Easter Together

Worship Guide • Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

It is good to be together to celebrate Easter! As you worship with us today, you may choose to participate through the video options below, especially if you are alone in your setting. Or you may prefer to sing or pray with the printed words. If you are worshiping with others, invite one person to read the light print while everyone joins in the bold print.

EASTER GREETING

Repeat this traditional greeting several times. Shouting is encouraged! Or you can shout along with the video.

Christ is risen!
Risen indeed! Alleluia!

HYMN

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

You can find this hymn in the United Methodist Hymnal at #302. If you sing along with the video, the words are included on the screen.

Text by Charles Wesley, music Lyra Davidica, Public Domain.

AN EASTER PSALM FOR CHILDREN

Even if you’re not a child, you’re invited to join in this ancient psalm of celebration! Watch the video to learn easy motions as you sing.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day, this is the day,
that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice, let us rejoice,
and be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day,
that the Lord has made!

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

Prepare to hear the Good News by using your hands to point to your eyes, your ears, and your heart as you silently open yourself to God. In the video, this spoken prayer is led by a young child.

Prayer written by Mark Burrrows. Used with permission.

THE EASTER STORY PROCLAIMED

John 20:1-18 | Click for Full Text
New Revised Standard Version

You may want to read this traditional scripture story aloud from your own Bible, or watch the video to hear and see it proclaimed by United Methodists all across our region.

The Word of God for the people of God.

Alleluia.

SERMON

Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky shares Easter reflections in the video, speaking into this moment with a hope-filled reminder that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.

Alternatively, you might sit in silence to contemplate the scripture.

Download Manuscript

THANKSGIVING

The video offers a ritual celebrating our hands, and exploring our ability to use our hands even when we cannot touch one another…or Jesus. It also includes the refrain from the song “Without Seeing You.”

If you prefer, spend some time looking at your hands and thinking about how you can use your hands to help others.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

We pray together. As you read each line, say out loud the names or places you are praying for. Or watch the video to be led in the same prayer by a variety of leaders.

Together, let us pray.

For those who feel isolated and alone. . .	Loving God, hear our prayer.
For those who are sick or grieving . . .	Loving God, hear our prayer.
For those who are without homes and food. . .	Loving God, hear our prayer.
For teachers, students, and parents. . .	Loving God, hear our prayer.
For first responders and medical professionals. . .	Loving God, hear our prayer.
For the whole church and its ministry . . .	Loving God, hear our prayer.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 glory, forever.
Amen.

As a response to the gift of giving, join in singing the Honduras Alleluia (or sing with the video):

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
El Señor resucito./Now the Lord is ris’n indeed.

Trad. Honduran, Public Domain

OFFERING & SUNG RESPONSE

Bishop Stanovsky is offering us multiple options to be together as Christ alive, caring for people today: First, we hope that you are continuing to financially support your local church, to your ability at this time, so that it can carry on with its vital mission and ministry.

Second, we’d like to invite you to contribute to a Greater Northwest Area-wide Fund for Families, which supports local churches partnering with community groups to offer targeted financial support to neighbors on the margins who are most vulnerable to the financial impact of COVID-19.

Text the code “GNWFFF” to 44-321 to give now. On your computer? Visit: http://bit.ly/gnwfff

BLESSING AND CHARGE

Elders and deacons from the far corners of the Greater Northwest join with Bishop Stanovsky to conclude the service, followed by music improvised by high school student Lauren M. as we watch Easter images contributed by the Resurrection People of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho! We are grateful to the many leaders who contributed to this worship service. Their names are listed at the end of the video.

If you prefer to offer your own blessing, you are invited to use these words:

Know that the creative power of the One who made your hands is in your very DNA!

With these hands, we will make music, sew masks, prepare food, paint pictures, teach others.

Know that the love of the Risen Christ will nurture and strengthen you in all things!

With these hands, we will share our gifts by writing checks, clicking on zoom links, and embracing soap, so that we will protect others.

Know that the wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing through our lives, connecting us in God’s love as the Body of Christ.

With these hands, write cards, send emails, make phone calls, reach out in love to share the message that Christ is risen and God’s love is victorious.

Know always that the hands, the arms, the heart of God will hold you in love, in peace, and in the joy of the Resurrection. Alleluia!!

Credits & Licensing

CCLI Basic/Streaming License #673584
CCS PERFORMmusic and WORSHIPcast License #6439

The design team for Easter Together included Laura Jaquith Bartlett (liturgical design), David Valera (video editing, design,and production), Teri Tobey (production manager), and Patrick Scriven (distribution and web design), working under the leadership of Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky.

But this project would not have been possible without the help and contributions of many amazing people across the Greater Northwest Area (and even a few beyond).

Click here for a full list of credits and thank yous.