ORDER OF WORSHIP April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday *Congregation Stands (If you prefer, It is acceptable to remain seated.) Welcome to Knox Presbyterian Church! We invite you to sign and pass the Friendship Book located at the end of your pew. If you re a first-time visitor, our prayer is that you will experience the presence of the eternal, as we worship our God together. PRELUDE Prelude on Easter Hymn Organ on the tune, Lyra Davidica Heidelberg Catechism Nick Robertson QUESTIONS 40 44 (LORD S DAY 16) 40 Q. Why did Christ have to suffer death? A. Because God s justice and truth require it: nothing else could pay for our sins 41 Q. Why was he buried? A. His burial testifies that he really died. 42 Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die? A. Our death does not pay the debt of our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life. 43 Q. What further benefit do we receive from Christ s sacrifice and death on the cross? A. By Christ s power our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may offer ourselves 44 Q. Why does the creed add, He descended to hell? A. To assure me during attacks of deepest dread and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from hellish anguish and torment. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Don Meekhof
SPECIAL MUSIC The Day of Resurrection CALL TO WORSHIP: Henry Smart / arr. Patricia Cota This is the good news the grave is empty; Christ is risen. Hallelujah! This is the good news the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never put it out. Hallelujah! This is the good news once we were no people; now we are God s people. Hallelujah! Christ is our peace, the indestructible peace we now share with each other. Hallelujah! Bells Richard Welch Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources. PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Richard Welch O living Lord, on the first Easter Day you stood in the midst of your disciples as the conqueror of sin and death and spoke to them your peace. Come to us, we pray, in your risen power and make us glad with your presence, and so breathe your Holy Spirit into our hearts that we may be strong to serve you and spread abroad your good news, for the glory of your great name. Amen. Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources. *SONGS OF WORSHIP JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY (VERSE 1) Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia! (VERSE 2) 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! (VERSE 3) 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! (VERSE 4) Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love: Alleluia! Praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! CHRIST AROSE! (Hymn #235) (VERSE 1) Low in the grave he lay Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! (VERSE 2) Vainly they watch his bed Jesus my Savior, vainly they seal the dead Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! (VERSE 3) Death cannot keep his prey Jesus my Savior,
he tore the bars away Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! Debbie Welch Prayer of Confession: Our Father in heaven, we thank you that you have led us into the light. We thank you for sending the Savior to call us from death to life. We confess that we were dead in sin before we heard his call, but when we heard him, like Lazarus, we arose. But, O Father, the grave clothes bind us still. Old habits that we cannot throw off, old customs that are so much a part of our lives that we are helpless to live the new life that Christ calls us to live. Give us strength, O Father, to break the bonds; give us courage to live a new life in you; give us faith to believe that with your help we cannot fail. All this we ask in the name of the Savior who has taught us to come to you. Amen. Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources. TIME OF PRAYER [Silent Prayer] Assurance of Pardon: Debbie Welch There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death. And if the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, God who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies through the Spirit, who lives in us. from Romans 8:1-2, 11, NIV
Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Don Meekhof ANTHEM We Shall Behold Him Choir Dottie Rambo / arr. by Camp Kirkland OFFERING OF OURSELVES & OUR GIFTS Offertory Prayer Richard Welch *Doxology 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. At this time, you may come to the altar table either in the front or to the rear of the sanctuary, bringing gifts and/or lighting a candle Offertory "I Know That My Redeemer Livith Organ G.F. Handel SCRIPTURE READINGS: Debbie Welch John 11:17 27 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask. 23 Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. 24 Martha answered, I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? 27 Yes, Lord, she replied, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.
John 11:38-44 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 Take away the stone, he said. But, Lord, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days. 40 Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, Take off the grave clothes and let him go. Romans 8:1 2 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Sermon Text: Jesus said to them, Unbind him and let him go. - John 11:44 (NRSV) MESSAGE Rev. Don Meekhof "From Cross Bound to Glorious Release!"
VIDEO PRESENTATION: THE MERCY TREE On a hill called Calvary Stands an endless mercy tree Every broken and weary soul Find your rest and be made whole (CHORUS) Death has died, Love has won! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus Christ has overcome. He has risen from the dead. Stripes of blood that stain its frame Shed to wash away our shame From the scars pure love released Salvation brought the Mercy Tree Hope went dark that violent day The world quaked at love s display Three days silence in the ground This body born for Heavens crown On that bright and glorious day Heaven opened up the grave He s alive and risen indeed Praise him for the mercy tree During this song, you are invited to come forward and pick up a flower to place on the wooden cross at the front of the sanctuary. *CLOSING SONG THINE IS THE GLORY (Hymn #251) (VERSE 1) Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o er death hast won. Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay. Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o er death hast won.
(VERSE 2) Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom; let his church with gladness hymns of triumph sing, bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o er death hast won. (VERSE 3) No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of Life! Life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife. Make us more than conquerors through thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son; Endless is the victory thou o er death hast won. BENEDICTION Rev. Don Meekhof I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. May Christ s rising lift your spirits and gladden your hearts. Alleluia! Amen. All those who believe in Christ will never perish. May you pass with Christ from death to life. Alleluia! Amen. Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. May his resurrection bring you all joy and peace in believing so that you may abound in hope. Alleluia! Amen. Almighty God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Alleluia! Amen. Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources. POSTLUDE "Welcome, Happy Morning! Organ on the tune, Fortunatus
Arthur S. Sullivan * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * In the Pulpit Today: Don Meekhof is our Temporary Stated Supply pastor. Those words in quotes are the official title given by Presbytery, because with Shared Ministry there is no full-time pastor. However, Don most definitely has a full-time love for shepherding the flock of Christ and we are blessed to have him with us!