Easter Through Two Sets of Eyes
Remember Jesus does not forget us so let us not forget to be faithful which what he requires from us. “With God ALL things are possible.
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH
“A United Methodist Community”
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Easter Sunday
Theme
In an amazing reversal the one lifted up on the cross is lifted up to God's glory.
PRELUDE – Bryan O’Lone
WELCOME – Joan Thomas
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND SERVICE
* CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Dawn breaks. Light out of darkness. Life out of death.
All: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
One: Hope replaces doubt. Faith overcomes fear. Love transforms hate.
All: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
One: The light shines in the darkness. The darkness has not, and will not, overcome it.
All: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
One: God has made this new day. We rejoice and are glad in it. God's love is always with us.
All: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
*OPENING HYMN “Thine Be the Glory” UMH #30
Hymn of the Day NOT TO BE READ-FOR INFORMATION ONLY……….
Thine (Yours) Is the Glory
Originally a French text, this hymn may possibly stem from an earlier German Advent carol set to the same tune. The French text was first published in Chants Evangéliques (1885), and the English translation, by Richard Birch Hoyle, was published in Cantate Domino (1924). The tune Judas Maccabaeus is a revision of the chorus "See the Conquering Hero Comes" from Handel's oratorio of the same name. This makes an excellent processional for Easter Sunday. The use of brass and timpani will greatly enhance the presentation. Make sure that the accompaniment mirrors the text with appropriate dynamics - it is not just a loud hymn!
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE
ALL: God, with praise and thanksgiving we celebrate the amazing truth that you bring forgiveness and new life. The resurrection of Jesus proclaims that nothing can separate us from your love. We need this assurance, God, because there are times when, like those first disciples, we are afraid, hiding behind locked doors, unwilling or unable to declare our allegiance to Christ. We ask you to change and transform us. Roll away the heavy stones of guilt or regret or disappointment. Remove whatever it is that keeps us from achieving our potential to be Easter people - people who love you, who are loved by you, and who share your love with all people. Amen.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostle’s Creed” UMH #881
*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” UMH #70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen. Amen.
ANTHEM “” Praise Choir
The Reading from Acts – Introduction to the reading.
Acts 10:34-43 (NIV) Peter's sermon is a summary of the meaning of Christ's life and ministry. The message is given in the home of the Roman centurion Cornelius, an indication of the universality of God's offer of salvation.
Hear now the lesson:
Acts 10:34-43 (NIV2011) 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: THANKS BE TO GOD.
The Epistle Reading – Introduction to the Reading.
Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV) In the early church, those baptized donned new clothes to symbolize the death of their old ways and their new "life" in Christ and the transformation of a person's thinking and way of living.
Hear now the lesson:
Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV2011) 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: THANKS BE TO GOD.
The Gospel Reading – Introduction to the reading.
John 20:1-18 (NIV) To John the evangelist, Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are integral and connect parts of the story of God's redeeming love.
Hear now the lesson:
John 20:1-18 (NIV2011) 1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. 11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: THANKS BE TO GOD.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
MESSAGE “Easter Through Two Sets of Eyes” Pastor John Mitchell
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
The altar is open to anyone desiring to pray or make a fresh
Commitment to Christ.
*HYMN OF RESPONSE “Crown Him with Many Crowns” UMH #327
LOVING GOD THROUGH GIVING
OFFERTORY – Bryan O’Lone
DOXOLOGY UMH #95
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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER/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!
*Closing Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” UMH #302
*BLESSING & SENDING
POSTLUDE – Bryan O’Lone
Thought for the Day
Easter did not happen just once in the past. It happens every day.
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 NIV