United in the Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont existsto be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

REV. GEORGE RAGSDALE, SENIOR PASTOR807 South Point Road // Belmont, NC 28012

P: 704-825-2106 // F: 704-825-2176www.fumcbelmont.org

SERVICE OF WORSHIP Easter Sunday – April 21, 2019 – 11:00 a.m.

The Resurrection, The Saint John’s Bible

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAISE AND PRAYER

PRELUDE “Crown Him With Many Crowns/O Worship The King” arr. Susan Caudill

*CALL TO WORSHIP “Easter Introit” John Ferguson with brass, Bell issimo Handbells and timpani

Listen: The One who bore God’s heart, the One who spoke God’s name, the One in whom God agonized is now the Risen Lord. Death was no prison for Him: Jesus is raised and among us. All that you see and hear comes from the One who was freed. Listen: Hear, O people of God, that Jesus Christ is Lord! Alleluia!

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of resurrection life, we confess that we do not always perceive the opportunities you place before us. We are caught up in our own hopes, plans, and fantasies, and crushed when they disappoint us. We are slow to see the open pathways you set before us. Open our eyes, that we may accept the new life that you offer us, and thus show forth the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.

*WORDS OF ASSURANCE In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.

*MUSICAL RESPONSE No. 70 “Glory Be to the Father” 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. PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON (Pg. 129) Acts 10: 34-43 Martha Taylor

*PSALTER Psalm 118:14-24 Rev. Kristen Surratt

Response - This is the day, this is the day that the Lord hath made.

The Lord is my strength and my power; the Lord has become my salvation. There are joyous songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, the right hand of the Lord is exalted, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!" I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has chastened me sorely, but has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. R

I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone which builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. R

*GOSPEL LESSON (NT Pg. 114) John 20: 1-18

CHORAL ANTHEM "On Earth Has Dawned This Day of Days” Jeremy J. Bankson Sally Bashant, soloist with brass, Bell issimo Handbells and timpani

On earth has dawned this day of days, whereon the faithful give God praise! for Christ is risen from the tomb and light and joy have conquered doom. Alleluia!

At early morn with spices rare, the women three assembled there, all to anoint fair Mary's Son, who over death had victory won. Alleluia!

"Whom seek ye here?" the angel said; "The Lord is risen from the dead; see where he lay, let joy begin, the tomb is empty: enter in!" Alleluia!

So let our songs to heaven wing, the vault with alleluias ring, in praise of Christ, our risen Lord; new life to all he doth afford. Alleluia!

SERMON Rev. George Ragsdale

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN OF REFLECTION “Resurrection Hymn”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION A�er each petition we enter into the prayer together with these words: Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

GIVING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory “Risen Lord” Joel Raney with brass, Bell issimo Handbells and timpani

*Act of Praise “Doxology” Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

TAKING THE BREAD AND CUP

*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (Hymnal page 17-18)

*THE LORD’S PRAYER (Hymnal page 895)

*BREAKING THE BREAD

SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP All people who will accept Christ’s invitation are welcome at the Lord’s Table. At the ushers’ direction, you are invited to come forward, extend your hand and receive the bread and then dip it lightly into the cup. A Gluten-Free option is available by indicating your need to the servers.

Music during communion “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” G. F. Handel

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Let us truly be your resurrection people. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GOING FORTH AS WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

*BENEDICTION

*HYMN OF COMMITMENT “He is Risen”

*POSTLUDE “Toccata from Symphony No. 5” Widor

*Those who are able please stand.

WELCOME! We’re glad you chose to worship with us this morning. We invite you to check out the opportunities we have for children, youth and adults of all ages and stages of life. We offer ministries and a community of faith that will help challenge and encourage you as together we seek to grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and our neighbor in all that we do.

VISITORS: Stop by our welcome table in the narthex as you leave today to receive a small gi� and more information about our church. We would love to know more about you, so please sign the attendance pad as it is passed down your pew and share your contact information so that we can be in touch with you.

USHERS: Trevis Lunsford, Adrian Lunsford, Dennis Lorance, Sherrill Austin

GREETERS: Calvin Harris, Judy Harris, Stefanie Pruden

ALTAR: Worship Committee

ACOLYTE: Audrey Andrews

CRUCIFER: Will Durham

BIBLE BEARER: Adam Lowrance

PASCHAL CANDLE BEARER: Hayes Andrews

COMMUNION SERVERS: Trevis Lunsford, Adrian Lunsford

TELLERS: Mike Harrison, Johnny Williamson, Richard Armstrong, Julia Armstrong

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Larry Bradmon, Sean Kelly, Derek Widenhouse and Kurt Widenhouse for providing brass music, and Bruce Boney for playing timpani in worship today!

THE NICENE CREED: In this Easter season, our Affirmation of Faith comes from the Nicene Creed. Frequently used as an affirmation of faith in United Methodist worship services, the Nicene Creed is the historic statement of belief of the Christian faith devised by the Council of Nicaea, convened in A.D. 325 by the Emperor Constantine in the city of Nicaea, located in what is now northwest Turkey. The Creed was revised in 381 by the Council of Constantinople. The Nicene Creed set forth the key affirmations concern-ing the Christian faith. Following the Apostles' Creed, it is the second oldest creed of the Christian faith.

Join us for live DJ musicVolleyball

Fire pit and s’mores

Hosted by: The Outreach Committee

FEEDING THE CHILDREN HAS BEGUN! There’s still room for everyone that wants to help! Sign up to package, cook or deliver meals in the narthex following both worship services.

Please contact Margie Ligon with information about your graduate by May 5th. We need their name, school, degree and future plans. Margie@fumcbelmont.org

GRADUATE RECOGNITION May 19 at 11:00 a.m.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYMay 3rd

5:30 p.m. until dark

Youth Happenings

CHURCH UPDATES VIA TEXT MESSAGING: Did you know our church sends occasional news and important updates via text message? If you haven’t signed up yet, text FUMCBELMONT to 313131 or visit www.fumcbelmont.org/text. You can opt out at any time.

Like FUMC? Like Facebook? Then "like" FUMC on Facebook! It's a great way to get updates on events, receive inspirational messages, and share our mission with the community. To like our page, just go to facebook.com/fumcbelmont or search for "First United Methodist Church Belmont" on the site/app.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sunday, April 21 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group Monday, April 22 8:00 a.m. Feeding the Children 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesday, April 23 8:00 a.m. Feeding the Children Wednesday, April 24 8:00 a.m. Feeding the Children 1:00 p.m. Deadline for May 5th Bulletin 6:15 p.m. Youth Movie Night

Thursday, April 25 8:00 a.m. Feeding the Children Friday, April 26 8:00 a.m. Feeding The Children Saturday, April 27 5:30 p.m. Cocaine Anonymous Sunday, April 28 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Knitting Group 4:00 p.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. Youth Drama Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Worship Team Rehearsal

Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - Senior Pastor

Kristen Surratt - Minister of DiscipleshipMargie Ligon - Director of Youth Ministry

Elizabeth Davis - Director of MusicLinda Smith - CDC Director

Janice Pennington - Business ManagerAmanda Sloan - Child Care CoordinatorCarole Bertino - Administrative Assistant

If you have an emergency or have a confidential prayer request, please contact George at the church office (704-825-2106) or his cell (704-249-0645). The names above will

remain on the prayer list for one month unless otherwise notified.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

• Joe Rhinehart and family • Angela Bradmon and family upon the passing of her mother, Betty Sue Barnett Kendrick • Chuck and Margaret Allen • The family of Betty Deitz upon her death • Elaine Langley (mother of Jeff Langley) • Family and friends of Glen Spear upon his death (Nicole Stanforth) • Keith Lowe and family upon the passing of Keith’s sister, Shelia O’Daniel • Steve & Susie Matulis (Cochran family) • Mike Collins (Gale Collins) • Keith Lowe • Linda Weatherford