Call to Worship

         Though today is the "week after" Easter, we continue to sing God’s resurrection song. Let’s begin our worship this morning with another version of what happened on the first Easter, as told by the gospel storyteller Mark. Listen.

Read Mark 16:1-8

         May we, unlike those first witnesses, not be so silenced by "terror and amazement" at the empty tomb that we fail to go and tell that "Christ the Lord is risen." May we proclaim that He is alive, not just 2,000 years ago, or even last week, but "today!"
         Please stand and sing!

Opening Prayer

         O God who rolled away the stone from the tomb, push aside those things that get in the way of worship today - be it our pride, or anger, or fear, or any of a multitude of other sins which get in the way of resurrection. O God whose angel pointed the way to see Jesus, help us to open our eyes and behold his presence before us every step ahead. There is no place you send us that he is not there first.
         We praise you as those who are not alone, for your Holy Spirit is our constant companion, lifting up our sagging spirits, empowering us to live the resurrection life your Son made possible. Guide us this hour, this day, this week - that at every moment we might know, and go, and tell that "Christ the Lord is risen ... Alleluia!" Amen.

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

         Another resurrection Bible story for this "week after" Easter. This one takes place on the road to Emmaus. Two disciples have begun a sad journey, disappointed over the crucifixion and confused but rumors of an empty tomb. A stranger joins them along the way, listens to their tale, and opens a door to the scriptures - that reveal the Messiah. Listen to how this story ends:

Read Luke 24:28-35

                  Please pray with me.
         Lord, like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we can be slow learners. Just now, in the "breaking" open of our wallets and purses to place our "bread" into the plate being passed, may you be made known to us. After all, it’s not what we are doing that matters. It’s what you are doing. As our eyes are opened, may we go and tell. Amen.
                  Will the ushers come forward to serve?

Congregational Response

Leader: These persons now presented to you
                 have witnessed to their faith in Jesus Christ
                 and offer themselves as companions in our obedience to Christ.
              It is our privilege and joy to welcome them into our family of faith.

People: We freely receive you, even as Christ has received us.
             We open ourselves to fellowship with you
                    in worship, study, service, and discipline.
             We pledge our willingness to give and receive counsel,
                    to offer and accept forgiveness in the redeemed community.
             We joyfully accept you as partners,
                    both in the care of our spiritual family,
                    and in our mission to the world.

#794 - by John H. Mosemann, adapted from The Mennonite Hymnal,
copyright©1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House.