Fourth Sunday of Easter
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. Add a piece of white fabric, a cross or bright spring flowers, like lilies to complete your worship center.
Welcome
Musical Meditation:
Focus
Lighting the Christ Candles We light our candles or lights.
Call to Worship We read together responsively.
(A call to worship based on Acts 2:42-47)
We Christ's church:
We come together to
worship.
Christ has given us his Word:
We come together to
learn from Christ the Risen Lord.
Christ has filled us with his power:
We go out to bring
others to him.
Christ has called us together as family:
We come together in the spirit of prayer to
share our lives.
Christ has put his words on our lips:
We go out to tell the
world about him.
Christ has given us his Spirit:
We come together in heart and soul to
celebrate.
He
has showered us with his riches:
We reach out to share
his goodness with others.
Christ has freed us from our past:
Together we
move forward.
Christ has given us a vision of love, grace and wholeness:
We live our lives embracing the love and goodness of Christ our savior.
We
are Christ's church:
We come together to be Christ's body in the world today.
Invocation We pray together in unison.
Mighty God,
in whom we know the power of redemption,
you stand among us in the shadows of our time.
As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,
uphold us with knowledge of the final morning
when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,
we will share in his resurrection,
redeemed and restored to the fullness of life
and forever freed to be your people. Amen.
Scripture:
Acts 2:42-47 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds[a] to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home[b] and ate their food with glad and generous[c] hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sermon
Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home[b] and ate their food with glad and generous[c] hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Kathy Sharp and Gwynne Griffith.
Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.
The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.
Prayer of Thanksgiving "The 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Prayers of the People
O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection,
teaching them to love all people as neighbors.
As his disciples in this age,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe
in which we are privileged to live
and our neighbors with whom we share it.
*That the Risen Lord shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.
Let us pray to the Lord.
*That God build up the Church in holiness and faithfulness.
Let us pray to the Lord.
*That the Lord guide our feet in the way of peace.
Let us pray to the Lord.
*That the praise of God fill the whole world.
Let us pray to the Lord.
*That the gentle hand of God protect all our brothers, sisters, neighbors and strangers as we work together to overcome and heal from the virus and pandemic.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Open our hearts to your power moving
around us and between us and within us,
until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy,
in communities transformed by justice and compassion,
and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.
Challenge for Discipleship
Blessing We speak in unison.
All Voices:
The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us. We abide in peace! Amen.
