A Welcoming and Affirming Church A Safe Space for All. First gathered in Order of Worship April 16, 2017 Easter Sunday 10:00 AM

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1 A Welcoming and Affirming Church A Safe Space for All First gathered in 1812 Order of Worship April 16, 2017 Easter Sunday 10:00 AM

2 Thoughts on Worship This Easter Sunday we begin our worship with a celebration of baptism. Baptism is one of the oldest traditions of our faith-- spanning millennia. In the Baptist tradition, we celebrate the new life of those who profess faith in Jesus the Christ, those who are reborn as daughters and sons of God, by immersing them under the water as a public profession of their solidarity with Jesus death. We raise them up out of the water as a symbol of the work of new life that is found in Christ s resurrection. This morning, Jen McQuade is giving witness to the work of God in her life, and she is choosing to model for us what it means to follow the way of Jesus. Her baptism is a symbol of the work God has done and continues to do in her life, and we encourage you to remember your own baptism as we worship together through the witness of Christian Baptism. As we have spent the season of Lent practicing Awakening, we now move toward a new spiritual discipline of Imagining. This will take different forms for each of us, but our imaginations are animated by the preposterous notion that Jesus defeated death by his resurrection. If God could move beyond human capacity once before, what is stopping us from imagining and believing what God can still do today? Today, the resurrection is foremost in our minds, though it always should be, as it gives life to our hopes of something more that it is yet to be, both in the present and in the time to come. Cover image: Empty Tomb. Dr. He Qi is a Chinese religious artist currently living in Minnesota. His art has been described as, Chagall meets Matisse meets Picasso meets the East. Vibrant. Energetic. Breathtaking. Biblical. Humorous. Whole-world art.

3 * Indicates that you are invited to stand in body or in spirit. Prelude Prelude and Fugue in A Minor Johannes Brahms ( ) Celebration of Baptism We gather for worship this morning, first by gathering together at the waters of baptism. We give thanks to the God who creates life, Jesus who calls us to new life, and the Spirit who sustains life. Here at the waters of baptism, we remember our own confession of God as the Living Water. * Jennifer McQuade * Processional Hymn 288 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Easter Hymn Call to Worship One: If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, Many: We are of all people most to be pitied. One: But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, Many: The first fruits of those who have died. One: For since death came through a human being, Many: The resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; One: For as all die in Adam, Many: So all will be made alive in Christ. One: For Christ is risen! Many: He is Risen indeed!

4 One: Christ is risen! Many: He is Risen indeed! One: The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Now, we have eternal life. All: Alleluia! Christ is Risen indeed! Prayers of Celebration The Lord s Prayer 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. * Gloria Patri Greatorex * Congregational Hymn 293 Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! W Zlobie Lezy Welcome and Highlights of Church Life * Greeting One Another * Congregational Hymn 289 Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven Hymn to Joy

5 The First Reading Matthew 28:1-10 (pg. 811) Children s Moment Offering of our Gifts Offertory Anthem He is Risen Percy Whitlock ( ) * Doxology Old Hundredth Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. The Second Reading Risen Easter Homily The Permission to Imagine Jan Richardson Reverend Brent Newberry * Congregational Hymn 312 Christ Is Alive! Truro Benediction

6 Alleluia Chorus from The Messiah G. F. Handel ( ) Who We re Praying for this Week For Brent and his family on the death of his father. Nate and his fellow troops, as well as their families, on their deployment overseas. Betty K. Inge K. Sylvia Margaret K. Patti Rod Kathy M. Roberta F. Minister: Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord Congregation: Thanks be to God! Alleluia! The Easter lillies are given in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Stoddard, Mr. Lincoln Stoddard, Mr. & Mrs. Paris Fletcher and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Stoddard. We extend our thanks to the WPI Brass Ensemble for their participation in today s service. The Youth Ministry team invites everyone to join them on the front lawn following the final hymn to watch the kids participate in the annual Easter Egg hunt.

7 Paul F. Jinny S. Gordon B. Charles S. Rocky R. Those with unspoken needs that are close to the chest but weigh heavy on their hearts. Our friends who are unable to join us, whether it's due to traveling, illness, injury, or difficulty of transportation. Our loved ones with various prayer needs. Our church, that we will continue to be a beacon of hope and peace amidst the rancor, and a voice of reconciliation and justice amidst violence and hatred. Unity for our nation, and unity and resolve for our church to continue to pursue the Way of Jesus regardless of whom we voted for, by seeking justice, loving mercy, and following God. For all those worldwide who have suffered loss, tragedy and pain from recent hazards and attacks. Our refugee and immigrant neighbors who are fearful for their safety and dignity as human beings and children of God. Contact Us 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, Massachusetts info@fbc-worc.org Facebook Phone: (508) The Reverend Brent A. Newberry, Pastor Wesley Hall, Minister of Music and Arts Jeremy Berry, Youth Ministry Assistant

8 Thanks for being here! We are so glad you worshipped together with us this morning! Thank you for being here. Each of you matters to us, and we hope to get to know you better. We are a Welcoming & Affirming Church, and a Safe Space for all people. What that means: Who you are, and how you re created is a gift to this world and this faith community, and we celebrate the ways your life gives witness to the way of Christ in both. Maybe it s your race or nationality, your age or vocation, your sexual orientation, your gender identity, your faith background, your political affiliation or personal aspirations, you are celebrated here. You are safe here, to fully be who God has created you to be. And if you would like to partner in ministry with us, we have no doubt that your participation will make us a better faith community. We have weekly opportunities for learning and friendship. Check out our Announcement Flyer or subscribe, on our website s home page ( to our weekly e-newsletter on the happenings of our church. Following our services each week, we invite you to join us in Gordon Hall for coffee and refreshments, our treat! If you re new, we d love a chance to get to know you, and if you re a regular, well, you know what to do--make a new friend! Gordon Hall is located through the exit to your right (the pulpit side). All-Gender restrooms are available in the rear of the sanctuary or to the exit to your right, near Gordon Hall. If you still aren t sure of their location, ask a new friend--they ll be happy to show you the way! Last but not least! You'll find an FBC Connection Card in your Order of Worship. Fill it out and place it in the offering plate, and our Pastor will be happy to reach out during the week to answer any questions or to provide any information about how you can become more connected within our great church!