NEWCASTLE UNITED CHURCH84 Mill St. S. L1B 1H2 905-987-4515 newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca

www.newcastleunitedchurch.org Rev. Mary-Jane Hobden, B.A., M. Div.

Joanne McLennan, A.R.C.T, L.T.C.L., Music DirectorLynn Liddell, L.L.W.L. – Guest Worship Leader

April 8, 2018 10:30 a.m.2nd Sunday of Easter

“As followers of Christ, we are called to be a worshipping and learning, receiving and giving community of faith, hope and love.” –

Newcastle United Church Mission Statement

* indicates please stand as able and comfortable

We Approach GodPrelude and Lighting the Christ Candle

Welcome – Our Life and Work

A Time of Centring – Sung 3xLord, prepare me to be a sanctuary

Pure and holy … tried and trueWith thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

Sanctuary for you Call to Worship (responsive)We come to worship on this second Sunday of Easter.“Happy Easter!” we cry loudly as one, but it seems fainter now – diminished.We come to worship in hope and anticipation.“Christ is Risen!” we affirm with one voice, yet it feels like an echo of another day.We come to worship the one who gives new life.“He is risen, indeed”! we exclaim once more, but we’re not really sure what that means.We come to worship God who is Holy Mystery.“The Lord is my Shepherd!” we whisper, aching for the shepherd’s presence now.We come to pray, to sing and to hear God’s word.We come to worship as one, trusting we will be touched and made new.

* Hymn “There’s a Spirit in the Air” # 582

Prayer of Approach (responsive)Like a seed growing in the darkness of the soilour faith puts down roots and breaks through into sunlight.Like a mustard seed starting out small and insignificantOur faith can grow to be far more than we imagined.Our God is with us; our God gives us what we need.We know that God is good.May God give us strength and encourage us when we falterMay we feel God’s hand holding and guiding us. Amen.

We Hear God’s WordHymn “Jesus Stand Among Us” # 396Young people are invited to come to the front during last verse.

A Time to be ChildrenThe Lord’s Prayer – Sung VU # 959

Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evilfor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,

now and forever.

Singing verse 1 of # 396 as young people and leaders leave for Faith In Motion

John 20: 19-31 Jesus appears to the disciples: but Thomas is not there. Pew Bible Pg.883

Psalm 133 How pleasant it is when God’s people are together. VU Pg. 856

Ministry of Music “Hosanna and Hallelujah!” – words by Cindy Ovokaitys, music by Kevin D. Thomson, arranged by Joel Raney

Acts 4: 32-35 The believers shared everything in common. Pew Bible Pg. 888

Reader: The word of the LordPeople: Thanks be to God.

* Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” # 232

Message

We Respond To God’s WordThe Offertory

* Presentation of our gifts and singing verse 2 of # 179Hallelujah, hallelujah. Give thanks to the risen Christ,

hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to God’s name. Spread the good news o’er all the earth: Jesus has died and

is risen.Hallelujah, hallelujah. Give thanks to the risen Christ,

hallelujah, hallelujah! Give praise to God’s name.Dedication Prayer

Prayers of the People

* Closing Hymn “We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection” # 586

* Commissioning and Benediction

* Sung Blessing & Amen “I Am Walking A Path Of Peace” I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace, lead me home, lead me home.

Replace peace with the following – love, grace, hopeWords & Music: Janet Bauman Tissandeier, © Janet Bauman Tissandier.

Reprinted under ONE LICENSE #A- 727596.

Postlude

Welcome! We enjoy open seating so please, sit where you feel comfortable, and meet a new friend. We are happy you have chosen to worship with us. Please sign our guest book located in the narthex, and we invite you to join us again.

Kindly remember there are people here who are highly allergic to scents and to peanuts/tree nuts. Thank you for your consideration.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my

side. Stop doubting and believe.” – John 20:27

Newcastle UnitedChurch

Our BIBLOS reader this morning is Noah Hosein.

We welcome Lynn Liddell, L.L.W.L. back to Newcastle United. Thank you, Lynn, for sharing your gift of ministry with us.

Faith In Motion – our young people ages 5-11 are continuing with stories and activities on Easter.re:form! Our teens dig into “Why did Jesus go to Sheol?” based on I Peter 3: 18-20 and Romans 8: 38-39.

The sympathy and prayers of the congregation are extended to Shirley Stapleton, family and friends on the passing of Glenn on April 4. Visitation will be held at the Newcastle Funeral Home on Saturday, April 7 from 2-4 and 7-9PM. The service will be held at the Funeral Home this afternoon at 1PM.

Back by popular demand! The Stewards’ fundraising Baked Potato & Yam Bonanza – Sunday, April 15 following the worship service. Once again, we would ask for some help with the preparation and baking. Please let Janet O’Neill 905 987 9862 if you are able to volunteer. Thank you.

Monday, April 9 – the U.C.W. meets in the hall at 1:30PM. Guest speaker is Detective Constable Martin Franssen of Durham Regional Police Major Crime Unit. He will speak on Senior Fraud/Identity Theft and other issues. All ladies are welcome to attend.

Bible Study – Wednesday mornings at 9:30AM in the hall meeting room. All are welcome.

Friday, April 13 – the Stewards host Euchre Night in the hall at 7PM. $5/person includes refreshments. All are welcome – singles, couples, friends.

Church Offering Envelopes – anyone wishing to have a set of envelopes for your donations and for income tax receipt purposes, please speak with Lorna in the office after the worship service or call 905 987 3940.

Friendship Connection – our next gathering is Friday, April 20, 10:30AM at the Fisherman’s Restaurant, highway 35/115. All ladies are welcome.

Spring Fling Variety Show – Sunday, April 29 - 1PM at NUC. Tickets are $15.00, $30.00 for families. See Shirley or Moe Schroter, Janet

Ward or Lauraine Skitch to purchase. This is a fundraiser for our operating expenses. Come on out for an afternoon of terrific, talented acts!

Board Game Night! Friday, April 20 at 7-9PM in the hall. Hosted by Faith In Motion. Come on out for an evening with free snacks & lots of fun. Bring your favourite board games or use ours. Everyone is welcome.

United in Praise! Join praise bands from Brooklin, Faith, Kingsview, Newcastle and Westminster United Churches and Spirit.Calm for an

evening of traditional and contemporary gospel music, on Saturday, April 21 – 7PM at Kingsview U.C., 505 Adelaide E., Oshawa. Freewill offering proceeds to the Mission & Service Fund

of The United Church of Canada.

Sunday, April 15 – Rev. Michelle Robinson, Westminster U.C. will be here for Lakeridge Presbytery’s annual Pulpit Exchange (Support Sunday). Following worship and the Baked Potato & Yam Bonanza, there will be a brief time – 30 minutes maximum - of discussion led by the visiting team.These are the questions we’ll be discussing:1. What makes this church a blessing?2. What connections do you have with other congregations that you can maintain or nurture during the transitions of the Church and following?

3. What are your plans for long term visioning or financial strategizing?

AnnouncementsApril 8, 2018

CHURCH OFFICE INFORMATION Week of April 9, 2018

HOURS: Lorna is in the office Fridays from 9AM-1PM.MINISTER’S OFFICE HOURS: Rev. Mary-Jane has no set office hours this week due to pastoral needs.BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please have all announcements for the bulletin to the office by Thursday at 10 am.Music outside Voices United printed, with permission, under One License #A-727596