FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Rev. Kendra Lovelace Balliet
Organist: James Ross

Prelude - Fughetta-Theodore Dubois

Welcome

*Call to Worship (Based on John 20:19-23)
Leader: In 12-step recovery programs, the first step is admitting powerlessness over anything that threatens to destroy our connection to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to others. This week, we consider the variety of ways addiction occurs in our lives. We will celebrate the Good News that we can refocus our lives onto things that lead us to life and connection to the Holy.
All: Rise up in us and we will rise from death into a newfound life: from bondage freed, from harm released, from illness healed, as one in peace. When all is lost our hearts are warmed, our hope restored, our lives transformed. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Leader: They trembled in fear behind locked doors as the sun set on that first Easter…
People: We often do not perceive the most transformative possibilities of our lives because we are afraid — of change, of loss, afraid even of healing.
Leader: Jesus broke through the barrier of their hiding place and stood among them…
People: Even when we long for our burdens to be lifted, we become so accustomed to carrying them we cannot imagine being released from them.
Leader: Jesus greeted them with the words: “Peace be with you.”
People:: We sometimes find it difficult to embrace peace when our lives are in upheaval, when our hearts grieve, when our world aches.
Leader: Knowing what they needed, Jesus extended his pierced palms and his stabbed side…
People: What evidence do we require to believe our lives can experience resurrection from a power higher than our own? What helps us trust and believe?
Leader: They rejoiced as they recognized their friend, their leader, their Solace and Redeemer…
People: When we search for help and hope, do we rejoice when we see the first possibility of transformation? Do we rejoice along the way to healing?
Leader: Again, Jesus offered his peace and said, as he was sent by God, he now sends them…
People: Even in the midst of our own turmoil, can we find the courage to go where we are sent for healing for ourselves and to go where others are in need of our witness?
Leader: Jesus breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
People: The gift of Holy Spirit power is always with us and within us to lead and guide and sometimes cajole and awaken us to all the possibilities for renewed life.
Leader: Jesus assured them: Forgive the sins of anyone, and they are forgiven, retain the sins of any and they are retained.
All: We see in the example of Christ how to forgive others and how to release our own woundedness. We open ourselves to the freedom, release, and peace that comes through forgiveness. We forgive ourselves and we forgive others.

Leader: This is a Word of Hope for the people who long for it.

All: Thanks be to the Living Word.

*Opening Hymn "Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us” #381

*Opening Prayer

All:
Living Word, whose love abides in us, you call us to love in truth and action. Give courage to our hearts so we may love your beloveds. Open our ears to the wisdom of those you send, who might otherwise be dismissed. Transform our charity into justice over all the earth. Amen.

Confession of Faith: Apostle's Creed #881
Gloria Patri

Children's Chat

Music Ministry and Offertory - My Comfort by Day, My Song in the Night-Gilbert Martin

Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude 

Scripture John 20:19-23
Sermon Series - Resurrection Stories

Sermon - Released

Joys/Concerns

Hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" #474

Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” #140

Action Steps & Benediction

Postlude - Psalm of Glory - Dorothy Wells

The flowers on the altar today are given by Barb & Bill Baker in honor of their granddaughter, Reghan Radmore, on the occasion of her 21st birthday. 

 Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org