We begin and prepare for worship by centering ourselves, remembering the waters of baptism.
In baptism, we are joined to Christ and made members of one body— a people seeking to live faithfully into God’s purpose for us and for all creation.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP From Psalm 97
The Holy One is God!
Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
The heavens proclaim God’s righteousness;
and all the peoples behold God’s glory.
Zion hears and is glad,
and the towns of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O God.
For you, O Holy One, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
Rejoice in the Holy One, all righteous,
and give thanks to God’s holy name!
*HYMN 485 We Know That Christ is Raised ENGLEBERG
*INVITATION TO CONFESSION
Let us approach the table of grace with boldness
knowing that we will receive God’s mercy.
With open hearts and minds and a spirit of boldness,
join me in this morning’s prayer of confession
Let us pray.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Creator of the Universe,
you made the world in beauty,
and restore all things in glory
through the victory of Jesus Christ.
We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured
by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,
the new creation in Jesus Christ
may appear in justice, love, and peace,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Silent confession.
*ASSURANCE OF GRACE
Receive the Good News! There is no greater joy in the heart of God than in this moment. For in this moment, we call upon God to grant us new life in the center of our wounded hearts. It is with great joy that God grants us new life and the grace of forgiveness.
Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
And since we have been reconciled to God, let us also be reconciled to one another.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hymn 243, Be Not Afraid
Be not afraid; sing out for joy! Christ is risen, alleluia!
Be not afraid; sing out for joy! Christ is risen, alleluia!
SCRIPTURE READING
SCRIPTURE READING
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us — thanks be to God.
SERMON Title Kendra Ketter Chavis
*HYMN 772 Live into Hope TRURO
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY
Let trumpets sound and voices sing!
Let all on earth their praises bring! Alleluia! Alleluia!
For Christ has conquered sin and death
And given life eternal breath.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
God of all mercies, we give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for your boundless love in the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup,
remembering Jesus’ suffering and death,
proclaiming the Good News of his resurrection.
Mighty God,
let your Spirit move in power over us,
and over these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may be for us
the communion of Christ’s body and blood.
Strengthened by this holy meal,
may we live for that day
when all peoples are free, all divisions healed,
and the whole of your creation
sings your praise together.
Silent meditation.
We give thanks to you in all things, O God, as we pray together saying:
Our Father-Mother, 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 sins, as we forgive the sins of others; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
*HYMN Some There Are Who by Their Living RUSTINGTON
*DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE
*Please rise in body or in spirit.
***
The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Heidi Hall
Melinda Sanders, Moderator
We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:
Kendra Ketter Chavis, Preacher
Jeff Moles, Director of Music Ministries
Jenny Cook, Liturgist
Steve Fay and Cliff Mundy, Offering Takers