Sunday April 14, 2024 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE — Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven — arr. Cynthia Dobrinski
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.
–Madeleine L’Engle, Walking On Water, Reflections of Faith and Art

CALL TO WORSHIP
The Lord hears us when we call:
       Come, let us put our trust in God.
The Lord fills our hearts with gladness:
       Come, let us sing God’s praises with shouts of joy!
The Lord grants peace to our weary souls:
       Come, let us rest by the quiet waters of God’s grace.  Let us worship God!

PRAISE AND ADORATION

*HYMN #239 — Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing! — GELOBT SEI GOTT
(*Please stand, if you are able)

CONFESSION AND PARDON

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Risen Christ, we are often troubled by our doubts. But you are not troubled by them. You do not require perfect understanding. Instead, you reveal yourself to us again and again that we might come to know you. Forgive us when our doubts keep us stuck, when fear prevents us from loving all creation as you call us to do. Help us to accept the peace you so graciously offer to us. Have mercy on us when we hoard or hide it, when we fail to offer it to others. Renew us and make us whole that in this world of strife we may be bearers of your peace. In resurrection hope we pray, Amen.

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION

KYRIE ELEISON (#551) — “Lord, Have Mercy” — LAND OF REST
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI (#240) — Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks! —  ALLELUIA NO. 1

WELCOME              
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for a time with Dr. Zieman

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES

*HYMN #250 — In the Bulb There Is a Flower — PROMISE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OLD TESTAMENT READING— Psalm 40: 1-5 — page 446 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

JOYS AND CONCERNS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.

ANTHEM — Beneath the Cross of Jesus — arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

SCRIPTURE LESSON — Luke 24: 36-48  — page 861of the pew Bible

SERMON — “The Risen Christ is in Our Midst” — Dr. Zieman
The Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — PROFESSING THE FAITH OF OUR CHURCH
In love you came to a stable in Bethlehem
       to become one with us.
In love you walked the plains and hills of Galilee and Judea
       to teach us how to live.
In love you were nailed on a cross on Calvary
       to bear away our sin.
In love you rose from a tomb in Joseph’s garden
       to defeat death’s power over us.
In love you ascended beyond the clouds
       to be our reigning Lord.
       You came to love us so that we need never feel unloved, deserted, alone, or condemned.

*SANCTUS (#572) — “Holy, Holy, Holy” — SANCTUS (Pavlechko)

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY — I Will Arise and Go to Jesus — arr. Matthew Compton

*DOXOLOGY (#609) — “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” — LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, alleluia!
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION                                                                                                                                           
Living Lord, we give you thanks for the bounty of your grace: you create us in your image, shower us with your love, forgive us when we turn away from you, and give us a future with hope. Bless these gifts we offer you today and make us good stewards of the resources you have entrusted to us. May our gifts bring joy and peace in our church and in our community. In Christ’s holy name we pray, Amen.

*HYMN #295 — Go to the World! — SINE NOMINE

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

BENEDICTION RESPONSE — “Go Now In Peace” — Don Besig                                               

POSTLUDE — God of Grace — Paul Manz