April 24, 2011
10:30 AM
Easter Sunday
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
Invocation
O living Lord, on the first Easter Day you stood in the midst of your disciples as the conqueror of sin and death and spoke to them your peace.
Come to us, we pray, in your risen power and make us glad with your presence, and so breathe your Holy Spirit into our hearts that we may be strong to serve you and spread abroad your good news, for the glory of your great name. Amen.
The Easter Story – Luke 24:1-8
*Call to Worship
Alleluia! Christ is risen.He is risen indeed. Alleluia!Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.He has given us new life and hope. He has raised Jesus from the dead.God has claimed us as his own.He has brought us out of darkness. He has made us light to the world.Alleluia! Christ is risen.He is risen indeed. Alleluia!*Song of Praise – 388:1-3 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
*The Living Lord Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“Glorious Day”“Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”“Let It Rise”Call to Confession
The resurrection of our Lord is proof that God accepted as full payment for our sins the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross. Confident that we are restored to God’s family, we dare to admit our sins and failures and seek your pardon.
Prayer of Confession
Lord, bring new life where we are worn and tired; new love where we have turned hard-hearted; forgiveness where we feel hurt and where we have wounded; and the joy and freedom of your Holy Spirit where we are prisoners of ourselves.
Silent Prayer
Assurance of Pardon
To all and to each, on his community and on his friends, where regret is real, Jesus pronounces his pardon and grants us the right to begin again. Thanks be to God!
Amen.
*Song of Assurance – “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” (Paige Vermaat)
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 11:17-27
Message – “Look at Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 402:2,3,5 “Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Blessed to Serve
As Christ burst forth from the tomb, may new life burst forth from us and show itself in acts of love and healing to a hurting world. May that same Christ, who lives forever and is the source of our new life, keep our hearts rejoicing and grant us peace this day and always.
Go in joy to love and serve God in all that you do.
We are sent in the name of the risen Christ.
May the God of peace, who raised to life the great shepherd of the sheep, make us ready to do his will in every good thing, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Amen.
*Parting Song – 405:1-3, then refrain “I Serve a Risen Savior”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTSToday is Easter Sunday, perhaps the high point of the Christian year. Jesus is alive; we serve a living Savior. Welcome to all who come to worship him with us.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast at the Spot
9:30 AM Women’s Bible study at Ruth Giese’s home
11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel
7:15 PM Pastor Search Team meets
Plan ahead note for June 25 celebration.
If anyone is interested in either making a public profession of faith or in becoming a member of Valley Church if you are not already one, pastor Gelder will be glad to meet with you in preparation for this. Talk with him about it today.
Council is taking the next step in the process of nominating persons for consideration as elders and deacons. If you are asked to consider nomination, we ask you to give this prayerful thought. Spiritually gifted leaders are vital to Valley’s life.
Broome Community College is looking for host families for students in the SEED program (formerly CASS). If you are interested in opening your home to a student from Central America or the Caribbean, more information is found on the information center.
Women’s Retreat: The annual women’s retreat is hosted this year by the Rochester CRC on Saturday, April 30, 9:30-3:00. Cost is $10.00, which includes lunch. The theme is “Love: It Makes a Difference” based on I John 3:1 and 4:11. See Ann de Jager for more information and to arrange rides.
The annual Bread for the World Offering of Letters will be Sunday, May 1, following the morning worship. Sample letters are available from the deacons as you prepare for this.
NEXT SUNDAY, May 1, 2011
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:15 AM Classes for all ages meet. The adult class continues the video series “Fire on the Mountain.” All are welcome.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM Pastor Gelder will bring us God’s Word, beginning a series of messages on “Things I Need to Say.” The message this week will be “Find Unity in Your Diversity” based on I Corinthians 12:12-30.
The second offering will be for Valley youth, helping them collect funds to support their mission trip planned for 2012.
