VAN BUREN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
                                                       SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2008
                                                                       10:15 A.M.
                                                       FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
       
                                                       ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME
THE PRELUDE
THE CALL TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE

       One:        With the Good Shepherd as our guide, we shall want for nothing.
       All:        
God leads us along peaceful paths, restoring our souls.
       One:        Even in the shadow of death, we fear no evil,
       All:        
For the Good Shepherd walks with us day and night.
       One:        Surely goodness and mercy shall follow all the days of our lives.
       All:        
We shall dwell in the house of the Holy God all our life long.

*HYMN        “Good Christians, All, Rejoice and Sing”        #111 Blue

*THE CALL TO CONFESSION
*THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION

       One:        The Good Shepherd calls to us.
       All:        
We know our shepherd’s voice, but we fail to heed it.
       One:        Merciful God, to walk paths of righteousness and enjoy your life abundant, we must follow
                       you in trust and obedience.
       All:        
Though you beckon us, we go our own way.  Though you defend us, we are filled
                    with fear.

       One:        You spread a table before us.  Our cup overflows.
       All:        
We judge those with whom we are seated.  We worry there will not be enough.
       One:        In your mercy, forgive us, Lord.  Take us by the hand, and guide us in your ways.
       All:        
Help us to rest in your company, and there learn to be grateful and generous.
                        (Silence is observed for personal confession.)

*THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS
       One:        ...Friends: hear and believe the good news of the gospel.
       All:         
 In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
*THE GLORIA PATRI (#560 Brown)
*PASSING THE PEACE
       One:        Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.  The peace of our Lord
                       Jesus Christ be with you all.
       All:       
 And also with you.

GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Birthdays)

                                               
HEARING OF GOD’S WORD
THE FIRST LESSON
       1 Peter 2:19-25        page 237
THE GOSPEL LESSON        John 10:1-10        page 103
THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
A WORD FOR US:
“The One True Shepherd”        Rev. Friedmeyer
*HYMN        “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”        #387 Blue

                                               
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD        
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Psalm 23 (NIV) (Unison)           
       
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my
cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever.


SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
OUR PRAYERS AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS TO GOD

       The Offertory
       *The Doxology (#554 Brown)
       *Prayer of Dedication (Unison)

                                               
GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN   
     “The Strife Is O’er”        #119 Blue
*
THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*THE RESPONSE:
“He Is Lord”
       
Composer Unknown CCLI#2718497
       He is Lord, He is risen for the dead and He is Lord.
       Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess
       That Jesus Christ is Lord.
*THE POSTLUDE
       * Please stand as you are able