May 16, 2019

Do not be afraid: I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. [Matthew 28:5-6]

Dear Friends,
    What does it mean that God freely chooses to "dwell" with us? What is the "new Jerusalem"? How does God "make all things new"? These are the questions posed by our reading for Sunday from the Book of Revelation. If you believe that the Bible ends with a great Rapture, it doesn't. The Bible concludes with life.
             In Christ,

[EASTER WORSHIP RECORDING]
You can listen to an online audio recording of our Easter Worship Service here.

[NACOME SUMMER CAMP]
Registration is now open for summer camp at NaCoMe. There are week-long options for rising 3rd through 12th graders and 3-day long camps for rising 2nd through 5th graders. On-line registration is available at nacome.org.

[VanGoes TO VISIT FRANKLIN IN JUNE]
The VanGoes June trip will be to Franklin, Tennessee, to either the Carter House or Carnton Plantation. The date has yet to be decided. Watch this space.

[SCOUT DISPLAY AT CHURCH]
The next time you are at the church, take a moment to look at the display cabinet in the front hallway that is filled with Boy Scout memorabilia including items involving members of the church.

[NEEDED FOR LOCAL MISSIONS]
FPC has two ongoing collections benefiting the following organizations:
1. Wilson County Schools Family Resource Center. We collect food and personal hygiene items for students whose families are struggling. Donations can be left in the plastic tub in the back hallway.
2. Wilson County Community Help Center.
Monetary donations are used to purchase food items for the Help Center. Write Help Center on your check.

June 24-26
Vacation Bible School, 5:30 - 8:00 pm

[LAY READERS NEEDED]
There are a few openings for Lay Readers for the Sanctuary Service. If you are interested please contact Kristy in the church office.

An archive of sermons and bulletins
(audio and text) can be viewed here.

  May 19 - New Heaven, New Earth text | audio
  May 12 - Works of God text | audio
  May 5 - The Light of Christ text | audio
  Apr 28 - Peace Be with You text | audio
  Apr 21 - Life in Christ: Life in Joy text | audio
  Apr 14 - Life in Christ: Life in Humility text | audio
  Apr 7 - Life in Christ: Life in Abundance text | audio
  Mar 31 - Life in Christ: Life in New Creation text | audio
  Mar 24 - Life in Christ: Life in Lavish Devotion text | audio
  Mar 17 - Life in Christ: Life in Covenant text | audio

          ...more sermons

[WORSHIP LITURGY]
Scripture - Revelation 21:1-6
1     Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
2     And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3     And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them;
4     he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away."
5     And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true."
6     Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.

Prayer of Confession
Creator of life: we find it hard to accept that you truly reside among us and with us. We refuse to recognize your presence in our world and prefer to hold on to that which brings despair. We accept cruelty as normal. Forgive us and inspire us to embrace your blessed kingdom in this world. Make us new and help us become faith-filled citizens of your holy city. Amen.

PRELUDE:
Secondary Theme from Alleluias! - Simon Preston
OFFERTORY:
Jesus Christ Our Lord Redeemer - J.S. Bach
POSTLUDE:
Primary Theme from Alleluias - Simon Preston

Saturday, May 18 - 3rd Annual Dream Riders Benefit Motorcycle Ride to benefit Empower Me Center. More information.