May 1, 2011     Easter 2

MUSIC IN PREPARATION

TRINITY IN ACTION            Joan Rainbird

WE CENTRE OURSELVES IN GOD=S LIGHT

                                    WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

CALL TO WORSHIP:

We gather to celebrate the continuing power of Jesus' resurrection.

Let us put aside doubt and fear.

Let us support one another as we grow into faith.

We rejoice that God grants us the Spirit.

 HYMN:     This Is The Day 412

PRAYER OF APPROACH:   O God, we come in Easter joy, seeking to be a people of the resurrection.  We come before you, O God, be known among us;  grant us the assurance of your presence, your love, and your renewing power.  Through your Word and Spirit, reveal to us your purpose in our lives.  As you revealed your ways in Jesus’ prayer that we share together:  Our Father....

 THE LORD'S PRAYER:

 A TIME FOR LEARNING :

We  Say  Thankyou

 To those leaving:

Jason, Terry, Jane, Chris and Betty, we thank you for your leadership during the past year.  We recognize the faithfulness, commitment, and energy you dedicated to your ministry among us, and we are grateful for your guidance and your gifts.

 To those continuing:

John, Ruth, Barbara, Doug, Rose and James, we thank you for your on-going leadership.  We recognize the faithfulness, commitment, and energy you continue to dedicate to your ministry among us, and we are grateful for your guidance and your gifts.

To former Committees: 

To Committee Members for Education and Program, Worship and Music, Outreach, Building and Grounds, Finance, Membership and Pastoral Care:  we thank you for the guidance and gifts you offered in the past and extend our commitment to continuing your mission and ministry in the new board structure.

 

NEW  CONGREGATIONAL COVENANTS

 We Covenant With New Committees

            Individuals:  I will, God being my helper.

            Congregation:  We will, God being our helper.

 WE Covenant With the Official Board

            Individuals:  I will, God being my helper.

            Congregation:  We will, God being our helper.

 PRAYER:  Loving God, you have called these people to serve you. Help them to fullfill their responsibilities.  May their leadership help us all to reflect your love and grace always.  Be with all of us in our work and play, as we sing and pray, study and learn, laugh and cry together.  Help us accept our responsibility as members of this congregation and as followers of the Way of Jesus Christ. We ask for the encouragement of your Spirit and the energy of your love, as we live out this covenant together.  Amen.

DECLARATION:  In the name of God: Creator, Christ, and Spirit, we recognize and affirm you in your ministries.  Amen.

HYMN:       I Come With Joy             477

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Psalm 126    VU 850

John 20: 19-28   Reader:  Joy Barr

Music Ministry  -  Taste & See

REFLECTION:

WE RESPOND TO GOD=S LOVE

HYMN:  Sing A Happy Hallelujah     224

Offertory:  What can I do?  What can I bring?

What can I say? What can I sing?

I’ll sing with joy.  I’ll share a prayer.

I’ll bring my love.  I’ll do my share. (Paul Rumbolt & Michele McCarthy:  MV 191)

PRAYER OF DEDICATION:  Most gracious God, for the astonishment of the Resurrection, for the refreshment of the Holy Spirit, for the purposefulness of our mission, we give you thanks.  We offer these gifts to you to enable others to move from doubt to faith, removing fear, and alleviating suffering.  Accept our prayers and our gifts as followers of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

HYMN:  Joyful, Joyful We Adore You    VU 232

WE ARE SENT OUT

COMMISSIONING AND BLESSING

Choral Response       179 VU (Refrain and verse 2 )

Hal-le-lu- jah, Hal-le-lu- jah Give thanks to the risen Christ;

Hal-le-lu- jah, Hal-le-lu- jah Give praise to God's name.

Spread the good news o're all the earth;

Jesus has died and is risen.         

Postlude