Fruitland United Methodist Church
May 22, 2022

Prelude

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude

Call to Worship
*Calling Song “We Are Singing” TFWS #2235-a
We are singing for the Lord is our light,
we are singing for the Lord is our light.
We are singing for the Lord is our light,
we are singing for the Lord is, is our light.
We are singing, singing,
we are singing, singing,
we are singing for the Lord is our light.
We are singing for the Lord is our light,
we are singing for the Lord is our light.

Responsive Reading from Psalm 67
Leader: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon the earth,  your saving power among all nations.
People: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Leader: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for your judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth.
People: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Leader: The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.
All: May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.
​
Unison Invocation
Heavenly Father, you taught the stars to sing yet the heavens cannot contain your glory. Nor can our words and music adequately carry our joy, our wonder, and our gratitude. Yet we come to this place at this time trying to find the words and the tunes to express and renew our gratitude. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Chorus of Praise “He Has Made Me Glad” TFWS #2270
I will enter his gates 
with thanksgiving in my heart, 
I will enter his courts with praise.
I will say, “This is the day 
that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice, for he has made me glad.

He has made me glad, 
he has made me glad.
I will rejoice, for he has made me glad.
He has made me glad, 
he has made me glad.
I will rejoice, for he has made me glad.

New Testament Readings Acts 16: 9-15
 Revelation 22: 1-9
 God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks Be To God

Hymn “All Who Hunger” TFWS #2126
All who hunger, gather gladly;
holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness 
and wandering.
Here, in truth, we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,
all around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.

Offering & Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Young People’s Moment

Prayers of the People

Message  “The Great Feast”  Luke 14: 15-24

Commitment Hymn “Fill My Cup, Lord” UMH #641
Fill my cup Lord, 
I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more
Fill my cup, 
fill it up and make me whole! 

Unison Benediction “God Be with You” UMH #672
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

Postlude 
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 
​​

Fruitland United Methodist Church
May 15, 2022
​
Prelude “ See, What a Morning!” By Keith Getty and Stewart Townsend

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude “ My Tribute” By Andre Crouch

Call to Worship
*Calling Song “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH #89 (Verse 1)
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, 
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like 
flowers before Thee, 
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; 
drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, 
fill us with the light of day!

*Responsive Reading from Psalm 148
Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens;  praise him from the heights above.
People: Praise him, all his angels; praise him all his heavenly hosts.
Leader: Praise him, sun and moon; praise him all you shining stars.
All: Praise him, you highest heaven and you waters above the skies.

Unison Invocation
Lord, we know that you will come again in glory to raise the living and the dead. Resurrect us now by your powerful word from the death of comfort and shallowness that we might share your love with others. Amen.

Gospel Reading John 13: 31-35
New Testament Reading Revelation 21: 1-6
 God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks Be To God

Song of Joy “Joy in the Morning” TFWS #2284
There’ll be joy in the morning 
on that day.
There’ll be joy in the morning 
on that day.
For the day light will dawn 
when the darkness is gone, 
There’ll be joy in the morning 
on that day.

There’ll be peace and contentment  evermore.
There’ll be peace and contentment  evermore.
Every heart, every voice 
on that day will rejoice,
There’ll be peace and contentment  evermore.

There’ll be love and forgiveness everywhere.
There’ll be love and forgiveness everywhere.
And the day of the Lord 
will that day be restored,
There’ll be love and forgiveness everywhere.

Offering & Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Young People’s Moment

Prayer Song and Prayers of the People
“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” TFWS #2193
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place;
Lord, listen to your children praying,
send us love, send us power, send us grace.

Baptism (Insert)
Baptism of Jeffrey Scott Ward

The Christian church is of God, and will be preserved to the end of time, for the conduct of worship and the administration of God’s Word and the Sacraments,

• the provision of Christian fellowship,
• the encouragement of believers,
• and calling all people to follow Jesus.
• Every one of all ages and situations stand
• in need of the means of grace
• that the church alone can provide.

To Jeff:
Do you believe in God, Jesus as His Son, and the Holy Spirit as His presence within and among us? 
Do you wish to announce that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
Do you wish to be baptized into Christ?

To the Congregation:
Sisters and Brothers, I commend Jeff to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase his faith, confirm his hope, and shower him with your love.

Jeff, we rejoice in your baptism. With you we renew our commitment to our Lord and His church. With God’s help we will strive to live as followers of Jesus to help you grow in your faith, being strengthened and encouraged as you follow Him.

Sermon “Eat This Book” Revelation 10:1-11

Unison Benediction “God Be with You” UMH #672
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

Postlude “He's Got the Whole World in His Hands” An African-American spiritual, arranged by Lani Smith

Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 
​

Fruitland United Methodist Church
May 8, 2022

Prelude

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude

*Calling Song “I Will Call upon the Lord” TFWS #2002
I will call upon the Lord, (I will call upon the Lord,)
Who is worthy to be praised, (Who is worthy to be praised)
So shall I be saved from mine enemies (So shall I be saved from mine enemies).

The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock!
And may the God of my salvation be exalted!
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock!
And may the God of my salvation be exalted!

*Responsive Reading
Leader: The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
People: The Lord make me lie down in green pastures, leaders me beside  still waters, restores my soul, and leads me in right paths for the sake  of his name.
Leader: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil for  you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.
People: You prepare me a table before me in the presence of my enemies;  you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day of my life;  and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

*Unison Invocation
Now, Heavenly Father, calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. Mold our longings, passions, wounds, and wonderings into something joyfully holy through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.

*Congregational Chorus “There’s a Song” TFWS #2141
There's a song of love in my heart; 
love is a gift from Jesus.
There's a song of love in my heart;
Love is a gift from God.

Alleluia! Love in my heart is singing praises.
Alleluia! Love is a gift from God.

New Testament Readings John 10:22-30 and Revelation 7:9 and 10
 God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks Be To God

Young People’s Moment

Baptism
Baptism of Ellie Maria Garcia
The Christian church is of God, and will be preserved to the end of time, for the conduct of worship and the administration of God’s Word and the Sacraments, the provision of Christian fellowship, the encouragement of believers, and calling all people to follow Jesus.

Every one of all ages and situations stand in need of the means of grace that the church alone can provide. 

To Ellie:

• Do you believe in God, Jesus as His Son, and the Holy Spirit as His presence within and among us?
• Do you wish to announce that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
• Do you wish to be baptized into Christ?

To the Congregation:
Sisters and Brothers, I commend Ellie to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase her faith, confirm her hope, and shower her with your love.

Ellie, we rejoice in your baptism. With you we renew our commitment to our Lord and His church. With God’s help we will strive to live as followers of Jesus to help you grow in your faith, being strengthened and encouraged as you follow Him.

Congregational Commitment Hymn “I Was There” TFWS #2051
I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the Word
I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk 'till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night,
complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in,
and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.

Offering & Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Message “Come and Have Breakfast” John 21

Commitment Hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” UMH #526
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

Unison Benediction “God Be with You” UMH #672
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

Postlude 
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 

​Fruitland United Methodist Church
May 1, 2022
Communion Sunday

Prelude

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude

*Call to Worship
 He is risen!
He is risen indeed!

Calling Song “I've Got Peace Like a River” TFWS #2145
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river in my soul.

I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.

I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in my soul.
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean in my soul

Responsive Reading from Psalm 30
Leader: Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people: praise his holy name!
People: His anger lasts only for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime: weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Leader: You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
All: Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Unison Invocation
Heavenly Father, as Jesus burst forth from the tomb, may new life burst forth from us showing itself in acts of love and healing to this hurting world. And may that same Jesus, who is the source of our new life, bring us joy and peace as we gather in His name. Amen.

Hymn “Gather Us In” TFWS #2236
Here in this place new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away,
see in this space our fears and our dreamings,
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in ―the lost and forsaken,
gather us in the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.

Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
Give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and tech us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.

Not in the dark of building confining,
not in some heaven, light years away,
but here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the Kingdom, now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

New Testament Readings Acts 9:1-6
Revelation - Chapter 5
God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks Be To God!

Children’s Moment

Congregational Response “Thou Art Worthy” TFWS #2041
Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory,
Glory and honor,
Glory and honor and pow'r

For Thou hast created,
hast all things created,
Thou hast created all things;
And for Thy pleasure
they are created -
Thou art worthy, O Lord.

Offering Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Message  “Let's Eat”  Luke 24:35-49

The Communion Service
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe 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, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

Communion Hymn “Let Us Break Bread Together” UMH #618
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.  

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 if you please.

Our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Prayer of Confession and Pardon
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart
Our faith has been tested and we have stumbled.
Forgive us, we pray.
Our feet have strayed from the path of Christ and we have wandered from you.
Forgive us, we pray.
We have put our faith in the loud voices of this world, ignoring your whispers.
Forgive us, we pray.
We do want to follow Jesus, the Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.

Hear the good news;
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love for us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!

Bread and Cup

Please pray:
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Strengthen us in mind, body and soul for the days ahead. May your Spirit fill us as we live and pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Closing Hymn “Freely, Freely” UMH #389
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to.

Chorus
He said: ‘Freely, freely, you have received,
Freely, freely give;
Go in My name, and because you believe
Others will know that I live.’

All power is given in Jesus’ name,
In earth and heaven in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His power as He told me to.

Unison Benediction*
May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
                                    *from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Postlude 
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ ​

Fruitland United Methodist Church
April 24, 2022

Prelude “Fairest Lord Jesus”  A Silesian melody

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude “I Love to Tell the Story”  By William Fischer

*Call to Worship
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Calling Song “How Majestic is Your Name” TFWS #2023
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.

Responsive Reading Romans 11:33-36
Leader: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge  of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out.
People: Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been  his counselor?
Leader: Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?
People: For from him and through him and to him are all things.
All: To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Unison Invocation
Living and loving God, long ago faithful women proclaimed the good news that Jesus was alive and the world was forever changed. 
Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. We pray in the name of Jesus, our resurrected Lord. Amen

Hymns of Praise
“Blessed Be the Name” UMH #63
Blessed be the name!
Blessed be the name!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name!
Blessed be the name!
Blessed be the name of the Lord!

 “Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” UMH #57
1. O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

2. My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.

3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.

New Testament Readings Acts 5: 17-32
Revelation 1: 4-8
God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks Be To God
​
Young People’s Moment

Hymn “Walk With Me” TFWS #2242
Refrain:
Walk with me, I will walk with you
and build the land that God has planned
where love shines through.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Message “What Are You Talking About?” Luke 24:13-35

Offering Doxology “Glory Be to the Father” UMH #70
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.

Commitment Hymn “Break Thou the Bread of Life” UMH #599
Break thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
as thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
beyond the sacred page I seek thee, Lord;
my spirit pants for thee, O Living Word!

Bless thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me,
as thou didst bless the bread by Galilee;
then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall;
and I shall find my peace, my all in all.

Unison Benediction*
May the peace of the Lord Jesus go with you
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
*from the Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

Postlude “It Is Well With My Soul” By Philip Bliss
Thank you for Worshiping with us today!

(CCLI License #1552544)​ 

Fruitland United Methodist Church
April 17, 2022
Easter Sunday

Prelude “Easter Fantasy” Arranged by Clarence Kuhlmann

Welcome
The lighting of the candles and welcoming the neighborhood to worship.

Interlude “Low in the Grave He lay”  By Robert Lowery

*Call to Worship
 He Is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Calling Song: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices” UMH #304
Easter people, raise your voices 
Sounds of heaven in earth should ring.
Christ has brought us heaven’s choices; 
Heavenly music, let it ring. 
Al-le-lu-ia  Al-le-lu-ia Easter people, let us sing.

Fear of death can no more stop us 
from our pressing here below. 
For our Lord empowered us 
to triumph over every foe. 
Alleluia! Alleluia! On to victory now we go.

Every day to us is Easter, 
with its resurrection song. 
When in trouble move the faster 
to our God who rights the wrong. 
Alleluia! Alleluia! See the power of heavenly throngs.

Responsive Reading from Psalm 118
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his love endures forever.
People: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
Leader: The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in  our eyes.
All: The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice and be glad!

Unison Invocation UMH #320
Almighty God, through Jesus Christ you overcame death and opened to us the gate of eternal life. Grant that we, who celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may, by the renewing of your Spirit arise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

Hymn “Christ Has Risen” TFWS #2115
Christ has risen while earth slumbers,   
Christ has risen where hope died,   
as he said and as he promised,   
as we doubted and denied.   
Let the moon embrace the blessing;   
let the sun sustain the cheer;  
let the world confirm the rumour.   
Christ is risen, God is here!  

Christ has risen for the people     
whom he loved and died to save;     
Christ has risen for the women     
bringing flowers to grace his grave     
Christ has risen for disciples     
huddled in an upstairs room.     
He whose word inspired creation     
is not silenced by the tomb.  

Choir “The Easter Song”

New Testament Reading Acts 10: 34-43
Gospel Reading Luke 24: 1-12
God’s Word for God’s People. Thanks Be To God

Young People’s Moment

Hymn “Christ Is Risen” UMH #307
Christ is risen!
Shout Hosanna!
Celebrate this day of days.
Christ is risen!
Hush in wonder;
all creation is amazed.
In the desert
all-surrounding,
see, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of
grace abounding
bring a taste of love unknown.

Christ is risen!
Raise your spirits
from the caverns of despair.
Walk with gladness
in the morning.
See what love can do and dare.
Drink the wine of
resurrection,
not a servant, but a friend;
Jesus is our
strong companion.
Joy and peace shall never end.

Christ is risen!
Earth and heaven
nevermore shall be the same.
Break the bread of
new creation
where the world is still in pain.
Tell its grim,
demonic chorus:
"Christ is risen! Get you gone!"
God the First
and Last is with us.
Sing Hosanna everyone!

Message “Tell Peter” Mark 14: 27-31 and 14: 66-72

Offering Doxology “Glory Be to the Father” UMH #70
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.

Resurrection Hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” UMH #302
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
 
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Unison Benediction
And now, may the God of peace,
who brought back again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
equip you with all you need for doing his will.
May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ,
all this is pleasing to him.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Postlude “Thine is the Glory”  Judas Maccabeus tune
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Please enjoy worshiping with us by listening to our Good Friday Service.

​Be Courageous!
by Jean Hershey

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I’ve always loved the word courageous. It means, “not deterred by danger or pain; brave.” When you hear someone say, Be Courageous! It sounds simple, yes. But its not so easy really, is it.

By definition, courageous people believe in themselves. They know who they are and what they stand for. They have strong values, recognize their personal capabilities, and are confident in meeting the challenges that lie before them. Courageous people are passionate and purposeful.

The Bible teaches that we are to take courage from the fact that He never leaves us or forsakes us. ... Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” With God, you can face your fear. You are not alone.

I will say here that being courageous doesn’t mean that you won’t be afraid. That is not always realistic. Instead, being courageous means to press through the fear when you feel afraid. In fact, sometimes your knees will shake or your anxiety will rise. Your mind may even start racing away with all kinds of “what if” thoughts.

About the time this happens, that’s when you have to kick into overdrive and let the Word of God take over. That’s when you have to plunge through your fear and trust in Him. You have to trust God beyond your fears.

God laid out a plan if you read a little bit before verse 9 in Joshua, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it."

I know it is not an easy thing to be brave and courageous as we face all kinds of fears in life. I have been there too many times and know that this can be tough. Personally, when things have looked dark, scary, or intimidating in my life, I’ve had to trust God beyond my fears. And it hasn’t been easy. However, that’s when the Lord would remind me, “Be strong and courageous, I am with you.” And I would have to repeat those words over and over again, and then walk in His strength and courage.

We, as Christians, know the plan, we have the tools! We are armed with the Word and God’s promise that he is with us, always. He even sent Jesus to seal the deal. We know the ending too, we win! So Be Courageous! Always!

Lord, help me to always remember that you walk with me every step of the way. I never have to face any fear alone, you are always there. Your Word strengthens me. With that faith help me to be courageous and live without fear. Amen,

​Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord – I Want to See You
by Jessica Adams and Lucy Adams-Hardenbrook

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9

Our daughter-in-law, Jess, shared this conversation she had with our five-year-old granddaughter, Lucy. Feeling like I have a little saint in the making on my hands tonight.

Lucy at bedtime, weeping: I know Jesus is in my heart.

Jess: Yes, he is! Does that make you sad? What’s the matter?

Lucy: It’s just that I’ve never seen him.

Jess: Well, most people don’t, but you could pray for that.

Lucy: You mean I could make up a “pray” and ask Jesus to let me be a person who sees him?

Jess: Yes! You can definitely make up that prayer.

Lucy: Now?

Jess: Absolutely.

Lucy, still weeping: Oh, Jesus, I pray that you could please, PLEASE make me a person who sees you because I love you so much and I never want to lose you.

Jess: That was wonderful.

Did anyone out there pray like that when you were five years old?

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; open the eyes of my heart – I want to see you; I want to see you. Amen.