Dear friends,
THIS SUNDAY the Rev. Linda Faith Chalk will be leading us in worship.
30 NOW JESUS DID MANY OTHER SIGNS in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:30-31). The sermon title asks a question – What is belief? We all believe something, either we have faith that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and we take Scripture at its word or we hear from time to time some half-formulated approach to the universe, someone saying: “I believe in the universe” as a quasi-substitute for the living God. John’s gospel is different. It is a gospel of signs. John lays out a picture of Jesus and his ministry which differs from the other three Gospels in our New Testament. John comes at the question of “who is Jesus” from a different angle. He is deep in his thinking and his questions are searching, his words revealing. On this second Sunday of Easter, it would be inviting to get caught up with Thomas, who has been given the nickname “doubting Thomas”, whereas the gospels paint a fuller picture of Thomas. Do you believe? Not in the sense of embracing a creed, but rather in the sense of letting the “shalom” peace of God fill you to overflowing as the Holy Spirit continues to lead you in your ever widening realization of the depth of God’s love for you and his grace, mercy and peace.
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Hymn 255: “Now let the vault of heaven resound”
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Time
Hymn 260: “Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 118:14-29
Gloria Patri
Acts 5:27-32
John 10:19-31
Sermon: “What is belief?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 243: “Jesus Christ is risen today” (vs 2&3 en français)
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn: “I Believe” (Tune 483)
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude