EASTER FESTIVAL SERVICE
PRELUDE
*OPENING SENTENCES Bruce Sanguin, b. 1955
And on this day,
we gather to proclaim that
from the tomb of violence, crucifixion, and death,
Christ sheds his grave clothes,
like a butterfly sheds a cocoon.
He emerges, our winged hope,
an elegant embodiment
of a new vision for humanity.
*HYMN Christ the Lord is Risen Today 233
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE EASTER STORY from The Pilgrim Book of Bible Stories
*HYMN To You, O God, All Creatures Sing 17
SCRIPTURE READING
Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.
John 20:1-18
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us. Thanks be to God.
*HYMN Joy to the World! 132
SERMON Turning Rev. Kim P. Wells
UNISION PRAYER Susan Durber based on e.e. cummings, adapted
We thank you God for this amazing day,
when our hearts dance like the shining sun,
when all the world leaps with life
and the great, infinite wonders of the earth
shout their “yes!” to you.
We who have seen death,
who have heard the story of the cross
and sorrowed deep at the sharp agony of the world’s pain,
we have come to life again
in the life of your Son.
We thank you God for this amazing day,
when the evil in us lies down dead,
and the good in us is born again.
This is the birth day of life and love and goodness.
This is the amazing day,
when our Saviour, rose, when the earth released him,
when the heavens echoed the praise of earth, on this great day.
Alleluia! to our leaping, rising, lively, infinite, God. Amen.
*HYMN Because You Live, O Christ 231
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal is to:
- Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives & in our world.
- Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
- Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.
MORNING OFFERING and COMMUNION OFFERING
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory
Words of Dedication Australia
Risen Lord,
You walk through this earth
using the feet of very imperfect disciples;
may every race and generation take time to
look up and see you,
draw nearer, listen and worship,
and turn to follow you. Amen.
*PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Communion Prayer- Savior’s Prayer
Our Creator in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Blessing the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Meal
*HYMN Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ 347
* BENEDICTION based on Bruce Sanguin
Turn to Christ Jesus
who sheds his grave clothes,
like a butterfly sheds a cocoon.
And emerges, our winged hope,
an elegant embodiment
of a new vision for humanity.
*POSTLUDE
For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!
Annoncements
Communion This is a Communion Sunday. We are using the prepackaged individualcommunion servings. Please know that everyone iswelcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited toparticipate at the discretion of the adult(s) who have brought them.The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.
Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.
Pastor Away Kim Wells will be away from Wednesday 4/20-Thursday 4/28 to attend the memorial service for Betty Wells, Jeff’s mother. Rev. Victoria Long will be preaching Sunday 4/24. If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey.
April Book Talk Join in on Tuesday April 19 at 6:30 for an hour or so of engaging discussion about whatever folks are reading. You are sure to hear about something you really want to read! Everyone is welcome! Here’s the Zoom link: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648 Meeting ID: 270 068 3648
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. Celebration Outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear. (Men sizes 30, 32,34 and Women’s sizes 5,6, 7,8.) Also in high demand are socks of all kinds /sizes for both men & women. Other needed items are Deodorant & disposable razors.
See the Weekly Update for more information about: Mask Policy,Our Whole Lives Human Sexuality Training,USF Program on Preventing Dementia,How to Help Ukraine, and OA
Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
Lakewood United Church of Christ 