Welcome and invitation to Worship
Announcements
Sharing Good News
Sharing and Prayer for those in need
Praise Music: “This is the Day the Lord Has Made”
Praise Music: “Celebrate Jesus”
Call to Worship: Matthew 28: 1-10
“After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move. The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed. “Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ That’s the message.” The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. “Good morning!” he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, “You’re holding on to me for dear life! Don’t be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I’ll meet them there.”
*Gathering Hymn “Because He Lives”
*Invocation
Light the Candle of Peace
Prayer for Peace
- Leader: Resurrected God, would we recognize you?
- People: Would we understand the incredible power you have over death?
- Leader: Grant us the peace that was present in the garden in those moments before Your resurrection, and may we spread that peace as women who first saw You alive spread the news of Your resurrection!
- People: Help us to recognize opportunities for peace that once seemed extinguished now as new soil for growing peace.
- All: Clear away our doubts that peace might not come to pass and show us how to work to create peace in places across the world. Amen.
Special Music “The Cross ” Anne Wilson, Chris Tomlin
Disciples’ Generous Response
“God’s astonishing compassion and love in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate example of generosity. God loves us abundantly and unconditionally. As we open our hearts to courageously and generously share our offerings, we reflect the movement of God’s astonishing love and compassion for the world.”
Special Music: “Mercy Tree” - Lacey Sturm
Easter Message
*Closing Hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” CCS 476
*Benediction
We welcome our guests and visitors today. Please come worship with us again!