Easter Sunday 3/31
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
EASTER DAY
MARCH 31, 2024
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, FALLS CHURCH, VA
✠ ✠ ✠
PRELUDE Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Settings: 1. Paul Manz, 2. Robert Powell
INVOCATION AND CALL TO WORSHIP
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
This is the day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
The stone that the builders rejected
Has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)
I shall not die, but I shall live;
And recount the deeds of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17)
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
Let us pray. Almighty God, merciful Father, in Holy Baptism you declared us to be your children and gathered us into your one, holy church, in which you daily and richly forgive us our sins and grant us new life through your Spirit. Be in our midst, enliven our faith, and graciously receive our prayer and praise; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
EASTER PROCLAMATION
The angel said: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
“He is not here. He has risen.”
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
ENTRANCE HYMN Jesus Christ is Risen Today LSB 457
1 Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heav’nly king, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
3 But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!
Praise Him, all ye heav’nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
KYRIE LSB 152
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
THIS IS THE FEAST LSB 155
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are His.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign. Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. Almighty God the Father,
through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
✠ ✠ ✠
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 25:6-9
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,
of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.
And he will swallow up on this mountain
the covering that is cast over all peoples,
the veil that is spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM Jubilation Choir Arise, My Soul, Arise Text: Charles Wesley Setting: Dan Forrest
Arise, my soul, arise, shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the Throne, my Surety stands.
My name is written on His hands.
Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary,
They pour effectual prayers, they strongly plead for me;
“Forgive him, O, forgive, “they cry,”
Nor let that ransomed sinner die.”
My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for HIs child, I can no longer fear;
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry
Arise, my soul, arise!
SECOND LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:1–11
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL VERSE (Stand) Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Sts. 1-3 LSB 458
1 Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands
For our offenses given;
But now at God’s right hand He stands
And brings us life from heaven.
Therefore let us joyful be
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud songs of alleluia!
Alleluia!
2 No son of man could conquer death,
Such ruin sin had wrought us.
No innocence was found on earth,
And therefore death had brought us
Into bondage from of old
And ever grew more strong and bold
And held us as its captive.
Alleluia!
3 Christ Jesus, God’s own Son, came down,
His people to deliver;
Destroying sin, He took the crown
From death’s pale brow forever:
Stripped of pow’r, no more it reigns;
An empty form alone remains;
Its sting is lost forever.
Alleluia!
THE EASTER GOSPEL Mark 16:1-8
The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 16th chapter.
Glory to You, O Lord!
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, O Christ!
GOSPEL VERSE (Stand) Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Sts. 6-7 LSB 458
6 So let us keep the festival
To which the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the joy of all,
The sun that warms and lights us.
Now His grace to us imparts
Eternal sunshine to our hearts;
The night of sin is ended.
Alleluia!
7 Then let us feast this Easter Day
On Christ, the bread of heaven;
The Word of grace has purged away
The old and evil leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
He is our meat and drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other!
Alleluia!
SERMON
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. Dear friends in Christ:
Today we celebrate our greatest joy: Jesus is risen from the dead. This is good news – the greatest of news – for all of us. For as Paul shared in our second reading today: this is the “Gospel” in which we “are being saved.”
Our salvation, explains Paul in those first verses of his great resurrection chapter, comes because “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared… to many.” These words remind us that sins forgiven, and death defeated, are tied together as the two most important aspects of our salvation. Notice that Paul explains how he shares this “as of first importance.”
Today we remember this most important of messages. And we celebrate.
Our first reading today, from Isaiah, helps us in our celebration. For it shares of a time, long before the ministry of Jesus, when God promised to “swallow up death forever; and wipe away tears from all faces.”
Isaiah speaks of this time by comparing it to a great feast. “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.” We all understand the joy that comes from a feast such as this.
This great feast will come at the end of time; when those who have been saved are resurrected to the new and blessed life to come.
But because Christ has come among us, we celebrate even now as well. For his sacrifice on the cross, and his resurrection from the dead, assure us that we may enter that great feast.
As I’m sure you know, there are many great Easter traditions which help us to celebrate all of this. One of these is the telling of some kind of joke or funny story to capture the day’s joyful spirit. After forty days of Lent, a little levity is definitely appreciated.
I haven’t heard any good jokes lately. But I did hear a story the other day that makes me smile. It has to do with St. Paul’s. I think you’ll like it too.
Last Saturday, four of us met at church to take out the back row of pews here in the sanctuary. The church has decided that we should reconfigure that row with moveable chairs and leave space for those who are in wheelchairs and who prefer to be in the back. You may have thought
I just had the pews removed in an effort to get everyone to sit a little closer. But that’s not the case.
When we took the pews apart and examined the wood, we noticed, on the underneath side of the seat, from that section back there, that someone had written their name on the bare wood. The handwriting looked like that of a child, which makes sense because someone would have to be pretty small to fit under there and to extend their arms to a position where they could write.
We smiled at this little act of… what? Rebellion? Ownership? Fun? Who knows for sure.
What we do know is the name. And I hate to call out the perpetrator in public like this. But since we only have a first name, no one can be implicated for sure.
And that’s good because it just so happens that both of your current pastors here have a child with this name. Yes, the name is David.
I will remind you that there have been a number of Davids over the years who have attended here. Still, I decided to ask mine if he might have done it. He replied: “Honestly, I don’t have a recollection of doing it… but that doesn’t mean I didn’t!”
Whoever it was, maybe it was simply an expression of joy. There is joy in being a child of God. Great joy! And as we recall today that joy is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Even better than celebrating with a funny story, looking a little more closely at the holy scriptures is the best way to capture today’s joy. To do that this year, I thought I would tie in the Easter message with our just-completed Lenten emphasis.
For Lent this year we looked at the Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross. In doing this we joined millions of Christians over the centuries who have done this very same thing. Examining the Words from the Cross – which are often called the “seven last words” – is a tried-and-true devotional exercise.
As I thought about Easter in this light, it occurred to me that maybe it would be good for us to look at Jesus’ seven first words following his resurrection. I don’t know that the church has any tradition of doing this. A quick Google search showed that at least one person – a Christian writer that I did not know – wrote a short article on this topic back in 2017. But other than that, I don’t think it’s really a thing.
That writer in 2017 decided to confine his list to the Gospel of John. I decided to look at all four Gospels instead. And remember that by “words” we mean phrases and whole sentences too.
A thorough meditation on seven words of Jesus would take a very long time – much more than we have today. But even a short mention and description can be beneficial. So here goes.
We can’t say for sure which of the words of Jesus after his resurrection was said first, since each of the Gospels includes different details of what happened that day. But if I had to guess
which was first, it would probably be Jesus’ simple word “Greetings,” in Matthew’s Gospel account.
Like all the Gospel writers, Matthew records how a group of women were the first to go to the tomb. There they saw an angel who told them that Jesus had risen and was not there. The women then turned back to tell the other disciples, and on the way, Jesus met them and said that word: “Greetings!”
Though it’s perhaps a bit understated, “Greetings” seems like a perfectly reasonable thing to say. What else does one say in a situation like that? Jesus offered a joyful and welcoming word, and this certainly fit the occasion.
If you’re wondering whether this might be the same greeting the angel gave to Mary at the time of the Annunciation, then let me assure you that it is. However, it’s also the greeting Judas gave to Jesus at the time of his betrayal. The word used here is a common one – one that can be used in many ways. Perhaps hearing about these different uses can spark us to think about how we are greeting one another today. On this glorious festival day, I hope that we are greeting one another warmly, sincerely, and with much joy. And as I say that I’ll add that this should always be the kind of greeting we give in this place.
When Jesus greeted the women, we’re told that they “came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.” That’s when Jesus said to them a second word. He said: “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
In all four Gospels, “Do not be afraid” is a common sentiment expressed at the resurrection. Mark’s Gospel, which we read today, gives the strongest emphasis on this. He uses four different words – “alarmed, afraid, trembling and astonished” – to convey the reality.
The fact that Christ’s resurrection initially caused great concern can perhaps lead us to think about how the message is received by people today. As I do this, it seems to me that all these centuries later, some people are still afraid of what this message means. Let me explain.
Some people, it seems clear, fear how the message leads to faith in things unseen. To them, this faith is a danger. They don’t like people believing in such things. They find it very unnerving.
Other people fear the questions such a resurrection raises. For if death is not the end… then what lies beyond it and how does one get there? Actually, I believe this is a good kind of fear, in that it moves people to search for answers.
As we today hear this word of Jesus telling us not to be afraid, perhaps we should ask ourselves if fear is an issue for us as well. And if it is, why might that be the case?
A third and related word of Jesus following his resurrection might be his words to Mary Magdalene. John tells us that Mary did not recognize Jesus at first, thinking the man she saw standing before her was the gardener. Jesus then said to her: “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
Although these are two separate questions, I’ll treat them as one word since both challenge Mary’s perception that something was wrong.
The death of her Lord and Teacher would have been a great loss for Mary– one to cause both sadness and fear about what she would do next. Jesus’ questions, it seems to me, are meant to both empathize with her and to challenge her. He lets her verbalize her pain and fear, but then quickly assures her that all is in fact well.
And as we read the rest of the story, we see that this assurance comes through the saying of one other word – a word by which she immediately recognizes him. This word was her name: “Mary.”
Here we should be reminded that the Lord God knows each of us by name as well. And he also knows our concerns, our fears, and our sadness. So when we speak to him in prayer, we know that he listens and that he cares and that he will act for our good. Because he knows what we truly need.
So what kind of conversation might you need to have with God today? Certainly God will bless you in this conversation, according to your need.
As a fourth word for us to consider, let’s continue in John and note Jesus’ concluding message to Mary. Jesus says to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
One should perhaps not make too much of this word. And that’s because it mostly gives a direction for a specific time – meaning those forty days before Jesus ascended into heaven. Jesus simply wanted Mary to know that his days with her and the rest of the disciples would be short.
That being said, these words of Jesus can also be heard as a call to action. They are similar to what the angel said to the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven. There the angel said: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” In other words, don’t just stand there staring, because there’s work to do.
This understanding corresponds well with Jesus’ first words as recorded in Mark’s Gospel – which I’ll lift up here as Jesus’ fifth word after his resurrection. In Mark, when Jesus and his disciples finally meet, Jesus says to them: “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel.” You may recall that these words of Jesus are also recorded at the end of Matthew’s account.
These words show us that Jesus puts his people to work. We who know the good news are to share it with others. We are to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples – these efforts being two sides of the same task.
Many of you here today – maybe most of you – have worked hard in some way to make this day special. You either prepared something for our gathering, or brought somebody here with you, or made some kind of small or large effort to mark this day as holy and good. These efforts are certainly in line with Jesus’ call to go and work with him in his mission to the world.
But we should do some thinking here about the next steps we take in this work too. If you are new here, or only partially involved, maybe you’d like to join us in some of our ongoing tasks. Or maybe you are hearing the Lord’s voice pushing you towards other tasks in his kingdom. You should explore this.
As a sixth word of Jesus to consider, let’s recall what he said to the two men early that Sunday on the road to Emmaus. As the men were walking, Jesus approached them and asked: “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?”
The men, as with Mary Magdalene, did not recognize Jesus at first. Looking sad, they explained how Jesus’ death had dashed their hopes of him being the one who would redeem Israel.
Jesus then explains how all of this needed to happen to fulfill the scriptures. And the two men eventually recognize Jesus when they invite him into their home and he breaks the bread at their meal.
This is a tremendously beautiful story with many fine lessons. But here we should simply note that Jesus’ first word to them is one of showing interest. By asking them a basic question, Jesus was able to enter into their conversation and share the meaning of his resurrection.
As we think about our call to work in Christ’s kingdom, we should certainly take a cue from Jesus here and make a little more effort to engage in conversations with others. Living in this big city we get used to putting our heads down and keeping our mouths shut. But there’s a whole world of people out there who could benefit from a conversation that expresses the love of Jesus in some way. Let’s have those conversations.
As with the men in the story, there are people around us who are sad because they think that death always wins. They do not know of the resurrection of Jesus and the life it brings. Today we might ask ourselves who it is that we know who could use some cheering up with this great message.
Finally, a seventh word of Jesus following his resurrection is the word “peace.” In both Luke and John’s Gospels, when Jesus’ closest disciples finally see him, he says to them: “Peace to you.”
How blessed are we when receive the peace of Jesus! As the words of his which follow make clear, his peace is one which comes in knowing that he has fulfilled the scriptures, forgiven our sins, and that he gives the Holy Spirit to those who follow him.
Today as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we give thanks especially for the peace Jesus gives. He gives us peace with our heavenly Father, which then in turn helps us find peace with one another.
These seven words from our Lord are all filled with great meaning. And perhaps we should ask ourselves: “which one spoke most strongly to me today?”
Jesus said many more words than these too – all of which are of first importance. We recall that Peter once said to him: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Yes indeed!
As we go forward from today’s festive celebration, may his words continue to sound forth in our hearts and minds. And may we remember, too, that his words have been backed up by deeds. Jesus gave himself in life and in death. And he did it for us.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Amen
HYMN OF THE DAY Christ the Lord is Risen Today LSB 469
1 “Christ the Lord is ris’n today!”
Saints on earth and angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply.
2 Love’s redeeming work is done,
Fought the fight, the battle won;
Lo! Our Sun’s eclipse is o’er;
Lo! He sets in blood no more.
3 Vain the stone, the watch, the seal;
Christ hath burst the gates of hell.
Death in vain forbids His rise;
Christ has opened paradise.
4 Lives again our glorious King!
Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once He died our souls to save;
Where thy victory, O grave?
5 Soar we now where Christ has led;
Foll’wing our exalted Head.
Made like Him, like Him we rise;
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
6 Hail the Lord of earth and heav’n!
Praise to Thee by both be giv’n!
Thee we greet triumphant now:
Hail, the resurrection, Thou!
NICENE CREED Hymnal, back cover
I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth
and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures
and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life ✠ of the world to come. Amen.
OFFERING
Offerings support the church’s mission work – both here and through our many partners. Offerings may be placed in the box at the sanctuary entrance or sent to the church through our website or the mail. Fellowship Cards help us welcome new people and track participation. Please fill one out and place it in the offering box following the service.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Almighty God, You kept Your promise and delivered up Your own Son to be our Savior. By His sacrificial death our sins are forgiven, and by His rising again we have the hope of everlasting life. Keep us in this holy joy through the Easter season and throughout our lives, that we may not fear our enemies nor give in to the temptation of despair in our days of trouble. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Be with Matthew, our Synod president; Bill, our district president; and all our pastors. Keep them faithful to deliver to Your people the apostolic Gospel of Your Son’s death, burial and resurrection. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Let us hold fast to the Word preached to us, that receiving it with joy we may take our stand in it and be saved by it. Hinder all who would sow doubt into our hearts and grant us courage to confess its truth in our life and conversation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Frustrate the forces of evil in the world and do not let the world’s leaders cooperate with them. Bless Joseph, our president, and all who govern us. Guard our armed forces as they stand watch for us at home and abroad. And let all who serve do so with honor and integrity. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Have mercy on the sick and those in any need, especially those on our prayer list and those we name before you in our hearts at this time… Let the dawning light of the new creation in Christ sustain them in faith, and in accord with Your will grant them renewed health as a sign and sample of their eternal healing in Him. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give us joy in Your Son’s great victory feast, especially as He shares it with us from this altar. In the eating and drinking of his body and blood done in faith, overcome our sin and swallow up our death in His life so that we may be glad and rejoice in His salvation. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
We praise Your holy name, O Lord, for all Your servants who have departed this life in faith. And we pray that You will not abandon us to the grave but awaken us in the resurrection of all flesh to your eternal glory. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, as we join today in singing eternal alleluias with innumerable angels in festal gathering and with the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven and with the spirits of the righteous made perfect, we bring these petitions before You trusting in Your goodness and mercy; and we pray through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
✠ ✠ ✠
THE LITURGY OF HOLY COMMUNION
OFFERTORY through AGNUS DEI (Stand) LSB 159 – 163
OFFERTORY LSB 159
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
PREFACE LSB 160
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who, out of love for His fallen creation, humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even death upon a cross. Risen from the dead, He has freed us from eternal death and given us life everlasting. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:
SANCTUS LSB 161
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of pow’r and might:
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING LSB 161
Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross.
Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My ✠ body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My ✠ blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
PAX DOMINI LSB 163
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
AGNUS DEI LSB 163
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.
THE COMMUNION (Be seated)
Those wishing to commune at the foot of the steps should come forward first. Those wishing to commune at the altar rail should come forward after these, front rows first, from both sides of the aisle. After receiving, all should return to their seats. A common dismissal will be given at the end.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Awake, My Heart, with Gladness LSB 467
1 Awake, my heart, with gladness,
See what today is done;
Now, after gloom and sadness,
Comes forth the glorious sun.
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.
2 The foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb;
But lo, he now is routed,
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o’er the grave.
3 This is a sight that gladdens—
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me has won.
4 Now hell, its prince, the devil,
Of all their pow’r are shorn;
Now I am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn.
Grim death with all its might
Cannot my soul affright;
It is a pow’rless form,
Howe’er it rave and storm.
5 The world against me rages,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wages,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.
Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.
6 Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate’er He passes through.
He rends death’s iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell’s grim thrall;
I follow Him through all.
7 He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
“Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified.”
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia LSB 463
1 Christ the Lord is ris’n today; Alleluia!
Christians, hasten on your way; Alleluia!
Offer praise with love replete, Alleluia!
At the paschal victim’s feet. Alleluia!
2 For the sheep the Lamb has bled, Alleluia!
Sinless in the sinner’s stead. Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris’n on high; Alleluia!
Now He lives, no more to die. Alleluia!
3 Hail, the victim undefiled, Alleluia!
God and sinners reconciled, Alleluia!
When contending death and life, Alleluia!
Met in strange and awesome strife. Alleluia!
4 Christians, on this holy day, Alleluia!
All your grateful homage pay; Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris’n on high; Alleluia!
Now He lives, no more to die. Alleluia!
PRAYER (Stand)
BENEDICTION
SENDING HYMN Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing LSB 475
1 Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 The Lord of life is ris’n this day;
Bring flow’rs of song to strew His way;
Let all the world rejoice and say:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Praise we in songs of victory
That love, that life which cannot die,
And sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
And sing today with one accord
The life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing Setting: Healy Willan
Those serving:
Sunday, 8:00 a.m.:
Greeter: Steve Berg
Comm. assist: Jim Easterly
Reader: Rich Kauzlarich
Acolyte: Kaydn Godbee
10:30 a.m.:
Greeter: Lynn Jacquez
Comm. assist: Jill Hecht
Reader: Lynn Jacquez
Acolyte: William Dennis
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2024 Concordia Publishing House.
457 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Text: tr. Lyra Davidica, 1708, London, alt.; (sts. 1–3): Latin, 14th cent.; (st. 4): Charles Wesley, 1707–88 Tune: Lyra Davidica, 1708, London Text and tune: Public domain
458 Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Richard Massie, 1800–87, alt. Tune: Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, 1524, Wittenberg, ed. Johann Walter Text and tune: Public domain
469 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–88, alt. Tune: French, 13th cent. Text and tune: Public domain
467 Awake, My Heart, with Gladness Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. John Kelly, 1833–90, alt. Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662 Text and tune: Public domain
463 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane E. Leeson, 1809–81, alt. Tune: Robert Williams, c. 1781–1821 Text and tune: Public domain
475 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing Text: Cyril A. Alington, 1872–1955, alt.
Tune: Melchior Vulpius, c. 1570–1615 Text: © 1958, renewed 1986 Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd., admin. Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
