Remembering His Words

Jesus’ resurrection on that Sunday morning after Passover was a complete surprise. The women went to the tomb to finish preparing Jesus’ dead body for burial,. They had been rushed on Friday, trying to beat sundown and the beginning of Passover. They were completely shocked to find the tomb empty and two men [angels] asking them the existential question, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?”

The story would be very different if it was made up. The faithful women would have been expecting the resurrection because Jesus had told them about it ahead of time. When they returned to tell the disciples, the men would have greeted the news with joy and faith instead of discounting the women as being filled with “nonsense”. Peter, in checking it out for himself, would have instantly believed Jesus was alive instead of “returning home wondering what had happened.” Luke tells us of the real events of that first Easter morning, and this story alone challenges us to be more faithful in “Remembering His Words,” our sermon for this Easter morning (Luke 24:1-12).

We Gather to Worship

Prelude: “Trumpet Voluntary”, Angela Kraft Cross, and “Toccata sopra Christ ist erstanden” Carlotta Ferrari

Introit: “O Risen Lord”, K. Lee Scott

Welcome

Gathering Hymn: “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Bells of Hope: “Halleluiah Chorus” from “The Messiah”, George Frideric Handel, arr. by Ellen Jane Lorenz

Children’s Time

Choir Anthem: “Rejoice in the Risen Christ”, Allen Pote

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel: Luke 24:1-12

Sermon “Remembering His Words”, Pastor Kevin Murphy

Sermon Hymn: “Thine is the Glory”

Apostle’s Creed

Prayers of Intercession

Offertory: Prelude on “O Filii et Filiae”, Edward Landin

The Great Thanksgiving

“Holy, Holy, Holy”

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Now All The Vault of Heaven Resounds”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Paean”, Richard Dunster-Sigtermans