Sunday April 26, 2020 Easter 3
Friday, April 24, 2020 at 6:12PM
PREPARING OUR HEARTS & MINDS FOR WORSHIP: As we prepare for worship today take a few minutes to watch this video, "God Will Heal Our Wounds, from Common Hymnal.
CANDLE-LIGHTING (light your candle)
We light this candle as a reminder of God’s presence with us, and to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Know that whether we gather together in the same place, or in separate places, that God is here among us too, through the Holy Spirit.
CALL TO WORSHIP*
Followers of Jesus, by his cross we are redeemed from the futility of sin.
Alleluia!
By his rising we are free from the fear of death.
Alleluia!
By his love we are made new in the living and enduring Word of God.
Alleluia! Thanks be to God!
HYMN: "Christ Arose"
PRAYER TIME*
Let us unite our hearts in prayer, saying,
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the church throughout the world, that as we celebrate the great 50 days of Easter we may renew our faith and strengthen our witness in Jesus’ name.
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For governments and leaders—globally and locally—that they may resist the corruption of sin and serve the common good;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For our planet Earth, that all people may be good stewards of its resources and share in its abundance;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the poor and the immigrant, that they may receive a place of refuge and hope, and that the church may offer the hospitality the first disciples offered to Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35);
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For the sick and those in distress, that they may find healing for their pain and be restored to fullness of life;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For our neighbors, that we may live together in peace and share in our resources;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
For our enemies, that they may receive good things, and that we, your servants, not return evil for evil;
God of resurrection, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, receive these prayers we offer, and by the power of your Holy Spirit make us witnesses to the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, through whom we pray, and who taught us to pray saying…
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Galatians 5:13-15,22-25; Philippians 2:1-4
MEDITATION
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
This passage about the fruits of the Spirit begins with “By contrast…” (v.22 in NRSV). How are Love and Joy a contrast to other behaviors that people might display?
How might the fruits of the Spirit enhance the well-being of the community?
Where have you noticed an example of Love/Joy this week?
OFFERINGS
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
HYMN: "Joy of the Lord"
SENDING BLESSING
May the grace of Jesus our risen Lord, the love of God who raised him from the dead, and the power of the Holy Spirit who fills the world with new life bless and keep you.
*(adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost, p. 121-123).