Worship Service April 18, 2021

PRESENTER: Kathy Soloski
RESOURCES:
Whole People of God; Gathering; Rev. Wanda Winfield; Rev. Dr. Robert Pace; Spirit-net.ca

Let us worship together as we read! You can follow along with the service which will be livestreamed on Facebook at 10AM Sunday morning.  

For those who are not on Facebook, we will be posting the video onto our YouTube channel early in the week.

WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, MINUTE FOR MISSION

CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: Walking along the road, fishing, eating a meal; in the ordinary, everyday things, the disciples met the risen Christ.                                                                    All: Jesus is present among us.
One: Everything written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms has come true. We do not need to feel alone or confused. Jesus will always be with us.  All: Jesus is present among us.
One: Jesus loved his disciples, and Jesus loves us, too.                                              All: Jesus is present among us.
One: Let us praise God on this wonderful day!                                                        All: Amen! Alleluia! 

OPENING PRAYER:                                                               
All: Open our minds, open our hearts, open our lives to your life-giving and life-changing word.  Open us to meeting you this day.  Amen.

HYMN: 
Voices United #415 - God, We Praise You for the Morning 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION:                                                   
All: In this world, it is easy to be deceived. Noise bombards us from every side: advertising, conflicting stories on the internet, gossip, social media, and newscasts constantly try to sway our minds. Sometimes, O God, we are overwhelmed, and we take the easy road, choosing to ignore the difficulties of life and latching onto a phrase or sound bite that appeals to us. Sometimes we want to hold onto a belief even when we know it is no longer true. Sometimes we shut our ears and our hearts to your call to explore what is real in our midst. Loving God, we are sorry, and ask your forgiveness. Give us strength to meet each day afresh, and to open ourselves to your truth, even when it can be hard to take it in. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                                           
One: “Know this: God takes personal care of the faithful. God hears us when we cry out.” Whenever we turn to God in faith, God hears us.
All: God forgives us and God loves us. Always. Thanks be to God.   Amen.   

GOD’S WORD TO US:
Acts 3:12-19                                                                                       
1 John 3:1-7                                                                                   
Luke 24:36-48

MESSAGE:
How can we understand the beginning when we don’t know the end?

A NEW CREED:
Voices United p. 918

OFFERING INVITATION                                               

DEDICATION OF OFFERING:                               
All: Because of your generous love, O God, the earth gives of its bounty to us.  Accept this little in return, given with love, given with hope, given with deep desire, that your way may take the place of the way of the world.  Amen.           

JOYS AND CONCERNS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER  

HYMN: 
Voices United #232 - Joyful, Joyful We Adore You

BLESSING & SENDING FORTH:                             
All: As you enter the world again, prepare to meet Christ on the way, in your homes, at work or play, in sadness and in joy, in your neighbour.  Walk with heart and self wide open to receive and share Christ’s love and grace.  Amen.