First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport
April 12, 2026
Second Sunday of Easter
Rev. Brian Copeland
CHIMES (Preparing yourself for worship.)
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist
PRELUDE
OPENING SENTENCES (Responsive) Liturgist
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. By his mercy God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We rejoice, for we are children of God.
We proclaim our faith: no power can overcome Christ’s love, and as his body, we have received salvation.
In love and joy, we praise the Lord!
HYMN #115 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
CONFESSION AND PARDON (Responsive) Liturgist
God shows us the path of life, offering companionship along the way. Therefore we trust in God, knowing that we can admit the ways we struggle to stay on that path.
Embodied God, you pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, imbuing us with the grace and patience that you have shown to us time and again. We experience your presence,
but are quick to judge those who do not believe as we do. We look down on those who ask for proof, we scorn those who scoff at our faith. Forgive us and soften our hearts.
Remind us of our own human doubts, that we might have compassion for all and freely share your grace.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION MAY BE OFFERED
God has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us.
Thanks be to God for such a hope. Alleluia!
SPECIAL MUSIC
CHILDREN’S TIME* (If children are present.) Children may leave to go to Sunday School after Children’s Time.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Liturgist
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word. Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 16:1-11 Liturgist
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Rev. Brian Copeland
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.6In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,7so that the genuineness of your faith — being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.8Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON Rev. Brian Copeland
HYMN #361 How Firm a Foundation
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
We offer our prayers through Christ, who lives and reigns forever, and prays for us in heaven. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING (Offering plates are not passed. Offering plates are on the front and back tables.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison)
Great God, to you we give our thanks; your steadfast love endures forever.
With gratitude we bring our gifts to you. Bless us and our gifts, that our lives and our resources may be a source of healing and hope, of joy and justice in our world. Amen.
HYMN #399 We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE
*LARGE PRINT BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE ASK THE GREETER.
Reminders:
April 12 – Session and committee meetings following worship
May 15 – Doug’s to Go to benefit WFPC
May 18 – Our turn to volunteer at the food pantry (off schedule because of Memorial Day.)
June 22 – Doug’s to Go to benefit Weedsport Fire Department Auxiliary
