April 7, 2024 – Second 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                                               “I Danced in the Morning” (vs. 1,3,4,5)                          VU #352     

 Words: Sydney Carter 1964      Music: Shaker melody, adapt. and harm. Sydney Carter

WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD

CANDLE LIGHTING            “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”Words and Music – Gladys Jack

CENTERING PRAYER 

CHILDREN’S TIME

*SONG                                          “I Can Feel You Near Me God”                                         MV #48

Words and Music: Pat Mayberry, 2000; arr. Margaret Stubbington, 2006

PRAYER OF HEALING Used with Permission, Gathering L/E 2021, Page 46 – Bill Steadman

In the wake of Easter glory, the disciples wanted to return to their busy lives,

but they had moments of fear and uncertainty; they felt lost and alone.

Then Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”

The words of Jesus brought joy to their souls and hope to their spirits.

The disciples were ready to hear again the words of comfort proclaimed to them.

Then Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”

Thomas did not feel the joy or accept the spirit of hope.

He lived with fears and doubts that he could not vocalize.

Thomas felt he was all alone, cut off from the rest of the group.

Then Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”

Moments come and go when we feel alone and abandoned.

There are times when we feel lost and uncertain about the future.

We too, live with fear

(silent prayer-reflection or meditation)

 WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE

Then Jesus says to us: “Peace be with you.”

And we say, “Thanks be to God, Hallelujah.  Amen.”

 THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US

John 20:19-31 – Believing in the resurrected Jesus Christ.

In this is God’s Holy Word.   Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE 

Rev. George Mafuleka

HYMN                                                  “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”                                      VU #382

Words: Edwin Hatch 1878; French trans. Suzanne Bidgrain 1937       Music: Robert Jackson 1888

 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                                                  “Sent Out In Jesus’ Name”                                         MV #212

Words and Music: traditional song, Cuba                        English trans. Jorge Maldonado; 2007

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

Grace’s Core Purpose:  #God’sHandsAndHeartAlways

Grace’s Core Values: Compassionate, Community, Innovative, Inclusive, and Inviting

You are invited to join us on May 12, 2024 after the service for our Mother’s Day plant bingo!!  To make this a success, the Christian Development Committee is asking for donations of any type of plant, flower or cactus in good health.  We will be collecting them the first week of May in the Narthex.  Please check with the office if unsure.  Funds raised will go towards much needed supplies for our growing Sunday School!