Call to Worship

         This past month has been filled with "lamentation." It’s appropriate, then, to begin worship with words from a book in the Bible by that very name. Within these verses, however, is found a note of "hope" and "salvation," the melody of God’s "steadfast love" and "mercy." Listen:
         "The thought of my affliction and my homelessness is wormwood and gall! My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."    (Lamentations 3:19-26)
         On this global communion Sunday, believers around the world (many of whom know what "affliction and homelessness" is all about better than we do) stand in the resurrection power of the One who died for us. With them let’s sing an Easter song, which begins in the depths and rises by faith. Low in the grave Jesus lay, yes! But up from that grave Christ arose!
         Get up and sing, sisters and brothers, with all your heart, soul, and mind. #273

Opening Prayer

         O God, who rolled away the stone and raised your Son from death, may the power of your resurrection lift this world from the darkness which threatens to engulf it. Fill us - who stand alongside those, all around the world, who believe in your Son - fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might rise in faith from the destructive power of sin.
         O God, who parted the water that the Israelites might cross over from slavery to a new life in covenant with you, help us to step into the water ourselves, that we might move past our sin and into your new covenant in Christ. Today we lay our "sword" down by the water’s edge, immerse ourselves in your steadfast love and mercy, and rise as those who know that you have already won the war, that "death has been swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54, Isaiah 25:8 LXX).
         We lift up our united voice in praise, with all our heart. In you we will find the source of all our joy. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Baptismal Vows

         Today you are being received into this community of faith and into the Church of the Brethren. As part of the whole church of Jesus Christ, we offer you our rich heritage and invite you to share fully in our life and mission.
         As you are received into this congregation, we intend to be a true family of faith to you. We commit ourselves to be for you a loving fellowship, to be a means of grace in your life, and to offer opportunities for worship, study, and service. One of the happiest times in our life as a church is when new people choose to become members. We welcome you with joy.

         Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive and trust him as your Savior and Lord?    (I do.)

         Will you turn away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live according to the example and teachings of Jesus?   (I will.)

         Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service?   (I will.)

Congregation's Response:
         With joy we receive you as part of thus congregation. With you we renew and reaffirm our vows of faith. We promise to surround you with the love and encouragement that will enable you to grow strong in compassion, vigorous in service, and sure in the way of Christ.

pp. 135-138, For All Who Minister (A Worship Manual for
the Church of the Brethren), ©1992, The Brethren Press

Prayer of the People

ALL:  Listening God,
                you hear our prayers before we speak,
                      yet welcome our praying;
                therefore we come with confidence
                      to lay our requests before you.

Leader:  We pray for Christian everywhere,
                    for our denomination and our congregation,
                    for faithfulness and strength to persevere in righteousness.
              We pray for the whole people of God.

People:  Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:  We pray for the nations of the world,
                    for all leaders
                    and for those who make policy decisions.
              We pray for the commonwealth of our global community.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:  We pray for those who are overcome by violence,
                    for victims of injustice or oppression,
                    and for those in poverty or pain,
              We pray for all who need healing and peace.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:  We pray for those who endure trials,
                    for those who are dying,
                    and for those who mourn.
              We pray for all who need comfort and hope.

People: Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader:  You have heard the prayers of your people, O God.
              We rest in the comfort of your care,
                     as we pray in Jesus' name.

ALL:  AMEN

#720,  ©1992 The Hymnal Project

Baptisms

         (Name), upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

         O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name). May (she/he) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (her/him) to guide and to empower. Enable (her/him) to walk in newness of life, using (her/his) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

pp. 137-138, For All Who Minister (A Worship Manual for
the Church of the Brethren), © 1992, The Brethren Press

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

         Again, the apostle Paul wrote, "Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace." (2 Timothy 1:8-9)
         Do you trust him? Are you willing to step out into God’s "holy calling," into "his own purpose and grace?" You can respond, yes with your tithes and offerings just now. You can further respond with how you live this coming week. Don’t live as one ashamed, but live by faith! ... Will the ushers come forward to serve.

Benediction

         As Christ burst forth from the tomb, may new life burst forth from us and show itself in acts of love and healing to a hurting world. And may that same Christ, who lives forever and is the source of our new life, keep your hearts rejoicing and grant you peace this day and always. Amen.

pp. 50, For All Who Minister (A Worship Manual for
the Church of the Brethren), © 1992, The Brethren Press