Easter Sunrise Service
Easter Sunrise Service
Sunrise service is an excellent time to worship outside of the church, but
this path may also be prepared along the aisle inside the sanctuary. This
worship is designed to begin with a contemplation of the last week of the life
of Christ. There are eight stages along this worshippers’ path. At each stage is
a symbol and a correlating meditation thought.
As participants arrive they are quietly greeted and given a program that
contains the meditation thoughts and the outline of the service.
Worshippers continue on the path until they reach the cross.
THE PATH TO THE RESURRECTION
1. Triumphal Entry
Palm leaves are strewn at the entrance to the prepared worship area.
Zechariah 9:9
2. Money Changers in Temple
A small table draped with a richly textured cloth is on its side.
Money is spilling from a pouch.
Matthew 21:10, 11
3. Cursing of the Fig Tree
Use a picture or sculpture of a tree to represent the fig tree or a
branch of a tree with withered leaves.
Matthew 21:17-19
4. The Anointing
A woman with a jar of fragrant oil, may silently anoint each
participant on the hand as they pass by her.
Matthew 26:6-13
5. Last Supper and Garden Watch
Arrange flowers or place a picture of a garden with the Communion on a
white cloth.
Matthew 26:20, 26–28, 30, 36, 39, 47, 49, 50b
6. Jesus Dies on the Cross
Place a picture or actual cross depicting Christ’s crucifixion on a
table covered with a dark brown rough cloth.
The Last Words of Jesus:
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Today you will be with me in paradise.
Mother, behold your son.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
I am thirsty.
It is finished.
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
7. Buried in the Tomb
A black table cloth is piled with rocks. Each person takes a rock to
place at the foot of the cross.
Matthew 27:59–60
8. He Is Risen
In the center of the worship area place a large wooden cross draped
with white fabric. At the foot of the cross place a vase or vases of roses
(enough for each participant) and a small sign that says “He is Risen,
Alleluia!” Participants place their rocks at the foot of the cross and take
a rose. You may want a person at the cross to silently greet the
participants and direct them to lay their burden down and receive a flower,
and then be seated.
Matthew 28:1, 6–8
Welcome
After all persons are seated the presider enters with this joyous
welcome:
“He has risen! He has risen indeed!”
*Hymn “Lift Your Glad Voices” - HS 271
OR “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” - NS 33
*Invocation of Praise and Jubilation
Responsive Reading:
Leader: Come and hear the Good News!
All: Tell us the news of the living Savior!
Leader: He is risen. The tomb is empty!
All: Praise God for his great doing!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Easter Script: “The Three Women”
Stages on The Way, Iona Community, Wild Goose Worship Group (GIA
Publications), ISBN 1-57999-076-2
*Hymn: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” - HS 273/274
OR “Christ Is Alive” - HS 272
*Benediction
*Response:
Leader: The empty cross announces victory!
All: Alleluia! Praise God!
Leader: The empty tomb testifies that Jesus Christ is our risen Lord.
All: Alleluia! Praise God!
Leader: May our discipleship proclaim the living Christ!
All: Alleluia! Amen!
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