Easter Sunday April 4, 2021

9:30 AM

1

April 4 Highlights at First Congregational TODAY: Easter Sunday with Drive Thru Communion (11:00 AM-12:00 PM) TODAY: Youth Mission Birthday Bag Project......................................... p. 10 TODAY: “Sunday School at Home” Kit Distribution (11:00 AM-12:00 PM) TODAY: Reverse Easter Basket .............................................................. p. 11 TODAY: Last Mile of Turtle Trek ............................................................. p. 12 TODAY: Karma’s Mailbox Performing Live from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Next Sunday: Holy Humor Sunday

Donating to First Congregational UCC You are invited to donate via virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256. Checks can also still be mailed to the church.

References to God References to God in traditional prayers, readings, and hymns in our worship may sometimes be gender specific. As we pray and sing together, you are invited to substitute terms that reflect your understanding of the full inclusiveness of the spirit of God.

Land Acknowledgement Our church is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee Nation. We acknowledge this indigenous community who stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.

Online Streaming and Podcasting Audio and video recordings of our sermons and a written transcript are accessible at www.firstcongoappleton.org/sermons.

You can watch a live stream of First Congo services on Facebook.com/1stCongo or at www.firstcongoappleton.org/worship-with-us/livestream.

Online Documents and Information Official documents of First Congregational and links to announcements, news and other information reside on our website: www.firstcongoappleton.org.

2

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP EASTER SUNDAY

April 04, 2021 9:30 AM Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Savides, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nicholas J. Hatch, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Laurie Lyter Bright, Designated Interim Pastor for Congregational Care and Missions

PRELUDE (begins at 9:23 AM) Suite in D G. F. Handel arr. J. Carlton Rowe

I. Overture II. Gigue III. March IV. Aire V. Bourree

Lawrence Conservatory Faculty Brass Quintet

John Daniel, trumpet Jessica Jensen, trumpet Ann Ellsworth, horn Timothy Albright, trombone

Marty Erickson, tuba WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Christ has risen. People: Christ has risen indeed. Leader: God is alive… People: New birth is given. Leader: Hope is alive… People: A new age is dawning. Leader: Joy is alive… People: Redemption is here. Leader: Love is alive… People: Death cannot harm us. Leader: We are alive… People: New life is within us. All: God of life, we worship you. God of creation, we praise you. God of revelation, we learn from you. God of resurrection, we are here to celebrate you.

3

OPENING HYMN Christ the Lord Is Risen Today EASTER HYMN

arr. David Cherwien

LU Music Scholars Shelley Nulton, organ Kristen Henke, trumpet John Aaholm, timpani

Stanza 1: Christ the Lord Is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing ye heavens and earth reply, Alleluia!

Stanza 2: Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

(Choral verse from Scholars) Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Stanza 4: Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia! Amen!

CHILDREN’S SERMON Rev. Steve Savides ANTHEM

Christ Rising Again (Easter Anthem) William Byrd Brass Quintet arr. Craig Garner

SCRIPTURE READING John 20:1-18

MEDITATION “Gardens of Stone” Rev. Steve Savides

4

MUSICAL REFLECTION I Know That My Redeemer Liveth from Messiah Handel

Emma Milton, Senior Scholar soprano

(During this time, you are invited to a virtual offering. Please visit our webpage and click “Give” to make your weekly offering, or text FCUCC GIVE to 73256).

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God, we confess to you that while we know well the story of your victory over the grave, it is not a story we always live. We are dragged down by all manner of death – Fear may suffocate us: the loss of dreams and hopes for ourselves, our families, our communities and our nation. Sorrow may wall us off like a grave, isolating us with anger, frustration, and grief. Yet the stories of our faith are inscribed not with the marks of death, but with the word, “Alleluia!” So on this Easter morning, we pray that you will fill us with “fear and great joy” so that, like those women who came to the tomb expecting death, we may instead find the radiant new life that is ever before us in your Resurrection! Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Leader: Just as Christ did not come to condemn but to liberate, so too is Christ raised from death not to judge but to celebrate. Cast off the yoke of sorrow and instead raise up the scepter of joy – Christ lives! We live! All is made new on this Resurrection morning!

People: Alleluia and amen!

ANTHEM This Joyful Eastertide Dutch Carol arr. Charles Wood

LU Music Scholars (pre-recorded)

CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

(You are invited to share the elements you have prepared at home or to receive the elements at “drive-thru” communion in the church parking lot from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM this morning.)

5

INVITATION

COMMUNION PRAYER

GATHERING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS (You are welcome to submit your prayer requests throughout the week to the church office, email to a pastor for confidentiality. Prayer requests submitted in the Comments section during livestream worship will be prayed over during the week ahead.)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (in unison)

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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

SHARING OF THE ELEMENTS

DISTRIBUTION MUSIC

Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz Johannes Brahms (Create in me a clean heart, O God) trans., David Jolley

Brass Quintet

UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Almighty God, we give you thanks for the gift of our Savior’s presence in the simplicity and splendor of this holy meal. Unite us with all who are lifted by the resurrection that we may faithfully proclaim the good news of your love. And let us share that love so that we may become a rainbow of hope in an uncertain world; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

6

CLOSING HYMN The Day of Resurrection! LANCASHIRE

Sanctuary Choir & Congregation recorded Easter, 2019 Stanza 1:

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad, The passover of gladness, the passover of God.

From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free, Our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.

Stanza 2: Let hearts be purged of evil, that we may see aright

The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light, And listening to his accents, may hear so calm and plain,

His own “All hail!” and hearing, may raise the victor strain.

(Choir): Now let the heav’ns be joyful let earth its song begin, Let all the world keep triumph and all that is there-in,

Let all things, seen and unseen, their notes of gladness blend; For Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end.

Stanza 4: Then praise we God the Father, and praise we Christ his Son,

With them the Holy Spirit, Eternal Thee in One; Till all the ransomed number fall down before the throne,

And honor, pow’r and glory ascribe to God alone!

RESPONSIVE COMMISSION AND BLESSING

Leader: Take the good news of Easter into your everyday world.

People: We have seen Jesus! In Christ, life triumphs over death.

Leader: May this special day make all your days special from now on.

People: All our days are God’s gift to us; we will rejoice and be glad in them.

Leader: Mary at the tomb saw and loved the Risen Jesus. Let us, like her, carry this loving message to others.

People: By God’s grace I will follow Christ into the world and offer God’s love to others.

Leader: Amen.

People: Amen.

7

BENEDICTION RESPONSE Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah G. F. Handel

POSTLUDE Centone No. 2 – Overture Johann Joseph Fux trans. Verne Reynolds

Brass Quintet

TODAY’S MUSICIANS LU Faculty Brass Quintet (pre-recorded)

John Daniel, trumpet Jessica Jensen, trumpet Ann Ellsworth, horn Timothy Albright, trombone Marty Erickson, tuba

LU Music Scholars (pre-recorded) Emma Milton and Grace Drummond, soprano Hannah Jones, alto Logan Willis, tenor Max Muter and Tyler Nanstad, bass Shelley Nulton, organ Emma Milton, Scholar soprano soloist Kristen Henke, trumpet John Aaholm, timpani Sanctuary Choir & Congregation recorded Easter, 2019 (closing hymn with brass, organ and

percussion) John Albrecht, Director for Music Ministries

Thank you to Heidi Erstad for serving as our lay reader this morning!

Permission to stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, # A-714899. All rights reserved.

Upcoming Worship Schedule April 11, 2021 Holy Humor Sunday Livestreaming at 9:30 AM Scripture Reading: Acts 4:32-37, John 20:19-31 Music: Chris Danz, piano Bruce Danz, clarinet John Aaholm, drums Max Muter, vocalist Lay Reader: Dave Frederick

8

What I Meant to Say Was…

Coming back to the church after being away for so long means a lot of things coming at me in a pretty short amount of time. That’s both challenging and exciting. It also gets me moving too fast to say some things I wanted to say…

Thank you to Dianne Droster for serving as our Interim Sabbatical Pastor during my absence. I have heard so many kind words about Dianne’s excellent preaching, faithful chapel services, and loving

pastoral care… none of which surprised me. She has been and will continue to be a blessing on our church community even as her official sabbatical role ends.

I am delighted by the rising vaccination rates in our state and immediate area and completely excited by the prospect of resuming in-person worship. I am meeting with the Medical Advisory Group next week and hope to have a reopening plan completed in the next few weeks. In the meantime, keep getting vaccinated (even in you’ve already had Covid, you need a vaccination to guard against reinfection!), keep wearing masks, practicing handwashing, and observing social distancing. The race to our community’s health isn’t over yet, so (in the words of the author of Hebrews) “let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (12:1). And let us see it through to the end.

I love you. Too often I forget to say those words to this congregation and this church. I really do love you, and I truly missed you when I was gone. I am so blessed by the joy of serving you and serving with you.

Blessings, Steve Savides, Senior Pastor

9

JOYS AND CONCERNS OF OUR FAITH COMMUNITY Members of our church family benefit from our prayers, support, and words of encouragement as they celebrate special times or struggle with difficulties in their lives. Please keep these people in your prayers and greet them with a loving word when you see them.

If you are in the hospital, please let the church know, as we are not always notified. In cases of a pastoral emergency, please call (920) 810-2600.

Lyndee Aleman Jill Anthony Jill Anthony’s sister Jill Anthony’s nephew, Darryl Sherry Bassett Paul Bauman Katie Behl Barbara Ann Behl, Katie’s sister Arlene Beyer Clair Brown Judy Burdick, Megan Burdick-Grade’s mother Olive Bopp Alyssa Villarreal Brooks Don Brittnacher Charlie and Britt Carlson and infant son, Miller

Stephen Carlson Dick Casperson Steve Chapin Lynn Cook Dana and Tony who are battling cancer Michael, Dick and Kathy Devries’ son-in-law Jim Edwards and Rachel DeMoss Edwards Friend of Pat Severin who is facing a serious

health issue Phil Gabrielson David Galow Esther Gehrt Ken Geiger Joan Gruenstern Lynn Hanna Jayne Heinrich Maggie Hendrick Ken Hocking Ron Hurm

Elizabeth Keggi’s stepmother, Jeanne Jean Jepson Our Kenyan partners and friends Allen Korth Rick Kramer, Richard Miller’s son-in law Helen Kratzer Jennifer Lemmert Lindsey, friend of Kristen Scheuerman Mike Mathews Drew Michyeta, Eilene Hoft-March’s uncle Shari Mitchell Mory, Anthony Padilla’s son Our country’s military around the world Steve Reinkober, brother of Chris Brittnacher Sharrie Robinson Mary Rowland Gwen Salonen Jan Scheibe Frank Severin Mike Seymour’s mom, Debbie Jake Smasal Cole Stoffel Sue, friend of Mark Yonan Jack Thiel Peter Thiel Brenda Timm James Totzke and his mother, Leah Totzke Beverly Trombla Don Utschig Jean Van Wagenin Mya Wardle, Brian and Lecia Wardle’s daughter Jean Wegner Jennifer Wild

10

Youth and Families Faith, fun and service.

Youth Mission Project: Birthday Bags

All Middle and High School students are encouraged to participate in a youth-led mission project. We will be making “Birthday Bags;” bags full of supplies to celebrate the birthdays of those who otherwise might not have the means to do so.

You can pick up your unfilled bag during the Easter Sunday Drive-thru Communion TODAY from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The filled Birthday Bags should then be returned to the church front office during business hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM) or on Sunday, April 18 after worship from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

These Birthday Bags are sure to brighten the birthdays of many community members struggling in these difficult times!

Contact Pastor Nick with any questions.

Worship and Music A diverse community practicing faith,

finding spiritual connection and experiencing the Holy through artful sound.

Welcome Dr. Nathan Birkholz, Organist/Accompanist!

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Nathan Birkholz as our staff organist/accompanist, joining us as of Monday, April 12, 2021. Some of us have already worked with Dr. Birkholz through the Appleton Boychoir and the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. Dr. Nathan Birkholz has been active in church music ministry for over a decade, most recently as organist and music director at First English Lutheran Church of Appleton. Nathan holds degrees in piano performance from Northern Illinois University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in French, conducting, and musicology. He studied organ with the late Frank Rippl of Appleton, was a member of the Appleton Boychoir, and has served as principal accompanist for the Appleton Boychoir and the Badger State Girl Choir. Dr. Birkholz also serves as staff accompanist at Lawrence University for the Voice Area.

11

Mission and Service Building relationships, serving others,

pursuing justice.

Easter Sunday Mission and Service Opportunities

TODAY, April 4

On Easter Sunday, your Mission and Service team will provide the congregation with an opportunity to donate to St. Joe’s Food Pantry. After the worship service, please continue celebrating Easter by dropping off non-perishable food (no glass containers, please) in the church parking lot. The food will be placed in a beautiful, large Easter basket. We’re calling it a “Reverse” Easter Basket, that is, instead of taking something out of a basket, you’ll be putting something in. We hope this will be fun for the whole family! We will also be celebrating the last leg of the Turtle Trek Challenge which began on January 24. Participants are encouraged to donate a canned food item to celebrate finishing their last mile. Karma’s Mailbox, First Congo’s acoustic band, will also be performing outside of the church. It’s all happening on TODAY, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and everyone is welcome!

Easter Offering: RIP Medical Debt

RIP Medical Debt is our opportunity to radically change the lives of those in the Fox Valley region. With a gift of $15,000 we could forgive the unpayable medical debt throughout our community, offering jubilee to our neighbors! Please consider contributing to this special Easter Offering! You can also watch a short video about RIP Medical Debt at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSk8xDd2GbU

Ruby’s Pantry: Exploring the Possibility

Tuesday, April 13 7:00 PM on Zoom

Join First English Lutheran Church, other Appleton Churches, neighborhood partners and local non-profits for an informational meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00 PM to learn more about First English Lutheran Church becoming a host site for Ruby’s Pantry. Ruby’s Pantry is a monthly pop-up food pantry and is for ANYONE who eats! There is no income or residency requirement. Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery

12

budget. Each guest donates a $20 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items with an average value of around $200. At this informational meeting, you’ll hear an overview of Ruby’s Pantry, how a site at First English may potentially function, highlights of key volunteer positions as well as program needs. This program can only move forward with community collaboration; this is a project that cannot be supported by FELC volunteers alone.

Please visit https://www.felc.com/rubyspantry to RSVP by Monday, April 12.

More information about Ruby’s Pantry can be found at www.rubyspantry.org or by contacting Deni Kuchler at dkuchler@felc.com or (920) 358-0554.

The Hundredth Turtle Trek Mile

The Turtle Trek 10-week, hundred-mile challenge to raise funds for fuel for people on the Pine Ridge reservation concludes on Easter Sunday, April 4. Turtle Trekkers can take a “victory lap,” departing from the church parking lot and walking along the river (departure at 11:00 AM). Anyone who wishes to join our trekkers is warmly invited to participate in this masked and socially distanced walk. Turtle Trekkers should encourage their sponsors to fulfill their donation pledges by April 9 using one of the following payment methods: • Send checks directly to the church

with a note in the memo line that this is a Turtle Trek pledge for our

mission partner, Re-Member, serving the Native American community on Pine Ridge.

• Donate directly to: https://www.re-member.org/donate/donate.aspx They will receive a tax receipt from Re-Member. There is a comment box in which donors can indicate that they are supporting the First Congregational Appleton Turtle Trek.

Please contact: Eilene Hoft-March at Eilene.Hoft-March@lawrence.edu with any questions.

Racial Equity Exploration Group Recommends

Video: The Muslim on the Airplane (15:58) Watching the news, it seems like ethnic divides are ever deepening. But how can we solve these complicated problems when each side lives in fear of the other? The answer is simple, argues Syrian American poet Amal Kassir—it starts with, “what’s your name?”

Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?mc_cid=15979a22d9&mc_eid=b3337f102c&v=UIAm1g_Vgn0&feature=youtu.be

13

Gifts for the 2021 Easter Display

In celebration of: Esther Gehrt given by Sara and Bruce Companik

Our LU Music Scholars given by Cheryl and Ron Reissmann

In honor of: All the wonderful people who are working hard to keep First Congo afloat given by Sharon Radke

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary given by Karl and Rose Heinz

In memory of: All the previous lives that died due to the COVID-19 pandemic given by Patricia Streur

Everett Erstad and John Mendonca given by Dan, Heidi, Natalie and Ross Erstad

Jack & Dolores Frederick, Norman & Judy Clay given by Dave and Carolyn Frederick

Vaughn Gehrt given by Esther Gehrt

Jack A. Hamilton given by Pamela J. Hamilton

My husband Phil given by Karen Crawford

Rev. Harvey Kandler given by his loving family

Billie Logan given by Linda and Mike Loomis

Additional donation: Given by Faye Binsfeld