FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 5, 2026
PRELUDE Christ the Lord is Risen Today, arr. Lani Smith
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED, Mon April 6 in observance of Easter
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
- BUILDING/GROUNDS MEETING on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
- FINANCE MEETING on Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 PM via Zoom
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
- PEACEFUL PINES DEVOTIONS next Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 PM
- CE/FELLOWSHIP & WORSHIP COMMITTEES meet next Sunday, April 12 after worship
THE JOURNEY TO THE EMPTY TOMB
CALL TO WORSHIP
We thought You were dead. We thought the cross was the end.
We thought that when the stone sealed the tomb, that was it.
But the cross is empty and the stone is rolled away.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
We thought the story was finished. We thought hope had ended.
But Your final cry was only the beginning.
The story has just begun; hope is renewed.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
*OPENING HYMN #232 (red) (v. 1, 2, 4) “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
1. Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
4. Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as God’s love. Alleluia!
Praise our God, ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of new life, we come to you as we are—hearts full of longing, feet hesitant to move. We want to be filled with hope and joy, yet too often our minds swirl with doubt and comparison. We want to live in the resurrection, to begin again, but we cling to what feels familiar instead of stepping into the new life you offer. We want the courage of the women at the tomb—to run, to witness, to speak—but some days our voices falter, and our feet feel heavy. Forgive us for holding back when you call us forward. Step into our lives and fill our hearts with the hope and power of your resurrection.
Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 10:34-43
34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality,35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all.
37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
SERMON Sing, For Christ has Risen!
HYMN #233 (red) v. 1, 3 “The Day of Resurrection!”
1. The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,,
our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.
3. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;
the round world keep high triumph and all that is therein.
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end.
HYMN #241 (red) v. 1, 3, 4 “Woman, Weeping in the Garden”
1. Woman, weeping in the garden,
who has pushed the stone aside?
Who has taken Jesus’ body,
Jesus Christ, the crucified?
3. Woman, walking in the garden,
Jesus takes you by surprise;
when the gard'ner calls you, “Mary!”
faith and joy meet in your eyes.
4. Woman, weeping in the garden,
weep for joy, for you have seen
Jesus, the Messiah, risen;
Christ, of whom the prophets dream.
The Easter Song (Choir)
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
That we can be born again!
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
“Christ is risen from the dead!”
The angel upon the tombstone said,
“He is risen just as He said.
Quickly now go tell His disciples
that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!”
Joy to the world,
He is risen, Alleluia!
He’s risen, Alleluia!
He’s risen, Alleluia!
Alleluia!
HYMN #248 (red) v. 1, 3 “Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”
1. Christ is risen! Shout Hosanna!
Celebrate this day of days!
Christ is risen! Hush in wonder: all creation is amazed.
In the desert all surrounding, see, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of grace abounding bring a taste of love unknown.
3. Christ is risen! Earth and heaven
nevermore shall be the same.
Break the bread of new creation where the world is still in pain.
Tell its grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get you gone!”
God the First and Last is with us. Sing Hosanna, everyone!
*HYMN #245 (red) v. 1, 2 “Christ the Lord Has Risen Today”
1. “Christ the Lord is risen today!” Alleluia!
All creation, join to say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
2. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
This is the good news we have received and in which we stand: Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures promised. He was buried, and on the third day, he was raised. He appeared to many faithful witnesses, showing that death has been defeated. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is our Lord and our God. Amen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Dee W, Duane M, Jessica (Dorothy W’s granddaughter), Jeanne L, Jan J, Darcy (Ella’s friend’s daughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Aaron & Tanya S & family Nara, Harry, Otto & Lorcan; Dick & Judy S
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the family and friends of Bonnie Salonen whose father, Harry Reaves, passed away March 2
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*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
*CLOSING HYMN #238 (red) v. 1, 2, 3 “Thine is the Glory”
1. Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
2. Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom.
Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing, for the Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
3. No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life! Life is naught without Thee; aid us in our strife.
Make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Hayes/Gaspard
ORDER OF WORSHIP
EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 5, 2026
PRELUDE Christ the Lord is Risen Today, arr. Lani Smith
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED, Mon April 6 in observance of Easter
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
- BUILDING/GROUNDS MEETING on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 AM, Center Meeting Room
- FINANCE MEETING on Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 PM via Zoom
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
- PEACEFUL PINES DEVOTIONS next Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 PM
- CE/FELLOWSHIP & WORSHIP COMMITTEES meet next Sunday, April 12 after worship
THE JOURNEY TO THE EMPTY TOMB
CALL TO WORSHIP
We thought You were dead. We thought the cross was the end.
We thought that when the stone sealed the tomb, that was it.
But the cross is empty and the stone is rolled away.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
We thought the story was finished. We thought hope had ended.
But Your final cry was only the beginning.
The story has just begun; hope is renewed.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
*OPENING HYMN #232 (red) (v. 1, 2, 4) “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
1. Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
2. Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
4. Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as God’s love. Alleluia!
Praise our God, ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of new life, we come to you as we are—hearts full of longing, feet hesitant to move. We want to be filled with hope and joy, yet too often our minds swirl with doubt and comparison. We want to live in the resurrection, to begin again, but we cling to what feels familiar instead of stepping into the new life you offer. We want the courage of the women at the tomb—to run, to witness, to speak—but some days our voices falter, and our feet feel heavy. Forgive us for holding back when you call us forward. Step into our lives and fill our hearts with the hope and power of your resurrection.
Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI (on screen)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 10:34-43
34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality,35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all.
37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
SERMON Sing, For Christ has Risen!
HYMN #233 (red) v. 1, 3 “The Day of Resurrection!”
1. The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from sin’s dominion free,,
our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory.
3. Now let the heavens be joyful; let earth its song begin;
the round world keep high triumph and all that is therein.
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
for Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end.
HYMN #241 (red) v. 1, 3, 4 “Woman, Weeping in the Garden”
1. Woman, weeping in the garden,
who has pushed the stone aside?
Who has taken Jesus’ body,
Jesus Christ, the crucified?
3. Woman, walking in the garden,
Jesus takes you by surprise;
when the gard'ner calls you, “Mary!”
faith and joy meet in your eyes.
4. Woman, weeping in the garden,
weep for joy, for you have seen
Jesus, the Messiah, risen;
Christ, of whom the prophets dream.
The Easter Song (Choir)
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
That we can be born again!
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
“Christ is risen from the dead!”
The angel upon the tombstone said,
“He is risen just as He said.
Quickly now go tell His disciples
that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!”
Joy to the world,
He is risen, Alleluia!
He’s risen, Alleluia!
He’s risen, Alleluia!
Alleluia!
HYMN #248 (red) v. 1, 3 “Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!”
1. Christ is risen! Shout Hosanna!
Celebrate this day of days!
Christ is risen! Hush in wonder: all creation is amazed.
In the desert all surrounding, see, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of grace abounding bring a taste of love unknown.
3. Christ is risen! Earth and heaven
nevermore shall be the same.
Break the bread of new creation where the world is still in pain.
Tell its grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get you gone!”
God the First and Last is with us. Sing Hosanna, everyone!
*HYMN #245 (red) v. 1, 2 “Christ the Lord Has Risen Today”
1. “Christ the Lord is risen today!” Alleluia!
All creation, join to say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
2. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
This is the good news we have received and in which we stand: Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures promised. He was buried, and on the third day, he was raised. He appeared to many faithful witnesses, showing that death has been defeated. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is our Lord and our God. Amen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Dee W, Duane M, Jessica (Dorothy W’s granddaughter), Jeanne L, Jan J, Darcy (Ella’s friend’s daughter)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Aaron & Tanya S & family Nara, Harry, Otto & Lorcan; Dick & Judy S
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the family and friends of Bonnie Salonen whose father, Harry Reaves, passed away March 2
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*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
*CLOSING HYMN #238 (red) v. 1, 2, 3 “Thine is the Glory”
1. Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
2. Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom.
Let the church with gladness hymns of triumph sing, for the Lord now liveth; death hath lost its sting.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
3. No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life! Life is naught without Thee; aid us in our strife.
Make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above.
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory thou o’er death hast won.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Hayes/Gaspard
