Easter Sunday: an alternative

Easter Sunday: an alternative

Developed with thanks from a short act of worship prepared for use at home by Rev John Wiseman of Nottingham East Methodist Circuit.

Call to worship

⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28, 5-6

Sing an Easter hymn

Pray

Life-giving God, Creator, sustainer, redeemer, we offer you praise and worship
Loving God, in Jesus you entered our lives: we thank you 
Empowering God, through your Spirit, we know your presence with us

Jesus, dying, your arms encircled the world in love
You said, 'Forgive them because they don't know what they're doing'
Forgive us for denying, doubting and running away
Forgive us for lack of love
Grant us your grace so that we can begin again
Astonish us, O Lord, with your risen life 

Read: John 20, 1-18
Mary Magdalene and the gardener

Sing an Easter hymn

Reflection: An Egg for Easter

E is for Empty. The tomb is empty
G is for Greeting. Jesus says, "Mary!"
G is for Go. Jesus sends her to tell the others

 John then suggests that we celebrate in the following way:

In these days when we’re unable to receive Communion, you may wish to engage in this act of worship on your own or share it with your household. If you are on your own, why not arrange to do this at the same time as friends? If you’re able to use Zoom, Skype or similar you could join in ‘virtual’ worship together with others. You’ll need a small table, candle, matches, Bible, cross and a bread roll.

(Begin with a time of silence)

In the beginning the Word was with God
And the Word was God
(Place a Bible on the table)

In the beginning it was dark and God said, Let there be light!
And there was light
(Light a candle)

When the time was right, God sent his Son
He came as one of us
(Place a cross on the table)

Keep a time of silence, prayer & intercession

Jesus said: I am the Bread of Life
Whoever comes to me will never be hungry

(Place the bread on the table)
Break the bread, then eat

The disciples said: Didn't our hearts burn within us
As he opened the scriptures to us?

Read:  John 6, 35-40

Sing: Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son

A Blessing:
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
Let us pray, live and work together in peace
To love and serve the Lord,

In the name of Christ, Amen.