4-16-2023 10:30 Bulletin

April 16, 2023 10:30AM Worship Service Children are always welcome in worship. Children’s programming is available during both the 9:00 and 10:30 worship services for infants through 12th grade. Please ask an usher for assistance. Prelude R. Nathaniel Dett Don’t You Weep No More, Mary Don’t you weep no more, Mary, Sigh-a no more, Martha, Jesus rose, third day in-a that morning! My Jesus went to Galilee because he promised for to set me free, Rose third day in-a that morning. They nailed Him to that cursed tree, and there He hung for you and me. Rose third day in-a that morning. The angel came down from above, He came down on the wings of love; Rose third day in-a that morning. O hallelujah, on that day, the angel rolled the stone away. Rose third day in-a that morning. Call to Worship Hymn 611 (Please rise in body or spirit, and sing.) HYMN TO JOY Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Words of Welcome, Silent Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer Our Father (Mother/Creator), 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 day our 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 Kingdom and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. The Good News

Good News Response (Please rise in body or spirit, and sing.) Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna! 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. Anthem O Lord, the hard-won miles Have worn my stumbling feet: Ken Burton A Prayer Oh, soothe me with thy smiles, and make my life complete. The thorns were thick and keen where’er I trembling trod; The way was long between My wounded feet and God. Where healing waters flow do thou my footsteps lead. My heart is aching so; Thy gracious balm I need. Scripture John 20:24-29 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Sermon

Anthem Take it to the Lord in Prayer Nolan Williams, Jr. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privelege it is to carry everything to God in prayer. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? Our precious Savior, He is still our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Some things we have not because we ask not when we have a friend who’s there. When we’re weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care, we should never be discouraged when we take it to the Lord in prayer. Some things we have not because we ask not when we have a friend who cares. Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. We should never be discouraged when we take it to the Lord in prayer. Doxology (Please rise in body or spirit, and sing.) OLD HUNDREDTH Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, the Word in flesh born low; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Pastoral Prayer Stephen Ministers’ Commissioning Presentation and Questions to Candidates Act of Commissioning (in unison) We accept you to minister among us as a Stephen Minister. We will pray for your ministry, and when our way becomes weary and our load heavy, we will welcome you to minister to us, the Christ in you serving the Christ in us. Believing it to be in accord with God’s will for First-Plymouth Church, we commission you as a Stephen Minister. Introduction of Stephen Ministers Hymn 69 (Please join in singing the refrains as invited.) HERE I AM I, the Lord of Sea and Sky

Benediction arr. Skip Stradtman III Closing Voluntary Amazing Grace Worship Leaders: Jim Keck, Juan Carlos Huertas, KJ Langlais, UNL Chamber Singers (Dr. Marques Garrett), and Ariel Merivil The altar flowers are given by Mindy and Chad Vogel in loving memory of our daughter, Burklee Della Vogel. * Although the Bible and traditional prayers most often use the male pronoun We would like to meet you! to refer to the divine, it is helpful to remember God is beyond human gender. Please scan the QR code and Consequently, feminine, gender-neutral, and gender-inclusive pronouns are let us know you were here. effective metaphors as well. * Join us for coffee and cookies in Pilgrim Hall following the service. * I mmediately following this morning’s service, everyone is invited to receive communion. All are welcome to the Chapel to receive the elements from one of our clergy. First-Plymouth Congregational Church • 2000 “D” Street • Lincoln, Nebraska 68502 402.476.7565 • www.firstplymouth.org