Watchword for the Week
Why do you look for the living among the dead?
Jesus is not here, but has risen. (Luke 24:5)
(Moravian Daily Texts 2016)
ORGAN PRELUDE
WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
This is the day of new creation.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day of resurrection.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day of peace restored.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day of life abundant.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Hymn 410 * Jesus Christ is risen today
People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)
PRAYER of APPROACH
Christ our life, you are alive in the beauty of the
earth, in the rhythm of the seasons, in the
mystery of time and space. Alleluia!
Christ our life, you are alive in the tenderness of
touch, in the heartbeat of intimacy, in the
insights of solitude. Alleluia!
Christ our life, you are alive to offer new
creation to every unhealed hurt, to every
deadened place, to every damaged heart.
Alleluia!
When we are in despair, when the world is full
of grief, when we see no way ahead and hope
has gone away: Roll back the stone.
Although we fear change, although we are not
ready, although we would rather weep and run
away: Roll back the stone.
Because we have come with the women, and
we hope where hope is vain, and because you
call us from the grave and show the way: Roll
back the stone. Live among us now. Amen.
WORDS of ASSURANCE
God who shakes heaven and earth, whom death
could not contain, who lives to disturb and heal
us, gives us strength to believe and courage to
live the gospel. Thanks be to God. Amen.
ECC Choir Song of Joy (Psalm 126)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 65:17-25 OT p. 728 (729)
Hymn 241 * Isaiah the prophet has written
St. John 20:1-18 NT p. 144
People may stand for the Gospel reading.
The word of God: Thanks be to God!
Hymn 406 * They crucified my Saviour
SERMON Rev. James Brown
Hymn 237 * Look forward in faith
(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)
ACCLAMATION of FAITH
Risen Lord,
You love us. You call us. You change us.
Let us recognise your coming, however
gently or dramatically you approach us.
Let us recognise your coming, whoever
you use to make yourself known to us.
Let us recognise your coming, whatever
time or situation you use to approach us.
Let us recognise your compassionate
emergence into the dark places of our lives,
your generous summons which you
constantly utter, your transforming touch
upon the bleak places of our world.
Lord of life, of hope, of resurrection,
we dedicate ourselves to you. Amen.
PRAYERS for OTHERS
Response: May your kingdom come: Hymn 805
Your will be done on earth, O Lord.
PASSING the PEACE
Hymn 685 For everyone born, a place…
(Bread and wine are brought forward)
(Hymn of the Month, March 2016)
COMMUNION PRAYER
God be with you, and also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to God.
Let us give thanks to God Most High.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
…With the faithful in every place and time, we
praise with joy your holy name:
Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty,
the whole universe speaks of your glory,
O God Most High.
… we may continue faithful in all things. In the
strength Christ gives us, we offer ourselves
to you, eternal God, and give thanks that you
have called us to serve you. Amen.
BREAKING of BREAD
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,
for ever and ever. Amen.
SHARING the ELEMENTS
(please come forward for communion)
NOTICES and THANKSGIVING
Hymn 419 * Thine be the glory
BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)
ORGAN POSTLUDE