April 24, 2022
2nd Sunday of Easter
Find this service at www.graceunitedthornbury.ca/live
Leading us today in Worship:
Worship Leader: Dr. Christopher Burton
Music Director: Dr. Christopher Burton
Lay Leader: Carol Clarke
~ Leader: regular font ~ All: bold font ~ Sung words: bold italics
PRELUDE:
Little Preludes (Selected) ~ J.S. Bach
GREETING: (2 Cor. 13:13) (Lay Leader)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
WELCOME:
Lighting of the Christ Candle:
Each new day reminds us of the light that dwells within us – the light of God has placed deep within our hearts.
We light the Christ candle, remembering that we are made of light and love, remembering that we are called to bring light and love to others and the world.
Thanks be to God!
Acknowledgement of the Traditional Territory:
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge, with respect, that we, wherever we worship in this country – do so on the traditional territory of the First Nations, the Métis and the Inuit Peoples, who were the stewards of this land long before colonization. We are all treaty people, and we commit ourselves to the ongoing work of building right relations with indigenous peoples of this land.
CALL TO WORSHIP:
I invite you to quiet your body and mind,
take a breath.
Focus on what you feel.
Feel your heart beat in your chest.
Feel the air as you breathe.
We are here, listening, waiting, hoping,
longing to sense, to feel to experience the Holy.
May it be so in this time of worship.
OPENING PRAYER:
In this space and time, we form community:
Like singing in unison with the strength of common word and action, and like singing in harmony with the depth and richness of different notes and themes.
The Christian church is about community:
And we ascribe to that tradition with the joys and struggles that come about in relationship.
We live in community:
Community with Great Spirit God and community with each other as people of the Spirit.
Let us worship together with God and with each other in our hearts and on our minds, in the building up of the community we are called to be, seeking to be one, just as Jesus prayed we would be.
HYMN: VU 240 Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
1. Praise, my soul, the God of heaven,
glad of heart your carols raise;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who, like me, should sing God's praise.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the Maker all your days!
2. Praise God for the grace and favour
shown our forebears in distress;
God is still the same forever,
slow to chide and swift to bless.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Sing our Maker's faithfulness!
3. Like a loving parent caring,
God knows well our feeble frame;
gladly all our burdens bearing,
still to countless years the same.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
All within me, praise God's name!
4. Frail as summer's flower we flourish;
blows the wind and it is gone;
but, while mortals rise and perish,
God endures unchanging on.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the high eternal one.
5. Angels, teach us adoration,
you behold God face to face;
sun and moon and all creation,
dwellers all in time and space.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise with us the God of grace!
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Easter made a world of difference to the disciples.
It makes a world of difference to us.
We are no longer bound by worn traditions
And the habits we long to leave behind.
Easter makes a world of difference to us.
We are able to see our family and friends in a fresh light.
We are open to forgive and to be forgiven.
Easter makes a world of difference to our church.
We are ready to praise from the heart,
And are freed to share the Good News with friends and strangers.
Easter brings new life to our world.
The selfish and powerful are seen for what they are,
and the crying needs of the poor come home to us.
Easter made a world of difference to the disciples.
It makes a world of difference to us.(time of reflection)
WORDS of ASSURANCE:
When we are able to hear the words of renewal and change,
the risen Christ is for us.
When we are able to put behind us the ways of lethargy and fear,
the risen Christ is beside us.
When we are ready to work with others to make a difference,
the risen Christ is with us.
God’s peace is your peace.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
God of the ages:
as we open the scriptures this day may we see a reflection of ourselves;
as we read these stories today may we hear your word to us;
as we encounter Christ may we know your love for us all.
Amen
SCRIPTURE:
Psalm : VU 837 Psalm 118:14-29 (Parts Two, Three, and Four)
Refrain
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
God is my strength and my song; God has become my salvation.
There are shouts of joy and deliverance in the tents of the righteous.
The right hand of God does mighty things; the right hand of God raises up.
The right hand of God does mighty things.
I shall not die, but live; and I shall proclaim what God has done.
God indeed punished me, but did not give me over to death.
Refrain
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Open to me the gates of the temple, that I may enter and give thanks to God.
This is the gate of God; through it the righteous shall enter.
I thank you for you have answered me; you have become my salvation.
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This is God’s doing, marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day that God has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Refrain
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Save us, O God, we pray;
God, we pray, give us success.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God.
We bless you from the house of God.
God, our God, has given us light;
with palm branches in hand let us march to the altar.
You are my God, and I will thank you;
You are my God, and I will extol you.
Refrain
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Second Reading (NRSV)
John 20: 19-31
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Jesus and Thomas
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe. A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
The Purpose of This Book
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
RESPONSE:
The word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
MUSICAL INTERLUDE:
All Sing
1. We are one as we come,
as we come, joyful to be here,
in the praise on our lips
there’s a sense that God is near.
We are one as we sing,
As we seek, we are found;
And we come needful of God’s grace
As we meet, together in this place.
Improvisation on the Hymn: C. Burton
SPECIAL MUSIC
Choir: VU 187 The Spring Has Come
1. The spring has come, let all the church be part of it!
The world has changed, and God is at the heart of it!
New light, new day, new colour after winter grey.
New light, new day,
The spring has come, let all the church be part of it!
2. The sun is warm, let all God’s children play in it!
The world expands, let’s spread the Gospel way in it!
New leaf, new thrust, new greening for the love of Christ.
New leaf, new thrust,
The sun is warm, let all God’s children play in it!
3. The spring has come, new people are the flowers of it.
Through wind and rain, new life is in the showers of it.
New bud, new shoot, new hope will bear the Spirit’s fruit.
New bud, new shoot,
The spring has come, new people are the flowers of it!
Ballade #4, Opus 52 ~ F. Chopin
Frédéric Chopin’s four ballades are single-movement pieces for solo piano, composed between 1831 and 1842. They are considered to be some of the most important and challenging pieces in the standard piano repertoire. There is no evidence to suggest that it is related in theme to any particular literary work, but certainly may create a narrative in the listener’s own mind.
Although the term ‘ballade’ was associated with the French poetry in the 1400s, it was not until the 19th century that it was no longer merely used by only poets to tell a story. Chopin composed his four ballades during his mature stage after he left his homeland Poland.
The Ballade No. 4 in F minor was composed in 1842 in Paris and Nahant, and revised in 1843. It is considered the greatest of the four and generally the epitome of romantic music, which can be compared to the ‘Mona Lisa’ in painting. It is not overstating to say so. This ballade captures almost all elements of musical ideas and human expressions with just the piano; it also summarizes Chopin’s lifetime creative experience.
HYMN: VU 253 Sing Your Joy
1. Sing your joy, proclaim God’s glory!
Rise and sing, the morning has come!
Bless our God and praise all creation;
song of the earth, and light from heaven:
God is alive! Hallelujah!
2. All the earth is filled with rejoicing,
light and life, the wonder of God!
Christ has triumphed! Risen for ever!
Joy of our hearts, and hope of our dreaming:
God is alive! Hallelujah!
3. May we learn to become your kingdom,
may we be your kindness and truth!
Love is our calling, gift of your presence;
children of God, and spirit of Jesus:
God is alive! Hallelujah!
4. Light our way, O God of the living,
may we learn to see with new eyes!
Jesus the Lord, our power and promise;
light for the blind, and food for the hungry.
God is alive! Hallelujah!
PROFESSION of FAITH: A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created
and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus,
crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
PRAYERS of the PEOPLE:
In this season of Easter we celebrate the Risen Christ. We commit ourselves to the ways of healing, justice, and peace. We especially remember the people of Ukraine, who continue to be victimized by the brutality of war. We pray for them and all vulnerable.
We pray for those made ill by COVID and wish them a speedy return to good health. We pray for sunshine and good weather, so that we may get out and enjoy Your great outdoors.
In the silence of our hearts, we name those especially close to our hearts, that we know (and You know) need our tender prayers. (Silence)
In the name of the One who is ever with us, we pray.
Amen
THE LORD’S PRAYER (Spoken, traditional words, VU 921)
As a child turns to a loving caregiver who watches over them, we turn in prayer to you O God, who are our heavenly parent, our mother,
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,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
We share the peace of Christ by typing in the chat box.
You may also think of one person with whom you would like to share the peace of Christ.
MUSIC for PASSING the PEACE:
Prelude in A Major ~ F. Chopin
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING:
Easter is a celebration of new life. Our offering each week helps to plant seeds of new life in our own church and community and around the world. On this Second Sunday of Easter, let us celebrate the new life given to us through Jesus' rising from the dead by passing on opportunities for new life to others.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION OF GIFTS AND SELF (CGPp.50)
We bring our gifts to you, God.
Here is the work of our hands,
and here is the love of our hearts.
Accept them and use them,
through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Donate online: www.graceunitedthornbury.ca, select “Give”
or contact the office by email: accounting@graceunitedthornbury.ca
or phone: 519-599-2438 to arrange a cheque pick-up, or an e-transfer
Mail: Grace UC, 140 Bruce St. S. PO Box 219, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
Care, Prayer, Share
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us by Zoom following this service for:
Coffee Hour
The link was sent out by e-blast.
HYMN: MV183 I’m Gonna Shout
1. I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna shout, shout, shout out my love for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today, at home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
2. I’m gonna raise, raise, raise up my hands for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna raise, raise, raise up my hands for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today, at home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
3. I’m gonna dance, dance, dance all around for Jesus, for Jesus!
I’m gonna dance, dance, dance all around for God’s most holy child!
For whatever I might do today, at home, at school, at work, at play,
I’ve got Jesus’ love deep down inside of me!
COMMISSIONING and BENEDICTION:
Go out with joy this Second Sunday of Easter. May the hope and power of this holy day strengthen you. Let your alleluias ring! Alleluia! Amen!
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen.
SUNG BLESSING : MV 95 How Deep the Peace
How deep the peace, the confidence, of those whose wrongs are forgiven.
How deep the peace, the confidence, of those whose hearts are healed.
POSTLUDE:
Improvisation Opus 84 No. 5 ~ G. Fauré
*****
RESOURCES USED
LITURGY SOURCES:
The following are used with permission:
- Prayer for Candle Lighting: Bob Root, Peterborough, Ont
- Call to Worship: Written by Jamie Miller, First U.C., Dryden, Ont. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2019, page 41.
- Opening Prayer: Peter Chynoweth, Cochrane, Alta.
- Prayer of Confession & Words of Assurance: Written by David Sparks, Summerland, B.C. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2016, page 41. Used with permission.
- Prayer of Illumination: Written by Beth W. Johnston, Hantsport P.C., Hantsport, N.S. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2016, page 42.Used with permission.
- Invitation to the Offering. Written by Allan Warren, St.George,Ont. Gathering, Lent/Easter 2016, page 43. Used with permission.
- Dedication of Offering CGP p.50
HYMNS and SUNG VERSES
-“Psalm response”: Words: Psalter. Refrain: Albert Ham ca. 1900. Public Domain
- “Praise, My Soul, The God of Heaven:” Words: Henry Francis Lyte 1834, alt., adapt. vv. 1-3, 5. Ecumenical Women's Center 1974. Music: John Goss 1869, Public Domain.
- “We Are One:” Words: Doreen Lanksbear-Smith 1988. Music: Jeeva Sam 1987, David Kai 1995. Words copyright © 1988 Doreen Lanksbear-Smith. Music copyright© 1995 Jeeva Sam. Arrangement copyright © 1995 David Kai.
- “Sing Your Joy:” Words: David Haas 1987. Music: David Haas 1987. Words and music copyright © 1987 G.I.A. Publications, Inc.. One License #608577
- “I’m Gonna Shout:” Words and music: Bruce Harding, 1998. Words and music copyright © 1998 by Bruce Harding. Used by permission. One License#608577
- “How Deep the Peace” Words: Lynn Bauman, 2000. Music: Linnea Good, 2004Words copyright © 2000 Lynn Bauman, from Ancient Songs Sung Anew: the Psalms as Poetry. Used by permission. Music copyright© 2004 Borealis Music, Used by permission.One License #608577
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES:
Scripture Passage from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
- Prelude: “Little Preludes” (Selected) J.S. Bach
- Musical Interlude: “Improvisation on a Hymn”, C. Burton
- Anthem: “The Spring Has Come;” Words: Shirley Erena Murray 1990. Music: Colin Gibson 1990. Words copyright © 1992 and music copyright © 1993 Hope Publishing CompanyOne License#608577
- Special Music: Ballade #4 Opus 52 F. Chopin
- Music for Passing the Peace: “Prelude in A Major”. F. Chopin
- Postlude: Improvisation Opus 84 No. 5 G. Fauré
