Church of the Hills Presbyterian Church (USA)
“A Deep Breath, Behind Closed Doors”
John 20:19-31
April 19, 2020
We are a vibrant family of faith rooted in God’s Word, gathering together to worship and equipped to share the love of Christ within the world, Church of the Hills Second Sunday of Easter Virtual Worship Service April 19, 2020
Welcome Reverend Susan P Boucher
Opening Prayer
Call to Worship Leader: Blessed be the God of our Savior, Jesus Christ! People: God has given us a new birth in the living hope of the resurrection. Leader: God has given us an inheritance that is imperishable and unfading. People: In this we rejoice, even when we suffer trials. Leader: For although we have not seen Jesus, we love him; and although we have not seen him, we believe in him. All: For the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls.
Opening Hymn “Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” Blue Hymnal 104
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, Nota 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: Christis risen! Get you gone! God the First and Last is with us, Sing Hosanna, everyone!
Returning to the Lord through Confession All: God, you have made known to us the ways of life. Yet, too often, we put other things above you and turn away from the ways of life and toward the ways of death. Forgive us and guide us back into your presence, that we may know the fullness of joy. We surrender to you our sins in this time of silence (silence) Leader: The people of God say, All: Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness
Response to Forgiveness “Glory be to the Father” Blue Hymnal 579
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;As it was in the beginning, in now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen
Prayer for Illumination All: Guiding God, send your Holy Spirit upon the reading of your Word that it may serve to show us the path of life and lead us into your presence where there is fullness of joy. Amen
Scripture Reading John 20:19-31
Leader: This is the word of the Lord People: Thanks be to God.
Chancel Choir Anthem “In Moments Like These”
In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus. In moments like these, I lift up my hands, I lift up my hands to the Lord, Singing I love you Lord, singing I love you, Lord; Singing I love You, Lord, I love you.
Sermon “A Deep Breath, Behind Closed Doors”
Response to the Sermon “Breath on Me, Breath of God” Blue Hymnal 316
Breathe on me, Breath of God,Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love,And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,Until my heart is pure, Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Till I am wholly Thine, Until this earthly part of meGlows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.
Invitation to the Offering and Thanksgiving
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer After a short time of silence, Pastor Susan will say, “Oh Lord, we ask,” please respond with, “Keep us in faith that we may live.”
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,. Give us this ayour daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdome, and the the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Closing Hymn “Thine is the Glory” Blue Hymnal 122
Thine is the glory, Risen, conqu’ring Son;Endless is the vict’ry Thou o’er death hast won! Angels in bright raiment Rolled the stone away, Kept the folded grave-clothes Where Thy body lay.
Refrain
Thine is the glory, Risen, conqu’ring Son; Endless is the vict’ry Thou o’er death hast won!
Lo, Jesus meets us, Risen from the tomb! Lovingly He greets us, Scatters fear and gloom; Let the church with gladness, Hymns of triumph sing, For the Lord now liveth;Death hath lost its sting!
Refrain
No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of life; Life is naught without Thee;Aid us in our strife; Make us more than conquerors, Through Thy deathless love;Bring us safe through Jordan To Thy home above.
Refrain
Blessing and Charge Question for Reflection
According to the gospel, Christ’s wounds were not erased by the resurrection. In fact, he invites Thomas and the other disciples to touch his wounds to bring the disciples back to faith. How might we in the church use our wounds to help others come to faith?
Household Prayer: Morning
Holy One, you have made known to me the ways of life and have promised to fill me with the gladness of your pres- ence. Keep me mindful of your guidance and your promise as I travel through this day, that my heart may be glad. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Thank you, God, for giving me your counsel today. Tonight, as I sleep, may the dreams of my heart also serve to instruct me in your ways. In you I have a good heritage, and my heart, my soul, and my body rest in you. Amen.
A special thank you to Hanna Wo, Director of Music. Elder Neil and Colter Snyder for helping with the tech. Cathy Flaherty, Office Administrator, who has gone above and beyond in this new reality.
*Hymnals are indicated for those that may have them at home.
Music is reprinted by permission of CCLI #1101861 AV is usd by permission of CVLI #303324640 Liturgy and reflections are provided by Feasting on the Word, edited by Kimberly Long.