Welcome and introduction to the service

by John L. Bellin He was In the world.

© WGRG, c/o Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland. www.wildgoose.scot. Reproduced by permission.

Hymn: O master let me walk with thee

VU 560 (Tune: The parting glass, traditional Scottish, key: D# )

1. O Master, let me walk with thee

in lowly paths of service free;

teach me thy secret, help me bear

the strain of toil, the fret of care.

2. Help me the slow of heart to move

with some clear, winning word of love;

teach me the wayward feet to stay,

and guide them in the homeward way.

3. Teach me thy patience; still with thee,

in closer, dearer company,

in work that keeps faith sure and strong,

in trust that triumphs over wrong,

4. in hope that sends a shining ray

far down the future's broadening way,

in peace that only thou canst give,

with thee, O Master, let me live.

Opening responses and prayer

Unless God builds the house,

   those who build it labour in vain. 

Unless God protects the city,

   those who guard it watch in vain.

Peace of the Maker, peace of the Son,

    God’s stumbling block and corner stone. 

Prayer

   A shade are you in the heat, protecting God;

      a shelter are you in the cold. 

   Eyes are you to the blind, restoring God;

      a staff are you to the weak. 

   An island are you at sea, providing God;

      a rock are you on land. 

   Our soul’s healer,

      keep us at evening, keep us at morning, 

      keep us at noon. 

   We are tired, astray and stumbling, shield us from sin.

      Our souls’ healer, shield us from sin. 

Silence. During the silence pick up a stone from the table

Hymn: Spirit of God, come dwell within me

(Tune: Leaving of Lismore, traditional Scottish, key: D)

1. Spirit of God, come dwell within me.

Open my heart, O come set me free.

Fill me with love for Jesus, my Lord. 

O fill me with living water.

Refrain 

Jesus is living, Jesus is here.

Jesus, my Lord, come closer to me.

Jesus, our Saviour, dying for me,

and rising to save his people

2. Lord, how I thirst, O Lord, I am weak.

Lord, come to me, you alone do I seek

Lord, you are life, and love and hope.

O fill me with living water. R

3. Lord, I am blind, O Lord, I can’t see.

Stretch out your hand, O Lord comfort me.

Lead me your way in light and in truth

O fill me with Living water. R 

Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture:

               “See, I am laying in Zion a stone,   

                a cornerstone chosen and precious; 

                and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,

              “The stone that the builders rejected 

                has become the very head of the corner,” and

                “A stone that makes them stumble,

                 and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

              Once you were not a people,

               but now you are God’s people

              once you had not received mercy,

               but now you have received mercy.

Hymn: Thy word is like a garden Lord

(Tune: Rowan Tree. traditional Scottish, key: A [G 2nd fret]) 

1. Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, 

with flowers bright and fair;

And every one who seeks 

may pluck a lovely cluster there.

Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine; 

and jewels rich and rare

Are hidden in its mighty depths 

for every searcher there.

2. Thy Word is like a starry host: 

a thousand rays of light

Are seen to guide the traveler 

and make the pathway bright.

Thy Word is like an armory, 

where soldiers may repair;

And find, for life’s long battle day, 

all needful weapons there.

3. O may I love Thy precious Word, 

may I explore the mine,

May I its fragrant flowers glean, 

may light upon me shine!

O may I find my armor there! 

Thy Word my trusty sword,

I’ll learn to fight with every foe 

The battle of the Lord.

Word:   Edwin Hodder, The New Sunday School Hymn Book, 1863.

Three stone meditations: The stone God made

Please pick up your first stone and hold onto it. 

What I hold in my hand

is as old as me, and older;

as old as my name,

my language, my culture, and older;

as old as my race,

as old as the human race, and older;   

as old as the soil

as old as the sea, and older;

You … and you … and you …areGod’s own people,

chosen to proclaim the acts of God

who created you out of darkness into God’s marvellous light.

Once you were no people.

Now you are God’s people.

We come as living stones to build the house of God.

We welcome God within to bless us and our guests.

Prayer of intercession and prayer of our own reshaping

Christ of the road of the wounded

   Christ of the tears of the broken, 

In us and with us the needs of the world.

   Grant us our prayers of loving and hoping. 

   Grant us our prayers of yearning and healing. 

Prayer of our own reshaping

Say all together.

Christ, the Master Carpenter,

who, at the last through wood and nails

purchased our whole salvation;

wield well your tools in the workshop of your world,

so that we, who come rough hewn to your bench,

may here be fashioned

to a truer beauty of your hand.

We ask in your own name’s sake.   AMEN.

Three stone meditations: Come as living stones

Please put down your stone and pick up the second stone and hold onto it. 

'Come as living stones. You are the chosen race.'

   But, Lord, you know our trouble – the pace. 

   We are fools who work full time. 

   We are do-ers who are overdone. 

   We are a tired race, a fallen race, a busy race. 

 'Come as living stones. You are the chosen race.'

   We come as living stones to build the house of God. 

   We welcome God within to bless us and our guests. 

‘Come as living stones. You are the King’s priests.’

   But, Lord, you know our trouble –  

   we are not royal or religious. 

   We are commoners who enjoy insignificance. 

   We are the faithless, the faltering, the least. 

 ‘Come as living stones. You are the King’s priests.’

   We come as living stones to build the house of God. 

   We welcome God within to bless us and our guests. 

‘Come as living stones. You are the holy nation.’

   But, Lord, you know our trouble – 

   we are not guiltless. 

   We are the people who pray for peace, 

   yet arm for war. 

   We are the people who bemoan pollution, 

   yet poison the earth. 

   We are the people who disparage poverty, 

   yet bleed the poor. 

   We are a selfish nation, an indulgent nation, 

   a proud nation. 

‘Come as living stones. You are the holy nation.’

   We come as living stones to build the house of God. 

   We welcome God within to bless us and our guests. 

as old as the earth,

as old as the sun, moon and stars …

but younger than God.

For I made this stone,

made and meant it’s colour, its contours,

its journey from below to above.

And had earth never revealed it,

and had you never admired it,

it would still bear witness to my deep intention

to make the world, mean the world,

want the world, wean the world;

and one day, walk the world

and hold in my hand what you now hold in yours.

Silence 

Hymn: Spirit open my heart

More voices 79 (Tune: Wild mountain thyme, traditional Scottish, key: D) 

Refrain

Spirit, open my heart  

to the joy and pain of living. 

As you love my I love,  

in receiving and in giving, 

Spirit, open my heart. 

1.God, replace my stony heart 

with a heart that’s kind and tender. 

All my coldness and fear 

to your grace I now surrender. R

2.Write your love upon my heart 

as my law, my goal, my story. 

In each thought, word, and deed, 

may my living bring you glory. R

3.May I weep with those who weep, 

share the joy of sister, brother. 

In the welcome of Christ, 

may we welcome one another. R

Three stone meditations: The stone the builders rejected

Please put down the stone in your hand and pick up the third stone and hold it. 

This is the stone that the builders rejected:

He walked through the wilderness,

through the dry place.

He was thirsty and hungry and all alone.

As he picked up a stone, a voice said,

‘Turn it to bread,’ and he could have…

but he let the stone be a stone.

   Unsure, when what was bright turns dark 

   And life, it seems, has lost it’s way, 

   We question what we once believed 

   And fear that doubt has come to stay. 

   We sense the worm that gnaws within 

   Has withered willpower, weakened bones, 

   And wonder whether all that’s left 

   Is stumbling blocks or stepping stones. 

Pause

This is the stone that the builders rejected:

He came to his own, but they would not receive him.

They heard him speak, heard him open the scriptures,

but would not listen.

‘Enough, enough!’ They shouted and took him,

stones in hand, to a hill.

   Where minds and bodies reel with pain 

   Which nervous smiles can never mask, 

   And hope is forced the face despair 

   And all the things it dared not ask. 

   Aware of weakness, guilt or shame, 

   The will gives out, the spirit groans, 

   And clutching at each straw we find 

   More stumbling blocks than stepping stones. 

Pause 

This is the stone that the builders rejected:

He called those who had no calling.

He named those who had no name:

‘What you didn’t manage with fish

you’ll do with people - catch them,’ he said.

‘They call you simple Simon,

I name you Peter, the rock…

and on the likes of you…

on the likes of you, I’ll build my church.’

   Where family life has lost its bliss 

   And silences endorse mistrust, 

   Or anger boils and tempers flare 

   As love comes under threat from lust; 

   Where people cannot take the strain 

   Of worklessness and endless loans, 

   What pattern will the future weave - 

   Just stumbling blocks, no stepping stones? 

Pause 

This is the stone that the builders rejected:

He bent down to touch the ground, to cradle children,

to kneel with the one whom all despised.

‘Throw your stones,’ he said, ‘Throw them at her,

and let the flawless fling theirs first.’

They went away, stones in hand,

for another day and for him.

   Where hearts that once held love are bare 

   And faith, in shreds, compounds the mess; 

   Where [thoughts] and prayers no longer speak 

   And former friends no longer bless; 

   And when the church, where some belonged 

   No more their loyalty enthrones, 

   The plea is made, ‘If you are there, 

   Turn stumbling blocks, to stepping stones!’ 

Pause

This is the stone that the builders rejected:

He was edged out of the world,

onto a cross, into a tomb.

And a stone was stationed

to keep the dead away from the living,

but the stone was rolled away

for death was rejected.

Death died and the stone was rolled away.

   Ah God, you, with the Maker’s eye, 

   Can tell if all that’s feared is real, 

   And see if life is more than what 

   We suffer, dread, despise and feel. 

   If some by faith no longer stand 

   Nor hear the truth your voice intones, 

   Stretch out your hand to help your folk 

   From stumbling blocks to stepping stones. 

Silence

Sermon

Hymn: All glory be to Christ our king

 (Tune: Auld Lang Syne, traditional Scottish, key: D) 

1. Should nothing of our efforts stand no legacy survive

Unless the Lord does raise the houseIn vain its builders strive

To you who boast tomorrow’s gainTell me what is your life

A mist that vanishes at dawnAll glory be to Christ!

Refrain

All glory be to Christ our king!

All glory be to Christ!

His rule and reign will ever sing,

All glory be to Christ!

2. His will be doneHis kingdom comeOn earth as is above

Who is Himself our daily breadPraise Him the Lord of love

Let living water satisfyThe thirsty without price

We’ll take a cup of kindness yetAll glory be to Christ! R

3. When on the day the great I AmThe faithful and the true

The Lamb who was for sinners slainIs making all things new.

Behold our God shall live with usAnd be our steadfast light

And we shall ere his people beAll glory be to Christ! R

Benediction & sung blessing

Bless to us God      

   the earth beneath our feet. 

Bless to us God

   the path on which we go.

Bless to us God

   the people whom we meet. 

God of all gods

   bless to us our lives. 

 Sung blessing

(Tune: Danny Boy, traditional Scottish, key: A [G 2nd fret]) 

Now may the road rise gently up to meet you,

And may the wind be always at your back;

Now may the sun shine warm upon your faces

And may the rains fall soft upon your fields.

   Until we meet, until we meet again,

   Until we meet, until we meet again;

   May God now hold you, hold you, hold you gently;

   May God now hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Hymn: When mothers of Salem

(Key of G) 

1

When mothers of Salem 

their children brought to Jesus,

The stern disciples drove them back 

and bade them to depart:

But Jesus saw them ere they fled 

and sweetly smiled and kindly said, 

“Suffer little children to come unto me.”

2

“For I will receive them 

and fold them to my bosom

I’ll be a shepherd to these lambs, 

O drive them not away;

For if their hearts to me they give, 

they shall with me in glory live:

Suffer little children to come unto me.”

3
How kind was our Savior 

to bid these children welcome!

But there are many thousands 

who have never heard his name;

The Bible they have never read, 

they know not that the Savior said,

“Suffer little children to come unto me.”

4
O soon may the people

of every tribe and nation

Fulfill thy blessèd word and 

cast their idols all away!

O shine upon them from above 

and show thyself a God of love,

Teach the little children to come unto thee!

Welcome

Note: This Liberation Tulip is growing in Jennifer's garden.

Opening prayer & the Lord's Prayer song

 ~ submitted by Rev. Dr. Libby Grammer, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA. 

For all the mothers who are still with us,

and for those who have gone to be with Jesus,

we give thanks today.

For all those who mothered us,

some in addition to our own mothers,

some in place of absent mothers,

we recognize you, and give thanks for you.

For all women who have been figures of grace and love in our lives,

your example has been meaningful to us.

During this time of physical distance,

we wish we could be nearer to our mothers (and our children to us!).

We pray that this day brings phone calls and cards,

love and light, your way,mothers and mothering women.

We love you!

Amen. 

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

As we forgive them that sin against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, 

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

Hymn: Mothers love us & A time for all God's children

(tune: Jesus loves me, key of D) 

1
Mothers love us, this is true,

You just watch them, you’ll know too.

See them wipe away our tears,

Hold our hands to calm our fears.

Refrain
Yes, mothers love us; Yes, mother’s love us

Yes, mothers love us, we know that this is true.

2
Mother’s love us without praise,

They don’t wait for special days.

They just love us ev’ry hour

Teach us faith in God’s great power.

 
A time for all God's children

Hymn: Motherhood, sublime eternal

(Tune: In the bulb, key of G)

1
Motherhood, sublime, eternal, 

lives in God's great heart of Love;

Ever holds us, safe enfolds us, 

underneath, around, above;

Patient, tender, kind, forgiving, 

though in devious paths we roam;

Gently chides us, ever guides us, 

and all-loving, leads us home

2

Ev’ry wrong will sure be righted; 

ev'ry evil swept away;

Truth upspringing, justice bringing, 

ushers in the brighter day

Mother calls her earthly children, 

loves them, lifts them when they fall;

Striving, calling, fainting, falling, 

Motherlove enfolds them all

3

God is love, and love forever 

in the motherheart is blest;

Lives the longest, lifts the strongest, 

far outreaching all the rest;

Not by might, and not by wisdom 

comes our lifting from the sod:

Love's pure glory tells the story 

in the Motherheart of God

This hymn, written by Rev. J. S. Cutler, has its roots in the Mother-God theology of the 14th century English mystic Dame Julian of Norwich. It was included in the 1941 Baptist/Disciples of Christ hymnal "Christian worship." It's listed as "for Mother's Day," and puts an intriguing theological spin on that commercial holiday.

It is interesting to note that folks in some Episcopal (Anglican) churches seem to groove on "mothering father" (taking "mothering" as a better equivalent of "merciful" in Hebrew, which is from the root "womb").

It all means something.

Scripture reading 1 Peter 1: 17-23 New Living Translation

…remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favourites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word. Amen.

Hymn: How firm a foundation

Isaiah 43: 1-4 

But now thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob, 

he who formed you, O Israel: 

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called you by name, you are mine. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

 and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; 

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, 

and the flame shall not consume you. 

For I am the Lord your God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. 

I give Egypt as your ransom, 

Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 

Because you are precious in my eyes, 

and honored, and I love you.

VU 660 (Key of G)

1

How firm a foundation, you servants of God,

Is laid for your faith in God’s excellent word!

What more can be said than to you has been said,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2

“Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,

For I am your God, and will still give you aid;

I’ll strengthen and help you, and cause you to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

3

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,

And sanctify to you your deepest distress.”

4

“When through" fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;

The flame shall not hurt you; I only design

Your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.”

5

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, 

I will not, I will not desert to his foes, 

That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake, 

I’ll never no, never no, never forsake.  

Sermon

Community gifts: Highland dancing

Prayers of the people

Mothers come in many different forms, and today we celebrate them all!

Thank God for mothers!

Everyone here is either a son or a daughter.

Thank God for my mother!

For those women who have joined God in Heaven 

and whom we miss dearly here on earth.

Thank God for the mothers of the past.

For every woman who is working day and night to rear her children right now.

Thank God for the mothers of today.

For all the women who are expecting, but aren’t quite mothers yet!

Thank God for soon-to-be-mothers.

For the women who took in others’ children through adoption and foster care.

Thank God for the mothers with hearts so big.

For those women who have lost a child and must carry on.

Thank God for the mothers who are so strong.

For all the women who have desperately wanted to have children of their own, 

but chose instead to mother everyone else.

Thank God for the mothers in spirit.

We thank you, Lord, for the women 

who have influenced our lives

in so many ways. We pray that we will

honor them in everything we do. Amen. 

Benediction

Song: Lean on me

Isaiah 40: 31

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings like eagles; 

they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

1

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Refrain

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friendI'll help you carry on

For it won't be long'til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

2

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs

That you won't let show

Refrain

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friendI'll help you carry on

For it won't be long'til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

3

If there is a load you have to bear

That you can't carry

I'm right up the roadI'll share your load

If you just call me (call me )…

Welcome

Opening hymn: The ninety and nine

1.There were ninety and nine that safely lay

In the shelter of the flock,

But one was out on the hills away,

Far off in the cold and dark;

Away on the mountains wild and bare,

Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

2.“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;

Are they not enough for Thee?”

But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine

Has wandered away from Me;

And although the road be rough and steep,

I go to the desert to find My sheep.”

3.But none of the ransomed ever knew

How deep were the waters crossed;

Nor how dark was the night which the Lord passed through

Ere He found His sheep that was lost.

Out in the bleak desert He heard its cry—

All bleeding and helpless, and ready to die.

4. “Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way

That mark out the mountain’s track?”

“They were shed for one who had gone astray

Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”

“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?”

“They’re pierced tonight by many a thorn.”

5. And all through the mountains, thunder-riven,

And up from the rocky steep,

There arose a cry to the gate of heaven,

“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”

And the angels echoed around the throne,

“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”

(Repeat the last line of each stanza)

Opening prayer and Lord's Prayer song

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive them that sin against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, 

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

Hymn: Blessed assurance

VU 337 

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in Christ’s blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels, descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. R

3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in Christ’s love. R

A  Time for all God's children

Hymn: I'm gonna live/I've got peace

VU 575

1 I'm gonna live so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna live so God can use me

2 I'm gonna work so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna work so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

3 I'm gonna pray so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna pray so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

4 I'm gonna sing so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I'm gonna sing so God can use me

anywhere, Lord, anytime!

VU 577

1 I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river in-a my soul.

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river,

I've got peace like a river in-a my soul.

2 I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain in-a my soul.

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain,

I've got joy like a fountain in-a my soul.

3 I've got love like an ocean, 

I've got love like an ocean,

I've got love like an ocean in-a my soul.

I've got love like an ocean, 

I've got love like an ocean,

I've got love like an ocean in-a my soul.

Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1: 3-9

From The Message Bible

3 What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, 4 including a future in heaven - and the future starts now! 5 God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all - life healed and whole. 6 I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. 7 Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. 8 You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him - with laughter and singing. 9 Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word. Amen.

Pastoral prayer

Hymn: To God be the glory

1
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life our redemption to win,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

2

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. R

3

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see. R

Sermon

Prayers of the people & benediction

Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash

Hymn: How firm a foundation

VU 660  

1.How firm a foundation, you servants of God,

Is laid for your faith in God’s excellent word!

What more can be said than to you has been said,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2. “Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,

For I am your God, and will still give you aid;

I’ll strengthen and help you, and cause you to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

3. “When through the deep waters I call you to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with you, your troubles to bless,

And sanctify to you your deepest distress.”

4.“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply;

The flame shall not hurt you; I only design

Your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.”

5.The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, 

I will not, I will not desert to his foes, 

That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake, 

I’ll never no, never no, never forsake. 

Welcome & call to worship

Call to worship         Psalm 138

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down towards your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love

and your faithfulness;
    for you have exalted your name

    and your word above everything.

On the day I called, you answered me,
    you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
    but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
    and your right hand delivers me.

The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures for ever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth             
    ~  Psalm 124:8

Opening hymn: Jesus lover of my soul

VU 669, Key: C

1          Jesus, lover of my soul,

            let me to thy bosom fly,

            while the nearer waters roll,

            while the tempest still is high.

                        Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

                        till the storm of life is past;

                        safe into the haven guide,

                        O receive my soul at last.

2         Other refuge have I none;

            hangs my helpless soul on thee.

            Leave, ah! leave me not alone;

            still support and comfort me.

                        All my trust on thee is stayed,

                        all my help from thee I bring;

                        cover my defenceless head

                        with the shadow of thy wing.

3          Thou, O Christ, art all I want;

            more than all in thee I find.

            Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,

            heal the sick, and lead the blind.

                        Just and holy is thy name,

                        I am all unrighteousness:

                        false and full of sin I am,

                        thou art full of truth and grace.

4          Plenteous grace with thee is found,

            grace to cover all my sin;

            let the healing streams abound;

            make and keep me pure within.

                        Thou of life the fountain art,

                        freely let me take of thee;

                        spring thou up within my heart;

                        rise to all eternity.

A time for all God's children

Hymn: All things bright and beautiful

VU 291, Key: G

            Refrain
            All things bright and beautiful

            All creatures great and small

            All things wise and wonderful

            In love God made them all

1          Each little flower that opens,

            each little bird that sings,

            God made their glowing colours,

            God made their tiny wings. R

2          The purpleheaded mountains,

            the river running by,

            the sunset and the morning

            that brightens up the sky; R

3          The cold wind in the winter,

            the pleasant summer sun,

            the ripe fruits in the garden:

            God made them every one. R

4          The rocky mountain splendour,

            the lone wolf's haunting call,

            the great lakes and the prairies,

            the forest in the fall; R

5          God gave us eyes to see them,

            and lips that we might tell

            how great is God our maker,

            who has made all things well. R

Scripture

Thessalonians 1: 1-10   “The Message Bible”

I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God’s amazing grace be with you! God’s robust peace!

Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.

You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.

Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of His holy word. Amen

Hymn: I need thee every hour

VU 671, Key: D

1          I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

            no tender voice but thine can peace afford.

                        Refrain

                        I need thee, O I need thee;

                        every hour I need thee.

                        O bless me now, my saviour;

                        I come to thee.

2          I need thee every hour; stay thou near by;

            temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. R

3          I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;

            come quickly and abide, or life is vain. R

4          I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;

            and thy rich promises in me fulfil. R

Sermon

Special music: South Mountain Gospel Singers

“Heaven’s sounding sweeter” from the CD Bev Shea Weekend July 2002

Pastoral prayer

Throughout the church, across the world, please loving God, may the message of the living Christ penetrate beneath the level of familiarity, and begin to awaken that which is lost and dying within the human spirit.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among us and make all things new.

For brilliant thinkers we pray, those whose thoughts divert them into doubts and enigmas that leave a genius confused while little children dance freely into your kingdom.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among us with the priceless gift of faith.

For confused minds we pray, those who have been over impressed with smart theories or bullied around by sharper intellects, and who this day live like puppets.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among us with truth

         that sets prisoners free.

For dirtied souls we pray, those who for the sake of varied hungers have told lies to themselves so often that they now believe their own crooked self-justifications.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among us with your light and make us see.

For thirsty minds we pray, those who are awakening to questions previously ignored, or who are dissatisfied with the answers of religious quacks and social dogmatists.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among us with waters

            that bubble up with eternal life.

For wounded souls and bodies we pray; those in hospitals and clinics, those who watch by their beds, and those who are grieving and waiting for funerals later in the week.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among us with rest for the weary

                  and peace for the distraught

For our own loved ones we pray, some with faith and others on the fringe, those who are strong and others who are weak, some who are confident and others who are riddled with anxieties, those close at hand and those who are far away in body or spirit.

           Come living Christ,

         Come among with that grace which shows

                its perfection in human weakness.

Amen! Even so come, Lord Jesus. Mara-natha!

         Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Hymn: He leadeth me

VU 657, Key of D

1          He leadeth me: O blessed thought!

            O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

            Whate'er I do, where'er I be,

            still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

                        Refrain

                        He leadeth me! He leadeth me!

                        By his own hand he leadeth me!

                        His faithful follower I would be,

                        for by his hand he leadeth me!

2          Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom,

            sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,

            by waters calm, o'er troubled sea,

            still 'tis his hand that leadeth me. R

3          Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,

            nor ever murmur nor repine,

            content, whatever lot I see,

            since 'tis my God that leadeth me. R

4          And when my task on earth is done,

            when by thy grace the victory's won,

            even death's cold wave I will not flee,

            since God through Jordan leadeth me. R

Welcome and announcements

Opening hymn: Leaning on the everlasting arms

(Key: G)

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms;
    What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms.
 

            Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;

            Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms;
    O how bright the path grows from day to day,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms;
    I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
    Leaning on the everlasting arms.

            Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;

            Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Opening prayer and the Lord’s prayer song

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, 

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

Children's hymn: Flower carol

(Tune: Good King Wenceslas; Key: G)

Spring has now unwrapped the flowers,

Day is fast reviving

Life in all her growing powers

toward the light is striving

Gone the iron touch of cold,

Winter time and frost time

Seedlings working through the mold

     now make up for lost time.

Herb and plant that winter long

slumbered at their leisure

Now bestirring green & strong,

find in growth their pleasure

All the world with beauty fills,

gold the green enhancing

Flowers make glee among the hills

    And set the meadows dancing.

Through each wonder of fair days

God himself expresses

Beauty follows all his ways

as the world he blesses

So as he renews the earth,

artist without rival

In his grace of glad new birth

    We must seek revival.

A time with all God’s children

Scripture: John 20: 19-31

Jesus appears to his disciples

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus appears to Thomas

²⁴ Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The purpose of John’s gospel

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word. Amen.

Sermon

Special music: Marleen Fawcett

marleenfawcett.com 

Prayers

Photo by Szabo Viktor on Unsplash

Hymn: What a friend we have in Jesus (VU 664)

(Key: D)

What a friend we have in Jesus,

            all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

            everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

            O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

            everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

            Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

            take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,

            who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

            take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

            cumbered with a load of care?

Christ the Saviour is our refuge;

            take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do our friends despise, forsake us?

Jesus' strength will shield our weakness,

            and we'll find new courage there.

Benediction

Closing hymn: Precious Lord, take my hand

Precious Lord, take my hand,

                lead me on, let me stand,

                                I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

                through the storm, through the night,

                lead me on to the light:

                                take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

When my way grows drear,

                precious Lord, linger near,

                                when my life is almost gone,

                hear my cry, hear my call,

                hold my hand lest I fall:

                                take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

When the darkness appears,

                and the night draws near,

                                and the day is past and gone,

                at the river I stand,

                guide my feet, hold my hand:

                                take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

Easter proclamation and hymn: Morning has broken

Morning has broken, like the first morning               VU 409
 

Welcome

Easter jokes

An Easter statement of faith

Song: How great is our God

How great is our God (Chris Tomlin)

The splendour of a king,

clothed in majesty

Let all the Earth rejoice

All the Earth rejoice 

He wraps himself in light

And darkness tries to hide

And trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice 

Refrain

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God 

Age to age He stands

And time is in His hands

Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One

Father Spirit Son

The Lion and the Lamb

The Lion and the Lamb  R  

Name above all names

Worthy of our praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God R 

A time for all God’s children

Prayers

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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen

Today’s scripture reading

Matthew 28: 1-10

After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move. The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed. “Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.” The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, “You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I’ll meet them there.”

May God bless to our understanding this reading of his holy word. Amen.

Hymn: I danced in the morning (Lord of the dance)

I danced in the morning (Lord of the dance)       VU 352

I danced in the morning when the world was begun,

and I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,

and I came from heaven and I danced on the earth;

at Bethlehem I had my birth.

Refrain

Dance, then, wherever you may be;

I am the Lord of the dance, said he,

and I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,

and I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.

I danced for the scribe and the pharisee,

but they would not dance and they would not follow me;

I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;

they came with me and the dance went on. R

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame;

the holy people said it was a shame;

they whipped and they stripped and they hung me high,

and left me there on a cross to die. R

I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black;

it's hard to dance with the devil on your back;

they buried my body and they thought I'd gone,

but I am the dance and I still go on.  R

They cut me down and I leap up high;

I am the life that will never, never die;

I'll live in you if you'll live in me;

I am the Lord of the dance, said he. R

Sermon

Christ the redeemer
Photo by Gavin Allanwood on Unsplash

Easter Benediction

“I am the resurrection and the life,” says the Lord.

May Christ’s rising lift your spirits and gladden your hearts.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, amen, amen, amen,

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

All those who believe in Christ will never perish.

May you pass with Christ from death to life.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, amen, amen, amen,

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. May his resurrection bring you all joy and peace in believing so that you may abound in hope.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, amen, amen, amen,

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Almighty God—Father, Risen Son, and Holy Spirit—bless us now and forever.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Sing amen:

Amen, amen, amen, amen,

Amen, we praise your name, O God.

Hymn: Because he lives

God send His Son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives

Refrain
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future.

And life is worth the living just because He lives

How sweet to hold a new born baby,

And feel the pride, and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance,

This child can face uncertain days because He lives. R

And then one day I’ll cross the river,

I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;

And then as death gives way to victory,

I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives. R

Wizard

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Easter bunnies

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Springtime

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The First Word

The First Word: “Father, forgiven them, for they know not what they do”

Prayer

Hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross  (VU 149)

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride. 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God:
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood. 

See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown? 

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small:
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

The Second Word

The Second Word: “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Prayer

Hymn: Man of sorrows

Man of sorrows Lamb of God
By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid

Silent as He stood accused
Beaten mocked and scorned
Bowing to the Father's will
He took a crown of thorns

Oh that rugged cross - My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out Hallelujah
Praise and honour unto Thee

Sent of heaven God's own Son
To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
Who nailed Him to that tree

Oh that rugged cross - My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out Hallelujah
Praise and honour unto Thee

Oh that rugged cross - My salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out Hallelujah
Praise and honour unto Thee

The Third Word

The Third Word: “Woman behold your son. Behold your mother.”

Prayer

Hymn: Lead me to Calvary

King of my life, I crown Thee now
Thine shall the glory be
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow
Lead me to Calvary 

Lest I forget Gethsemane
Lest I forget Thine agony
Lest I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary 

Show me the tomb where thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded thee whilst thou slept. 

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee
Even Thy cup of grief to share
Thou hast borne all for me

The Fourth Word

The Fourth Word: “Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?”

Prayer

Hymn: Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross  

Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain
In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me. R

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me. R

Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river. R

The Fifth Word

The Fifth Word: “I thirst.”

Prayer

Hymn: My faith looks up to thee  

My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine.
Now hear me while I pray;
take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day be wholly thine.

While life's dark maze I tread,
and griefs around me spread, be thou my guide,
bid darkness turn to day;
wipe sorrow's tears away;
nor let me ever stray from thee aside. 

May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire.
As thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be, a living fire.

The Sixth

The Sixth Word: “It is finished”

Prayer

Hymn: Go rest high on that mountain

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain.
You weren't afraid to face the devil,
You were no stranger to the rain. 

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son. 

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve.
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing.

Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.

The Last Word

The Last Word: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Prayer

Hymn: The old rugged cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear lamb of God left his glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.

Silence

Prayers and the Lord’s Prayer

Benediction