Decatur Presbyterian Church, p.c.a.a Community of Grace

For what we proclaim is not ourselves,but Jesus Christ as Lord,

with ourselves as your servantsfor Jesus’ sake.2 Corinthians 4:5

We Worship the Conqueror of DeathApril 8, 2012Easter Sunday

Welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus! If you are a guest with us, please be sure to sign our Welcome Pads when they arepassed around before the service. Children are welcome in our worship. We have a nursery available for children 3 andunder. Children 4 to 6 years of age may be dismissed to Godly Play prior to the sermon. Thank you for joining us todayand may the Lord richly bless you.

Song of Assembly1

Amazing Grace NewtonAmazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

Welcome and Preparation for WorshipWhy, among all the cults and philosophies competing in the Greco-Roman world, did Christianity succeed and outstripall others? Why did it succeed despite getting more severe opposition than any other? Why did it succeed though it had noinfluential backers in high places, but consisted mainly of the poor and slaves? How did it succeed so completely that itforced the most powerful state in history to come to terms with it, and then outlive the very empire that sought to uprootit? It is clear that at the very beginning of Christianity there must have occurred a vast release of energy perhaps unequaledin our history. Without it, the future course of the Christian religion is inexplicable. ~Kenneth Scott Latourette, historian

I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas,then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, thoughsome have fallen asleep. ~The Apostle Paul, explaining what Dr. Latourette called the “vast release of energy”

THE KING SUMMONS HIS PEOPLE

Responsive Call to Worship2 Revelation 5:5,19:6; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8Pastor: Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered!People: Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!Pastor: Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us! Therefore, let us celebrate the feast!People: Alleluia! Christ is risen!Pastor: The Lord is risen, indeed! Alleluia!All: Let us worship God through Jesus Christ the risen King!

Prayer of Adoration & Praise Based on Psalm 114

1 All songs used by permission or covered under CCLI license # 391165.2 We believe that God always initiates with sinners, so we begin worship with his invitation and command to us to gather in His name.

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Hymn of Praise

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today WesleyChrist the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!Sons of men and angels say; Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high; Alleluia!Sing ye heav’ns, and earth, reply. Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal; Alleluia!Christ has burst the gates of hell: Alleluia!Death in vain forbids His rise; Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!Foll’wing our exalted Head; Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise; Alleluia!Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Reading of the Word: The Invitation that Echoes Down Throughout the Centuries Matthew 11:25-30At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from thewise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things havebeen handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father exceptthe Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I willgive you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest foryour souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

THE KING FORGIVES HIS PEOPLE

We Confess Our Sins TogetherO most great, most just and most gracious God, your eyes are too pure to look at iniquity but you have promisedmercy through Jesus Christ to all who repent and believe in him. We confess that we have all sinned and come shortof the glory of God. We have neglected and abused your holy worship. We have dealt unjustly and unlovingly withour neighbors. We have not sought first your kingdom. You have revealed your wonderful love to us in Christ andhave offered us pardon and salvation in him; but we have turned away. We have run into temptation; and the sinthat we should have hated, we have committed. Have mercy on us, most merciful Father! In your Son is oursalvation, in your promises our hope. Remind us that we are your children and enliven us with the Spirit of the Son,and in the end receive us into your glory, through Jesus Christ our only Savior. ...Silent & Personalized Confession ofSin... Amen!

The King Declares the Grace of Forgiveness Romans 8:1,2There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you freein Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

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Worship with Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs

Jesus Messiah TomlinHe became sin who knew no sin that we might become His righteousness

He humbled Himself and carried the cross, love so amazing love so amazing

Jesus Messiah Name above all names, Blessed Redeemer EmmanuelThe Rescue for sinners, the Ransom from heaven

Jesus Messiah Lord of all

His body the bread His blood the wine, broken and poured out all for loveThe whole earth trembled and the veil was torn, love so amazing love so amazing

All our hope is in You, all our hope is in YouAll the glory to You God, the Light of the world

I Know That My Redeemer Lives UnknownI know that my Redeemer lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives,

He lives, he lives, who once was dead, He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives triumphant from the grave, He lives eternally to save,He lives my mansion to prepare, He lives to lead me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same,O the sweet joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives.

In Christ Alone TownendIn Christ Alone my hope is found, He is my strength, my light, my song;

This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! Who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe!This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save.

Till on that cross, as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied,My every sin on Him was laid, here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay, light of the world in darkness slain:Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me,For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand;All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

(Repeat)

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No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me;From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand;Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand!

Prayers of Thanksgiving & Petition Elder Jay Suggs…Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is inheaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not intotemptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

His Tithes & Our Offerings

Anthem Happy Day Worship Choir

THE KING TEACHES HIS PEOPLE

Sermon3 Pastor Tommy LeeOpen Eyes, Burning Hearts

Luke 24:13-35

We Respond

Welcome, Happy Morning Fortunatus“Welcome, happy morning!” Age to age shall say:Hell today is vanquished; heaven is won today.

Lo! the Dead is living, God for evermore!Him, their true Creator, all his works adore.

Maker and Redeemer, life and health of all,Thou, from heav’n beholding human nature’s fall,

Of the Father’s Godhead true and only Son,Manhood to deliver, manhood didst put on.

Thou, of life the author, death didst undergo,Tread the path of darkness, saving strength to show;Come then, true and faithful, now fulfil thy word,’Tis thine own third morning; rise, O buried Lord.

Loose the souls long-prisoned, bound with Satan’s chain;Thine that now are fallen raise to life again;

Show thy face in brightness, bid the nations see;Bring again our daylight; day returns with thee.

3 4, 5, & 6 year-old children may be dismissed before the sermon to Godly Play in room 173.4

THE KING FEEDS HIS PEOPLEThe Sacrament of the Lord’s SupperCommunion, also called The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committedfollowers of Jesus Christ to share in this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims thegospel, who are at peace with God and their neighbor, and who seek strength to live in a deeper communion with Jesus.If you are not a Christian, or you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer.We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with his people, the Church.

We Confess our Faith The Nicene Creed4

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his father before all worlds, God of God, LightOf Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things weremade; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary,and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day herose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and he shallcome again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with theFather and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets; and we believe in one holy catholicand apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead,and the life of the world to come. Amen.

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us TownendHow deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure,That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away,As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders,Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in any thing, no gifts, no pow’r, no wisdom;But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer,But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.

4 The Nicene Creed originated at the Council of Nicea (325), and an expanded form was adopted by the Council of Chalcedon (451). It was formulat-ed to answer heresies that denied the biblical doctrine of the Trinity and of the person of Christ.

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THE KING BLESSES HIS PEOPLE

Benediction5 1 Corinthians 15:56-58The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our LordJesus Christ! Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of theLord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Jesus Messiah TomlinHis body the bread His blood the wine

Broken and poured out all for loveThe whole earth trembled and the veil was torn

Love so amazing love so amazing

Jesus Messiah Name above all namesBlessed Redeemer Emmanuel

The Rescue for sinnersThe Ransom from heavenJesus Messiah Lord of allJesus Messiah Lord of all

5 Just as God called us into His presence at the beginning, so now He commands His blessing upon us as we depart. We look up and extend our handsin a posture of thanksgiving as we receive this great gift. Our final response to God’s assurance of His peace and presence upon those who are in Christis a chorus of joyful song.

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Open Eyes, Burning HeartsLuke 24:13-35

Pastor Tommy Lee

The Honest Implications of the Death of Jesus

The Honest Implications of the Resurrection of Jesus

Sermons are available at the church web site www.decaturpca.org

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NO Ever After meeting tonight

TODAY

April 15 Dads’ Prayer Meeting April 15 Guest Speaker Roy Hubbard May 3 National Day of Prayer May 6 Graduation Sunday May 6 Newcomers’ Lunch May 9 Kids Choir End of Year Parties May 13 DPC Mother’s Day Breakfast May 13 Ever After: Building Stronger Marriages May 16 Worship Choir & Band Music Appreciation June 18-22 The Edge June 25-29 VBS July 9-14 RYM

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Tuesday, 9:30am Women’s Bible Study @ DPC (nursery provided) Wednesday, 11:30am Men’s Bible Study @ ADTRAN 5:30pm Dinner / Guests Welcome 6:00pm Kid's Choirs: 5 Year Olds - 2nd Grade / Kids of the King 3rd Grade - 8th Grade / Dare 2 Declare YBR Small Groups (9th - 12th Grade) 6:15pm Midweek Bible Study Worship Choir Practice 6:30pm 4 Year Olds & Kindergarten / Kid's Quest 1st -2nd Grade / Discovery Club 3rd -5th Grade / Discovery Club Stampede (6th - 8th Grade) 7:45pm Praise Band Practice Thursday, 12:00pm Women’s Bible Study @ Neighborhood Christian Center Friday, 6:30am Men’s Bible Study @ Temple, Inc.

THIS WEEK

Please join us for a Bridal TeaHonoring Lauren BarbareeBride-elect of Dan Stephenson

Sunday, April 29 @ 2:00pmat the home of Margie Thompson

2319 Meadowbrook Road, SESelections at Pottery Barn,

Target & Belk

Medical MissionTrip to DR

PLEASE PRAY!Dr. Jay Suggs(medical) & Dr. DaleHambright (dental)are leading a medi-cal mission trip to

the Dominican Republic April 20 - 27.They are working with DPC supportedmissionary, Dr. Silvia Martinez. Prayfor physical needs to be met in orderto open the door to meet spiritualneeds.

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DPC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Who wants to go to theDR?????

May 28-June 4 and/orJune 4-June 11

College/Career only(must have been out of high school one year)

June 11-18 and/or June 18-June 25Any age

Cost: $1400 one week$400 each additional week

Sign up by April 9thCall or email Carol Godwin

256.227.5614 or carolg@pclnet.netFundraising sample letter upon request

If you plan on going, get that passport immediately!

AUTHENTIC IronMen's Retreat!

Rescheduled forSeptember 14 & 15

Faith Promise 2011-2012 UpdateAt DPC our support of world missions comes from a sepa-rate fund than that of the general budget. Our global mis-sionaries are supported from the Faith Promise budget. Ifyou’d like to make a gift to Faith Promise, just designate itso on your check. Pledge Total: $66,920 Pledged Given YTD: $56,021 Unpledged Given YTD: $34,495

Thursday, May 324 HR Prayer Chain

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”Psalm 33:12

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Chicken Tenders / Butter PeasBroccoli Casserole

Rolls / Tea & LemonadeKids: Same

Tear here and place in the offering plate

Please e-mail your dinner reservations and/or changesto debbie@decaturpca.org or call the church office @351-6010 ext. 2.

Name: ________________________________________

No. of meals: Adult _________ Kids ________

Name: ________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________

No. of meals: Adult __________ Kids ________

VBS ANNOUNCEMENTMark your calendars!

ForChildren

Rising K - 5th

June 25 - 29

Terrific Tuesdays in April!Ladies, join us in the Food Court onTuesday, April 10 & 17 at 9:30am fora spring Bible study:

based on Proverbs 31 led byPastor Tommy Lee!

Child care available!

“The one concern of the devil is to keepChristians from praying. He fears nothingfrom prayerless studies, prayerless work, andprayerless religion. He laughs at our toil,mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when wepray.” ~Samuel Chadwick

DAD’S PRAYER MEETING: Sunday, April 15,9:00am in the parlor. All dads are welcome to joinus! We’re interceding for our children.

~ from Job, chapter 1

There willbe no Ever After meeting tonight.Rest in the triumph of resurrection!

King's Cross: The Study of the World in the Life of Jesus (using the book by TimKeller). Meeting in Room 167a (down the hall from the church office). The Temple/Walraven andThompson/G. Smith Care Groups are encouraged to attend together! And guest are always welcome!

An Introduction to Biblical Ethics (using the book by Robertson McQuilken). Meeting inRoom 158a (right off the sanctuary). The Suggs/Quinn and McMahan/S. Smith Care Groups areencouraged to attend together! And guests are always welcome!

The Sedona Class for Young Adults will be studying The Gospel of John (using the bookinspired by the Holy Spirit!). Meeting in Room 168a (off the back hallway, which can be accessedfrom the hallway across from the church office). The Godwin Care Group is encouraged to enjoy thisclass together! And guests are always welcome!

Church Staff Senior Pastor Tommy Lee tommy@decaturpca.org Assistant Pastor of Youth Steve Coward steve@decaturpca.org Worship Director Stu Schieler stu@decaturpca.org Director of Family Ministries Bill Nelson bill@decaturpca.org Interim Children’s Ministry Director Cindy Johnston cindy@decaturpca.org Office Coordinator Debbie Bell debbie@decaturpca.org

Session DiaconateGeorge GodwinMike McMahanKent QuinnGreg SmithStuart Smith

Jay SuggsBlake TempleSkip ThompsonChip Walraven

David AdamsJames FudgeScott Griess

Chris JohnstonSteve SasserDavid Whitcomb

Service Times 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship

Decatur Presbyterian Church, P.C.A.2306 Modaus Road, Southwest / Decatur, Alabama 35603

Phone 256.351.6010 / Fax 256.351.6099 / www.decaturpca.org