April 20, 2003

At the empty tomb,
we hear God's messenger proclaim
the good news of the resurrection:
"Jesus is not here.
He is going ahead of you.
You will see him."

Love dares
to break the bonds of death.
Let the celebration begin!

April 20, 2003
Easter Sunday

Gathering in Christ's name

Special Music - Quartet
Call to worship

Leader: Christ died for our sins.
People: But now Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Leader: Christ was buried.
People: But now Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Leader: Then Christ appeared - to Peter,
to the twelve, and to five hundred!
People: Now Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Hymn
Scripture reading Psalm 118:1-2,14-24
Hymn
Scripture reading Isaiah 25:1, 5-9
Hymn
Scripture reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Affirmation of Easter faith

Leader: with boldness we dare to proclaim our faith:
All: Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures.
He was buried and was raised on the third day.
Then he appeared to many. Alleluia!
Leader: The Lord is risen!
People: The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Children's Story
Hymn

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture Mark 16:1-8
Sermon "shock and awe"
Hymn

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering - Quartet
Announcements
Hymn
Benediction

Today

Worship Leader - Roy Hange
Sermon - Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music - Jeff Myers
Nursery - Michelle Heatwole
Children's Story - Lois Alderfer
Quartet - Dottie Scott, Mark Wenger, Lois Alderfer, and Tim Nissley

Announcements

You will find the retreat brochures in your mailboxes. If you do not have a mailbox there are extra brochures by the mailboxes or ask Libby or Maren for a copy. Please return the forms to Libby by May 4. Everyone attending Charlottesville Mennonite Church is welcome; it is fun and it is free.

The church yard sale is coming up. You may drop off your items at the church anytime after the worship service on Sunday, April 27. If you are able to help sort and set up on Wednesday or Thursday, April 30-31, please contact Maren. As a new feature this year we will gather on Friday evening for snacks, pricing of items and the "pre-sale sale" (also called "let's move it from my house to your house" church swapping).

The Fifth Annual Hymn Sing for Peace in Washington, DC will take place this year on May 3, 2003. We will meet and sing on the Reflecting Pool steps, in front of the Lincoln Memorial. This year, we will be graced with a prelude from the Eastern Mennonite High School Choir between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Then, all will gather to sing from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM.

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: VMBM President Loren Horst and his wife, Earlene, are celebrating the resurrection of our Lord with the believers in Lezhë, Albania, today. They will be completing a three-week administrative and ministry trip to Italy and Albania this week. Pray for safety as they travel.

Mennonite Mission Network: Praise God that Christ's resurrection and the hope of eternal life are celebrated today. Pray that special Easter celebrations throughout the world will give clear testimony to the power of the resurrected Lord.

Pray for Love Inc. as they continue to rebuild their services to those in need in the community after a challenging fall and winter. Listen to God to see how we can be part of these efforts.

Let us not cease to pray for Peace; let us pray for safety and wisdom for all those involved in Iraq.