By popular demand (okay, two or three requests), I’m posting the services I conducted at Harpursville United Methodist Church and Ouaquaga Methodist Church yesterday. I did most of the talking, but I was admittedly outshone by tenor Tony Villecco, who graced both churches with a solo of “Because You Loved Me First,” and by the debut appearance of my new puppet pal, Moochacha. As far as I know, no one in the congregation whipped out a cell phone to record video of the proceedings, but my trusty digital voice recorder did supply audio.
The order of worship is reproduced below, with links to audio of individual elements. If you prefer to listen to a single audio file of the prayers, scripture readings, and sermon (no music, no puppet), click HERE.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Harpursville and Ouaquaga United Methodist Churches
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Second Sunday of Easter
Greeting and Announcements
Joys and Prayer Requests
Prayer of Petition
Gracious God, thank you for all your many blessings. You listen to each joyful prayer and respond to every cry of need. Comfort those whose concerns we’ve lifted up, aloud or in our hearts, that they may know your deep, sustaining love. We ask this in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Entrance Music/Lighting of the Candles
Call To Worship
One: Come to worship the living God!
Many: Our Creator, who offers to us the gift of eternal life.
One: Come to follow the risen Christ!
Many: Our Savior Jesus, who invites us to rise with him in triumph over death.
One: Come to encounter the Holy Spirit!
Many: Our Advocate and Guide, who leads us in the path of life.
All: We shall raise our voices in praise, thanks, and hope this day!
Hymn: Before Us, Alive (NSMS #17 score)
Unison Prayer
Almighty God, through your only Son you overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. Grant that we who celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, by the renewing of your Spirit, may arise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BOW #393)
Special Music by Tony Villecco Because You Loved Me First (NSMS #48 score)
Scripture Reading Acts 5:27–32
Psalter Psalm 150
Scripture Reading Revelation 1:4–8
Gloria Patri
Youth Message Sharing What We Know
Introducing Moochacha
Hymn: God Loved the World (NSMS #28 alternate score)
Gospel Reading John 20:19–31
Message The Gift of Knowing
Offering our Gifts to the Lord
Offertory Hymn: Freely, Freely
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, we are grateful for your generous provision. Accept our gifts of time, talent, and treasure, and guide your church to use our offerings wisely and well, for your work in the world. Amen.
Hymn: Go, and Tell the World (NSMS #54 score)
Benediction and Sending Forth
Closing Song
Harpursville – God Be With You Till We Meet Again (v. 1)
Ouaquaga – Amen