CCLI license #1913561
Lakeview Presbyterian Church
Service of the Word for April 17, 2022
Easter
Opening Words
Early on the first day of the week, the disciples of Jesus went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried only to find that the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty.
Welcome Rev. Lois Lehman
Friends, we gather here as Christ’s disciples, on the first day of the week, to celebrate the good news of the gospel: Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Lord.
Prelude
*Hymn “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” TPH # 123
Litany for Easter
Planted in love by God and nourished by the life-giving vine that is Christ Jesus,
Our lives in this world can be fruitful.
Fruitfulness is the evidence that we are being fed by Christ, the true vine.
We are not the source of life; we are a branch of the vine.
We are called to be a channel of God’s love,
a willing vehicle by which all the world may be fed by God’s bounty.
Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Living God, by your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see the new light of this day; open our lips to tell of the empty tomb; open our hearts to believe the good news; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles 10: 34—43 NRSV
Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ-- he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Hymn: (please remain seated) “The Strife Is O’er ” TPH # 119
Reading from the Gospel Luke 24: 1—12 NRSV
On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,but when they went in, they did not find the body.While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them.The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again."Then they remembered his words,and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 1But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
Sermon “The Day of Resurrection” Rev. Russell Lehman
*Affirmation of Faith from A Brief Statement of Faith (pcusa, 1990),
In life and in death we belong to God.
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God.
Jesus proclaimed the reign of God:
preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives,
teaching by word and deed and blessing the children,
healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted,
eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners,
and calling all to repent and believe the gospel.
Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition,
Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain
and giving his life for the sins of the world.
God raised this Jesus from the dead,
vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil,
delivering us from death to life eternal.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer and a time of silent prayer…
Lord’s Prayer (This is the Ecumenical Version; feel free to use the words of your choice)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen
Minute for Mission - OGHS
A Statement about Offering our Gifts
God’s abundant grace brings us hope, this and every day. With gratitude for all of God’s gifts, we are called to share what we have received with our neighbors near and far. This morning’s One Great Hour of Sharing offering will help to repair the breach, bridge the gap and build longer tables, that all God’s people in every place may receive nourishment, shelter and care.
Donations can be made online, or placed in the offering plate near the baptismal font.
Special Music
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
We give thanks, O God, for these gifts we lift up to you. We pray that these resources will help to alleviate suffering, offer compassionate care, and feed those who live with food insecurity. Grant that all of our gifts — our time, our talent and our treasure — may serve to strengthen and restore your creation in all places. Grant that all we say and do with all of our gifts — and with our very lives — may be a form of prayer, responding to your grace with gratitude. Amen.
*Hymn “Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” TPH # 104
Announcements
Charge and Blessing
Go out with joy to tell good news: Jesus Christ is risen!
Alleluia!
You are witnesses to the resurrection; you are messengers of the gospel.
Go forth to tell the good news: Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Postlude