THE GATHERING
*Worshipers are invited to stand, if able. +Usher will seat you.
Please remember to turn off your cell phone while in the sanctuary.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Charles Bowdler
We are grateful for your presence and invite you to participate in the worship, program, and service life of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.
MINUTE FOR MISSION Elder Audie Dodson
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
Use this time to make the transition from getting here to being here. Relax your body, quiet the inner dialogue of your mind, open yourself to the Spirit of God moving in our midst, and prepare to worship God joyfully with the body of Christ gathered here today.
VOLUNTARY This Joyful Eastertide Cherwien
Choral introit
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith and receive the fullness of Christ's blessing, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
+* HYMN 113 Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
CALL TO CONFESSION Rev. Heather Williamsen
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. At times we overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; sometimes we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we are prone to despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
GLORIA PATRI Hymn 579
THE WORD
YOUNG DISCIPLES TIME
At this time all children are invited to come to the chancel steps. Those first grade and younger are dismissed to the Education Building. Second grade and older should remain in the sanctuary.
ANTHEM What Joy! He Lives Wetzler
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What joy the blest assurance gives.
He Lives, He Lives, who once was dead;
He Lives my everlasting head.
He Lives, to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above;
He lives, my hungry soul to feed;
He lives, to help in time of need.
He Lives, and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives, my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to his name;
He lives my Savior still the same;
What joy the blest assurance gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION Rev. Bowdler
PSALM LESSON
Psalm 16 Pew Bible p. 495
Acts of the apostles
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Pew Bible p.119
EPISTLE LESSON
1 Peter 1:3-9 Pew Bible p. 232
GOSPEL LESSON
John 20:19-31 Pew Bible p. 115
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Easter Commission”
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed”
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
* HYMN 357 O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY Draw Us to You, Lord Burkhardt
* DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION Rev. Williamsen
THE SENDING
* HYMN 106 Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks
* CHARGE AND BLESSING Rev. Bowdler
* CHORAL BENEDICTION
* POSTLUDE Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor Burkhardt
The flowers this morning are given for the glory of God by Nell Bradford in memory of her parents, Jo Ann and Jim Bradford.
PRAYER AND CARE CONCERNS
(Names in bold indicate new concerns or updates)
Members Robert Davis, Jane Hogue, Charlie Parrish, William Pope, Stephanie Smith, and Scott Steele.
Family Lizzie Cooper, Bill Gates, Jim Halling, Wanda Helm, Ross Hogan, Jean Johnson (Meridian), Sam Johnson (Booneville, MS), Robert Lightsey (Batesville), and Merrill Maddox
Missions Ben Mathes, Drs. Les & Cindy Morgan, Dr. Barbara Nagy,
Jose Pezini, and Lisa & Werner Schobesberger.
Military Cpt. Matt Jasinski
CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, April 27, 2nd Sunday of Easter
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School, Choir Rehearsal, Senior Breakfast
10:00 a.m. – Fellowship Time
10:25 a.m. – Morning Worship
11:30 a.m. – PW Birthday Offering Benefit Lunch
MONDAY, April 28
9:00 a.m. – Jackson Quilters
9:30 a.m. – Explorers’ Bible Study
2:00 p.m. – Congregational Care Meeting
6:00 p.m. – Explorers’ Bible Study
WEDNESDAY, April 30
10:30 a.m. – Staff Meeting
6:00 p.m. – WNF Supper & Programs
THURSDAY, May 1, National Day of Prayer
12:00 p.m. – Prayer Service (Patio)
SUNDAY, May 4, 3rd Sunday of Easter
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School, Choir Rehearsal
10:00 a.m. – Fellowship Time
10:25 a.m. – Morning Worship
11:30 a.m. – PWCT
Elders this week: Rick Barker & David Jensen
Elders next week: Jane Gerber & Baxter Hogue
Extended Session Volunteer this week: Sarah Randall
Extended Session Volunteer next week: Suzan Dorsey
Flower Team this week: Carlisle, Planch, Coleman
Flower Team next week: Carlisle, Planch, Coleman
Sanctuary preparation this week: Debra Kinser
Sanctuary preparation next week: Amy York
Sound Technician: William Bowdler
USHERS
Robert Davis (Capt.) Polly Duggan (Capt.)
Jennifer Servais Jim McCreery
Chris Servais David French
Jerry Taylor
CONGRATULATIONS: Our high school seniors, Erin Cook, Claire Everett, Jordan Saunders, and Alex Wedderstrand, were honored this morning with breakfast.
TWO CENTS A MEAL: Today we place our two cents per meal offerings in the buckets to share God’s blessings with others. Please bring your offering forward and place in the buckets at the beginning of the last hymn.
RECEIVING NEW MEMBERS: Following the worship service each week, Elders meet to receive new members in the church office located on the southwest side, behind the sanctuary. We welcome everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and who desires to be an active part of our family of faith.
SPECIAL EVENT: Join us for a Special Lunch following worship and benefitting the Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering Objective. Enjoy a delicious meal and live entertainment by Bill Ellison, Jeff Perkins & Temperance Babcock. 100% of your generous donations will go to The 2014 Birthday Offering Recipient, Blue Corn Mothers Alliance, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP: Join us at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, for a delicious meal. The cost is $6/adult; $3/children under 12; $15/family maximum. This week we continue the Engage study. A nursery is provided.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: All are encouraged to gather on the patio under the bell tower this Thursday, May 1 at noon for a brief prayer service.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: The Session has called a Congregational meeting on Sunday, May 4, for the purpose of receiving and acting on the report of the Elder Nomination Committee.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: Large-print bulletins, Bibles and hymnals and individual listening devices for improved sound are available in the back of the sanctuary. Also, knitted shawls are on the back row of each section. Please use them for your personal comfort during the service.
RADIO BROADCAST: On Sunday mornings at 10:00 on WYAB, 103.9FM radio you can hear Briarwood’s worship service from the week before. The broadcast is only 30 minutes and features the sermon and other parts of the morning worship as time permits.
SESSION
Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016
Mark Bailey Anne Dreher Rick Barker
Carol Busbee Danny Griffith Warren Dorsey
Sandy French Baxter Hogue David French
Jane Gerber Marcia Magee David Jensen
Walterine Odom Susan Sumrall Lea Ann McElroy
Administration Committee Moderator Carol Busbee (‘14)
Commitment Committee Moderator Jane Gerber (‘14)
Education Committee Moderator Susan Sumrall (‘15)
Mission Committee Moderator Baxter Hogue ('15)
Worship Committee Moderator Marcia Magee ('15)
Clerk of Session Danny Griffith (‘15)
Church Treasurer Art Magee
CHURCH STAFF
Senior Minister Charles Bowdler 601.956.4553
Parish Associate Bill Smith 601.366.5994
Parish Associate Heather Williamsen 769.610.6660
Choir Director Barney McCann 601.857.6090
Organist Judy Foster 601.856.4062
Office Manager Audie Dodson 601.992.6791
Sexton Larry Coleman 601.559.5345
Financial Assistant Brenda Hyde 601.212.7421
Childcare Josie Moore 601.955.9503
PASTOR EMERITUS MISSIONARIES
John Kirstein Dr. Barbara Nagy
Lisa & Werner Schobesberger
The Little Light House Christian Development Center
601.956.6131
Putting God First
Obeying Christ’s Commands
Caring for People’s Needs within the Church
and the Community
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Second Sunday of Easter
Morning Worship 10:25 a.m.
Liturgical Color: White
April 27, 2014
620 Briarwood Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
601.956.4553
www.briarwoodpres.org