AAlllleelluuiiaa!!

CChhrriisstt iiss RRiisseenn

Easter Sunday

April 1, 2018

We welcome you to worship.

Meditation in Preparation for Worship

“The stated purpose of this church is to bring men and women into the

transforming presence of Christ, in the fellowship of the Spirit

that they may be made over in his likeness.”

(David H.C. Read)

The Prelude

THE PAIN AND AGONY PRECEDING A JOYFUL AND MIRACULOUS EASTER

Selections from “Messiah” George Friedrich Händel

Derrek Stark and Alejandro Viera, tenor solos

Tenor: “All they that see him laugh him to scorn;

They shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying:

Chorus: He trusted in God that he would deliver him;

Let him deliver him, if he delight in him.

Tenor: Thy rebuke hath broken his heart:

He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on him,

But there was no man, neither found he any to comfort him.

Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto his sorrow.

He was cut off out of the land of the living:

For the transgressions of thy people was he stricken.

But thou didst not leave his soul in hell;

Nor didst thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.”

RISE HEART, THY LORD IS RISEN

“Easter” from Five Mystical Songs Ralph Vaughan Williams

Birgit Fioravante, solo

“Rise, heart; thy Lord is risen. Sing his praise without delays.

Who takes thee by the hand, that thou likewise with him may’st rise:

That, as his death calcined thee to dust,

His life may make thee gold, and much more, just.

Rise, heart; thy Lord is risen.

Awake, my lute, and struggle for thy part with all thy art.

The cross taught all wood to resound his name, who bore the same.

His stretched sinews taught all strings, what key is best to celebrate this most high day.

Consort both heart and lute, and twist a song, pleasant and long.

Or since all music is but three parts vied, and multiplied;

O let thy blessed Spirit bear a part, with his sweet art.”

“Alleluia” Randall Thompson

“Amen” from Messiah George Friedrich Händel

Welcome

Ringing of the Bell

Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5) Responsively

Leader: “The Lord is Risen!

Congregation: He is Risen indeed!

Leader: I offer my life to you, Lord.

Congregation: My God, I trust you.

Leader: Make your ways known to me, Lord;

Congregation: Teach me your paths.

Leader: Lead me in your truth – teach it to me

Congregation: Because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day

long.”

*Hymn of Praise “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” Easter Hymn

“Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!

Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as God’s love; Alleluia!

Praise our God, ye heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!”

*Opening Prayer

First Scripture Reading Acts 10:34-43

Time with the Children

Gathering Song: “This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made”

“This is the day, this is the day,

That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.

I will rejoice, I will rejoice

And be glad in it, and be glad in it.

This is the day that the Lord has made,

I will rejoice and be glad in it.

This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.”

Going Song: “Jesus Loves Me”

“Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to him belong; they are weak but he is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”

We encourage families to worship together on this special day. Children 3-years-old through Kindergarten are excused for Bible Bunch (11 a.m.)(Bible Bunch Rm)

All older children, please worship with your families.

Prayers of the People

The Lord’s Prayer “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 day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we

forgive those who sin against us; 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 Ministry of The Church

Offering . . . “Freely we have received, freely let us give.”

Offertory Anthem Ralph Vaughan Williams

“Antiphon” from Five Mystical Songs

“Let all the world in every corner sing,

My God and King!

The heavens are not too high,

His praise may thither fly:

The earth is not too low,

His praises there may grow.

Let all the world in every corner sing,

My God and King!

The church with Psalms must shout.

No door can keep them out:

But above all, the heart

Must bear the longest part.

Let all the world in every corner sing,

My God and King!”

*Affirmation of Faith Colossians 1:17-20

He existed before all things, and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the

body, the church, who is the beginning, the one who is firstborn from among the dead so that he

might occupy the first place in everything. Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in

him, and he reconciled all things to himself through him – whether things on earth or in the

heavens. He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

Special Music “And Can It Be?” Dan Forrest

“And can it be? And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?

Died he for me who caused his pain? For me who him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be that thou my God, shouldst die for me.

He left his Father’s throne above, so free, so infinite his grace.

Emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race.

This mercy all, immense and free. For, O my God, it found out me. And can it be?

No condemnation now I dread, Jesus and all in him is mine!

Alive in him, my living head, and clothed in righteousness divine.

Bold I approach the eternal throne. And claim the crown through Christ my own.

Amazing love, how can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me. Amazing love.”

Second Scripture Reading Mark 16:1-8

Message “Pushing Against The Stone” Dr. Hood

*Hymn of Dedication “Thine Is the Glory” Judas Maccabeus

“Thine is the glory, risen, conquering son;

Endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.

Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,

Kept the folded graveclothes where thy body lay.

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.

No more we doubt thee, glorious prince of life!

Life is nought 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.

Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son;

Endless is the victory thou oer death hast won.”

*Benediction “Halleluiah” from Messiah George Friedrich Händel

“Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord,

And of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Hallelujah!”

*Postlude “Symphony #5: Toccata” Charles Marie Widor

*The congregation is invited to stand, if you are able.

The Church Bell from our original Sanctuary first rang out to announce worship services for

this congregation in 1948. On Easter morning, we ring the bell in loving memory of everyone

who has gone before us, who rests in peace in the eternal care of God. Since this bell was

installed in the Memorial Garden/Courtyard area in 2000, it has been rung every Sunday in

loving memory of individuals interred in our Memorial Garden.

The Palm and Lily Cross in the Covered Patio is a reminder of God’s love that flows

through our church today and every day.

Notes About Today’s Music We begin the prelude not with joyous Easter music, but with music to remind us of the pain

and agony Jesus suffered in the few days before the resurrection. The first thing we hear is the

soldiers whipping Jesus, depicted by sharp accents in the accompaniment. Then our friendly

choir turns into a hostile mob mocking Jesus. The tenor follows by singing a few tender

recitatives reflecting Jesus’ emotional suffering. The portion ends with hope: God did not leave

Jesus’ soul in hell.

The text of the anthem “Easter” was written by the seventeenth-century Welsh-born English

poet and Anglican priest George Herbert. The text is rich in literary devices, my personal

favorite being the allegory of the cross teaching “all wood to resound his name,” and Jesus

“stretched sinews” teaching strings what key is best to celebrate the resurrection.

We follow with American composer Randall Thompson’s well-known anthem “Alleluia.”

Using only two words, “alleluia, amen,” the anthem provides a linguistically simple, yet

musically profound, response to the resurrection.

While the “Hallelujah Chorus” is the piece universally performed on Easter, Messiah does

not end with the resurrection, but with the Lord’s second coming. We end the prelude with the

great “Amen” that concludes the entire work.

The offertory anthem is the last of the Five Mystical Songs. Our second anthem was written

by contemporary composer Dan Forrest. In this recently-written anthem, the emotional music

supporting the beautiful text reflects the joy of Easter. And of course, we end the service with

the famous “Hallelujah Chorus.” We hope today’s music brings you joy.

Take Note Capital Campaign: Our thanks to members and friends of our congregation who have made

their Capital Campaign commitment. Funds now committed to the project total $3,410,175, or

about 97% of our $3.5 million goal. Capital Campaign commitment cards are available in the

pews. You may place these in the offering plate, mail them to the church office, or call Christine

Davis in the financial office (561-276-6338, ext. 16) to make a verbal commitment by phone.

If you have already pledged to the Capital Campaign we say “thank you.” As we are trying to

complete the campaign and get commitments for the last 3%, please consider increasing your

pledge slightly if you are able. If your pledge was made on the basis of a 3-year payment plan,

please consider fulfilling your pledge sooner. This will help lower our interest expense for our

temporary construction loan.

Are you interested in joining our church? If so, we would love to see you next Sunday,

April 8th

in the Covered Patio immediately following the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship service.

In order to join, no reservations or classes are required for those who have been previously

baptized.

The Delray Affair in downtown Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue runs from Friday, April

13th

through Sunday, April 15th

. When driving to church on Sunday, April 15th

, please use the

Linton Boulevard or George Bush Boulevard bridge to A1A. Turn west on Miramar (one block

south of Atlantic Avenue) and proceed one block to Gleason Street. Then park in the regular

church parking lots.

All Aboard! The Mission Outreach Agency Tour is departing on Wednesday, April 18th

at

1:30 p.m. from the church parking lot. We will be visiting several agencies supported by our

Mission Outreach budget. The excursion should end at 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate

and seating is limited. Make your reservation, on our website, or contact Nancy Fine (561-276-

6338, ext. 10 or nancyfine@firstdelray.com).

Save the date for the Youth Spaghetti Luncheon Fundraiser on Sunday, April 29th

. The

youth of our church will be serving a home-cooked Italian meal to raise funds for them to go on

mission trips during the year. The lunch will be in Fellowship Hall following the 11 a.m.

worship service. Suggested donation is $7 per person. Takeout orders will be available upon

request. Make your reservation, on our website, or contact Nancy Fine (561-276-6338, ext. 10

or nancyfine@firstdelray.com).

If you are returning to your northern address, please contact Nancy Fine (276-6338, ext. 10

or nancyfine@firstdelray.com) so that we can change our records to ensure that you receive your

mailings over the summer months.

For Our Younger Worshippers Children’s Worship Activities and Bibles are at the Children’s Table in the Covered Patio

for use during worship. Please return the bags and Bibles to the table after the service.

Our Ministry Develops Through

Connect with First Presbyterian Church Read Doug Hood’s weekly meditation through our church website (www.firstdelray.com)

under Resources. Don’t forget to subscribe to his meditation so that you do not miss any of the

postings.

Following the worship service, feel free to pick up a copy of Doug Hood’s Heart and Soul,

volume 2 in the Narthex.

For those interested in taking notes during the worship service, a Sermon Notes Page is

available in the Narthex.

Follow us on Twitter at @FPCDelrayBeach or tweet #FPCDBWORSHIP.

If you are a member of the church and need a blue First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach

parking sticker, please contact Nancy Fine (nancyfine@firstdelray.com or 561-276-6338, ext.

10) or stop by the church office during the week.

Members who would like to receive email notification of members’ deaths and memorial

services should contact Nancy Fine (nancyfine@firstdelray.com). You will only be informed if

the family has approved public notification.

If you would like to receive your Spire Newsletter electronically, please email Nancy Fine

(nancyfine@firstdelray.com), text FPCDELRAYBEACH to 22828 (message and data rates may

apply), or complete the online form on our website (www.firstdelray.com) under Resources.

Sunday Mornings Please turn off your cell phones and electronic devices during the worship service.

Closed Circuit TV is available for viewing the worship service in the Quiet Room.

Children’s Worship Activities and Bibles are at the Children’s Tables in the Covered

Patio and in the Narthex for use during worship. Please return the bags and Bibles to the table

after the service.

Large Print Bulletins and Hearing Devices are available from the Deacons.

Nursery Care for children from birth through Kindergarten is available from 8:30 a.m. to

12:30 p.m. in the Nursery.

Church Membership Directory The Pictorial Church Membership Directory is available online for members of the church.

There are two ways to access the directory. You may visit our website (www.firstdelray.com)

under Connect to request a password to access the membership directory to print or save to your

computer. Or, you may view the directory by visiting www.instantchurchdirectory.com or

downloading the free Instant Church Directory Member’s App from the Apple Store, Google

Play, or Amazon App Store. In order to gain access to the online directory through Instant

Church Directory, you must register your account using the email address on file with the

church. For issues with registering through Instant Church Directory, contact Nancy Fine (561-

276-6338, ext. 10 or nancyfine@firstdelray.com).

Partners in Prayer You are invited to participate in a six-week ministry of prayer called Partners in Prayer for

First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach Leaders. This six-week ministry does not require

attendance at any meetings. Participants receive a resource packet with the names of six church

leaders. Simply, the ministry is a commitment to pray each day for one week for the same

person. Each week for six weeks you will pray for a different church leader. At the beginning of

each week you will write an encouraging note to that leader indicating that you are praying for

him or her. Contact Nancy Fine (nancyfine@firstdelray.com or 561-276-6338, ext. 10) for a

resource packet with all the details including sample notes, messages and prayers.

Free New Testament Bibles First Presbyterian Church is a point of distribution of God’s word in the New Testament at

no cost to anyone who would like a copy. If you have not previously picked up a copy in the

Narthex, you may do so this morning. If you know of people who would appreciate receiving a

copy, please take copies to them. Join with your church in distributing God’s word throughout

our communities in Palm Beach County.

Sunday Children’s Programs Bible Bunch Sunday School meets after the Children’s Time during the 11 a.m. worship

service. Children 3 years old through Kindergarten should follow the class leaders to the Bible

Bunch Room.

Sunday School for Children in 1st through 5

th grade, meets after the Children’s Time during

the 11 a.m. worship service. They are using the Growing in Grace and Gratitude curriculum.

They have access to activities to do at home via online resources with a downloadable e-book for

iBooks and Kindle. The class is led by Grace Hood in the Sunday School Room. There will be

no Sunday School class today Sunday, April 1st, due to Easter.

Youth Fellowship Today, there will be no Youth Fellowship. Please enjoy Easter with your families. On

April 8th

, youth will resume on Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Youth

Room. For more information, contact Grace Hood (gracehood@firstdelray.com or 561-276-

6338, ext. 17).

The Youth Mission Trip will be from June 23rd

to 29th

. They will be going to Mobile,

Alabama and working with the Government Street Presbyterian Church in some community

outreach programs. This is for completed 6th

graders through graduating seniors. There is

limited space. For more information, contact Grace Hood (gracehood@firstdelray.com or 561-

276-6338, ext. 17).

The Montreat Youth conference is July 21st to 28

th for incoming 9

th graders through

graduating seniors in high school. The cost is $400 per person. The registration deadline is April

30th

. If you are interested contact Grace Hood (gracehood@firstdelray.com or 561-276-6338,

ext. 17). Scholarships are available.

Sunday Adult Program Join us for the Sunday Adult Education Class led by Rev. Kostrub at 10 a.m. in the

Meeting Room. The focus of the class is the best-selling book, What On Earth Am I Here For:

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. There will be no class today, Sunday, April 1st, due

to Easter.

Men’s Fellowship Men’s Fellowship meets on Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Coastal Room. Bring a

friend and enjoy the camaraderie. They are discussing the devotional book Uncommon Life by

Tony Dungy. For more information, contact Bruce Gimmy (561-276-6338).

Weekly Education Program If you are just starting to think about who you are in relationship with God or you want to

enrich your spiritual journey, join the Monday Morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. in the Youth

Room for discussion and fellowship. They are using the video study, “The Story of God”, by

Morgan Freeman, which aired on the National Geographic Channel in 2016 and 2017. For better

or worse, the power of religion touches all of our lives, no matter what our faith is. On his

journey to discover how our beliefs connect us all, Mr. Freeman visits about 20 cities in seven

countries in nine episodes to see some of the world’s greatest religious sites (such as Jerusalem’s

Wailing Wall, India’s Bodhi Tree, Mayan temples in Guatemala, and the pyramids of Egypt) and

he immerses himself in religious experiences and rituals. All women are welcome. For more

information, contact Linda Prior (561-276-6338).

Monthly Educational Program The Monday Women’s Book Group meets tomorrow, Monday, April 2

nd, at 12:30 p.m. in

the Meeting Room. All women are invited to attend the discussion on The Zookeeper’s Wife by

Diane Ackerman. Contact Linda Prior (561-276-6338) for more information.

Music The Chancel Choir rehearses in the Choir Room on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and on

Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. to prepare for the worship service. If you would like to sing in

the choir but can’t come to the Thursday evening rehearsal, you are invited to come on Sunday

mornings at 10:15 a.m. and add your voice to our choir.

Westminster Ringers (for adults and high school youth) is on Thursdays in the Bell

Room from 6:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Contact Jim Poch (jimpoch@firstdelray.com or 561-276-

6338, ext. 24) for more information.

Holly House Holly House Workshops meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to

11:30 a.m. in the Holly House. All women of the church and their friends are invited to come

whenever they can, to help in whatever job they are comfortable doing. Enjoy the camaraderie

and help a worthy cause. For more information, contact Cindy Pemberton (561-276-6338).

Employment Connections Ministry – Career Shepherds The Employment Connections Ministry is here to help and support unemployed persons

and those whose career paths no longer seem fulfilling to find a more rewarding career or

employment. Seeking employment can be lonely and sometimes overwhelming. Where to start?

What goals to pursue? How to navigate? Career Shepherds are here to work with you on an

individual basis to help you identify your strengths and talents, provide useful tools, and assist in

guiding you throughout the process. We invite church members to join this exciting ministry by

lending their expertise and availability to mentor or help for whatever time possible. Contact

Dick Story (561-276-6338) or Nancy Fine (nancyfine@firstdelray.com or 561-276-6338, ext. 10)

for more information.

Membership Are you interested in joining our church? If so, we would love to see you next Sunday,

April 8th

in the Covered Patio immediately following the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. worship service.

In order to join, no reservations or classes are required for those who have been previously

baptized.

Invite a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, or business associate to worship with

us. Share your faith and love for Christ’s Church with others.

If you are a guest visiting us, we invite you to participate in all of our worship services and

activities.

Financial Considerations There is a very convenient way to donate online to First Presbyterian Church of Delray

Beach through the Presbyterian Mission Exchange which is part of the 200+ year old

Presbyterian Foundation and transfers your donation promptly. Visit the church website

(www.firstdelray.com) under Give for more information and a link to our giving page.

Remember the Church When Estate Planning. Our Endowment and Remembrance Funds

are two excellent opportunities for your giving consideration, be it your will, stocks, or as a

named beneficiary to an insurance policy. This financially wise method of stewardship helps

ensure the long-term financial stability of the church and provides a planned means for the

church to continue its role in the lives of our members and those to whom we reach out, in our

community and beyond. For more information on long-term giving, call the church office (561-

276-6338).

On December 18, 2015, the President signed legislation indefinitely extending the charitable

IRA rollover provision enabling IRA owners ages 70½ or older to make a direct, tax-free

transfer to First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach or the charity of their choice. Certain

limitations apply so please consult your tax adviser.

Prayer Ministry Team The Prayer Ministry Team meets on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room to pray

together for all those who request prayers. This includes concerns, thanksgiving, and praise.

Each request is treated with respect, confidentiality, and caring. If a request includes a name and

address, a card will be sent to confirm the group is praying for those concerns. You are invited

to join this prayer ministry team simply by calling Sharon Koch (561-276-6338). She will be

happy to provide additional information about this ministry and welcome you to participate.

Prayer Concern Cards are in the pews. If you have a specific prayer concern, please

complete a card and place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office. Concerns are

forwarded to members of the Prayer Ministry Team and pastoral staff.

Pennies from Heaven Help First Presbyterian Church support the battle against hunger and poverty at home and

away. Pennies from Heaven is a simple act of thanksgiving for what we have received and a

commitment to share with others. Collect 5 cents per family member per meal each day. At the

end of each month, bring your money to church and we will collect your “Pennies from Heaven”

during the worship service. All monies collected are donated on a quarterly basis to local food

programs as well as to regional and national hunger programs. We collected $1,086.90 from the

March Offering. Since September 2012, we have collected $33,204.27. Our next collection is

on Sunday, April 29th

.

Hospitalization If you or a family member are hospitalized, please notify the church office (561-276-6338).

Even if you give the name of the church upon admission, the hospital will not notify us.

Special Prayer List as of March 27th

Please keep our members and friends in your thoughts and prayers this week.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Week: April 1st through April 6

th

Sunday, April 1st

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Nursery Care – Nursery

9 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary

10:15 a.m. Chancel Choir – Choir Room

11 a.m. Worship Service – Sanctuary

11 a.m. Bible Bunch Sunday School – Bible Bunch Room

Monday, April 2nd

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Parents’ Morning Out – Nursery

10 a.m. Monday Morning Women’s Bible Study – Youth Room

12:30 p.m. Women’s Monday Book Group – Meeting Room

5:30 p.m. Mission Outreach Meeting – Meeting Room

6 p.m. Deacons’ Meeting – Sanctuary

Tuesday, April 3rd

9:30 a.m. Holly House Workshop – Holly House

10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting – Dr. Hood’s Study

7 p.m. Called Session Meeting – Conference Room

Wednesday, April 4th

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Parents’ Morning Out – Nursery

3 p.m. Prayer Ministry Team – Meeting Room

Thursday, April 5th

8:30 a.m. Men’s Fellowship – Coastal Room

9:30 a.m. Holly House Workshop – Holly House

10 a.m. Thursday Morning Discipleship Group – Meeting Room

6:30 p.m. Westminster Ringers – Bell Room

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir – Choir Room

Friday, April 6th

9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Parents’ Morning Out – Nursery

Easter Memorials

We are grateful for the Easter memorials which have been given to

beautify the Sanctuary with lilies and to help feed hungry people. This

year, contributions for the Easter Memorial Fund for local hunger totaled

$4,481.

Given by In Loving Memory of In Honor of

Ben and Helen Antal Our Parents

Bob and Susan Antal Susan’s Parents:

David and Dorothy Swank

Evelyn Babbitt Dennis, Sandie, Sharee,

Bob, and Cori

Mrs. Betty Curtis Bates Loved Ones

Len Battifarano Samantha Battifarano

David and Nancy Bayless Paul and Wilma Bayless;

G.L. and Dora Walker

H. Merrill Becker, Jr. and

Sharon Garypie Becker

Horace M. Becker, Sr.;

Marshall and Madeline Garypie, Sr.;

Horace and Stella Becker

Their New Family,

The Berges The Wiggen Family

John K. Boardman My Wife, Marilyn

Laddie Bondor Lois Bondor

Sid, Pat, and Eddie Breman

Our Parents/Grandparents:

Edwin and Jeanne Papp;

Benjamin and Dorothy Breman

Mommy and Daddy Abigail Nichole Buck

Dee Bunt Loved Ones

Alan and Diana Bush Our Loved Ones

Lou and Ruth Cappiello Mom and Dad

Paul and Valerie Miller

Check Dorothy Miller

Given by In Loving Memory of In Honor of

Karen Clouser Josina Van Haasteren

Fred and Betty Devitt Our Parents

Gay Dewart and Family Bill Dewart

Jim and Judy Elliott David, Kristin, Avery,

and James Elliott

Thomas Elliott My Children and

Grandchildren

August J. Emmerich and

Holly L. Volle

Paul F. Hensgen and

James A. Emmerich

Laurie Erickson Charles F. Erickson

Bert and Josette Evans Joseph and Genevieve Eubanks;

Albert and Emma Lou Evans

Dick and DoAnn Falk Our Parents

Nancy Fine My Parents, Henry and Lillian Orr;

My Sister, Sheila Orr

My Children,

Beth and Brandon

Jan Fisher The Ackland and Fisher Families

Jo and Lee Garnett Grandsons,

Alex and Jackson

Bert and Ann Gordon Andrew S. Gordon and

Anne Jakubowski

Julie Guss and Amy King Juilliard and Evalyn Blicke Judy H. Rhode

Heidi Layton Hall Sam Layton

Wally Hartung Harry and Margaret Hartung

Leslie and Ann Heilakka

Our Parents,

Goldwin Smith and Mary Ellsberg

Pollard;

Edwin Einar and Mary Jean Heilakka

John and Ginny Hertvik Our Parents Our Children and

Grandchildren

Art and Marge Hockey Our Parents

Given by In Loving Memory of In Honor of

Judy Hodge Jim Hodge;

Mark and Betty Matthews

Jack and Diane Hopkins Our Parents

Leslie Horenburger My Parents, Bob and Ann Kleier,

Who Made Every Easter Special

Bob and Janet Howard

Our Parents,

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Staley;

Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Howard

Jean Fisher Irwin John Philip Fisher

Ed and Gail Jessell Students and Parents of

Parkland

Gail Richter Jessell Todd Anthony Richter, My Son

Family Mr. and Mrs. James G. Alfring

Estella Killian My Husband, Bob Killian

Kernie and Darlene Kostrub Charles and Helen Smith;

Letty Johnson; Hilda Koehler

Barbara Leun Loved Ones

Don and Erica Lindow Our Parents: Don and Helen Lindown,

Bob Swanson and Peg Swanson

Hilary C. Loftus Frank and Barbara Coughlin;

Brian Jackson

His Loving Wife, Sharon Mickey Manning

BJ, Children,

Grandchildren, and

Great-Grandchildren

Joe Warfield Mays

Josephine McQuaid Thomas McQuaid, Sr.

Tait McSparran Phyllis McSparran and Our Parents

Tom and Dee Meyer Our Parents

Andy Miller Paul and Louise Miller;

Frank and Mary Hernandez

Given by In Loving Memory of In Honor of

Charles and Linda

Molesphini Our Parents

Mr. and Mrs. C. Adams

Moore Our Children

Suzanne Morris My Daughter, Cynthia Platt

Their Daughter,

Susan Mullin My Parents, Gil and Helen Swem

James Painter

My Father and Mother,

Fred Painter, Jr. and Rosalie Painter;

and Uncle, William F. Painter

Kate Pemberton Marlin

Tom and Cindy Pemberton Family and Friends

Leo and Pat Phillips Family and Friends

Jim Poch My Dad, Harold E. Poch

John and Sherry Potts

Roy and Ruth Morris;

Bill and Dottie Potts;

Debbie Potts Quanaim

Judy Rhode My Great

Grandchildren

Julie Roberts and

Annie Nichols Rose Marie Farrar

Stone and Julie Roberts Rev. and Mrs. Gordon L. Roberts;

Edward Dolan; Ned Dolan

Barbara C. Sageman

Mary A. Sageman;

Earl K. Sageman, Sr.; Dale E. Neil;

Bradley W. Becker

Richard Schaublin Irene Schaublin and Irene Solomito

Greg and Jessica Schmidt Robert DeAzuero, Mark Worth,

Jonathan Worth

Jay Schoettley and

Gail DeYoung Loved Ones

Jerry and Betty Seegers Our Parents:

James and Pauline; Ray and Marie

Given by In Loving Memory of In Honor of

Sandra Shine Cornelius “Bud” Shine

Mary E. Smith Chuck Naylor and Wayne Courtney

Joan Sopp Albert Sopp

Souder Family Fritz Souder

Jeanne Myers Suiter William A. Myers

Rob and Joan Tanner Our Parents

Walter and Nancy Teninga Robert Teninga

Mirta Viamontes My Husband, Frank Viamontes

Barbara Vlachos Nicholas Vlachos, Husband;

Margaret Greene, Mother

Martha L. Walker Forrest and Frances Lattner

Jim and Joan Wennerholt Our Families

Craig and Julie Whiting Roland and Beverly Hendrickson;

Lawson and Marion Whiting

Mabel M. Wimer Anne Wimer Wensel, Sister

Ken and Patty Years Our Parents and Patty’s Sisters,

Alice and Nancy

A Prayer for Easter Lord Jesus, we greet you. The cross has not defeated you,

The grave has not kept you silent. At the first dew of the morning,

You met our sister, Mary, and called her by her name.

We are your family and friends, and though numbed by your death

And aware of our complicity in it, we come hesitantly but gladly,

To confirm the rumour that you are alive.

Meet us as you met Mary, with gentleness and resolution.

Speak our names quietly in our hearts,

That we may proclaim your name boldly on our lips. Amen.

(Church of Scotland)

The Courage of Saying Yes

READ: Acts 5:38, 39 (Common English Bible)

“’Here’s my recommendation in this case: Distance yourselves from these men. Let them go! If

their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. If it originates with God, you won’t

be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!’ The council was

convinced by his reasoning.”

REFLECT:

Those who know me well know that I have a rather strong aversion to the word, “no.” It is a

word that lacks courage, a word that shows a preference for playing the game of life – or work –

in the safe places. The uncreative mind finds comfort in the familiar. It is a mind that resists

being stretched in new directions. Additionally, such a mind absolves itself of responsibility

should a new idea turn out badly. This thinking also gives the impression of superior knowledge

as to the outcome of a fresh approach. Those who choose to answer any new idea with “no”

clearly have a predilection for the status quo, and, quite possibly, are impeding the discovery of

something of superior value. Yet, the future belongs, as it always has, to those who

courageously answer, “yes” to trying something new.

In the fifth chapter of Acts, the disciples of Jesus have been arrested for preaching the

resurrection of Jesus and are saved from almost certain death by the intervention of a rabbi

named Gamaliel. The religious establishment, here represented by the Sadducees, is determined

to put an end to the Jesus nuisance. They are a “no” people – answering, “no” to teaching and

preaching the risen Christ. Before rendering their decision on what is to be done with Jesus’

disciples, Gamaliel presents some sound advice before his colleagues: If what the disciples

preach is in error, it will fail on its own. But if, in fact, what they say is true, nothing will silence

their message. More, the religious establishment may even be found resisting God!

Gamaliel is urging his colleagues to have the courage to say, “yes” – to welcome this innovation

to their cherished faith tradition and take a “wait and see” position. Resorting to “no” and force

against the teachings of these disciples may, in fact, end badly for them. Recognizing that great

truth occasionally shows-up in new methods and practices and understandings that are not

familiar entails great courage. The same courage that was exercised so many years ago when

Galileo suggested that the earth was round, not flat. Gamaliel demonstrates such courage.

Ironically, the growth of the disciples’ teachings throughout Acts confirms Gamaliel’s assertion

as the gospel advances.

Naturally, there is a difference between courage and carelessness. Courage does not dismiss

thoughtful care and consideration. It is highly unlikely that Gamaliel would have endorsed

obviously dangerous doctrines and practices in what the disciples were advancing. Nor should

we say “yes” if there is potential harm to individuals or organizations. There are times to say,

“no.” But, more often, people live under a suffocating dread that they might be wrong or make a

mistake. Yet, the best hitters in baseball miss half the balls thrown to them. Gamaliel speaks to

us today. There’s little doubt that a better way may be found in most of the things we do. What is

required is that we find the courage to say, “yes.’

RESPOND:

1. How has this scripture or meditation spoken to you?

2. What insight can you apply to your life this week?

3. What one specific act do you intend to take, an attitude to change, a person to see, or

prayers to pray?

PRAY:

Grant me the courage and wisdom to know when to say, “yes” and when to say, “no” that I may

be useful to your purposes in the world. Amen.

HHAAPPPPYY

EEAASSTTEERR!!