The Resurrection Of Our Lord
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series IV, Cycle B
Call To Worship
This mini-drama can be used to open worship.
The Women At The Tomb
"The Easter Song" by Keith Green can be found both in some compilations of contemporary Christian music and in at least one hymnal -- The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration published by WORD. This little drama is based on the song.
As a soloist sings the song a cappella -- three women enter and approach a tomb where they make an announcement beginning the service. In our church we did it this way ...
(Church bell begins to chime. As the bell rings the soloist begins the song.)
Soloist: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing that you can be born again.
(At this point three women dressed in period robes enter down the center aisle)
Soloist: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing "Christ is risen from the dead."
(The women make their way to the front of the sanctuary where they take up their places on the right side near a doorway that has been covered with paper and made to look like a tomb entrance. A tall ladder stands beside this tomb. Sitting atop the ladder is a young man or woman dressed as an angel.)
Soloist: The angel up on the tombstone said, "He is risen just as he said. Quickly now, go tell the disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead. Joy to the world, He is risen, alleluia! He's risen, alleluia! He's risen, alleluia! Alleluia!"
(During this time the women fall to their knees, faces to the ground. The church bells begin ringing again as the angel finishes the announcement he or she descends the ladder and leaves the stage.)
Soloist: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing that you can be born again. Hear the bells ringing; they're singing, "Christ is risen from the dead!"
(Here the soloist fades out. The bells continue ringing for a moment. Then they stop. The women now stand and excitedly speak to each other.)
Woman 1: He is alive. He is alive.
Woman 2: I knew he wouldn't leave us.
Woman 3: (Pulling the sleeve of the others back down the center aisle) Come on, we must go tell the others. Everyone needs to know. (As they go back down the center aisle they stop and tell several people loudly -- "He is risen. Christ the Lord is risen today!")
(At this point the organist begins the introduction to the hymn "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today" and the congregation begins singing.)
Here is a more conventional opening to your Easter service.
Leader:
They say Jesus has risen from the dead!
People:
I don't believe it.
Leader:
Neither do I.
People:
I mean, when you die that's it, isn't it?
Leader:
I've always thought so.
People:
But the tomb was empty.
Leader:
And dead people don't just get up and walk away.
People:
And some people we know say they have seen him,
Leader:
Even touched him.
People:
Is it possible?
Leader:
Could it really be true?
People:
No, that's crazy; or is it?
Leader:
After all, he wasn't like other men.
People:
God was with him in a special way.
Leader:
And all things are possible with God.
People:
So maybe, just maybe ...
Go quickly into an opening hymn celebrating the resurrection. A hymn like one of the following:
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Up From The Grave He Arose
He Rose Triumphantly
The Easter Song
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Another Easter idea.
Leader:
Easter is chocolate bunnies,
People:
And little yellow chicks,
Leader:
And straw-filled baskets,
People:
And pretty Easter dresses.
Leader:
Easter is visits to Grandma's,
People:
And spring vacation,
Leader:
And beautiful Easter lilies,
People:
And loud music at church.
Leader:
But Easter is also the silent witness of the empty tomb,
People:
And the angel's confident message,
Leader:
"He is not here. He is risen."
People:
And the skeptical response of some,
Leader:
"Could it really be?"
People:
And the hopeful response of others,
Leader:
"Could it really be?"
People:
Easter is all these things,
Leader:
But mostly Easter is resurrection!
People:
It is the end of darkness, the victory of life,
Leader:
Freedom from despair, and hope for tomorrow.
People:
It is the coronation of our King!
Leader:
And the celebration of his eternal reign.
People:
Praise the Lord, for he has risen!
Leader:
Praise the Lord!
People:
Amen.
Still another option.
Leader:
What does one say in the presence of God?
People:
Nothing!
Leader:
What does one do when surrounded by glory?
People:
Fall on your knees!
Leader:
What does one think when face to face with pure love?
People:
"Thank you!"
Leader:
How does one react when confronted by resurrection?
People:
Joyfully!
Leader:
Here this morning we stand in the presence of the God who loves us with a love so pure and true
People:
That he willingly suffered and died for us,
Leader:
And we celebrate the gift of new and eternal life
People:
That he freely offers us.
Leader:
O let us sing praise to God,
People:
And live this life to the fullest.
Leader:
Amen?
People:
Amen.
If you haven't found one you like yet, how about this one? It is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Leader:
We want you to understand about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that through him, God will raise all who have already fallen asleep.
People:
Praise God for this victory.
Leader:
We also believe that those alive when the Lord returns will see him descend from heaven with a shout and the sound of God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first; then the living will be gathered with them in the clouds to meet the Lord; and so we shall always be with him.
People:
This is the greatest story ever told.
Leader:
The greatest news ever heard.
People:
O God, we praise you for your resurrection,
Leader:
For the erasing of our sins,
People:
And for the new and eternal life we have in you.
Leader:
Be therefore comforted by these words, for in them is life itself.
People:
Amen.
Okay, just because it is Easter, one more.
Leader:
Early on the morning of the third day,
People:
While it was still dark,
Leader:
They came to the tomb
People:
Where their beloved friend
Leader:
Jesus
People:
Had been laid.
Leader:
They came to anoint his body,
People:
To pay respects,
Leader:
To mourn again,
People:
And say their good-byes.
Leader:
It was a sad moment
People:
They approached with sorrow and tears,
Leader:
But when they arrived
People:
The stone was rolled away,
Leader:
The tomb was empty,
People:
And suddenly
Leader:
Two men in dazzling clothing appeared.
People:
Angels!
Leader:
"Why," they said, "do you seek the living among the dead?"
People:
He is not here!
Leader:
He has risen! Just as he said!
People:
Hallelujah!
Leader:
He has risen!
Prayer Of Confession
This Confession celebrates life and laments that we often miss it.
Leader:
All about us the world is exploding to life,
People:
Soothing sunshine,
Leader:
Refreshing rainfall,
People:
Tantalizing tulip,
Leader:
Beautiful bird song.
People:
And we miss it.
Leader:
Too blind, or too busy.
People:
We miss it.
Leader:
The baby is beginning to walk,
People:
When did that happen?
Leader:
Grandma and Grandpa are here to visit,
People:
We have too much work to do.
Leader:
The sunset was glorious tonight.
People:
What sunset?
Leader:
Snuggling with the children,
People:
A barbecue with friends,
Leader:
Dancing with the one you love,
People:
Laughing with the kids,
Leader:
Life! God's gift! It's everywhere!
People:
And we miss it.
Leader:
But, the message of Easter is that life is always available.
People:
Full, abundant, everlasting life!
Leader:
All we have to do is open our hearts to him
People:
And he will open our eyes to see.
Leader:
Amen!
Sometimes we wonder if Easter is just wishful thinking. This prayer acknowledges that.
Leader:
They ran with their good news.
People:
"He is risen!" they cried.
Leader:
"The tomb was empty!"
People:
"The angels said, 'He is risen.' "
Leader:
But these words seemed to them just an idle tale,
People:
Nothing more than wishful thinking.
Leader:
And they did not believe.
People:
O God, who raises men and women from the dead,
Leader:
Give us the eyes of faith,
People:
That we not only hear their words,
Leader:
But believe
People:
Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.
Leader:
God has conquered death.
People:
Lord, may we believe!
Leader:
Amen.
Again a prayer that struggles with the unbelievability of it all.
Leader:
He is risen!
People:
O Lord, we have heard those words a thousand times, but they are so hard to believe.
Leader:
A man dead for three days raised up to new life?
People:
Our hearts say, "Yes,"
Leader:
But our heads say, "No."
People:
It can't happen.
Leader:
When you're dead, you're dead. It's as simple as that.
People:
But there is a part of us that cries out,
Leader:
"No! It's not that simple! Just because it can't be proved does not mean it isn't true."
People:
Life is full of mysteries and unknowns.
Leader:
Maybe resurrection is just one of them.
People:
It can't be proved,
Leader:
It can only be believed.
People:
O Lord, help us to believe. Amen.
Assurance Of Pardon
Leader:
But know this; whether we believe it or not, it is true.
People:
One day 2,000 years ago,
Leader:
Some women found his tomb empty.
People:
Some said it was because his body had been stolen,
Leader:
But that was a lie to hide the incredible truth.
People:
He has risen indeed!
Leader:
Eternal life is possible.
People:
Eternal life is possible.
Leader:
For all who believe in him shall not perish,
People:
But shall have
Leader:
Eternal life.
Alternative.
Here is the good news: He is not dead -- he lives -- and all who believe in him shall never taste death. Praise God -- Glory to God in the highest. He lives!
Prayer For Illumination
Awesome God, shine the light of your resurrection power into our hearts and minds this morning, transforming the old, dead ways of thinking, feeling, and acting into new, alive, and vibrant ways. In the name of our risen Savior we pray. Amen.
Risen Lord, let your Word take flesh once again among us. Lift up our hearts with the glad news of the resurrection, with this story that is so wonderful that we sometimes find it hard to believe. As we read this good news Easter after Easter, show us ever more of the depth of your grace and make us always more aware of your risen presence among us. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
Let us pray: Risen redeemer, you are life to us, for in you the last enemy, death, is defeated. Fill our hearts this day with the joy of your victory. Open us to the possibilities of living into this victory both in this life and the next, and help us to bear witness to this victory in our lives and words. Minister your victory now to those in deep need. We pray for ...
Those to whom sickness has come ...
Those who have been stricken by a loss ...
Those who are oppressed by difficulties in life ...
Those in despair over brokenness in a relationship ...
Those grieved by the depth of their sin ...
Those who are hungry ...
Those suffering injustice ...
Those living in the maelstrom of the Middle East ...
Our troops ...
Our Iraqi brothers and sisters ...
Our leaders ...
Be the resurrection and the life to each of these this day. Amen.
Benediction
The Hallelujah Chorus makes a great benediction for Easter Sunday.
Or ...
He is not dead!
He is alive!
In Christ -- we shall never die
But shall live forevermore!
Praise God!
Hymns
Alive Again
All Hail To The Prince Of Life
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia Song Of Gladness
Awake My Heart With Gladness
Beautiful Morning
Because He Lives
Bells Of Easter, The
Christ Arose
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Christ Is Risen!
Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands
Day Of Resurrection, The
Easter Bells
Easter Song
Hail, Mighty Victor
Hallelujah! Christ Is Risen
Happy Morn Is Come, The
He Is Not Here, But Is Risen!
He Rose Triumphantly
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Jesus Lives!
Joy Dawned Again On Easter Day
Morning Breaks Upon The Tomb
O Happy Day
On The Resurrection Morning
Sing The Joy Of Easter Day
When Christ Arose
Up From The Grave He Arose
Contemporary Choruses
All Hail King Jesus, Dave Moody
I Am The Resurrection And The Life
I Looked Up
Lord Of The Dance, The (also called "I Danced In The Morning")
A great celebration hymn. Super for closing an Easter service.
My Redeemer Lives, Reuben Morgan
Shout To The Lord, Darlene Zschech
That's Why We Praise Him, Tommy Walker
This Is The Day The Lord Hath Made
Victory In Jesus, Eugene M. Bartlett
Other Music
I Can Only Imagine, Mercy Me
This beautiful song is perfect for Easter. It is from the CD Almost There. Accompaniment tapes are available from bookstores and at the website. The chorus to this song is:
Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujahs, Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine ...
Don't It Make Ya Want To Go?, Newsong
This description of the next life, resurrection life, will make you yearn for the kingdom of God.
This mini-drama can be used to open worship.
The Women At The Tomb
"The Easter Song" by Keith Green can be found both in some compilations of contemporary Christian music and in at least one hymnal -- The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration published by WORD. This little drama is based on the song.
As a soloist sings the song a cappella -- three women enter and approach a tomb where they make an announcement beginning the service. In our church we did it this way ...
(Church bell begins to chime. As the bell rings the soloist begins the song.)
Soloist: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing that you can be born again.
(At this point three women dressed in period robes enter down the center aisle)
Soloist: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing "Christ is risen from the dead."
(The women make their way to the front of the sanctuary where they take up their places on the right side near a doorway that has been covered with paper and made to look like a tomb entrance. A tall ladder stands beside this tomb. Sitting atop the ladder is a young man or woman dressed as an angel.)
Soloist: The angel up on the tombstone said, "He is risen just as he said. Quickly now, go tell the disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead. Joy to the world, He is risen, alleluia! He's risen, alleluia! He's risen, alleluia! Alleluia!"
(During this time the women fall to their knees, faces to the ground. The church bells begin ringing again as the angel finishes the announcement he or she descends the ladder and leaves the stage.)
Soloist: Hear the bells ringing; they're singing that you can be born again. Hear the bells ringing; they're singing, "Christ is risen from the dead!"
(Here the soloist fades out. The bells continue ringing for a moment. Then they stop. The women now stand and excitedly speak to each other.)
Woman 1: He is alive. He is alive.
Woman 2: I knew he wouldn't leave us.
Woman 3: (Pulling the sleeve of the others back down the center aisle) Come on, we must go tell the others. Everyone needs to know. (As they go back down the center aisle they stop and tell several people loudly -- "He is risen. Christ the Lord is risen today!")
(At this point the organist begins the introduction to the hymn "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today" and the congregation begins singing.)
Here is a more conventional opening to your Easter service.
Leader:
They say Jesus has risen from the dead!
People:
I don't believe it.
Leader:
Neither do I.
People:
I mean, when you die that's it, isn't it?
Leader:
I've always thought so.
People:
But the tomb was empty.
Leader:
And dead people don't just get up and walk away.
People:
And some people we know say they have seen him,
Leader:
Even touched him.
People:
Is it possible?
Leader:
Could it really be true?
People:
No, that's crazy; or is it?
Leader:
After all, he wasn't like other men.
People:
God was with him in a special way.
Leader:
And all things are possible with God.
People:
So maybe, just maybe ...
Go quickly into an opening hymn celebrating the resurrection. A hymn like one of the following:
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Up From The Grave He Arose
He Rose Triumphantly
The Easter Song
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Another Easter idea.
Leader:
Easter is chocolate bunnies,
People:
And little yellow chicks,
Leader:
And straw-filled baskets,
People:
And pretty Easter dresses.
Leader:
Easter is visits to Grandma's,
People:
And spring vacation,
Leader:
And beautiful Easter lilies,
People:
And loud music at church.
Leader:
But Easter is also the silent witness of the empty tomb,
People:
And the angel's confident message,
Leader:
"He is not here. He is risen."
People:
And the skeptical response of some,
Leader:
"Could it really be?"
People:
And the hopeful response of others,
Leader:
"Could it really be?"
People:
Easter is all these things,
Leader:
But mostly Easter is resurrection!
People:
It is the end of darkness, the victory of life,
Leader:
Freedom from despair, and hope for tomorrow.
People:
It is the coronation of our King!
Leader:
And the celebration of his eternal reign.
People:
Praise the Lord, for he has risen!
Leader:
Praise the Lord!
People:
Amen.
Still another option.
Leader:
What does one say in the presence of God?
People:
Nothing!
Leader:
What does one do when surrounded by glory?
People:
Fall on your knees!
Leader:
What does one think when face to face with pure love?
People:
"Thank you!"
Leader:
How does one react when confronted by resurrection?
People:
Joyfully!
Leader:
Here this morning we stand in the presence of the God who loves us with a love so pure and true
People:
That he willingly suffered and died for us,
Leader:
And we celebrate the gift of new and eternal life
People:
That he freely offers us.
Leader:
O let us sing praise to God,
People:
And live this life to the fullest.
Leader:
Amen?
People:
Amen.
If you haven't found one you like yet, how about this one? It is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Leader:
We want you to understand about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that through him, God will raise all who have already fallen asleep.
People:
Praise God for this victory.
Leader:
We also believe that those alive when the Lord returns will see him descend from heaven with a shout and the sound of God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first; then the living will be gathered with them in the clouds to meet the Lord; and so we shall always be with him.
People:
This is the greatest story ever told.
Leader:
The greatest news ever heard.
People:
O God, we praise you for your resurrection,
Leader:
For the erasing of our sins,
People:
And for the new and eternal life we have in you.
Leader:
Be therefore comforted by these words, for in them is life itself.
People:
Amen.
Okay, just because it is Easter, one more.
Leader:
Early on the morning of the third day,
People:
While it was still dark,
Leader:
They came to the tomb
People:
Where their beloved friend
Leader:
Jesus
People:
Had been laid.
Leader:
They came to anoint his body,
People:
To pay respects,
Leader:
To mourn again,
People:
And say their good-byes.
Leader:
It was a sad moment
People:
They approached with sorrow and tears,
Leader:
But when they arrived
People:
The stone was rolled away,
Leader:
The tomb was empty,
People:
And suddenly
Leader:
Two men in dazzling clothing appeared.
People:
Angels!
Leader:
"Why," they said, "do you seek the living among the dead?"
People:
He is not here!
Leader:
He has risen! Just as he said!
People:
Hallelujah!
Leader:
He has risen!
Prayer Of Confession
This Confession celebrates life and laments that we often miss it.
Leader:
All about us the world is exploding to life,
People:
Soothing sunshine,
Leader:
Refreshing rainfall,
People:
Tantalizing tulip,
Leader:
Beautiful bird song.
People:
And we miss it.
Leader:
Too blind, or too busy.
People:
We miss it.
Leader:
The baby is beginning to walk,
People:
When did that happen?
Leader:
Grandma and Grandpa are here to visit,
People:
We have too much work to do.
Leader:
The sunset was glorious tonight.
People:
What sunset?
Leader:
Snuggling with the children,
People:
A barbecue with friends,
Leader:
Dancing with the one you love,
People:
Laughing with the kids,
Leader:
Life! God's gift! It's everywhere!
People:
And we miss it.
Leader:
But, the message of Easter is that life is always available.
People:
Full, abundant, everlasting life!
Leader:
All we have to do is open our hearts to him
People:
And he will open our eyes to see.
Leader:
Amen!
Sometimes we wonder if Easter is just wishful thinking. This prayer acknowledges that.
Leader:
They ran with their good news.
People:
"He is risen!" they cried.
Leader:
"The tomb was empty!"
People:
"The angels said, 'He is risen.' "
Leader:
But these words seemed to them just an idle tale,
People:
Nothing more than wishful thinking.
Leader:
And they did not believe.
People:
O God, who raises men and women from the dead,
Leader:
Give us the eyes of faith,
People:
That we not only hear their words,
Leader:
But believe
People:
Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.
Leader:
God has conquered death.
People:
Lord, may we believe!
Leader:
Amen.
Again a prayer that struggles with the unbelievability of it all.
Leader:
He is risen!
People:
O Lord, we have heard those words a thousand times, but they are so hard to believe.
Leader:
A man dead for three days raised up to new life?
People:
Our hearts say, "Yes,"
Leader:
But our heads say, "No."
People:
It can't happen.
Leader:
When you're dead, you're dead. It's as simple as that.
People:
But there is a part of us that cries out,
Leader:
"No! It's not that simple! Just because it can't be proved does not mean it isn't true."
People:
Life is full of mysteries and unknowns.
Leader:
Maybe resurrection is just one of them.
People:
It can't be proved,
Leader:
It can only be believed.
People:
O Lord, help us to believe. Amen.
Assurance Of Pardon
Leader:
But know this; whether we believe it or not, it is true.
People:
One day 2,000 years ago,
Leader:
Some women found his tomb empty.
People:
Some said it was because his body had been stolen,
Leader:
But that was a lie to hide the incredible truth.
People:
He has risen indeed!
Leader:
Eternal life is possible.
People:
Eternal life is possible.
Leader:
For all who believe in him shall not perish,
People:
But shall have
Leader:
Eternal life.
Alternative.
Here is the good news: He is not dead -- he lives -- and all who believe in him shall never taste death. Praise God -- Glory to God in the highest. He lives!
Prayer For Illumination
Awesome God, shine the light of your resurrection power into our hearts and minds this morning, transforming the old, dead ways of thinking, feeling, and acting into new, alive, and vibrant ways. In the name of our risen Savior we pray. Amen.
Risen Lord, let your Word take flesh once again among us. Lift up our hearts with the glad news of the resurrection, with this story that is so wonderful that we sometimes find it hard to believe. As we read this good news Easter after Easter, show us ever more of the depth of your grace and make us always more aware of your risen presence among us. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
Let us pray: Risen redeemer, you are life to us, for in you the last enemy, death, is defeated. Fill our hearts this day with the joy of your victory. Open us to the possibilities of living into this victory both in this life and the next, and help us to bear witness to this victory in our lives and words. Minister your victory now to those in deep need. We pray for ...
Those to whom sickness has come ...
Those who have been stricken by a loss ...
Those who are oppressed by difficulties in life ...
Those in despair over brokenness in a relationship ...
Those grieved by the depth of their sin ...
Those who are hungry ...
Those suffering injustice ...
Those living in the maelstrom of the Middle East ...
Our troops ...
Our Iraqi brothers and sisters ...
Our leaders ...
Be the resurrection and the life to each of these this day. Amen.
Benediction
The Hallelujah Chorus makes a great benediction for Easter Sunday.
Or ...
He is not dead!
He is alive!
In Christ -- we shall never die
But shall live forevermore!
Praise God!
Hymns
Alive Again
All Hail To The Prince Of Life
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia Song Of Gladness
Awake My Heart With Gladness
Beautiful Morning
Because He Lives
Bells Of Easter, The
Christ Arose
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Christ Is Risen!
Christ Jesus Lay In Death's Strong Bands
Day Of Resurrection, The
Easter Bells
Easter Song
Hail, Mighty Victor
Hallelujah! Christ Is Risen
Happy Morn Is Come, The
He Is Not Here, But Is Risen!
He Rose Triumphantly
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Jesus Lives!
Joy Dawned Again On Easter Day
Morning Breaks Upon The Tomb
O Happy Day
On The Resurrection Morning
Sing The Joy Of Easter Day
When Christ Arose
Up From The Grave He Arose
Contemporary Choruses
All Hail King Jesus, Dave Moody
I Am The Resurrection And The Life
I Looked Up
Lord Of The Dance, The (also called "I Danced In The Morning")
A great celebration hymn. Super for closing an Easter service.
My Redeemer Lives, Reuben Morgan
Shout To The Lord, Darlene Zschech
That's Why We Praise Him, Tommy Walker
This Is The Day The Lord Hath Made
Victory In Jesus, Eugene M. Bartlett
Other Music
I Can Only Imagine, Mercy Me
This beautiful song is perfect for Easter. It is from the CD Almost There. Accompaniment tapes are available from bookstores and at the website
Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujahs, Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine ...
Don't It Make Ya Want To Go?, Newsong
This description of the next life, resurrection life, will make you yearn for the kingdom of God.
