The last month brought drastic changes to our world and nation, to our city, our congregation, and our individual lives. As we’ve struggled to keep up with it all, we have been left fearful and worried, anxious and confused, and wondering what will come next.
Those might be just the attitudes that we need in order to truly grasp the good news of the resurrection that comes to us this day.
In the midst of all that troubles us, there is good news this day—and we are called into the future even now.
SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10
SERMON: “Easter When Everything Is Out of Place”
The Rev. William Lovin preaching
Duet: “The Lord Is Risen” Arthur Sullivan
Kristin and Josh Ramseyer
The first hymn, "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today" will allow us to sing along with a recording of the choir, brass, and organ from Easter, 2019.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
30 N. CLINTON ST.
IOWA CITY, IA 52245
319-337-4301
WORSHIP FOR APRIL 12, 2020
EASTER SUNDAY
PRELUDE “Prelude and Fugue in F major” J.S. Bach
EASTER GREETING AND WELCOME
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come out of shadows into light.
Come out of grief into joy.
Come out of fear into hope.
In Christ we are called by name,
liberated to love,
empowered to serve.
Christ who was dead
Is raised to life
Christ who suffered
Has overcome the world
[Unison]
We rise, risen Christ, to greet you.
HYMN 123 (vs. 1-3) “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
Congregational UCC Choir, Brass, and Organ—Easter 2019
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing Alleluia!
unto Christ our heavenly King, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
now above the sky he's King, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
OPENING PRAYER
We want to greet you, O God, with joy today, but we come still filled with trepidation and fear.
We long for the world to be set back in place so we can recognize it again as the world we knew.
We want to see each other face to face and to be among others once more.
Astonish us again with your resurrection story.
Remind us of the presence of its power that sustains us from one challenge to another.
Give us the faith that can find the common course to overcome these present hardships and overwhelming troubles.
Help us to remember that nothing in the past, present, or future can separate us from your love.
With such trust, all our days will be good and filled with joy. Amen.
TIME FOR CHILDREN
SCRIPTURE LESSON Colossians 3:1-4
PSALM 118:1-2, 14, 19-24
Give thanks to God, who is good,
whose mercy endures forever.
Let Israel now proclaim,
“The mercy of God endures forever.”
God is my strength and my song
and has become my salvation.
Open for me the gates of righteousness
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to God.
“This is the gate of the Lord;
those who are righteous may enter.”
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me
and have become my salvation.
The same stone which the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is God’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the Lord has acted;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
SECOND LESSON Matthew 28:1-10
SERMON “Easter When Everything Is Out of Place”
A TIME OF GRATITUDE
DUET “The Lord Is Risen” Arthur Sullivan
Kristin and Josh Ramseyer
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN “Thine Is the Glory”
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son:
endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won;
angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Refrain:
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son;
endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom;
let the church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing,
for the Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting. [Refrain]
No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life;
life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife;
make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love:
bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. [Refrain]
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “Prelude in G major” J.S. Bach
The flowers this morning were given by Tom Mittman and Laurie Stunz and by Sharyn and John Reitz in memory of all past members of Congregational UCC.
Thanks to everyone who gave so generously to our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering. This offering has long been an important part of the life of our congregation. Your gifts will empower, provide water, supply food, and give relief from disasters. If you were not able to give last week, you can still do so. Please write “OGHS” on your check.