VAN BUREN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2008
10:15 A.M.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
ASSEMBLE IN GOD’S NAME
THE PRELUDE
THE CALL TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE
One: Jesus Christ is risen today!
All: Death and sin have been overcome.
One: He shows us a new way by conquering destructive habits and mending broken lives.
All: He sets us free; in him resurrection is now!
One: The cross and tomb are empty; he is loose, bringing healing and hope!
All: Easter is here, offering to all a new day and fresh dreams. Alleluia, amen.
*HYMN “Christ Arose!” #166 Brown
*THE CALL TO CONFESSION
*THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord of life, conqueror of death, you draw all people to you, and by your resurrection you
restore to humanity all that we have lost. All praise is yours, now and throughout eternity.
Lord, forgive, we pray, our unbelief, our laziness, our failure to follow your Son, Jesus
Christ. When we are challenged, we turn away. When we are threatened, we cling to
ourselves. Forgive our doubts and pardon our sin. Amen. (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 Isaiah 53:1-6 page 683
THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 4:18-22 page 3
THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
A WORD FOR US: “Broken Things!” Rev. Middleton
*HYMN OF REFLECTION (seated) “Here I Am, Lord” #525 Blue
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
One: When the women found the tomb empty, they were eventually led to this conclusion:
All: He is risen!
One: When Peter’s tongue was loosed by the descent of the Spirit, and he preached to all
assembled, his message was this:
All: He is risen!
One: Before pen was put to paper, before there was a gospel, or a letter, or a revelation to John,
there was this message of faith:
All: He is risen!
One: Though our ancestors in the faith were hunted and killed, they embraced their deaths gladly
with this promise on their lips:
All: He is risen!
One: It happened in one place and in one time, for all times. It conquers despair and will not listen
to hopelessness. It is the core, the message of salvation. It was planned in the beginning by
God, and fulfilled in the end for us. Shout it from the mountaintops so that all may hear that:
All: He is risen! Christ the Lord is risen today! He is risen!
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 “Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing” #538 Blue
*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*THE RESPONSE “Let There Be Peace On Earth” inside front cover,brown
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our parent, related all are we.
Let me walk with my neighbor in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With ev’ry step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
*THE POSTLUDE
* Please stand as you are able