EASTER SUNRISE
March 31, 2013, 6:30 a.m.
GATHERING
GREETING 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 yard at 10:15 following the second service.
*HYMN “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” See Insert
CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: We gather here as a fellowship of people who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. One of the major marks of this fellowship is the sense of joy we experience as we gather to worship God, to give thanks for Jesus Christ and to witness to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Yet, we admit that there are times when we feel afraid, abandoned, and lonely; when faith leads to doubt and questions rather than a sense of joy or peace of mind. Lord Jesus Christ, unlike those first disciples, we cannot touch you or see you, and so it is all too easy to become downcast and given to despair.
All: Forgive us when, like the disciples, we find the truth of Easter hard to believe;
Leader: Come to us, risen Christ, come through the closed doors of our hearts and minds and take away our fears and doubts;
ALL: Come to us, risen Christ, breathe on us and fill us with the joy and peace of your presence.
Leader: Bless us all as people who have not seen you, but who believe that you are truly the risen Christ, Son of God. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*HYMN “Lord of the Dance” See Insert
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Psalm 43
PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY PRAYER – UNISON
God of all Ages, you have emptied the tomb and set us free from our burdens. Hope has overshadowed fear. Comfort has replaced neglect. Faith has gained victory over doubt. The bounds of everyday living, often overwhelming our souls and weakening our spirits, are liberated by Jesus Christ. Today, we recommit to offering comfort, hope, and faith as your generous disciples to others who are driven by fear, neglect, and doubt. We offer these gifts in honor of your Easter promise. Alleluia and Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
*PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Michael Keffer
THE LORD’S PRAYER
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 24:1-9
THE MESSAGE “Why Seek the Living Among the Dead?” Janet Keffer
SENDING FORTH
*CLOSING MUSIC “He Lives”
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives! He lives within my heart.
*BLESSING
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*Stand as you are able.