March 30

March 30, 2008
Call to Worship & Welcome
Opening Song: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
Opening Prayer for the Word
New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 1:1-9 (The Message)
Discussion: “We’ve been given a brand-new life”
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Call to Confession
Confession
One: For the ways we’ve distanced ourselves from you, forgive us, Gracious God.
Many: For the times we’ve indulged ourselves and ignored our brothers and sisters, forgive us, Holy God.
All: For lack of faith and neglect of prayer and praise, forgive us, God.
Many: Almighty God, wake us up to the world around us,
All: Let us act immediately with your profound love.
Silent Prayer
Hear the Good News
One: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.
All: Amen.
One: Since God has forgiven us through Christ, let us forgive each other. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
Many: And also with you.
Peace Song: “The Servant Song”
Passing the Peace
Praise Song: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (“Santo”)
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Prayer Song: “Cares Chorus”
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31
Message: Now what?
Litany of Response
One: It started as an “idle tale” told by some women.
Many: They said Jesus was alive. We didn’t believe them.
One: Then some of the other disciples checked out their story.
Many: The tomb was empty. We didn’t know what to believe.
One: Cleopas and his wife said Jesus explained scripture to them. They recognized him while breaking bread.
Many: They looked so excited. It sounded so amazing. We wanted to believe.
One: Jesus appeared to some of us behind locked doors. He told us to forgive each other. He breathed the Holy Spirit into us.
Many: Those of us who were there, we believed. We were overjoyed.
One: But the followers who had not seen, like Thomas, they joined the believers, hoping Jesus would appear again.
Many: Jesus walked among us, saying “Peace be with you.” Thomas and the others believed.
All: Jesus said, “Even better blessings are in store for thos who believe without seeing.” Help us, Jesus, believe. Breathe on us the Holy Spirit. Halleluia! Jesus is alive.
Response Song: “You Are Mine”
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Testimony as the Spirit leads
Charge to the people
Benediction
Closing song: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
Please meet for refreshments and fellowship downstairs following altworship.