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TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
GATHERING AND PREPARING TO WORSHIP GOD
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE: “In Christ Alone” Getty/Townend
Acoustic Worship Team
Readying Our Hearts (A time of silent prayer and reflection in preparation for worshiping God together.)
Scripture for Reflection and Memorization: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For what I [Paul] received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
(The Christ Candle is carried into the Sanctuary.)
CALL TO WORSHIP: (based on 1 Peter 1:3-5 and including Luke 24:1-9)
Leader: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Leader: On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered His words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
People: Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has given us new life and hope. He has raised Jesus from the dead!
Leader: God has claimed us as His own.
People: He has brought us out of darkness. He has made us light to the world.
Leader: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
People: He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
OPENING UNISON PRAYER
O living Lord, on the first Easter Day You stood in the midst of Your disciples as the conqueror of sin and death and spoke to them of Your peace. Come to us, we pray, in Your risen power, and make us glad with Your presence; and so breathe Your Holy Spirit into our hearts, that we may be strong to serve You and to spread abroad Your good news, for the glory of Your great name. Amen.
*OPENING SONG: “Glorious” Baloche/Brown
Acoustic Worship Team
Look inside the mystery, see the empty cross.
See the risen Savior victorious and strong.
No one else above Him, none as strong to save.
He alone has conquered the power of the grave.
Chorus
Glorious, mine eyes have seen the glory of the Lord.
Glorious, He stands above the rulers of the earth.
Glorious, Glorious, Lord, You are glorious
Look beyond the tombstone, see the Living God.
See the resurrected ruler of my heart.
No one else above Him, none to match His worth
The hope of His returning fills the universe. (Chorus)
Close : Oh —- , You are glorious. (Repeat)
SCRIPTURE READING: John 20:1-9, 19-23 (Pew Bible pp. 1685-1687)
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (Unison prayer after a time of silent personal confession.)
Almighty God, You have raised Jesus from the grave and crowned Him Lord of all. We confess that often we do not bow before Him or acknowledge His rule in our lives. Often we conform to the world and fail to give Him the glory He deserves. Gracious Father, bring new life where we are worn and tired; new love where we have become hard-hearted; forgiveness where we feel hurt and where we have brought hurt; and the joy and freedom of Your Holy Spirit where we are prisoners of our selfish concerns. Deliver us from our sinful inclinations that we may be Your faithful people, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all and head of the church, His body. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: (from 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57)
Leader: Death has been swallowed up in victory.
People: Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?
Leader: The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
People: But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: Know, therefore, that by the mercy and grace of God, you are forgiven of the guilt of your sins.
*All: (sung response # 734 — Gloria Patri)
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.
ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (Pew Bible p. 1789)
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
ANTHEM: “Easter Jubilation” Michael Barrett
Choir
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (Pew Bible pp. 1789-1790)
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
SERMON: “If There Were No Resurrection of Jesus the Christ”
RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD THROUGH AFFIRMATION,
OFFERING, AND PRAYER
*SONG OF REFLECTION AND RESPONSE: #288 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
All creation, join to say Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens and earth reply, Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER AND OFFERING
Invitation (based on Luke 13:29, 24:30-31)
Sisters and brothers in Christ, this is the joyful feast of the people of God! People will come from east and west, from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. When our risen Lord was at table with two of His disciples, He took the bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. This is the Lord’s Table. Our Savior invites those who trust Him to share the feast that He has prepared.
Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Leader: The LORD be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the LORD.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the LORD our God.
People: It is right for us to give Him thanks and praise.
Leader: It is indeed right; it is our duty and our joy, at all times and in all places, to give You thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God. We give thanks that in the creation of the world, when You laid the earth’s foundation and set its cornerstone in place, the morning stars sang in chorus and the angels of God all shouted for joy. By the power of Your Spirit You made the universe; by the might of Your Word You gave us life. We give thanks that in the new creation, when You gave Your Son to raise us up again, since we and all our human race had fallen, You claimed us for Your own people, that we might proclaim the glorious deeds of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. By the life of Your Spirit You fill the hearts of the faithful; by the light of Your Word You give us strength and love. Therefore, with Your people of all places and times and with the whole company of heaven we proclaim Your greatness, saying:
People: Holy, holy, holy LORD, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD. Hosanna in the highest.
Leader: In tune with all the heavenly hosts, we here on earth acknowledge Your glory and give You thanks that in the fullness of time You sent Your Son to be our Savior. We bless You for His incarnation among us, His holy birth, His perfect life on earth, His suffering for us, and His triumph over death; for His ascension to Your right hand and His gift of the Holy Spirit; and for the promise of His coming again. Remembering His work and passion and pleading His eternal sacrifice, we follow His example and obey His command. Send down Your Holy Spirit to bless us and these Your gifts of bread and drink, that the bread we break may be for us the communion of the body of Christ, and the cup of blessing we bless may be the communion of the blood of Christ; that we, receiving them, by faith may be made partakers of His body and blood, with all His benefits, to nourish us and help us grow in grace, to the glory of Your most holy name. And here we offer and present to You our very selves to be a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for Your acceptance through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
People: Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory are Yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.
Words of Institution
Partaking of the Elements and the Giving of Our Offering
“Rise My Soul, the Lord Is Risen” Robinson/Boswell/Papa/Thompson
Acoustic Worship Team
Verse 1: Rise my soul the Lord is risen
Come behold the empty grave
See the place where darkness laid Him
Sing for only hope remains
Hallelujah praise forever
Death defeated and life restored
By that great immortal power
Christ is risen arise my soul
Verse 2: Rest my soul the Lord is risen
Love’s redeeming work is done
Now the Father sees His children
As He sees His sinless Son
Oh the wonder oh the glory
That same favor is now my own
Shame behind me grace before me
Christ is risen arise my soul
Bridge: Arise my soul arise my soul
Arise my soul arise my soul
Verse 3: Peace my soul the Lord is risen
Come and have your hope renewed
For this trial is brief and fleeting
Tears will turn to glory soon
Shout with joy and sound the triumph
Let the music of heaven roar
Let the boast of death be silent
Christ is risen arise my soul
Verse 4: Arise my soul for I am risen
Seated now with Christ my Lord
As my life belongs to heaven
Fear shall hold its sway no more
Onward upward toward the treasure
Filled with courage and endless hope
For this truth is mine forever
Christ is risen arise my soul
For this truth is mine forever
Christ is risen arise my soul (Bridge)
(For those joining with us in the Sanctuary this morning, you are invited, as you come forward to receive the Communion Elements, and as you feel so led, to place your offering in one of the plates up front. For those unable to be with us physically, you are encouraged to partake of the elements in your home at this time. Also, as you are able, we invite you to set aside your offering as an act of personal dedication at this time, either to be mailed in, dropped off at the church, or brought in when you are able to join us in worship. Let this time be one of receiving from and offering yourself up to our Lord — to the praise of His holy name.)
Prayer of Commitment
Leader: The peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us pray together. . .
All: O Risen Lord, You are alive. Alleluia! We celebrate the new life You bring to us this day through Your resurrection. We no longer need to fear the future, because we know what lies ahead for us. We can face the future with confidence, knowing that You are paving the way to the mansions above, where a place is being prepared for us. As we head into our future days, let our confidence in knowing how our stories end give us newfound joy and peace in our daily living as Easter people. Amen.
*Sung Response (Doxology)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
BRINGING OUR WORSHIP INTO OUR WORLD
*CLOSING SONG: #310 “Thine Is the Glory”
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory Thou o’er death hast won.
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes where Thy body lay.
Refrain:
Thine is the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory Thou o’er death hast won.
Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
Lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom.
Let His church with gladness hymns of triumph sing,
For her Lord now liveth: death hath lost its sting. (Refrain)
No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life!
Life is nought without Thee: aid us in our strife.
Make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love:
Bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above. (Refrain)
*BENEDICTION (from Hebrews 13:20-21)
May the God of peace — who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant — equip you with everything good, that you may do God’s will, working in you what is pleasing in God’s sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
POSTLUDE: “Toccata on Psalm 150” Douglas Wagner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Note: The church’s new email address is – office@trinitychurchtroy.org. The new website address is – www.trinitychurchtroy.org.)
- If you would like to help support the work of Hope 7 in our local community, we encourage you to drop off non-perishable food items, toiletries and other hygiene items either at Trinity Church, or at Hope 7 directly (M-F 9:30-11:45), or call Sue Laz (518-892-4042) to arrange for a pick-up.
- We are receiving new or gently used clothes for the Capital City Rescue Mission (CCRM). There is a box in the narthex for donations. You may bring your items to the church or call Sue Laz to arrange for a pick-up.
- Adult Bible Study meets on Sundays before worship (9:15-10:00am). The current study is a survey of the Old Testament. We are looking at those Bible books (historical and prophetic) that cover the time period between the fall of the Northern Kingdom at the hand of the Assyrians (722 BC) and up to the return of the Jews to Jerusalem following their captivity to the Babylonians (586-536 BC).
- Church “business-style” cards are available in the narthex. You are encouraged to take some to hand out as you invite others to join us in worship.
- Community Garage Sale, June 7th from 9-2. If you would like to reserve a space, please speak with Andy Miller. If you would like to help with set-up, clean-up, or staffing the food table or church information table, please speak with Sue Laz.
- Cards for Troy FD Station 3 – throughout the month of April we are collecting notes of thanks and encouragement that will be delivered to Station 3 on Campbell Avenue. You can provide your own card or there are cards available in the narthex. Completed cards can be placed in the basket in the narthex.
Easter Flowers
Given by: In Memory of:
Sal Scecchitano Rose, Thomas, and Joanne Scecchitano
Deena and Colleen Dominy Orland Dominy and Andrew Yanney
The McCartney Family Lois and Harry McCartney; Ethel Schutt
Nancy Boyle My precious loved ones
Kelly Valerio Doris and Lee Dennis; Joshua Valerio
Peter and Sue Laz Jules and Lois Multunas; Ted and
Anna Laz
Ginny Steffen Loved ones
Ruth and Howard Dickson Loved ones
Given by: In Honor of:
Peter and Sue Laz Jason, Megan, and Owen Laz
The Third Church Family The McAuley Family
The Dickson Family Our children and grandchildren
The McAuley Family In gratitude for our children and for our church family