125 S. 3rd Street Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 762-6688 WE GATHER TO WORSHIP The music of the Opening Voluntary draws us from the outside world into the presence of God. In preparation for worship, you are invited to use this time for prayerful reflection. OPENING VOLUNTARY John Tabler “Chorale and Fugue” - Healey Willan WELCOME [Please pass the friendship register down the row for each person to sign.] MOMENT FOR MISSION Presbyterian Women CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 118) O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His steadfast love endures forever! The Lord is my strength and my God is my might! The Lord has become my salvation! I shall not die, but I shall live! And recount the deeds of the Lord, my God! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His steadfast love endures forever! +HYMN 246 “Christ Is Alive!” TRURO CALL TO CONFESSION Brothers and sisters, why do we confess our sin, Even during this Easter season? Because new life in the Risen Christ compels new life from us. But why do we do it together? Because we are a community, a covenant people of hope. Let us pray together… PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that too often we remain cap- tive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook your suffering ones and abuse your good creation. We hide your good news and forget your claim on our lives. Forgive us, God of Mercy, and help us to trust your power to change our lives and make us new, through Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord… SILENT PRAYER “I Will Rise” WELCOME MOMENT FOR MISSION Presbyterian Women OPENING PRAYER AND PASSING OF THE PEACE The Peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. “In Christ Alone” “Mighty To Save” TIME WITH THE YOUNG CHURCH [Three year olds through second graders are invited to come forward, place their offering in the plate and have prayer with the minister before leaving with their teachers for Children’s Worship in Room 205.] COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE REFLECTION AND OFFERING FIRST LESSON Acts 5: 27-32 SECOND LESSON John 20: 19-31 SERMON Richard Aylor “Peace Be With You” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” BLESSING First Presbyterian Church Growing in Faith and Love Contemporary Worship Gilmour Hall 9:00 AM Leading in Worship this morning: Dan Lewis, Senior Pastor Richard Aylor, Associate Pastor Hannah Vaughan, Parish Associate John Tabler, Director of Music Benjamin Horrell, Asst. Music Director Jenn Mueske, Contemporary Worship Leader _________________________________________________________________ Second Sunday of Easter April 28, 2019 Pastor on Call - (910) 338-9109 *Please leave a message and the Pastor will return your call. REMINDER: Please be sure to silence all electronic devices upon entering the sanctuary. Service of Remembrance Members of the congregation are cordially invited to a short service of remembrance and thanksgiving led by Rev. Richard Aylor in the Columbarium and Memorial Garden immediately following the 11am worship service today. It will be a time to give thanks for Jesus’ promise that He goes to prepare a place for us and that where He is, we may be also. Everyone is invited to join in the procession as a piper leads us to the garden, a serene and peaceful place, where cookies and juice will be served for all of us to enjoy. First at the Farm Everyone is invited to attend the annual First at the Farm picnic this afternoon, Sunday, April 28 from 3- 6pm, at the Williams’ Farm located at 1839 Farley Drive. Bring beach chairs or a picnic blanket for an after- noon filled with hayrides, Parchie’s fried chicken and bbq, and live music by local-favorite, singer and song- writer David Dixon. Adult tickets: $15. Children’s tickets (ages 7+): $10 and (ages 6 and under) $5. Family maximum: $45. Music At First A piano recital, in memory of Mrs. Charlotte B. Klein and in honor of Mr. David A. Klein, will be performed in the Sanctuary this afternoon, Sunday, April 28 at 5pm. All are invited to attend this free concert, performed by pianist Domonique Launey and Director of Music John Tabler, fea- turing music selections by Scarlatti, Schubert, Debussy, and Brahms. Meal Train and Welcome Basket for Nicole Several church families are organizing a meal train and welcome basket for Nicole Newton, our new Asso- ciate Pastor for Children and Youth Ministries, and her family. A sign-up sheet is available on the church website for members who wish to provide meals for Nicole’s family for their first several weeks in Wilming- ton. Members are also invited to contribute items for a welcome basket and/or small gift cards ($5-10) from your family’s favorite Wilmington attraction or restaurant so that Nicole and her family can get to know their new city! All donations are requested by April 28 and may be given to Julie Flynt or Jennifer Rigby or left at the church office with Amy Osborne. Preparation for Worship All rising 3rd graders and parents are invited to join Rev. Hannah Vaughan and Rev. Richard Aylor in a 4- week worship preparation class beginning April 28 - May 19. The first class will meet on Sunday, April 28 at 10am in the Sanctuary where students will learn about the significance of the worship space. Remaining classes will include a review of the bulletin and different aspects of worship, the sacraments of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper and prayer. A final gathering will include a celebration of the sacrament of The Lord’s Supper in the Sanctuary at 5:30pm followed by a dinner in Gilmour Hall. For more information and to sign up, please visit the church website. Sally’s Run Registration is open for Sally’s Run, the second annual 5k run/walk, benefiting Welcome Home Angel (WHA). WHA is a local, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that brings joy and relief to children with chronic and physically debilitating illness, or injury, ages 4-18, who live in Wilmington and surrounding areas. Walk- er and runners of all fitness levels are invited to participate in this stroller and wheelchair friendly course, which will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 9am in the South Oleander neighborhood. For more information about WHA and this race which drew 350 participants this year, please visit https://its-go-time.com/sallys- run/. Church members receive $5 off registration using PROMO CODE: FIRSTPRES5. Presbyterian Hat Luncheon All women of the church and guests are invited to attend the annual Hat Luncheon on Wednes- day, May 8 at 11:30am at Cape Fear Country Club. Please RSVP by noon on Wednesday, May 1 on the church website or call the church office at 910-762-6688 for assistance. Tickets: $15. Reception for Jenn Mueske All are invited to attend a breakfast reception in the Gathering Place on Sunday, May 12 at 10am as we thank Jenn Mueske for her service and leadership to First Presbyterian Church. Jenn has served as the Contemporary Worship Service Leader for nearly 4 years; she has also served as a Youth group leader and music director for the Women’s Retreat. Jenn’s musical talents and beautiful spirit will be truly missed! Senior Sunday Church members of high school and college graduates of the Class of 2019 are encouraged to share stu- dent plans by completing the form on the church website: http://www.firstonthird.org/senior-recognition- sunday/. Stephen Ministry Information Session Thursday, May 9 at 5:30pm in the church Library As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. John 15:9. “Love is an attitude that reveals itself in action.” Stephen Ministers do this through Christian caring—“by helping, by giving, and by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own.” If you desire the support of a SM, please call Janice Clark, 228-8584 or one of our pastors, 762-6688.