April 14, 2024

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Guest Preacher: Kurt B. Crays, CEO - Erie United Methodist Alliance Organist: James Ross Prelude - Scherzoso- Joseph Rhineberger Gathering at the Gate Welcome *Call to Worship (based on Luke 24:36-43) Leader: What is it like to literally not have a home, a place to lay your head at night? “Homeless” can also mean a sense of not feeling “at home,” lacking a feeling of belonging, feeling alone even in the midst of others. So many in this world are isolated. How can we find, and offer each other, “home” with the assurance of the presence of God and a beloved community? People: Rise up in us and we will rise From death into a newfound life: From bondage freed, from harm released, From illness healed, as one in peace. When all is lost our hearts are warmed, Our hope restored, our lives transformed. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Leader: Jesus appeared among the disciples again. He stood among them and said: “Peace be with you.” Yet, the disciples were terrified. They thought they were seeing a ghost. People: Centering our hearts and minds in peace is a way to feel calm within. We learn to still ourselves to be open to unimaginable possibilities. Leader: Jesus asked: “Why are you frightened and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” People: Doubts play an important role in our faith journey. Facing our uncertainties allows room for our hearts and minds to be filled with healing narratives. Leader: “Touch me and see,” Jesus invited, as he offered his pierced hands and feet. Yet, the disciples — even in the midst of their joy — felt disbelief. People: Sometimes we are presented with signs of hope long before we realize we are not abandoned. Our hearts rejoice, yet our minds still wonder at what we have seen. Leader: Jesus asked if they had anything to eat, and the disciples shared a piece of fish, which Jesus ate while in their presence. All: Jesus frequently shows us how to create community in the midst of feeling lost. We can form communities of sustenance and belonging. We are not alone – we are found – when we share Christ’s call to peace. Leader: This is a Word of Hope for the people who long for it. All: Thanks be to the Living Word. *Opening Hymn "What A Friend We Have in Jesus” #526 *Opening Prayer Leader: "Christ is Risen!" All: “He is risen indeed!” We repeat our Easter shouts of surprise and joy again and again, for news of your victory over powers of death and evil is news so startling so amazing so different from the news that bombards us day by day. Beyond our comprehension You startle us again and again with resurrection Life, bringing grace and hope and joy. You, in your risen power, are shaping all our days, and so we praise you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Confession of Faith: The World Methodist Social Affirmation #886 Gloria Patri Children's Chat Music Ministry and Offertory - Meditation on Need-George Brandon Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude Proclaiming Home Scripture Mark 12:28-31 Sermon: “Won't You Be My Neighbor?” Responding to Being Found Joys/Concerns Hymn "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" #301 Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer Closing Hymn “I Love to Tell the Story” #156 vs 1-5 Verse 5: The Savior of our stories has brought his peace to you; now go and tell the story, for others need it too. To ev'ry one who’s hurting ring out the gospel call; proclaim that Christ is risen and grants his peace to all. Unlocking Home Action Steps & Benediction Postlude - Fanfare - Gilbert Martin The flowers on the altar today are given in loving memory of Ella Mae and Bob Finney Sr. by Anne Finney. Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [email protected]