John Calvin Presbyterian Church

1. Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving

To God the creator triumphantly raise.

Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,

by guiding us on to the end of our days.

God’s banners are o’er us; pure light goes before us,

A pillar of fire shining forth in the night:

till shadows have vanished all fearfullness banished,

as forward we travel from light into light.

2. By law God enforces, the stars in their courses

the sun in its orbit obediently shine;

the hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,

the depths of the ocean proclaim God divine.

We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;

with glad adoration a song let us raise,

till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:

“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

WORDS OF WELCOME

DEACON MINUTE AND MINUTE FOR MISSION: Program of Hope           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. 7:17

ONE: The Lamb of God will be our shepherd;

MANY: he will guide us to the water of life.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of the Word, in the parable of the sower you showed us how your word can take root and grow within us. Nurture the seeds of your word in our hearts and help us to grow in faith and love. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#750)  Goodness is Stronger than Evil 

Goodness is stronger than evil;

Love is stronger than hate;

Light is stronger than darkness;

Life is stronger than death;

Victory is ours Victory is ours through Him who loves us.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         1 Thess 1:1-10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON             “Imitators of Christ”               Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH    Theological Declaration of Barmen               

Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death.

    As Jesus Christ is God’s assurance of the forgiveness of all our sins, so in the same way and with the same seriousness is he also God’s mighty claim upon our whole life. Through him befalls us a joyful deliverance from the godless fetters of this world for a free, grateful service to his creatures.

   The church’s commission, upon which its freedom is founded, consists in delivering the message of the free grace of God to all people in Christ’s stead, and therefore in the ministry of his own Word and work through sermon and Sacrament. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY River in Judea John Leavitt

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*HYMN (Blue #272; GTG #22)   God of the Sparrow

1. God of the sparrow God of the whale

God of the swirling stars

How does the creature say Awe

How does the creature say Praise

2. God of the earthquake God of the storm

God of the trumpet blast

How does the creature cry Woe

How does the creature cry Save

3. God of the rainbow God of the cross

God of the empty grave

How does the creature say Grace

How does the creature say Thanks

4. God of the hungry God of the sick

God of the prodigal

How does the creature say Care

How does the creature say Life

5. God of the neighbor God of the foe

God of the pruning hook

How does the creature say Love

How does the creature say Peace

6. God of the ages God near at hand

Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.

1. Jesus is Lord of all the earth.

He is the King of creation. Refrain.

4. Come let us praise the living God, 

joyfully sing to our Savior. Refrain.

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP 1 John 3:2

ONE: Beloved, we are God’s children now;

MANY: Peace be with you. The Risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy Lord, your followers gave to your children something more powerful and more valuable than riches. They gave healing and hope. Bring healing and hope into our world and show us evidence of your presence in our lives. Amen.

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

*RESPONSE HYMN  (GTG#800)   Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings;

it is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings;

when comforts are declining, he grants the soul again

a season of clear shining to cheer it after rain.

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Acts 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON      “The Name of Jesus”           Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH          Westminster Shorter Catechism               

ONE: What is the main purpose for humanity?

MANY: The main purpose for humanity is to glorify and enjoy God forever.

ONE: What rule has God given to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God?

MANY: The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only rule to tell us how we may glorify and enjoy God.

ONE: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?

MANY: The Scriptures mainly teach what we are to believe about God, and what duty God requires of us.

ONE: How many Persons are there in the Trinity?

MANY: There are three Persons in the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

ONE: What is Sin?

MANY: Sin is any lack of obedience to, or violation of, the law of God.

ONE: Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

MANY: The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and continues to be, God and human, in two distinct natures, and one Person forever.

ONE: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

MANY: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Waltz in A major, Op. 39/15 J. Brahms 

Lucia Benevento

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen

*HYMN (Blue #343; GTG #761)           

Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

1. Called as partners in Christ’s service, 

called to ministries of grace,

We respond with deep commitment 

fresh new lines of faith to trace.

May we learn the art of sharing, 

side by side and friend with friend,

Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.

2. Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, 

Christ’s clear call to work and worth

let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth.

Men and women, richer, poorer, 

all God’s people young and old,

blending human skills together 

gracious gifts from God unfold.

3. Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, 

in a small or global sense,

help us bear each other’s burdens, 

breaking down each wall or fence.

Words of comfort, words of vision, 

words of challenge said with care,

bring new power and strength for action, 

make us colleagues free and fair.

4. So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life

• The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.  

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

3. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph 

and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen 

their notes of gladness blend,

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. 

WORDS OF WELCOME          

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP John 20:19, 21

ONE: Peace be with you. Jesus stands among us. 

MANY: Peace be with you. The Risen Lord is here.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

*HYMN (GTG #250)            ”Hymn of Promise”               PROMISE

1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;

in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!

In the cold a snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

2. There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;

there’s a dawn in every darkness, 

bringing hope to you and me.

From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;

in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.

In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,

unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI (GTG #581) 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON           “Slow to Understand”               Mike Isham

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                           Heidelberg Catechism               

ONE: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

MANY: That I belong body and soul, in life and in death not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY (GTG #609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen

*HYMN (Blue #104; GTG #248)           

“Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”        HYMN TO JOY

1. Christ is risen! Shout hosanna! Celebrate this day of days!

Christ is risen! Hush and wonder: all creation is amazed.

In the dessert all surrounding, 

see a spreading tree has grown.

Healing leaves of grace abounding 

bring a taste of love unknown. 

2. Christ is risen! Raise your spirits 

from the caverns of despair. 

Walk with gladness in the morning. 

See what love can do and dare. 

Drink the wine or resurrection, not a servant, but a friend.

Jesus is our strong companion. 

Joy and peace shall never end. 

3. Christ is risen! Earth and heaven 

never more shall be the same. 

Break with bread of new creation 

where the world is still in pain.

Tell its grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get ye gone!”

God, the First and Last is with us. Sing hosanna every one!

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE                         

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

1. Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia! 

our triumphant holy day, Al-le-lu-ia!

who did once upon the cross, Al-le-lu-ia!

suffer to redeem our loss, Al-le-lu-ia!

2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Al-le-lu-ia! 

unto Christ, our heavenly king, Al-le-lu-ia!

who endured to cross and grave, Al-le-lu-ia!

sinners to redeem and save. Al-le-lu-ia!

3. But the pains which he endured, Al-le-lu-ia!

our salvation have procured. Al-le-lu-ia!

Now above the sky he’s King, Al-le-lu-ia!

where the angels ever sing. Al-le-lu-ia!

4. Sing we to our God above, Al-le-lu-ia!

praise eternal as God’s love. Al-le-lu-ia!

Praise our God, Ye heavenly host, Al-le-lu-ia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Al-le-lu-ia!

WORDS OF WELCOME   

MINUTE FOR MISSION: One Great Hour of Sharing          

ADORATION

LITANY for EASTER

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice, and be glad in it.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: This is the good news we have received,

in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: That Christ died for our sins, and was buried,

and rose again on the third day.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: He appeared to Peter, and to the twelve,

and to many faithful witnesses.

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: At last he came to us, that we might come to believe

and proclaim this good news to the world. 

MANY: Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!

ONE: God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*HYMN (Blue #118; GTG#233)    

“The Day of Resurrection!”    LANCASHIRE

• The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad,

the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.  

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,

our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

1. Let hearts be purged of evil that we may see aright

the Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light,

and listening to his accents, 

may hear, so calm and plain,

his own “All hail!” and hearing, 

may raise the victor strain. 

3. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;

the round world keep high triumph 

and all that is therein.

Let all things seen and unseen 

their notes of gladness blend.

for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. 

       

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

* RESPONSE HYMN (GTG#241) Woman, Weeping in the Garden 

1 Woman, weeping in the garden,

who has pushed the stone aside?

Who has taken Jesus’ body, Jesus Christ the crucified?

5 Woman, dancing from the garden, 

find the others and proclaim

Christ is risen as he promised; 

tell the world he knew your name!

CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. 

Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Amen. 

DECLARATION of FORGIVENESS  

ONE: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

MANY: Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI #581 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

PROCLAMATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON                         Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

ANTHEM        Easter Introit  by Bob Moore

feat. Seth Guidry, trumpet

Cameron & Briana Mayfield, handbells

SERMON         “Fleeing from the Tomb”    The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                Scots Confession

We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY (GTG 609)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God, in Jesus fully known: 

Creator, Word, and Spirit one.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: …Therefore with all creation we sing your praise:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE: … According to Christ’s Commandment:

MANY: We remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming glory…

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION  

*HYMN (Blue #108; GTG #246)           “Christ is Alive!”         TRURO

1. Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. 

The cross stands empty to the sky.

Lets streets and homes with praises ring. 

Love, drowned in death, shall never die. 

2. Christ is alive! No longer bound 

to distant years in Palestine,

but saving, healing, here and now,

and touching every place and time. 

3. In every insult, rift, and war,

where color, scorn, or wealth divide,

Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,

and lives, where even hope has died. 

4. Women and men, in age and youth,

can feel the Spirit, hear the call,

and find the way, the life, the truth,

revealed in Jesus, freed for all. 

5. Christ is alive, and comes to bring,

good news to this and every age,

till earth and sky and ocean ring

with joy, with justice, love, and praise. 

*PARTING PRAYER

Glory to you, O God: you have won victory over death, raising Jesus from the grave and giving us eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ: for us and for our salvation you have overcome death and opened the gate to everlasting life. Glory to you, O Holy Spirit: you lead us into the truth. Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity, now and forever. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE (Blue #113; GTG #245)       

“Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”       LLANFAIR

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Al-le-lu-ia!

All creation, join to say: Al-le-lu-ia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!

Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!

POSTLUDE  Christ the Lord is Risen Today arr. Carol Tornquist                     

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

1 Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. [Refrain]

2 The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went;

our praise and prayers and anthems before thee we present. [Refrain]

3 To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. [Refrain]

4 Thou didst accept their praises;

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King! [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 118:26

ONE: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.

MANY: Hosanna in the highest!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Hosanna! King of all, you reign over all. Reign in our lives, triumph over evil and teach us to follow in your footsteps. Amen.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN       

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sins. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen. 

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

CANTATA “The Passion Song”      by Lloyd Larson

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Lila Crotty, Sharon Fortin, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Linda Lowry, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Renna Shows, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins

Conductor: Kelly Cuppett Pianist: Tom Petterson

Movement I – Hosanna Intrada

Tune: ST. THEODULPH by Melchior Teschner (1584-1635)

arranged by Lloyd Larson

Narrator 1: The shouts of “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” seemed to echo in the streets of Jerusalem for days as people prepared for the Passover Feast. It was now the first day of the Feast and Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover meal?”

Narrator 2: Jesus said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there. 

Narrator 1: The disciples left, went into the city, and found everything just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared for the feast of the Passover Lamb.

Narrator 2: As evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve and they shared a feast of love. 

Narrator 1: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. Giving it to His disciples, He said, “Take it; this is my body broken for you.”

Narrator 2: Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

Movement II – Feast of Love

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the Servant who has gently led, 

who humbly shares the broken bread

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Praise the One who by His love divine 

shares the cup of grace, the sacred wine,

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

“Remember me when you eat the bread, 

Remember me and the things I’ve said.

Remember me when you drink the cup.

Remember when I am lifted up 

I will draw the world unto me!

O children remember me.”

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the righteous One whom angels greet;

the King who kneels and washes feet 

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Narrator 2: Following the meal, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Narrator 1: Having already told them that one of the Twelve would betray Him, Jesus now told them that they would all fall away. “For it is written,” He said, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.”

Narrator 2: The prophecies of Jesus were to soon become reality as Judas, the betrayer, and a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders surrounded him. They seized and arrested Jesus. 

Narrator 1: They took him to a place where the religious leaders were gathered. Several of them made false accusations against Jesus. They condemned Him, saying He was worthy of death. 

Narrator 2: The religious leaders eventually reached a consensus. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate, the local Roman governor. As was customary at the Feast, the people were demanding the release of an imprisoned criminal named Barabbas. 

Narrator 1: Pilate asked the enraged crowd, “What shall I do, then, with the one you call King of the Jews?” “Crucify Him!” they shouted. “Crucify Him!”

Narrator 2: So Pilate had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. IN those few hours, the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled. 

Narrator 1: He was despised and rejected: a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. He was oppressed and afflicted; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. 

Movement III – Song of Golgotha

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating Tunes PASSION CHORALE and HERZLIEBSTER JESU

He was despised and rejected, scorned by His very own.

Yet He bore the cross of shame willingly.

He was pierced for our transgressions, broken and alone. 

Still, He chose to bear the cross for you and me. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has born all our grief. 

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not say a word. 

And He bore the lowly cross to Calvary.

Like a lamb led to slaughter, He was crushed and suffered.

See the sacrificial Lamb upon the tree. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has borne all our grief. 

Ah, holy Jesus, how have You offended,

that the mortal judgment has on You descended?

By foes derided, by Your own rejected, O most afflicted!

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows,

and borne all our grief. 

Narrator 1: Jesus was led away. Roman soldiers put a purple robe on Him and then twisted together a crown of thorns which they placed upon His head. In mockery they called out to Him, “Hail King of the Jews!”

Narrator 2: They struck Jesus on the head with a staff, spat upon Him, and continued to mock Him by falling on their knees in fake homage to the holy Lamb of God. 

Narrator 1: Then they put His own clothes back on Him and led Jesus out to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There He was crucified. 

Narrator 2: Those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus. Even those crucified with Him heaped insults on Him. 

Narrator 1: After several agonizing hours on the cross, with a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. The Roman centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry, and saw how He died. In awe and wonder he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Movement IV – Behold the Lamb

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tunes NEAR THE CROSS and WONDROUS LOVE

Behold the Lamb, behold the Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss 

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul? 

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing

to God and to the Lamb I will sing!

To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I AM,”

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing. 

Behold the Lamb of God, behold the Lamb of God! 

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb! Behold the Lamb!

Narrator 2: Very early on the first day of the week following the Sabbath, just after sunrise, the women were on their way to the tomb. They asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? 

Narrator 1: But as they looked up, they saw that the large stone had already been rolled away. They entered the tomb, and there they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. They were very alarmed. 

 Narrator 2: But he said to them, “Do not be afraid! You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen! See the place where they laid Him. Now go and tell His disciples! Jesus is risen!”

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Narrator 2: He is worthy to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength. He is worthy to receive honor glory and praise!

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb!

Movement V – Resurrection Canticle

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tune DIADEMATA

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, the living Lamb of God. 

He’s worthy to receive power and wealth. 

He’s worthy of all wisdom and strength. 

He’s worthy of our honor and glory and praise!

Worthy is the Lamb! 

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. 

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

and hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life, 

who triumphed o’er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save. 

His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high,

who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Risen now, forever to reign!

Worthy is the living Lamb of God!

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORDS’ PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*HYMN [BLUE#85] [GTG#215]  What Wondrous Love is This

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

what wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;

to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;

while millions join the theme, I will sing!

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,

and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and through eternity I’ll sing on.

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me,

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE         I Want Jesus to Walk with Me       arr. Jason Krug

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; and Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF