May 5, 2013

This is the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Liturgist: 

Scripture:Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21: 10, 22-22:5

Acts 16:9-15
16:9 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

16:10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

16:11 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis,

16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days.

16:13 On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there.

16:14 A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.

16:15 When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.

Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
21:10 And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.

21:22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.

21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

21:24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

21:25 Its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there.

21:26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

21:27 But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

22:2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

22:3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him;

22:4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

22:5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Preparing for Worship

Chimes

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude 

Words of Preparation

Hymn of Praise: Red #108 "Come Christians Join and Sing"          ALL

Call to Worship:

Leader: The Spirit of God bids us, “Come.”

Let everyone who hears within their hearts “Come.”

People: Hear the whole earth rejoice and

the coastlands sing of our God’s steadfast love.

Leader: We come to rejoice in the Holy One, our God.

People: We give thanks -- for God sets us free!

~ from Free Indeed, written by Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways Archive. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

Invocation

The Lord's Prayer

Gloria Patri

A Time for Offering

Call to Offering

Offering Meditation

The Doxology

Prayer of Dedication

We Join in Prayer

Prayer Concerns & Celebrations

Morning Prayer                                                              

We Contemplate & Live God's Word

Scripture: Acts 16:9-15

Children's Sermon: 

Choir Anthem:

Scripture: Revelations 21: 10, 22-22:5

Sermon: 

Invitation to Discipleship             (Responsive)

Leader: God invites us into his future,

where the one who makes all things new

has made a home among us.

People: We are called and chosen,

together embraced by the God in whom tears, mourning,

crying, pain and even death will be no more.

Leader: Remember God’s future, for this is our story.

Our Lord says, “See, I am coming soon!” and we respond,

People:  “Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Hymn of Invitation:Red #345       "Blessed Assurance"     1,3

Gathering at the Lord's Table

Call to Communion

Hymn of Communion: Red #2  "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"    1,2

Barry & AMy--could we have this in a subtle, reflective setting?

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Words of Institution

Breaking Bread & Pouring the Cup

Musical Meditation

Partaking of the Lord's Supper

We Depart to Serve

Benediction

Parting Hymn:  Red # 307     "Send the Light"                  2,3

Postlude

Sunday- April 28th- Worship Information

Hello,

     Amy,  Music Director

     Ben,  Liturgist

     Barry, Organist

     Don, Elder

     Lisa, Co-pastor

     Nancy, Elder

     Tracie , Secretary,

Below is the liturgy for Sunday April 28th.   

I hope you find this information helpful as you plan for you parts and leadership in Sunday's Worship.

I hope you are all having a good week.  If we don't see each other before, I look forward to seeing you Sunday morning.

Peace,

    Mark CR

Bulletin Information for

Sunday

April 28, 2013

Call to Worship:

Leader:  The vine emerges from the earth,

nourished

and nourishing.

    People:   Rises without visible connection;

     roots hidden,

     promise unknown.

Leader:  Strong to withstand storms,

fragile when plucked too soon.

    People:   So it is that we grow…

     nourished by invisible connections to the living God,

     called to nourish that which is seen and that which is yet buried within.

— written by Katherine Hawker for the Evangelical United Church of Christ.  Posted on Liturgy Outside. 

Anthem:   IT is Well With My Soul

Hymn of Praise:  Red Book, number 560   For the Beauty of the Earth Stanzas 1,3,5

Hymn of Invitation:  Red Book, Number 92,  Love Divine, All Loves Excelling   stanzas 1 and 3

Hymn of Communion:  Red Book, Number 1,  Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee  stanzas 1 and 3

Hymn of Parting:  Red Book  281,  The Bond of Love

Children's Sermon:

Scripture for the Children's Sermon:  1 John 4:7-21

Children's Sermon Title:  "What is your favorite?"

Sermon:

Scripture for the Sermon:  John 15:1-8

Sermon Title:  "So it is that we Grow"

April 21, 2013

This is the Third Sunday of Easter

Liturgist: 

Scripture:Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17 & Psalm 23

Preparing for Worship

Chimes

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude 

Words of Preparation

Hymn of Praise: 462 red book  Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us.....stanzas 1,2 and 3

Call to Worship:
Leader:  
God,

You are enough for us;

          you give us rest in soft fields

                    and beside whispering streams;

          you restore and renew us,

                    and lead us into life-giving ways;

People:  
When death and evil come close to us,

          you carry us through,

                     you protect and comfort us;

          when others seek to do us harm,

                     your grace uplifts and provides for us

                     in public view;

          you fill us with your strength

                     and we enjoy overflowing abundance;

Unison:
We have confidence that your goodness and compassion

                     will fill our days,

          and we will stay immersed in your life and presence

                     forever.  Amen.

—John van de Laar, © 2009 Sacredise

Invocation

The Lord's Prayer

Gloria Patri

A Time for Offering

Call to Offering

Offering Meditation

The Doxology

Prayer of Dedication

We Join in Prayer

Prayer Concerns & Celebrations

Morning Prayer      

(inspired by John 17)

Jesus,
just as you prayed for your disciples so long ago
Pray for us,
Pray for our wellbeing,
Pray for our protection.
Pray for your joy to be made complete in us.
Pray for our spiritual growth.
Pray for your truth to be made complete in us.

Jesus,

we often do not know how to pray,
So pray for us,
Pray with us,
That we may be one with you,
One with each other, and
One in ministry to the world.

Jesus,
Pray for your weak ones,
Your strong ones,
Your ones who have illnesses,
Your ones near death,
Your ones who breeze through life,
Your ones who struggle in life.

Jesus,
Pray for those who have lost loved ones,
Those who have especially loved ones this week in Boston bombings
Those who have lost ones due to illness and sickness.

Jesus,
We join you in these prayers for all your people,
Amen.

— written by Rev. Abi, and posted on her Long and Winding Road blog.                                                                                  

We Contemplate & Live God's Word

Children's Sermon:  Scripture for the children's sermon  Acts  9:36-43
                                 Title for the children's sermon:  Givers of Life

Choir Anthem: "Worthy is the Lamb" from Wondrous Love (Larson)

Sermon:  scripture for the sermon:  Revelation 7:9-17  and Psalm 23
                Title for the sermon:  "When God makes me/you lie down in green pastures...."  

Invitation to Discipleship

Hymn of Invitation: Blue book 65.....I Worship You Almighty God

Gathering at the Lord's Table

Call to Communion

Hymn of Communion: red book 213,  Because He Lives.....stanzas 1 and 3

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Words of Institution

Breaking Bread & Pouring the Cup

Musical Meditation

Partaking of the Lord's Supper

We Depart to Serve

Benediction

Parting Hymn: red book number 228,  Rejoice, the Lord is King.....stanzas 1,and 3

Postlude

April 14, Liturgy

Theme:  Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, completes the connection between you and God's love &
grace. 

Words of Preparation:

Call to Worship:
Leader:  We gather round the Christ who walks beside us.
People:  Christ is closer to us than the very thoughts our hearts distill.
Leader:  We have walked with Christ through the journey of our days,
People:  and we have told him about the hardness of life which can sweep away our hopes.
Leader:  Christ listened, and brought us comfort, energy and love.
People:  So Risen Christ, stay with us, hold fast in friendship with each new evening, and in the dawning of each new day.

Children's Sermon:
       Title:  "Complete the Circuit"
       Scripture for the Children's Sermon:   Revelation 1:4-8

Sermon:
       Title:  Jesus: "The Beginning  and The End and Everything In Between"
Scripture Text for the sermon:
      Acts 4:32-37
    

Hymns for the Service:

Hymn of Praise:   Red book, number 349,  Trust and Obey........Stanzas 1, 2, and 5

Hymn of Invitation:  Red book, number 275,  How Firm a Foundation......stanzas 1, 2 and 4

Hymn of Communion:  Red book, number 271, Standing on the Promises.....stanzas 1 and 4

Hymn of Parting:  Red book, number 354, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms....stanzas 1 and 3

Memorial Service Draft

Tracie, I highlighted in orange what goes in the bulletin! Thanks! LCR

A Celebration of the Life of
Stephen Ament

Preparatory Music & Lighting of Candles                                    Sherry Greene

Steve's siblings light the candles of God's presence.

Words of Preparation                                                          Mark CR

Jesus said, I am the resurrection and I am life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die,

yet shall they live,

whoever believes in me shall never die.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.

I died and, behold, I am alive forever more.

Because I live, you shall live also.

Vocal Prelude    "How Great Thou Art"                            Vocal Solo

Greeting                                                                       Mark CR

Friends,

we gather here in the protective shelter

of God's healing love.

We are free to pour out our grief,

release our anger,

face our emptiness,

and know that God cares.

We gather here as God's people,

conscious of others who have died

and of the frailty

of our own existence on earth.

We come to comfort and to support one another

in our common loss.

We gather to hear God's word of hope

that can drive away our despair

and move us to offer God our praise.

We gather to commend to God with thanksgiving

the life of Steve Ament

as we celebrate the good news of Christ's resurrection.

For whether we live or whether we die,

we belong to Christ who is Lord

both of the dead and of the living. 

Invocation & Lord's Prayer                                                                              Mark CR

Almighty God,

whose will is sovereign and whose mercy is boundless,

look upon us in our sorrow and enable us to hear your word.

Help us so that, through patience

and the encouragement of the scriptures,

we may hold fast to the assurance of your favor

and the hope of life eternal; through Jesus Christ

our risen Savior, who taught us to pray saying,

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.
Lead us not into temptation but  deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever. Amen.

Opening Hymn     "Here I Am, Lord"    Blue Book

 

Words of Remembrance                                facilitated by Mark CR

          Introduction----Mark CR

          Family Memories--Grandchildren & Nancy

          Gospel Reading--Pam & Steve 
Reader 1: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

Reader 2: “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.

Reader 1: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 
 
          Conclusion---Mark CR

Blessing of Memories & Rose Ceremony with Luke 24:1-12         Mark CR

24 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. ² They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they went in, they did not find the body.^{[a] 4} While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. ⁵ The women^[b] were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men^[c] said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.^{[d] 6} Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, ⁷ that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” ⁸ Then they remembered his words, ⁹ and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. ¹⁰ Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. ¹¹ But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. ¹² But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Hymn   "Eagles' Wings"          Insert

Affirmation of Faith    From Romans 8                                       Unison Reading

We believe there is no condemnation

for those who are in Christ Jesus,

and we know that in everything

God works for good with those who love God,

who are called according to God's purpose.

We are sure that neither death, nor life,

nor angels, nor principalities,

nor things present, nor things to come,

nor powers, nor height, nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us 

from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Musical Offering        "Forever Smiling"                                Vocal Solo
 

Prayers of Intercession & Commendation                              Don Sorrell

O God, our strength and our redeemer,

giver of life and conqueror of death,

we praise you with humble hearts.

With faith in your great mercy wisdom,

we entrust Stephen Ament to your eternal care.

We praise you for your steadfast love for Steve all the days of his earthly life.

We thank you for all that Steve is and means

to those who love him

and for his faithfulness to the church of Jesus Christ

as a member, a mentor, and a friend.

We thank you that for Steve,

all sickness and sorrow are ended, and

death itself is past and that he has entered the home

where all your people gather in peace.

Now, into your hands, O merciful savior, we commend your servant, Steve.

Acknowledge, we humbly pray,

a sheep of your own fold,

a lamb of your own flock,

and a child of your own redeeming.

Receive him into the arms of your mercy,

into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,

and into the company of the saints in light.

Holy one, by your Spirit, keep us all in communion with your faithful people

in every time and place,

that at last we may rejoice together in the heavenly family

where Jesus Christ reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Benediction                                                                       Mark CR

May God bless you and keep you.

May God's face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

May God look upon you with kindness and give you peace.

Let us go forth in the name of Christ

Instrumental Postlude   "How Great Thou Art"                                      Sherry Greene