She came to the garden in darkness, but soon ran to find the other disciples as she discovered the tomb of Jesus open and empty, and resurrection dawned.
Like Mary Magdalene we greet the day of resurrection amidst the graves of loved ones. What begins in grief ends in joy and astonishment. You are invited!
Please note: there is a limit of 75 attendees for those wishing to worship in person at 10:30 AM. All must be masked and maintain social distancing. Chairs are not provided; please bring your own camp or lawn chairs. This service can also be found online after the event.
Worship Bulletin Below…
Easter Sunday
Union Presbyterian Church
April 4, 2021
God’s Story and Our Story: The Day of Resurrection
Sharing the Light of Christ, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Liturgist: Cathie Makowka Preacher: Rev. Pat Raube
Prelude Heather Ingraham
Invocation Cathie Makowka
Do not be alarmed;
you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,
who was crucified.
He has been raised; he is not here.
Look, there is the place they laid him.
Praise God, who brings life out of death and hope out of despair!
Praise God, who has raised Jesus Christ from the dead!
Alleluia, the Lord is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Hymn “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” UPC Singers
Easter Prayer Cathie Makowka
Glory to you, O God!
You have won victory over death,
raising Jesus from the grave,
and giving us eternal life.
Glory to you, O Christ!
For us and for our salvation you overcame death,
and opened the gate to everlasting life.
Glory to you, O Holy Spirit!
You lead us into the truth.
Glory to you, O Blessed Trinity,
now and forever. Amen.
Sharing of the Peace
In Christ’s glorious resurrection from the dead, the peace of God is made possible for all God’s creation, and for all God’s children. May the peace of God, Creator, Christ, and Spirit, be with all of us. May we all share the peace of God, this Easter day, and every day.
Scripture Acts 10:34-43 Cathie Makowka
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.”
Children’s Message Rev. Pat Raube
Scripture John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Response Holy Wisdom, Holy Word:
Thanks be to God!
Meditation Mary’s Resurrection Day Rev. Pat Raube
Anthem “Now the Green Blade Rises” UPC Singers
Prayers of the People Rev. Pat Raube
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Prayer Response/ Presentation of Offering Heather Ingraham/Usher
Time of Self-Offering/ Prayer of Dedication Rev. Pat Raube
Hymn “Lift High the Cross” UPC Singers
Benediction Rev. Pat Raube
Postlude