Join us in person or live-streamed at 10AM or find our recorded service at your convenience. Details on our Worship page. Service words are below.
Prelude: Instrumental
Acknowledgement
Welcome
Gathering Hymn: 203 CP Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Jesus Christ is risen today, alleluia!
our triumphant 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!
But the pains which he endured, alleluia!
our salvation have procured; alleluia!
now above the sky he’s king, alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
GATHERING
Jesus Christ is Risen from the dead. Alleluia
Rejoice heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels! Alleluia
Christ our King is risen. Alleluia
Exult, all creation! Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendour! Alleluia
Christ our King is risen. Alleluia
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Christ our King is risen. Alleluia
Darkness vanishes forever! Christ dispels the darkness of our night! Alleluia
Christ our King is risen. Alleluia
Gloria: MV 8 And On This Path
And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,
and on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,
and on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide!
Open wide! Open wide! Open wide! The gates are open wide!
So enter in the gates of holiness are open wide,
so enter in the gates of holiness are open wide,
so enter in the gates of holiness are open wide!
Open wide! Open wide! Open wide! The gates are open wide!
And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,
and on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide,
and on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide!
Open wide! Open wide! Open wide! The gates are open wide!
Collect:
God unlimited by mortal fear or the tomb’s cold grip: in the lingering dark give us grace to know your life triumphant, your love undimmed, and your grace affirmed in the face of Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead. Amen. (Prayers for an Inclusive Church (2009) alt.)
Lenten Candle Liturgy – Easter Sunday
Proclamation
The light which the world tried to extinguish cannot be put out. Today we light the candles again, proclaiming the transforming power of God. As the light returns, we give thanks that God’s transforming love has been, is now, and will ever be at work within us. Today we celebrate: new life, new joy, new possibilities. Christ is alive and living among us!
As we light the candles, we acknowledge that there is still pain and suffering in the world, but we place our trust in God and in the way shown by Jesus Christ.
In the midst of darkness, there is light. In the pain of death, there is life.
In the face of what appear to us to be overwhelming odds, God is at work in us and in the world, working for justice and peace, compassion and love, and life abundant.
Christ is risen; Christ is risen in us, for wherever we gather in his name, Christ is there.
(All candles are re-lit.)
Alleluia, Christ is risen; Christ is risen indeed!
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (10:34-43)
Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’
Living word of God live in our lives today
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Refrain: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!
Let Israel say, ‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’
The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. Refrain
There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: ‘The right hand of the Lord does valiantly; the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.’ I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death. Refrain
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. Refrain
I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Refrain
A Reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians (3:1-4)
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Living word of God live in our lives today
Gradual Hymn: 312 CP Sing a New Song Unto the Lord
Refrain: Sing a new song unto the Lord;
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing Alleluia.
Yahweh’s people dance for joy.
O come before the Lord
and play for him on glad tambourines,
and let your trumpet sound. Refrain
Rise, O children, from your sleep;
your Saviour now has come.
He has turned your sorrow to joy,
and filled your soul with song. Refrain
Glad my soul, for I have seen
the glory of the Lord.
The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.
I know my Saviour lives. Refrain
Gospel Acclamation: MV 50 Alleluia
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (sing 3X)
The Lord be with you And also with you
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John 20:1-18
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
The Gospel of Christ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
The Homily
Renewal of Baptismal Promises (Easter Liturgy (oremus.org)) Church of England
As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, we remember that through the paschal mystery we have died and been buried with him in baptism, so that we may rise with him to a new life within the family of his Church. Now that we have completed our observance of Lent, we renew the promises made at our baptism, affirming our allegiance to Christ, and our rejection of all that is evil.
Therefore I ask these questions:
Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins?
I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil?
I renounce evil.
And now I ask you to make the profession of Christian faith into which you were baptized, and in which you live and grow.
Do you believe and trust in God the Creator, who made the world?
I believe and trust in God.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed humankind?
I believe and trust in God.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God?
I believe and trust in God.
This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith. We believe and trust in one God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
Almighty God, we thank you for our fellowship in the household of faith with all those who have been baptized in your name. Keep us faithful to our baptism, and so make us ready for that day when the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sharing 'The Peace' No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome at this table with it's symbols of God's Creative Presence.
In company with all who seek nourishment at this table, we come to celebrate community, and to share these life-giving symbols. (Jerry Stinson. L&L Seminar)
May a heart of peace rest with you. And also with you.
The Offertory Hymn: 235 CP Myrrh-Bearing Mary
Myrrh-bearing Mary from Magdala came seeking her Jesus, with spirit aflame. He had commanded her sickness depart; she now would thank him for newness of heart. Myrrh-bearing Mary to Bethany came seeking her Jesus who’d called her by name; there she anointed his feet and his head with precious oils that were meant for the dead. Myrrh-bearing Mary to Calvary came seeking her Jesus who hung there in shame; and, as the careless and heedless passed by, hopeless and helpless, she watched her Lord die. Myrrh-bearing Mary to death’s garden came seeking her Jesus who’s borne the world’s blame; heartsick, she stood, till she heard the Lord’s voice: “Mary!” he said, “I am risen; rejoice!”
Prayer over the Gifts: God our strength and salvation, receive all we offer you this day, and grant that we who have confessed your name, and received new life in baptism, may live in the joy of the resurrection, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
The Great Thanksgiving – Eucharistic Prayer 6
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendour of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day, and, beholding your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your name, as we sing,
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth of your glory are full
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power; your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love.
You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Saviour. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the woman Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfil your purpose he gave himself up to death and, rising from the grave, destroyed death and made the whole creation new.
And that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfilment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end: at supper with them he took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Father, we now celebrate the memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Father, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and this cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ to the praise of your name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
Remember ( . . . and) all who minister in your Church.
Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth.
Remember those members who are in need of prayer this day.
Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, (with . . . ) and] all the saints who have found favour with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honour and glory are yours, almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (sung – Cameron)
Breaking of the Bread
Lord, we died with you on the cross.
Now we are raised to new life.
We were buried in your tomb.
Now we share in your resurrection.
Live in us, that we may live in you.
These are the Gifts of God for the people of God
Thanks be to God
Hymns during Communion: Sweet the Morning Joy Comes with the Dawn
Prayer after Communion
God of life, bring us to the glory of the resurrection promised in this Easter sacrament. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. Amen.
The Doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Go out from this place to your daily journey through life.
Fashion relationships of inclusion and reconciliation, and a life-style that loves and treats people and the earth gently.
Remember always we are members of the body of Christ. And may the Holy One surprise you on the way. Amen. May it be so!
Announcements
Closing Hymn: He Is Alive!
Refrain: He…… is alive!
He…… is alive!
I can see above the crowds and
I can hear Him call my name out loud. Refrain
He has come that I might have life.
More life than I’ve ever had before. Refrain
He has promised power from on high.
To those who receive the Holy Ghost. Refrain
The Dismissal
Let us go in faith to ponder in our hearts the mystery and the wonder of this season...
And now may we go forth in the certainty of faith,
in the knowledge of love, and in the vision of hope. And in our going, may we be blessed.
Thanks be to God! Alleluia
Postlude: God Is Walking in the Garden
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