UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org

Easter Sunday

All who are comfortably able are invited to stand at those

places in the service indicated by an asterisk*

We ask you to please turn off all telephones and electronic devices.

We Gather to Worship God

and

Celebrate the Resurrection

PRELUDE “In Thee Is Gladness” (J.S. Bach) Karen Mohr

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

We would like to welcome all of you who have gathered with us today for worship. We come from many places to this time and place. From our varied and hectic lives, we gather in this sacred space, as a community to be challenged, to give thanks and to worship. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here.

GATHERING MUSIC Senior Choir

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Mary Magdalene was seeking for her LORD.

People: We too seek for the Risen Christ.

Leader: Through her tears, Mary asked where she might find her Savior.

People: And Jesus called her by name- and she recognized him.

Leader: Suddenly she knew – Christ is risen. Alleluia!

People: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia

*HYMN “Christ The Lord Is Risen” #130

*PRAYER

Gracious God, when we call to you, too often we do not expect you to respond to us. Forgive us for those times when we do not listen. Our despair, grief, anger, fear, and busyness too often blocks us from hearing your voice. Speak to us again. Help us to be more open to your answers to our cries. Call us by name. Restore our hope. You, who raised Jesus from death, raise us also to new life. Amen.

*PASSING THE PEACE

Be open to new life as we share the peace of Christ. Look for restored relationships, renewed faith, hope and the peace of Christ in one another.

New life blossoms among us. We rejoice in the glad news: Christ is Risen!

Jesus calls us by name. As we share the peace of Christ, call one another by name. UCC Neillsville, the peace of Christ be with you.

Pastor Jacoba, the peace of Christ be with you.

(All are invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying to them " Name, the peace of Christ be with you" and responding "name and also with you.")

*OUR RESPONSE OF JOY ”Hallelujah"

Halle, halle, hallelujah, Halle, halle, hallelujah.

Halle, halle, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

We Listen for News of the Resurrection

CHILDREN’S TIME “Called by Name”

SONG OF PRAISE Choir Anthem

“Glory to the Risen Lamb!” (Shafferman/Larson)

SCRIPTURE READING John 20:1-18

SERMON “For Whom Are You Seeking?”

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

We Respond To God’s Faithfulness

HYMN “In the Garden” (pg. 6 bulletin)

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO OFFERING

THE OFFERTORY Karen Mohr

“Awake Thou Wintry Earth” (J.S. Bach)

*THE DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God for all that love has done;

Creator, Christ and Spirit One. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

The Sacrament of Holy Communion¹

THE INVITATION

Pastor: Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the week Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at table with two of his disciples, and was made known in the breaking of the bread.

All: (Singing) Jordan

This is the joyful feast of the people of God—

Men and women, youth and children,

come from the east and the west,

From the north and the south—

and gather about Christ’s table.

Pastor: This table is for all Christians who wish to know

the presence of Christ and to share in the community

of God’s people.

THE COMMUNION PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Pastor: God be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to God.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to God Most High.

People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Pastor: We give you thanks God … we praise and magnify your holy name singing—

THE SANCTUS SUNG Jordan ALL: Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty,

the whole universe speaks of your glory, O God most High. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God! Hosanna in the highest.

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE CONSECRATION OF THE ELEMENTS

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

THE BREAKING AND THE POURING

THE SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Alleluia! Christ our Passover is offered for us. Alleluia!

The United Church of Christ practices open communion. People of all ages who confess Jesus Christ as Savior are welcome. Today we will receive the elements at the altar. Take the bread (gluten free wafers also available) and dip it in the cup, or take the bread, eat it and then take one of the small cups. The silver chalices contain wine. The pottery chalices contain grape juice. Light colored glasses contain juice and dark glasses contain wine. Youth will receive your empty cups at side aisles as you return to your pews. Anyone who would like to receive the elements in the pew is asked to raise their hands as the servers come nearby.

*THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

We thank you Holy God, for this meal where we have known the presence of the living Christ. Help us to hear your voice; help us to feel your love and peace. Send us out in Easter joy to glorify you through Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Savior. Amen.

*HYMN "The Day of Resurrection” #136

*THE BENEDICTION

*CHORAL RESPONSE "Christ is Risen"

Soar we now where Christ has led. Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Our the cross, the grave the skies, Alleluia!

*POSTLUDE Karen Mohr

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World in Easter Joy

¹Adapted from Book of Worship ©2002 by permission of the United Church of Christ, Local Church Ministries, Worship and Education Ministry Team.

Announcements

Welcome

We are glad you came to celebrate the resurrection of Christ on this Easter morning. We rejoice in your presence and hope that you will experience God’s love and new life in Christ. We look forward to worshipping with you again.

Note: You will find the attendance folders in the pews on the center racks of every pew - please take time to fill out the attendance sheet including your full address and return them to the side aisles, ushers will collect them during the last hymn. Thank you.

Radio Broadcast Sponsors – Today the radio broadcast portion of our worship service is given by Pastor Jacoba Koppert; Happy Easter Wishes to all who listen to us on the radio. Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!

Today: No Fellowship Coffee Hour.

Calendar

Monday, April 22 – Newsletter Week; (Articles for Newsletter in the office by Tuesday, April 23)

6:30-7:30 p.m. Nar-anon.

Wednesday, April 24 – 3:30 p.m. CD’s & Confirmands.

Next Sunday, April 28 – 1^st Quarterly Congregational Meeting; Spaghetti Luncheon (Free Will Offering); Final Bids on “Silent Auction.” Note: Sign-up on the bulletin board if you plan on coming to the Spaghetti Luncheon.

General Synod 32 June 21-25 – 20

Volunteers are needed to help out at the General Synod. (Check out the following page) This would be a great opportunity to learn about the UCC and see our diversity. If you have any questions – contact Sue Vornholt 715-797-4031. If you need help in registering on-line, she will help you out.

Also check out the flyer on the bulletin board for the opportunity to go to the General Synod by bus for only $20.00.