What follows is a self-guided, home liturgy. This liturgy can be read alone by a single individual, or it can be followed by a coupe or family. In any case, we recommend reading it aloud. There is power in spoken worship. We recommend designating leaders for certain sections. We also recommend reading all scripture aloud. Appropriate songs from YouTube have been included. We highly recommend playing all of them as they are part of the liturgy of this worship service.
Gathering
(Please stand as you gather from your busy life to worship Almighty God.)
Hymn: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Call to Worship (Leader reads normal text, others present respond with bold text.) Alleluia. Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
(Repeat three times, getting louder each time, then continue with the following.)
Let us gather to worship our risen Lord and Savior, King Jesus and to celebrate his most glorious resurrection knowing that we will one day share in it for as St. Paul has told us: I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
May we hear and respond to God’s word today. Amen.
Song: Good Grace
Collect of Purity (together)
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your Holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(You may be seated for the reading of scripture.)
The Word of God
(Please select someone to read the following scripture passages.) First Reading Acts 2:14, 36-41
Second Reading Luke 24:13-35 Sermon
Children's Sermon
Response to the Word of God
(Please select someone to lead the following Psalm. Pray responsively as a group.) Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.” What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. Glory to the Father, the the Son, and the Holy Spirit; as it was in the begging, is now, and ever more shall be. Amen.
Song: Your Glory / Nothing but the Blood
Confession of Faith (together) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Prayers of God's People (Please selected someone to lead prayer. The following categories may be covered. Each category could be given to a different individual if so desired.) Prayer for:
The church around the world: members and leaders. That they might stand strong in faith and lead boldly during this time.
The leaders of nations around the world. That they might seek wise council and lead with integrity during this time.
Individuals as they live life on the way of Jesus. That we might live with love and compassion.
Individuals who suffer from any grief or trouble.
Rest for those whom have died and comfort for their families.
People you know who might be sick or affected by COVID-19.
Those in essential businesses: workers in the medical field, grocery store workers, and other individuals who are working to keep our lives as normal as possible.
Conclude with the Lord's Prayer together. (Position your body into a posture of reverence, either kneeling or bowing down in a seated position. Please select someone to lead the following confession.) Confession of Sin
Let us humbly confess our sins to Almighty God.
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole hearts;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all our goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.
Sending
(Please stand for the closing song and benediction.)
(Below is a song for those who wish for something a bit more ambition. You may proceed straight to the closing hymn if you'd prefer.)
Song: Rattle
Closing Hymn: God Be With You Till We Meet again
(Please select someone to lead the following benediction.) Benediction The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
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