Easter Service April 8, 2012
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please join us for food and fellowship at the church after Sunrise Service and join us for the Easter egg hunt at Joan E’s at 10:15 following second service.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
All: His love endures forever.
Leader: The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
All: His love endures forever.
Leader: His right hand has done mighty things!
All: His love endures forever.
Leader: I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
All: His love endures forever.
Leader: I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
All: His love endures forever.
Leader: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
All: His love endures forever.
Leader: The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
All: His love endures forever.
*HYMN: “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today” (insert) UMH 302
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe that Jesus came to earth, that he endured the cross, and that he died. We believe that Jesus gave his life as a ransom for our own sin. We believe that Jesus did not stay dead—that he was raised to life on the
third day. We believe that Jesus conquered sin and death and that he is living and reigning in heaven with God. We believe that we will one day see him face to face. And as we wait, we will share these beliefs with the world.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING: for Jerome food pantry
*PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING (9:00 service only) UMH 71
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, in light of the sacrifices you made for us, what do we have to offer that is worthy? You were willing to suffer the injustice of a mockery of a trial. You endured the abuse of a violent and cruel system. You even went so far as to die one of the worst deaths that humanity has ever conceived. In the face of all that, Scripture time and time again calls us to be imitators of you, but we are unable or unwilling. Lord, we confess our weakness.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Jesus spoke words that, no matter how many times we hear them, have more meaning than we can fully grasp. “This is my body broken for you and my blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins.” Let us receive all that Christ offers us and be thankful. Amen.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 PB, pg. 166
GOSPEL LESSON Mark 16:1-8 PB, pg. 51
MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
PRAYER
Gracious God, we are here today to celebrate. You have defeated sin and conquered death through the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. We recognize that without the cross, we would have no reason to live; we would have no hope. Thank you Father, for giving us hope! We do not know what it was like to watch your Son die, but we know you endure it because of your great love for us. We are full of gratitude and worship.
He is risen! Amen.
*HYMN: “He Lives” (see insert) UMH 310
COMMUNION (9:00 only)
Unified Prayer:
We come to your table today, risen God, not in memory of that first Easter, but rather in celebration and amazement…for Jesus did not just die on the cross, but through the resurrection, became the risen Christ! We are celebrating an event that has the power to transform each of us.
Earlier this week of the first Easter, the disciples ate bread and drank from the cup with dread of what was to happen that evening. Today, we again will eat and drink from the cup. On this day of resurrection, we eat and drink in the presence of the risen Christ, who gives hope and light to overcome all odds. Holy Spirit, hear our prayers of thanksgiving and joy. Let us experience the risen Christ so that we, like Mary, will say, “I have seen the Lord.”
BLESSING OF THE BREAD AND CUP Pastor
The Lord’s table is open to all who earnestly repent of their sins
CLOSING HYMN: “Because He Lives” UMH 364
*BLESSING
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*Please stand if you are able. A quiet room is located in the back of the church for your use as needed
Bulletin/sermon used by permission of Homiletics.
Join us next Sunday when Michael Keffer will be our guest speaker.