Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
EASTER
10:00 am, April 24, 2011
HE IS RISEN! In the name of our living God,
we welcome you to this Easter service of celebration.
PRELUDE Worship begins as the music is played
ENTRANCE OF THE LIGHT
INVOCATION
Jesus Christ is alive! The Spirit of the living God meets us and calls us to new life, to new hope, and to a renewed belief. Not only do we receive the gift of the resurrected Christ, we also receive a challenge— to tell the world: Jesus Christ is alive and Jesus Christ is Lord. Hallelujah! Amen.
WELCOME
PRAISE SONGS "Up From the Grave" No. 320
"Christ the Lord is Risen"
CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: Christ is risen.
PEOPLE: Christ is risen indeed.
LEADER: God is alive …
PEOPLE: New birth is given.
LEADER: Hope is alive …
PEOPLE: A new age is dawning.
LEADER: Joy is alive …
PEOPLE: Redemption is here.
LEADER: Love is alive …
PEOPLE: Death cannot harm us.
LEADER: We are alive …
PEOPLE: New life is within us.
LEADER: The church is alive …
PEOPLE: God’s Spirit is within us.
ALL: God of life, we worship you.
God of creation, we praise you. God of revelation, we learn from you. God of resurrection, we are here to celebrate you. Amen SPECIAL MUSIC “He's Alive” Lee Hunold CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering
*Doxology
*Prayer of Dedication
*HYMN OF PREPARATION Easter People, Raise Your Voices 304
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 28:1-10
SERMON “Easter People” Pastor Kathy Harmon
We believe in an Easter God, who transforms darkness into light, hatred into tolerance, and despair into hope.
We believe in always working for good, changing every Good Friday nightmare into an Easter dream of possibilities.
We believe in the risen Christ, who befriends us on our roads of searching and worry; who touches us through song, word and gesture; who calls us by name to enter the dance of life.
We believe in the Spirit, the hidden presence behind every resurrection, who beckons us to leave tomblike safety and trust the gracious invitation to live joyfully.
We believe the Spirit is always renewing the church and making us a people who practice kindness, encourage beauty and work for justice and freedom.
We believe we are an Easter people, a sign that with God all things are possible. Amen
*HYMN FOR GOING FORTH Christ the Lord is Risen Today 302
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
Jesus Christ is risen! The miracle has happened. God’s love reigns supreme. Go forth from this place to share God’s love with everyone you meet. You are Easter people. Live each day in the assurance of God’s amazing power. Go in peace. Go in joy. Go in hope! Amen
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
