WPC worship notes Easter 2007

April 8, 2007			Easter Sunday

		Preparation for Worship		Christ Is Risen
		Risen Christ, when darkness overwhelms us may your dawn beckon. When fear paralyses us may your touch release us. When grief torments us may your peace enfold us. When memories haunt us may your presence heal us. When justice fails us may your anger ignite us. When apathy stagnates us may your challenge renew us. When courage leaves us may your spirit inspire us. When despair grips us may your hope restore us. And when death threatens us may your resurrection light lead us. Amen. Annabel Shilson-Thomas
We begin our worship today confronted by the mystery of the empty tomb much like the women who came to anoint the body of Jesus so long ago. Our introit joyfully announces that Christ is risen and the words of our call to worship reflects our celebration of this miracle. The choir, acolytes, and liturgists process in representing all our journeys from the world to this place of worship. We bring with us the cross and light of Christ symbolizing how Jesus is present in the world and in this sanctuary. We pray an Easter prayer this morning rather than our normal confession to highlight how this day of all days we are released from the guilt and burden of sin. Our silent reflection is a time when we can ask ourselves where we have seen the risen Christ in our lives. The sermon focuses on Mary Magdalene’s experience of the resurrection as recorded by John. The affirmation of faith is taken from a section of the Confession of 1967 titled New Life in Christ. Our communion this morning will be done through intinction. The symbolism of the congregation coming forward to dip the bread into the cup represents our gathering around the Lord’s Table as a family to share in the fellowship of God’s grace. In this way we embody the gift of love in movement and action. And it is appropriate we end with our Alleluias for the promise of resurrection.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH					Confession of 1967
The new life takes shape in a community in which we all know that God loves and accepts us in spite of what we are. We therefore accept ourselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand except God's grace. The new life does not release us from conflict with unbelief, pride, lust, fear. We still struggle with disheartening difficulties and problems. The new life finds its direction in the life of Jesus, his deeds and words, his struggles against temptation, his compassion, his anger, and his willingness to suffer death. Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is God's sign that God will consummate God’s work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ. Amen.
*EASTER PRAYER*
Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People:	O Christ, in your resurrection, the heavens and the earth rejoice. Alleluia! By your resurrection you broke open the gates of hell, and destroyed sin and death. Keep us victorious over sin. By your resurrection you raised the dead, and brought us from death to life. Guide us in the way of eternal life. By your resurrection you confounded the powers of this world, and filled us with joy. Give us joy in your service.
Leader:	By your resurrection you proclaimed good news to your followers, and brought salvation to the whole world.
People:	Direct our lives as your new creation.
Leader:	God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raised us with him and renew your gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
People: Leader: People:	Amen. Alleluia! Amen.