Easter Sunday Worship Prayers - March 31

Approaching God

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   Christ is Risen!

People:                 He is Risen indeed!

Youth:                   Let us praise and glorify Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior forevermore. Amen.

Hymn

Prayer of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Lord of all the Earth and King of every nation, we applaud Your wonderful deeds and exalt Your Name above all others. Your power has been experienced and praised by every generation. You have enhanced this planet with hope and faith through the glorious resurrection of Your Holy Son.

People:                 Great and Everlasting God of the Universe, we seek to serve You in this sacred sanctuary; we look to praise and honor You with our hearts and lives. On this Easter Day, we come to You rejoicing in the Good News, but also seeking forgiveness for our sinful ways. We look for mercy of all our foolish decisions and we plead for pardon of our past mistakes. Hear us now as we silently confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                  Gracious Lord, Your Sovereignty extends over all our lives. You are above and beyond all that we can ever experience or know. Without Your grace, our lives are meaningless. Without Your Son, we have no salvation.

We make our confessions in the Name of Jesus, the Holy One, whose sacrifice takes away our sins. In His own words, we now pray, saying, “Our Father …THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                                  We can only go to Jesus for forgiveness, for He alone has the authority to restore us to God. Above all others, He has the words of eternal life. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and Lord forever. Amen.

Gloria Patri(sung in unison): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:                 O LORD, You ask us to be faithful in times of trouble. Hear us now as we pray for help and grant us relief from sickness and suffering. Enable us to hold on to hope and take courage in Your promises. In the face of fear, never forsake us. In times of isolation, be our Comforter. Help us and heal us, O Lord. Strengthen and support us, console our spirits and lighten our burdens.

People:                 Loving Lord, when we are overcome with worry or weariness, grant us peace of mind and rest for our souls. When we are anxious about our families and friends, bestow upon them wholeness and healing that will generate joy and faith in their lives. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:                 The LORD is our fortress of faith and the Rock of our redemption, in whom we take refuge. We pray in the power of Jesus’ Name. Amen.   (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 94)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary.’

Prayer for Illumination

Reader:                 Holy Spirit, may we continue to praise God for all that happens in these scriptures. May these resurrection stories and events draw us closer to His ways and enable us to share our faith with other people, to the glory of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message & the Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison – led by pastor): Lord Jesus, You have clearly called us to be here today. We have learned of Your wonderful victory over death and studied God's Everlasting Word. Bless these offerings and tithes, as we dedicate them to Your continuing work in this world. May our gifts enhance Your mission to spread the Gospel throughout our community, and all over the Earth. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Hymn

Benediction:  (in unison)              May Christ enable us to live each day for Him alone; may the Father free us from fear and keep us in His constant care; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen our faith, so that we may continually worship the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Easter Worship Prayers - Easter Sunday - 08 April

Approaching God

Welcome and announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship

Youth:             All over the Earth, Christians are joyfully declaring that Christ is Risen!

People:           He is risen indeed!  

Youth:              Jesus, Savior of the World, we worship and adore You. We honor and glorify You forever. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                          Almighty King and Everlasting Savior, this is Your Holy Day and we are thankful to be called Your people. You are the Righteous Son of God and our Eternal Lord. You are the King of all Creation and the Ruler of the Universe. You have overcome sin and death, bringing promises of life and love to us that last forever.
People:                       Precious Jesus, we caused Your wounds at Calvary because we are sinful people. We crucified You to the Cross because of our stubborn, rebellious, and selfish ways. Gracious Lord, forgive our foolish mistakes and grave errors. Pardon our hurtful words and shameful deeds. Hear us now as we confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:              Victorious Savior, Your blood has cleansed our sinful souls. Your sacrifice has restored us to God’s favor. Without You, our lives are wasted. With You, our hopes are made eternal. We bring these prayers in Your Holy Name and unite our spirits to You, by saying "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:              Jesus is the Only One who can save our souls from everlasting destruction. His Name alone has the power to forgive our sins and to release us from death and despair. Let us rejoice and celebrate the victory of our Lord and King forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri (sung in unison): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. God establishes our world and sustains our lives.

People:           Eternal God, we are finite and frail, in need of help, healing, and wholeness. We lift up our voices of prayer to You, from our unsettled hearts and troubled minds.

Pastor:             Mighty Redeemer, have mercy upon us and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. We also bring to You our families and friends, colleagues and neighbors who need Your Loving touch and holy healing. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:             The LORD is merciful and holy; just and faithful. He hears our prayers in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

                        (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 93)

Unison Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:           Holy Spirit, impact our lives with the power of the Gospel. Let the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection bring joy to our souls. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. 

Scripture Readings

The Message & Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication(unison):   Lord Jesus, You have given everything for our salvation. You have sacrificed Your life so that we may live forever in God’s eternal presence. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can support the work and ways of Your church with our tithes and gifts. Take this offering and bless it, so that others may hear the Gospel, through the preaching of the Word and the glorifying of God’s Name. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison): May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the almighty and amazing love of the Father, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Easter Sunday Worship service - Sunday April 24

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Gathering & Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor:             Christ is Risen!

People:            He is Risen indeed!

Pastor:             Jesus, Savior of the World, we worship and adore You. We honor and glorify You forever. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                         Wonderful King and Eternal Savior, this is Your Holy Day and we are delighted to be called Your disciples and servants. You are the Righteous Son of God and our Everlasting Lord.
People:            Lord Jesus, You are the King of all Creation and the Redeemer of the Universe. You have gloriously overcome sin and death, bringing to us promises of life and love that last forever.

Guide:                         Gracious Jesus, we confess that our sins caused Your wounds at Calvary. We crucified You to the Cross because of our stubborn, rebellious, and selfish ways. Precious Lord, forgive our foolish mistakes and grave errors. Pardon our hateful words and shameful deeds. Hear us now as we confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide:                         Victorious Savior, Your blood has cleansed our sinful souls and has restored us to God’s favor. Without You, our lives are wasted and pointless. With You, our hopes are completely fulfilled and made eternal. Hear our prayers, given in Your Holy Name. We unite our spirits to You, by saying "Our Father…THE LORD’S PRAYER” (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:                         Jesus is the Only One who can save our souls from everlasting destruction. His Name alone has the power to forgive our sins and to release us from death and despair. Therefore, let us rejoice and celebrate the victory of our Lord and King forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri(unison): Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor:             The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. God establishes our world and sustains our lives.

People:                        Eternal God, we are finite and frail, in need of help, healing and wholeness. We lift up our voices in prayer to You, with all that is on our hearts and in our anxious minds.

Pastor:             Mighty Redeemer, have mercy upon us and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. We also bring to You our families and friends, our colleagues and neighbors who need Your Loving touch and holy healing. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:             The LORD is merciful and holy; just and faithful. He hears our prayers in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

                        (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 93)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close"

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader:            Holy Spirit, impact our lives with the power of the Gospel. Let the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection bring joy, healing and strength to our souls. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. 

Scripture Readings

Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (unison):  Lord Jesus, You have given everything for our salvation. You have sacrificed Your life so that we may live forever in God’s eternal presence. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can support the work and ways of Your church with our tithes and gifts. Take this offering and bless it, so that others may hear the Gospel, through the preaching of the Word and the glorifying of God’s Name. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction(unison): May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the almighty and amazing love of the Father, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Maundy Thursday/ Tennebrae Worship service - April 21, 2011

Maundy Thursday Service

PRELUDE: 

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Pastor:            “My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.” Psalm 31 v 15

HYMN:  Come Sing to God................................................................................................. No. 181

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Guide:             O Lamb of God, have mercy upon us. On this fateful night, we remember Your betrayal and it reminds us of how often we fail to follow You.

People:            O Sacrificial Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

Guide:             We remember with shame the sinful secrets of our lives. We recall our past mistakes and most deepest regrets.

People:            O Perfect Lamb of God, shield us from God’s wrath and cleanse us with Your blood.

Guide:             Do not turn away from when we are desperate for Your help. Do not cast us aside for we fear the darkness of death and the loneliness of life.

People:            O Holy Lamb of God, we cling to You and seek Your pardon.

Guide:             Help us to be free of former things that have chained us to our sins. Take our lives and change them. Accept our tainted souls and purify them.

People:            O Sacred Lamb of God, without Your grace we have no goodness. Without Your acceptance, we have no absolution.

Guide:             Prevent us from wasting our lives and squandering our faith. Protect us from temptation and cancel out our sins

People:            O Passover Lamb of God, grant us forgiveness and mercy, holiness and sanctification. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING:................................................................................... Psalm 31:1-8

HYMN:  Go To Dark Gethesemane........................................................................................ No. 97

OLD TESTAMENT READING:................................................................................. Psalm 31:9-18

HYMN:  Were You There? ................................................................................................. No. 102

OLD TESTAMENT READING:............................................................................... Psalm 31:19-24

Choir Anthem:....................................................................................................................................

HYMN:  As Deer Long for the Streams................................................................................ No. 189

NEW TESTAMENT READING:....................................................................... Revelation 20:11-15

HOMILY:                                            Redeem Me, O Lord                                  Rev. John Stuart

OFFERING: 

DEDICATION

All:      Lord Jesus, we have betrayed You many times and afflicted You with our sorrows. We have caused You to die on the Cross because we are sinful and selfish. We can never repay our debts to You, for what can we offer that will pay for absolute forgiveness and eternal life?  We give You these gifts, that others may hear and read Your Words, and that souls may be saved, both near and far. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

COMMUNION  - At the appropriate time, the congregation shall come forward to receive the bread and wine.  After this, the elders will come to those who wish to take communion where they are seated.

Congregational Prayer:         Lord Jesus, You have given everything of Yourself so that we may share in the eternal glories of Your Kingdom. Thank You for Your amazing love and the experience of Your grace this night. In Your Almighty Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

HYMN:  When I Survey the Wondrous Cross....................................................................... No. 101

NEW TESTAMENT READING:................................................................................ 2 Peter 3:3-10

Congregation Exits Silently

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Communion Service - April 1, 2010

Prelude:  ................................Handbells &Chimes

Call to worship:

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

you know it completely, O LORD.        Psalm 139:3-4

HYMN:  You Are Before Me, Lord............No. 248 vv1-5

Prayer of Confession:

Guide:             Lord Jesus, as we remember Your betrayal on this sacred night, remind us of the times that we have betrayed You.

People:            When we have disappointed or hurt other people, Lord, forgive us.

Guide:             When we have diminished the power of Your Word through the selfishness of our actions, Lord, forgive us.

People:            When we have made promises that we do not intend to keep, or said something that grieves our loved ones, Lord forgive us.

Guide:             When we have acted rashly and have cast aside those who need our help; when we have been distracted by the world and remain unattracted to Your Spirit, Lord forgive us.

People:            When we have twisted Your words to justify our choices, Lord, forgive us.

Guide:             When we hide our faith or avoid being known as Christians, Lord, have mercy;

People:            Remove our sins with Your precious blood, and graciously restore us to Your service; for Your sake and God’s greater glory.  Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING:                       John 13: 1-11

HYMN:  Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.............No.310

SCRIPTURE READING:...........................John 13:12-21

CHOIR ANTHEM: 

SCRIPTURE READING:........................... John 13:22-30

HYMN:  Beneath the Cross of Jesus........................No. 92

SCRIPTURE READING:                             John 13:31-38

SACRED DUET…..PIE JESU……………

HOMILY:        Just Another Passover                                    

OFFERING & DEDICATION

All:      Lord Jesus, You willingly lay down Your life so that we may have forgiveness and be restored to God’s everlasting love. Without Your Sacrifice, there would be no grace. Humbly, we bring before You our gifts and ask that You will receive and bless them for the continuing work of the Gospel and Your ministry here on Earth.  In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.

COMMUNION  - at the appropriate time, the congregation come forward to receive the bread and wine. After this, the elders will come to those who wish to take communion where they are seated.

Congregational Prayer:         God our Father, Your Son Jesus Christ has left to us this meal of bread and wine in which we share His body and His blood. As we keep the feast of His redeeming love may we feed on Him by faith, receive His grace, and find fullness of life: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN:  Go to Dark Gethsemane..........................No. 97

NEW TESTAMENT READING:                   John 14:1-6

Congregation Exits Silently

Other Maundy Thursday services on this site

http://beardofaaron.blogspot.com/2009/04/maundy-thursday-tenebrae-service.html

http://beardofaaron.blogspot.com/2007/04/another-maundy-thursday-tenebrae.html

http://beardofaaron.blogspot.com/2007/04/maundy-thursday-tenebrae-service.html

Easter Sunday Prayers - Easter prayers - 12 April

 

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer

Guide: Almighty and Everlasting King, we gather in this place of peace and praise, of joy and jubilation, as one family of faith, one church of Christ. On this day we celebrate the victory of Your Son Jesus Christ. We proclaim His power over all of our lives; His authority to forgive our mistakes; and His ability to change our lives.

People:  Gracious Lord, we know that we have been foolish, selfish and sinful at times. We recognize that we have made mistakes, bad choices, and faithless decisions. We are sorry for those moments when temptation has caused us to get angry, be bitter, remain proud, and be insensitive to those around us. Hear us now as we confess our faults and silently pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Eternal Lord, on this Easter day, we claim the victory of Christ over sin and death. His sacrifice has acquitted us of our mistakes. His grace can renew and bring rebirth to our lives. We make our prayers in the Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father,…THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide:  Christ calls us to become His disciples, yet He has to constantly deal with our sinful nature and human failings. He has overcome both death and sin, so our souls can be resurrected to a new beginning. Let us rejoice and give thanks, for Christ has blessed us with an everlasting hope and He has saved our lives forever.  Amen.

Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

 

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Minute for Mission

Encountering God

Prayers for Health and Healing

 

Pastor:            Let us praise the LORD with new hearts; let us rejoice with all the earth and glorify His Name. Each day, we will proclaim the Lord's salvation; each week, we will come to Him with our praises.

People:            The Lord has done marvelous deeds among His people, therefore we will ask Him to heal our lives. O LORD, You are great and most worthy of our worship; You are above and beyond all that we know.

Pastor:            O LORD, You made the heavens and sustain the nations; be merciful to us and grant us healing from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and soul. There is power and strength in this sanctuary; listen to our prayers and attend to the needs of our loved ones who are ill, distressed, worried or depressed.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor:            We will worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. We will give thanks throughout this day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

                        (Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 96)

 

Choir Anthem

The Message: Part #1

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’

Prayer for Illumination:

Reader:           Holy Spirit, release us from our fears and restore us to God's heart. Open our minds to this glorious message of hope, so that we may gladly receive Christ as our King and report His words to all our people. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message: Part #2 & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:

Dedication: Lord Jesus, through the act of cheerful and thankful giving, we offer You these tithes and gifts. Bless them for Your wonderful ways that have changed the world forever. Enable us also, to rededicate our lives this day, in the holy service of Your Kingdom. Both now and forever. Amen. 

 

Hymn

 

Benediction:  May Christ resurrect our faith by becoming Lord of our lives; may we know the Father's compassion and grace throughout our days; and may the Holy Spirit keep us glorifying and worshipping the One, Triune God, both now and always. Amen.

 

Doxology         Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service

Prelude: 

Call to worship:

Pastor:                                                            Psalm 89:50-51           

Remember, Lord, how your servant has been mocked,

how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the nations,

the taunts with which your enemies have mocked, O LORD,

with which they have mocked every step of your Anointed One.

HYMN:  O Jesus I Have Promised......................................... No. 388 vv1-3

 

Prayer of Confession:

 

Guide:             Lord Jesus Christ, just like Your disciples, we know that our faith is weak.  We say that we will follow You, but our choices are not always Christian. Christ, have mercy.

People:            Lord, forgive us.

Guide:             When we neglect our prayers, and choose to ignore Your teaching: Christ, have mercy.

People:            Lord, help us.

Guide:             When we are challenged by the world and pressured into compromising our beliefs: Christ, have mercy.

People:            Lord, strengthen us.

Guide:             When we hide our faith or avoid being known as Christians, Christ, have mercy;

People:            Lord, pardon us.

Guide:             When we cast aside Your Cross and disconnect our sins with Your sacrifice, Christ have mercy.

People:            Lord, cleanse us.

                        Remove our sins with Your precious blood, and graciously restore us to Your service; for Your sake and glory.  Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING:                                            Psalm 55:12-21

 

HYMN:  An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare............................... No. 94

OLD TESTAMENT READING:............................................. Psalm 109:1-5

 

ANTHEM: 

NEW TESTAMENT READING:........................................... James 1:12-18

HYMN:  O Sacred Head Now Wounded........................................... No. 98

NEW TESTAMENT READING:                                               John 13:1-17

HOMILY:        Anointed and Attacked                                  Rev. John Stuart

OFFERING & DEDICATION

All:      Lord Jesus, You sacrificed Your life for us, so there is nothing that we can do or give which will ever be equal to Your precious gift.  We gather these tokens and ask that You will bless them for ministry and mission, pastoring and preaching, church planting and faith sharing.  In Your Holy Name. Amen.

COMMUNION  - at the appropriate time, the congregation come forward to receive the bread and wine. After this, the elders will come to those who wish to take communion where they are seated.

Congregational Prayer:         God our Father, Your Son Jesus Christ has left to us this meal of bread and wine in which we share His body and His blood. As we keep the feast of His redeeming love may we feed on Him by faith, receive His grace, and find fullness of life: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN:  Go to Dark Gethsemane....................................................... No. 97

NEW TESTAMENT READING:                                                 John 18:1-7

 

Congregation Exits Silently

Good Friday Worship Service

Good Friday Service – Friday 21 March, 2008

Prelude

Invitation to the Lord’s Supper

Pastor: Lord God, we come into Your Sacred Presence and ask for the blessing of Your Holy Spirit. As we remember the sacrifice of Your Holy Son Jesus Christ, grant us mercy, peace, and love.
People: Bless the bread and wine that we place before You. Make it holy to us and sanctify our hearts and minds, bodies and souls.
Pastor: On this terrible night, forgive our sins and free our souls. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Words of Institution

Communion by intinction

Reading: Mark 15: 1-8

Hymn : 100 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Reading: Mark 15: 9-15

Prayer: Confessional Litany

Pastor: Lord of Creation, we come to You as a people in need of mercy and grace, acceptance and absolution. We know that we have sinned against You and offended others with our thoughtless words and misdeeds.
People: Forgive our sins, O Lord, as we forgive those who have offended and hurt us.

Pastor: Lord of the Cross, we have nailed You with our sins and damaged You with our mistakes. We have bruised You with our lack of love, and have battered Your weary body with our unholy ways.
People: Cleanse our past mistakes and rid our souls of our regrets.

Pastor: Savior of the World, we are guilty of many sins. We have cheapened Your grace by taking You for granted. We have dishonored Your Name by diminishing Your influence over our decisions. We have set You aside to pursue our own selfish desires. We have crucified Your church by constantly neglecting our faith and failing to worship You.
People: O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

Pastor: Sacred Jesus and Sacrificial Lamb of God, we are unworthy of Your compassion and undeserving of Your grace. We are depraved sinners in need of salvation. We are selfish and fallen creatures in need of redemption
People: Crucified Christ, lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil.

All: For Thine is the Kingdom, the glory, and the power, forever. Amen.

Reading: Mark 15: 16-24

Anthem The Old Rugged Cross

Reading: Mark 15: 25-34

Hymn: 92: Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Reading: Mark 15: 35-41

Homily Atonement

Reading: Mark 15: 42-47

Hymn: 102 Were You There? (last verse unaccompanied)

People quietly leave the sanctuary

Sunday prayers for Easter Day 23 March

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements
Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!

Prelude & Gathering

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty and Everlasting King, Most Merciful and Majestic God, we gather in this place of peace and praise, of joy and jubilation, as one family of faith, one church of Christ. On this day we celebrate the victory of Your Son Jesus Christ. We proclaim His power over all of our lives; His authority to forgive our mistakes; His ability to change our lives.

People: Gracious Lord, we know that we have been foolish, selfish and sinful at times. We recognize that we have made mistakes, bad choices and faithless decisions. We are sorry for those moments when temptation has caused us to get angry, be bitter, remain proud and be insensitive to those around us. Hear us now as we confess our faults and silently pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Eternal Lord, on this Easter day, we claim the victory of Christ over sin and death. His sacrifice has cleared our mistakes. His grace can renew and bring rebirth to our lives.

People: We make these personal petitions and prayers in the Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father, …” THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Christ chooses us to become His disciples, yet He has to deal with our sinful nature and human failings. He has overcome both death and sin, so our souls can be resurrected to a new beginning. Let us rejoice and give thanks, for Christ has blessed us with an everlasting hope and He has saved our lives forever. Amen.

Gloria Patri : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Encountering God

Choir Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Let us praise the LORD with new hearts; let us rejoice with all the earth and glorify His Name. Each day, we will proclaim the Lord's salvation; each week, we will come to Him with our praises.
People: The Lord has done marvelous deeds among His people, therefore let us ask Him to heal our lives. O LORD, You are great and most worthy of our worship; You are above and beyond all that we know.

Pastor: O LORD, You made the heavens and sustain the nations; be merciful to us and grant us healing from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and soul. Gracious God, there is power and strength in this sanctuary; listen to our prayers and attend to the needs of our loved ones who are ill, distressed, worried or depressed.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

All: We will worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. We will give thanks throughout this day. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 96)

Singing of ‘Jesus, Draw Me Close’

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, release us from our fears and restore us to God's heart. Open our minds to this glorious message of hope, so that we may gladly receive Christ as our King and report His words to all our people. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God
Offering & Offertory:
Dedication: Lord Jesus, through the act of cheerful and thankful giving, we offer You these tokens. Bless them for Your wonderful ways that have changed the world forever. Enable us also, to rededicate our lives this day, in the holy service of Your Kingdom. Both now and forever. Amen.

Hymn

Benediction: ( in unison) May Christ resurrect our faith by becoming Lord of our lives; may we know the Father's compassion and grace throughout our days; and may the Holy Spirit keep us glorifying and worshipping the One, Triune God, both now and always. Amen.

Doxology & Postlude

Easter Sunday Service

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation Lighting of the Easter Menorah

Pastor: Christ is Risen!
People: He is Risen indeed! (Lighting of 7 Candles)
Pastor: Jesus, Savior of the World, we worship and adore You. We honor and glorify You forever. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Wonderful King and Eternal Savior, this is Your Holy Day and we are thankful to be called Your people. You are the Righteous Son of God and our Everlasting Lord.
People: Sacred Majesty and Almighty Redeemer, You are the Lord of all Creation and the Ruler of the Universe. You have overcome sin and death, bringing promises of life and love that lasts forever.

Guide: Gracious Jesus, we caused Your wounds at Calvary because we are sinful people. We crucified You to the Cross because of our stubborn, rebellious, and selfish ways.
People: Precious Lord, forgive our foolish mistakes and grave errors. Pardon our hurtful words and shameful deeds. Hear us now as we confess to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Victorious Savior, Your blood has cleansed our sinful souls. Your sacrifice has restored us to God’s favor. Without You, our lives are wasted. With You, our hopes are made eternal.
People: We make these prayers in Your Holy Name and unite our spirits to You, by saying "Our Father, Who art in heaven...THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors.

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus is the Only One who can save our souls from everlasting destruction. His Name alone has the power to forgive our sins and to release us from death and despair. Let us rejoice and celebrate the victory of our Lord and King forevermore. Amen.

Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)

Baptism

Encountering God

Anthem

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty and is armed with strength.
People: God establishes our world and sustains our lives.
Pastor: Eternal God, we are finite and frail, in need of help, healing and wholeness.
People: We lift up our voices of prayer to You, from our pounding hearts and troubled minds.
Pastor: Mighty Redeemer, have mercy upon us and heal us of all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit.
People: Gracious God, we also bring to You our families and friends, colleagues and neighbors who need Your Loving touch and holy healing. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit

Pastor: The LORD is merciful and holy; just and faithful. He hears our prayers in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 93)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, impact our lives with the power of the Gospel. Let the Good News of Christ’s resurrection bring joy to our souls. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication: Lord Jesus, You have given everything for our salvation. You have sacrificed Your life so that we may live forever in God’s eternal presence. We can never repay the debt that we owe You, but we can support the work and ways of Your church with our tithes and gifts. Take this offering and bless it, so that others may hear the Gospel, through the preaching of the Word and the glorifying of God’s Name. Amen.

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the almighty and amazing love of the Father, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Maundy Thursday

On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, He took some bread and wine, saying, "This is My Body; this is My Blood. Take, eat, drink, and remember Me."




Worship Bulletin cover for Maundy Thursday service