Welcome to Worship
We gather to worship, we go out to serve.
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
* Please rise in body or spirit
Tolling of the Bell
Welcome and Announcements
Visitors, fill out the connection card in the pew so we can send you a note
Opening Prayer Christy Hinson
Creator God, Jesus, our risen Lord, was made known to the disciples in the breaking of the bread. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may recognize his presence, and with his disciples cry, “The Lord has risen, indeed!” Through Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prelude Christopher Bunch
*Call to Worship (Unison) Christy Hinson
Loving God, you hold us in your love even when we are not aware of your presence. May we be refreshed as we gather this day to give you glory, to walk again in humble service, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
*Hymn Day of Arising #252
Prayer for New Beginnings (Unison) Christy Hinson
Lord Jesus, your rising from tomb heralds the dawning of life eternal as the dawning of this day holds the possibilities of life anew. Open our eyes to the signs of your resurrection and confirm in our heart the power of your amazing love, that we may with confidence sing “Alleluia.” Amen.
*Passing of the Peace (Responsive)
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
*Congregational Response In My Life #468 v.1,4
In my life, Lord, be glorified; be glorified.
In my life, Lord, be glorified today,
In your world, Lord, be glorified; be glorified.
In your world, Lord, be glorified today.
HEARING THE WORD
Prayer for Illumination Christy Hinson
Lord, you opened the meaning of the Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus and set their hearts ablaze. By the power of your Spirit kindle our hearts as we hear your word proclaimed, that we may receive you with joy. Amen.
Old Testament Reading Psalm 116:1-4 Christy Hinson
I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, save my life!”
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Word in Music Christopher Bunch
Gospel Reading Luke 24:13-35
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon Rev. Jeff Sockwell
*Hymn O Master Let Me Walk With Thee #738 v.1,4
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*Affirmation of Faith (Unison) Confession of 1967
The reconciliation of humanity through Jesus Christ makes it plain that enslaving poverty in a world of abundance is an intolerable violation of God’s good creation. Because Jesus identified himself with the needy and exploited, the cause of the world’s poor is the cause of his disciples. The church cannot condone poverty, whether it is the product of unjust social structures, exploitation of the defenseless, lack of national resources, absence of technological understanding, or rapid expansion of populations. The church calls every person to use their abilities, their possessions, and the fruits of technology as gifts entrusted to them by God for the maintenance of God’s family and the advancement of the common welfare.
Prayers of Intercession / Lord’s Prayer (Responsive)
Let us unite our hearts in prayer, saying,
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the church throughout the world, that as we celebrate the great fifty days of Easter we may renew our faith and strengthen our witness in Jesus’ name.
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For pastors, teachers, and ministers, that they recognize the risen Christ in Word and Sacrament and lead your church with wisdom, humility, and courage;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the governments of the world and its leaders, that they may resist the corruption of sin and serve the common good;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For our planet Earth, that all people may be good stewards of its resources and share in its abundance;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the poor and the stranger, that they may receive a place of refuge and hope, and that the church may offer the hospitality the first disciple offered to Jesus on the road
to Emmaus;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the sick and those in distress, that they may find healing for their pain and be restored to fullness of life;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For our neighbors, that we may live together in peace and share in our resources;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For our enemies, that they may receive good things, and that we, your servants, not return evil for evil;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, receive these prayers we offer, and by the power of your Holy Spirit make us witnesses to the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray:
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, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory
*Doxology #606
*Prayer of Dedication
WE GO OUT TO SERVE
*Hymn Lead On, O King Eternal #269
*Blessing (Responsive)
May the grace of Jesus Christ our risen Lord, the love of God who raised him from the dead, and the power of the Holy Spirit who fills the world with new life bless and keep you.
Alleluia!
Postlude Christopher Bunch