Eastertide 1992: Signs of the Risen Christ in our Midst

 

 

CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR

Seekers Church

 

Eastertide 1992

 

Signs of the Risen Christ in our Midst

 

"Today the whole creation, heaven and earth and the deepest abysses of the earth are filled with joy.  Let the whole universe celebrate the resurrection by which we are strengthened….

 

"Yesterday I was buried with you, O Christ! Today I rise with you in your resurrection.  Yesterday I was crucified with you: glorify me with you in your kingdom.  Christ is risen from the dead!  He has crushed death by his death and bestowed life upon those who lay in the tomb."

 

Easter Canon of John of Damascus, 3rd Ode

From Faith, Feminism and the Christ,

by Patricia Wilson-Kastner

 

CALL TO WORSHIP  (Unison)

 

All sing: Jesus Christ is risen today:

                                  A–le–lu–ia!

                                Let the joyful people say:

                                  A–le–lu–ia!

                                Christ has shared our earthly life:

                                  A–le–lu–ia!

                                Conquered death to end our strife:

                                  A–le–lu–ia!

 

Leader:We are strengthened by the resurrection:

                                We are an Easter people.

 

Unison:Christ is risen.  Christ is risen indeed!

 

INVOCATION

 

HYMN

 

WORD FOR THE CHILDREN

 

SILENCE

 

 

LITANY OF EASTER CELEBRATION 

 

Leader: Trembling, the women approach the tomb;

 The tomb, that mysterious place of meeting.

                 Death meeting life.  Women meeting the risen Christ.

                 Trembling.

 

People: Trembling, we approach the edge, where death and life meet.

                 Death, the unknown, meets life, new life.

                 New life faces us with its possibilities and uncertainties.

                 Trembling, we approach.

 

Leader: Easter morning; the women come face to face with Jesus,

                   face to face with the risen Christ;

                 They doubt, they fear, they wonder,

                   as life returns to them from death.

 

People: From a triumphant Palm Sunday to a dark, betrayed Friday,

                   we have journeyed to Easter.

                 Passing through sorrow, through death, to life and joy,

                   we arrive at Easter.

 

Leader: When Jesus spoke to them, they knew.

                 They responded to God's call,

                   and moved into the unknown future with joyful hearts.

 

People: We hear Christ speaking in our midst, and we too know.

                 We move to be God's people in this time and place.

               

All: "Let the whole universe celebrate the resurrection

                   by which we are strengthened!"

 

 

SILENCE

 

PRAYERS

 

  CONFESSION  (Unison)

We forget that Jesus' resurrection is for us. 

 

                God have mercy upon us.  (Sung)

 

We forget that Jesus' resurrection makes possible our own incarnation.

 

                Christ have mercy upon us.  (Sung)

 

We forget that though the present is in our hands,

  the future belongs to God.

 

                God have mercy upon us.  (Sung)

 

  INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

 

  ASSURANCE

Remember the Good News, that what God promised to our ancestors, God has fulfilled for us, by raising Jesus and giving us the promise of new life.  We are among the beloved children of God.

 

  CONTINUING PRAYERS

 

HYMN

 

THE WORD

  SCRIPTURE

  SERMON

  SILENT REFLECTION

 

 

OFFERING

    OFFERTORY MUSIC

    PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

SHARED REFLECTIONS

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

HYMN

 

BENEDICTION

 

                The church is Easter!

                Out of death:  Life.

                Jesus lives!

                We live!

                Resurrection resounds through our community.

                Go forth in power.