+ Those Who Are Able Are Invited to Stand
Celebration of Worship
Gathering as God’s people to be inspired to live as a community of Christ
+ Those who are able are invited to stand.
UMH - United Methodist Hymnal TFWS – The Faith We Sing
You are invited to respond with the Boldface responses.
Amazing Creator, send your Spirit to create us
anew this day. Transform our hearts and minds to
flow more closely in the way of Christ,
speaking the Good News of your reign of love. Amen.
The Church Gathers to Celebrate
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND HOSPITALITY
PRELUDE Jenny Pfister
SERVICE OF LIGHT Acolytes
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.”
+CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP UMH 328
Surely the Presence of the Lord
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place; I can feel his mighty power and his grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings, I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
+CALL TO WORSHIP Responsively
When our hearts stir with insecurity and we do not recognize You among us, we remember,
You alone, O Sacred Peace, are safety.
When discomfort swarms without and within and common words do not satisfy, we remember,
You alone, O Sacred Peace, are safety.
Come, and reveal your presence as the Word is shared and the peace is given so we can remember,
You alone, O Sacred Peace, are safety.
For you have put gladness in our hearts more than all the grains of sand or blades of grass,
You alone, O Sacred Peace, are safety.
We remember You, O Sacred Peace, and we come to worship.
+INVOCATION Unison
Christ, you are among us this day. May we see your nail-scarred hands in the tenderness of the community of faith. May we feel your healing touch in the presence of the body of believers. May we hear your words of forgiveness in the prayers and songs of worship. As we recognize you, may we be filled with new life and a renewed desire to follow you. Amen.
+ HYMN OF PRAISE UMH 100
God, Whose Love Is Reigning o’er Us
The Church In Moments of Confession
EPISTLE LESSON I John 3:1-7
CALL TO CONFESSION Pastor
Through Jesus Christ we have come to trust in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and gave him glory, so that our faith and hope are set on God. So now friends, let us repent, and turn to God who will wipe out our sins.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Unison
Merciful God, you call us to repentance and forgiveness through the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ: Help us to hear your call with the eagerness of the disciples; turn us away from all distractions that keep us from seeing Jesus and knowing who he is; forgive us when we neglect to study the scriptures and fail to seek your word of life; forgive us when we do not respond to your call to feed your sheep. Help us to live as your beloved children now, and clothe us with joy. In the name of Jesus, the holy and righteous One.
SILENT PERSONAL PRAYER OF CONFESSION
WORDS OF ASSURANCE Pastor
The Lord’s anger is but for a moment; God’s favor lasts a lifetime. We have been born anew, not of perishable but imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. Amen.
+HYMN UMH 474
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
The Church Responds with Gifts
OFFERTORY INVITATION AND PRAYER
OFFERTORY Jenny Pfister
The Loose Change recipient for April is Project Graduation
+DOXOLOGY UMH 94
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Church Listens for God
+GOSPEL LESSON Luke 24:36b-48
WIGGLETIME
CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER TFWS 2030
The First Song of Isaiah
Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my strong-hold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Responsively
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, Have Mercy.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
For the holy church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the day of your coming, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, Have Mercy.
For those in position of public trust, that they may serve justice and promote the dignity and freedom of all people, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
For a blessing upon the labors of all, and for the right use of the riches of creation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, Have Mercy.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners and all who are in danger: that they may be relieved and protected, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, Have Mercy.
For this community; for those who are present, and for those who are absent, that we may be delivered form hardness of heart, and may show forth your glory in all that we do, we pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
For our enemies and those who wish us harm; and for all whom we have injured or offended, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
For all who commended themselves to our prayers: for our families, friends and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace and health, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
For all those who are grieving; that the eyes of their faith may be lifted to believe in a place of rest, where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, Have Mercy.
Help, save, pity and defend us, O God, by your grace, and in the communion of the Holy Spirit and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another to the living God through Christ our Lord. And as the Lord taught, so let us pray:
THE LORD’S PRAYER Unison
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.
WORD IN MUSIC Chancel Choir
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)—arr. James Koerts
SERMON Rev. M. Steven Meadows
The Church Scatters to Share the Gospel
+HYMN OF DEDICATION UMH 302
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, vv. 1,2, 5, & 6
(During the hymn, you are welcome to pray at the altar. The pastor is available to pray with you if you wish; otherwise your personal time with God will be respected.)
+BENEDICTION AND BLESSING
+CHORAL BENEDICTION UMH 665
Go now in peace, go now in peace, may the love of God surround you everywhere, everywhere you may go.
+POSTLUDE Jenny Pfister