11 Apr Worship Bulletin: 4/14/24
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 14, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m.
Gathering Music | Fantasia on “Praise Him, Praise Him” | Janelle Clark
Ellen Gilbert, organ
Video Welcome
Sharing Time | Joys & Concerns | Jean Hendricks
♫Centering Music | “Give Me Jesus” | arr. Mark Hayes
Laila Samland, vocal; Ellen Gilbert, piano
Opening Words | Every Day is Easter Day | Roddy Hamilton (lightly adapted)
When Thomas touched the wounds and set himself free – it was Easter day
When Peter’s three “yes’s” to Jesus – finished his three denials – it was Easter day
When Mary – ready to embalm the dead – ran in fear from the empty tomb – it was Easter day
When the disciples looked from afar at a breakfast of fish on the beach – it was Easter day
When Emmaus became equal with – welcome and the breaking of bread with strangers – it was Easter day
When Paul was blinded by the light and recognized the small voice in his head – it was Easter day
When the hungry are fed at the table – the same table as the rich – it is Easter day
When weapons are beaten to ploughshares and peace is a word to be shouted – it is Easter day
When the stranger is welcomed in community and the lonely are restored to relationship – it is Easter day
When our neighbor is not just invited, but asked to participate – it is Easter day.
♫Opening Song | “For We Are Strangers No More” | #322
Story for the Children | Kathryn Whitacre
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 | “Peace, O God” | Joan Fyock/arr. Dan Masterson
Resonance Trio: Bryan Hess, Dan Masterson, Bruce Wagoner
Scripture Focus | 1 John 3:1-7
1 See what great love God has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know God.
2 Dear Friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be – has not yet been made known.
But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see Jesus as he is.
3 All who have this hope in Jesus purify themselves, just as Jesus is pure.
4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
5 But you know that Jesus appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in Jesus is no sin.
6 No one who lives in Jesus keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Jesus or known Jesus.
7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.
The one who does what is right is righteous, just as Jesus is righteous.
♫Scripture Song | “Have Thine Own Way” | #504
Message | “Let’s Talk About Sin . . . ” | Jerry Bowen
Unison Prayer of the People | Peter L. Haynes; Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Thank you , God, for interrupting us with your gift of life in your son Jesus.
Whether we have heard the news many times over – or – are this day listening with brand new ears,
surprise us with your justice and righteousness, that our lives might turn in your direction;
startle us with your goodness and mercy, that we might receive your empowering forgiveness;
stagger us with your hope and peace, that our eyes might remain wide open as we leave this place,
This we pray in the name of your son Jesus. AMEN
♫Sending Song | “O God, We Read the Holy Law”
O God, we read the holy law
to shape our ways of living
like those who first in fear and awe
received it with thanksgiving.
These laws that Jesus knew
he summarized with two
that capture best the whole;
“With heart, mind, strength, and soul,
love God, and love your neighbor.”
All people born of God above
will live as Jesus taught us:
God’s chosen children practice love,
for God in love has sought us.
We know love never fails;
and through love, good prevails.
When all else turns to dust,
in this we place our trust:
God’s love endures forever.
So let our love for God be known
in how we treat creation –
true love in word and action shown
to ev’ry tongue and nation.
If we would heed this call
and offer love to all,
then we must surely praise
our source of love always:
to God alone be glory!
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” | arr. Duane Funderburk
Resonance Trio
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