April 13, 2008, 11:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – “Christ Is Risen” (vs. 1,2)
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
Continuing Praise – “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”
                                “The Joy of the Lord”
                                “I Love You, Lord”
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 20:24-31
Message – “Facing Doubt Head-on”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING AND SERVICE
*Song – “Come to Us, Beloved Stranger” (vs. 1,2)
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
          The Lord be with you.
          And also with you.
          Lift up your hearts.
          We lift them up to the Lord.
           Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
           It is right for us to give thanks and praise.
You are holy, O God of majesty, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, whom you sent to save us.  He came with healing in his touch and was wounded for our sins.  He came with mercy in his voice and was mocked as one despised.  He came with peace in his heart and met with violence and death.  By your power he broke free from the prison of the tomb, and at his command the gates of hell were opened.  The one who was dead now lives.  The one who humbled himself is raised to rule over all creation, the Lamb upon the throne.  The one ascended on high is with us always, as he promised.
Therefore we proclaim our faith:
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
God of all power, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that in sharing the bread we may share in the body of Christ, that in sharing the cup we may share in his blood.  Grant that, being joined together in Christ Jesus, we may become united in faith and in all things become mature in the one who is our head.
Amen.
The bread that we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.
We who are many are one body, for we all share the same loaf.
The cup for which we give thanks is a sharing in the blood of Christ.
The cup that we drink is our participation in the blood of Christ.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The body of Christ, given for you.
Thanks be to God.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Thanks be to God.
*Song of Thanksgiving – 485 “O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire”
The Offerings – First: General Fund
  Second: Indonesian Christian Reformed Fellowship
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Praise – 632 “To God Be the Glory”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thursday, 7:30 PM Worship team meets
Saturday, 6:30 PM Saturday Niter spaghetti dinner

This morning we will receive the gift of Holy Communion as we rejoice in the victory of the living Lord Jesus.  Every Sunday is a “little Easter” and this week too we joyfully recall that the one who came back to life from death is the host at this special celebration.  If you have publicly professed that Jesus is your Savior and if you are committed to living the life of a servant of Jesus, please receive the bread and cup as they are passed to you.  We will eat and drink together after all have been served.

The second offering this morning is for the ministry of the Indonesian Christian Reformed Fellowship in Dover, New Hampshire and specifically to help with salary support for the Lapian family.  Worship attendance is about 70 people and they are using a variety of means to reach the Indonesian community in New Hampshire with the good news of Jesus.  Our generous financial and prayer support is crucial.

Continue to pray for Debbie, Brian and Karley Harmon as they grieve the sudden death of Debbie’s mother, Wanda Ward.  Funeral services were held Monday.  May God sustain the entire family with his peace.

Council notes:  1. Barb Komaromi led the opening devotions from Philippians 2:3-4, reminding us that serving others teaches us humility as we are forced to trust in God, not self.  2.  We met with Tim and Sue Brown and Heather De Haan as they shared their testimonies of God’s leading them to Valley Church and their desire to become members here.  They will be publicly received soon.  3.  John Roossien met with us to help council better understand the financial reports generated monthly and to tell us about the financial management processes he and Grace use in paying bills and transmitting offerings.  4.  We reviewed names suggested for nomination as elders and deacons and formed the list of those to be asked to consider nomination.  5.  Council endorsed Bill Kutz’ request to be examined by Classis Atlantic Northeast at its next meeting for a licensure to exhort in the churches of classis.  6.  The facilities team will do a feasibility and cost study on suspending a cross in the peak of the prow of the church.

The youth groups are putting on a special spaghetti dinner this Saturday evening for all the Valley Church family.  This will be both a gift to those who remember the long-time practice of monthly “Saturday Niters” and a fund-raising event for the summer youth camping and visioning trip.  There will be a special program by the young people that should be a delight to all.  Please sign up today so they can have enough food.

The women’s retreat “Ultimate Makeover” is coming up soon.  Lots of work has already been done in preparation for a day of inspiration and fellowship.  If you haven’t already registered, the deadline is this week Saturday, April 19.  Forms are available in the foyer and can be put in Debbie Harmon’s mail folder or mailed to her attention at the church address.  Cost is $15 per person.   Pray for Rev. Tineke Cornelison as she prepares the messages she will be bringing.

New addresses for your church directory:
Gloria MooreHeather De Haan
2030 State Rt. 26 So. #20024 Davis Ave.
Vestal, NY 13850Johnson City, NY 13790
785-0349
hdehaan@Binghamton.edu



Youth Announcements:
Pastor Gelder plans to offer a class during the Sunday School time for any children and young people who are considering publicly professing their faith.  The class will begin April 27 and run for four weeks.  Talk with him if you have questions or to indicate your interest.


NEXT SUNDAY, April 20, 2008

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Classes for all ages.  The adult class will conclude a four-week session using the booklet “Christian:  What It Means, Why It Matters.”  All are welcome to participate.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Pastor Gelder will be with us to bring a message “Going Fishing” based on John 21:1-14.