15. Year A - Easter Day

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VERSION: 29 April 2002

EASTER DAY

FIRST SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A

In 2002: 31 Mar

In 2005: 27 Mar

In 2008: 23 Mar

In 2011: 24 Apr

In 2014: 20 Apr

- - -

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Easter season' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

SENTENCE

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

Christ is risen. (Alleluia!)

He is risen indeed. (Alleluia!)

He has trampled down death by his death. (Alleluia)

He has given eternal life to us. (Alleluia)

OR

This is the day that the Lord has made; (Alleluia)

let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Alleluia) (Psalm 118:24 NRSV)

OR

Jesus says: I was dead, but see! I am alive forever and ever; (Alleluia)

and I have the keys to Death and Hades. (Alleluia) (Rev 1:18 NRSV)

PASCHAL CANDLE

If the paschal candle has not been lit during the Easter vigil, it may be lit at the beginning of the service using the following responses instead of the opening sentences.

Christ is risen. (Alleluia!)

He is risen indeed. (Alleluia!)

Christ has trampled down death by his death,

and has brought light to those in the grave.

And to us he has given eternal life.

Thanks be to God.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

The paschal candle may be lit.

Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be glad,

and all creation, both seen and unseen, keep the feast.

Thanks be to God.

The candle may be lifted up.

May the light of Christ, rising in glory,

dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

Thanks be to God.

The candle is then placed in its stand in the sanctuary.

The light of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONFESSION OF SINS

Friends in Christ:

God the Father gave Jesus to die for our sins

and raised him to life in order to put us right with himself.

Let us confess our sins to God our Father,

and ask him to forgive us

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Continue with the call to confession according to the order being used.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

For variations to the 'Lord, have mercy', see the document 'Easter season' (under 'Liturgy', 'Lord, have mercy' and under 'Hymns and songs' 'Lord, have mercy'), in the 'General and seasonal' folder, or use one of the following for Easter Day (based on the German).

Jesus Christ,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, you suffered under Pontius Pilate,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, you were crucified between two criminals,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, you died amidst ridicule and contempt,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, you were buried like all the dead,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, you rose again on the third day,

have mercy on us.

Jesus, you are exalted at God's right hand,

have mercy on us.

OR

Let us call on the Lord, to whom we belong through our baptism.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have broken the power of death:

Lord, have mercy.

You share your own life with us:

Christ, have mercy.

You fill us with hope and joy:

Lord, have mercy.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)

For a dawn service

Traditional

O God,

since you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ,

to suffer death upon the cross

for our redemption,

and to deliver us from the power of the enemy

by his glorious resurrection:

Grant us so to die daily to sin,

so that we may live forever with him

who died and rose again for us,

and who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

OR, modernised traditional

O God,

you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ,

to redeem us by dying on the cross,

and to rescue us from the power of the enemy

by rising from the dead.

With each new day,

put to death everything that is sinful in us,

so that we may live forever with him

who died and rose again for us,

and who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

For the main service of the day

Traditional

Almighty God,

since you have overcome sin and death

by the death of your Son,

and have restored innocence and eternal life

by his resurrection,

so that we may be delivered from the power of the devil

and live in your kingdom:

Grant that we may confidently believe this

and always praise you with our whole heart;

through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, modernised traditional

Almighty God,

you have overcome sin and death

through the death of your Son,

and have brought forgiveness and eternal life

through his resurrection.

Help us confidently to believe this

and always praise you with our whole heart.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, another traditional

Almighty God,

you have overcome death

through your Son Jesus Christ,

and have opened for us

the gate to eternal life.

As you give us good desires,

help us continually

to bring them to good effect.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)

(Let us pray that we rejoice in Christ's victory. [silence])

Everliving God,

we thank you that you have overcome

the old powers of sin and death

through the mighty resurrection of your Son,

and have made all things new in him.

Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ.

For he lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

FIRST READING

Acts 10:34-43 Summary of Jesus' life and ministry

OR

Jeremiah 31:1-6 God will rebuild Jerusalem

PSALM

Psalm 118:1,2,14-24

Antiphon:

This is the day that the Lord has made;

      (let us rejoice and be glad in it!)  Ps118:24 NRSV)

SECOND READING

Colossians 3:1-4 Your life is hidden with Christ in God

OR (if not used as the first reading)

Acts 10:34-43 Summary of Jesus' life and ministry

ALLELUIA VERSE

Alleluia.

(Since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again;

death no longer has any power over him.

Alleluia.)

Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.

Therefore, let us celebrate the festival. (1 Cor 5:7b,8a NRSV alt)

Alleluia.

OR

Alleluia.

Since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again;

death no longer has any power over him.

Alleluia.

The life he lives, he lives to God. (Rom 6:9,10)

Alleluia.

GOSPEL

John 20:1-18 Mary finds the tomb empty and Jesus appears to her

OR

Matthew 28:1-10 The first Easter morning

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ (, raised to live forever).

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for rising from death.

Let us share in your new life forever.

Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER

Everliving God,

let the resurrection of your Son

fill us with hope and joy.

May our lives and our gifts

help to bring your new life to others.

Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

Call to prayer

On this day of resurrection, let us pray that the light of Christ may rise over the whole world.

The regular response, OR:

May the light of Christ, rising in glory,

dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

Suggested intercessions

Concluding prayer

Lord of all creation, we thank you for the gift of light,

which you created in the beginning by the power of your word.

Shine the light of Christ upon us and all the world,

so that we may come to feast with you in eternal light;

through your Son, Jesus Christ, our light and our life,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR, the following prayer may be used (from 'Hymnic service with holy communion for Easter Day', in Approved Worship Services of the LCA)

Let us pray that the results of Christ's resurrection may be seen throughout the world.

Lord God, our loving heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Your Son, our Passover Lamb, has taken away the sin of the world. Forgive us and all people.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Your Son said, 'Peace be with you'. Bring your peace to the world and to our own country.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Your Son appeared to Mary Magdalene when she was weeping. Comfort those who are sad, lonely, or grieving.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Your Son met the women and asked them to tell the disciples about his resurrection. Guide Christians everywhere to witness to the resurrection in their lives.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Your Son proclaimed himself to the two disciples from the Scriptures and made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread. Reveal him to us and all people through the teaching of your word and the celebration of your holy meal.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Your Son strengthened the faith of Thomas by telling him to touch his hands and side. Reassure those whose who are troubled by doubts, and strengthen their faith in your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Your Son conquered death by his death and won the victory by his resurrection. Be with those who are dying, and lead them to life with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, grant that all who now celebrate these joyful holy days here on earth may finally praise you forever,with all the angels and saints in heaven. We ask this through your risen Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

OR

The following prayer, by Kevin Zwar, includes verses from the hymn 'I know that my Redeemer lives' (LHS 103, TIS 376), modernised, which could be sung by the congregation/choir/cantor.

O Holy Spirit of God, you are the Lord and giver of life. We thank you for the good news that Jesus is alive, and that through you, he is present with us today. You have changed our futures from despair to hope. Fill us with your joy in the Easter news which gives us a share in the greatest victory of all.

When we feel death creeping up on us, and a shiver goes up our spine, fill us with confidence in Christ and teach us to say/sing:

I know that my Redeemer lives.

What joy the blest assurance gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead;

he lives, my everlasting Head.

When we feel no one cares and no one wants to listen to us, or we cry out for help from deep down inside, hear us and teach us to say/sing:

He lives, to bless me with his love:

he lives, to plead for me above;

he lives my hungry soul to feed;

he lives to help in time of need.

If we are scared death will be the end of us, and our worn-out bodies will only turn to dust and ashes, and if we think this life is all there is, then lead us to rejoice in the promises you make and teach us to say/sing:

He lives and grants me daily breath;

he lives, and I shall conquer death;

he lives, my mansion to prepare;

he lives, to lead me safely there.

Every time we visit those pronounced terminally ill, or each time we gather round the coffin of a friend and loved one, point us to our risen Lord Jesus and teach us to say/sing:

He lives, all glory to his name;

he lives, my Saviour, still the same;

what joy the blest assurance gives,

I know that my Redeemer lives!

In confidence and joy, we celebrate the good news of the resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE

It is indeed right and good,

Lord God, holy Father,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks to you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

But most of all we praise you

for the glorious resurrection of your Son,

the true Passover Lamb,

who has taken away the sin of the world.

By his death he has destroyed death,

and by his rising again he has restored life.

And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter

and all the other witnesses of the resurrection,

with earth and sea and all their creatures,

and with angels and archangels,

cherubim and seraphim,

we adore and praise your glorious name:

COMMUNION INVITATION

Jesus says: 'Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.'

(Thanks be to God.)

Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

For an Easter post-communion prayer, see the document 'Easter season', under 'Prayer after communion', in the 'General and seasonal' folder. Alternatively, use the third prayer for the main service of the  day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Almighty God,

you have overcome death

through your Son Jesus Christ,

and have opened for us

the gate to eternal life.

As you have given us

the benefits of his death and resurrection

in this sacrament,

help us continually

to bring them to good effect in our lives.

We ask this through your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns

with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

SEASONAL BLESSING

This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

(May) the God of peace,

who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus,

provide you with every good thing you need

in order to do his will; . . .

DISMISSAL

Go in peace, as witnesses of the risen Lord.

Thanks be to God. OR In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS

Please note:        * =        Modernised version available

      G3, G4 . . . =        Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . .

      GS =        Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading (a):Acts 10:34-43

LHS

AT

TIS

First reading (b): Jeremiah 31:1-6

LHS

AT

TIS

Second reading (a): Colossians 3:1-4

LHS

AT

TIS

Second reading (b): Acts 10:34-43

As for first reading (a) above

Gospel (a): John 20:1-18

LHS

From the Easter sections, especially the following:

AT

TIS

Gospel (b): Matthew 28:1–10

LHS

As for Gospel (a)

AT

As for Gospel (a) plus

TIS

As for Gospel (a) plus

PSALM 118:1,2,14-24

For musical settings of Psalm 118:1,2,14-24 , see Music Packages 2, 5 and 8.

TIS 74, Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, is a version of Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,22-23,24.

OR

Use the energetic 'Psallite Deo/This is the day the Lord has made' in Music from Taize, Volume II, page 51. A strong cantor is required for this.

OR

ATN 2 is a paraphrase of Psalm 118:24 and may be used for the psalm.

OR

The following paraphrase of Psalm 118 by David Sch¸tz may be sung to the tune 'St Denio' (LHS 768, TIS 143). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Sch¸tz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

verses 1-2,14

Give thanks to the Lord, for his goodness and love.

'His love is forever', let Israel say:

The Lord is my strength, my salvation and might,

the homes of the righteous are filled with glad songs.

verses 15-16

'How bold and how brave is the power of the Lord;

so high and exalted, the power of the Lord!

The power of the Lord has brought vict'ry to us!

So mighty in battle, so steadfast in love!'

verse 17-18

So I shall not die - no, I'm sure I will live

to tell of the Lord and the things he has done.

And, though I was punished, because of my sin,

he did not forsake me or leave me to die.

verses 19-21

So open the door of the temple to me,

and let me go in to give thanks to the Lord.

The righteous shall enter the door of the Lord.

'My saving God, thank you for hearing my prayer.'

verses 22-24

The stone that the buiders rejected is now

the chief cornerstone of the temple of God.

The Lord God has done this, a marvellous sight,

The Lord made this day, let's rejoice and be glad.

EASTER SEQUENCE

The Easter sequence 'Victimae Paschali Laudes' (c 1030) may be sung after the second reading. It designed to be sung or said by choir, congregation and soloist ('Mary'). It may be performed dramatically as an encounter that takes place at the open tomb, similar to the Easter dialogue below.

First version

The following text is a fairly literal translation of the Easter sequence by David Sch¸tz. A choir and soloist(s) may wish to learn to sing it to the original plainsong chant, which may be found in the English Hymnal no. 130 (New English Hymnal, no. 519). If it is done in parts, the choir (or congregation) sings verses 1, 2, 3, and 4, then one or three (female) soloists ('Marys') sing verses 5, 6, and 7, with the congregation (or choir) singing the final verse 8.

      Christians, offer up your praise.

      now the innocence of Christ

      reconciles the sinner to the Father.

      Christ, the prince of life, was killed

      yet our Lord is living and victorious.

      what did you see on your way?

      the glory of Christ who now is risen.

      grave clothes lying cast aside.

      and now proceeds you into Galilee.

      Hear us, victorious King;

      Lord, have mercy. Amen. Alleluia.

Second version

The version of the Easter sequence given below (also translated by David Sch¸tz) may be sung to the tune St George, LHS 91. (Note that the hymn at LHS 91 is itself a loose paraphrase of the Easter sequence.) It may be sung entirely by the congregation or in parts as follows: verse 1 by a choir or the congregation or a soloist; verse 2a by a (male) soloist, verse 2b-d by one or three (female) soloists ('Marys'), and verse 3 by the congregation.

      to our final Sacrifice.

      Now the Lamb redeems the sheep

      leaving us no cause to weep;

      Christ, the sinless, makes us right

      in our heavenly Father's sight.

      Death contended in the strife,

      yet Christ reigns as Prince of Life.

      what you saw along your way.

      tomb of Christ, the living one,

      angel witnesses, we saw,

      Christ is risen from the dead!'

      we have seen our Saviour too!

      Now he lives no more to die,

      he has won the victory.

      Hear us, O triumphant King,

      as we shout aloud and sing:

      Kyrie eleison,

      Alleluia, and Amen.

See also below under 'Drama' for an Easter play that is based on the Easter sequence.

ALLELUIA VERSE

Make the alleluias big and musical and joyful and plenteous to celebrate the resurrection. In particular, consider using the 'Celtic Alleluia' by Christopher Walker with a selection of appropriate verses. See Gather (no. 117), Gather Australia (no. 141) or As One Voice (no. 13).

OR

The choir may rehearse and sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah for this day.

OR

If a hymnic verse is desired for the alleluia verse, verse 1 of 'All Christians, come, rejoice and sing!' (LH 105 modernised) may be used:

All Christians, come, rejoice and sing!

Now is the triumph of our King;

to all the world glad news we bring:

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

ACTS 10:34-43: This is the first sermon preached to non-Jews, Gentiles in the home of the Roman centurion Cornelius. The account we have is no doubt a brief digest of Peter's address. It is a comprehensive summary of the apostles' message and covers the Lord's ministry to humankind from the time of his baptism through to the day of judgment. Note that the importance of the resurrection and its witness by those chosen is based on the bodily proofs given the apostles. While Jesus is unequivocally ordained as final judge, yet his essential teaching is centred on forgiveness. The seeming creedal nature of the section is belied by the very personal and radical application Peter makes to the impartiality of God to include Gentiles in this salvation, which is universally offered.

JEREMIAH 31:1-6: While this section of Jeremiah's prophecy deals with God's restoration of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the chapters into which it fits speak of all the people of God captive in Babylonia, and beyond into the church of the New Testament. Just as God rescued the people from Egypt and cared for them in the desert, so also through his forgiveness there will be a fruitful return to the blessings once enjoyed in Samaria. Jesus' ministry with the gospel in Samaria was emblematic of the free salvation which restores sinners of all nations of the earth to joy of worship and service together with the Spirit of the only true God.

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4: Being raised with Christ (in baptism we both died and rose together with Christ) clearly means a transformation of one's thinking and practice in living. The Christian's spiritual life is to be consistent with the glory in which Christ our Lord lives together with the Father. While this glory is presently unseen by the world, yet when ultimately the Lord returns in glory then that same glory will be seen also in his believers.

JOHN 20:1-18: One of the strong indications as to the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus is the slowness of his immediate and best known friends and followers to believe that it had really happened. This is despite the repeated predictions of their Lord before his death. Peter and John did not believe the women, but did believe when they saw the manner in which the burial cloths lay collapsed in the tomb. They believed even though they had not yet comprehended the deep underlying prophetic reasons why he must rise. Mary did not recognise the Lord until he spoke personally to her. We also have believed as the Spirit has given us each personal attestation through Christ's word.

MATTHEW 28:1-10: Matthew's account of the resurrection of our Lord features miraculous events accompanying the supernatural appearance of the heavenly messenger to demonstrate the power of God over the human powers which were instrumental in the death of Jesus. While armed soldier guards lie prostrate in helpless fear, the faithful women (the two Marys) are invited to witness the already empty grave. They are commissioned to be the first to make known the compelling news of this central part of salvation. The risen Lord appears personally to confirm the directions of the angel concerning his prearranged meeting with the disciples in Galilee.

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS

Pictures or symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the gospel from Matthew could be accompanied by a picture like the illustration in TEV for Luke 24:6.

COLOURS

White and gold.

DECORATION

For ideas for additional decoration, see the document 'Easter season', under 'Visual arts', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

CROSS WITH FLOWERS

If a large, life-size cross was used for the 'Adoration of Christ on the Cross' on Good Friday, it may now be decorated with flowers. This can be done by covering the cross with chicken-wire, and placing the flowers into the wire.

AN EASTER GARDEN

See the document 'Easter season', under 'An Easter garden (with tomb)', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

ALLELUIA BANNER

The word of praise 'Alleluia' was banished before Ash Wednesday. Now it may be returned into the worshipping community by making a large, bright banner with the word 'Alleluia!' on it. This banner may be carried into the service either at the beginning of the service, or at the singing of the Alleluia.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'

See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

DRAMATISING THE READINGS

The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the gospel from John could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), Mary, and Jesus; or the gospel from Matthew could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), angel, Jesus.

Whichever gospel is read, it may be dramatised with the minister reading the narrator's part and others reading, acting or miming the parts of the witnesses at the tomb.

EASTER DIALOGUE

This very brief dramatic dialogue dramatises the confrontation between the women and the angels at the empty tomb. It may be performed before the greeting and prayer of the day (collect).

Two people, dressed in white gowns, stand either side of the altar. They represent the angels. Three other people, representing the three women at the tomb, approach the altar.

The angels hold up the ends of the white altar cloth towards the congregation.

Note: These resources provide for four ways of dramatising the scene at the empty tomb: The Easter dialogue, the Easter sequence, a dramatic reading of the gospel, or the longer Easter play. Although all options are given here, it is intended that no more than one of these options for dramatisation are taken up at the one service.

EASTER PLAY

From 'The Resurrection', the medieval York Pageant of the Carpenters; modernised by David Schubert.

This play could be performed at the beginning of the service for Easter Day or instead of the Easter dialogue between the hymn of adoration and the greeting preceding the collect. The characters could be in albs or surplices.

Characters:        Mary Magdalene

      Mary, mother of James

      Salome

      Angel

In front of the empty tomb, angel(s) heard singing softly a verse of an Easter hymn, eg LHS 88  (TIS 362) v1, 95 (TIS 379)  v1, 97 (TIS 367) v1, 765  (TIS 363) v1.

Enter the three Marys.

Magdalene       Oh, I might as well be dead.

      No-one has ever been so sad!

      My sorrow is all because my Lord

      is dead and gone from me.

      I've seen his suffering and his pain,

      and now his life has gone.

      He gave his help to all people,

      whenever they called on him.

Mary       Ah, who can soothe my grief,

      when I think of all his wounds?

      Jesus, who loved us all,

      and did no-one harm,

      is dead and buried now,

      for no reason at all.

Salome       For no reason at all

      the leaders have killed our Lord.

      He did no wrong to anyone.

      Whom can I go to for comfort,

      now that he is dead?

Magdalene       Now that he is dead, my sisters,

      let us go with the spices and perfumes

      we brought to anoint his wounds.

Mary       Let us go together and see his body.

      But I don't know how we can manage;

      we have no-one to help us,

      and how can we three remove the stone?

Salome       We could not do that

      unless there were more of us.

      It is too huge and heavy.

Magdalene       Sisters! A young man is sitting there,

      dressed in white clothing.

Mary       Yes, look, it is plain to see,

      the heavy stone has been rolled aside.

Salome       Let's go up close, whatever happens,

      to find the one who is our friend,

      and stay with him here.

An angel speaks to them.

Angel       You mourning women with sorrowful face,

      whom are you looking for here in this place?

Magdalene       Jesus, our Lord,

      who was put to death.

Angel       He is not here, I've come to say;

      the place is empty where he lay.

      If you come nearer, then you may

      see the shroud he wore.

      He has risen and gone his way,

      as he said before.

      He's risen from death triumphantly,

      as he said he would, and now he's free.

      He will be found in Galilee,

      alive and well.

      Now his disciples you must see,

      so go and tell.

Exit angel.

Magdalene       My sisters, since this is so,

      that he has risen from death,

      as the angel told us three,

      I will stay here and never go

      until I see him.

Mary       Mary, we need stay no longer here.

      Let's turn and go to Galilee.

Magdalene       Not till I see that faithful friend,

      my Lord and Saviour.

      So you go now, my sisters,

      and tell what we have seen.

Salome       What we have seen and heard we'll tell.

      Goodbye then, Mary, our sister.

Magdalene       God be with you and guide you.

Exeunt Mary and Salome.

Magdalene       Now what will happen to me?

      My heart almost breaks

      when I think of that body,

      how it was destroyed,

      hands and feet nailed to a tree,

      without any guilt.

      Without any guilt he was taken;

      he never did any wrong.

      And all the wounds that he suffered

      were for my sins.

      It was for my deeds that he died,

      and not his own.

      So nothing will make me happy, then,

      until I can meet with my Lord again.

Angel(s) and congregation sing another verse of the same hymn as before.

Exit Mary Magdalene.

CHILDREN

IDEAS FOR INVOLVING CHILDREN

Children can be involved in some of the following actions this day:

'COME AND SEE JESUS'

The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

The story for Easter Sunday for year A is: 'The resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10)' (to be found in both the original edition and the RCL edition Series A for Easter Sunday).