Prelude
Silent Procession
Lighting the Christ Candle
Pastor: Sisters and brothers in Christ,
we gather this most holy morning,
under the darkness of the shadow of death.
But the light of Christ rises in glory,
the darkness could not extinguish the light,
Christ has overcome the power of death!
People: Alelluia! Christ is risen!
Hymn: Up from the Grave He Arose (UMH 322)
Easter Prayer (from Hippolytus, AD 190-236)
Leader: Let us pray.
People: Christ is Risen!
Leader: The world below lies desolate.
People: Christ is Risen!
Leader: The spirits of evil are fallen.
People: Christ is Risen!
Leader: The angels of God are rejoicing.
People: Christ is Risen!
Leader: The tombs of the dead are empty.
People: Christ is Risen!
Leader: Glory and power are his, forever and ever.
Leader: Christ is Risen!
People: Christ is Risen indeed!
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Peace be with you – And also with you
Hymn: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, v.1-4 (UMH 302)
Children’s Message
New Testament Reading Matthew 28:1-10 (CEB)
This is the word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, v.5 (UMH 302)
Message Fear Not!
Hymn: Thine Be the Glory (UMH 308)
Giving Our Tithes and Offerings
Doxology (UMH 94)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
God of all ages, who triumphed over the tomb,
and who gives us life: We praise your holy name!
With resurrection humming in our hearts,
we joyfully present these gifts to you,
a tangible chorus of thanksgiving,
a harmony of hope for your kingdom come.
Amen.
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer (UMH 895)
Hymn He Lives (UMH 310)
Sacrament of Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Sending Forth Christ is Alive, v.1,3,5 (UMH 318)
Benediction (from an anonymous prayer)
Draw us forth, God of all creation.
Draw us forward and away from limited certainty
into the immense world of your love.
Give us the capacity to, even for a moment,
taste the richness of the feast you give us.
Give us the peace to live with uncertainty,
with questions, and with doubts.
Help us to experience the resurrection anew,
with open wonder and an increasing ability
to see you in the people of Easter.
Amen (UMH 901)
Postlude
