The Easter worship service will stream live at First Mennonite’s youtube channel beginning at 10 am on Sunday, April 12th.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Centering chimes
The lighting of the solidarity lamp
–Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor
Prelude “They crucified my Savior” (musicians – Pete Shungu & Andrea Welty Peachey)
Hymnal #278 “Christ is alive! Let Christians sing” (song leader – Cindy Breeze)
Welcome & prayer (worship leader – Pastor Deb)
Call to worship
Reader 1: I watch this morning for the light that the darkness has not overcome.
Reader 2: I watch for the fire that was in the beginning and that burns still in the brilliance of the rising sun.
Reader 1: I watch for the glow of life that gleams in the growing earth and glistens in sea and sky.
Reader 2: I watch for your light, O God, in the eyes of every living creature and in the ever-living flame of my own soul.
Reader 1: If the grace of seeing were mine this day, I would glimpse you in all that lives.
All: Grant me the grace of seeing this day. Grant us all the grace of seeing. AMEN.
Hymnal #277 “I know that my Redeemer lives” (song leader – Andrea Welty Peachey)
Confession & Assurance
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
God of Easter Sunday, hear our confession. We have seen the empty tomb, but we sometimes act as if we have seen nothing. Fear often closes our mouths so that we say nothing to anyone.
We are not what you would have us be, but we long to become what you would have us become. We pray not only for forgiveness for our deafness and blindness and silence, we pray for your renewal of our hearing and sight and speech. Open our ears to the cries of the deprived; open our eyes to the plight of the sick and hungry; loose our tongues to proclaim the promise of life.
Break open the fault lines in our lives with the power of the earthquake that first Easter morning. Help us to receive the witness of the apostles concerning your new creation. Empower us to become faithful witnesses to your wall-breaking gospel of reconciliation and to the triumph of Easter.
Hear the good news! The tomb is empty! No barrier, none whatsoever, can keep us from the love of God! Alleluia! Amen!
Children’s offering & story (storyteller – Lynne Sancken)
– The current children’s offering benefits Randolph Street Community Gardens
– All households are invited to set out a basket and gather an offering weekly
– You can download and print Children’s Easter Activity Pages and teen/adult Easter doodle pages.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-15 (Scripture reader – Janet Fros)
Scripture drama by Doug Malcolm
Sermon (Pastor Michael)
Purple songbook #89 “Christ is alive” (song leader – Andrea Welty Peachey)
Communion
– You are invited to gather any type of bread/cracker and drink to use at home during communion.
Congregational sharing & prayer (Pastor Michael)
Meditative music “Jesus has done so much for me” (musicians – Pete Shungu & Andrea Welty Peachey)
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Consider giving to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.
Work of the church
Purple songbook #92 “Sing with all the saints in glory”
Sung Benediction* “Hallelujah chorus” (virtual FMC choir)
*Special thanks to Matt Yoder for gathering, editing and creating our FMC virtual choir rendition of the Hallelujah Choir.