Order of Worship

May 5, 2024 - 10 a.m. EDT

Prelude - Souvenir (Marcel Dupré)
Philip Everingham

Ringing of the Church Bell
The Ream Family

Invitation to Worship
Wendy McCormick

Hymn 248 - Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
Miles Boyer, acolyte

Christ is risen! Shout hosanna!
Celebrate this day of days.
Christ is risen! Hush in wonder,
all creation stand amazed.
In the desert all surrounding,
see, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of grace abounding
bring a taste of love unknown.

Christ is risen! Raise your spirits
from the caverns of despair.
Walk with gladness in the morning.
See what love can do and dare.
Drink the wine of resurrection,
not a servant, but a friend;
Jesus is our strong companion
joy and peace shall never end.

Christ is risen! Earth and heaven
nevermore shall be the same.
Break the bread of new creation
where the world is still in pain.
Tell its grim, demonic chorus,
“Christ is risen! Get you gone!”
God the First and Last is with us.
Sing hosanna, ev’ry one!

Prayer of Confession (unison)

O Lord our God, you call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity, but we find ourselves distracted by our own desires. You call us to seek justice and peace, but we are satisfied with injustice and discord. You call us to bring liberty to the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn us to your will by the power of your Spirit, that all may know your justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness

Response 587 - Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sharing the Peace

Welcome and Announcements

Anthem - The Road Home (Stephen Paulus)
Chancel Choir

Scripture Reading - John 15:9-17
Ruth Sawyer

Word with Children
Jenni Whitford

Scripture Reading - Acts 10 (selected verses)

Sermon

Affirmation of Faith (unison)
A Brief Statement of Faith (select verses)

This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved, if we hold it fast: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, and that he appeared first to the women, then to Peter, and to the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

Offering

Offertory - He Knows My Name (arr. Teresa Wilhelmi)

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Doxology 606 - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

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 (unison)

We thank you, generous God, for all the ways you bless us with resources, gifts and talents. We dedicate these gifts and ourselves, praying that you will show us how to grow in generosity to share with others as abundantly as you share with us. Amen.

Hymn 526 - Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy.
Bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one.
At the table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share.
God (Emmanuel) everywhere!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Sharing of the Lord’s Supper

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

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 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.

Sharing Communion

Prayer After Communion (unison)

God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you in each other. We ask in the name of Jesus our risen Lord. Amen.

Hymn 307 - God of Grace and God of Glory

God of grace and God of glory,
on thy people pour thy power;
crown thine ancient church’s story;
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.

Cure thy children’s warring madness;
bend our pride to thy control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore.
Let the gift of thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore.

Charge and Benediction

Postlude - The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Peter C. Lutkin)

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