Easter Worship Service (at home)
April 12, 2020 (during the season of COVID-19 Virus Quarantine)
Faxon-Kenmar United Methodist Church, Williamsport, PA
(Preparation for our worship today: Please gather two items. 1) your bible and turn to Gospel of John 20:1-18. 2) a candle, if you have one and a lighter.)
Prelude “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” – Victor Johnson
(Pic 1)
Welcome
Grace and peace to you. We are thankful you are joining us for worship today as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus during this time of distancing and staying at home due to the COVID-19 virus.
Call to Worship
L: Don’t weep! Don’t mourn! There is great Good News!
P: Christ the Lord is risen today!
L: Put away your garments of mourning; let the light of God’s love flood into your lives.
P: Christ the Lord is risen today!
L: No more do we have to fear the darkness; it has been overcome by God’s light.
P: Christ the Lord is risen today. ALLELUIA!
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that like the disciples of old, we ran and hid, in our hearts, from the terror and sadness of the crucifixion. We didn’t want to be there. We found ways of avoiding the scene and pretending that it was all a bad dream. But it wasn’t a dream. Jesus our Lord was crucified. That’s a fact. And we were numbed by the news. But now we have been given the most blessed gift of forgiveness for our stupidity and stubbornness; we have been given the gift of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. New Light has shined in our deep darkness. Restore us again to your presence. Soften our hard hearts. Brighten our spirits, for we ask this in the name of the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Do not fear. God has conquered death. Jesus Christ, who was crucified, is risen from the dead. Love has been poured out again for each one of us. ALLELUIA! AMEN.
Special Music “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth/Christ Arose” – Kevin Boesiger
(Pic 2)
Prayer
Let us pray to God, who alone makes us dwell in safety:
For all who are affected by coronavirus, through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery:
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who are guiding our nation at this time, and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions: Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers, that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health:
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
For all of the workers keeping our country moving, that through their work
All of us may be helped as one: Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
For the vulnerable and the fearful, for the gravely ill and the dying,
that they may know your comfort and peace:
Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us.
For the resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ,
For the power in our lives that comes when we choose to put our faith in Christ,
Help us tell the story of God’s power in all ways
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy, protection and embrace of God.
Holy God and Creator of us all,
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Gospel reading (you are invited to read out loud) John 20:1-18
Message “The Old, Old Story for This New Day”
(Pic 3)
Benediction
Alleluia! This is a day of new beginnings! This is the day of brightness and hope! For God has done wondrous things for us! Go in joyful peace and know that God’s peace and love go with you always. ALLELUIA! AMEN.
Postlude “Festive Postlude on Llanfair” – Mary McDonald
(Pic 4)
Rev Susan Halverstadt, Pastor
David Koskey, Director of Music
Faxon-Kenmar UMC is using CCLI Streaming License 3356248 Exp. 3.31.21.
