FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
WELCOME TO OLDTOWN
North Attleborough, MA — April 1, 2018
Easter Sunday
Pastor & Teacher: The Rev. Kelly Thibeault
Pianist: Mrs. Joyce Sheppard
Welcome to the Oldtown Church!
We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us today. We invite you to join in on the bold print in the bulletin and to stand as you are able any time you see a “*”. The restrooms are out the back door of the sanctuary to the right, as is the nursery in case your little one needs a walkabout. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please join us for coffee and refreshments after worship!
Please remember to mute your devices during worship.
WE PREPARE
PRELUDE
INTROIT — “Alive, Alive”
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
TIME OF CENTERING — “Were You There”
CALL TO WORSHIP
This is the good news – the grave is empty; Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
This is the good news – the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out!
Let the light shine, Alleluia!
This is the good news – once we were no people; now we are God’s people.
We gather here as the family of God, Alleluia!
Friends, we have a lot to celebrate.
Let our praises fill the air! Alleluia!
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
*HYMN C#216 — “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!”
*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,
To reach out and touch Him and say that we love Him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.
WE LISTEN
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Matthew 28:1-8
SERMON
WE RESPOND
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and 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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
SONG OF PRAISE — “Easter People, Raise Your Voices”
*THE DOXOLOGY — “Old Hundredth”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above, ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
SONG OF PREPARATION — “Come to the Table”
THE SACRED STORY
THE INVITATION
THE BLESSING OF THE ELEMENTS
SHARING OF THE BREAD & CUP
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Gracious God, we thank you for this meal and for all of the ways you nourish us. Grow in us that we may nourish others. Sustain us as we press toward the goal of your call in Christ Jesus. Amen.
*SENDING HYMN C#226 — “He Lives”
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
Sent forth by God’s blessing, our true faith confessing,
The people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The service is ended, O now be extended
The fruits of our worship in all who believe.
The seed of the teaching, receptive hearts reaching,
Shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us, and love shall unite us,
To work for God’s realm and to answer the call.
POSTLUDE
Please join us for coffee and fellowship in Maxcy Hall following worship!