Order of Worship
Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Prelude: Easter Hallelujah (music by Leonard Cohen/Lyrics by Kelly Mooney) -Michelle Currie & Anne Murray, Nancy Batchelor & Cris Hudson (Members of the Union Church Choir)
Welcome: Rev. Paula Norbert
Reading: John 20:1-11
Opening Hymn: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Christ the Lord is risen today Alleluia!
Our triumph and 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!
Sing we to our God above Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love Alleluia!
Praise him all ye heavenly host Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Alleluia!
Call To Worship:
Leader: Lord, like the women at the tomb on the first Easter, we come out of our darkness and into your light.
All: We come out of emptiness to enter your fullness. We come out of our hopelessness to find your joy
Leader: We come out of our confusion to seek your peace.
All: We come at your invitation to celebrate your risen life and to praise you as Lord.
Opening Prayer:
God of the bright and morning star, God of the rising sun,
God of darkness banished, we praise and worship you!
For empty tombs: thank you! For disciples running with good news: thank you! For your presence, alive, powerful, resurrected: thank you! We celebrate your victory over death and we rejoice in the hope of new life. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Anthem: City of God (by Dan Schutte) -Michelle Currie & the Congregation
Refrain: Let us build the city of God
May our tears be turned into dancing!
For the Lord our light and our love
Has turned the night into day!
A Time for the Children:
Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9,Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Mark 16:1-8
-Rich Westley
Sermon: Invincible Hope Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental (arr. Michelle Currie)
-Michelle Currie
Musical call to Prayer: (two times) Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord. Michelle Currie
Prayers of Gratitude and Hope:
Lifting our worries, our burdens, our hopes this day
Offertory: How Great Thou Art (by Stuart K. Hine) -Michelle Currie
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Closing Music: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee #611
Blessing:
As you go out into God’s world this week, be Easter people! Be ready to be surprised with what God will do next.! May the joy and wonder of that first Easter morning live in your hearts today and everyday. Amen.
Postlude: Go In Peace
With thanks to our Music Director, Michelle Currie, and to our Church Choir today. Many thanks to our Reader and our Deacons for their assistance today.
Happy Easter!