Easter Sunday: Christ has Risen!

CENTERING WORDS
Resurrection is always a mystery, always a miracle, but often we do not recognize resurrection when it comes to us. When all that separates and injures and destroys is overcome by that which unites, heals and creates in the ordinary routine of our daily lives, resurrection has taken place.
-Dorothy Harvey, Birthed from the Womb of God: A Lectionary for Women, comp.

Prelude “Karol’s Carol” – S. Conrady

PREPARATION
Light a candle.
Pause and breathe in the Spirit of God.
Keep a moment of silence.

WELCOME
Call To A Joyful Worship
Leader: Christ our life, you are alive in the beauty of the earth,
People: in the rhythm of the seasons, in the mystery of time and space. Alleluia!
Leader: Christ our life, you are alive in the tenderness of touch,
People: in the heartbeat of intimacy, in the insights of solitude. Alleluia!
Leader: Christ our life, you are alive in the creative possibility,
People: of the dullest conversation, of the dreariest task, the most threatening event. Alleluia!
Leader: Christ our life, you are alive to offer re-creation,
People: to every unhealed hurt, to every deadened place, to every damaged heart. Alleluia!
You have set before us a great choice. Therefore we choose life.
The dance of resurrection soars and surges through all of creation.
Receive us as we come to find the Holy One even in places of death.
Then send us forth shining with Christ Resurrection in our lives. Alleluia!
~ adapted from a prayer Kathy Galloway

Hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

Responsive Psalm 118
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, His love endures forever.
In our anguish, we cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting us free.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, His love endures forever.
The Lord is our strength and our song; he has become our salvation.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, His love endures forever.
We will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, His love endures forever.
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, The Lord has done this; and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

MESSAGE
A Time for Children of All Ages

Scripture Reading: Gospel of John 20:1-18

Morning Reflection “Practicing Resurrection”

Hymn “The Day of Resurrection”

THANKSGIVING
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Prayer of the People
Lord’s Prayer (trespasses)
Offering
Your gifts to St. Albans Congregational Church matter now more than ever! We encourage people to continue to make an offering by mailing to the church. Your generosity in this time makes a big difference!

DEPARTURE
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope.
Help us to live as new people in pursuit of Christs’ ideals.
Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
— New Saint Joseph People’s Prayer Book

Hymn  “Thine Is the Glory”

Postlude “Victimae pascali laudes” – S. Conrady, based on plainchant

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