Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 118)
One: O give thanks to the Holy One, for God is good;
God’s love abides, endures, and prevails forever!
Many: Alleluia! The resurrection life comes to us. Christ is risen!
One: In distress, I call. In grief, I cry. In despair, I come.
The Holy One answers. The Holy One comforts. The Holy One comes.
Many: Alleluia! The resurrection life comes to us. Christ is risen!
One: God, my refuge and confidence, surrounds me with strength and victory! Exalt God’s holy name!
Many: Alleluia! The resurrection life comes to us. Christ is risen!

Opening Hymn: “ Christ the Lord is Risen Today “ FOG 289

Opening Prayer:
Holy One, just as they came to the tomb to honor you on that early Easter morning, we gather to praise you this day. May our alleluias resound in adoration and shared joy: You are risen and we share in the promise of new life. May we encounter your glory in this assembled community as we follow you from the empty tomb into the possibilities that await. Amen.
 
Affirmation:
Beloved, Jesus is risen. The Holy One is yet alive, and always doing a new thing. Receive the grace of God that rises up to meet us in our weakness. Embrace the grace of God to move forward boldly in new life. Hold fast to the grace of God to guide you in living the resurrected life.

Soloist Charlie Berrios “The Holy City” By Steven Adams

Scripture Reading(s)
Colossians 3: 1-4 Tim Damon
John 20: 1-18 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Called by name

Hymn: “Now the Green Blade Rises” NCH 238

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer
All: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory, forever. Amen.

Taizé Song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” (Repeat 4 x)
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
Come and listen to me.

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Dedication

Service of Communion

Invitation
One: On the night of betrayal, denial, and desertion, Jesus prepared his disciples for life beyond the tomb. He demonstrated with wine and bread what he would later perform in his flesh and blood.
Many: Jesus wanted them to remember and to understand his
solidarity and his sacrifice.
One: Jesus still prepares a place for each and all of us at this table. Will you come?
Many: In awe and wonder, humility and thanksgiving, we come to the table to feast with the Risen One.

Words of Institution

Blessing the Wine and Bread

Distribution

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy One, thank you for this feast at your table. As we receive bread and cup, may we encounter your grace and be filled with your love. May we go forward from this table with great joy, ever seeking your resurrecting presence among us and discerning your call for us to be present for our neighbors in the world. By your spirit, we pray. AMEN

Closing Hymn: “The Day of Resurrection” NCH 245

Responsive Benediction
One: May the tomb be just a stop reminding us that God’s reign knows no bounds, the realm of God’s possible knows no limits!
Many: God’s presence always remains.
One: God’s protection endures and God’s glory radiates the day and the night and the power of Christ lives in us!
Many: May we go forth from the tomb renewed and rededicated to witness to this good news.
One: Let us go forth to live the resurrected life in spirit and in truth, and to be the good news in the world God loves. AMEN.

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Call to Worship
One: O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; God’s steadfast love
endures forever!
Many: The people say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
One: Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
Many: This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
One: The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief
cornerstone.
Many: This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Unison: This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Scripture
Matthew 21: 1-11 Myra Cardona-Grammo

Opening Prayer
God of grace and God of glory, we pray that we will come into your
presence this day with the same mind, the same attitude, that was in Christ Jesus as he entered into the gates of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. Although Jesus knew himself to be divine, he did not grasp at power or glory; instead, like a servant, he poured himself out for others. As we gather in your name this day, may we also be humble and obedient to your will. For it is because of your grace that we live and die. Amen.

Opening Hymn:  “All Glory Laud and Honor” NCH 216
(as you are moved, wave your palms as you sing)

Affirmation
One: Hear and receive the good news. God has not abandoned us to the violence of this world. The Prince of Peace has come, with grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory be to God, AMEN.

Scripture Philippians 2: 5-11 Myra Cardona-Grammo

Scripture and Sermon: Mt 26:14-27:66 “Passion Walk”

Hymn: “My song is Love Unknown NCH 222

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” (Repeat 4 x)
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “What Wondrous Love is This” NCH 223

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Call to Worship
Pastor: god calls us away from the tumult of the world, that we may focus our thoughts on things that are lasting.
People: In God’s presence we see our lives more clearly; the broken pieces are put back together.
Pastor: God calls us out of loneliness into a life of community.
People: Worshiping together, caring about one another, we find out what it means to be truly human.
Pastor: But Dog will send us back into the world’s confusion and busyness, tis brokenness and isolation.
People: May we go with serenity and joy, strengthened to be God’s servants, the bearers of peace.

Prayer of Invocation
Great and cracious God, let the winds of the Spirit blow in our midst today. Let us hear the sound and feel the power. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace, so that we may be a blessing to one another and to your world. We need your courage to face the challenges and struggles of life. We seek reassurance that you will be with us in our going out and our coming in. Strengthen our faith to withstand the trials and temptations that lead us away from a faithful journey with Christ, for we ask it in his name, Amen.

Opening Hymn: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

Words of Assurance
All: This is the good news. By Christ’s word and example we learn that divine love has no bounds. Grace is unending. Those who hunger and thirst will be satisfied. Those who mourn will be comforted. Those who are lost will be found. In Christ we are forgiven, and our lives and hopes are renewed. Thanks be to God.

Scripture Readings
Psalm 130   Paula Thoin
John 11:17-44     Robert Grammo

Sermon Title: “The Voice That Wakes the Dead”

Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”

Sharing Time — Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Taize Song   “In the Lord”

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Thank you, God, for all the ways we have benefited from the labor of others. We here offer our best for the sake of brothers and sisters who need the love and encouragement you are eager to share through these gifts. Help us to grow in gratitude and generosity. When life is difficult, help us to endure and to hope because your love is sure and certain, ours to receive and ours to give, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Send Forth by God’s Blessing”

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Call to Worship
Pastor: The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it; the world, and those who live in it.
People: Our sovereign Lord, who has founded the seas and established the rivers, placed the hills and formed the valleys.
Pastor: We lift up our heads this day in praise and thanksgiving.
People: Blessed are you, Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth!
Pastor: Long before you ever laid down earth’s foundation, you had us in mind, and decided to adopt us into your family through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus.
People: Blessed are you O God, Maker of heaven and earth, and blessed are those who have come seeking.
Pastor: The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it; the world, and those who live in it.

Prayer of Invocation
We turn to you, God of all worlds, knowing we can depend on you when earthly rulers stumble and fall, when other relationships are strained and broken, when we are faced with difficult challenges. It is good to sing your praises, even when we don’t feel like singing. It is good to declare your faithfulness when we have been unfaithful. It is good to give thanks, for when we do, we are reminded of the multitude of blessings we so often take for granted. Lead us in this time of worship, that we might grow in faith and hope and love, for we ask it in the name of your Son Jesus, our Healer and our Hope, Amen.

Opening Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You” 

Words of Assurance
All: This is the good news. By Christ’s word and example we learn that divine love has no bounds. Grace is unending. Those who hunger and thirst will be satisfied. Those who mourn will be comforted. Those who are lost will be found. In Christ we are forgiven, and our lives and hopes are renewed. Thanks be to God.

Scripture Readings
Psalm 98 Carrie Naatz
I Samuel 16:1 – 13 Ed Lynch

Sermon Title: “God Looks at the Heart”

Hymn: “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Taizé Song  “In the Lord”

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
By your surprising grace, O God, our eyes are opened, our ears unstopped, our hearts attuned to the needs of others. We give to support our ministry of preaching, teaching and healing. We give so more people may know your acceptance and forgiveness. We give to support the outreach of the church. Expand our horizons, we pray, and help us to grow each day in faith and love, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Closing Hymn: See attached pages “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand.

Call to Worship
We come, our souls thirsting for God, our spirits longing for love.
We come to the One who gives us living water.
We come, with prayers in our hearts and words too painful to speak
We come to the One who listens to our hearts.
We come, with our brokenness and loss, and hope to be made whole.
We come to the One who knows all our secrets, and who brings peace to all of us, and to each of us.

Opening Prayer
God of our hearts, when our relationship with you was lying broken on the floor, you offered the Bread of Life to restore us to wholeness. When pride stiffens our necks so much we cannot bow down before you, you restore our souls with grace’s tender touch. When our ears are blocked with selfabsorption ,you open them wiht songs of grateful praise. Let us worship you in joy, O God our God. AMEN.

Opening Hymn: “Be Thou My Vision”

Affirmation
God does not disappoint us. Our sins are forgiven, our lives are made whole, we are sent forth to serve. In Jesus Christ, living water breaks through the roof of our hearts, in such abundance that we don’t have enough buckets to hold it all. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Scripture

John 4: 5-42 Read dramatically by Rev. Carrie Bail, Tim and Paula

Sermon Title: Living Water

Hymn: “When, Like the Woman at the Well”

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

Taize Song: “In the Lord’

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with the United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below,
Praise God, above ye heavenly host,
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “The Old Rugged Cross”

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Unison Prayer of Invocation:
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Let us pray together.
We begin our worship by confessing our sins and asking your
forgiveness for the ways we have compromised our trust in you. We
occupy this holy space and approach your presence with contrite hearts.
We come before you now with sincerity, hope and faith. May this room
and the people in it be a sign that your Kingdom is real. Let us worship
in the light of your love. Amen.

All who are able, please stand

Opening Hymn: “Hope of the World” NCH # 46

Scripture Reading(s)
Old Testament Reading Excerpts from Genesis 18 Paula Thouin
Gospel Matthew 26:36-46 Rev. Randy Purinton

Sermon Title: W is for Watch

Hymn: “Rising in Darkness” NCH # 90

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In the Lord”

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Dedication
COMMUNION
Invitation
Blessing the Wine and Bread
Distribution
Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Gracious God, we give you thanks that you have joined us at this table and blessed
us with the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one
another, and send us forth into the world with courage, to work for peace among
peoples and nations, that we may bring the Kingdom of God. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing” NCH #77

Sung Benediction: “God Be with You” NCH #81

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Call to Worship
One: Blow the trumpet in Zion: gather the people.
Many: This is a time to return to God with all our hearts.
One: We return to God in repentance for all those things which we have
done that we should not have done, and for all those things we have left
undone which we should have done.
Many: Seeking forgiveness, we rend our hearts, not our garments.
One: We affirm that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and
abounding in steadfast love.

Opening Prayer
Gentle God, we thank you for your Lenten walk through Galilee and
through our lives. We thank you for the healing grace and teaching
challenge of this journey. We thank you for the cross and the tomb and the
heavenly resurrection that call us forward. Be with us in these weeks as we
relive your story. AMEN.

Opening Hymn: “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley” FOG 217

Affirmation
We are all part of the circle of love that began with Jesus, and which
reaches out to embrace the whole world, where the least of these find
dignity and everyone lives in peace. May it be so.

Scriptures
Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-7 Carrie Naatz
Matthew 4:1-11 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: In the Wilderness

Baptism Hymn: “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise” NCH 325
(Verse 1 only)
The Sacrament of Baptism

Invitation to the Family
Child to be baptized: Malea Vega
Parents: Yenitza Baez and Gean Vega
Godparents: Luciana Baez and Yamiled Mary Galarza Mandoza
Jayden Fuentes and Julio Victor

Welcome (responsively):
Rev. Bail: Members and friends in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the
gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism.
All: There is one body and one Spirit.
There is one hope in God’s call to us.
Rev. Bail: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and creator
of us all.
Address:
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water and heaven was
opened to him. The Spirit of God came down like a dove on him. The
sacrament of baptism is an outward, visible sign of the grace and love of
God. The promise of the gospel is not only to us but also to our children.
Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of being accepted into
Christ’s church, the sign of their participation in God’s forgiveness, and
the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith and discipleship.
Questions of the Parents
Will you encourage this child to renounce the powers of evil and to
receive the freedom of new life in Christ?
We will, with the help of God
Will you teach this child that she may be led to profess Jesus Christ as
Lord and Savior?
We will, with the help of God
Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples, to follow in
the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and
justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best as you
are able?
We do, with the help of God
Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with this child
in the Christian faith, to help her be a faithful member of the church of
Jesus Christ, by celebrating Christ’s presence, by furthering Christ’s
mission in all the world, and by offering the nurture of the Christian
Church so that she may affirm her baptism as an adult?
We do, with the help of God

Assent of the Congregation
Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the
gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this
sacrament, promise your love, support, and care, to the one about to be
baptized as she lives and grows in Christ?
Congregation: We promise our love, support, and care.

Prayer of Baptism
Bless by your Holy Spirit, gracious God, this water. Save those who
profess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them.
Create new life in the one baptized this day that she may rise in Christ.
Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was and is and shall always be,
world without end. AMEN.

Act of Baptism By what name shall this child be called?
I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Christ, and of the Holy
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit be upon you, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of
the church.

Prayer for the Baptized and the Parents and Godparents
Let us pray for the child baptized today.
Gracious God, you have filled the world with joy by giving us the gift of
Jesus. Bless this newly baptized baby. May she be filled with joy; may she
never be ashamed to confess personal faith in you. Bless her parents and
godparents. May they always show her their gratitude for the life you have
given them by loving and caring for her. Bless all your faithful people and
unite them in the peace of Christ. AMEN.

Hymn: “Just as I Am” NCH 207

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In the Lord”

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “God Loved the World” NCH 208

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Unison Prayer of Invocation:
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Let us pray together.
We begin our worship by confessing our sins and asking your
forgiveness for the ways we have compromised our trust in you. We
occupy this holy space and approach your presence with contrite hearts. We come before you now with sincerity, hope and faith. May this room and the people in it be a sign that your Kingdom is real. Let us worship in the light of your love. Amen.

All who are able, please stand

Opening Hymn: “Hope of the World” NCH # 46

Scripture Reading(s)
Old Testament Reading Excerpts from Genesis 18 Paula Thouin
Gospel Matthew 26:36-46 Rev. Randy Purinton

Sermon Title: W is for Watch

Hymn:  “Rising in Darkness” NCH # 90

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Musical Interlude

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Rebekah’s Closet

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Dedication

Closing Hymn: “Lord, Dismiss Us With Your Blessing” NCH #77

Sung Benediction: “God Be with You” NCH #81

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand
Responsive Call to Worship (from Psalm 112)
Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.

Unison Prayer of Invocation
Lord, open our hearts and our minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the scriptures are read, as the hymns are sung, as our prayers are shared, and as your Word is spoken that we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Amen.

Opening Hymn: “I Am Thine, O Lord” FOG # 455

Words of Assurance

Scripture Readings
First Lesson: Lift Up Your Voice! Isaiah 58:1-9 Ed Lynch
Gospel Lesson Let Your Light Shine Matthew 5: 13-20 Robert Grammo

Sermon Title: “Righteousness”

Hymn: “Take Time to Be Holy” FOG # 457

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “Lead On O King Eternal” FOG # 595

Benediction

Postlude