April 11, 2004

Christ's coming
at the dawn of Easter morning
awakens his followers
to the new reality of who he is.

Everything has been made new!
We are awakened to Jesus!

April 11, 2004
Easter Sunday

Gathering in Christ's name

Prelude
Call to worship Isaiah 65:17-25

Hymns Awake, arise, O sing a new song HWB 56
Christ is alive! Let Christians sing! HWB 278

Prayer of Invocation
Scripture Reading Luke 24:13-49
Children's story
Hymn HWB 614
Prayer of Hope HWB 747

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43
Sermon "Learning through the Resurrection"
Hymn Come, ye faithful, raise the strain HWB 265

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering
Announcements
Hymn Lift your glad voices HWB 275
Christ the Lord is risen today HWB 280

Today

Worship Leader - Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music - Mel Janzen, Charis Franz, Quartett
Sermon - Roy Hange with story by S Lont Mun from Burma
Nursery - Shinsky family

Announcements

All are welcome to an evening with a presentations and discussion exploring the theme: Finding Hope in Religious Peacemaking; a report on Roy's trip to Iran for dialogue in February 2004 and reflections on Religious Peacemaking on May 11, 2004 at 7 p.m. at Charlottesville Mennonite Church.

Men's breakfast meets on Friday mornings from 7-8 am at the church. For more information please contact Mel Janzen.

A commissioning service for Jean Shumate and the Partners In Mission work group to Nazareth and Bethlehem will be held Sunday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Everyone is welcome. The group will leave for the Middle East on Friday, April 30, and return to the US on Monday, May 17. The group will spend one week working at Nazareth Village in Israel and one week working at the International Center of Bethlehem in Palestine.

What do your children have to look forward to this summer: TV, hanging around the house, surfing the internet, hours of boredom? Why not give them new friends, growing confidence, fun and stimulating activities in the outdoors, positive Christian role models and good supervision! Why not give them an adventure filled week of faith building experiences at HIGHLAND RETREAT YOUTH CAMP? Openings are still available - and don't forget your Early Bird Discount if you register before April 30th.

The VMRC Auxiliary Board wishes to thank all who contributed to the success of the annual spring auction. Gross receipts for the 2004 event were $14,959, which is several thousand ahead of 2003. Funds will be contributed toward the purchase of a van needed to transport wheelchair-bound residents.

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: Philip Rhodes leads a Bible study each Friday evening
with five students at Maranatha School for the Deaf in Jamaica who
have accepted Christ. Pray for JB, Tanya, Kevon, Terrence, and
Tonya as they grow in understanding of the Scriptures. Philip also requests prayer for wisdom and fluid signing as he leads each week.

Mennonite Mission Network: Pray for God's light to shine through the ministry of Mennonite Voluntary Service participants in Dallas: Angela Swartzendruber, social worker in an AIDS hospice; Anita Boeninger, helping new refugees; Rachel Hiller, teaching parenting
skills to young families.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank, Salvation Army, and the initiative for the homeless in Charlottesville.