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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.
Casual Worship – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship – 10:45 a.m.
March 23, 2008 – EASTER SUNDAY
GOSPEL READING John 20:1-18
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The rhythm of breath – drawing air in, and sighing it out – pulses in all of creation, O Lord. It is a simple sign of the resurrection; of life that cannot be quenched, even by death itself.
Many: We know what it is to breathe, Jesus, our lives depend on it – even as they depend on You – Risen, Alive, and Present.
One: So, breathe into us again, Lord Jesus, we pray.
Many: Breathe the life that never dies, breathe the hope that never despairs, breathe the courage that never turns back, breathe the joy that never stops singing!
One: Breathe into us, Lord Jesus, and teach us to sing, to worship, with every breathe !
All: And to live the inspiration that is Your resurrection. Amen.
HYMN “Morning Has Broken”
Lynn Gale, Brittany Phillips , and Spencer Phillips, Musicians
Morning has broken, like the first morning. Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the word.
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven. Like the first dewfall, on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden.
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning. Born of the one light, Eden saw play.
Praise with elation, praise every morning.
God's re-creation of the new day.
Morning has broken, like the first morning. Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning.
Praise for them springing fresh from the word.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, how are we to respond to this day? When tombs do not stay sealed; when dead and immobile bodies walk into the daylight; and people who were gone are alive again. This is a day when anything is possible.
We have no frame of reference for this – no logical explanation to make resurrection a normal everyday occurrence. And yet, that's exactly what it is now – ever since You refused to remain a victim of the grave. And suddenly we can see it – resurrection is everywhere!
You truly are alive – and Your life breaks out in surprising ways and unexpected places, even in our own hearts and lives. And so, Risen Jesus, Eternal and Abundant Life-Giver, we praise You, we celebrate You, we bow in awe and we open our hearts again, that You, O King of Glory may come in. Amen.
GOSPEL READING John 20:19-22
DEVOTION
HYMN “Christ The Lord is Risen Today”
Lynn Gale and Brittany Phillips, Trumpets
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia ! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia !
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has lead, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise , Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
BENEDICTION