April 25, 2010
10:30 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Invocation
O God, whose presence is veiled from our eyes:
grant that when we do not recognize you, our hearts may burn within us, and that when feeling is lost, we may cling in faith to your Word and to the words of the living Jesus.  Hear our prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. 
Amen.
*Opening Praise – 402:1,3,5 “Alleluia, Alleluia!  Give Thanks”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“
Call to Confession
The apostle Paul said, “I do not understand what I do.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but he evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:15, 19)  Since that is our experience too, let us confess our sin before God.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, for the things we have done that we regret,
forgive us;
for all the things we have failed to do that we regret,
forgive us;
for all the times we have acted without love,
forgive us;
for all the times we have reacted without thought,
forgive us;
for all the times we have withdrawn care,
forgive us;
for all the times we have failed to forgive,
forgive us.
For hurtful words said and helpful words unsaid, for unfinished tasks and unfulfilled hopes,
God of all time, forgive us and help us to lay down our burden of regret.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through God’s love in Jesus Christ.  To all who humbly seek the mercy of God I say, in Jesus Christ your sin is forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
*Song of Assurance – 267:1,4 “And Can It Be”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 20:1-2, 11-18
Message – “Eyewitnesses to Resurrection:  Mary Magdalene”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Response –405:1,3 “I Serve a Risen Savior” 
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  Christian Reformed Home Missions
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Sent to Love God and Others – Exodus 20
*God Blesses Us
The grace of Christ attend you,
the love of God surround you,
the Holy Spirit keep you now and forevermore.
Amen.
*Parting Song – 635 “Glory Be to the Father”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The second offering today is for Christian Reformed Home Missions.  The story of the risen, living Jesus needs to be shared with people in North America as well as with those in remote parts of the world.  Home Missions assists with church planting, campus ministry and helping established churches be focused on unchurched neighbors across Canada and the US.  Your generous support is needed in times of diminishing ministry share support.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
Wednesday, 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study meets at
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel
Wednesday, 7:00 PM Elders meet

Please remember to complete and return your Talents and Abilities Survey.  The deacons are using this to develop a data bank of the abilities and interests of Valley members which can be used to help others in times of need.  Extra copies of the form are on the table in the narthex.

Continue to lift up the entire Crawford family in prayer as they adjust to the new reality following Dick’s death.  May the words of hope shared in the memorial service yesterday sustain them in the coming days.

Council notes:

NEXT SUNDAY, May 2, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages meet.  The adult class will continue its study of the book of Romans.  Pastor Gelder also continues a class for adults interested in becoming members at Valley Church
MORNING WORSHIP:  10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will lead our worship, continuing the series of messages on “Eyewitnesses to Resurrection”.  We will consider testimony of the angels as described in Luke 24:1-8.