THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTERTIDE

April 23, 2017 10:00 am

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Good morning and welcome to all, with a special word of welcome to those worshipping with us for the first time today. We are happy you joined us in worship. If you are a first time worshipper with us, please note your presence on the Yellow Forms found in the bulletin. If you do not have a church home, we invite you to worship with us each Sunday and to participate in other activities and services here.

Please stand for acts of worship designated with an asterisk (*). Any who prefer may “rise up” in spirit only, if physically standing presents difficulties.

As a courtesy to other worshippers, kindly refrain from visiting once the prelude has begun.

GATHERING

CHIMES CALLING US TO PREPARE FOR WORSHIP

PRELUDE Nancy Cook, Organist

Welcome and Announcements Pastor and Congregation (The prayer station in the back of the sanctuary is available for lighting a candle or leaving a prayer note any time before, during, or after worship).

*CALL TO WORSHIP: One voice proclaiming: With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. First United Methodist of Racine, Wisconsin, Testify!

R: Christ is risen!

C: Testify!

R: Christ is risen!

C: With your voices…

R: Christ is risen!

C: Testify!

R: Christ is risen!

C: With your love…

R: Christ is risen!

C: Testify!

R: Christ is risen!

C: With good works…

R: Christ is risen!

C: Testify!

R: Christ is risen!

C: Let your light shine…

R: Christ is risen!

All: City of Racine, church of First United

Methodist: Hear the good news. Christ is risen indeed!

*HYMN # 304 “Easter People, Raise Your Voices”

UNISON

Opening Prayer:

Lord, we confess our preoccupation with proof. Too often we muffle faith and hand the microphone to proof. We’ll move if proof says so. We’ll act if proof gives the okay. After your resurrection, we may have asked to touch you a second time - - just to make sure. We confess our frequent failure to trust you. Hear us and help our unbelief, we pray.

Silent Confession:

Words of Assurance

The Lord did not abandon Thomas to his unbelief, nor will the Lord abandon us to ours. God hears our cries for help and answers. God knows how we struggle to believe what we can’t see or touch. Know that our invisible God makes forgiveness visible to our hearts and souls. See God at work in your life form this day forward. Now trust your spiritual sight more each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

All: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

THE GATHERING OF THE CHILDREN - Pastor

PRAISE MUSIC - Praise Team

GOD’S WORD IN SCRIPTURES

The Epistle: 1 Peter 1:3 - 9

Reader: This is the word of God for the people of God

Congregation: Thanks be to God

Chancel Choir Nancy Cook, Director

Gospel: John 20:19 - 31

Reader: This is the word of God for the people of God

Congregation: Thanks be to God

WITNESSING TO THE WORD

SERMON: “Peace I give to you” Rev. June Nettles

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

JOYS & CONCERNS

MORNING PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Reverend

CALL TO PRAYER “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

MORNING PRAYERS

A TIME OF SILENT PRAYER

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 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. Amen.

OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS

Invitation – Giving of our tithes and offerings

The Offertory Nancy Cook, Organist *DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above ye heavenly host

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

*Prayer of Dedication:

Lord, accept these gifts as we bring them forward to you as a portion of our devotion to you. Take them and use them to your glory. Amen

*HYMN # 666 “Shalom to You”

*BENEDICTION

Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the infinite peace to you. Adapted from – ancient Gaelic runes

*POSTLUDE

Thank you for being a part of today’s worship experience.

Rest assured God loves you, and so do we!

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

745 Main Street - Racine, Wisconsin 53403

(262) 633-7632 (Church) - (262) 770-3817 (Pastor's Residence)

Email: - Website: www.1umcracine.org

Pastor: Rev. Jakes Voker Administrative Assistant: Liza Michna

Nancy Cook: Organist Jeff Fernholz: Treasurer

Sue Mills: Parish Visitor Connie Boehm: Liturgist Jeanne Whiteside: Media Coordinator Dennis Clay: Pianist Joy McClelland: Custodian Nancy Cook: Choir Director

Amanda Schnaare: Family & Nurture Coordinator