Easter Sunday Zoom Worship
4.12.2020
OPENING PROCLAMATION
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
WORDS OF WELCOME and INSTRUCTIONS
OPENING SENTENCE
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (I Cor. 15:20)
MORNING HYMN Elizabeth Fox, Flute
CANTICLE
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord,
all creation worships you,
Father everlasting.
To you, all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Like the women who came to your tomb as the first day of the week was dawning and found the tomb empty, we have such good news to tell. For you, Lord, have cast off your grave clothes and shattered the powers of sin and death. But we have heard this news before. How often have we let our “alleluias” fall silent as we passed through the church doors? How often have we returned to daily routines as if Easter changes nothing? How often have our actions belied the power of resurrection to transform our world? Risen Lord, Forgive us for our half-hearted witness. Free us from the bindings of fear or indifference, disappointment or disenchantment. Fill us with the light of resurrection and send us into the world to proclaim in word and deed that we have seen the Lord!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word.
Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news
of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
SCRIPTURE READINGS
First Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
14 The Lord is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
16 the right hand of the Lord is exalted;
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not give me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10
1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then 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.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
REFLECTION “Do Not Be Afraid” Rev. Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
We Offer Ourselves to God
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need? Remembering God’s great love for the world, let us offer our lives to the Lord. (1 John 3:16–17)
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or via online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
O God, you unconditionally share your only Son with all who believe in your name. On this holy day, receive our offerings as an affirmation of our commitment to be your faithful disciples. Strengthen our ability to be gifted stewards of your created world. We pray in the name of the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Amen.
SHARING OF OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
THE INVITATION TO THE TABLE
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING THE MEAL
THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, O God, for giving us communion with our risen and glorious Lord.
Now send us out to be a sign of the new life that has come into the world;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN Rev. Kaul
BENEDICTION
God of grace, you cause the sun to rise and chase away the shadows of death.
Each day you promise resurrection, that we may be born again to new life and overcome all that would hurt or destroy. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may be alive again with the power and the peace of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen
May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen!
NEXT SUNDAY APRIL 19, 2020--- Pajama Worship Day! Everybody wear your PJ's and have your coffee cups filled, for a time of humor, word and fellowship! Blessings and Stay safe/well!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, pgs. 269-279, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.
4.12.2020
OPENING PROCLAMATION
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
WORDS OF WELCOME and INSTRUCTIONS
OPENING SENTENCE
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (I Cor. 15:20)
MORNING HYMN Elizabeth Fox, Flute
CANTICLE
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord,
all creation worships you,
Father everlasting.
To you, all angels, all the powers of heaven,
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free
you humbly chose the Virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come, and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Like the women who came to your tomb as the first day of the week was dawning and found the tomb empty, we have such good news to tell. For you, Lord, have cast off your grave clothes and shattered the powers of sin and death. But we have heard this news before. How often have we let our “alleluias” fall silent as we passed through the church doors? How often have we returned to daily routines as if Easter changes nothing? How often have our actions belied the power of resurrection to transform our world? Risen Lord, Forgive us for our half-hearted witness. Free us from the bindings of fear or indifference, disappointment or disenchantment. Fill us with the light of resurrection and send us into the world to proclaim in word and deed that we have seen the Lord!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Living God, with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word.
Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim the good news
of eternal and abundant life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
SCRIPTURE READINGS
First Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
14 The Lord is my strength and my might;
he has become my salvation.
15 There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
16 the right hand of the Lord is exalted;
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18 The Lord has punished me severely,
but he did not give me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10
1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then 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.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
REFLECTION “Do Not Be Afraid” Rev. Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
We Offer Ourselves to God
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need? Remembering God’s great love for the world, let us offer our lives to the Lord. (1 John 3:16–17)
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or via online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
O God, you unconditionally share your only Son with all who believe in your name. On this holy day, receive our offerings as an affirmation of our commitment to be your faithful disciples. Strengthen our ability to be gifted stewards of your created world. We pray in the name of the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Amen.
SHARING OF OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
THE INVITATION TO THE TABLE
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
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.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING THE MEAL
THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Thank you, O God, for giving us communion with our risen and glorious Lord.
Now send us out to be a sign of the new life that has come into the world;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN Rev. Kaul
BENEDICTION
God of grace, you cause the sun to rise and chase away the shadows of death.
Each day you promise resurrection, that we may be born again to new life and overcome all that would hurt or destroy. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may be alive again with the power and the peace of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.
Amen
May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen!
NEXT SUNDAY APRIL 19, 2020--- Pajama Worship Day! Everybody wear your PJ's and have your coffee cups filled, for a time of humor, word and fellowship! Blessings and Stay safe/well!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, pgs. 269-279, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993.