as though we created ourselves.  If we cling to what we think life is, we will go ever deeper into ourselves and the illusion that we have control.  If we deny ourselves and go with the Lord where He leads, He will show us what life is eternally.  The journey is hard because we need to be led out of ourselves and into the Lord.  Jesus came to set us free.  We are in bondage and must be set free.

Lord, I know this, but my rebellion wells up within me and I sink back down into the pit, believing I am able to control circumstances.  Help me to see things clearly and humbly walk wherever You lead me.  Guide me according to Your purpose to live into the life You have set before me.  Grant me the grace to step out and the faith to learn how to trust You above all things.

Dear Jesus, You have watched and guided countless souls who struggle with the same struggle that I have.  You know the way out of the maze of deception that is all around an in me.  Lord, I desire to follow You, but I get in the way.  Teach me what it means and were I need to deny myself in order to take up my cross and follow You.  Help me to look to You and follow You where You lead.  Amen.

“And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.  But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Mark 8:32-33).

The rebellion causes us to look at things from our point of view.  Our point of view is perverted, trapped in time, and driven by the self.  We are not the Creator, but the created.  The opposition (for this is what the word Satan means) is opposed to what God is doing.  God is love.  The opposition is hatred against God, and therefore, love.  You are invited to cease hating and learn how to love.

Lord, I am a bunch of self-centered nerves, seeking what I want and wanting what I want and how I want it.  It never has worked out right, but I seek this none-the-less.  Guide me out of my narcism and into the light of Your love.  When I rebel, humble me and by Your mercy, begin with me again and place me on the narrow path of submitting to the Father’s will.  Lead me so that I may be created by You rather than pretending that I am creating myself.

Lord Jesus, You are my Savior.  You know all that I need and what hinders me on the path of salvation.  Help me hear Your rebukes and heed Your warnings.  Create in me a clean heart that seeks to learn how to love as You love.  Guide me in Your goodness all the days of my life so that I may humbly walk in all of Your ways.  Be the One who is leading me always and help me learn humility.  Amen.

Matthew 4:1-11

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone!

Pastor: Hey Sammy, how are you doing?

Sammy: I am ready for Spring, Pastor.

Pastor: I am, too, but we still have several more weeks of Winter. 

Sammy: We do. I know.

Pastor: Wouldn’t it be great if we could just melt all the snow?

Sammy: Yes it would.

Pastor: And wouldn’t it be great if we could just have warm spring breezes and sunshine?

Sammy: I would really like that. And fresh grass, too! But you, know, Pastor, winter has a purpose and the seasons are a part of God’s plan for creation.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. 

Sammy: I mean, as much as I would love to have new spring grass and feel the warm sun on my wool, I am going to try my best to enjoy the last few weeks of winter.

Pastor: Great perspective, Sammy. It’s tempting, though–to just think about willing winter away. 

Sammy: What does tempting mean?

Pastor: Tempting means that you feel pressure to do something that you shouldn’t do.

Sammy: Oh you mean like eat extra oats out of the oat bin?

Pastor: Yes.

Sammy: Or go in the Pastor’s office and hide somewhere and yell, “Surprise!”

Pastor: Definitely.

Sammy: Or let a whole bunch of mice in the church?

Pastor: Sammy, let’s focus. You know, Jesus was tempted, too.

Sammy: Did he want spring to come, too?

Pastor: No, Sammy. Jesus is fully God and fully man, and he felt hungry, just like we do.

Sammy: I understand that. I’m always hungry. 

Pastor: Being hungry is okay, but because Jesus is the Son of God, he was tempted to make his own food.

Sammy: Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. Men can make food, too, Pastor. I know you can cook–I’ve been to your house. 

Pastor: That’s not what I mean, Sammy. Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread.

Sammy: Stones? Like rocks on the ground?

Pastor: Yes.

Sammy: That’s silly. Why would he do that?

Pastor: Jesus is God–he is Lord of Creation and can do anything. But he was asked by someone to turn stones into bread so he could prove who he is. 

Sammy: Why would Jesus need to prove he is God? All throughout scripture, people who encounter him just know by the power of the Holy Spirit. They trust him, and they believe.

Pastor: And that’s what we are called to do today, too. We are called to believe in Jesus. 

Sammy: How did Jesus stop being tempted?

Pastor: That’s a great question, Sammy. We all are tempted to do wrong things. Jesus gave us a great example of how to resist temptation: He quoted scripture. 

Sammy: That’s why it’s important to know your Bible verses.

Pastor: Indeed it is. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads to pray with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth to rescue us. We praise you and we love you. Thank you for helping us stay strong when we are tempted to do wrong. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!