Order of Worship
PROCESSIONAL Hold On
Hold on, hold on, my dear ones, here comes the dawn.
PASCHAL GREETING
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
OPENING SONG Christ, the Lord is Risen Today!
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Mortal tongues and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, glad heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Let the Victor’s people sing, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, Christ lives to save. Alleluia!
Where your victory O grave? Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Christ rise, Alleluia!
God has opened paradise, Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like christ, like Christ we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
PASSING OF THE PEACE
Peace be with you… ...and also with you
SONG My Shepherd is the Living God
My shepherd is the living God,
I therefore nothing need;
In pastures fair, near pleasant streams
you settle me to feed.
You bring my wandering spirit back
when I forsake your ways,
And lead me for your mercy's sake
in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death,
your presence is my stay;
A word of your supporting breath
drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes,
does still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God
attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode,
and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
while others come and go -
No more a stranger or a guest,
but like a child at home.
SCRIPTURE Matthew 28:1-10
READING “Accident, Mass Ave” by Jill McDonough
SONG OF PREPARATION God is a God arr. by Shawn Okpebholo
Keanon Kyles, baritone
SERMON Rev. Vince Amlin
MUSIC FOR REFLECTION Goodness of God
Keanon Kyles, baritone
String Quartet
PASTORAL PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father/Creator/Parent, 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen
GIVE, SERVE, SHARE: Announcements
OFFERTORY Trumpet Shall Sound from Handel’s Messiah
Keanon Kyles, baritone
Carlie Meeker, oboe
String Quartet
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host,
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING SONG Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
Joyful, joyful, we adore you,
God of glory, God of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before you,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the storm of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Your works with joy surround you,
Earth and heav'n reflect your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Teach us what our praise should be.
You are giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blessed,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Spirit Father, Mother,
All who love belong to you;
Teach us how to love each other,
By that love our joy renew.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Boundless love is reigning o’er us,
Reconciling race and clan.
Ever singing, move we forward,
Faithful in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us onward
In the triumph song of life.
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE String Quartet:
Eleanor Bartsch, violin
Cristina Buciu, violin
Sava Velkoff, viola
Nick Photinos, cello
* * *
Announcements
Outer Belt Pilgrimage - April 11th
Join us for the next leg of our Outer Belt Pilgrimage! We’ll be walking together on Saturday, April 11th. If you can’t make it this time, consider joining us for our next journey on Saturday, May 16th
Sign up here if you plan on joining! For more info, reach out Vince at vince@bethanychicago.com and/or go to outerbelt.org.
Faith & Politics Small Group, begins April 12th
Join Dublin-based Susan Burgess on-line for the second round of “Faith and Politics,” a small group that addresses injustice in relation to our concepts of faith (broadly understood). Bond with other Bethany members as we try to make sense of the current state of the world and our place in it. We’ll explore how others such as Harvey Milk (LGBT activist), Fred Hampton (Black Panther activist), and Judi Bari (environmental activist) have tried to make political change in a way that aligns with their visions of a just world. Group members will view documentaries on their own, which we will then discuss together as a group in weekly meetings on Zoom on Sunday, April 12, 19, and 26 from 2-3 pm central time. Sign up here.
ECO-NOW Presentation- April 12th
Next Sunday we’re kicking off a new theme — Take Root — with an emphasis on environmental justice and the Green Team. Stay after church to dig deeper. ECO NOW offers numerous ways for you to support sustainable practices and projects in the 47th Ward and beyond: from composting to clean water, waste management to plastics reduction and current city and state legislation, you will find opportunities to get involved. Meet in the parlor after church.
Talking to Kids About Hard News: A Workshop for Caregivers and Community - April 19th
In a world of constant news and uncertainty, how do we talk to the children in our lives without overwhelming them? Whether you're a parent, relative (by blood or bond), educator, or just someone who wants support in how to show up for the kids in your community: this workshop is for you. Join us for a practical, nervous-system-aware session with tools to help children of every age feel safe, heard, and supported when hard conversations can't be avoided.
Led by friend of Bethany, Rachel Adams, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois specializing in trauma, grief, and family wellbeing. The seminar will take place from 11:45-12:45 in the parlor. We will have extended childcare (with pizza!) to make it easier for families to stay.
Let Us Ordain Alaina Hoffman! - Sunday April 19th, 2 pm
The day we've been anticipating is here! Bethanian, friend, and one-time sabbatical pastor Alaina Hoffman is ready to be ordained. (Well, she's been ready for a while, but now it can happen!)
Join us Sunday, April 19th at 2 pm for a special service and celebration. (Afternoon celebrations allow other UCC clergy to attend, as required.)
Celebrate Earth Day with “Sew-In” - April 22nd
Celebrate Earth Day at the Bethany "sew-in" on Tues April 22 from 4-8pm, when we will sew cloth produce bags to be given away at nearby farmers markets for venders to hand out instead of plastic bags. Save the date and sign up to spend two hours helping—no sewing experience required! Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. If you have 100% cotton fabric to donate, please have them cleaned and placed in the church narthex by April 15. More news to come.
Foster Beach Clean-up - April 25th
Spend the morning at Lake Michigan for the annual Spring Beach Clean-up. Join in picking up trash that will be used as data collection by the Alliance for the Great Lakes research. Meet at Foster Beach, 10am, bring a bucket and gloves. More information contact Ann Ridge at ann_ridge@juno.com. Register here!
New Members’ Sunday - April 26th
Plan to celebrate together on Sunday, April 26th when new members join Bethany!
If you’re new or need to update your contact information, it’s also a great time to do that. We share a paper directory only within Bethany and there’s a place on the form to choose which info you’d like to include.
Finally, if you’re interested in joining but were unable to attend the March 25th newcomers’ gathering, it’s not too late! Reach out to us!
Spring Migration Birding Group - May 4th
In celebration of our May theme, “Spring Migration,” Vince Amlin and Xander King will be leading a birding small group on Monday mornings, May 4, 11, and 18 at 7am at Montrose Bird Sanctuary. No experience necessary. Sign up here, bring a pair of binoculars, and join us at a world-famous birding spot right in our own neighborhood.
The Ancient World of Jesus Small Group - May 7th
Jesus said some outlandish things. But when we recognize that he lived in a specific historical moment of political and religious conflict, his ideas make a whole lot more sense. Together, we will learn about the ancient context that influenced Jesus' ministry to help us better interpret and apply his teachings as we navigate our own turbulent times as individuals, citizens, and seekers of justice. The group will meet May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Sign up here!
Family Campout- May 23rd- 25th (Memorial Day Weekend)
Bethany UCC is making plans for our second family camp out weekend for Memorial Day weekend!
We again have reservations at Tower Hill UCC Camp in Sawyer, Michigan (right next to Warren Dunes State Park). The weekend will run Saturday afternoon May 23 to late morning Monday May 25.
The camp has hiking trails, sports fields, camp fire rings, and is walkable the beach on Lake Michigan! Read more at the link below.
To confirm plans for lodging and food, we are asking for an RSVP by Wendesday April 15.
For more information, and to let us know whether you can join us this year, please RSVP at this Google Form.
Questions? Please contact Pastor Vince or Charlie Wysong.
Job Opportunity at Bethany: Director of Children and Families Ministry
We're Hiring! Help Get the Word Out!
We are so excited to be seeking someone for our new Director of Children and Families Ministry position, and we would love your help to get the word out far and wide. Please take a minute to read the job description here, and send it to anyone you know who might be right. Or if there's somewhere you think we should post it, let Vince know at vince@bethanychicago.com
Help Make Worship Happen
For the next couple months, our pastors will be flying solo, which means we could use your help now more than ever! Please sign up here if you’re able to help.
Subscribe to Bethany’s Google Calendar (a work in progress!)
