ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
THE FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
215 MIDDLE ROAD, HAZLET, NJ 07730
(* indicates to stand if you are able)
Sunday, April 4; Easter Sunday
VOTUM AND SALUTATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 118)
Leader: O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
People: His steadfast love endures forever!
Leader: The Lord is our strength and my might;
People: He has become our salvation!
Leader: There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the faithful;
People: The right hand of the Lord is exalted!
Leader: We shall not die,
People: But we shall live, recounting the deeds of the Lord.
Leader: The Lord saw fit to punish, but did not give us over to death;
People: But opened the gates of righteousness; that we may pass through and give thanks.
Leader: This is the Lord’s doing;
People: It is marvelous in our eyes!
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made;
All: Let us rejoice, and be glad in it!
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
All: Holy God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption. And by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, so that we may live forever in your resurrection. Open for us the gates of everlasting life, and welcome us to rejoice together in your holy kingdom. We pray this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*HYMN OF PRAISE “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia!
Our triumphant holy day, Al-le-lu-ia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Al-le-lu-ia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Al-le-lu-ia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Al-le-lu-ia!
Unto Christ our heavenly King, Al-le-lu-ia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Al-le-lu-ia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Al-le-lu-ia!
But the pains which he endured, Al-le-lu-ia!
Our salvation have procured, Al-le-lu-ia!
Now above the sky he's King, Al-le-lu-ia!
Where the angels ever sing, Al-le-lu-ia!
Sing we to our God above, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise eternal as his love, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise him, all ye heavenly host, Al-le-lu-ia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Al-le-lu-ia!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
(Remain in place and greet your neighbors with a sign of Christ's peace)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God of all hope and joy, we confess that we continue to live in fear. You walk with us in our sorrow, yet we fail to recognize you. You show us that Christ is risen, yet doubts persist in our hearts. Forgive us, God of grace. Open our hearts and minds to understand and believe the good news of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Responsive Hymn) - Hear our prayer O Lord. Hear our prayer O Lord. Incline thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (1 Peter 1:3-4)
All: “Praise be to God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW – Matthew 5:43-45a
“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
HYMN FOR ILLUMINATION (seated) “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON HYMN “In the Garden”
I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
I'd stay in the garden with him though the night around me be falling,
But he bids me go; through the voice of woe his voice to me is calling.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
SCRIPTURE READINGS – Isaiah 25:6-9
John 20:1-18
THE MORNING MESSAGE - “Risen Lord of All and One“
*OFFERTORY PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY
*APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God the Father, almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried.
The third day he rose from the dead
He ascended into heaven
And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting. Amen.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Let us break bread together on our knees; Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees; Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees; Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty
to give thanks to you at all times and in all places,
O Lord our Creator,
almighty and everlasting God!
You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty.
You have given us life and being,
and preserve us by your providence.
But you have shown us the fullness of your love
in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ,
the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation.
For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you
we praise and bless you, O God.
With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Most righteous God,
we remember in this Supper
the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ
for the sin of the whole world.
In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again,
we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices.
Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray,
that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless
may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that, being joined together in him,
we may attain to the unity of the faith
and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord.
And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf,
and these grapes from many hills into one cup,
grant, O Lord, that your whole Church
may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
JOYS & CONCERNS – MORNING PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Lord’s Prayer – “sins / those who sin against us”)
*CLOSING HYMN “He Lives”
I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today;
I know that he is living, whatever others say;
I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I need him he's always near.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see your loving care,
And though my heart grows weary, I never will despair;
I know that he is leading through all the stormy blast,
The day of his appearing will come at last.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
*CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION
*CHORAL POSTLUDE: "Lord, Dismiss Us with your Blessing"
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace;
O direct us and protect us, traveling through this wilderness.
THE FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
215 MIDDLE ROAD, HAZLET, NJ 07730
(* indicates to stand if you are able)
Sunday, April 4; Easter Sunday
VOTUM AND SALUTATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 118)
Leader: O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
People: His steadfast love endures forever!
Leader: The Lord is our strength and my might;
People: He has become our salvation!
Leader: There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the faithful;
People: The right hand of the Lord is exalted!
Leader: We shall not die,
People: But we shall live, recounting the deeds of the Lord.
Leader: The Lord saw fit to punish, but did not give us over to death;
People: But opened the gates of righteousness; that we may pass through and give thanks.
Leader: This is the Lord’s doing;
People: It is marvelous in our eyes!
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made;
All: Let us rejoice, and be glad in it!
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
All: Holy God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption. And by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, so that we may live forever in your resurrection. Open for us the gates of everlasting life, and welcome us to rejoice together in your holy kingdom. We pray this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
*HYMN OF PRAISE “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Jesus Christ is risen today, Al-le-lu-ia!
Our triumphant holy day, Al-le-lu-ia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Al-le-lu-ia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Al-le-lu-ia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Al-le-lu-ia!
Unto Christ our heavenly King, Al-le-lu-ia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Al-le-lu-ia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Al-le-lu-ia!
But the pains which he endured, Al-le-lu-ia!
Our salvation have procured, Al-le-lu-ia!
Now above the sky he's King, Al-le-lu-ia!
Where the angels ever sing, Al-le-lu-ia!
Sing we to our God above, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise eternal as his love, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise him, all ye heavenly host, Al-le-lu-ia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Al-le-lu-ia!
PASSING OF THE PEACE
(Remain in place and greet your neighbors with a sign of Christ's peace)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God of all hope and joy, we confess that we continue to live in fear. You walk with us in our sorrow, yet we fail to recognize you. You show us that Christ is risen, yet doubts persist in our hearts. Forgive us, God of grace. Open our hearts and minds to understand and believe the good news of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Responsive Hymn) - Hear our prayer O Lord. Hear our prayer O Lord. Incline thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (1 Peter 1:3-4)
All: “Praise be to God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW – Matthew 5:43-45a
“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
HYMN FOR ILLUMINATION (seated) “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON HYMN “In the Garden”
I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
I'd stay in the garden with him though the night around me be falling,
But he bids me go; through the voice of woe his voice to me is calling.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
SCRIPTURE READINGS – Isaiah 25:6-9
John 20:1-18
THE MORNING MESSAGE - “Risen Lord of All and One“
*OFFERTORY PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY
*APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God the Father, almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried.
The third day he rose from the dead
He ascended into heaven
And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting. Amen.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
- INVITATION
- COMMUNION HYMN – “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Let us break bread together on our knees; Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees; Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees; Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
- COMMUNION PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty
to give thanks to you at all times and in all places,
O Lord our Creator,
almighty and everlasting God!
You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty.
You have given us life and being,
and preserve us by your providence.
But you have shown us the fullness of your love
in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ,
the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation.
For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you
we praise and bless you, O God.
With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Most righteous God,
we remember in this Supper
the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ
for the sin of the whole world.
In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again,
we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices.
Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray,
that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless
may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that, being joined together in him,
we may attain to the unity of the faith
and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord.
And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf,
and these grapes from many hills into one cup,
grant, O Lord, that your whole Church
may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
- WORDS OF INSTITUTION
- CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION
- PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
JOYS & CONCERNS – MORNING PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER
(Lord’s Prayer – “sins / those who sin against us”)
*CLOSING HYMN “He Lives”
I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today;
I know that he is living, whatever others say;
I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I need him he's always near.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see your loving care,
And though my heart grows weary, I never will despair;
I know that he is leading through all the stormy blast,
The day of his appearing will come at last.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives (he lives), He lives (he lives), salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.
*CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION
*CHORAL POSTLUDE: "Lord, Dismiss Us with your Blessing"
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace;
O direct us and protect us, traveling through this wilderness.