SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1500 Main Street Higginsville, Missouri 64037 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

April 4, 2021 7:00 a.m. MUSIC BEFORE WORSHIP WELCOME: No matter who you are or where you are in your life’s journey, you are welcome here. Christ is risen! Alleluia! Welcome to worship – and to resurrection life – on this most joyous day. NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION

ADDRESSING OURSELVES TO GOD RINGING OF THE BELL Piano Prelude “Hallelujah Chorus” from “The Messiah” Handel * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Out of the darkness of grief and despair comes a message of hope. Christ is risen. People: Christ is risen, indeed. Leader: We run to the tomb to see for ourselves. And it is true. Christ is risen. People: Christ is risen, indeed. Leader: We hear a voice call our name, and we know our risen Lord is with us now and always. People: Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed. Thanks be to God. * HYMN “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” No. 217

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* INVOCATION (Unison) Loving, life-giving God, joy floods over and into our souls on this day! Christ is risen! Through his resurrection you have vanquished fear and set us free! Open our hearts and our spirits to receive fully the joy that you have given to us and to the world! Let us celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the hope he gives for the future. Amen.

*GLORIA PATRI No. 623

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD

JOYS AND CONCERNS Preparation for prayer PASTORAL PRAYER, THE LORD’S PRAYER (“debts” and “debtors” words in hymn No. 426)

MORNING OFFERING

*Doxology No. 625 *Dedication Prayer

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Printed inside back cover of Hymnal) PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE READING John 20.1-18 (N.T. p. 108) SUNDAY SCHOOL EASTER PROGRAM VIDEO THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Gracious and Patient God, we come before you with so many things that weigh us down. We would like an “easy” faith, one that does not cause us to look within ourselves, to identify those many ways in which we have forsaken you. But faith is never easy. It requires our very souls. Forgive us, God, for all those things that we have neglected to do that would have helped someone else to be closer to you. Heal our hearts from the wounds that we have inflicted upon others and ourselves by the anger and misunderstandings that can occur in relationships. Prepare our lives to be of service to you. In silence we wait. We long for your presence and your healing touch. ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Tommy) Darkness is gone! Light floods into our souls! Christ is Risen! His love and mercy are poured out for us and for all. Rejoice! Though his gift and grace, Jesus Christ has forgiven us and heals us every moment. SHARING OF THE MEAL The elements of communion are on the tables at the front of the sanctuary. We invite all who are able to come forward, take a piece of the bread and eat, then take a cup and drink. Or, you may take one of the individually-wrapped communion packs and eat the wafer and drink the juice. Please place your waste in the container at the end of the table. THE SENDING

*HYMN “Christ Arose” No. 216

*BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE “Victory in Jesus” Bartlett/ arr. Sikes

Offering plates are at the exits from the sanctuary. The Worship Service is over and our Service begins. *Indicates please stand if you are able to do so 3

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Leading Worship Today:

Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris – Pastor Stanton Thompson – Liturgist

June Howell – Christian Education Coordinator Jamie Smith – Music Director

IN OUR PRAYERS: Clayton Lettau, is receiving cancer treatment. His latest MRI showed no new growth of the tumor. Brenda Homfeld, please keep her in prayer as she will need a complete liver transplant. Prayers, for anyone with a health issue, anyone grieving, and anyone that has a heavy burden on their heart, mind, and soul. Prayers, for our world and nation. Best Wishes for April Birthdays this week... Amy Catron, April 4 Karley Alumbaugh, April 5 Parson Stoner, April 5 Jeremy Kirchhoff, April 7 Brooke Harris, April 7 Kealy Drago, April 7 Claire Dobson, April 7 Cory Starke, April 8 Maggie Starke, April 9 Michael Niemeier, April 10 Caulin Drago, April 10

ALTAR FLOWERS: Christ is Risen! Happy Easter!

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Spring Flowers are placed this Easter Sunday morning in loving memory of:

In loving memory of Arvil and Alice June Homfeld, Bill and Muriel McMartin, Jill Jirak and Kane, Cory Achenbaugh, and other loved ones by Lester and Mary Homfeld. Family and friends by Sharon Hoefer. Deloras Hook, family members, and other loved ones by C.W. Hook and family. In memory of Wayne Whitaker and other loved ones by Eva Whitaker and family. A. W. “Bud” Green and other loved ones by Ken and Angie

Green. In loving memory of Herb Fleischmann, Wesley & Ruby

Fleischmann, and Marvin and Verna Aversman by Jeanne Fleischmann, Delbert & Amy Goetz and family, and Aron & Shelly Fleischmann and family.

Bob Pragman and other family members by Peggy Pragman and Jerry and Sue Garrett and Family.

In loving memory of Ann Nuelle, Mary Morgan, Bret and Carol Tankesley, by Cindy, Blake, Camille, and Austin. In memory of Kenneth and Helen Diestelkamp, Kenneth White, W. W. Kirchhoff and other loved ones, by Eric and Gail, Jeremy, Heather, Jocelyn and Brynlee, Caleb, Dani, Laith, Layden, and Lawson. Paul, Ginny, and Mark Arndt, Grandpa Jay, Leanna Berry, and other loved ones by the Green, Berry, and Catts families.

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In loving memory of Connie and Arthur Thaller by Paul, June, and Anna Sue Howell, Pete and Mandy Thaller and family, Ronnie and Angie Kumm and family, and Andy and Elizebeth Kumm and family.

In loving memory of Doris Jane and James H. Stoner and other loved ones by the Smith, Stoner, Button, and Robinson families In loving memory of Albert N. Smith and other loved ones by Kirk and Jamie Smith and family

In memory of all those lost this past year and others before them by Ronnie and Tina Bergsieker. "We think of our departed loved ones today, but that is nothing new, we thought of you yesterday and the days before that too. Your memories are a keepsake from which we will never part. God has you in His arms, we have you in our hearts." by Paul and Barb Nolte.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: EASTER SPRING FLOWERS: The Flower Committee would like to thank everyone who placed a Spring Flower this Easter Sunday. Please feel free to pick up your flower after the 10:00 a.m. service so that you may enjoy it. RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES: The church will recognize all graduates on May 9, 2021, during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. If you have anyone graduating from high school or college this spring please call the church office (660) 584-3603 with the information by May 6, 2021, so they can be included in the bulletin. SALEM YOUTH EASTER PROGRAM ON YOUTUBE: The Salem Youth Easter program can be viewed at https://youtu.be/10NboMiQv54

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SALEM CEMETERY WORK DAY: The Salem Cemetery Committee is tentatively planning a work day (morning) at the cemetery on Saturday, April 17. Men, women, and youth all are invited. A suggested tool list would include weed-eater, shovel, spade, hand shears, chainsaw, trash bags and pry bar, but bring anything you think might be helpful or appropriate. If for some reason this event needs to be canceled, due to the weather, an email blast will be sent out. Please call the church office 660-584-3603 if you have questions.

150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE NEWS: After a year of rescheduling multiple times, the 150th Anniversary Committee has decided to cancel the confirmation reunion. If anyone would like to purchase a church directory with the last 25 years’ highlights, please contact the church office. The cost of the directory is $15.00. FACE MASKS: Anyone who would like to wear a face mask is welcome to do so. OPTIONS FOR THE CHURCH BULLETIN: You have a couple options for the church bulletin. Paper copies of the bulletin are available or you can view the church bulletin on the church website. Please feel free to use your phone or tablet during worship to view the bulletin. Salem website: salemucchigginsville.org/home/church-news/

COMMUNITY NEWS: TA TRUCK STOP-CONCORDIA COUNTRY PRIDE: Travel Centers of America-Concordia, MO-Country Pride Restaurant has a Church Program! We are offering 10% of your ticket price to be donated back to your local church. All you have to do is come in to dine with us, eat, and inform your server that you would like to participate in the program, give your church’s name, your name, and we will take care of the rest!

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JOHN KNOX VILLAGE AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY: Bible Study has been cancelled until further notice.

PRAYERS AND CONCERNS: Anyone who is in need of prayers, please call the church office, (660) 584-3603. UP COMING DATES: April 18 – Testimony/Confirmation Sunday April 25 – Installation of Church Officers during the 10:00 a.m. Service May 9 – Mother’s Day Recognition of Graduates during the 10:00 a.m. service CHURCH INFORMATION: Tommy’s email: tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy’s cell phone: 816-352-2052 Church Telephone: 660-584-3603 Church Email: salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org Fax number: 660-584-5666 Wi-Fi Network Name: Salem UCC Wi-Fi Password: Resurrection!1870

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THIS WEEK’S EVENTS AT SALEM April 4, thru April 11, 2021

Sunday - Easter Sunday 7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service with Live-Stream Worship on Facebook 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Easter Worship with Live-Stream Worship on Facebook

Monday - No Activities Scheduled Tuesday - Food Pantry 7:00 p.m. Board of Christian Education Meeting

Wednesday – 10:30 a.m. Lafayette Area Pastors Meeting 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

7:00 p.m. Al-Anon Thursday - 6:00 p.m. Board of Elders Meeting Friday - 7:00 p.m. A. A.

Saturday - 9:30 a.m. A. A. Sunday- 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship with Live-Stream Worship on Facebook

11:00 a.m. Zoom Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Confirmation

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OUR FRIENDS AND CHURCH FAMILY IN CARE FACILITIES:

Listed below are our members and friends (at the time of printing of the Bulletin) now residing or recovering at our local and surrounding community nursing homes and care facilities. A card or visit from a church family member would be a delightful surprise! Meyer Care Center, 1201 W. 19th St., Higginsville, MO 64037 Al Dieckhoff Mary Kirchhoff Hayes and Grace Niemeier Anna Marie Rinne Kenneth Schemmer Earl Struchtemeyer Bob Tankesley Mary Ann Vorwark Riverbend Heights Rehab & Health, Lexington Nursing Home, 1221 South Highway 13, Lexington, MO 64067 Mark Gieselman Barb Siegfried: 1001 Quincy Dr. Warrensburg, MO 64093

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Easter Program Participants

Jaxon Barnes

Stella Barnes

Blair Bergsieker

Brooklyn Bergsieker

Dillon Bergsieker

Abby Cramer

Jesse Cramer

Claire Dobson

Cooper Fisher

Emmory Gash

Micah Gibler

Charles Grumke

Kaylee Harden

Brooke Harris

Ty Harris

Anna Sue Howell

Nora Knipmeyer

Will Knipmeyer

Hailey Pessetto

Tenley Pessetto

Charlotte Robinette

Elsie Robinette

Garrison Salyer

Nolan Salyer

Jordan Smith

Addison Schloman

Adelynn Schloman

Palmer Schloman

Carson Starke

Ada Stoner

Bray Stoner

Nolan Stoner

Parson Stoner

Charlie Thaller

Dixie Thaller

Jadan Thirkield

Bailey Urfer

Jace Whitney

Bobby Wilson

Brooklyn Wilson

Owen Wood