Sunday, April 21st, 2019
St. James United Church of Christ Easter Sunday – April 21st , 2019
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. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here in this safe and sacred place.
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
On this Easter Day, we are grateful for the gift of life itself, mindful that to respect life means both to celebrate what life is and to insist on what it can become. May we be helped to find that inner release and that outer confirmation to live life fully; to live life as connectedness with God with nature and with all other people. This gift of life has provided us with many excellent experiences, and a range of possibilities are before us every day. May we have an attitude of openness that draws us towards the best experiences and the best possibilities. And may we be prompted to be more expansive and more inclusive as we accept our responsibility to make love visible. May people see in us the spirit of appreciation, gratitude, and generous self-giving, that was seen in Jesus. This is our prayer. Amen.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 53, Mark 16:1-8
Sermon: “A New Awareness”- by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
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 The Day of Resurrection – #245
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
This Sunday April 21st.
Easter Services:
Sunday, Apr 21st: Easter Sunday Schedule
8:30 – 9:30 – Potluck Easter Breakfast
9:30-10:00 – Children’s Sunday School and Easter Egg Hunt!
10:00 am – Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Next Sunday, Apr 28th
11:00 am Worship led by Rev. Mike Morse
Sunday, May 5th
11:00 Worship led by Rev. Samantha Tuttle
Childcare is available during services in the Fellowship Hall.
Lovettsville Food Bank Donations: Please bring non-perishable food to church. Thanks to Tena for delivering it!
Fellowship Hall Update:
Have you seen the new kitchen? If not, check it out! We’re down to the finishing touches. This past week, the dishwasher was installed, and the cabinets were lined and restocked.
Our Statement of Faith
We gather as an open and affirming community to worship God, however known. We welcome everyone, no exceptions. Together we seek spiritual comfort and challenge, learn from ancient and modern texts, and seek new dimensions of truth. We practice following the way of Jesus. We dare to demonstrate God’s love by working for justice and peace among all people.