Join us for the Second Sunday of Easter at 915am (in-person and live stream when available)
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“Doubting Thomas Believes”
Thank you for worshiping online with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!
Order of Service
Worship Service Participants
- Rev. Scott Siefert
- Organist: Penny Rolf
- Choir: YOU!
Ringing of the Church Bell
Announcements
Greeting
Rev Scott: Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in that person, will bear much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.
Call to Worship
Rev Scott: We are gathered in the presence of the risen Christ, who remains with us for ever.
All: When we abide in the love of Christ, love, joy, and peace grow.
Rev Scott: We are rooted in Christ’s love that we may bear these fruits together with all God’s people.
All: With the faithful of every race, tribe, people, and nation we sing: Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, and might be to God for ever and ever. AMEN.
*Opening Hymn: “Fairest Lord Jesus” (The Hymnal #182)
Prayer of Invocation
Rev Scott: Holy God, the earth is full of your glory, and so we worship you. Our hearts are on fire with the awareness that Christ is with us, and so we thank you. Our fears have been calmed in the bright light of the Resurrection Day, and so we praise you. Do not leave us, we pray.
All: Let us abide for ever in the assurance of your love; through the grace of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Scott: With all the signs of new life in Christ around us, we still cling to our old ways. Let us confess to God and to one another. When we do not accept as our sisters and brothers in Christ those who are different from us, forgive us O God. When we oppose you by opposing those who disrupt our routines and challenge our assumptions, forgive us O God.
All: God, in your mercy, restore us to newness of life. Bind together your church universal through the coming of the Holy Spirit. Empower us to witness your courage to the presence of Jesus Christ among us. AMEN.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
Rev Scott: Take heart: God’s Spirit empowers us to move from the ways of death to the ways of new life. We are forgiven. Let us forgive one another in the joyful community of the risen Christ.
All: Thanks be to God!
Scripture Readings
Psalm 30 and John 20:19-31
Pastoral Meditation “Because He Lives”
Hymn of Response: “We Live by Faith and Not by Sight” (New Century Hymnal #256)
Prayers and Concerns
Joys – Concerns – Blessings
Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.
Silent Prayer – Pastoral Prayer – Lord’s Prayer
ALL: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.
Collection and Presentation of the Offering
Invitation to the Offering
Rev Scott: It is not the outward appearance or size of the gifts we have to share that matters to God. It is the loving generosity of our hearts that is closest to the heart of God. We are invited to give this day out of the abundance of our lives, from our heart, knowing that no matter the size of the gift that God knows our hearts.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: Generous God, You remind us that our cup overflows with your abundance. We do not take for granted all that You provide. Take these gifts and use them for the healing and tender care of our hurting world. May Your cup of love overflow and abide with the hurting, heartbroken, and forgotten, so that they may all be made whole. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “Crown Him With Many Crowns” (The Hymnal #176)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Wednesdays – Confirmation Class – schedule on website
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall and ZOOM
- TODAY – Worship and Gather Team Meeting – following worship
- Apr. 23rd – Consistory Team Meeting – following worship
- Apr. 30th – Fellowship & Coffee Hour – following worship
- Apr. 30th – Building & Grounds Team Meeting – following worship
Fruit of the Spirit. April focuses on world-wide food insecurity with donations to benefit Feed My Starving Children. A special collection vessel is at the entrance of the sanctuary. Thank to you everyone who participated in our All-Ages meal packing event. It was a wonderful way to spend our Saturday morning.
God uses everyone’s talents. Check out this month’s “Team Up” flier for ways to share your time and talents to inspire and uplift our community. Submit ideas and opportunities by the 25th of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com.
Bongards Market Helpers Needed. A variety of opportunities for all abilities are available. This is our 11th season and our biggest ministry program – Be part of the fun! Wednesdays, June to September. You pick dates/times that fit your schedule. Contact Vicki Moteelall at 612-710-0508.
Live Streaming. We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. If you can make a post on Facebook from your computer, you can do this. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.
Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our Facebook Page, St. John’s UCC of Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.
Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com.
For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
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St. John's United Church of Christ 
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