Easter Season

VISUAL ARTS (PARAMENTS, GENERAL DECORATIONS, SPECIFIC DECORATIONS)

Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design

Banner Designs for the Church Year

Christian Arts and Crafts

 

 

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CALL TO WORSHIP

—adapted from Psalm 118:21-29

Leader: We thank you that you have answered us, O Lord,
    and have become our salvation.

People: The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the chief cornerstone.

Leader: This is the Lord’s doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
People: This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Leader: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.

People: The Lord is God,
    and has given us light.

Leader: You are our God, and we will give thanks to you;
    you are our God, we will extol you.

People: We give thanks to you, O Lord, for you are good,
    your steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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—adapted from Psalm 150

Leader: Praise the Lord!

Praise God in the sanctuary!

Praise God in the mighty firmament!

People: Praise God for mighty deeds!

                        Praise God according to God’s surpassing greatness!

Leader: Praise God with the trumpet sound! (trumpet plays a few notes)

Praise God with lute and harp! (guitar and harp strums)

People: Praise God with tambourine and dance! (tambourine shake)

Praise God with strings and pipe! (windchime and organ)

Leader: Praise God with clanging cymbals! (finger cymbals)

Praise God with loud clashing cymbals! (gong or drum cymbals)

People: Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

All Loudly: Praise the Lord! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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— adapted from Psalm 23

Leader: Because God is my leader and protector

I have all the things that I need.

People: God directs my path in the right way

And does not let me stray

Leader: God gives me a place to rest my head

And gives me drink to quench my thirst.

People: Even when my journey is filled with darkness and struggles

I don’t fear because you are near to protect me.

Leader: You give me an abundance and fulfill all my needs,

To the point that it is almost too much to believe.

People: With you by my side, I am sure

to experience goodness and mercy my whole life.

Leader: I pray that I am always in your presence

As long as I live.

People: Praise God. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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—adapted from Psalm 148

Leader: Praise the Lord!
          Praise the Lord from the heavens;

praise God in the heights!

People: Praise God, all you angels;

          praise God, all you host!

Leader: Praise God, sun and moon;

praise God, all you shining stars!

People: Praise God, you highest heavens,

          and you waters above the heavens!

Leader: Mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars!

Wild animals and all cattle,

creeping things and flying birds!

People: Kings of the earth and all peoples,

          princes and all rulers of the earth!

Leader: Young men and women alike

          old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

for God’s name alone is exalted;

God’s glory is above earth and heaven.
People: Praise the Lord!

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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—adapted from Psalm 67

Leader: O God, may you be gracious to us and bless us

and make your face to shine upon us,

that your way may be known upon earth,

your saving power among all nations.

People: Let the peoples praise you, O God;

          let all the peoples praise you.

Leader: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide the nations upon earth.

People: Let the peoples praise you, O God;

          let all the peoples praise you.

Leader: The earth has yielded its increase;

God, our God, has blessed us.

People: O God, may you continue to bless us;

          let all the ends of the earth revere you. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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—adapted from Psalm 97

Leader: The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice.

Let the many coastlands be glad!

            The heavens proclaim God’s righteousness.

All the peoples behold God’s glory.

People: For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth.

            You are exalted far above all gods.

Leader:  The Lord guards the lives of the faithful.

God rescues them from the hand of the wicked.

            Light dawns for the righteous,

and joy for the upright in heart.

People: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.

            Give thanks to God’s holy name! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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INVOCATION

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MUSIC (HYMNS, SONGS, ANTHEMS)

 

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CALL TO CONFESSION

The gospel of John tells us that after Easter Jesus came to the disciples, greeted them, and bestowed the Holy Spirit on them saying “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” In the same way we come after Easter asking God to forgive us of our sins through the love and sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ. May we pray.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

This is what the angels sing in the book of Revelation. Out of sacrifice, can come good. Let us offer our sins to God and repent.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Why do we come at this time? What are we doing and why is it important? We come because we want to be in the presence of the Almighty God. But we are not able to because we are sinful. Let us repent from this sin and become reconciled again with God.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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In a vision, God came to Peter and showed him a sheet filled with what some would call unclean things, but God did not see it that way. What God has made is never beyond redemption. That is why we come asking for forgiveness at this time. Let us pray.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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In Revelation 21 and 22, John talks about the city of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb where there will be no need for the sun or moon, because God will be the light and the people will walk by the light. In verse 27, he says that nothing unclean will enter it, nothing accused will be there anymore. God asks that we repent to cleanse ourselves of the sin that makes us unclean so we will be able to enter the temple that is itself God and the Lamb. Let us pray and turn away from our sin.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Revelations 22:14 says: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.” Another meaning for washing your robes is following God’s commandments. We come to repent of our sins as a means of following God’s commandments. Let us confess our sins to God.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O God, we are many times like the disciples, crowding together in fear of what they world will do to us, longing to have Jesus Christ right beside us, protecting us. Yet if just look up, we see him—in the eyes of our neighbor who we ignore, in the lives of our family who we are too busy to be with, in the struggles that we and our world face. O God, forgive us for not being mindful of you. For being doubting Thomases, and needing to see the sacrifice of Jesus for ourselves. Give us the courage to live lives that are pleasing to you so we can go out and be your ambassadors to the world. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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O God, we are not often accused of spreading the good news, nor do we put your authority above the authority of the world. We tend to go with the flow rather than ruffling the feathers of others to put your first. Forgive us God. We rejoice in the fact that Christ is our savior cancelling out the sins we commit daily. Lord, we genuinely come asking forgiveness and come sure in the promise that if we repent, you will be gracious to us and bring us back into relationship with you. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God of the heavens and earth, your glory is proclaimed throughout the world. Even your creation reflects your glory. Yet we don’t see it. We are too busy or too stressed, or too distracted. We want to be in a right relationship with you, yet we know we are sinners. Because of Christ’s sacrifice we are bold to ask for mercy and forgiveness. In your son’s name we pray. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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O God, we think we are right all the time. We believe that every word from our mouth is golden, and every task we do is a heroic deed. We say that we care but our actions tell a different story. Forgive us God when we do not listen to you and follow your path. Teach us your ways so we will know the true way. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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O God, we are an unclean people living in an unclean world. We are everything that you are not. And yet, we are made in your image. We are redeemable for that very reason. Wash the sins that threatens to overcome us. Shine us up so we can glimpse your image again. Through Christ’s sacrifice, take away our guilt. In your son, our savior’s name. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God, we want to be blessed, but we are so tempted by the things of this world. We want success. We want to be famous or at least popular. We want to have the things that the world says we need to have “made it.” Forgive us for thinking of these things before thinking about how we need to serve you and others. Forgive us for our selfishness and bring us again to the light of your shining face. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Revelation 1 begins like this: “To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Friends, believe this good news, Christ’s blood has washed away our sins. Thanks be to God! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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The angels in Revelation continue to sing:

“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!”

We too can sing for joy because the Lamb, Jesus Christ, has paid the ultimate price for us. Through Jesus Christ we are saved. Thanks be to God! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Christ has put us in a unique position. Because he died for our sins, we have life and have it abundantly. Friends, believe this: through Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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This story does not stop with Peter’s vision. He goes to a Gentile household and shares the good news. He remembered Jesus’ words about being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Then he tells the Hebrew Christians, : If then God gave them the same gift that God gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.” Friends, believe the good news. We have been given the repentance that leads to life. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Revelation 22: 1 says: “The angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb…” That water of life that comes from God through Jesus Christ the Lamb is the water that cleanses us of our sin. Through Christ our sins are forgiven, and our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Thanks be to God for this good news of saving grace. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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So, we have followed God’s commandment to turn away from sin to enter God’s presence. Through Christ, our robes are cleansed of sin, and we can be in relationship with God again. Thanks be to God! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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CHILDREN’S SERMON

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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

As the disciples’ eyes were opened to see the risen Christ, open our eyes to hear the word read and spoken here. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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As the scales fell from the eyes of Paul after his Damascus experience, open our eyes to see your word for us today. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Clear our minds O God of the things that distract us. Give us the yearning to hear and understand your word. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Tune us into the truth and justice of your word O Lord. Unstop our ears so we can hear what you say to us. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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O God, shine your glorious light on the message of these scriptures and the preaching of your word. Be a lamp so we will know better how to walk by its light. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Your word is the lamp that lights our way in the darkness. Illuminate our path through your word so we may not stumble or stray. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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SCRIPTURE TEXTS/SERMON IDEAS

• Acts 5:27-32
• Psalm 118:14-29 or 150
• Revelation 1:4-8
• John 20:19-31

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
• Psalm 30
• Revelation 5:11-14
• John 21:1-19

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Acts 9:36-43
• Psalm 23
• Revelation 7:9-17
• John 10:22-30

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Acts 11:1-18
• Psalm 148
• Revelation 21:1-6
• John 13:31-35

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Acts 16:9-15
• Psalm 67
• Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
• John 14:23-29 or 5:1-9

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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• Acts 16:16-34
• Psalm 97
• Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
• John 17:20-26

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS (VIDEOS, TAPED SONGS)

 

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH

God of all people, we praise your name for our church community with which we are worshipping today. We thank you that we as a congregation can worship freely, that we are not persecuted for our beliefs. We give you all our gratitude for placing us in this space at this time and are grateful for those saints who have worshipped here before us.

God, you have asked us to prayer for one another, to show love to the one sitting next to us, to lift up the person across the sanctuary. And we do so now. We may not know the burdens they are carrying or the stress they have had in the past and present, but we know that none of us have a perfect life and are therefore in need of your care.

God, the Bible tells us that if we are weary and heavy ladened, that we will find rest in you. And so, we pray for ourselves. You already know our secret weaknesses, our deepest hurts, our hardest struggles. We place them at your feet and pray that you will lighten the load and give us relief.

God, we pray for the leaders of this church—for our pastor and the word she brings every Sunday, for our Director of Christian Discipleship who makes good decisions about the things we need to study to deepen our faith. We pray for our secretary who communicates with us and the outside community, so we know what we need to serve you better. We pray for our Treasurer, our Sunday school teachers, our Bible study leaders, our musicians, our nursery workers, those who serve on and chair a ministry team. All these people have heard your call to be your instruments in ministry and we are thankful that they felt that call.

God, in all things let us be known as the church that includes all, that loves all, that is kind to all, that serves all. And may we always give you the praise, glory, and honor that is due you. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God, you are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving for you have and continue to do mighty acts. We know that we can come to you always with anything and you are there, waiting to listen. God, we know this and therefore bold to ask things of you. Today, in this time, we come before you to ask you to intercede into the lives of others, both individuals and communities.

God, we ask for your help in the lives of those who do not have the necessities of life: food, drink, clothes, shelter. Open our hearts to be your servants in their lives.

God, we ask for your help in the lives of those who are sick and grieving. Just as your Holy Spirit gives us comfort, give us the words and actions to say and do for them. Give those who care for them strength and compassion in that care.

God, we ask for your help in the lives of the people of this church. It is hard to minister when we need to be ministered to. Open our eyes and ears so we can be of service to our fellow church members.

God, we ask for your help in the lives of our leaders. Give them discernment to do what is right in your eyes always. Give us the courage to stand up against injustice and trust that our leaders will follow our examples.

God, we ask for your help in our lives. We need to feel your presence in our lives each day. Deepen our faith in you as we are on this journey of life.

In all things we pray in the name of our savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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(The congregation will respond with “Hear our prayer” every time the leader says “Lord, in your mercy,…”)

Lord in your mercy…

O God, we thank you for this wonderful day and for the joy it brings being able to come together to worship you. You have brought us through so many struggles in the past few years and for that we are truly grateful.

We come to you asking for your strength, compassion, and guidance for the world’s needs and so we pray to you.

• We pray for the world and the places where there is war and strife, hunger, and devastation. Lord, in your mercy…
• We pray for our city and its communities where there is violence and injustice, hate, and poverty. Lord, in your mercy…
• We pray for our church and its people where there is hurt and grief, sickness, and joy. Lord, in your mercy…
• We pray for the places we serve whether they are around the globe or around the corner, these places where there is a need for the good news and ministering, compassion, and struggle. Lord, in your mercy…
• We pray for ourselves where there is depression and joy, hardship, and courage. Lord, in your mercy…

O God, you know the needs and you know that we are here to be your hands and feet in the world¾fulfilling a ministry in your name and on your behalf. Be with us and guide us in all we do as you did for our savior who talk his disciples to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven….

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Your ways are good, and your mercy is everlasting. We know this to be true and we put our faith in this belief. We know that if everyone had a relationship with you, there would be no war, only peace, there would be no scarcity, only abundance, there would be no fear, only safety in your arms.

But we know that everyone does not have a relationship with you and even when we do, we are not always faithful. And so, we come to you to bring things around right.

• We pray for the sick of this church that you would reach out your healing hand through those that care for them,
• We pray for the grieving who need the comfort of the Holy Spirit in their loss, so they do not feel alone,
• We pray for those in our area who need a soft place to lay their heads and a warm meal to calm their stomach. Let us provide these things,
• We pray for those who we have chosen to lead us in this city, state, and country. Let us praise them for their justice and help them when they fall short,
• We pray for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church who is ever changing and ever in need of guidance. Send your Holy Spirit to be among those who make decisions, discern your will, and enable us to be a part of a bigger ministry.

God, as we pray, we know we will never know all the needs in our world. For those who we fail to name, give them love and mercy and peace. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Holy God, we come into your presence to praise you, to thank you and to intercede on behalf of those who need you in their lives today. We daily experience the joy and comfort of having you close to us in the good times and the struggles and want others to be able to feel that same closeness.

We pray for those who do not know you. For those who do not know you as our creator, and Christ as their savior. Lead us into opportunities to share this good news with them.

We pray for those who are experiencing health problems and sickness. Place your healing hands on them and those who care for them. Give them caregivers who want only to make them whole again.

We pray for those who lack the daily needs that we all enjoy. For those who do not have a decent place to live, clean water, hearty food, and people around them who care. Lead us into opportunities to serve these and others.

We pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or other circumstances of grief. Wipe their eyes and lift them up as only you can do. Give this church the eyes to see how to offer comfort and care.

Loving God, we feel your love every day, and know that you will never leave us. Thank you for answers to our prayers. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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LITANY

Leader: O God, we are still experiencing the afterglow of Easter. The lilies are still in bloom and hymn tunes are still ringing in our ears. The shouts of “Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed!” are still on our lips.

People: We praise you God for this good news.

Leader: O God, we are aware that even though this is where we are, that others are not. People are still hurting and grieving. People are still hungry and thirsty. People are still needing you more than ever.

People: We pray to you God on their behalf.

Leader: O God, we are surrounded with a church community that loves one another, that cares for one another, and that is kind to one another. But we know there are those in the world who don’t want anyone to be happy if it means they cannot be called right and be the only ones with the truth.

People: We need a courage only you can give God, to speak against injustice, and inclusivity.

Leader: O God, we know that not everyone has heard the good news that Jesus died, was buried, and has been raised again to save them from being outside of a relationship with you.

People: We hear your call God to share the good news with everyone we meet.

Leader: O God, we ask to always be in your presence, so we do not forget the Easter story—the warmth of our gratitude and thankfulness, the fragrance and beauty of the lilies, the sweet sounds of the hymns, and the urgency we feel to share the good news.

People: We love you God for your great mercy and love. Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

Jesus Christ offered his very life for you. What will you offer his Church? Let us give of our tithes and offerings.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Like Ananias, God calls us to times that may be sacrificial, but that we are prepared for. We are called as Christians at this time to be just as sacrificial in our giving. Let us give of our tithes and offerings.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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We are asked to come and give a sacrificial offering. Not slain animals, but the money we make, the time we have and the gifts that we have to offer. Let us give to the church now to fulfill God’s mission here on earth.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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The Old Testament teaches the tithe is a person’s first fruits, ten percent. In the New Testament, Jesus gave all, one hundred percent. What will you bring to God? Let us give our tithes and offerings.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Paul saw the needs of the Macedonian people and went immediately to fulfill that need. Let us give our gifts now to the ministry of this church to fulfill the needs of our mission.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Paul and Silas remembered that even while being imprisoned, they had been blessed beyond measure. Remember your own blessings and respond in gratefulness to God through the giving of our tithes and offerings.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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OFFERTORY PRAYER

O God, your son’s sacrifice was truly one that we can never repay and praise you we are not asked to. But we know there are those who have not heard the good news and it is our duty and joy to share it with others. Take these gifts that we have brought to your altar and use them in this church to minister to those who have not yet heard the gospel. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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O God, as you used God as an instrument to bring the world to your son, we ask that you use these gifts that we bring in the same way. We dedicate with these gifts, our lives. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God, we bring what we have made with our own hands in the vocations we have been blessed with. Take and use these gifts to bless the world. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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Lord God, all we have is already yours. Take it and use it for your work. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God, you have given us the unique gift of being able to give something that we have worked hard for to meet the needs of those with whom we are in contact. Use these tangible gifts that symbolize our very lives to further your mission. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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O God, we remember your blessings and ask that you take these gifts and make them a blessing to others. In your son’s holy name. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

In Acts 5, it says that the disciples continued to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. Friends, this is our tasks too, whatever dishonor we suffer for Christ’s sake. So, let’s go out and proclaim the risen Christ. And as we do,

May the love of God, the one who sent the son for our sakes,

May the compassion of Jesus, the one who gave of himself wholly,

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the one who continues to be by our side,

Be our example in all we do. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God is calling us to great things. We may not have had a Damascus experience, but we are no less called. So go and answer God’s call. And as you go, know

The Creator’s presence,

The Savior’s mercy,

And the Comforter’s guidance. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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We have our flocks that are needing to be nourished with the greatest story ever told. And God calls us out to do so.

May God the Father, who fulfills all our needs,

God the Son, who leads and protects us,

And God the Holy Spirit, who guides down the right path,

Be with us always. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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May the God of all goodness, love and caring be with us all. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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God’s call is not limited to Paul or Peter, Timothy or James or John. God calls us now, everyday in many ways. Keep your eyes and ears open to that call.

So go now into the world remembering that God the Father and Creator, God the Son and Savior, God the Spirit and Comforter are with you always. Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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We have worshiped God. We have sung hymns of praise. We have prayed and learned more about God’s word. So, what are we called to do now? God wants us to go out and share the good news and serve others.

But you don’t go alone. God the Creator of all good things, God the Son who has saved the world, and God the Holy Spirit who stays by our side, the Triune God is with us every step of the way! Amen.

—Elinor Swindle Brown

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OTHER HELPS (COMMISSION, COMMUNION, BLESSINGS)