Also, please consider joining us for our Conference Call Prayer Service at 10am on Sunday, March 29, 2020 by dialing 712-775-7031. When asked for the access code, please type: 638-979-741#. Please call in early to avoid overloading the system.
The Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference will be hosting a streaming worship service at 11am on Sunday, April 12. You can find that by going to the conference website.
Choral Prelude Alleluia, Alleluia (162 UMH)
One: He is risen!
Many: He is risen, indeed!
One: Alleluia!
Many: Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen!
Opening Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today (UMH 302)--Check out this virtual choir!
Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen! (W&S 87)
Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie.

easter-12_apr_jn20_1-18_.docx |
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 Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at 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 Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offering
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.
Doxology
Blessed One, the resurrection of your Son has given us renewed hope. We respond to your divine love and unfailing promise with these offerings. We give faithfully in support of ministries that enable others to encounter your salvation. We pray in glory and honor of your Son, the Messiah! Amen. (W&S 131)
Closing Hymn In the Garden (314 UMH)
UPDATE: We are currently closed at least through the end of April to help "flatten the curve" of Covid-19. If you have pastoral needs, please contact Pastor Bonnie directly (preferably through email or the website) so they can be addressed promptly. We have no office hours and all activities, including, but not limited to worship, Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programs are cancelled until the building re-opens.
Please stay home and stay safe. If you need help getting reliable information, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie. She is getting informed and updated by Johns Hopkins staff and experts twice a week.
Online Giving Go to our website (www.goodshepherdhampden.com) and click the green "Give" button to go to a secure website for your transactions. Or, download the secure, encrypted App Tithe.ly from the App Store or Google Play.
Contact Information We have tried to reach out to every regular attendee and member each week via telephone, text, and/or email. However, in many situations, we have incorrect contact information. Please be sure to *email* or call Pastor Bonnie ASAP so you do not miss any information. You should be receiving calls from both Pastor Bonnie and a member of our Church Council Leadership team each week. If you are not, please let us know.
Bible Study resources can be accessed at https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/#PeopleofGod Scroll down to part 2. We'd be on Session 1 this week.
Devotional Pastor Bonnie and Pastor Lem have worked together to craft a Holy Week family devotional for your use. There are activities for children, youth, and adults to participate in. Please download it here.
Lastly, whatever Sunday we return, that will be our Easter celebration! We are working with our florist to ensure that flowers are available at that time--even if they are different than what was ordered. (Weekly flowers will be moved to a future date that is open).
Church Council will meet via conference call immediately following worship on Sunday, April 19. Please call in and stay on the line for our meeting.