Easter 2009 - Hope Raised Up Print E-mail

GATHERING                        

 

ENTRANCE

REFLECTION

 

The resurrection is a process that began with Jesus and that will go on until it embraces all creation.
...
W
herever hope is resisting the lure of cynicism or despair, there the process of resurrection

Easter Sunday altar-table

is being turned into a reality.

 

Leonardo Boff, Way of the Cross - Way of Justice (1985).

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:            Christ is risen.

 

 

People:            The world still looks dark,
                         and we do not know what will happen.

 

 

Leader:            Christ is risen.

 

 

People:            The tomb is empty
                         and we do not know where to look.

 

 

Leader:            Christ is risen.

 

 

People:            The mystery of Christ's presence

                        is among us.

 

 

Leader             Christ is risen.

 

 

All:                   Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!

INVOCATION

HYMN

WORD FOR THE CHILDREN

SILENCE

RESPONSIVE READING

Leader:            May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ

                        give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation.

 

 

People:            With the eyes of our hearts enlightened

                        we know the hope to which we are called.

 

 

Leader:            Christ's greatness is beyond measure.

 

 

All:                   Christ is raised from the dead

                        and seated at the right hand of God.

                        Alleluia!

 

SILENCE

PRAYERS

COMMON CONFESSION

Leader:            We have touched the nails in Christ's hands and feet,

                        and still we doubt.

 

 

People:            We have seen the stone rolled away

                         and the tomb empty,

                         yet we do not have faith.

 

 

Leader:            We have been loved and trusted,

                         but we are unable to trust and love.

 

 

All:                    We want to run away and hide,

                          fearing the resurrected hope. 

 

 

INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
ASSURANCE

Leader:            Creator God touches our wounds, and we are healed.

                        Christ himself is present at the empty tomb,

                        and we believe.

                        The Holy Spirit inhabits our very being,

                         opening us to trust and to love.

 

 

People:            Amen

 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION

UNISON PRAYER

All:             O Holy One, we come today

                  to claim our relationship with you.

                  We pray for the commitment to grow together,

                  sharing the gifts you give us with others

                  here and in the wider world. 

 

                  Give us strength and discipline

                  to nurture our relationship with You;

                  to care for every part of Your Creation;

                  to foster justice and be in solidarity with those in need;

                  to work to end all war, and violence, and discord;

                  and to respond joyfully when you call,

                  freely giving our selves as you have shown the way.

 

                  We open our hearts to you and your Creation

                  in the name of Jesus, who is the Christ. 

                  Amen.

HYMN

 

THE WORD

SCRIPTURE
SERMON
SILENT REFLECTION

OFFERING

SHARED REFLECTIONS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HYMN

BENEDICTION

Leader:            Go into the world.

                        Love in words and silence, stillness and action.

                        Remember the hope God's love in Christ raises up

                        for us and for all Creation.

 

                        Christ is risen!

 

People:            Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Responsive Reading: Based on Ephesians 1:17-22