The Festival of our Lord’s Resurrection

CHOIR: “Hallelujah Chorus”

OPENING HYMN: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (CW 157)

Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav’nly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation has procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as his love, Alleluia!
Praise him, all you heav’nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia!

INVOCATION

Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
RESURRECTION DIALOGUE

M: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
C: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

M: This is the day the Lord has made.
C: We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

M: I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted.
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. (Exodus 15:1-2)
C: Let us come before him with thanksgiving, and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:2)

M: I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. (Psalm 118:17)
C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

M: The Lord’s right hand is majestic in power.
The Lord’s right hand has shattered the enemy.
In the greatness of his majesty he threw down those who opposed him. (Exodus 15:6-7)
C: Death has been swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:54)

M: Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?
C: Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55, 57)

M: I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)
C: The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

M: Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. (Revelation 7:10)
C: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise! (Revelation 5:12)

M: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
C: He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

SONG OF PRAISE: This Is the Feast of Victory ((CW 265)

Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
Whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,
And honor, blessing, and glory are his.
Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Sing with all the people of God,
And join in the hymn of all creation.
Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Blessing, honor, glory, and might
Be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

For the Lamb who was slain
Has begun his reign. Alleluia!
Refrain: This is the feast of victory for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.

M: Let us pray.
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever.
C: Amen.

THE FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 25:6-9

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.
In that day they will say,
“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

 

M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM: Psalm 118 (CW Page 108)

Refrain: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.

The LORD is my strength and my song; * he has become my salvation.

The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; * the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!

I will not die but live, * and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

Refrain: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; * you have become my salvation.

The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; * the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, * the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made; * let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son * and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, * is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.

THE SECOND LESSON: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

VERSE OF THE DAY: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia. (Psalm 118:24)
C: (sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

CHOIR: “I Will Rise”

There’s a peace I’ve come to know,
though my heart and flesh may fail.
There’s an anchor for my soul,
I can say “It is well.”

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed;
the victory is won;
He is risen from the dead.

And I will rise when He calls my name;
no more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagles’ wings;
before my God fall on my knees and rise.
I will rise.

There’s a day that’s drawing near
when this darkness breaks to light,
and the shadows disappear,
And my faith shall be my eyes.

Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed;
the victory is won;
He is risen from the dead.

And I will rise when He calls my name;
no more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagles’ wings;
before my God fall on my knees and rise.
I will rise.

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb!”
And I hear the cry of ev’ry longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb!”
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb!”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb!”
“Worthy is the Lamb!”
“Worthy is the Lamb!”

I will rise when He calls my name;
no more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings;
before my God fall on my knees and rise.
Rise! Rise! Rise!

THE GOSPEL LESSON: Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to you, O Christ.

HYMN OF THE DAY: Awake, My Heart, With Gladness (CW 156)

Awake, my heart, with gladness!
See what today is done;
Now, after gloom and sadness,
Comes forth the glorious sun.
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.

The Foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb.
But lo, he now is routed;
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o’er the grave.

This is a sight that gladdens —
What peace it does impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me has won.

Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate’er he passes through.
He rends death’s iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain.
He shatters hell’s dark thrall;
I follow him through all.

He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
“Who there my cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with me has died
Shall here be glorified.”

SERMON TEXT: John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

SERMON THEME: LIFE-GIVING HANDS

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

M: Almighty and merciful God, on this glorious day we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Increase our faith that the grace of the empty tomb may fill our lives and make us glad each day.
C: When we are weak be our strength, when we are sad be our song, and when we sin be our salvation.
M: Remove the disgrace of death from all who mourn. In moments of grief call believers through the voice of our Good Shepherd, and embolden us to follow his promises. In their hopelessness of despair turn the faithless to trust in the only Way, Truth, and Life.
C: Wipe away tears born of death, and give new birth to a living hope in the hearts of the lost and troubled. Use our witness as compassion and comfort for others in need of mercy.
M: King of kings and Lord of lords, destroy all dominion, authority, and power that stands against you, whether seen or unseen. Whatever evil exerts itself against your saving will — false teaching or lukewarm faith, Satan’s lies or worldly pleasures, empty worship or futile religion — rule it for the sake of the gospel’s free course.
C: Triumph over our enemies, and empower the Church to fight the good fight to the end. Never leave us or forsake us.
M: Walk among our churches, O Living One, as the faithful witness and firstborn from the dead. As your angel sent women with news of the risen Christ, call women in our church to announce, “He is risen!” As you sent your disciples with the power of the Spirit, use all of us to share with a broken and dying world the news of your eternal victory.
C: Empower us to speak your truth and love to our circles of friends, relatives, and neighbors. Bless our efforts to help others understand and believe the victory of Easter.
M: Heavenly Father keep the baptized united with your Son in his resurrection. Put to death the fleshly urges of those caught in addictions, clothe in your righteousness anyone ashamed of good intentions which have fallen short, and assure those searching for purpose that their eternal identity as your dear children is sealed.
C: Thank you for the power of baptism working in our lives, and for the certainty of its promises through the resurrection. Enrich us with everything we need for life and godliness.
M: O Lord of life, you have done mighty things for us! We pray through him who is the Beginning and the End, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: His name is above every name, to the glory of God the Father! Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

C: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

HYMN: He Is Arisen! Glorious Word (CW 162)

He is arisen! Glorious Word!
Now reconciled is God, my Lord;
The gates of heav’n are open.
My Jesus did triumphant die,
And Satan’s arrows broken lie,
Destroyed hell’s fiercest weapon.
Oh, hear What cheer!
Christ victorious, Rising glorious,
Life is giving.
He was dead, but now is living!

RECPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

BLESSING

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.
C: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN: I Know that My Redeemer Lives (CW 152)

Verses 1&2: Sung by all
Verse 3: Women
Verse 4: Men
Verses 5-8: All
(All)
I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head!

(All)
He lives triumphant from the grave;
He lives eternally to save.
He lives all-glorious in the sky;
He lives exalted there on high.

(Women)
He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives, my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.

(Men)
He lives to grant me rich supply;
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

(All)
He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives, all blessings to impart.

(All)
He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

(All)
He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

(All)
He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”