The document summarizes the order of service for a church's Easter Sunday worship. It includes an opening song, prayer, readings from Jeremiah and Psalms, a confession of sin and assurance of pardon, readings from Colossians and Matthew, a sermon, offering, and benediction. The overall theme is celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection and the new life and hope it brings through faith.

1. Parson’s Parish April 24, 2011

2. Opening song Gaither Vocal Band Better Day

3. Opening prayer We thank you, Father, that this is not only a new day, but also a special day of worship and rest, a day set aside by your commandment many hundreds of years ago when your people were wandering in the desert. And we thank you for the new meaning given to this day by the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead. So we now observe it not only as a day of rest and worship, but also as a day of celebration of new life.

4. Jeremiah 31:1-6 At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.2Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest,3the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.4Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.5Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit.6For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.”

5. Psalm 118:1-8 At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.2Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest,3the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.4Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall take your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.5Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit.6For there shall be a day when sentinels will call in the hill country of Ephraim: “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.”

6. Preparation for confession Gaither Vocal Band Where Could I Go?

7. Confession of Sin On this Easter Sunday morning we celebrate the new life in Christ that we enjoy here and now, and we rest in the assurance of new life after this temporary existence has run its course. In so doing we acknowledge that it is only through the triumph of Jesus Christ over sin and death that we enjoy this hope. In and of ourselves we are not worthy, and we depend on your grace. Hear this prayer of confession in the name of Jesus, who lives forever.

8. Assurance of pardon Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4

9. Colossians 3:1-11 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory

10. Matthew 28:1-10 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.2And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.4For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.5But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.6He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.7Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.”8So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.9Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

11. The sermon

12. The offering Receive these gifts as a prayer that the good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection will be spread in our community and around the world.

13. The benediction As we depart, in the fellowship of God the Father, let us remember: It is by God’s Goodness that we were brought into this world. It is by God’s Grace that we have been kept until this very hour. It is by God’s Love that we are being redeemed both now and forever more. Amen.