Bulletin for April 12

Norwich Cathedral - England

“Protect me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.” – Psalm 16:1 (NKJV)

*Call to Worship (inspired by Luke 24:45-48)

We are witnesses, to the love God has poured into us.

We are witnesses of God’s love, sharing it with each person we meet.

We are witnesses to everyone we encounter,

little children like us, sisters and brothers in God’s family.           

- written by the Rev. Thom Shuman and posted on LiturgyLink. 

*Hymn: “Easter People, Raise Your Voices,” #304

*Litany: Every day is Easter (The Rev. Roddy Hamilton, Scotland) 

When Thomas touched the wounds and set himself free, it was Easter day. When Peter’s three “yeses” to Jesus finished his three denials, it was Easter day. When Mary ready to embalm the dead ran in fear from the empty tomb, it was Easter day. When the disciples looked from afar at a breakfast of fish on the beach, it was Easter day. When Emmaus became synonymous with welcome and the breaking of bread with strangers, it was Easter day. When Paul was blinded by the light and recognized the voice niggling in his head, it was Easter day. When the hungry are fed at the table the same table as the rich, it is Easter day. When weapons are beaten to ploughshares and peace is a word to be shouted, it is Easter day. When the stranger is welcomed in community and the lonely are restored to relationship, it is Easter day.

Gloria Patri

The Lord’s Prayer (sung)                                              

Doxology                                                 

Epistle Lesson: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Hymn: “The Day of Resurrection,” #303

Gospel Lesson: John 20:18-31

Sermon: “What Would It Take to Convince You?”

Hymn: “Christ Is Alive,” #318

Choral Amen

Remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Christianity stands or falls with its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power, and with its plea for the weak. Christians are doing too little to make these points clear ... Christendom adjusts itself far too easily to the worship of power. Christians should give more offense, 

shock the world far more, than they are doing now."

- Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, hanged by the Nazis on April 9, 1945.

April's UWFaith gathering

L-R: Korla Schuhmacher, Gloria Sharp, Rita Williamson, Pastor Charles Alkula, Belinda Alkula, Karnella Schwierjohann, and Judy Luksik

The United Women in Faith (UWFaith) Unit Glenville United Methodist Church met at Hidden Creek (Good Samaritan) in Albert Lea. Thank you, Karnella, for hosting us! Thank you, Korla, for providing yummy refreshments!

Notes from the Gathering ...

- Belinda Alkula welcomed all in attendance, invited sharing of joys/concerns, & offered opening prayer.

- After the recitation of the UWFaith purpose, Belinda shared the spiritual reflection she wrote for the spring edition of the Prairie Winds United Women in Faith District/Area newsletter. (It is posted on the church’s bulletin board.)

- Belinda shared information about the “love in action maps” featuring the UWFaith’ faith-mission outreach in the world – highlighting the Emma Norton Services based in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Article in the March/April edition of “Response” magazine.)

- “Noisy Bucket for Missions” – Our Church Family gives generously! 

2025: July to December $214.68

2026: January $31.38 / February $72.30 / March $18.61

– UMW Checking Account Balance, to date: Gloria Sharp reported that now there is $531.62.

– Prepared for Women-led Sunday Worship Service: Sunday, April 19, 2026.

- Refreshments: We concluded with Korla Schuhmacher providing scrumptious refreshments that everyone loved: lemon and raspberry angel food cake rolls, chocolates, snack mix, bottled water, and coffee. It was good to spend the afternoon together.

- Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 13, 2-3:30 pm, at Hidden Creek (Good Samaritan). Host will be Karnella Schwierjohann. Refreshments will be provided by Gloria Sharp.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

"Let this especially, fortify us against the fear of death: It is now disarmed, and can do us no hurt. It divides us, indeed, from this body awhile; but it is only that we may receive it again more glorious. As God, therefore, said once to Jacob, “Fear not to go down into Egypt, for I will go down with thee, and will surely bring thee up again;” so may I say to all who are born of God, “Fear not to go down into the grave; lay down your heads in the dust; for God will certainly bring you up again, and that in a much more glorious manner.” Only “be ye steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord;” and then let death prevail over, and pull down, this house of clay; since God hath undertaken to rear it up again, infinitely more beautiful, strong, and useful."

- John Wesley (sermon On the Resurrection of the Dead)

Scripture lessons for April 12

We move into the Season of Easter with scripture lessons from John 20:19-31.

Easter Sunday at Glenville UMC

Welcome to Glenville UMC!

Easter joy on display!

Kraig S. is today's reader

Pastor Charles shares the sermon

Gloria's birthday week

Roy B. made a new plaque for Easter!

Joys:

+Praise God for our ability to safely worship together on this Easter morning.

+Praise God for the missing pilot that was found safe in Iran.

+Praise God for Gloria S.' birthday this week.

+Praise God for Rodger and Judy’s new additions to their family; their granddaughter had twin girls.

+Praise God for Addie’s gift of beautiful lilies and flowers to adorn the sanctuary.

+Praise God for planted flowers, plants beginning to show signs of growth, new life.

+Praise God for Mike D. and Rodger & Judy L. worshipping with us today.

+Praise God for the beautiful weather we are enjoying today.

+Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H., for Mike R. who served as usher, and for Kraig S. who served as today's Scripture reader.

Concerns:

+Praying for Nancy B.’s great niece Gen who is dealing with a medical challenge and for all who love and care for her.

+Praying for the Sharp’s dear friend Paul who is dealing with pneumonia.

+Praying for travelling mercies for Shelley G. and Sid T.

+Praying for Sarah S. who is facing a medical challenge

+Praying continues for Craig R., Judy C., Donna D., and Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.

+Praying for all who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.

+Praying for peace.

Bulletin for Easter Sunday

“O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s faithful love endures forever!”      – Psalm 118:1 (NRSV)

Call to Worship (written by Hippolytus, 190-236 A.D.)    

Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate.                                                                Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen. 

Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing.                                                         Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty. 

Christ is Risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers,                                  Glory and power are His forever and ever.

Hymn: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," #302

Easter Confession (written by Greg Scheer)

Christ has risen, and we have risen to new life with Him. Yet we must confess the ways we have continued to remain in our tombs of sin and death. Living Lord, when we stand before the empty tomb, we don’t always feel the joy of resurrection. We feel fear, doubt, and distrust. We feel empty. Forgive the fear that paralyzes us at the brink of new life. Forgive our doubt of Your love. Forgive our distrust of Your surprising, joyous plan. Fill our emptiness with Your glorious light. Raise us to abundant new life for the glory of Your name. 

Words of Assurance: Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Sisters and brothers, Christ has forgiven our sins. Christ calls us to new life. Christ will lead us into righteousness! Amen!

The Lord’s Prayer (sung)                                               

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28:1, 9-10 & Mark 16:1-2, 9

Hymn: “He Lives,” #310

Gospel Lesson: Luke 24:8-10 & John 20:1-2, 17-18

Sermon: “The Apostle to the Apostles”

Hymn: “Up From the Grave He Arose,” #322