HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY APRIL 7, 2024 | 10:30 AM Prelude Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Mark Hayes Words of Welcome Introduction to Holy Humor Sunday Call to Worship Leader: Giving thanks to God is a good and a joyful task, People: to be done with smiles on our faces and laughter in our hearts; Leader: for it is God who created us creatures of mirth and joy… People: The God who helped us overcome the gloominess in our own lives. Leader: Let us worship God! *Carol Take Time to Be Funny TUNE-AWAY IN A MANGER *Call to Confession *Prayer of Confession Leader: Redeeming God, with you there is always more life, more hope, more joy.
People: Forgive us for doubting to see your work in the still things, the busy things, the darkest moment Leader: and the everyday, under-noticed plod of life. People: Forgive us when we balk at action, and refuse to turn on fully the tap of compassion, settling for a mere trickle. Leader: Open us now to your love that lets us relax into life, People: and fill us with trust, hope, and justice. Amen --From Still Laughing God, posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways *Assurance of Pardon *Sung Response #248 Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! HYMN TO JOY 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! *Passing the Peace Special Music Hark the Herald Angels Sing Lyra Davidica Sung by Martin Barstow and Anne Shoaf Scripture Reading Genesis 18:1-2, 9-15, 21:1-7 *Carol Hark the Herald Angel Said TUNE- HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING Sacred Telling of Terrible Jokes Rev. Elizabeth Hilkerbaumer Scripture Reading Psalm 126 *Carol Sing a Happy Alleluia TUNE- ANGELS FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY Scripture Reading John 20:19-31 *Carol God Bless You Merry Sinner TUNE-GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMAN Sacred Telling of Terrible Jokes Rev. Elizabeth Hilkerbaumer
*Affirmation of Humor I believe in God, who places joy in our souls, dancing in our feet and songs in our hearts. I believe God wanted gladness to flow like a river and so created a bountiful earth with plenty for all to share. I believe in Jesus, who turned water into wine, partied with outcasts and sinners, and touched the broken so they could leap and dance. I believe Jesus opened the doors and set an extra place so we could feast. I believe in the Holy Spirit, who prompts us to smile, who sends us invitations to come and dine, who nudges us to openness and tenderness. I believe the Spirit is present every time we gather to break bread and is always urging us to live joyfully and walk hopefully. Forever, I will live in the embrace of God and be a witness to resurrection joy. Amen. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and Lord’s Prayer Call for the Offering Offertory Once in a Royal David’s City arr. Flor Peeters During the offertory, worshipers are invited to come forward and place their offering in the offering plate at the front of the sanctuary. An offering plate will also be available at the back of the sanctuary as you exit or you may give online by scanning the code provided. *Doxology (to the tune of #606) OLD HUNDREDTH All praise be yours, O risen Lord, From death to endless life restored; Whom with the Father, we adore and Holy Spirit evermore. *Prayer of Dedication *Carol Go Tell It on the Mountain TUNE- GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN *Benediction Postlude The First Nowell arr. Alec Wyton
Worship Team Pastor: Rev. Elizabeth Hilkerbaumer Music: Martin Barstow, Anne Shoaf and the Chancel Choir Liturgist: Trudy Smith Ushers: Jennifer and Lane Newsome Tech: Dave Coulson, Zeb Pruitt, and Sam Schweiss STAFF PASTOR ................................................................................................ the Rev. Beth Hilkerbaumer, [email protected], (614)946-5773 CLERK OF SESSION .......................................................................................................Lynda Richmond, [email protected], 407-9826 DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ........................................................Jaime Ambrose, [email protected], 651-2744 AND OUTREACH MINISTRIES YOUTH MINISTRY ASSISTANT................................................................................................ Kelli Demkowski, [email protected] DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES....................................................................Marty Barstow, [email protected], 374-3039 OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR ........................................................................................................Megan Kaltenberg, [email protected] CUSTODIAN.....................................................................................................................................................................Cassandra James, 484-5125 TREASURER.............................................................................................................Warriner Atkinson, [email protected], 685-3420 BOOKKEEPER.............................................................................................................................Celeste Moody, [email protected] We are so pleased to be worshiping with you this morning! Whether you are a long-time member or just passing through, we hope you will take a minute and scan the code to fill out our Welcome Card. Contact Us! Church Office: (757) 484-5125 [email protected] TO THE MEMBERS OF OUR CONGREGATION The presence of children is a gift to the church, and they are a reminder that our congregation is growing. Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the church, to God, and to one another. Please welcome our children, give a smile of encouragement to their parents, and let them know that they are at home in this house of worship. Find Us! Website: greenacrespc.org Facebook: Green Acres Presbyterian Church Instagram: @greenacrespc Youth Instagram: @gapcyg KOGA Instagram: @gapckidsmin