Fairfax Presbyterian Church

Easter Sunday,April 6, 2008

Mission-Minded, Small-Group Centered

Prelude Humbly I Adore Thee arr G Martin
Donna Whited, Organist

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Henry Brinton
You are encouraged to greet people you don’t know during our welcome. Please print your name in the friendship pad
and return it to the end of the pew. If you are visiting, please include your name, address, and phone number.

Introit Look! Here Is the Light K Martin
Look! Here is the light that reminds us that Christ shines among us;
For Christ is the light that lightens the whole world,
And Christ is the light that brightens our worship.

The Lighting of the Christ Candle

Call to Worship (responsive) Jessica Tate
L: This is the day the Lord has made.
P: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
L: Be glad and rejoice – the Lord of Light has come and reigns forever. Christ is risen!
P: Christ is risen indeed! (adapted from All the Seasons of Mercy)

* Hymn 107 Celebrate with Joy and Singing Evelyn Chapel
(Vs 1, solo; Vs 2 & 3, congregation)

* Call to Confession
L: Christ is raised from the dead and in him we find new life. Trusting in God’s grace toward us, let us confess our sin together.

* Prayer of Confession (unison)
We come to you, O God, on this day of resurrection and hope, to again ask your forgiveness. Even on the heels of the resurrection we fail to see the new life you offer. We live in worry, fear, and guilt when you offer us freedom. We live in despair and scarcity when you call us to hope. Help us to see and to trust your offer of grace so that we can live into the fullness of life that you created for us. Amen. (Time for silent confession.)

* Assurance of Forgiveness (responsive)
L: Friends, believe the good news:
P: God’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.
L: In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
P: Alleluia, Amen.

* Response to Our Assurance Gloria Patri #579, The Hymnal
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen, amen.

The Sacrament of Baptism (11:15)
Calling Forth
Meaning of Baptism
Question to the Parents
Question to the Congregation
Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed (p. 14, The Presbyterian Hymnal)
Thanksgiving over the Water
Act of Baptizing
Welcome
Hymn 492 Baptized in Water (verse 1 only)

Conversation with Children
At 8:45, children in Kindergarten to grade 2 may go to Godly Play in room 243. Storytime is available in room 252 for children age 3 to 5. The nursery (in room 245 for children under 3) is available during all services.

Prayer for Illumination Tim Henderson (8:45); Anna Farrell (11:15)

Scripture Lessons Psalms 116:12-19
1I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 3The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. 4Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘OLord, I pray, save my life!’ 12What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? 13I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, 14I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 15Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. 16O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving-maid. You have loosed my bonds. 17I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord. 18I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, 19in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!

John 20:19-31
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 27Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ 28Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
L: This is the Word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.

Sermon Unless I See . . .. Jessica Tate

* Hymn 399 We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight Dunlap’s Creek
(Pass Prayer Cards to the center aisles.)

Prayer Concerns

Offering of Christ’s People
Call to Respond
Offertory Up From the Grave He Arose arr J Fergusson

* Doxology 592 Old Hundredth
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise God, all creatures here below,
Praise God above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

* Prayer of Dedication (unison)
O God, we have again given our tithes and offerings. Take them and use them for the furtherance of your kingdom, for we give them in hope, trusting that you have risen from the grave to transform our brokenness into wholeness. Amen.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Anthem Take, Eat F Bock
Nancy Kay, Soprano
Invitation
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer
The Breaking of the Bread
The Sharing of the Cup
(Please hold the elements when you receive them so that we may partake together.)
Prayer after Communion

* Hymn 495 We Know that Christ is Raised Engelberg

* Extroit Now Carry the Light K Martin
Now carry the light that reminds us that Christ goes before us,
For Christ is the light that lightens the whole world,
And Christ is the light that brightens our living.

* Benediction

* Postlude Alleluia, Jesus is Risen arr K Ohrdruf
*CCLI License #824089

NOTES ON WORSHIP
FRED BOCK was a composer, editor, organist, pianist and Presbyterian minister of music for more than three decades. His solo Take, Eat is a setting of the Words of Institution for the Lord’s supper as found in Matthew 26:26-28. Today we sing our hymn for the Easter Season as our opening hymn. Mary Jackson Cathey, the author of the text, is an elder at National Presbyterian Church in Washington and a graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.

TODAY AT FPC
ALL WOMEN, young, old and in between are invited to the Generations of Women luncheon today, Sun, Apr 6 at 12:15 p.m. in fellowship hall. Join us as we explore “Praying in Color” and enjoy food, fun and fellowship!
VISITORS are invited to a New Members Seminar today Sun, Apr 6 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in room 110. Lunch will be served!
CHAPEL CHOIR meets at 4:30 p.m. today to prepare for their participation in Abendmusik on Apr 20. It’s not too late to learn the music for this wonderful choral event, so please join us!
TONIGHT, all youth are encouraged to attend Youth Sunday rehearsal at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Regular Youth Fellowship will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

This Week at FPC

Sunday, April 6
8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Church School, various
11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
12:15 p.m. Generations of Women luncheon, FH
12:30 p.m. New Members Conference, 110
12:30 p.m. Teen Choir, 235
4:30 p.m. Youth Fellowship, various
4:30 p.m. Chapel Choir, 235
4:30 p.m. Carol Choir, 233
4:30 p.m. Fellowship, various

Monday, April 7
10:00 a.m. Sewing, MPR
7:15 p.m. Radiant Ringers, 232, sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, 135

Tuesday, April 8
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting, 110
10:00 a.m. Purly Gators, library
6:30 p.m. Baptism Conference, library
7:00 p.m. All Committee Night, various
7:00 p.m. Cub Scout Committee, 233
7:15 p.m. Joyful Ringers, 235, sanctuary

Wednesday, April 9
7:00 p.m. Companions in Christ, parlor
7:30 p.m. Midlife Men, 110
7:30 p.m. Mary Circle, Heinz home

Thursday, April 10
1:00 p.m. Book Club, parlor
7:00 p.m. FPP Committee, 110
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir, 235, sanctuary

Friday, April 11
11:00 a.m. Basic Bible, parlor
12:00 p.m. Midday Prayer, sanctuary
6:00 p.m. 30 Hour Famine, FH

Saturday, April 12
Youth Sunday, 30 Hour Famine set up, church wide

Sunday, April 13
Youth Sunday
8:45 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Church School, various
11:15 a.m. Worship, sanctuary
12:30 p.m. Teen Choir, 235
12:30 p.m. Nominating Committee, 110
4:30 p.m. Youth Fellowship, various
4:30 p.m. Chapel Choir, 235
4:30 p.m. Carol Choir, 233
7:00 p.m. Encounter Rehearsal, sanctuary

NEWS OF FPC
BAPTIZED TODAY is Kendall Thomas Arnz, daughter of Alexander & Beth Annacone Arnz and sister of Cameron. Also present for her baptism are her grandparents Carol & Thomas Annacone, her grandmother Renate Arnz and her aunt Meg Annacone.

THE FLOWERS in the sanctuary this morning are given by Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Williams in honor of their daughter Robyn and her fiancé Charles Donald Baird of Wilmington NC.

FPC RECYCLES! Any and all articles made of glass, aluminum, plastic or paper may now be placed together in the recycling containers found throughout the church. The materials do not need to be separated, but please empty liquids from bottles, cans and cups before placing them in the bins. Thank you for helping us care for God’s creation!

SERVICE and STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
REBUILDING TOGETHER is Sat, Apr 26. Help us make a difference in the life of Mrs. O’Brien of Falls Church. Please contact Sal Sparacino, Mac Mercer or Kevin Strickler with questions. To confirm your availability, please complete the form on the kiosk and put it in the offering.

THE 2008 NOMINATING COMMITTEE needs help identifying the next leaders of FPC. We seek members ready to answer God’s call to serve as Elders, Deacons and Trustees. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please fill out the FPC nomination form found on the kiosk in the narthex, or e-mail Lee Phillips.

HOSPITALITY & WELCOME: The Deacons are looking for church members to help them welcome new members to FPC. If you are interested in mentoring a new member to offer intentional hospitality and welcome to our church family, please get in contact with one of the deacons from your parish, or e-mail deacons@fairfaxpresby.com.

ABENDMUSIK is just two weeks away! This concert on Sun, Apr 20 at 7 p.m. will feature music by the Chapel and Sanctuary Choirs, including ten choruses from portions Handel’s Messiah that we don’t usually hear at Christmas! You won’t want to miss this inspiring concert by 45 voices, organ and orchestra. Be sure to invite friends, family and neighbors to join you. Admission is free but an offering to support FPC’s music program will be taken.

YOUTH NEWS
THE GOD AND COUNTRY program will begin Sun, Apr 20 at 4 p.m. for boys and girls in scouting programs who wish to earn a religious medallion. Led by Henry Brinton, the program will be held every two weeks through June 1, with medallions presented at worship on June 15. Interested? Call Henry Brinton at 703 273-5300 by Apr 6.

THEOLOGY CLUB. This new youth small group is dedicated to studying the roots of
Christianity. What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to believe in God? Any 9th to 12th grade youth is welcome to join us for open discussions on Sun, Apr 13 and Sun, May 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the parlor. Contact Abbey Giordano or Jessica Tate for more information.

THE YOUTH 30 HOUR FAMINE begins Sat morning, Apr 12 at 4 a.m. (in your own homes if you choose to participate with them!) The youth schedule that weekend includes meeting at Chili’s at 9 p.m. Fri, Apr 11 for a “last supper” and meeting at church at 10 a.m. the next morning to make sandwiches to deliver to the homeless. They return to FPC at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon to rehearse for Youth Sunday and have a lock-in at church that night. On Apr 13, they will celebrate Youth Sunday at both services. They will break their fast at 10 a.m. that morning in fellowship hall and would like everyone to join them for this special breakfast. This will be an opportunity for fellowship and to talk with these remarkable individuals who will not have eaten for 30 hours in order to raise money for others who go hungry much longer! Please join them!

ON THE CALENDAR
MIDLIFE MEN will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wed, Mar 9 in room 110 to plan their mission trip to Honduras. Please join them.

THE GAM LUNCH on Sun, Apr 20 after the 11:15 a.m. service will feature Margie Ralston, Carolyn Major and Nancy Partridge speaking on Nutrition for Seniors.

CHAPEL CHOIR will attend a concert of The Children’s Chorus of Washington at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 3 p.m. Sun, Apr 27. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit an orphanage in Kenya. All are invited to join them. For more information contact Donna Whited..

LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES! Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to join “Team FPC” for the 2nd Annual Run to End Domestic Violence, a 5K Run/Walk at Fort Washington National Park in Maryland on Sat, May 17 at 8 a.m. Four FPC members participated last year, and had a great time! The $20 entry fee benefits a worthy cause – forms are available on the kiosk. Contact Mike Watson for more information.

YOUNG ADULTS
YOUNG ADULTS COOKOUT! If you are a young adult (self-described!), please join us for a cookout on Sat, Apr 12 at 3 p.m. at the home of Abbey & Braden Giordano. Please bring a side dish to share; RSVP to Braden.

GMU Students, please join us for a home-cooked meal at Thursday Fellowship Dinners from 7 to 9 p.m. at Saint George’s United Methodist Church (4910 Ox Road). Contact Jessica Tate at jessica@fairfaxpresby.com for more information.
COMMUNITY NEWS
THE MAIN STREET Child Development Center requests donations of new or gently-used clothing for low and moderate income, working families whose children attend the Center. You may also donate gift cards for food, gas and other essentials, or give a cash gift for classroom incidentals or tuition assistance. For more information, contact Elizabeth Egan at elizabethegan@hotmail.com or 703 273-1192.

HAVEN OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA offers suicide loss, suicide survivors’ and teen bereavement support groups at their Annandale office. For specific information, please contact Haven directly at 703 9421-7000, visit their website at www.havenofnova.org or check their posters on the kiosk.

Christian Education/Children’s Activities
The Nursery is open Sunday mornings in room 245 for infants from 6 weeks to 3 years of age. Storytime is held for children ages 3 through 5 during the 8:45 a.m. service and for children ages 3 through 1st grade during the 11:15 a.m. After the Conversation with Children, please take your child up to room 252. During the 10 a.m. Sunday School hour, Fairfax Kids normally meets as follows:
Ages 3-4 in room 255 * Ages 5-K in room 257 * Grade 1-2 in room 244
Grade 3-4 in room 234 * Grade 5-6 in room 233

Youth Classes
Youth B&B classes meet at 10 a.m. in rooms 229 for both Junior Highs and Senior Highs. Youth are encouraged to attend the Youth Sunday rehearsal this evening. Youth Fellowship will gather at the regular time this afternoon (4:30 p.m.)

10 a.m. Adult Christian Education, Spring 2008
Basic Bible. This in-depth look at the week’s lectionary reading is led by Pastor Henry Brinton in the multipurpose room. No previous Bible study experience required!
Jessica Tate & Cate Rodman’s class on individual and corporate Christian practices will continue through spring, using the book Christianity for the Rest of Us.
Parenting Your Teenager. Celebrate with fellow adventurers on the path to raising adolescents. This class will meet in room 134.
Morning Mingle. This casual, drop-in class uses videos and short studies to explore faith and life connections. They’re found in room 135.

FPC’s Teddy Bear Ministry is flourishing, thanks to ongoing donations of new bears from members and friends. If you know someone who is ill, lonely or depressed, please take them one of our bears. We ask only that you sign it out in the Bear Ministry book in the narthex so we know where its new home is. In order for this ministry to remain successful, we must constantly replenish our bear supply and we appreciate your continuing donations of new bears.

Upcoming Messages
Apr 13 Youth Sunday, 8:45 & 11:15 a.m. We Are the Change
Apr 30 8:45 & 11:15 a.m. Hot Faith, Cool Faith, Acts 7:55-60
Apr 27 8:45 (Encounter Service) & 11:15 a.m. Sermon by Henry Baumann,
Matthew 28:16-20; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
May 4 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. A How-To for the Christian Woo, Acts 16-14
May 11 Pentecost & Mothers Day, 8:45 & 11:15 a.m., Catching the Wind, Acts 2:1-21

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Fairfax Presbyterian Church - Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-6985
(703) 273-5300 - FAX (703) 591-4246
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