EASTER DAY – FESTIVAL HOLY COMMUNION
March 23, A.D. 2008 10:45 a.m.
â An asterisk indicates an invitation to rise as able. { Congregational parts are printed in bold italics.
Gathering
Silent Prayer of Preparation
Glorious Lord of life: by the mighty resurrection of your Son, you overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him. Grant that we who celebrate with joy Christ’s rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Organ Prelude Yvonne Barnes, Organist
Chimes and Choral Introit at 10:45 a.m.
Call to Worship [Psalm 118:22-23; Luke 24:34]
The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing. It is marvelous in our eyes. Alleluia!
For Christ is risen from the dead. ? He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
*Processional Hymn Blue Hymnal #123 “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” Easter hymn
*Prayer of Adoration (Responsive)
As we remain standing, let us join in prayer. We praise you, O God, that your glory has dawned upon us, and has brought us this Day of Victory in Jesus Christ your Son.
We rejoice that the grave could not hold him, and he has conquered death!
We praise you that he summons us to new life with him.
We answer with joy and gladness!
We praise you that he lifts us from doubt and despair, setting our feet in his holy way.
We follow with praise, glory, and thanksgiving – now and forever. Alleluia!
Christ is risen! ? He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
*Easter Response Blue Hymnal #123 “Jesus Christ is Risen Today!” v. 4 only
Sing we to our God a-bove, Al-le-lu-ia! Praise e-ter-nal as God's love; Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise our God, ye heav’n-ly host, Al-le-lu-ia! Fa-ther, Son, and Ho-ly Ghost. Al-le-lu-ia!
Welcome and *Easter Greeting
The Lord is risen! ? He is risen indeed! [Please exchange the same greeting.]
The Word
Prayer for Illumination
*The Good News of Easter Matthew 28:1-10 Pew Bible, p. 811
The Gospel of the Lord. ? Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! Alleluia!
Choral Anthem “Welcome This Resurrection Day!” arr. by Mark Hayes Chancel Choir
Children’s Moment Patty Neidert, DCE
Sermon "The World's Greatest Surprise" Dr. Nash
The Eucharist
Call for the Offering and Prayer of Dedication
Offertory Anthem “Christ is Arisen, Indeed!” arr. by Natalie Sleeth Chancel Choir
*Hymn Printed on Insert “Christ Has Risen” holy manna
Great Thanksgiving and Lord’s Prayer
The Lord be with you. ? And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. ? We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. ? It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is truly right and our greatest joy…. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels, and with all the faithful of every time and place, who forever sing to the glory of your name:
CHOIR: “Holy, Holy, Holy”
You are holy, O God of majesty…. Great is the mystery of faith:
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!
Gracious God…. Through Christ, all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, now and forever.
Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven…. [See Blue Hymnal page 16]
Breaking of the Bread
Choral Response “Sing Alleluia to the Lord” Sing Alleluia
Communion of the People
All baptized persons are welcome to commune, including baptized children.
Please hold the bread and cup till all have received, that we may commune together.
God of grace: on this glad Easter Day, you renew us at your table with the Bread of Life, the joyous manna of our pilgrimage to your kingdom. May this food increase our joy, and strengthen us to share it with others everywhere. We ask this in the glorious name of our risen Lord. Amen.
*Recessional Hymn Blue Hymnal #113 “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!” llanfair
*Pastoral Blessing (concluding with:)
Christ is risen! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*Choral Response
Organ Postlude Yvonne Barnes, Organist
Worship Leadership
Elder Roger Sell serves as Liturgist today.
Today’s Liturgical Color
Today’s liturgical color is white – the color reserved for celebrations of the highest order in the church. Easter is the single most significant day in the Christian calendar; and so you see white everywhere – from paraments to minister’s stole to lilies to bulletins.
HAVE YOU HEARD God's CALL?
God always speaks when God's Word is read and preached.
How has God spoken to you this morning? To what is God calling you?
If God is calling you to be part of a church home, we warmly welcome new
members! Please do one of the following, and your journey into membership will
begin:
(1) check the appropriate box on the register of friendship;
(2) tell the pastor at the door; or
(3) call the church office – you can leave a message 24/7.
Christ needs you as an active, committed disciple.