Prelude     Christ Has Broken Death’s Bonds               -Bach

CALL TO WORSHIP

Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

Christ is risen! We have seen the glory of God.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Living God, on the first day of the week  

you brought to birth a new creation

through the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Fill us with the hope and joy of new beginnings,

so that we may share the good news

of your liberating, life-giving power with all the world;

through Christ our Savior, who is alive

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

HYMN: # 232  vs. 1 & 2       “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”

Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia! our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! who did once upon the cross Alleluia! suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing Alleluia! unto Christ our heav’nly King, Alleluia! who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

CALL TO CONFESSION

The psalmist prayed: Open to me the gates of righteousness,

O Lord, that I may enter through them and give thanks to you.

We give thanks that God has answered us, and has become our salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

With gratitude for God’s life-giving love, let us confess our sin.

CONFESSION OF SIN

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 ignore the cries of the oppressed, and are indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us to 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.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

Hear the word of the Lord: I am about to create new heavens and a new earth:

the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.

Be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating;

I will rejoice and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard. Friends, hear and believe the good news of the gospel:

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

GLORIA PATRIA

Solo:        Rise Up My Heart With Gladness              -Cruger

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Living God, with joy we celebrate

the presence of your risen Word.

Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit

so that we may proclaim the good news

of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

FIRST READING                             Acts 10:34-43

Hymn # 248 vs 1        “Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”

Christ is risen! Shout Hosanna!

Celebrate this day of days!

Christ is risen! Hush in wonder:

All creation is amazed.

In the desert all surrounding,

see, a spreading tree has grown.

Healing leaves of grace abounding

Bring a taste of love unknown.

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

GOSPEL READING John 20:1-18

SERMON

Hymn # 245  “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” vs 1 & 2

Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia! All creation, join to say: Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!

INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP

We are a community of resurrection hope— born of water and the Spirit, nourished at the table that Christ prepares. Christ invites you; we welcome you in his name.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

God of endless life and new beginnings, we give thanks for your goodness and steadfast love.

Hear now our prayers:

For the church throughout the world, that we may be faithful witnesses to the resurrection, so that all may come to believe and have new life in Christ.  Lord have mercy!

Christ Have Mercy!

For the people and leaders of every nation, that your boundless grace, which shows no partiality, might bring Christ’s reign of peace and justice to all. Lord have mercy!

Christ Have Mercy!

For all who are despised, rejected, and oppressed, that they may know the liberating power of the gospel and rejoice and be glad in the day of the Lord.  Lord have mercy!

Christ Have Mercy!

For those who weep like Mary at the tomb, that their tears of sorrow may turn to cries of joy in the presence of the risen Christ. Lord have mercy!

Christ Have Mercy!

For the promise of a new creation, where all creatures may live together in safety and none shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain. Lord have mercy!

Christ Have Mercy!

God our strength and salvation, we pray all these things in resurrection hope, and with the confidence that you have already answered us; through Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER