First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Organized in 1855 Heritage O heavenly Easter! By you, O Christ, the darkness of death has been destroyed and life poured out on every creature. from an ancient paschal homily SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY RESURRECTION OF THE LORD EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 5, 2015 11:00 AM 302 N. Dunton Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-255-5900 www.fpcah.org mail@fpcah.org
The prelude is your invitation to quiet preparation for the worship of Almighty God. GATHERING AS GOD S PEOPLE PRELUDE An Easter Celebration Joel Raney First Pres Brass and Organ INTROIT Fanfare for Easter Kenneth Walton The Chancel Choir and First Pres Brass WELCOME Alex Lang CALL TO WORSHIP One: Early on the first day of the week the disciples of Jesus went to the tomb where he had been buried, only to find that the stone had been rolled away and the tomb empty. Friends, we have gathered here as Christ s disciples, on the first day of the week, to celebrate the good news of the gospel: Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! All: He has risen indeed! One: Beloved church, behold the victory of our God: Jesus, our Lord, has conquered the grave. All: Christ is risen! Alleluia! One: Sin and death shall reign no more. All: Christ is risen! Alleluia! One: Let this place resound with joy. All: Christ is risen! Alleluia! Thanks be to God! HYMN 232 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Easter Hymn CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lord Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit we have been raised from the waters of baptism to share in your glorious resurrection. Yet we have not lived as Easter people. We are unsure of your promise, confused about your will, and afraid in the face of danger. Like Mary, we weep at the tomb, but do not recognize your presence. Call us by name, risen Lord, that we may know you with confidence. Whenever we are tempted to fear death, give us courage to confess your Easter victory. Whenever we are distracted by petty conflicts, keep our minds on your reconciling love. Whenever we are overwhelmed by the power of evil, reveal again to us your triumph over the destructive powers of oppression. Forgive us our sin and let our lives be a testimony to your salvation through the love of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION in Jesus name we pray. Amen. WORDS OF FORGIVENESS RESPONSE (Hymn 587) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Celtic Alleluia
PASSING THE PEACE One: The peace of Jesus Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us share the peace of Christ with one another. COMMUNITY LIFE CHILDREN S TIME HEARING GOD S WORD PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 25:6-9 (Pew Bible, p. 568) The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God! ANTHEM Were You There? Lloyd Larson Were you there when they crucified my Lord? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble. Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble. Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? Were you there when He rose up from the grave? O! Sometimes I feel like shouting Glory! Glory! Glory! Were you there when He rose up from the grave? The Chancel Choir and First Pres Brass SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Mark 16:1-8 (Pew Bible, p. 829) Alex Lang The Word of the Lord/Thanks be to God! SERMON Carousel Alex Lang REFLECTION Return and Arise Text by William Blake Music by Adam Hendrickson Hear the voice of the bard! Who present, past, & future sees, whose ears have heard, the Holy Word, that walked among the ancient trees. Calling the lapsed soul and weeping in the evening dew: that might control, the starry pole; and fallen, fallen light renew! O Earth O Earth return! Arise from out the dewy grass; night is worn, and the morn rises from the slumberous mass. Turn away no more: Why wilt thou turn away? The starry floor, the watry shore is giv n thee till the break of day. Adam Hendrickson, guitar/voice AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (The Apostles Creed) I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. HYMN 254 That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright Puer Nobis Nascitur
GIVING THANKS TO GOD PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 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; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. OFFERING OFFERTORY Hallelujah from Mount of Olives L.V. Beethoven Hallelujah unto God s Almighty Son. Praise the Lord, ye bright angelic choirs, in holy songs of joy. Man proclaim his grace and glory, Hallelujah, unto God s Almighty Son. Praise the Lord in holy songs of joy. The Chancel Choir and First Pres Brass DOXOLOGY (Hymn 606) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING GOING FORTH IN GOD S NAME HYMN 233 The Day of Resurrection! Lancashire BENEDICTION Alex Lang POSTLUDE Toccata from the fifth symphony C.M. Widor First Pres Brass and Organ Please stand as you are able. Preaching: Alex Lang Greeters: Sandy Naeher, Hal Stern Ushers: Jeff Leach (head usher), Frank Jirsa, Barbara Martin, Michio Matsumura, Yoshiko Matsumura, Frank Morrone Pastors: Alex Lang,, Director of Music Programs: Adam Hendrickson Associate Director of Music Adult Choirs: Alan Wellman Associate Director of Music and Organist: Chris Urban First Pres Brass: Wes Carroll and Richard Galime, trumpets, Gordon Palmer and Todd Smith, trombones
WELCOME, GUESTS! Thank you for worshiping with us this morning. Please sign the Friendship Pad and pass it along the pew, and introduce yourself to those around you after the service. Then stop by the Welcome Center in the Narthex to pick up information that will acquaint you with our church services and programs. If you have questions, members of the Welcomers Corps will be there to answer them. You are also invited to join the conversation on Facebook, at facebook.com/fpcah, and Twitter, at @FirstPresAH. We look forward to connecting with you again. CHILD CARE Children of all ages are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in worship. Child care is available (infants through age four) in the Christian Education Wing (8:15 am 12:15 pm). We encourage 3- and 4-year-olds to participate in Preschool Sunday School, offered from 9:45 to 10:45 am. CLASSES FOR ALL AGES From September through May, Sunday morning Christian education classes are held for all ages. These include classes for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students, as well as education and discussion groups for adults. Children s and youth education, as well as adult classes, take place from 9:45 to10:45 am. Check the adult education brochure for course titles, dates, and times. To learn more, visit fpcah.org or call the church office at 847-255- 5900. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE Large print bulletins, large print hymnals, and hearing amplifiers are available from the ushers. WORSHIP BAGS Worship bags for young worshipers (ages 3-12 years) are available outside the Sanctuary and in the Chapel. The bags contain items designed to guide active participation in the service and learning about worship. Please return the bags to the basket as you leave. IMPORTANT WORSHIP REMINDERS Please silence cell phones and refrain from taking photos or recording worship services. Weekly webcasts of the 9:30 and 11:00 am services are available at fpcah.org/webcast. Audio CD recordings of 11:00 am worship are available in the church office. To download sermon podcasts, visit the Worship page at fpcah.org. Sermon videos are available at fpcah.org/sermon_video.