April 7, 2024 – Second Sunday of Easter
Order of Worship – Grace United Church
Worship led by the Grace Choir, Rev. Cathy Kinsman, Rev. George Mafuleka
Lois Sonnega and Garnet Weaver
GOD CALLS US TOGETHER
GATHERING
WELCOME
*HYMN “I Danced in the Morning” (vs. 1,3,4,5) VU #352
Words: Sydney Carter 1964 Music: Shaker melody, adapt. and harm. Sydney Carter
WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD
CANDLE LIGHTING “In the Quiet Stillness of Home”Words and Music – Gladys Jack
CENTERING PRAYER
CHILDREN’S TIME
*SONG “I Can Feel You Near Me God” MV #48
Words and Music: Pat Mayberry, 2000; arr. Margaret Stubbington, 2006
PRAYER OF HEALING Used with Permission, Gathering L/E 2021, Page 46 – Bill Steadman
In the wake of Easter glory, the disciples wanted to return to their busy lives,
but they had moments of fear and uncertainty; they felt lost and alone.
Then Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”
The words of Jesus brought joy to their souls and hope to their spirits.
The disciples were ready to hear again the words of comfort proclaimed to them.
Then Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”
Thomas did not feel the joy or accept the spirit of hope.
He lived with fears and doubts that he could not vocalize.
Thomas felt he was all alone, cut off from the rest of the group.
Then Jesus said: “Peace be with you.”
Moments come and go when we feel alone and abandoned.
There are times when we feel lost and uncertain about the future.
We too, live with fear
(silent prayer-reflection or meditation)
WORDS OF COMFORT AND GRACE
Then Jesus says to us: “Peace be with you.”
And we say, “Thanks be to God, Hallelujah. Amen.”
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK TO US
John 20:19-31 – Believing in the resurrected Jesus Christ.
In this is God’s Holy Word. Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE
Rev. George Mafuleka
HYMN “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” VU #382
Words: Edwin Hatch 1878; French trans. Suzanne Bidgrain 1937 Music: Robert Jackson 1888
GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND
OFFERING INVITATION
SUNG RESPONSE “What Can I Do?” MV #191
Words and Music: Paul Rumbolt and Mechele McCarthy; arr. Alan C. Whitmore, 2005
OFFERING PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE- Lord’s Prayer Sung Version VU #959
WE GO OUT IN FAITH
*HYMN “Sent Out In Jesus’ Name” MV #212
Words and Music: traditional song, Cuba English trans. Jorge Maldonado; 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS – LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
BLESSING
SUNG BENEDICTION “May the God of Peace” MV #224
Words and Music: traditional song, Benin; English trans. S T Kimbrough, Jr., 2004
Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission. One License #A-7252
Grace’s Core Purpose: #God’sHandsAndHeartAlways
Grace’s Core Values: Compassionate, Community, Innovative, Inclusive, and Inviting
You are invited to join us on May 12, 2024 after the service for our Mother’s Day plant bingo!! To make this a success, the Christian Development Committee is asking for donations of any type of plant, flower or cactus in good health. We will be collecting them the first week of May in the Narthex. Please check with the office if unsure. Funds raised will go towards much needed supplies for our growing Sunday School!