Easter Service
Easter Sunday: Symbols of the Resurrection
Worship setting: A cross with a white cloth draped across it and Easter
flowers at the base of the cross. A table nearby should be empty—items will be
placed on this table later in the service.
Gathering Hymn: "Lord, I Lift Your Name on
High"
OR "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing" stanzas 1
and 2 |
NS 33
HS 275 |
Welcome
Introit: "Jesus Christ Is Risen
Today"
OR Congregational Hymn: "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today" |
HS 278
HS 278 |
Call to Worship
| Leader: |
Christ is alive!
|
| People: |
Let Christians sing!
|
| Leader: |
Christ is alive! His cross stands empty to
the sky.
|
| People: |
Alleluia! Alleluia!
|
| Leader: |
Christ is alive! He comes to claim the here
and now.
|
| People: |
Alleluia! Alleluia!
|
| Leader: |
Christ is alive! His spirit burns through
this and every future age,
|
| People: |
Alleluia! Alleluia!
|
| Leader: |
Till all creation lives and learns
|
| People: |
his joy, his justice, love and praise.
|
| All: |
Alleluia! Alleluia!
—From HS 272, adapted |
| *Hymn of Gladness: "Let Us Sing of Easter
Gladness" |
HS 279 |
*Prayer of Thanks and Celebration
*Response
The Symbols of the Resurrection
An explanation of each symbol is read and the symbol then placed on the
table by the cross. This is a good way to incorporate several people from the
congregation.
The Shroud (A loosely folded white cloth is placed on the table.)
This reminds us of the cloth used to wrap the body of Jesus. On Easter
morning it was cast aside, lying in the tomb where Jesus’ body had been
placed.
The Fragrant Oil (A jar filled with fragrant oil is placed on the
table.)
This fragrance reminds us that early on Easter Day some women came to the
tomb to prepare Jesus’ body for proper burial. The women were the first to
hear of Jesus’ resurrection.
The Stone (A stone is placed on or in front of the table.)
This stone reminds us that on the Resurrection morning, the stone that
sealed the tomb was rolled away.
The Bread (A large round loaf is placed on the table.)
This bread reminds us that on the first Easter evening, Jesus walked and
talked with two of his followers on the road to Emmaus. It was not until he
broke bread with them that they recognized who he was.
The Wine (A goblet is placed on the table.)
This wine, representing Jesus’ blood, helps us to remember that Jesus
died for us.
The Cross (The reader points to the cross after this reading.)
The cross, you see, is an empty cross. Jesus is not dead. He is risen.
The Candle (A Christ candle is placed on the table and lit.)
This candle reminds us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Ministry of Music: "Shine, Jesus,
Shine"
OR Congregational Hymn: "Lift Your Glad Voices" |
NS 45
HS 271 |
Focus Moment
Because I Love You, Max Lucado (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books,
1999). ISBN 0-89107-992-0
OR Ribbon Rescue, Robert Munsch and Eugenie Fernandes (New York:
Scholastic, 2002). ISBN 0-5908-9597-4
Disciples’ Generous Response
Reflection: "A Listening," Ann Weems, Kneeling in Jerusalem
(Louisville, Kentucky:Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992), 33. ISBN
0-6642-1972-1
Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes
Easter Sermon
Reading
"In Search of New Resurrections" Ann Weems, Kneeling in
Jerusalem (Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992), 91–92.
ISBN 0-6642-1972-1
*Hymn: "Sent Forth by God’s Blessing"
OR "Lift High the Cross" |
HS 493
HS 263 |
*Benediction
*Choral Response: "I Love You, Lord"
OR Congregational Response |
NS 18 |
If a choir is singing, it is effective to have them hum through the song
first and then sing it through the second time.
*Postlude
|
