ORDER OF WORSHIP
2nd Sunday of Easter
April 16, 2023
PRELUDE 'Amazing Grace'
CALL TO WORSHIP
The good news resounds:
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
We celebrate the God who is our refuge.
In God’s presence there is gladness and rest.
God is always before us;
we shall not be shaken.
HYMN #634 (Red) 'To God be the Glory'
To God be the glory; great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
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!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he has done!
Great things he has taught us, great things he has 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. [Refrain]
THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
O Lord our God, we give you thanks for the new life you raise up in us through the mystery of our baptism—the sorrow of the heavy cross, the surprise of the empty tomb, the love that death could not destroy. By the power of your Holy Spirit, poured out upon us in baptism, fill us with the joy of resurrection, so that we may be a living sign of your new heaven and new earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
God shows us the path of life, offering companionship along the way.
Therefore we trust in God, knowing that we can admit the ways we struggle to stay on that path.
Embodied God, you pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, imbuing us with the grace and patience that you have shown to us time and again. We experience your presence, but are quick to judge those who do not believe as we do. We look down on those who ask for proof, we scorn those who scoff at our faith. Forgive us and soften our hearts. Remind us of our own human doubts, that we might have compassion for all and freely share your grace. (silent reflection)
God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us.
Thanks be to God for such a hope. Alleluia!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Ezekiel 37:4
Psalm 16 (read responsively)
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble ones
in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the Lord, who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
John 20:19-31
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
SERMON Elizabeth Fox, CRE
ASCRIPTION OF PRAISE
All authority and power and dominion to the name that is above all names--Jesus Christ our Lord--now and in the age to come. Amen. Ephesians 1:21
HYMN #526 (Red) 'Let us Talents & Tongues Employ'
Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy;
bread is broken; the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Refrain:
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Christ is able to make us one;
at the table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express. [Refrain]
Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share.
God (Immanuel) everywhere! [Refrain]
AFFIRATION OF FAITH
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
God of all power and glory, receive these prayers, and continue your mighty work among us, through Jesus Christ, our living Lord. Amen.
Ephesians 1:15–23
INVITATION TO OFFERING
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods
yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need? Remembering God’s great love for the world, let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 John 3:16–17
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘The Heaven’s Declare the Glory of God’ MK Hugghins, organist
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Great God, to you we give our thanks; your steadfast love endures forever. With gratitude we bring our gifts to you. Bless us and our gifts, that our lives and our resources may be a source of healing and hope, of joy and justice in our world. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Judy S
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Don K
-Anthony B (Teri’s son) and Teri as caregiver
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Rick & Bonnie S, Julie & Stanley S & family Stanley & Dylan
Those who mourn: We pray for the family & friends of Art VanderWaal who passed away April 11th, the Ohnstad, Broksieck, Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, VanderWaal, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
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.
Hymn: #240 (Red) ‘Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks’
Refrain:
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his name.
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
He is the King of creation. [Refrain]
Spread the good news o’er all the earth:
Jesus has died and has risen. [Refrain]
We have been crucified with Christ.
Now we shall live forever. [Refrain]
Come let us praise the living God,
Joyfully sing to our Savior. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be today on Sunday, April 16 following worship service.
ART VANDERWAAL’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE will be held at First Presbyterian Church tomorrow, April 17 at 10:30 AM with luncheon following the service at Eidsness Funeral Home.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
SISTERHOOD meets on Thursday, April 20 at 11:30 AM at the Mission Coffee House.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets on Thursday, April 20 at 5:30 PM at the church lounge.
THE PC(USA) PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CHILDREN AT RISK is from April 10 to May 28. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘Pentecost Special Offering’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
BLESSING AND CHARGE
May the love of the holy triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—abide with you forever. Alleluia! 1 John 4:13–16
Now go forth in Jesus’ name, remembering his new commandment to love one another, just as he has loved us. Amen.
1 John 3:23
POSTLUDE ‘Alleluia, Alleluia’
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.
2nd Sunday of Easter
April 16, 2023
PRELUDE 'Amazing Grace'
CALL TO WORSHIP
The good news resounds:
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
We celebrate the God who is our refuge.
In God’s presence there is gladness and rest.
God is always before us;
we shall not be shaken.
HYMN #634 (Red) 'To God be the Glory'
To God be the glory; great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
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!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he has done!
Great things he has taught us, great things he has 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. [Refrain]
THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
O Lord our God, we give you thanks for the new life you raise up in us through the mystery of our baptism—the sorrow of the heavy cross, the surprise of the empty tomb, the love that death could not destroy. By the power of your Holy Spirit, poured out upon us in baptism, fill us with the joy of resurrection, so that we may be a living sign of your new heaven and new earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
God shows us the path of life, offering companionship along the way.
Therefore we trust in God, knowing that we can admit the ways we struggle to stay on that path.
Embodied God, you pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, imbuing us with the grace and patience that you have shown to us time and again. We experience your presence, but are quick to judge those who do not believe as we do. We look down on those who ask for proof, we scorn those who scoff at our faith. Forgive us and soften our hearts. Remind us of our own human doubts, that we might have compassion for all and freely share your grace. (silent reflection)
God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us.
Thanks be to God for such a hope. Alleluia!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Ezekiel 37:4
Psalm 16 (read responsively)
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble ones
in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the Lord, who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
John 20:19-31
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
SERMON Elizabeth Fox, CRE
ASCRIPTION OF PRAISE
All authority and power and dominion to the name that is above all names--Jesus Christ our Lord--now and in the age to come. Amen. Ephesians 1:21
HYMN #526 (Red) 'Let us Talents & Tongues Employ'
Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy;
bread is broken; the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Refrain:
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!
Christ is able to make us one;
at the table he sets the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express. [Refrain]
Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share.
God (Immanuel) everywhere! [Refrain]
AFFIRATION OF FAITH
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
God of all power and glory, receive these prayers, and continue your mighty work among us, through Jesus Christ, our living Lord. Amen.
Ephesians 1:15–23
INVITATION TO OFFERING
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods
yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need? Remembering God’s great love for the world, let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 John 3:16–17
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘The Heaven’s Declare the Glory of God’ MK Hugghins, organist
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Great God, to you we give our thanks; your steadfast love endures forever. With gratitude we bring our gifts to you. Bless us and our gifts, that our lives and our resources may be a source of healing and hope, of joy and justice in our world. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Judy S
-Barb (Bob O’s sister)
-Don K
-Anthony B (Teri’s son) and Teri as caregiver
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Rick & Bonnie S, Julie & Stanley S & family Stanley & Dylan
Those who mourn: We pray for the family & friends of Art VanderWaal who passed away April 11th, the Ohnstad, Broksieck, Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, VanderWaal, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
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.
Hymn: #240 (Red) ‘Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks’
Refrain:
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his name.
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
He is the King of creation. [Refrain]
Spread the good news o’er all the earth:
Jesus has died and has risen. [Refrain]
We have been crucified with Christ.
Now we shall live forever. [Refrain]
Come let us praise the living God,
Joyfully sing to our Savior. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be today on Sunday, April 16 following worship service.
ART VANDERWAAL’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE will be held at First Presbyterian Church tomorrow, April 17 at 10:30 AM with luncheon following the service at Eidsness Funeral Home.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church.
SISTERHOOD meets on Thursday, April 20 at 11:30 AM at the Mission Coffee House.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD meets on Thursday, April 20 at 5:30 PM at the church lounge.
THE PC(USA) PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING FOR CHILDREN AT RISK is from April 10 to May 28. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘Pentecost Special Offering’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate. Thank you for your generosity!
BLESSING AND CHARGE
May the love of the holy triune God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—abide with you forever. Alleluia! 1 John 4:13–16
Now go forth in Jesus’ name, remembering his new commandment to love one another, just as he has loved us. Amen.
1 John 3:23
POSTLUDE ‘Alleluia, Alleluia’
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.