Hampstead Congregational Church UCC

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Hampstead Congregational Church

April 27, 2025

Second Sunday of Easter

No Matter Who You Are or Where You Are on Life’s Journey,

You are Welcome Here!

(As we continue our celebration of Easter, each time we say or sing “Alleluia!” 

you are invited to ring a bell!)

Prelude                                                                                                          Herb Tardiff  

Greetings and Announcements

Call to Worship                     Inspired by Psalm 150                                    Linda Tilden

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in the sanctuary.
Praise God in the vault of heaven.
Praise God in the earth and skies.
Sing praises to the Lord.
Shout and sing praises to God.
We have witnessed God’s mighty acts.
We have seen the Lord’s greatness.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Let everything that draws breath praise the Lord!  Alleluia!

Invocation   (unison)                                                                                      Linda Tilden

     In the midst of our overwhelm and fear, Tender God, we do not expect to meet you.  Yet you are here, among us, holding out your hands to us, breathing Spirit over us, showing us again and again that nothing can separate us from you.  Surround us with your peace in this moment, Jesus; let our fears rest in you. Amen.  

Passing of the Peace of Christ 

(Feel free to pass the peace by shaking hands, offering hugs or waves.  Those who would like to share peace without physical contact are invited to place their hands over their hearts in greeting.)

*Opening Hymn:   

Scripture Readings:                                        (NSRVUE)                           Linda Tilden

   John 20: 19-31

          ¹⁹ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²² When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

     ²⁴ But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

     ³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. ³¹ But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

    Acts 5: 27-32

       ²⁷ When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, ²⁸ saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” ²⁹ But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. ³¹ God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Children’s Message

Sermon:  “Easter’s Aftermath”                                        Rev. Paige Besse-Rankin

Special Music

*Affirmation of Faith: 

Call for Concerns & Celebrations

Pastoral Prayer                                                                    Rev. Paige Besse-Rankin

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, the power, and the glory forever.  Amen.

Call to Offering

Prayer of Dedication                                                              Rev. Paige Besse-Rankin

In the presence of fear, may these gifts bring hope. Where doors are locked, may these offerings open new possibilities. Where there are wounds, may these gifts honor their truth. In the presence of despair, may these offerings testify to a new world rising up. To this collective liberation, we dedicate ourselves and our offerings. Amen.

Hymn of Going Forth:      

Benediction                                                                             Rev. Paige Besse-Rankin

May we go from this place to embody God’s love of all creation.
May we rise like those with wings.
May we know the lightness of those that swim.
May we have the courage of the four-leggeds.
And may the Holy be embodied in all our comings and goings, this day and every day.
Go in peace to love and serve our God.

Music Usage permitted through OneLicense HCC License # A-730412 and CCLI License Number 2927783. All rights reserved.

Spring Clean-Up, May 10th, 9am-12pm -- The Operation Team requests your help to do some Spring cleaning, both inside and outside the church. Bring work gloves and tools, and your favorite cleaning supplies. Share some fellowship with fellow members and other volunteers.  A list of specific tasks in addition to general clean-up is being prepared.  All are welcome to assist. Many hands make short work. Thank you!

HCC Today and Tomorrow! -- Everyone is invited to join us on Saturday, May 31 from 9 am - 1 pm at the old Meetinghouse! We will offer refreshments, a tour of our original church space, and time for conversation about where the church is going in the days ahead. Stay tuned for more information.

  April 28^th Church Weekly Calendar