What’s Happening This Week
April 16
GUC Playschool photos – 1:00 pm
Homework Club - 4:00 pm
April 17
GUC Playschool photos -9:00
Seniors Lunch - 10:30 am
Kidz Praiz – 4:00 pm
Groovin’ with Grace – 5:00 pm
Affirming Hours by appointment
April 18
Affirming Hours by appointment
April 20
Michelle Andres Music Recital 1:30
Worship
April 14, 2024 – Third Sunday of Easter
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Rev. George Mafuleka,
Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
WELCOME
*HYMN “God, We Praise You for the Morning” VU #415
Words and Music: Jim and Jean Strathdee 1984
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home” Words and Music – Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
*HYMN “Come, Children, Join to Sing” (vs. 1,2) VU #345
Words: Christian H. Bateman 1843; Rev. R. G. Hobbs 1987 Music: anon Philadelphia 1824, alt.
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN “Come, Children, Join to Sing” (vs. 3) VU#345
PRAYER OF HEALING
(Adapted, used with permission from Celebrating God’s Presence 2000. P.196).
Christ, you shed light into our darkened world.
Yet we choose to walk in shadows of indifference and fear:
forgive us risen Christ.
From the cool, refreshing waters of a deep well,
you offer us a drink of life-giving water.
Yet we choose to drink from wells of bitterness and anger:
Forgive us risen Christ.
As life emerges from fertile soil,
you invite us to newness and growth.
Yet we choose the parched soil of hatred, materialism, and greed:
Forgive us, risen Christ.
With songs of celebration, you invite us to join the dance of God’s tomorrow.
Yet we choose to sit, ignoring the music.
(silent prayer-reflection or meditation)
WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE (Adapted, used with permission from Celebrating God’s Presence 2000. P.196).
Jesus said to the disciples,
“Take heart. Have no fear.”
As disciples, we no longer need to be burdened by guilt, no longer need to be bound by fear.
Be renewed through God’s forgiving love:
be open to Christ’s presence in your life.
Thanks be to God.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
The Gospel of Luke 24:36b-48 – Jesus invites his disciples to touch his hands and feet.
SPECIAL MUSIC “As I Wait Upon You Lord” Grace Choir
B. Songer and Arr. By Glen Aubrey
1 John 3:1-3 – We are children of God.
In this is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE Rev. Cathy Kinsman
HYMN “Come to My Heart” VU #661
Words and Music: Joe Pinson 1979
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Can I Do?” MV #191
Words and Music: Paul Rumbolt and Mechele McCarthy; arr. Alan C. Whitmore, 2005
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE- Lord’s Prayer Sung Version VU #959
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “I Come With Joy” (vs. 1,4,5) VU #477
Words: Brian Wren, rev. 1993
Music: American folk tune - William Walker’s Southern Harmony 1835; arr. Austin Lovelace 1977:
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
SUNG BENEDICTION “May the God of Peace” MV #224
Words and Music: traditional song, Benin; English trans. S T Kimbrough, Jr., 2004
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252