Easter 2001: Turning Our World ‘nwoD edispU’

Easter 2001: Turning Our World ‘nwoD edispU’

 

Seekers Church

A Christian Community

In the Tradition of the Church of the Saviour
Easter 2001

 

TURNING OUR WORLD

 

 REFLECTION

Today the whole creation, heaven and earth and the deepest abysses of the earth are filled with joy.  Let the whole universe celebrate the resurrection by which we are strengthened…

Easter Canon of John of Damascus, 3rd Ode

from Faith, Feminism and the Christ,

by Patricia Wilson-Kastner

 

PRELUDE

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

One:          We gather here to celebrate the resurrection,

The coming of new life

in ways we can’t imagine.

 

All:             We watch the earth pour forth new life,

A greening celebration of the Good News.

 

Voice A:     O Holy Maker of this wonderful reality

You come among us as the unexpected Jesus.

 

Voice B:    You show us how to live and love

in ways we still can barely understand …

 

All:             to love our enemies,

to offer kindness in the face of anger,

to give, and give again to those in need.

Turn us upside down today,

for we would be an Easter people.

 

INVOCATION

 

HYMN

 

WORD FOR THE CHILDREN

 

SILENCE

 

LITANY OF THE RISEN CHRIST

One:          The heavens rumble alleluias:

Christ is risen!

 

Voice A:     Earth dances to the tune

and the wail of the graves becomes a song.

 

Voice B:     Every one and every thing sings with you,

the risen Christ, in the new creation.

For you have turned the world around –

inside out and upside down.

 

Voice A:     Now the homeless are at home

and the martyred embrace their assassins;

and the rulers and profiteers wonder

whose world this is after all.

 

Voice B:     After all, let us stand and sing

with the heavens and the earth and the graves,

 

All:             Christ is risen indeed! ALLELUIA! Amen.

 

PRAYER

COMMON CONFESSION

One:          God of miracles, we hear the song,

the joyful chorus of new beginnings,

the celebration of the risen Christ.

 

Many:        But sometimes we can’t follow the tune,

and the words of salvation hold no meaning.

 

One:          God of love, you invite us to dance:

to swing and whirl with you, with one another, with all creation;

to live out the good news that Jesus brought.

 

Many:        But too often our feet stumble,

we turn our backs on the joy of the story.

 

One:          God of faithfulness, you are always with us,

showing yourself in every new morning,

holding us in love every night.

 

Many:        But we are afraid and lonely,

refusing the comfort of living

as the body of Christ.

 

All:             Forgive us, Holy One, for rejecting your gifts,

for allowing our burdens

to give meaning to our lives.

 

INDIVIDUAL PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

 

ASSURANCE

One:          The heavens rumble alleluias!

The captives are set free,

the lame dance, and the voiceless sing.

Our world is upside down,

and we know that Christ is risen, indeed.

 

COMMUNITY PRAYERS

 

HYMN

THE WORD

First Lesson   

Silence

Gospel Lesson

Sermon

Silent Reflection

 

OFFERING

 

SHARED REFLECTIONS

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

HYMN

 

BENEDICTION 

One:          Rejoice in this day of hopeful upheaval

as you dance to the music of God’s promise.

Embrace the invitation

to turn our world upside down

with unexpected acts of kindness.

Celebrate our risen Christ!          

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Epiphany 2002: Communion Liturgy for 2002 Christmastide
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