Easter Message: The Future Enters the Present

April 9, 2023 – Easter Sunday

Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, “receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Today we consider the confusion and excitement of the first Easter: the stone is moved, disciples race back and forth, and angels speak to a weeping woman. Then, Jesus himself appears.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”, Handel, and “Easter Hymns”, Willan, Callahan, and Manz

Processional Hymn: “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”

Welcome and Announcements

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-6

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Anthem: “Easter Celebration”, Don Besig and Nancy Price

Children’s Time

Bells of Hope: “Lead On O King Eternal”, arranged by Barbara Kinyon

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: John 20:1-18

Sermon: “The Future Enters the Present”, Pastor Dan Severson

Sermon Hymn: “Now, All the Vault of Heaven Resounds”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of Intercession

The Lord’s Prayer

The Passing of the Peace

Offering: Offertory Music: “Easter Doxology”, Louis Harris

Offering Response and Prayer of Thanksgiving

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Toccata in D Minor”, Bach and “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”, Noel Rawsthorne