April 16, 2023
Prelude: This Joyful Eastertide
Dutch folk melody, arr. Burkhardt
Introit: This Joyful Eastertide
Woodward/Dutch folk tune
Carollen Ryan, soprano
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 16]
Protect us, O God, for in you we take refuge.
We bless the Lord who gives us counsel; we keep the Lord always before us.
Because the Lord is at our right hand, we shall not be moved.
Therefore our hearts are glad, and our souls rejoice; our bodies also rest secure.
Let us worship the LORD!
That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
5th cent. Latin/Praetorius
That Easter day with joy was bright; the sun shone out with fairer light
When, to their longing eyes restored, the apostles saw their risen Lord.
He bade them see his hands, his side, where yet the glorious wounds abide,
The tokens true which made it plain their Lord indeed was risen again.
From every weapon death can wield, your own redeemed forever shield;
O Lord of all, with us abide in this our joyful Eastertide.
Confession
Almighty God, strength of those who believe and hope of those who doubt, we confess that our faith is too small. You make yourself known to us in many ways, yet we still find it hard to trust. Fear overwhelms us, doubt creeps in, and we forget your faithfulness. Forgive our unbelief and strengthen our trust in you, that we may live as faithful disciples and share your light with others. Amen.
Silence
Bless the Lord, My Soul
Taizé Community/Berthier
Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.
(repeat)
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
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,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Children’s Message
Solo: Piece No. 2
Popp
Bonnie Lee, flute; YunJoung Park, piano
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Gary Guenther
Old Testament: Psalm 16
New Testament: John 20:19-31
Sermon: Peace and Unbelief
Focus: “Jesus' willingness to accommodate Thomas' unbelief is a reminder that God can handle our doubt... and that the rationalist doesn't need to see, touch, or run a lab test in order to believe in the resurrected Christ… This is not a plea to accept what goes against reason, but it is an invitation to discover a faith that goes beyond it. The example of Thomas is for the stubborn skeptic in us all.” ― David D. Flowers
Response: We Walk By Faith
Alford/McFarland
We walk by faith and not by sight; with gracious words draw near,
O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke: “My peace be with you here.”
We may not touch your hands and side, nor follow where you trod;
But in your promise we rejoice and cry, “My Lord and God!”
Help then, O Lord, our unbelief; and may our faith abound
To call on you when you are near and seek where you are found.
And when our life of faith is done, in realms of clearer light
May we behold you as you are, with full and endless sight.
Pastoral Prayer & The 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.
Call to Stewardship
Betsy Hammond
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. -Romans 12:10
Offering Our Gifts: That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
Praetorius, arr. Bisbee
Doxology
Coffin/PUER NOBIS NASCITUR
To God the Father, God the Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in one,
May every tongue and nation raise an endless song of thankful praise.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain
Horn/Biery
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