March 30, 2008, 11:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Invocation –
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of your Son you overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him. Grant that we who celebrate with joy Christ’s rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
*Opening Song – 410 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Praise Time – “Alleluia, He Is Coming”
                        “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”
                        “Alleluia! Alleluia!”
Call to Confession –
When we gather to praise God, we remember that we are people who have preferred our wills to his.  Accepting his power to become new persons in Christ, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Prayer of Confession –
Almighty God, you have raised Jesus from the grave and crowned him Lord of all.  We confess that we have not bowed before him or acknowledged his rule in our lives.  We have gone along with the way of the world and failed to give him glory.  Forgive us and raise us from sin, that we may be your faithful people, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, who rules the world and is head of the church, his body.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon –  I Corinthians 15:54-57
*Song of Assurance – 377:1,3,4 “Were You There”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Matthew 27:57-66; 28:11-15
Message – “A Desperate Plan”
Prayer
*Song – 511:1-3 “These Are the Facts As We Have Received Them”
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  Project Concern
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Praise – 402:2,5 “Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saturday, 5:30 PM  Parents’ Night Out

The second offering today is for Project Concern.  This ministry in Chenango Bridge serves many families with clothing, household goods and some food items at very low cost to them.  Your generous offerings will make it possible for them to buy basic items to supplement what is donated by people in our community.

Parents’ Night Out will be having an Easter celebration this Saturday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM for children from nursery through grade 5.  This was postponed from March due to the bad weather, but Easter should be celebrated all year, not just on one day.  Besides, this falls between the Western and Eastern dates for the Easter celebration this year.  If you are planning on having your children participate, please sign them up today.  Also, if you are able to help with one of the stations or as a guide for a group of children, please let Erin Peterson or Judy Crawford know as soon as possible.  We’ve been having great turn-out this year, so your help is much appreciated – prayers too!

It’s not too late to suggest to Council names of church members you think are qualified to serve as elders and deacons starting in the Fall.  If you haven’t already done so, please use a form from the table and place it in the box clearly marked Council Nominations.  We need your input in advance of the next Council meeting on April 7.

Retreat announcement  (something different, please)

Youth Announcements 
Middle School group meets next Sunday, April 6, 3:00 PM
NEXT SUNDAY, April 6, 2008

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Classes for all ages.  The adult class will continue 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 post-Easter message “Pulling Back the Veil” based on Luke 24:13-43.