SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2008
MORNING WORSHIP 8:45 A.M.
Easter Sunday

(Please pass the red pew pads now. If you are a guest this Sunday, we would love to
greet you following the service or at coffee hour in the Social Hall.)

GATHERING MUSIC

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.

THE PRELUDE Prelude Music
Nordic Brass

CHIMES AND TOWER BELLS

THE CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Robert J. Brink
Minister: Joyful is the sound we make this morning!
People: For this day liberates us from doubt and fear.
Minister: Thankful is the song we sing!
People: For this day moves us past darkness and despair.
Minister: Hopeful is the prayer upon our lips!
People: For this day awakens in us long-awaited new life.
Minister: Jesus said, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
People: Christ lives here and now. He is among us at this and every moment!
Minister: May his peace and presence be known to you.
People: And also to you.
Minister: Let us worship God as we declare: CHRIST IS RISEN!
ALL: CHRIST IS RISEN, INDEED! ALLELUIA!

*HYMN 196 Christ the Lord is Risen Today

*THE PRAYER OF THE DAY AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (unison)
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of your Son you overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him. Grant that we who celebrate with joy Christ's rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever and taught us to call to saying:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*THE GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 558)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen, Amen.

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Margaux Louise & Colin Donald Burns
daughter and son of Julia & Bladen Burns

THE COVENANT OF BAPTISM
Minister: What can we affirm about our children?
People: That they are made in the image of God and are children of God by creation.
Minister: As Margaux and Colin grow in our congregation, how will we show them that they are children of God?
People: We will tell them about Abraham, the father of our faith; about Sarah the mother of Isaac; about Moses, who led our ancestors out of bondage; about Ruth’s example of faithfulness; about the Jewish hope for a Messiah; about Jesus Christ the Savior; and about the history of the Church as the people of God.
Minister: What will we expect of Colin and Margaux?
People: We look to the day when they will sit with us at the Lord’s Table, declare faith in Jesus Christ, confirm the heritage which we will pass along to them, and come as an adult to full commitment to God’s will and work.
Minister: In presenting your children for baptism, you announce your love for Jesus Christ, your eagerness to participate in the life of Christ’s body, the church, and your commitment to live as Christ’s disciples in the world. Is this your desire?
Parents: It is.
Minister: Do you parents assume your primary responsibility for modeling the Christian faith and teaching Margaux and Colin these expectations?
Parents: Yes, we happily accept this serious duty.
Minister: Members of this Church, as of the whole Church of Christ, do you pledge to work toward creating a nurturing environment for these and all our children?
People: Yes, we do, for they belong to us as well.
Minister: With joy, we celebrate together the gift of God’s grace in Christ. May God be with us.
People: God help us. Amen.

THE BAPTISM AND RECEIVING OF THE CHILDREN

THE INVITATION TO SUNDAY SCHOOL

*HYMN 210 Now the Green Blade Riseth
[Children 3 through 2nd grade go to Children’s Chapel during the singing of the hymn.]

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Acts 10:34-43 Bible, page 1002 Rev. Samuel R. Schaal

THE PSALMODY (responsive) Psalm 118 Hymnal, no. 700

THE GOSPEL LESSON John 20:1-18 Bible, page 988

THE SERMON “Easter: The Prevalence of UP!” Dr. Peay

THE ANTHEM Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain Thiman

THE CALL TO PRAYER and SILENT MEDITATION

THE PRAYER OF PEOPLE AND MINISTER

THE CHORAL RESPONSE TO PRAYER

THE OFFERTORY

THE ANTHEM Hallelujah Chorus (Messiah) Handel

*THE DOXOLOGY (Hymn 563)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION
Minister: Let us give thanks to God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

*HYMN 195 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today

*THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
Minister: Go forth in joy to love and serve God in all that you do.
People: We are sent in the name of the risen Christ.
Minister: Let us bless our Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Minister: May the God of peace, who raised to life the great shepherd of the sheep, make us ready to do his will in every good thing, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.
People: Alleluia! Amen.

—based on Hebrews 13:20-21

*THE POSTLUDE Toccata on O Filii Et Filiae Farnam

*Indicates where the congregation is asked to stand.

CARE FOR CHILDREN

A nursery for infants and toddlers is available during the 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. services.
Children’s Chapel for ages 3 – 2nd grade at 8:45 and Godly Play at 11:00.

Worship Preview for the Second Sunday of Easter, March 30, 2008 8:45 A.M.

Rev. Steven Peay will offer the sermon entitled “The Gold Standard.”
Ralph Ehlert is the organist.
Lee Jacobi directs the Pilgrim Choir.