THE FESTIVAL SERVICE IN CELEBRATION OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS March 27, 2016

Covenant Presbyterian Church 230 E. Jefferson Street ~ Butler, Pennsylvania The Rev. Dr. James E. Swanson, Pastor Home Phone: (724) 752-8383 Church Office: (724) 287-7731 Fax Number: 866-309-2674 Website: http://covenantbutler.org

The Order of Worship for Celebration of THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST Eleven O’clock Easter Sunday ~ March 27, 2016

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said!” ~ Matthew 28:6 Pastor: Dr. James E. Swanson Liturgist: Brian Graff Organist / Choir Director: Miss Beverly Antis

FESTIVAL PRELUDE Variants on “Now the Green Blade Riseth” Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing Prelude on Two Easter Hymntunes Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Hymns of Praise Then Let Us Sing

Robert Lau Gerhard Krapf Charles Callahan Wilbur Held Charles Callahan

*THE EASTER PROCLAMATION Pastor: People: Pastor: People:

Come and see: the tomb is empty! Christ is risen! Christ is risen! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 123 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today

EASTER HYMN

*PRAYER OF ADORATION PSALM OF THE DAY

Psalm 150

(Pew Bible OT p. 558)

INVITATION TO CONFESSION CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty God, who on this day brought from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ: we confess that we have not lived in the certainty of Easter’s triumph. Our Savior reigns, yet we have not trusted Him fully. The powers of darkness have been defeated, yet our hearts have been faint with fear. Pardon us, O God, for all our offenses. Forgive our sin and restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Amen. A TIME FOR SILENT CONFESSION

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Pastor: Friends, hear the Good News! The powers of darkness have been put to flight and the chains of death have been removed. The Lord chastens us but does not surrender us to defeat. He delivers us and in him we win the battle. Worshipping friends, let us proclaim the Good News! People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thanks be to God! *THE GLORIA PATRI 579

GLORIA PATRI

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional)

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. *THE GREETINGS OF PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP SHARING OF JOYS, CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks

Donald Fishel

Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to His Name. Spread the good news o’er all the earth, Jesus has died and has risen. Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to His Name. OLD TESTAMENT LESSON

Isaiah 25: 6-9 (Pew Bible OT p. 619)

Liturgist: This is the word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SECOND LESSON

Acts 10: 34-43

(Pew Bible NT p. 123)

Liturgist: Here ends the second reading. People: Praise be to you, O Lord.

*GOSPEL READING

Luke 24: 1-12

(Pew Bible NT p. 85)

Pastor: This is the word of our Lord. People: Glory to you, O Christ. *CONGREGATIONAL CANTICLE

(Hymn 111, vs. 1 and 2)

Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!

GELOBT SEI GOTT

Good Christians all, rejoice and sing! Now is the triumph of our King! To all the world glad news we bring: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! The Lord of life is risen today! Bring flowers of song, bedeck the way; Let every tongue rejoice and say: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

SERMON

“ TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE ”

Dr. Swanson

PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER (using debts and debtors) THE CHORAL AMEN HYMN 115

Six Fold Amen

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

Robert Lau ST. KEVIN

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, GIFTS OFFERTORY ANTHEM Christ the Lord Is Risen! Alleluia!

Johan Helmich Roman

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ the Lord is risen, Alleluia! Blessing, honor, glory and power be unto the Lamb forever. Amen. Honor, glory be to the Lamb forever, Glory, blessing, honor, power and might be unto the Lamb forever. Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen! —Based on I Corinthians 15:20 and Revelation 7:12 Adapted by Paul Thomas *THE DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

*THE UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION Almighty God, who in the resurrection of Jesus Christ has given us victory, we yield our lives and our substance to you. Consecrate these tithes and offerings, and empower us, through the ministries you have given, to work for the establishment of your reign and to proclaim Christ’s triumph over death and despair. Unto you alone do we give all the glory and honor. Amen. *THE RECESSIONAL HYMN 122 Thine Is the Glory *THE BENEDICTION *THE CHORAL RESPONSE

JUDAS MACCABEUS

Alleluia Chant Mode VI

*THE TIME OF SILENCE *THE CHARGE & DISMISSAL Pastor:

People: Pastor: People: Pastor: People:

May our risen Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and graciously gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, now encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good deed and word. Amen. Christ is risen, just as he said! He is risen indeed! So let us go in peace and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!

THE POSTLUDE Fanfare on “Thine Is the Glory”

Charles Callahan

* THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND YOU WERE GREETED TODAY by Leanne Heaton.

Welcome ! Grace and Peace to All ! We are delighted to have you with us in worship today! If you are visiting, please sign one of the cards in the pew rack, and place it in the offering plate when passed. Following worship, please join us for Fellowship Time in the Assembly Room downstairs, so we may meet and greet you.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR EASTER FELLOWSHIP TIME ! Immediately following worship each Sunday we gather for a time of “food and fellowship.” On this Easter Sunday, please help yourself to snacks and beverages provided in the Assembly Room downstairs. Hosting Today: Ione & Bob Mathias Please linger a bit longer after worship…enjoy the fellowship and food!

THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF EASTER

Tomorrow, Monday, March 28th You may still leave voice mail on the church phone 724-287-7731 or call Pastor Jim – 724-712-1407 __________________________________________

Flowers may be picked up today … IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE. Remember to first check the master list so that you receive the flowers you ordered and that your name is marked as having received your plant(s). __________________________________________ THE ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING …

If you have not had a chance to contribute to this special offering, you may place your One Great Hour of Sharing envelope on this morning’s offering plate. Extra envelopes are available in the narthex. Make checks payable to Covenant Presbyterian Church, marked One Great Hour in the memo portion.

Looking Ahead— Pastor Jim, Karen & Danny will be on Vacation April 1st - 14th Guest Preachers for 11 am worship services:
APRIL 3 (with communion) - Rev. Jim Campbell
APRIL 10 - Rev. Bill Jamieson (Rev. J.)

The Noisy Offering of Loose Change …will be received next Sunday, April 3 during the 11AM Worship Service Remember to bring your change to worship with you and be prepared to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”

Committee Meeting This Week— Worship & Music This Wednesday, March 30th @ 6:30pm ~ Romaine MacDonald Memorial Room ____________________________________________

Covenant Cupboard FOOD DISTRIBUTION 9 AM to 11 AM Monday, March 28 Thursday, March 31 _________________________________________________________

In The Life of Our Church _________________________________________________________

Prayer Concerns, Birthdays and Anniversaries: available in the printed bulletin but removed from the online version to ensure confidentiality

Sharing Our Space with S.R.U. Friends! Members and friends of Covenant Presbyterian Church will be pleased to welcome students from Slippery Rock University performing a Puccini opera under the direction of Dr. Stephen Barr and Dr. Christopher Scott. The Session has approved their request for the use of our facilities to prepare and perform Suor Angelica on Friday, April 15 (7 pm) and Saturday, April 16 (3 pm). Overview: Giacomo Puccini's well-known masterpiece, Suor (Sister) Angelica, tells the tragic tale of a mother separated from her child as she enters a convent for the sake of preserving her family honor. It is a story of love, loss, and ultimate redemption that shines through one of Puccini's most soaring and lyrical scores. (The opera will be sung in English.) Christopher Scott will be directing the opera, a bit over an hour in length, with performances held in the Sanctuary on Friday, April 15 at 7:00PM and Saturday, April 16 at 3:00PM. Stephen Barr will be conducting the Chamber Orchestra accompanying the singers. Tickets will be available at the door: $10 ~ Adults / $5 ~ Students _______________________________________________

Easter Meditation --By Frederick Buechner, (pronounced BEEK-ner),

an American writer and Christian theologian.

Scripture Text: Luke 24: 13-27 “Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?"

They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.”

The following is an excerpt from Frederick Buechner’s Easter Sunday sermon entitled “The Secret in the Dark” first published in The Longing for Home and again in Secrets in the Dark: I believe that although the two disciples did not recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus, Jesus recognized them, that he saw them as if they were the only two people in the world. And I believe that the reason why the resurrection is more than just an extraordinary event that took place some two thousand years ago and then was over and done with is that he also sees each of us like that. In this dark world where you and I see so little because of our unrecognizing eyes, he, whose eye is on the sparrow, sees each one of us as quite clearly. And I believe that because he sees us, not even in the darkness of death are we lost to him or lost to each other. I believe that whether we recognize him or not, or believe in him or not, or even know his name, again and again he comes and walks a little way with us along whatever road we're following. And I believe that through something that happens to us, or something we see, or somebody we know - who can ever guess how or when or where? - he offers us, the way he did on the road to Emmaus, the bread of life; he offers us a new hope, a new vision of light that not even the dark world can overcome.

That is the word that on Easter Sunday is sounded forth on silver trumpets. And when Easter is past and the silver trumpets have faded away to hardly more than a distant echo, that is the word that is whispered to us like a secret in the dark, the saving and holy word that flickers among and brings us joy in a world of worry and fear. Alleluia! Alleluia! He is risen, indeed!