175 Waterloo St. Stratford, On. N5A 4B5 519-271-3683

Website: www.avondaleunitedstratford.com

At Easter, the lily symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection, joy, hope and new life. Its colour represents Jesus’ purity and its shape symbolizes God calling

His Son home with a trumpet. The artificial arrangement of Easter lilies has been placed by Helen

Anderson, Ruth & Steve Sealey and their families, in loving memory of Stewart Anderson, Earle & Shirley Hackett.

Worship led by Guest Minister Rev. Dr. Bryan Lapier,

Music Director Lori Millian, Avondale Senior Choir,

Anne Reuber, flute, Judith Bean, soprano

SUNDAY March 27, 2016 Easter Sunday

10:00 a.m.

WE GATHER AS GOD’S PEOPLE

Prelude: Were You There When They Rolled the Stone Away?

Traditional Spiritual

Announcements and Welcome

Opening Hymn: Welcome Happy Morning VU 161

Call to Worship One: We are an Easter people! The darkness of death has given way to

the brightness of a new day. We come together to celebrate a resurrection faith.

Cong: By God's great mercy, we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! One: The Lord is risen! Let us worship God! Cong: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia

Opening Prayer: (together)

We gather and give you thanks, O God, that from generation to generation you continue to be our strength and our song. We gather to praise you, O God, that because of Easter “weeping may linger for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. We gather to celebrate, that because of Easter, you “turn our weeping to dancing and clothe us in gladness”. May the Good News of Easter joy fill our lives and make our hearts glad. Grant us we pray, a resurrection spirit through the gift of your redeeming love. Amen

Solo: The Holy City S. Adams, F.E. Weatherly An Easter Affirmation Of Faith: (together)

We believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We believe that resurrections are still possible in our lives. We believe that God is calling us to take the Spirit of resurrection hope and faith into the world. Because of the resurrection of Christ, we believe we are called to proclaim to the world:

hope in the midst of despair, comfort in the midst of pain, forgiveness in the midst of guilt. love in the midst of hate, life in the midst of death.

We are called to be children of God, brothers and sisters of one hope, sons and daughters of one peace. We believe that God is God of all.

Children’s Hymn: This is the Day That God Has Made VU 175

Children’s Story

Anthem: Hallelujah! Resurrection Day! L. Shackley

WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD

Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 The Resurrection of Christ John 20:11-18 The Empty Tomb

Sermon: Easter Serendipity

Hymn: Jesus Christ is Risen Today VU 155

Solo: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth G.F. Handel from The Messiah

WE RESPOND TO GOD IN LOVE

Offertory: Lord of the Dance Shaker Melody Arr. Joel Raney

Offertory Hymn: And on This Path (verse 1) MV 8

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide, And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide, And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide! Open wide! Open wide! Open wide! The gates are open wide! Linnea Good © 2003 Borealis Music.

All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A-724653.

Offering Prayer: (together) One: Raise us to life, O God! All: With gifts that show generosity, With gifts that banish fear, With gifts that show compassion, With gifts that reflect Christ's love. One: Raise us to life, O God! All: With these gifts that bring Easter hope in the risen Christ. Amen

Prayers Of The People Lord’s Prayer (sung) VU 959

Closing Hymn: We Shall Go Out VU 586

Commission and Benediction Parting Hymn: Sent Forth By God’s Blessing (verse 1) VU 481

Postlude: Praise the Lord With Drums and Cymbals S. Karg-Elert

Please join us for refreshments & conversation in the Fellowship Hall.

About Guest Minister.... Bryan grew up in Toronto and studied theology at Queens University and was ordained in the United Church of Canada. He had a successful intentional long term ministry in Northern Ontario and served for 32 years in his previous church before retirement. Since moving to Stratford 11 years ago, he has served in various churches throughout Southwestern Ontario in various denominations including 3 years at Knox Presbyterian Church here in Stratford.

About Guest Musician.... Judith Bean teaches Grades 1-6 Elementary Music and Drama at Ryerson Public School in Cambridge. She is currently in her 4th season as an Associate Conductor with the Toronto Children’s Chorus, teaching the Preparatory Choir, as well has been part of the Artistic Staff for the TCC Main Choir’s summer camp at Appleby College for 11 years. She was the founder and former conductor of Menno Youth Singers, conductor of Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir, St. Mary’s Presto Children’s Choir and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Junior Choir. She is a well-known soloist, and performer in musical theatre productions, and light comedy plays across Ontario. In September, Judith began the Masters of Arts in Community Music Programme at Wilfrid Laurier University. From the ages of 8-18 years, Judith competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival here in Stratford at St. Johns United Church and is pleased to return to sing this morning.

Announcements

PRAYER CHAIN We are here to support YOU Call Joan Washburn 519-271-3562 or Anna Meusel at 519-271-9996 with prayer requests

Last Chance!!!!!! What’s in the Safe 50/50 – Box and ballots in Fellowship Hall. The winner will be drawn Today!!!!!

Sunday school children will be doing an Easter craft with Marion and Bill Douglas this morning. Thanks Bill and Marion.

Avondale’s Congregational Life and Work Team has organized what we call The Sunshine Group. This is part of our in-reach work, helping others in our congregation requiring short term or occasional assistance. If you have the gift of your time and talents that can be of assistance to someone else, we encourage you to sign up. It could be occasional snow shovelling (if it snows again), mail pick up, light housekeeping for someone ill or changing sheets on a bed for someone too weak or in a cast. It could be occasional dog walking or a simple meal preparation for someone recovering from surgery.

Once we have volunteers signed up, the list will be managed by Marion and Bill Douglas and through the church office. We hope to have this up and running in April. See the poster outside Fellowship Hall to sign up. If you know someone in need of help, you can check the poster to see if anyone is available to assist, call the church office or Marion and Bill Douglas. Thanks.

Helping each other just makes sense.

The OUTREACH TEAM has decided to continue with “The GIVING TREE”......... but with a new focus for March

and April. Please leave toiletries in the box, for Shelterlink and Emily Murphy Centre. Shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, lotion, bandaids, etc.

The DONATION DEPOT is located outside Fellowship Hall by the coat rack, to receive Food Shelf, Shelterlink, Emily Murphy, and House of Blessing items.

URGENT FOODSHELF REQUEST Our supplies are low and our needs are great. Please consider purchasing a few extra items for the Foodshelf when you grocery shop. Our focus is for healthy food choices, low salt, low sugar. We gratefully accept all donations. Please drop off your donations in the Donation Depot located outside Fellowship Hall or in the box located outside the office. If you would prefer to make a financial donation, please drop off your cheque to the office and earmark as 'Foodshelf". Your funds will be used towards the weekly shopping expenses. MANY THANKS for helping us to meet the needs of those among us less fortunate.

The following clients used the food shelf during March, a 3 week period 43 families, 58 adults and 15 children. Thanks for your continued support of this worthwhile Outreach project.

For all Pastoral Care please contact Rev. Kathi Urbasik-Hindley. Contact Info: kathi.avondaleuc@wightman.ca 519-271-3683 Interim Minister, Pirie Mitchell – Currently at home recovering from surgery.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you from the Worship Team to Karen Pethick and Barbara Kyle for preparing the elements for communion on Palm Sunday and to Audrey Switzer for preparing the communion table cloth. We are fortunate to have members who work behind the scenes to make our worship services meaningful for all of us. Thank you also to the people who volunteered to serve and managed to make everything run smoothly. I would also like to thank our Music Director, Lori for that amazing organ postlude on Sunday. We are truly blessed as a congregation.

A big thank you to everyone for the cards and best wishes in celebration of my 90th birthday. All was greatly appreciated. Isabel Plant

Upcoming Events

Movie Night -

Join us on Wednesday March 30 at 6:50 (refreshments) in the parlour at the Waterloo Street location, featuring "Hoovey".

Life can change in an instant. The Elliott's are living the American dream until one day son Eric collapses at basketball practice and is rushed to the hospital. Doctors find a tumor the size of an orange at the base of his brain. Can Eric (Hoovey) learn to walk, talk and see straight...? Everyone is welcome. Come and bring your friends. Movie starts at 7 p.m. The UCW is meeting on Monday, April 4th. We are travelling to Londesboro for the Huron Perth Presbyterial Spring Fling. The evening includes dinner, speaker Bev Hagendorn from Shelterlink and entertainment by the Snell Family Singers. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. We will meet in the parking lot at the Avondale (old Central) location at 2:30 to car pool. For those requiring a ride to the car pool site, please contact Anne Reuber at (519)273-3344. Come and Join the Fun.

Friendship Tea

There’s excitement in the air at Avondale United Church as we grow and forge new bonds with each other. On May 2, we will share that excitement with our members who are unable to get out regularly to worship services or other church family events. The Avondale Pastoral Care Team will host a Friendship Tea from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the parlour at 175 Waterloo St. S. Everyone is welcome to attend, but we will make a special effort to bring out those who are living in long-term-care facilities, seniors’ residences or still at home but unable to get to church. The Friendship Tea will feature a hymn sing, worship and Communion, accompanied by refreshments and snacks. To make it happen, we will need lots of support: People to provide rides, food, help in the kitchen and more. And of course, helpers are also welcome to enjoy worship and tea with us. So please save the date. In April we will put out a signup sheet for those willing to volunteer to help or who just want to come for tea.

Card Making As in the past, the people on our Special Care list will get unique handmade invitations to the Friendship Tea. The Pastoral Care team will host a card-making session on April 4 at 7 p.m. in the board room. Everyone is welcome to join us. Materials and guidance will be provided, but feel free to bring along old greeting cards to cut up and use in a new way.

Community Events/News

Temporary Job Opening for a Retail Sales Clerk at the Christian Resource Centre in Mitchell, ON. Position commences April 4, 2016 for a minimum of 9 weeks. This is a United Church book and gift store, serving all denominations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Resource Centre. Please contact Susan Campbell at hpprc@quadro.net or phone 519-348-9261 for more details by March 21, 2016.

From the Office: Regular Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday 9:00 to 12 noon. 519-271-3683 Currently our Care Taker, Dave Blasdell is working at both sites and is without a computer. If you require assistance from Dave for anything, please leave me a message with the details and I will ensure Dave gets the message. United Church Observer Subscription – Please fill out form to renew, join or stop subscription. See Patricia Patterson. Camp Menesetung 2016 – Forms and information at the Church Office If you would like to purchase a 9 Foot Oak Pew @ $50 each or Donate towards the new padded chairs @ $75 the sign up list is in the office. The Kiwanis Music Festival will be here from Apr. 4th – 22nd. Please call the office at 519-271-3683 if you require details on room availability for your regularly scheduled event during this time. Sorry in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Weekly Calendar

SUNDAY Mar 27 - SUNDAY Apr 3

Today 10:00 Easter Sunday Service Sanctuary

11:00 Fellowship & Refreshments Fellowship Hall

Monday 4:10 Meditation Library

6:30 Beavers 3rd Group Primary Room

6:45 Cubs 3rd Group Fellowship Hall

7:00 Stratford Concert Choir Sanctuary

Tuesday 1:00 CAS Youth Room

6:00 Meditation Library

6:30 Beavers 12th Group Fellowship Hall

7:00 Scouts 3rd Group Primary Room

7:00 Ventures Youth Room

8:00 AA Blue Room

Wednesday 12:00 ABI Parlour

6:30 CAS Youth Room

6:30 Cubs 12th Group Fellowship Hall

7:00 Scouts 12th Group Primary Room

7:00 Movie Night Parlour

7:00 M&P Boardroom

Thursday 9:00 Kiwanis (Training) Parlour

1:00 CAS Youth Room

7:00 Senior Choir Choir Room

Friday (Office Closed) 8:00 AA Primary Room

Next Sunday

9:00 Chairs Meeting Boardroom

10:00 Sunday Service Sanctuary

11:00 Fellowship & Refreshments Fellowship Hall

EASTER IS A TIME TO REJOICE WITH THE RISEN CHRIST

AND TO REMEMBER ALL THOSE DEAR TO US.

PRAYERS FROM IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Sharon Acheson, Ruth Douglas Ruby & Elwood Acheson, Parents

& Janice Ward

Joan Boshart & Family Paul Boshart, Husband, Father, Grandfather

John & Norma Down, Parents, Grandparents

and Great Grandparents

Emma & John Carruthers & Family Susan Donen, Daughter

Yvonne Casey & Family George Roth, Father, Grandfather,

Great Grandfather

Bill & Bev Casey, Parents, Grandparents,

Great Grandparents

Dave & Joanne Davies & Family Rev. John & Betty Davies

Shirley Davis & Family William ("Bill") Davis, Husband,

Father and Grandfather

Shirley Davis Marguerite & Ross McClellan and

Gladys & Ken Davis, Parents, and

Rev. Ed & Netta Aldworth,

Aunt and Uncle

The Diegel Family Ruth Diegel - Beisel

Murray,Faye,Nancy,Janet,Linda Loving Mom, Nana and GG.

and their Families.

Chuck & Margaret Dingman Jen McTavish, Daughter-in-law

Carol Anne & Brian Doughty Doreen & Jim Doughty,

Matt, Jocelyn & Laura Jean & Earl Endicott,

Parents and Grandparents

Steven Lundy, Godson

Carolyn Lundy, Godmother, Dear Friend

Dyer & Young Families Irma & Len Young, Parents and

Grandparents

Grace Gibb Bill Gibb, Husband, Father

Jamie, Catherine and Ed

Grace Gibb Fraser & Alice Gibb,

Jamie, Catherine and Ed Leslie & Adelia Wietersen,

Parents and Grandparents

The Gleadall Family Abraham & Elizabeth (Betty) Gleadall,

Jeff & Beth Grandparents and Great Grandparents

Abe & Barb, Parents

The Gray Grandchildren, Verna Carter, Great Grandmother

Marissa, Nikki, Lindsey,

Amanda, James & Rachel

Bill & Joyce Hildenbrand Ron Hildenbrand, Brother, Uncle

Tina

Bob & Dione & Family

Mike & Catie & Family

Chris Hunking Skye, Dakota and Martina Hunking-Jepson

Staci & Joclynn Jepson Children, Siblings, Grandchildren

Muriel & Patti Johnston Jim Johnston, Husband, Father

Barb Johnston, Daughter, Sister

Gwen Kushko Stan & Gladys Magee, Parents

Ian Magee, Brother

Bill Kushko, Husband

Lois & Michael Oye Bernice & Hollis Steeves, Parents

Masaye & Sannosuke Oye, Parents

Sheila Anne Oye Whittaker, Daughter

Amanda Lee Anne Oye, Granddaughter

Cheryl Allan & A.J Schmidt Howard & Jean Schmidt, Parents and

Grandparents

Connie Stewart & Family Bruce Stewart, Spouse, Father,

Grandfather

Leonard Butson, Father, Grandfather,

Great Grandfather

Michelle & Eric Semak Amanda Lee Anne Oye, Daughter, Sister

Miranda Sheila Anne Whittaker, Sister, Aunt

Bernice & Hollis Steeves, Grandparents,

Great Grandparents

Masaye & Sannosuke Oye, Grandparents,

Ann Semak, Mother, Grandmother

Gavin & Mark Stephenson-Jackman Arnold B. Jackman

Glyn R. Stephenson

Beatrice E. Stephenson

Carl & Ruth Thomson Lewis & Muriel Thomson, Parents

George & Florence Millian, Parents

Lois Schmidt, Jim Fair, Bob Woodcock,

Great Friends Anne (Johnson) & Steve Vaters Cam & Mickey Johnson, Parents

Zach and Alexis and Grandparents

Agnes Ward & Family Clarence Ward, Husband, Father,

Grandfather, Great Grandfather