Theme: Jesus, the Good Shepherd Versus the Hired Hands Who Abandon the Sheep.

AN INVITATION TO THE EASTER CELEBRATION

Pastoral Invitation
In the name of the Good Shepherd, welcome to the fourth Sunday in Easter. I remind us that worship is a celebration, not a spectator sport. As celebration, it involves the whole person -- arms, legs, body, mind, voice, heart, will. Which parts of you have you brought, in order to celebrate the Good News of the Good Shepherd? Which parts of you do you hope that God will choose not to touch? (Thirty seconds of silence.)

Hymn of Praise
"God of Love and Joy and Laughter"

Prayer of Praise
Identify qualities of the Good Shepherd.

ACTS OF CONFESSION

Introduction to the Act of Confession
D. H. Lawrence once said, "it's too bad that we do not have two lives…