News & Events

Pentecost Sunday
Choir Appreciation Sunday

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST

GATHERING MUSIC / PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart”

• tune – “Morecambe”
  ~ arr. Franklin Ritter

“See How Great a Flame Aspires”

• tune – “Arfon Major”
  ~ arr. Austin C. Lovelace

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Pastor Jeffrey

CHORAL INTROIT
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“God So Loved the World”
~ John Stainer
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Dixie Fisher

L: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P: And also with you.
L: Come! Let us be the bricks and mortar for the Great Builder’s city.
P: Let us build the Church, not for ourselves, but for all people!
L: Come! Let us be the wind that blows the announcement of the Good News.
P: Let us move to gather the people together in praise!
L: Come! Let us be the flame that signals the Spirit’s presence in this place.
P: Come! Let us worship God!

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
Dixie Fisher

Move among us, Spirit, and gather us together with you. Take our many selves – our lives, our loves, our beliefs, our questions, our doubts, our speech, our silence – and unite us as your people. Give us the gifts of perception and understanding, so that even as we dream your dreams and see your visions, we may bear witness of your presence in our common life. Amen.

*HYMN
Joyce Rhodes, organ

        “O Spirit of the Living God” ~ UMH #539

GRACE PRESCHOOL PRESENTATION
Ann Reynolds

CHILDREN DEPART FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Parents are invited to accompany their children to Sunday School, sign them in, and return to the sanctuary for worship. After the worship service, parents are asked to return to the classroom and sign their children out.

RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION FOR THE CHANCEL CHOIR
Pastor Jeffrey

THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
Dixie Fisher

Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING
Dixie Fisher

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

L:  The Word of Life.
P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

HYMN
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Breathe On Me, Breath of God” ~ UMH #420

JOYS AND CONCERNS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Dixie Fisher

The church exists because the Holy Spirit calls us together and binds us through worship for the purpose of witness and service to the world. With our gifts let us respond to the Spirit’s call.

OFFERTORY
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“Agnus Dei”
~ Michael W Smith, arr. Joel Raney

*DOXOLOGY

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH #95

SCRIPTURE READING
Dixie Fisher

Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.

ANTHEM
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“Come, Holy Spirit”
~ Bill and Gloria Gaither

SERMON
Pastor Jeffrey

“Amazed and Astonished”

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD

*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey

*CHORAL BENEDICTION
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“When the Stars Are Gone”
~ Henry Mollicone
POSTLUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

• tune – “Azmon”
  ~ arr. Paul Manz
• Stand as you are able

Fifth Sunday of Easter

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE

PRELUDE / INSTRUMENTAL OPENING
The Worship Team

Get Coffee and Be Seated

OPENING MUSIC
The Worship Team

“Mighty Is Our God”
~ Eugene Greco, Gerrit Gustafson, Dan Moen

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ray Owen
Chairperson, Church Council

OPENING PRAYER
Rev. Alyss Swanson

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“Here I Am to Worship”
~ Tim Hughes

CHILDREN DEPART FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Parents are invited to accompany their children to Sunday School, sign them in, and return to the sanctuary for worship. After the worship service, parents are asked to return to the classroom and sign their children out.

SCRIPTURE READING
Ray Owen

Psalm 31:9-12

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“Come Just as You Are”
~ Joseph Sabolick

JOYS AND CONCERNS
Ray Owen

PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Rev. Alyss Swanson

CELEBRATION OF GIFTS / OFFERING
Rev. Alyss Swanson

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“In the Secret”
~ Andy Park

SCRIPTURE READING
Ray Owen

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

SERMON
Rev. Alyss Swanson
Deacon of Reconciling Ministries
Campbell United Methodist Church

“Good for the Soul”

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“Knowing You”
~ Graham Kendrick

*BENEDICTION
Rev. Alyss Swanson

POSTLUDE / INSTRUMENTAL CLOSING
The Worship Team

Fourth Sunday of Easter

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST

GATHERING MUSIC / PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”
arr. ~ Charles Callahan

“Psalm 23:2…Beside the Still Waters”
~ Lester H. Groom

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Pastor Jeffrey

CHORAL INTROIT
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“Come Now, Worship the Savior”

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Gail Hybarger

L:  The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P:  And also with you. 
L:  “Come to me,” Christ says.
P:  We know and hear this voice.
L:  “Walk with me,” Christ calls.
P:  We know and follow this call.
L:  “Live with me,” Christ offers.
P:  We rejoice in this promise of Life.

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
Gail Hybarger

O Great Shepherd, swing wide the gate of welcome this day. As we sing your praises and worship your holy name, speak to us with your wisdom, call to us and lead us home. Open our eyes and enlighten our minds, that we might hear your word and follow you by faith. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

*HYMN
Joyce Rhodes, organ

        “The Summons” ~ FWS #2130

CHILDREN DEPART FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Parents are invited to accompany their children to Sunday School, sign them in, and return to the sanctuary for worship. After the worship service, parents are asked to return to the classroom and sign their children out.

THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD

COLONET / L4L MISSION PRESENTATION
Pete Taylor & Mission Team

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
Gail Hybarger
Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING
Gail Hybarger

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

L:  The Word of Life.
P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

HYMN
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” ~ FWS #2223

JOYS AND CONCERNS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Gail Hybarger

All that we have, and all that we need, is God’s — gifts to be shared with one another, as we live in the abundance of God’s love. As the family of God, as the sheep of Christ’s pasture, let us offer God’s gifts for all.

OFFERTORY
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Vruechten”
~ David Schack

*DOXOLOGY

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH #95

ANTHEM
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“Psalm 23…A Psalm of Hope”
~ Heather Sorenson

SCRIPTURE READING
Gail Hybarger

John 10:1-10

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

 L:    The Word of Life.
P:  Thanks be to God. Amen. 

REFLECTION
Pastor Jeffrey

The Gate of Hope

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD

*HYMN
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” ~ UMH #581

*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey

*CHORAL BENEDICTION
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“Deep Peace”
~ Douglas Wagner

POSTLUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Lord, You Give the Great Commission”

• tune – “Abbot’s Leigh”
  arr. ~ Michael Burkhardt
• Stand as you are able

Second Sunday of Easter

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE

PRELUDE / INSTRUMENTAL OPENING
The Worship Team

Get Coffee and Be Seated

OPENING MUSIC
The Worship Team

“Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly”
~ Pat Barrett

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall

UPDATE FROM TRUSTEES
Glenn Stansbury, Chairperson

OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“Knowing You”
~ Graham Kendrick

CHILDREN DEPART FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Parents are invited to accompany their children to Sunday School, sign them in, and return to the sanctuary for worship. After the worship service, parents are asked to return to the classroom and sign their children out.

SCRIPTURE READING
Pastor Jeffrey

1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“All Things Are Possible”
~ Darlene Zschech

JOYS AND CONCERNS & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

CELEBRATION OF GIFTS
Pastor Jeffrey

The Church and its ministry will flourish tomorrow because of the hopeful, expectant generosity that lives in us today. Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise.

WORSHIP IN SONG

The Worship Team

“Open the Eyes of My Heart”
~ Paul Bloche

SCRIPTURE READING
Pastor Jeffrey

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

SERMON
Pastor Jeffrey

“Life In His Name”

WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team

“In the Secret”
~ Andy Park

*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey

POSTLUDE / INSTRUMENTAL CLOSING
The Worship Team

“Knowing You”
~ Graham Kendrick

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST

GATHERING MUSIC / PRELUDE
Brass

“Were You There?”
~ arr. David Herberg

ORGAN PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes

“O Sons and Daughters of the Lord” – tune – “O Filii”
~ arr. Felix Alexandre Guilmant

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Pastor Jeffrey

OPENING FANFARE AND CHORAL INTROIT
Chancel Choir and Brass

“Easter Fanfare”
~ Paul Fetler

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Reese Reynolds

L:  The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P:  And also with you. 
L:  Remember the good news Jesus promised.
P:  We will not be left alone.
L:  Death cannot contain the purposes of God.
P:  We will rise and live with this hope.
L:  Tears and weeping will be no more.
P:  We will know joy and laughter again.
L:  Rejoice for Christ is risen.
P:  Christ is risen indeed!

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
Reese Reynolds

Risen Christ, Lord of life, breathe new life into us this day. Inspire us with confidence and open our hearts anew to receive your promise of resurrection. Speak to us once more, that we might hear your voice and recognize your presence in our midst. From the darkness of doubt, guide us into the glorious light of faith and love. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

*HYMN

        “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” ~ UMH #302

THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
Reece Reynolds

Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING
Reece Reynolds
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.” I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

L:  The Word of Life.
P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

*HYMN

“Easter People, Raise Your Voices” ~ UMH #304

JOYS AND CONCERNS / THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Reece Reynolds

We are witnesses to the power of the Holy Spirit and the glory of God, and now we turn in thanksgiving to share the good news of love and grace to all the world. Let these, our gifts, be a living testimony to the power of Christ’s resurrection.

OFFERTORY
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“The Strife Is O’er” – tune – “Victory”
~ arr. Wilbur Held

*DOXOLOGY

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH #95

ANTHEM
Chancel Choir and Brass

“Sing the Resurrection Song”
~ Allen Pote

SCRIPTURE READING
Reece Reynolds
John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

L:  The Word of Life.
P:  Thanks be to God. Amen. 

SERMON
Pastor Jeffrey

Christ Is Risen!

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD

*CLOSING HYMN
Chancel Choir with Brass

“Hallelujah”
~ G.F. Handel

(Members of the congregation are invited to the chancel to sing.)

*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey

CHORAL BENEDICTION
Chancel Choir

Choral Closing
~ David Kidwell

POSTLUDE
Brass

“This Is the Glory “
~ G. F. Handel

• Stand as you are able

Friday, April 7, 7PM

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

GATHERING MUSIC / PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – tune – “St. Christopher”
~ Frederick C. Maker, arr. John Duro

“The Last Hours” ~ Rex Koury

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – tune – “Hamburg”
~ arr. David Schack

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Pastor Jeffrey

CHORAL INTROIT
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“Lamb of God” ~ TFWS # 2113

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Jennifer Hall

L:  Come to this place apart to pray. God, who has given us life, meets us here.
P:  Will God be revealed to us on this dark night? 
L:  Come, all who are weary and discouraged. God, whom you have trusted, has not deserted you.
P:  Will God hear our cries and replenish our strength? 
L:  Come, all who have laid loved ones to rest. God, who grieves with us, watches with us now.
P:  How shall we know love when Love is crucified? 
L:  We follow Jesus, in whom we see God’s image most clearly.
P:  So, let us pray for strength and courage to follow Jesus wherever he will lead us this Good Friday.

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
Jennifer Hall

Loving God, it is a dark day to be gathered here. It’s a barren place filled with shadow and death. May the cross become for us a mirror reflecting our own brokenness – but also our own love. We gather at the foot of the cross to commend our burdens, our brokenness, our failed dreams and future hopes. We gather to commend our very lives into your hands. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

*HYMN

        “Were You There” ~ UMH #288

JOYS AND CONCERNS
Pastor Jeffrey

THE SEVEN WORDS FROM THE CROSS

THE FIRST WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall
Luke 23:33-34
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

Compassionate God, you sent your Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Therefore, we pray for people everywhere according to their needs and commend our prayers into your hands. For Christ’s Holy Church throughout the world – for unity in faith, in witness and in service, for all Disciples of Christ. For the United Methodist Church and our Bishop. We pray you will confirm the Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in peace. Amen.

THE SECOND WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall

Luke 23:39-43

There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

For all creation, for the fragility, the interdependence, for the majesty and wonder, for the creatures, the plants, the indigenous peoples whose traditions teach us to truly value the earth, for the urgency of our call to active, loving stewardship. Open our hearts to love all that is blessed with the sacred breath of your spirit, and to confess that what you made is indeed good. Move us to live lightly and tread gently upon this earth, resisting the temptations of consumerism and waste, of destruction and pollution, that we may participate in the healing, the renewal, and liberation of your creation. Amen.

HYMN

“What Wondrous Love Is This” ~ UMH #292, v.1

THE THIRD WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall

John 19:25-27

And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son. ’Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

For all children everywhere who suffer neglect, abandonment, homelessness, and hunger. Whose lives are compromised by poor education and inadequate healthcare. By your grace, may we comfort the afflicted, strengthen those who suffer, and with generous spirits give to everyone in need. Amen.

THE FOURTH WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall

Mark 15:33-34

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

For the nations of this world and their leaders. For those who administer the law and all who serve in public office. For community activists and dissenters to the status quo who challenge the injustices of our flawed institutions and systems, and for all who strive for justice and reconciliation that they may be strengthened and challenged by a deeper knowledge of God’s compassion and mercy, of justice and peace and that by Your help the world may live in peace and freedom. Turn our hearts – and the hearts of all – to Love, that by the power of your Spirit the peace which is founded on justice may be established throughout the world. Amen.

HYMN

“What Wondrous Love Is This” ~ UMH #292, v.2

THE FIFTH WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall

John 19:28

After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

For those who suffer, those who are deprived and oppressed, for all who are sick, for those in darkness, in doubt and in despair, in loneliness and in fear, for those who have lost faith, for prisoners, captives and refugees, for the victims of false accusations and violence, and those facing the death penalty — for all at the point of death and those who keep vigil beside them. Sustain them in your grace; hold them in your love. Amen.

HYMN

“What Wondrous Love Is This” ~ UMH #292, v. 3

THE SIXTH WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall

John 19:29-30

A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

For those of other faith traditions, for a greater understanding, for the removal of blindness and bitterness, for healing past hurts, and for an openness of heart where differences may become opportunities for an ever deeper understanding of the wonder of God and the sacred worth of every human being so that all may dwell together in mutual love and peace. Amen.

THE SEVENTH WORD FROM THE CROSS
Jennifer Hall

Luke 23:46

Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.

INTERCESSION (IN UNISON)

Loving God, you took upon yourself the yoke of humanity and the burden of love and did not find it easy: let us learn from you to share the weight of this aching world, that our souls may be light, and our hearts rested. In the name of Jesus Christ, we commend our prayers into your hands. Amen.

HYMN

“What Wondrous Love Is This” ~ UMH #292, v. 4

ANTHEM
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked”

GOOD FRIDAY REFLECTION
Pastor Jeffrey

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey

*CHORAL BENEDICTION
Chancel Choir
David Herberg, Directing

“O How He Loves You and Me” ~ TFWS # 2108

POSTLUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Chorale” – tune – “O Sacred Head”
~ arr. Max Reger

• Stand as you are able