EASTER SUNDAY April 12, 2009

Transcription

1 EASTER SUNDAY April 12, 2009 Welcome. We hope this service lifts your spirit and warms your heart. We offer many helps this morning: large print bulletins, child care, coloring kits. Ask any usher. Is your cell phone set to play hymns? 9:40 a.m. VOLUNTARY Saraband for the Morning of Easter (1949) Herbert Howells Easter Medittion No. II (1944) Robin Milford Improvisation on Alleluia, Pascha Nostra (1938) Everett Titcomb 10:00 a.m The Approach to God GREETING Daniel Carlson ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP ORIENTATION CALL TO WORSHIP Bill Levering INTROIT The Strife is O'er Victory *PROCESSIONAL HYMN #123 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Jesus Chris is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia! But the pains which He endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia! Now above the sky He s King, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia! Easter Hymn Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as God s love; Alleluia! Praise our God, ye heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! *OUR NEED FOR GOD (unison) God of new life, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the hope you have brought us in Jesus Christ. Help us to find new depth in the message of your love. Amen. GOD S FORGIVING LOVE *RESPONSE OF PRAISE *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Belhar Confession, unison) God s life-giving Word and Spirit have conquered the powers of sin and death, bitterness and enmity. It will enable us to live in a new way and open new possibilities of life for all people. *PASSING THE PEACE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by 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. ANTHEM Christ is Alive! Truro Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. The cross stands empty to the sky. Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die. Christ is alive! No longer bound to distant years in Palestine, but saving, healing, here and now, and touching every place and time. Not throned afar, remotely high, untouched, unmoved by human pains, but daily, in the midst of life,

2 our Savior in the Godhead reigns. In every insult, rift, and war, where color, scorn, or wealth divide, Christ suffers still, yet loves the more, and lives, where even hope has died. Christ is alive, and comes to bring good news to this and every age, till earth and sky and ocean ring with joy, with justice, love and praise. Brian Wren The Word of God FIRST LESSON Acts 10:34-43 (page 129) CHILDREN S MESSAGE SECOND LESSON Mark 16:1-8 (page 54) SERMON Easter Panic Bill Levering The Response to the Word *HYMN #118 The Day of Resurrection! Lancashire The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God. From death to life eternal, From this world to the sky, Our Christ hath brought us over With hymns of victory. Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see argith The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light; And, listening to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain, His own All hail! and, hearing, May raise the victor strain. Now let the heavens be joyful, Let earth the song begin, Let the round world keep tripump, And all that is therein; Let all things seen and unseen Their notes of gladness blend, For Chirst the Lord is risen, Our joy that hath no end. OFFERING OFFERTORY Alleluia, Alleluia! Ludwig van Beethoven, Arr. Don Hart Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, Christ is risen! Hearts to heaven and voices raise: Sing to God a hymn of gladness, Sing to God a hymn of praise; He who on the cross as victim For the world's salvation bled, Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, Now is risen from the dead. Alleluia, Christ is risen! Death at last has met defeat: See the ancient powers of evil In confusion and retreat; Once he died and once was buried: Now he lives forevermore, Jesus Christ the world's redeemer, Whom we worship and adore. Alleluia, alleluia! Glory be to God on high! Alleluia to the savior who has gained the victory! Alleluia to the Spirit, fount of love and sanctity! Alleluia, alleluia to the triune majesty! Christopher Wordsworth *DOXOLOGY (Hymn 592) AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION *RECESSIONAL HYMN #115 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain St. Kevin Anyone interested in singing the Hallelujah Chorus is invited to come forward during this hymn. Come, ye faithful, raise the strain Of triumphant gladness; God hath brought forth Israel Into joy from sadness; Loosed from Pharaoh s bitter yoke Jacob s sons and daughters; Led them, with unmoistened foot, Through the Red Sea waters. Tis the spring of souls today; Christ hath burst His prison, And from three days sleep in death As a sun hath risen. Now rejoice, Jerusalem, And with true affection Welcome in unwearied strains Jesus resurrection! *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

3 *CHORAL RESPONSE Hallelujah Chorus G. F. Handel POSTLUDE Fugue on O filii (1954) Jean Langlais Welcome If you are a first time visitor, please fill out a little white card and place it in the offering plate. If you are interested in becoming a member, please speak with one of the ministers after the service. We are eager to know and serve you. Everyone is invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments after the service in Assembly Hall. Need Help? Large print bulletins and audio receivers are available to assist you. Please ask an usher. Special bulletins for children are also available. Restrooms are located out the front right doorway of the sanctuary. Caring for Children During Worship We love kids. Childcare for babies through age four is available between 10:00 and 12:00 p.m. at the Kinderwyk building at 10 North Church Street. We also love the people who care for the kids - and we need more of them! Kinderwyk needs more volunteers. Could you give even one Sunday to care for our children? Contact Sarah Bachorik or talk to one of the ministers if you are able to participate in this important ministry. Service Online A recording of each of our worship services is online at 1stReformed.com one or two days following the service. Memorial Flowers If you would like to order celebratory or memorial flowers for the chancel, please call the church office. *The congregation may stand. Music Notes We are grateful for today's instrumentalists: David and Robert Hosley, trumpets; Robert Beadle, French Horn; Jonathan Kusche, trombone; and Arthur Foo, Timpani Church School and Children and Worship This morning, children in grades K-5 are invited to participate in Bible games and an Easter egg hunt. Please meet in the Children & Worship room at the top of the stairs after the Children s Message. Helpers from grades 6-8 are also needed. Reception Today You are invited to an Easter Reception in Assembly Hall after worship today. Easter s Special Offering For this year s Easter offering we will be supporting the Missioners Garden Project. The missioners have begun a collaborative effort to plant vegetables and flowers throughout the Stockade and Schenectady County. Vegetables grown will help support the kitchens of Salvation Army, the YWCA, Bethesda House, the Schenectady Damien Center, and City Mission. Please join them in this venture. Easter Flower Delivery Today Volunteers are needed today to deliver Easter flowers to homebound members. The plants, along with addressed cards for each recipient, will be available at in the Dirck Romeyn Room. Simply stop and pick up a card and a plant to be delivered. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring some Easter joy to others in our church family, please join us. Faith Bookshop You might find something in the church Bookshop today that will add extra happiness to Easter. Here's a sampling: For young folks: Beatrix Potter favorites, including one with a DVD; jigsaw puzzle book of world wonders; small, colorful religious plaques. For adults: books of many genres, including a church social cookbook and literature relating to the QUAD; candles, logo apron and attache cases. For everyone: iron-on logo patches; tee shirts; gift certificates (denomination of your choice) can be applied to book orders. Stop in after church. Browsers always welcome. First Forum The First Forum meets in the Poling Chapel following fellowship Sunday morning, and is over at noon. Today Easter Reception in Friendship Hall April 19 Art Hudak April 26 Randy Sparrow Vespers Every Sunday, 5 p.m. The American Federation of Musicians celebrates April as Jazz Appreciation Month and the Schenectady chapter is sponsoring a number of activities in connection with it. Today Chamber Vespers in Poling Chapel Susa Brynolfson, oboe; Aniko Szokody, piano; David Ciucevich, clarinet. Wednesday Dialogue Dialogue will resume on April 15. Please join us for pizza and a brainstorming session regarding future topics. Group 7 The next meeting of Group 7 will be on Friday, April 17 at the home of Birdie Blackmer (109 Oakwood Drive in Woodhaven, Glenville) at 9:30 a.m. Cohostesses will be Anne Robb and Millie Casey. The program entitled My Job will be given Stacey Midge. Confirmation Class Dates While the confirmation class will not be run in the traditional fashion, there will be check up classes in the Walton Conference room at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: April 19; and May 3 and 17. The newbies will be taken into church on Pentecost (May 31). And will be meeting with consistory on May 12, at the regular meeting which they will attend in its entirety. FRC Our Wednesday evening opportunity for fellowship, education, and worship resumes April 22. Dinner in Assembly Hall begins at 6. Two new classes start at 7. Brad Lewis and Joe Doolittle will lead a study and discussion of the ground-breaking Belhar Confession which originated from churches in South Africa. This confession will be voted on this year at General Synod and is included April issue of First Things. Abby Norton-Levering will facillitate a group of those who wish to knit (or learn how) and those who do other handwork, while listening for the Spirit of God. The evening concludes with a festive and contemplative commuion in the sanctuary chancel at 8. Newcomers and oldtimers are most welcome to any part of the evening; no registration necessary! Kerygma On April 22 the Kerygma group will resume Wednesdays. For the spring, Dr. Levering will be leading an engaging study and discussion of the upcoming Sunday readings called Bible Talk Back. Youth Activities JHYG will meet on April 19 th at 5 p.m. in Assembly Hall. All youth in grades 6-8 are welcome. Dinner is provided. The Mission Shareholders Dinner will be held on April 19 th at 6:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall. SHYG members should be there at 4:30 p.m. to help with cooking and set-up. All who financially supported the mission trip

4 are welcome to share in our meal and hear the youth share about their time in Dulac, Louisiana. Mission Trip to Topologo Partners in South Africa Ever since a group of First Reformed Church members visited South Africa in the spring of 2003, there has been a desire and a plan to return. The Mission and Benevolence Committee has proposed to send interested church members and will have some detail to share with interested parties during a meeting after church on April 19 th. Through our relations hip with the Community Hospice here and their support of Hospice and Children Services at Topalogo we have developed a proposed plan to send 5-6 members to visit the Tolalogo Hospice facility Rustenberg and neigh boring Reformed Churches. Volunteers will have an opportunity to work and get to know this program and how we support it. Our first planned trip will be October, 2009 and we are looking for volunteers to make their interest known by contacting Carol DeLaMarter, Karen Hamm, or Stacey Midge. Not sure you can make the commitment for October, 2009 yet, come learn more about the proposed schedule and cost and share your ideas. There will be opportunities to support the Topalogo effort and travel there beyond October, but knowing of your interest now will help planners. Join us at 11:15 on April 19 th for a discussion of dates and costs. Stephen Ministry Meeting All Stephen Ministers and Leaders are expected at the monthly meeting, Monday, April 20, at 7 p.m. for community building, prayer, continuing education, and small group peer supervision. Those unable to attend should contact Daniel, Linda, or Ruthellen. Contact Record Sheets are due Linda or Daniel by April 13. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint The Greening Team of FRCS invites anyone interested in learing how to progressively go carbon neutral to join us for a collaborative series of monthly meeting beginning on Thursday, April 23 rd from 6-8 p.m. For more information contact Wales Brown at , or at wbrown6@nycap.rr.com. Tuesday Ladies Group The next meeting of Tuesday Ladies will be held on April 21 at the home of Margaret Schadler, 4024 Windsor Drive, Niskayuna. Adult Progressive Dinner On Saturday, April 25 th from 5:30 to 10 p.m. there will be an Adult Progressive Dinner. Beginning at the Chestnut s (1286 Wendell Avenue) with appetizers at 5:30 pm. and ending the evening with dessert also at the Chestnut s at 9:00 pm. Host families will serve dinner at their homes. There will be a $5 per person charge as well as bringing a dish. If your last name begins with A, E, I, O, or U sign up for appetizers; with W, X, Y, or Z sign up for dessert. All others sign up for a side dish. For additional information contact Heather Chestnut ( ). Sign up to attend on the bulletin board in Assembly Hall. Earth Day Sunday Frolic Following worship April 26 we'll be walking through Schenectady and Vale Park to our newly enclosed church plot in Vale Cemetery, picking up garbage along the way. After washing up we'll enjoy lunch and communion among our forebearer's in the faith. This will also be a chance to see the new fence that surrounds the plot. If you are unable to walk but would like to take part in the lunch and communion, you can easily drive to the site. It isn t necessary to sign up; just bring a lunch, some gloves, and a reflective mind. We look forward to seeing you there! Save Your Easter Leftovers The soup kitchen cooks will make good use of your ham bones or any leftovers. Please place these items in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer located behind Friendship kitchen. Thank you! For more information contact Connie Young, The sanctuary and the chapels are adorned to the glory of God and in loving memory of: Our loved ones by the Allen family Russell Vernon Jones, Dr. Charles J. Assini, MD; and Pearl Foy by the John and Carolyn Assini and family Virginia and Malcom Bard; and Florence and Howard Ball by their family Warren D. and Ethel F. Barrett by their children and grandchildren Parents Emma and James Stepanian; brothers James Stepanian, Jr. and Basil Stepanian; and sister-in-law Elaine Stepanian by Ronnie Bartholic Helen Clute Van Wyk from Judith Bresler Walt and Effie by the Bumgarner family Jean Kemp Bundy from David and Donna Bundy Robert Bruce Crandell by Janet Crandell Arthur and Alma Paulson; and Julian and Luella D Andrea by Tom and Linnea D Andrea Carlton W. Dyer by his wife, Janice B. Dyer Lorraine A. Ebeling by Scott Ebeling Sylvia R. Ebeling by Dolph Ebeling Mr. & Mrs. Bruno De Paoli, Sr.; and Dr. & Mrs. James M. Neill by the De Paoli family Husband and father John Krawczak; and mother and grandmother Genevieve Brunelle by the Krawczak and Emken families Rudolph and Therese Mahlberg by the Erickson family William and Louise Stange by Marlene Risseeuw and the Ericksons Wife Janice Flom; and daughter Megan Flom Corkrey by Donald Flom William T. George by his wife Ruth George Mr. & Mrs. Clark H. Godfrey; and Marian D. Francis by Dorothea F. Godfrey Our parents and other loved ones by the Greenwoods Our parents and grandparents by the Griggs and Griggs-Janower families Loved ones by Cynthia Hamilton Jeanette Harlow by Gil Harlow Loved ones by the Hjelmar family Loved ones by Mr. & Mrs. Peter G. Ipsen LeRoy Jewett by his family Al and Celeste Levering by the Levering family Janet L. Otto by the McCary family Richard McLane by his wife Beverly, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren Steve Middleton by Anne and Don Middleton Loved ones by Lauralee Moore Dorothy and Edmund Sanderson given by Neil and Sandy Moynihan William W. Piper with love, Barbara, Beth and Nancy Piper Loved ones by Anne Peterson

5 The sanctuary and the chapels are adorned to the glory of God and in loving memory of: Helmut Poppe by Ursula Poppe Dr. Kevin Quinn from Harvey, Margaret and Janet Schadler Lorraine Schulte Ebeling; Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Howard; Mr. & Mrs. LeRoy Cope; and Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McNeil by Elyne Schulte Dr. Henry Nagamatsu; and Howard Silverman by Emily & Nancy Nagamatsu Eldon Springsted by his wife Elaine Carl Steubing by his wife Jayne, children, and grandchildren Roy O. Stratton, Jr. by Barbara Dobbins-Stratton Mr. & Mrs. Francias R. Swann; Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Niles; Florence Niles; and Conald Armington by Dale and Nancy Ellen Swann Mills and Edith Ten Eyck from the family Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Coons; David Coons Van Voast; Thomas Teichner; William and Charlotte Teichner; and George Teichner by Mrs. Thomas Teichner and family Daniel Theuner by Vernetta and family Loved ones by Mr. & Mrs. James Tillma Don Troost by Carol Troost Richard H. Vandecar from his wife June and family Mr. & Mrs. Carl W. Veeder by their daughter Dr. Elizabeth Veeder Our parents Clarence and Sara Hollister Linder; and Clarabelle Wescott Linder by the Walravens and the Linders Palmer V. Welch, Marian A. Welch, and Mary C. Welch by the Welch family Anne Shepherd Wemple, Robert V. Shepherd, and Susan Shepherd by the Welch family Mary McCarty and John Willis, by Therese McCarty and Johnny Willis Loved ones by Glenn and Martha Winchester Our parents and grandparents by Walter and Alison Yang Barth and Tom Young, and Ann Caldwell by Roger and Madelyn Young Sunday Monday Tuesday Calendar for the Week of April 12, :00 a.m. Youth Orchestra, Music Room 9:15 a.m. Chancel Choir, Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:20 a.m. Church School, Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 a.m. Easter Reception, Assembly Hall 11:00 a.m. First Forum, Poling Chapel 11:00 a.m. Bible Study, Poling Conference Room 5:00 p.m. Chamber Vespers, Poling Chapel 9:00 a.m. Mens News Group, Poling Conference Room 9:00 a.m. Back Rx, Dirck Romeyn Room 2:00 p.m. Book Club, Walton Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Klokken Ringers, Bell Room 7:30 p.m. Concerned for the Hungry, Assembly Hall 9:00 a.m. Moms Group, Walton Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Standing Committees, Various Locations 8:00 p.m. Consistory, Assembly Hall Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Back Rx, Dirck Romeyn Room 12:00 p.m. Wednesday Dialogue, Assembly Hall Thursday Friday Sunday 12:00 p.m. Staff Meeting, Assembly Hall 7:00 p.m. League of Women Voters, Poling Chapel 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir, Choir Room 9:30 a.m. Group 7, Off Site 9:00 a.m. Youth Orchestra, Music Room 9:15 a.m. Chancel Choir, Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:20 a.m. Church School, Poling House 11:00 a.m. Fellowship and Refreshments, Assembly Hall 11:00 a.m. First Forum, Poling Chapel 11:00 a.m. Bible Study, Poling Conference Room 11:30 a.m. Missioners Meeting, Mezzanine 5:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers, Poling Chapel 5:00 p.m. Junior High Youth Group, Assembly Hall 6:30 p.m. Mission Shareholders Dinner, Friendship Hall 6:30 p.m. Confirmation Class, Walton Conference Room 7:00 p.m. Senior High Youth Group, Mezzanine

6 This Week Next Week Kinderwyk Olivia Cox Darryl & Cathy Wisniewski, Joanne Bedell Greeters Karen & Rob Dickson Tani & Steve Breitenbach Head Usher Tom Burgoyne Mike Beals Ushers Elders Dave Bundy, Chris Langdon, Joe Gotwals, Linda Stanhope, Diana & Rick Bennett Eric Evans, Bob Beadle, Darwin Brudos, Barbara Draffen, Phil Falconer, Jerry Griggs, Rachel Hewitt, Eugene Zeltmann John & Peggy Anderton, Robert & Cathy Allen, Joe Gallagher, Maurice Robbins Carolyn Jones-Assini, Linda Ward, Roberta Blackmer, Art Casey, Sarah Howes, Peggy King, Marlene Risseeuw, Linda Witkowski Liturgists Daniel Carlson, Stacey Midge Daniel Carlson Reader Ministers Leah Fernandes Preacher Bill Levering Stacey Midge Counting Deacons Bill Rochelle, Carol Troost Greg Matusic, Doug Todd Refreshments Jean Brown Darryl & Cathy Wisniewski Flower Delivery Congregation Volunteers for Easter Flower Deliveries Joan & Peter Ipsen, Marilyn & Bob Beadle Faith Bookshop Roberta Blackmer Ronnie Bartholic We do hereby set forth the principles of the Christian faith as commonly held among us, believing that no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It shall be our aim to bring joy to little children, instruction and high ideals to youth, inspiration to men and women in the midst of life, and comfort to those in life's later years; and to labor together for the betterment of humankind. THE COVENANT OF OUR CONGREGATION Adopted by the Congregation in 1962 Our fellowship shall not be dependent upon identity of theological opinion, or of outward circumstance, or of denominational concern, but shall grow from a common loyalty to Jesus, a common commitment to serve the world we touch, and a common purpose to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Our ideal is a church of the open mind, the warm heart, the hopeful spirit, and the social vision which ever seeks to express, in all walks of life, the mind of Jesus. First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street Schenectady, New York (518) Ministers: Daniel Carlson, Bill Levering, Stacey Midge