Sunday. April 1, 2018

Easter Sunday

For Meditation and Reflection
“Without Easter, there would be no Christianity! Whatever it was that constituted the Easter experience, the obvious fact is that there was enormous power in that moment that cries out for explanation.” – John Shelby Spong

Welcome and Announcements
A warm welcome is extended to all. Especially those who are worshiping at St. James for the first time or who have returned after an absence. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Call to Worship
Pastor: We come together this Easter morning to rejoice in the ongoing creation around us and within us. We would remember the teachings of Jesus, whose words and deeds embodied the outreaching of unconditional love. And we acknowledge that we yearn to be touched by such love.
People: On this Easter morning may our senses come alive, ready to respond to all the beauty and harmony of life around us.
Pastor: May the symbols of this place, cross and table, book and candle, bread and cup, speak strength and courage to our hearts and minds, as we come and as we go.
People: On this Easter morning may the heavy stones which burden us be rolled away, releasing our spirits to love and to new life.
Pastor: As we celebrate the message of Easter, may we be helped to say yes to life, yes to a new beginning, yes to the presence that gives us courage for whatever is ahead of us.
All: On this Easter morning may we discover a joyous and courageous faith coming alive within us all. Welcome to worship!

Opening Hymn Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – #233

Opening Prayer
We gather in this sacred place on this special day to honor and affirm life. We come to consider again being the change we wish to see in the world. This morning we acknowledge the challenges of life, faith and religion. And we celebrate a journey filled with new thoughts and commitments, born out of critique and letting go.
This morning we celebrate the unfolding of the universe, and our ability and possibilities for creating brighter and gentler futures for our communities. The symbols of life are all around us: light and noise, infants and adults, birds and animals, colors and movement, words of goodwill, songs of joy. May we recognize these symbols as life affirming. May we seek to renew them everyday. May we be inspired to share them generously.
As we meet and as we prepare to depart, may we again commit as individuals and as a community to the values and ideals that would contribute to the transformation of this world. May each of us undertake again the appraisal and joy of living out what is dear to us, and what truly advances and invites compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, justice and love to flourish and transform. Amen

Scripture Reading Mark 16:1-8

Sermon: “Reimagining Resurrection” – by Rev. Samantha Tuttle

Responsive Sharing

Reflective Hymn I Come to the Garden – #237

The Offerings and Offertory Music

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

The Lord’s Prayer (traditional, with debts)

Holy Communion (please see insert)

Communion Melody

Closing Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You – #4

Blessing and Sending
May God, who is the source of life, continue to expand your understanding of what it means to live. May God, who is the Source of Love, continue to free you to love beyond your boundaries and fears. May God, who is the Ground of Being, continue to give you the courage to be all you can be. Go in peace, and may the peace of God, go with you. Amen.

Sharing the Peace as we go… And we hope you can join us for post-worship coffee and conversation in Fellowship Hall.

Announcements

Childcare is now available during services at St. James. Thank you to Greta Harteis and Katie Sulek for your generous and caring work.

This Sunday April 1st. Easter Services:
Sunrise Service: A lay-led service will be held at the cemetery at the East edge of town, beginning at 6:45 a.m. A Potluck breakfast will be shared in the Fellowship Hall afterwards from 7:30am until 10:00am.
Traditional Easter Worship Service: Will begin at 10:00 a.m., led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle, concluding her four-part sermon series with “Reimagining Resurrection.”

Next Sunday, April 8th.
Church Council meeting before worship at 9:00am
Jammin’ at James open mic is happening April 8th with Dinner at 5:30, Music 6:30 – 8:30. Max Honn and Michael O’Brian, lead the monthly jam session. All musicians and music fans are invited to come dig the great acoustics in the St. James sanctuary!

Sunday, April 8th: 11:00 a.m.worship will be led by our favorite seminarian, Mark Dewey.

Sunday, April 15th: Worship will be led by Reverend Samantha Tuttle

Our Statement of Faith

We gather in worship as an inclusive community, an open & affirming community of faith that transcends any distinctions based on gender, sexual orientation, nationality, race, or religion.

Our formal worship flows into a living worship of love and support for one another as we pursue ways to reflect God’s reign of mercy, justice, and peace in our community and throughout the world…

along with a continuing search for ways to celebrate the goodness of life together … and always reaching out to draw others, with total inclusiveness, into this communal experience.