Easter Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Living God, on the first day of the week you brought to birth a new creation through the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Fill us with the hope and joy of new beginnings, so that we may share the good news of your liberating, life-giving power with all the world; through Christ our Savior, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

Welcome

Introit       House of the Lord     Phil Wickham and Jonathan Smith

Call To Worship

ONE: Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life.

ALL: Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

ONE: and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

ALL: Christ is risen! We have seen the glory of God.

Hymn 245   Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!

Prayer of Confession

ONE: Christ has risen and we have risen to new life with him. Yet we must confess the ways we have continued to remain in our tombs of sin and death. Let us read together, this confession:

ALL: Living Lord, when we stand before the empty tomb we don't always feel the joy of resurrection. We feel fear, doubt, and distrust. We feel empty. Forgive the fear that paralyzes us at the brink of new life. Forgive our doubt of your love. Forgive our distrust of your surprising, joyous plan. Fill our emptiness with your glorious light. Raise us to abundant new life for the glory of your name.

ONE:      Let us continue in silence, as we offer our private confessions to God.

   (silence)

    ONE: Amen.

Response Hymn 251

Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.

Death's fearful sting he has come to destroy.

Our sin forgiving, alleluia!

Jesus is living alleluia!

Assurance of Forgiveness 2

ONE: Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Sisters and brothers, Christ has forgiven our sins. Christ calls us to new life. Christ will lead us into righteousness.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 239

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King!

To all the world glad news we bring;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: John 20:1-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    On Earth Has Dawned This Day of Days     Trad. Cornish Tune     Arr. Hal Hopson

Sermon    Jesus Calls Your Name     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 241        Woman, Weeping in the Garden

Invitation to the Offering

We are persuaded that there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty. On this joyous day let us reflect on the extraordinary gift of the Risen Christ. Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory     Living Hope     Phil Wickham and Brian Johnson

Prayer of Dedication

Every good thing is a gift from God - the food we eat, the things we have, the time we spend, our whole lives. We give our lives back to God as a way of saying thank you - sharing money with those who are in need, giving food to those who are hungry, and spending our time to help others. As we dedicate this year's One Great Hour of Sharing offering today, we pray that the gifts given in hopes of helping to repair the breach, be multiplied and used where they are most needed. We ask God to bless the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen.

Prayers of the People

God of endless life and new beginnings, we give thanks for your goodness and steadfast love. We pray for the church throughout the world, that we may be faithful witnesses to the resurrection, and the difference our faith makes in our lives. For the people and leaders of every nation, that your boundless grace, which shows no partiality, might bring Christ's reign of peace and justice to all. We pray for all who are despised, rejected, and oppressed, that they may know the liberating power of the gospel and rejoice and be glad in the day of the Lord. For those who weep like Mary at the tomb, that their tears of sorrow may turn to cries of joy in the presence of the risen Christ. For the promise of a new creation, where all creatures may live together in safety and none shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain. God our strength and salvation, we pray all these things in resurrection hope, and with the confidence that you have already answered us; through Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 792    There is a Balm in Gilead

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

Postlude     The Strife is O'er     Giovanni Palestrina

(Hymn 236 - the congregation is invited to sing with us.)

1 David Gambrell

2 Greg Scheer

Welcome

Time of Silence

Introit       House of the Lord     Phil Wickham and Jonathan Smith

Call To Worship  1

ONE: We are not eye-witnesses to an event, as were Mary and the disciples; we have not journeyed through a dangerous city to seek answers or consolation; we have not seen angels gathering at the rim of this day, or wept in the garden this morning because we could not find Him.

ALL: But we are here to attest to a story that has not lost its power during twenty centuries of change and conflict. We are here because those before us carried this story as if it were precious gold; cherished it as if it were the key to a hidden wisdom.

ONE: Sisters and brothers in Christ, take your places here today in celebration and in awe. What you are about to hear again, has the capacity to change the world. Your very presence attests to the rising up of life from the tomb of despair, and to the uncontrollable power of God.

ALL: It is Easter morning again: and we will celebrate.  Christ is risen indeed!

Hymn 246   Christ is Alive!

Easter Prayer 2

Your light is the only light we need as we travel through life's mystery. Your word the only voice we hear that still small voice that leads us to the place where we should be. Your presence is the only company we need as we walk this narrow road. Your fellowship the warmth we crave to help us on our way. May the truth of Easter, the joy of Easter, and the blessings of Easter be with us this day and all days. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    On Earth Has Dawned This Day of Days     Trad. Cornish Tune     Arr. Hal Hopson

Meditation    Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 245        Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Benediction 3

God of Creation, creating anew, the silence is broken. With the women in the garden we catch our breath, wipe our tears, and try to articulate our experience with you. What words can describe shadows fleeing from the tomb? How can we tell of the morning the world turned upside-down? No mortal words will do. Still, we must spread the news: Christ is risen! Our knees are weak from running; our voices tremble on the edge of fearful joy. Our eyes have seen the glory of the Lord loosed upon the world! May every breath we take, every word we utter, everything we do, witness to the truth of Christ’s resurrection.

1 Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre

2 John Birch,  Faith and Worship

3 Witness Sharlande Sledge, Associate Pastor of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco, Texas

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Triumphant God, we rejoice together in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We give thanks for the faithful women who traveled to the tomb early in the morning and carried their fragrant spices. We give thanks for the heavenly messenger whose good news amazed the women and transformed them into evangelists. We give thanks for the glorious hope that death has lost its sting and joy comes forth from sorrow. Renew your life in us, O God; grant us courage to live as people empowered by the resurrection all the days of our lives! We pray in the name of the risen Christ. Amen.

Welcome

Introit       Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble     Martin Smith

Call To Worship  2

ONE: We gather as people on a journey.

ALL: We believe & we have doubts, we do good & we sin. We are imperfect humans, and still beloved by God.

ONE: Love and grace. Hope and faith. These are the essence of the one we call God.

ALL: We seek forgiveness and grace from the One and from those we've harmed.

ONE: Assured of that grace, we are ready to grow again.

ALL: We yearn for a new way, a new perspective, and a clear path.

ONE: Though we are full of trust and full of doubt, we are here. Speak to us, God! Continue creating us!

ALL: Inspire our hearts. Enlighten our minds. Guide our actions. Amen.

Hymn 257   The Risen Christ

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator of all, known to us through perfect love, who has called forth a people of faith. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, crucified and resurrected, our Savior from sin, our peace, and Lord of the church. We believe in the Holy Spirit, poured out on all believers, our source of inspiration and power. We commit ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, growing by grace into the image of God. We accept God's call to live in the Spirit as faithful disciples, practicing purity, stewardship, justice and peace, and loving friend and enemy. We joyfully worship God, the three-in-one, giving allegiance to Christ as Lord. We believe in God's everlasting reign, in victory over evil, in the resurrection of the dead, in Christ's coming again in glory. To God be praise forever and ever. Amen!

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day;

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 239

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King!

To all the world glad news we bring;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: John 20:19-31

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    O Sons and Daughters     15th century French melody     Arr. Parker/Shaw

Sermon     What Does it Take?     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 256        These Things Did Thomas Count as Real

Invitation to the Offering 4

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory     Hilariter     Melody from Kölnisches Kirchengesäng      Arr. Parker/Shaw

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we give our best, lest in gaining the world we lose life itself.  As an Easter people, we seek to witness to your will and way.  Help us to know more clearly what you would have us do with the wealth entrusted to our care.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 254    That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

Postlude     Nobody     Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West

1 Words for Worship Arlene Mark

2 Tim Graves Liturgy Bits

3 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, adapted from “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective”

4 Jeff's Blog

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Loving Shepherd, you know our names; you care for us. When we face darkness and death, walk beside us. When we hunger for your love, fill us with your presence. When we are fearful, feed us at your table. May we dwell in the house of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Amen.

Welcome

Introit       God of Wonders     Marc Byrd, Steve Hindalong

Call To Worship  2

GOD IS the good shepherd (the one who tends us, guides us into pastures, who recognizes the sounds of our names).

GOD IS the good shepherd (the one who bends to heal us travels through the deepest valleys with us who give up everything for us all).

GOD IS the good shepherd (the one whose rod and staff comfort us whose strength and love holds us whose cup of love runneth over).

As we gather here, God's People, in God's love, let us worship God.

Hymn 803   My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator of all, known to us through perfect love, who has called forth a people of faith. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, crucified and resurrected, our Savior from sin, our peace, and Lord of the church. We believe in the Holy Spirit, poured out on all believers, our source of inspiration and power. We commit ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, growing by grace into the image of God. We accept God's call to live in the Spirit as faithful disciples, practicing purity, stewardship, justice and peace, and loving friend and enemy. We joyfully worship God, the three-in-one, giving allegiance to Christ as Lord. We believe in God's everlasting reign, in victory over evil, in the resurrection of the dead, in Christ's coming again in glory. To God be praise forever and ever. Amen!

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day;

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 239

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King!

To all the world glad news we bring;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Psalm 23

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    The Twenty-Third Psalm     Jay Althouse

Sermon     "Not Just the Shepherd" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 187        Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us

Invitation to the Offering 4

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory     First Gymnopédie     Erik Satie

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we give our best, lest in gaining the world we lose life itself.  As an Easter people, we seek to witness to your will and way.  Help us to know more clearly what you would have us do with the wealth entrusted to our care.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 542    God Be with You Till We Meet Again

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

Postlude     Nobody     Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West

1 Mary Petrina Boyd  Ministry Matters

2 adapted, New Kilpatrick Parish Church

3 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, adapted from “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective”

4 Ann B. Day Touch of Holiness, ed. Ruth C. Duck

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Loving God, whose touch can heal the broken places of life, touch us today...God of peace, whose spirit of peace can quiet our spirits of confusion and despair, reassure us today...Forgiving God, whose call to repentance promises grace upon grace, place your mercy in our souls today...You who heal the sick and liberate the imprisoned, who bring justice in the midst of oppression and strength in the midst of weakness, pour out your spirit of power upon us today. Open our hearts to new faithfulness, redirect our waywardness, and hold us gently in your goodness. We confess our need to you, and we turn to you with hearts filled with hope, remembering the promises you have made to us. May your name be glorified in us and through us. We ask it through Christ Jesus, your only begotten son, he who is our Lord and our Saviour, our brother and our friend. Amen.

Welcome

Introit       In My Father's House     Lani Smith

Call To Worship  2

We are a community of faith that has been created by the love of God. We are the people who have been set free by the world of forgiveness in Jesus Christ, and are therefore a people called to reach out to the sojourners in our midst and in other lands, people whose lives cry out for the warm embrace of fellowship. We have come not to exalt our own goodness, but to praise the holiness of God. We have come not to boast of what we have done, but to proclaim the redeeming work of Jesus Christ by extending the hand of community to refugees, displaced persons and asylum seekers. With all our being, we will praise God and tell of God's goodness in our acts of kindness and love toward the "least" among us in our times.

Hymn 724   O Jesus, I Have Promised

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator of all, known to us through perfect love, who has called forth a people of faith. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, crucified and resurrected, our Savior from sin, our peace, and Lord of the church. We believe in the Holy Spirit, poured out on all believers, our source of inspiration and power. We commit ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, growing by grace into the image of God. We accept God's call to live in the Spirit as faithful disciples, practicing purity, stewardship, justice and peace, and loving friend and enemy. We joyfully worship God, the three-in-one, giving allegiance to Christ as Lord. We believe in God's everlasting reign, in victory over evil, in the resurrection of the dead, in Christ's coming again in glory. To God be praise forever and ever. Amen!

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day;

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 239

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King!

To all the world glad news we bring;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: John 14:1-14

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Emmanuel     Craig Bray

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 445        God, How Can We Forgive

Invitation to the Offering 4

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit.  Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory     Bread of the World     Dudley Buck

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we give our best, lest in gaining the world we lose life itself.  As an Easter people, we seek to witness to your will and way.  Help us to know more clearly what you would have us do with the wealth entrusted to our care.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Welcome to the delight that is this table.  Our Lord's table.  Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity.  We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood.  Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.  

“This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him.  Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected.  Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

Preparation of the Table

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise

ONE: We give you thanks, O God, for making your love evident since the very beginning of time when you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light which also revealed the fear and powerlessness caused by corrupt and evil actions. And so you spoke the Word which would once and for all dispel the darkness of chaotic lives. Through your love for the world the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. The angels caroled glory to you in the highest heavens and peace to all people on earth, and we join with them and with all people to praise your holy name saying together:

ALL:     Holy Lord, God of endless love, heaven and earth are surely full of your glory. The angels sang of it - we have been lavished with it. Blessed is he who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people.

ONE:      Holy God, as the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on finding out the depth of his love for us. For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us. On that night when he gave himself up for us, as he sat at the table and broke bread with his friends, he said: 'Take and eat; this is my body which is broken for you. Remember me each time you do this.' After they had eaten, he took the cup, and said: 'Remember me as you drink from this, for it is my life, poured out for you—the beginning of a new relationship with God.'

Send the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, O God, that we may experience the presence of the Word-made-flesh - Jesus Christ. Breathe your Spirit in us that we may be one body with him - living out his ministry in the world today and every day. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, You are the source of all life, creating and sustaining every living thing. You are the source of all food, material and spiritual, nourishing us in both body and soul. You are the light that goes before us, shining into the darkness. May we be filled with your breath nourished by your food renewed by your living water and sustained by your love.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 625    O Lord My God

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

Postlude     Nobody     Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West

1 Peter K. Perry, from Richard Fairchild's Kir-shalom website

2 The Uprooted Ones: Remembering Refugees (Uniting Church in Australia)

3 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, adapted from “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective”

4 Ann B. Day Touch of Holiness, ed. Ruth C. Duck

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Holy God, we come together to worship a people who would like to think that we love you with all our hearts and souls, with all our might, but there are so many other things in our lives that clamor for our attention that we often relegate you to Sundays and Wednesdays, and times when we want you to rescue us. Most of us really do want you to be the one in whom we live and move and have our being. We really do want to hear your voice above all of the other voices in our lives. But we get bogged down in the daily routine. We forget who we are. We forget who you are. We forget what the church is supposed to be. So here we are, standing before you today, with our human foibles and our short attention spans, asking that you would make yourself known to us, that you would help us to recognize the presence of the Holy, that you would continue to challenge us, inspire us, and make us into the people you want us to be. Amen.

Welcome

Introit       More Love, More Power     Michael W. Smith

Call To Worship  2

We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives. We need not look up to find God, we need only to look around: within ourselves, beyond ourselves, into the eyes of another. We need not listen for a distant thunder to find God, we need only listen to the music of life, the words of children, the questions of the curious, the rhythm of a heartbeat. We worship the God who inhabits our world and who indwells our lives. Let us worship God!

Hymn 395   Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator of all, known to us through perfect love, who has called forth a people of faith. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, crucified and resurrected, our Savior from sin, our peace, and Lord of the church. We believe in the Holy Spirit, poured out on all believers, our source of inspiration and power. We commit ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, growing by grace into the image of God. We accept God's call to live in the Spirit as faithful disciples, practicing purity, stewardship, justice and peace, and loving friend and enemy. We joyfully worship God, the three-in-one, giving allegiance to Christ as Lord. We believe in God's everlasting reign, in victory over evil, in the resurrection of the dead, in Christ's coming again in glory. To God be praise forever and ever. Amen!

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day;

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 239

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King!

To all the world glad news we bring;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: John 14:15-21

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Come Down, Love Divine     Ralph Vaughan Williams, Arr. Dietterich

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 366        Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Invitation to the Offering 4

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory          If Ye Know Love Then Ye Know God     Vincezo Righini, Arr. Heller

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we give our best, lest in gaining the world we lose life itself.  As an Easter people, we seek to witness to your will and way.  Help us to know more clearly what you would have us do with the wealth entrusted to our care.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 828    More Love to Thee, O Christ

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

Postlude     Nobody     Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West

1 Katie Cook, Sacred Seasons, Pentecost/Ordinary Time 2000. Posted on Simple Living Works

2 Katie Cook, Sacred Seasons

3 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, adapted from “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective”

4 Ann B. Day Touch of Holiness, ed. Ruth C. Duck

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer  1

Almighty God, as we prepare to worship today, we ask that you will stretch our imaginations to sense the majesty and mystery of your ascension. Help us perceive how Jesus' presence in heaven can give us confidence in our praying and hope for the future. Through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit       Lift High the Cross     Kitchlin/Nicholson, Arr. Jay Althouse

Call To Worship

You have heard what was written about Jesus in Scripture - how he would suffer and die and then rise from the dead on the third day; how the same power that raised Jesus from the dead raised Him to heaven and seated Him at the right hand of God, where he now lives to intercede on our behalf. So let us come before God with confidence, through the loving intercession of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ!

Hymn 260   Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

Affirmation of Faith 2

We believe in God the Creator of all, known to us through perfect love, who has called forth a people of faith. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh, crucified and resurrected, our Savior from sin, our peace, and Lord of the church. We believe in the Holy Spirit, poured out on all believers, our source of inspiration and power. We commit ourselves to follow Jesus Christ, growing by grace into the image of God. We accept God's call to live in the Spirit as faithful disciples, practicing purity, stewardship, justice and peace, and loving friend and enemy. We joyfully worship God, the three-in-one, giving allegiance to Christ as Lord. We believe in God's everlasting reign, in victory over evil, in the resurrection of the dead, in Christ's coming again in glory. To God be praise forever and ever. Amen!

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day;

Alleluia! Christ is arisen, bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 239

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King!

To all the world glad news we bring;

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    O Praise Him     David Crowder

Sermon     Rev. John Chamberlin

Hymn 774     There Is Now a New Creation

Invitation to the Offering 4

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory          Lord of All Creation     Jay Althouse

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we give our best, lest in gaining the world we lose life itself.  As an Easter people, we seek to witness to your will and way.  Help us to know more clearly what you would have us do with the wealth entrusted to our care.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 268    Crown Him with Many Crowns

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Announcements

Postlude     Nobody     Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West

1The Chapter of a Great Lord, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

2 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, adapted from “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective”

3 Ann B. Day, Touch of Holiness