04 Apr Worship Bulletin: 4/7/24
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, April 7, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m.
Gathering Music | “Joy Has Dawned” | Getty/Townend/Tornquist
Ellen Gilbert, piano
Video Welcome
Sharing Time | Joys & Concerns
♫Centering Music | “Our Christ Ascends” | Todd Kendall
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Opening Words | Roddy Hamilton | New Kilpatrick Parish Church (lightly adapted)
have you ever noticed – that it is the space that holds everything we believe….
it is – this gap – this lacuna – this void…. in which we place everything we fundamentally believe
in this space – the emptiness of tombs – lies the fullness of our faith
and in such space – we BELIEVE
when the void is found – the emptiness of the tomb is met –
it is then – we trust new life – and we trust what Jesus said is true
we remember what he told us and – we BELIEVE
it’s kind of obvious that you need an empty tomb for resurrection – but –
what is less obvious is that – you need that emptiness – to have a full faith
a faith filled with hope – where we BELIEVE in possibility and what might be
so may we step into this emptiness
and BELIEVE –
the words Jesus spoke – might be true
the love Jesus lived – might be true
the life Jesus called forth – might be true
because in the empty space where death ought to be –
there is – this vista of life – this resurrection of spirit –
in every empty space – is our new hope
we will go into the void – and BELIEVE
♫Opening Song | “We All are One in Mission”
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
♫Musical Offering | “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow” | arr. John Carter
Ellen Gilbert, piano
Scripture Focus | Acts 4:32-35 | The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the
apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For
from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had
need.
♫Scripture Song | “Help us to Help Each Other” | #362
Message | “No Needy Among . . .” | Jerry Bowen
♫Sending Song | “Bless’d be the Tie that Binds” | #421
verses 1 thru 4
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | “Rejoice, the Lord is King” | arr. John Darwall
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming