Easter Sunday Worship Service
April 5, 2026
Prelude: “Easter Hymn” from Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni, Arr. by SCMusic – Stephanie Ng, pianist
Greetings & Announcements
Hymn 1: “Heleluyan” – Traditional Muskogee (Creek) Indiana Song
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
Running, the disciples approached the tomb, that mysterious place of meeting. Death meeting life. Humanity meeting the Risen Christ. Believing.
Trembling, we approach the edge
where death and life meet.
Death, the unknown, meets new life.
New life faces us with its possibilities
and uncertainties. Trembling, we approach.
Easter morning we come face to face with Jesus, whom we had lost. We doubted, we feared, and now we wonder, as life returns to us from death.
From a triumphant entrance into Jerusalem,
through the last supper with the disciples,
through the betrayal by Judas,
through the crucifixion of Jesus,
we have journeyed to Easter.
The stone which the guards used to seal the grave is now thrown aside.
Death is scattered.
Face to face, the disciples saw
that death had lost its power.
Surely, this is a day the Lord has made!
Rejoice! Life bursts through death.
Because Christ lives, we live. Alleluia!
Invitation to Prayer
O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our maker.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Amen.
O Lord, our heavenly Creator, whose great love holds a forgiveness for all who desire and seek it: we thank thee for thy gracious assurance that thou art always near and ready to forgive. Pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and truth, and bring us into everlasting life; for thy mercy’s sake. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Sanctus/Sung Response: Sanctuary
O Lord, open thou our lips:
And our mouths shall show forth thy praise.
Praise ye the Lord!
The Lord’s name be praised!
Sung Response: Sanctuary
Lord, prepare me to be sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.
Scripture Readings: Matthew 28:1-10; Daniel 12:1-12; Secrets of Heaven #3498
Children’s Message
Anthem: “Shine on Me” by Traditional African American
Message: The Resurrection of the Dead – Rev. Junchol Lee
Communion
Concluding Communion Prayer
Silent Meditation
Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to Offertory
Offertory: “Let There Be Sun” by Melanie DeMore
Doxology:
Praise God the Source of life and birth
Praise God the Word who came to earth
Praise God the Spirit, holy flame
All glory, honor to God’s name. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Hymn 2: “Glory Glory/This Little Light of Mine/Amen”
Benediction
Closing of the Word
Sung Response: A Holy Hush
A holy hush is in the air as though the Spirit’s essence here has been distilled, and entered all who stand within these sacred walls. The song is sung, the word is read, the lesson heard, the prayer is said; go now on wings of peace unfurled, and share these blessings with the world.
Postlude: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, Traditional Easter Hymn, Arr. by Renee Hyche McKee