Calendar

Order of Worship

Service for the Lord’s Day

Gathering around the word

Prelude: Two settings of Glory to God in the Highest, (Allein Gott in der Höh sei Her)
Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau and Johann Gottfried Walther.

The tune and text comprise an early Lutheran hymn and were intended as the German version of the Gloria part of the Latin mass. The title, Allein Gott in der Höh translates as “Alone to God in the highest be glory.” Many composers have used this tune as a setting for organ chorales. Friedrich Wilhelm Zachau, a contemporary of J.S. Bach, was born in Leipzig and is best remembered as the first music teacher of G.F. Handel. Johann Gottfried Walther, also a contemporary of J.S Bach, was also his first cousin. Please enjoy these two settings of Allein Gott in der Höh.

† Call to Worship

Come and see the love God has given to us.
Come and see what it means to be children of God.
Come with this hope, that Christ’s presence is real.
With joy, we come to see the Lord.

† Hymn #251, “Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia”

Prayer of Invocation

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

Risen Christ, we are often troubled by our doubts. But you are not troubled by them. You do not require perfect understanding. Instead, you reveal yourself to us again and again that we might come to know you. Forgive us when our doubts keep us stuck, when fear prevents us from loving all creation as you call us to do. Help us to recognize you as you walk with us on the way. Awaken us to see you in the sharing of bread. Have mercy on us when we hoard or hide our resources, when we fail to break bread with others. Renew us and make us whole that in this world of strife we may be bearers of your wholeness and your peace. In resurrection hope we pray, Amen.

Silent prayer of confession

Assurance of Pardon (From 1 John 3:1)

“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” Children of God, we are claimed by God, forgiven of our sins, and set free for love.

Alleluia! Amen.

† Response of praise: Hymn #526, verse 3, “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ”

Jesus calls us in, sends us out bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share: God Immanuel everywhere!
Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again;
pass the Word around: loaves abound!

† Passing of the Peace

Life in Community

Proclaiming the Word

Children’s Message

Scripture: Luke 24:36b-48

Message: Testifying to Love

Hymn #252, verses 1-2 (seated), “Day of Arising”

Testify to Love: A Story for All Ages (Episode 2)

Hymn #252, verses 3-4 (seated), “Day of Arising”

Meditation, Rev. Dorothy L. Boulton

Envision Grants

Responding to the Word

Response of Faith

They walked with heavy sadness,
those two disciples on a long, lonely journey.
A stranger joined them. It was Jesus.
But they could only see a stranger,
a friend to share the long walk ahead.

He spoke with them, 
comforted their sadness and offered new thoughts. 

When he gave thanks for the bread, 
broke it and gave it to them, 
they saw and they knew it was Jesus.  

People are sometimes
afraid to see the hope and new life their faith shows them.
They think they must consider only what is real.

But what is real? Hunger is real, 
so are the faces of children with no hope. 
Greed is real and so is violence and war. 
People of faith can see that. 
Why can’t they see the presence of the Lord, 
who speaks to their hearts about other things that are just as real?  

Love is real.

The eyes of faith see new possibilities
where none were found before.
Even death does not hold back the spirit of God.

So let’s look again. 
Let’s see the living Christ 
sharing the journey, inspiring new hope. 
Among the poor and homeless, 
in the prisons and hospitals, 
in the lands of famine and war, 
new hopes are waiting to be seen. 

The journey starts with ordinary steps 
as we walk our daily paths, 
looking around as Jesus did with the love of God in our view. 

Call to Offering

Offering of Tithes and Gifts

OffertorY: “We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight”, Michael D. Costello

We walk by faith and not by sight; With gracious words draw near,
O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke: “My peace be with you here.”

We may not touch your hands and side, Nor follow where you trod;
But in your promise we rejoice, And cry, “My Lord and God!”

Help then, O Lord, our unbelief, And may our faith abound
To call on you when you are near, And seek where you are found.

That, when our life of faith is done, In realms of clearer light
We may behold you as you are, With full and endless sight.

† Doxology #607, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

† Prayer of Dedication

Living Lord, we give you thanks for the bounty of your grace: you create us in your image, shower us with your love, forgive us when we turn away from you, and give us a future with hope. Bless these gifts we offer you today and make us good stewards of the resources you have entrusted to us. May our gifts bring joy and peace in our church and in our community. In Christ’s holy name we pray, amen.

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.

† Hymn #257, “The Risen Christ”

† Benediction

Postlude: Sonata #2, III. Allegro maestoso e vivace, Felix Mendelssohn

Felix Mendelssohn is perhaps best known for his symphonies, piano, and chamber music. However, Mendelssohn was also an organist and he composed for the organ. His groundbreaking six organ sonatas ushered in a revival of organ composition and are considered the greatest organ works to appear since the time of J.S Bach. Bach had been largely forgotten by Mendelssohn’s time, but Felix’s maternal grandmother gifted the young man a manuscript of Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion. Mendelssohn, recognizing the genius in the music, directed a now famous performance of this work and rescued Bach’s music from oblivion. The rest is history.

Sources

Image: The Road to Emmaus, Michael Torevell

Before the Amen, Maren C. & Maria I. Tirabassi, Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007

Emmaus Road: Make New Life Possible with Giving, Annemarie Klassen

Peter L. Haynes, Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren

The Presbyterian Outlook, Rev. Ellen Williams Hensle ed. Teri McDowell Ott, April 14, 2024.

Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013).

Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-734388; CCLI Copyright License B 20481088 + Streaming License B 481071

Worship Participants

Jeff Bolognese
Skit participant

Dorothy Boulton
Associate Pastor

Marcellous Dixon-Grant
Worship Technical Director

Wendy Johnston
Organist and Assistant Director of Music

Chris Kennedy
Skit participant

Jane Kennedy
Skit participant

Mark Kennedy
Liturgist

Greg Knauf
Director of Music

Vickie Lord
Social media support

Learning & Growing

The Church and Refugees

Sunday, April 14 | 9 a.m. in the Library | Led by Susan Krehbiel and Rick Santos

Over the years, conflict, persecution, food insecurity, and the consequences of climate change have driven people from their homes and countries of origin. As of January 2024, the U.N. reported over 700,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers dwelling in Kenya alone. On April 14, we’ll hear about experiences in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, gain a better understanding of refugee trends across the globe, and unpack how Church World Service (CWS), Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), and CPC are working to support refugees. This will be led by Rick Santos, President and CEO of CWS, and Susan Krehbiel, Associate for Migration Accompaniment Ministries with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).

Thursday Morning Bible Study

Next meeting on Thursday, April 18 | 10:30 a.m. in the Library

Thursday Morning Bible Study resumes for a special series that explores the Bible’s understanding of death. The Bible does not speak with one voice on this subject. What we find in Judaism is a gradual unfolding of insights into the nature of death, God’s relationship to death (and the dying), and speculations about life after death. Many of these ideas are present in the New Testament but take on new and deeper meanings after the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection. Each week, we’ll study a different passage of scripture and related theological themes, supported by additional articles and reflection pieces to inform our discussions. View the full schedule and readings.

Announcements

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to the Reflections Circle for hosting today’s Fellowship Hour!

Memorial Service for Fred Wolf

It is with deep sadness we share the news that Fred Wolf died on Saturday, April 6. Fred faithfully served several congregations in Baltimore Presbytery and joined CPC in May 1989. He was ordained as a ruling elder in 1961 and was elected to three terms on the Session throughout his time at CPC. He also served as a trustee.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Inurnment at the Columbarium will follow immediately after. Please remember his son, Dave, and his extended family in your prayers.

Church Grounds Workday

Thanks to the hard work of a dozen church members and friends, about a third of the woodland paths have been replenished with wood chips! Our next workday will be on Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 a.m. in the main parking lot.

Remembering Loved Ones

We remember this Eastertide that “in life and in death we belong to God,” (A Brief Statement of Faith). The Columbarium ministers and bears witness of this truth to us and our community. This Eastertide and into Pentecost, consider spending time in contemplation and remembrance at the Columbarium. For those who feel led to help create this sacred space, engraved pavers can be purchased and embedded in the garden for $170. If you’d like to explore adding a poem, Bible verse, quotation, or remembrance of a loved one through an engraved paver, contact columbarium@catonsvillepres.org.

Bridges to Housing Stability: Beans & Bags for Bridges

Join in a day of fun and community as we work to end homelessness through Bridges to Housing Stability’s Beans & Bags fundraiser! Enjoy chili, cornhole, a silent auction, and live music by local musicians. Chili tickets and cornhole registration are now available.

Worship Flowers

If you would like to dedicate the flowers for a service in memorial, recognition, or celebration of a loved one or special event, please email the church office. The cost is $55. A short message will be published in the bulletin, and you can take one or both bouquets home.

Hymn Sing

Today at 3:00 p.m., the Rev. Dr. J. Michael McMahon, the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, will lead a hymn sing at The Church of the Redeemer. The hymn sing will be focused on hymns of social justice. Dr. McMahon, an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) also serves as Artistic Director of Music at Midday at National City Christian Church. From 2001 to 2013, he was President and CEO of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, an organization of seven thousand Roman Catholic musician, clergy, and other pastoral leaders.

We encourage you to bring your voices, your choirs, your friends, and your clergy to sing great hymnody, in a wonderful space, accompanied by a magnificent organ, and led by a dynamic hymnologist.

Envision Grants

Thank you to the members of the Envision Board for their dedicated service! We give thanks for their ministry and service, especially for the class of 2024, for whom this is the final grant cycle of their terms.