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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.
Casual Worship – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship – 10:45 a.m.
March 23, 2008 – EASTER SUNDAY
Theme: Why We Make a Joyful Noise!
WORSHIP PREPARATION THOUGHT: “After seeing a risen Jesus, we see that there is no normal. All we know for sure is that a risen Savior is on the loose. And he knows our names.” Craig Barnes
GATHERING
REGISTRATION OF ATTENDANCE & COMPLETION OF PRAYER CARDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EASTER READING Nate and Tori Ehlers
INTROIT “Christ The Lord Is Risen” Gregorian Chant
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Like a blade of grass pushing up stubbornly through the sidewalk, or like the butterfly emerging from the tomb-like chrysalis.
Many: But much more.
One: Like brilliant daybreak after stormy, darkened night, or like a rainbow mystically appearing amidst the rain.
Many: But much more.
One: Like a seed after years of dormant death sending up sprout, or like the brown bulb breaking forth from brown earth into brilliant color.
Many: But much more.
One: Like a patient making an unexpected, unpredicted turn for health, or like the pine cone opening to spread seed only after touched by fiery death.
Many: But much more.
One: Like a beautiful vase emerging from a lump of clay in the potter's hands, or like a hidden spring burbling forth in the middle of a barren desert.
Many: But much more.
One: So, it comes. Nothing else like it. No image adequate. No simile. No metaphor. Unable to talk about it, but inadequately we celebrate this great, real mystery that neither language nor imagination can encompass.
All: Easter!
*HYMN OF PRAISE “Come, Christians Join to Sing” Hymn #158
Joy to the World” Hymn #246
During the hymn, please hold up completed Prayer Request Cards so the ushers may collect them.
*OPENING PRAYER
Glory and praise to You, Risen Savior, for You bring light to our darkness, joy to our sorrow, and fullness of love to our reluctant hearts. Once and for all, You have conquered sin and evil. In the glory of Your Resurrection, we have been set free from all that keeps us from following You . In this Easter season, fill our hearts with Your light and grace, that we might joyfully echo the words of Your Holy Angels: He is not here in the tomb: Christ is risen! Christ is risen , indeed! Alleluia! Amen.
PRAYER & PROCLAMATION
ANTHEM “Easter Alleluia” By Jonathan Willcocks
CHILDREN'S MOMENT
SCRIPTURE READING John 20:1-18
PRAYERS
THE LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN OF PREPARATION “Sing with All the Saints in Glory” Hymn #702
SCRIPTURE READING Colossians 3:1-11
SERMON “After He Made His Bed” Pastor Joy
RESPONSE
OFFERING
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” Page #95
*HYMN “He Lives” Hymn #310
*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” Hymn #302
BENEDICTION (4 th verse only)
*CLOSING VOLUNTARY
* Indicates those in the congregation who are able will please stand.
OUR WORSHIP LEADERS
Joy Caschetta , Pastor
Richard Boyd , Diaconal Minister of Music
Susan Niederer, Musician
Emily Jobes and Joe Zimmerlee, Liturgists
Joe Diliberto, Sound
Nick Glass and Alan Neill, Acolytes
Melody Diliberto and Walt Lane , Greeters
Geneva Bennet , Flowers
Kathy Clayton, Visitation Person
Ushers: Vernon Snead, Captain;
Frank C. Avry, Mike Bennett, Dean Brewer , Janet Eckert ,
Sy Korte, Rock Schaefer, and Jeff Thornton
Following worship, our Stephen Ministers are available for one-on-one prayer.
Please come to the communion area, and someone will meet you.
There are two baptism candles on the altar this morning.
One celebrates the baptism anniversary of Colin Thomas Berry, baptized on March 23, 2003 .
The other celebrates the baptism anniversary of Kendall Marie Eveland-McGrail , baptized on March 21, 1999 .