The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: The Whole People of God Minister: Nan Corrigan D.M.
Minister of Music: Al Fougere
April 15th, 2018-3rd of Easter
For quiet reflection as we gather: Jesus appeared to the disciples when they needed a friend. He showed up and offered them his peace. Peter told his friends the truth about their lives and Jesus in a way that they could hear it. He offered them healing and grace. How do we offer grace to friends in times of need? How can our lives be a reflection of the relationship Jesus had with the disciples when he came back and had breakfast with them?
Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Lent, p. 144 •
Easter 2018 Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2017
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
GreetingOne: Jesus came and stood among his friends and said, “Peace be with you.” All: The risen Christ lives among us.
The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.
*Introit Rejoice in our God Always
Rejoice in our God always; and again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice in our God always; and again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say, rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say, rejoice.
*Call to Worship
One: We still tell the good news!
Left side: (sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice.
One: The tomb was empty, and Jesus appeared to them.
Right side:(sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice.
One: Jesus gives peace to the people.
Left side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
One: Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.”
Right side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
One: We are here to hear the good news, so we can tell others!
We are here to hear the good news and worship our God!
Sung Response: Rejoice in our God Always (sung as round)
Opening Prayer
God of joy, repentance, and comfort, we need you today. As we continue to celebrate the good news of the Resurrection, we remember times when it was hard news to believe. As we come and worship you this day, may we leave our doubts and fears with you, and enter into a time of joy. May we see your love come to life in all we do today. Amen.
*Hymn The Day of Resurrection VU 164
Prayer for Wholeness
God, we break your laws all the time. Sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally. We do not care for one another as you taught us to do. We prioritize the things of this world over the things of your world. We are afraid even though you tell us not to be. We forget to be joyful when you show up when we need you. We say we are sorry, and sometimes aren’t.
God, help us to be sincere and authentic when we are sorry, Grant us a spirit of courage in the face of fear. May we change our ways and live out your love, as Christ lived and taught. Amen.
Words of Assurance
As Easter people we rejoice in our God always.
As Easter people, we know what Christ has done for all. We celebrate this good news with joy and delight!
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Acts 3:12–19 Peter preaches the power of Jesus to heal.One: This is the witness of the early church. All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 4 The psalmist seeks God’s presence in all times. VU 727
*Hymn Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying VU 400
Opening the Word & the Lord’s Prayer
The Gospel Acclamation
Luke 24:36b–48 Jesus’ invitation to touch his hands and feet.
One: The gospel of Jesus Christ. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Opening the Word 2
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
* Hymn This Is the Glory VU 173Minute for Mission & Offering Our Gifts to God
*Offering Prayer
We bring our gifts today believing that wonderful things can be done with them. We give them gladly. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession
The sung response is the first two lines of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” Please remain seated for the prayer and response.
Sung Response: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, God of love.
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
* Hymn This Day You Gave Us VU 437*Commissioning
One: We still tell the good news!
Left side: (sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice.
One: The tomb was empty, and Jesus appeared to them.
Right side:(sung): Rejoice in our God always, again I say rejoice.
One: Jesus gives peace to the people.
Left side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
One: Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.”
Right side: (sung): Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
One: In times of disbelief, in times of strife, in times of wondering, Jesus shows up. When we need a friend, Jesus shows up. The good news of Easter is that love came to life, and that love is Jesus Christ showing up when we need him most. This is but some of the good news. Go and share it!
All (sung): Rejoice in our God, always, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in our God, always, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, rejoice, again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in our God, always, again I say rejoice.
*Choral Amen
