Stewardship Report:

2017 Budget $351,000.00 Total given YTD $ 88,572.41 Amt. needed per month: $ 29,250.00 Total for April $ 13,662.00 Amount needed Weekly $ 6,750.00 Total for April 9 $ 6,330.00

Thank you for your faithful giving.

Loan Status

Education Building Loan as of:

3/31/2017 $483,289.47

Minimum Monthly Payment $5,110

Contributions to the Capital Campaign are still

being accepted. Please prayerfully consider

giving to help reduce this debt.

Monthly Ministry Team Meetings Worship Team: April 20th at 7:00pm Christian Ed Meeting: Wednesday, April 26th at 6:30pm Building and Grounds: First Monday of the Month at 6:30pm

Daily Scripture Readings:

Rocky River Presbyterian Church ● 7940 Rocky River Road ● Concord NC 28025

www.rockyriver.org

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Neal Carter ● 704-455-2479 or 910-280-9688 ● nealcarter64@gmail.com

Church Administrator: Cyndi Conway ● 704-455-2479 ● churchadmin@rockyriver.org

Director of Christian Education: Sharon Vanpelt ● 704-455-2479 ● dce@rockyriver.org

Youth Director: JD McNutt ● 704-455-2479 ● youthrrpc@gmail.com

Sunday, April 16 Exodus 12:1-14 and Luke 24:13-35 Monday, April 17 Jonah 2:1-10 and John 14:1-14 Tuesday, April 18 Isaiah 30:18-26 and John 14:15-31 Wednesday, April 19 Micah 7:7-15 and John 15:1-11 Thursday, April 20 Ezekiel 37:1-14 and John 15:12-27 Friday, April 21 Daniel 12:1-4,13 and John 16:1-15 Saturday, April 22 Isaiah 25:1-9 and John 16:16-33 Sunday, April 23 Isaiah 43:8-13 and John 14:1-7

CLASS of 2017

CLASS of 2018 CLASS OF 2019

Darren Bird Finance & Administration

Steve Jewett Finance & Administration

Shawnee Wakeman Finance & Administration

Ben Burr Worship

Nancy Thomas Worship

Marie Morrison Worship

Eric Linker Congregational Connec-tions

Candice Shepard Congregational Connections

Ben Schneider Congregational Connections

David Murray Building & Grounds

Jim Rockel Building & Grounds

Billy Carriker Building & Grounds

Joe Novobilski Clerk of Session Christian Education

Dave Mowery Christian Education

Thomas Heavey Christian Education

April 16, 2017

Resurrection of the Lord

11:00am

7940 Rocky River Road

Concord, NC 28025

704-455-2479

PRELUDE (let us prepare our hearts for worship)

CHIMING OF THE HOUR James Ide

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP “ Christ Is Alive” Arranged by Joseph M. Martin (to be sung by the choir)

Gathering

† HYMN “Raise Your Joys and Triumphs High”

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, y heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!

Christ hath opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now they sting? Alleluia!

Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Gracious God, we confess that while we know well the story of your victory over the grave, it is not a story we always live. We are dragged down by all manner of death – Fear may suffocate us: the loss of dreams and hopes for ourselves, our families, our communities and our nation. Sorrow may wall us off like a grave, isolating us with anger, frustration, and grief. Yet, our faith is inscribed not with the marks of death, but with the word, “Alleluia!” So on this Easter morning, we pray that you will fill us with “fear and great joy” so that, like those women who came to the tomb expecting death, we may instead find the radiant new life that is ever before us in your Resurrection! Amen.

† CALL TO CONFESSION

† PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Youth: JD McNutt—Youth Director

Children: Sharon Vanpelt—Director of Christian Education

Worship Packets for preschool and elementary children are available in the Narthex and located in our red, (preschool) and blue, (elementary) activity bags prior to each worship service. These packets are designed to help children participate in worship. Please return the bags to the vestibule as you leave the service. Nursery and childcare services are always available during service for infants through Kindergarten.

We are excited today to welcome three young people to the Lord’s Table for the first time: Maggie Hartsell, James Ide, and Bella Rockel. Through a variety of activities led by Sharon Vanpelt, Director of Christian Education, these children recently spent an afternoon learning about key elements of the sacraments with an emphasis on the Lord’s Supper. They also helped Worship committee members to bake communion wafers and learned how the elements of communion are prepared. In recognition of this special moment in their journey of faith, they will be served communion by the pastor. Welcome to the Lord’s Table, Maggie, James, and Bella!

Alabama Rural Mission June 11-17, 2017—Cost per person $200 (financial aid is available) http://www.arm-al.org We will be traveling to York, Alabama and will be doing 4 days of home repair and a few of you will be helping with 2 days of camp for kids in the area. We’ll be staying at a Mennonite church in York. On Friday we will raft on the Ocoee!!!! If any MS or HS youth or adults are interested in going please register NOW! Deposit ($50) due by May 3. JD has to give a final count by May 5. Meals are provided except for travel meals on the way down and back. And of course there are always the famous gas station stops. I want a free trip!! How do I get one? Can you design a new church t-shirt? If you can submit a design by April 30 and yours is chosen you win a free trip! Or you can mow JD’s yard for the next 2 years…lol

Choir Chime Ringer for Today: James Ide Next Week: Isabella Rockel

Worship Assistant for Today: Scott Biggers Next Week: Candice Shepard

Ushers for Today: Chip Wells, Baxter Coble, Steve Jewett, Joe Novobilski, Joey Dulin,

Darren Bird

Next Week: Reggie Hunnicutt, Jimmy Stafford, Kevin Harris, Dave Miller, Chris Bechtol, Frank

Reynolds, King McCachren

A Time for Children - Today: Jerry Clark Next Week: Neal Carter

Nursery Volunteers Today: Janet Little and Spencer,; Krista Eason and Sarah Bird

Next Week: David and Mandy Mowery; Rebecca Murray

Bread Ministry This Week - Baker: Ann Glosson Next Week: Ann Glosson

The Harrisburg Food Pantry served 24 families (114 individuals) today!! Our shelves are totally empty of the following items: canned corn, green beans, potatoes, dish washing liquid and laundry detergent. Your contributions go a long way in helping those less fortunate in our community. Thanks ever so much for your continued support!

Wednesday Night Fellowship is cancelled this week and will resume NEXT

week, April 26th.

Rocky River Presbyterian Church– Sunday, April 16, 2017

Commitment Report for Last Sunday Worship Attendance April 9…... 168 Sunday School…..…86

Please Keep in Your Prayers: Mary Griffin, sister of Alice Williams; Marie Hildreth; Roger Richie, brother of Julia Alexander; Ken Freeman, Bob Boswell, father of Dori Swaringen; Wes and Ree Abernathy; Cathy Jewett; Benita Schirtzinger, mother of Darren Bird; Sam Peterson, friend of Priscilla Giuliano (received new heart); Tevis Pinkerton, friend of Jerry Clark; Alan Cochran, brother of Neal Cochran; Ann Jones, daughter of Ray and Priscilla Clawson; Karen DeCarlo, co-worker of Alice Williams; Sonya Moorehead, friend of Jerry Clark; Ellie Wagoner; Helene Linenberger; Johnston Howie; Anita Whitley, neighbor of Pat McDonald; Jim Murray; Kristine Way, co-worker of Alice Williams; Ouida Harman; Dana Drye and her son Benjamin Nixon; Jim Busse, friend of Stephanie Campbell; Amy Hicks; Maxine Phillips, friend of Dale Ritchie; Kimmie Shano, friend of Dale Ritchie; Tommy Flowe, brother of Ann Glosson; Brendan Milliken; Seville Funk; Marlene Howard; Kay Nalbone; Jimmy McDonald; Linda Modzelesky; Bob Brombacher; Teresa Williams; Zackie Moore.

We extend our sympathies to Deb Carter and her family upon the passing of her

aunt, Linda Jones. As we grieve her passing from our midst, we also rejoice that

Linda has joined the Church Triumphant and is now and forever with our Lord

Jesus Christ. Please keep Neal, Deb and Candace in your prayers.

Bob Alexander’s grandson, Tristan Bowen, is in the Marine Corps and would

appreciate cards from the congregation. His birthday was April 13th. If you would

like to send him a card his address is: CPL Tristan Bowen, PSC 819 Box 13, FPO

AE 09645. Let’s remind Tristan that his RRPC family is thinking of him and

appreciates his service!!

Farmers Market! The farmers market is coming back to RRPC! The market will

open on Wednesday, May 3rd at 3:00pm. We are looking for more vendors this

year. If you know anyone who would like to reserve a spot at our market please

have them contact Cyndi in the office for an application. All proceeds for booth

rental will be donated to the Youth programs here at RRPC.

OFFICE HOURS EASTER WEEK: Cyndi will be on vacation the week of April 17th

thru 22nd. The office will be open Mon-Thurs from 9:00 to 12:00. Neal and Sharon

will be available if you need anything.

† ASSURANCE OF PARDON & PASSING THE PEACE

One: Friends believe the good news of the gospel.

All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

One: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. All: And also with you.

Let us exchange a word of peace with our neighbors and remain standing for our Response to Forgiveness

† RESPONSE TO FORGIVENESS “Gloria Patri” #579

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.

The Word

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (unison)

Almighty God, through your only Son you overcame death and opened to us the light of eternity. Enlighten our minds and kindle our hearts with the presence of your Spirit, that we may hear your words of comfort and challenge in the reading of the scriptures, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

TIME FOR CHILDREN Jerry Clark

ANTHEM “Canticle for Easter Day” arranged by Patti Drennan

THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 28:1-10

One: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON “Easter Like You Mean It” Neal Carter

Responding to the Word

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostle’s Creed)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth; And in

Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy

Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was

crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose

again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right

hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the

quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church;

the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the

body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

† Please stand if you are able

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them to the Lord. One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE The Lord’s Table is open to all who trust in Jesus Christ. Please hold each element until everyone is served.; as a sign of our unity in Christ, we will partake on cue from the minister.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (unison) We thank you, O God, that through Word and Sacrament, you have given us your Son, who is the true bread from heaven and food of eternal life. So strengthen us in your service that our daily living may show our thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

† HYMN # 122 “Thine Is the Glory”

PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

INVITATION TO THE TABLE Neal Carter

“Come to the Table of Grace” (Congregation to sing )

Come to the table of grace. Come to the table of grace. This is God’s table; it’s not yours or mine. Come to the table of grace.

Sending

† HYMN “Lift High the Cross”

† CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

† CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE HYMN #108 Verse 1

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. The cross stands empty to the sky. Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

POSTLUDE

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world adore his sacred name.

Come, Christians, follow where our captain trod;

our King victorious, Christ, the Son of God.

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world adore his sacred name.

All new born servants of the Crucified

bear on their brows the seal of Him who died.

Oh Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,

as Thou hast promised draw us all to Thee

Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim

till all the world adore His sacred name.

So shall our song of triumph ever be:

Praise to the Crucified for victory!

Lift high the Cross, the love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adore his sacred name.

Amen, amen, amen.

Thank you Scott Biggers for assisting with worship today! Scott Biggers grew up in Rocky River Presbyterian and has fond memories of spending time running around as a youth and worshipping here through his life. He is on track to graduate from Union Presbyterian Seminary on June 3rd, 2017 with a Masters of Divinity and is planning to be ordained shortly after. While at Seminary he discerned his call to join the Baptist Church, more specifically the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, where he intends to live out his ministry. Scott and his fiance Catherine plan to marry on August 5th, and they are looking forward to wherever God calls them.