-                                                                      ORDER OF WORSHIP
                                                                           Easter Sunday
                                                                             April 9, 2023 
 
PRELUDE   Easter Hymn, arr. Lani Smith

WELCOME                                                                           
 
CALL TO WORSHIP
Christ is Risen!  
     He is Risen Indeed!  
Christ is Risen!  
     He is Risen Indeed!  
Christ is Risen!  
     He is Risen Indeed!
We thought You were dead.  We thought the cross was the end. We thought that when the stone rolled over the tomb, that was it.
     But the cross is empty and the stone is rolled away.
We thought You had said Your final word. We thought those with the power had won.  We thought that when You cried out, that was it.
     But Your final cry was only the beginning.
We thought the Story was finished. We thought Hope had ended.
We thought that when the tomb was sealed, that was it.
     But the story has just begun; hope is newly born; the tomb is empty.
Alleluia!  Christ is risen! 
     He is Risen indeed! 
Amen!
 
 
*OPENING HYMN  #123 (Blue)  ‘Jesus Christ is Risen Today’   (with violin descant)
     Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
     Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
     Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
     Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
 
     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!
 
     But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
     Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
     Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
     Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
 
     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                                                              


PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (In unison)
On this morning of resurrection, we must confess how human we are.  We haven’t done any great evil, but we have failed to do good when we had the chance.  Bring us new life, God.  By your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. We confess our need for you, our need for a fresh beginning in you. Keep your words of truth planted firm within us; help us to keep focused on what is pure and right; give us the power to be obedient to your word. Help us to trust in your power to change our hearts, minds and our lives and make us new, and fill us with the joy of your Spirit.  May we make a difference in this world, for your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, who gives us new life, we pray.  Amen.   (silent reflection)
 
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
 
*GLORIA PATRI
         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.
 
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
 
SCRIPTURE READING  
The Easter Story from Matthew 28: 1-10
1After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
 
REFLECTIONS ON THE RESURRECTION
 Scripture:  Luke 23:  33-34a
33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
 
Reflection:  On Forgiveness
 
SPECIAL MUSIC:  ‘Rise Again’    Dick Smith, soloist and Judy Smith, pianist
 
Scripture:  Matthew 26: 46
46And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
 
Reflection:  On Despair
 
HYMN:  #121 (Blue)  ‘That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright’
     That Easter day with joy was bright:
     The sun shone out with fairer light,
     When, to their longing eyes restored,
     The apostles saw their risen Lord.
 
     O Jesus, King of gentleness,
     Do all our inmost hearts possess,
     And we to You will ever raise
     The tribute of our grateful praise.
 
     From every weapon death can wield,
     Your own redeemed forever shield;
     O Lord of all, with us abide
     In this our joyful Eastertide.
 
Scripture: 
John 19 30a:  30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
Luke 23: 46    46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”  When he had said this, he breathed his last.
 
Reflection:  On Trusting God
 
HYMN:  (Insert)  ‘Low in the Grave He Lay’
     Low in the grave he lay—Jesus, my Savior;
     Waiting the come day—Jesus, my Lord.
 
     Refrain:
          Up from the grave he arose
          With a mighty triumph o’er his foes.
          He arose a victor from the dark domain,
          And he lives forever with his saints to reign!
          He arose! He arose!
          Hallelujah! Christ arose!
 
     Vainly they watch his bed—Jesus, my Savior;
     Vainly they seal the dead—Jesus, my Lord.  [Refrain]
   
     Death cannot keep its prey—Jesus, my Savior;
     He tore the bars away—Jesus, my Lord. [Refrain]
 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Adapted from the Confession of 1967  (Unison)
In Jesus of Nazareth true humanity was realized once for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows. He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men.
But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people. His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death.
In giving himself freely for them he took upon himself the judgment under which all men stand convicted. God raised him from the dead, vindicating him as Messiah and Lord. The victim of sin became victor, and won the victory over sin and death for all men. The risen Christ is the Savior for all men. Those joined to him by faith are set right with God and commissioned to serve as his reconciling community. Christ is head of this community, the church, which began with the apostles and continues through all generations.
 
CALL TO OFFERING 
 
 
SPECIAL MUSIC (Choir)    ‘Alleluia, Christ is Risen!’ and Congregation joins singing hymn #104 (blue) ‘Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!’
 
Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is risen, sing for Joy;
Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is risen, sing for Joy.
 
Congregation: Verse one #104
     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.
 
Choir: Alleluia, Christ the Lord is risen, sing the resurrection song.
 
Congregation: Verse two #104
     Christ is risen! Raise your spirits
     From the caverns of despair,
     Walk with gladness in the morning
     See what love can do and dare.
     Drink the wine of resurrection,
     Not a servant, but a friend.
     Jesus is our strong companion.
     Joy and peace shall never end.
 
Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is risen, sing for Joy;
Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is risen, sing for Joy.
 
Congregation: Verse three #104
     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!
 
*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.
 
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
 
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Don K
-Anthony B (Teri’s son)  and Teri as caregiver
-Dale E (Lee’s brother)
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
-Jim, Dianne L’s husband
-Delores K
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele and Brookings)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
 
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W  (Please reach out and call)
 
This Week’s Prayer Families: Rose P, Lynn & Diane R, Cliff R
 
Those who mourn: We pray for Bob & Nancy O on the passing of Bob's sister's husband Steve on March 31, the Broksieck, Canaday, Spitzenberger, Barnett, Fee, VanderWaal, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
 
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.
 
 
*CLOSING HYMN   #122 (Blue) ‘Thine is the Glory’     (with violin descant)
     Thine is 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  graveclothes where Thy body lay.
 
     Refrain:
          Thine is the glory, Risen, conquering Son;
          Endless is the victory Thou o’er death hast won.
 
     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. [Refrain]
 
     No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of life!
     Life is nought 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. [Refrain]
 
 
                                            ANNOUNCEMENTS
-THE PC(USA) ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING SPECIAL OFFERING is from Feb. 22 until April 9. Please put donations in the offering plate and write ‘One Great Hour’ on the memo line or use envelopes by offering plate.  Thank you for your generosity!
 
THE CHURCH OFFICE IS CLOSED on Monday, April 10 in observance of Easter Monday.
 
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
 
PIECES & PRAYERS meets at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting.
 
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 9:30 AM at the church. 
 
SESSION MEETING will be on Thursday, April 13 at 7:00 PM at the church.
 
FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH MEETING will be on Sunday, April 16 following worship service.
 
  
BENEDICTION 
 
POSTLUDE   ‘Thine is the Glory,’ Handel/Root

Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2022-2023 Year A Vo.56.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2023 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.