Easter at Epworth

Easter Sunrise Service: 6:30 AM at Hs Lordships Parking Lot in the Berkeley Marina. RSVP Required.

Easter Celebration Online Worship: Special Musical Prelude at 9:30 AM with Worship and Holy Communion continuing at 10 AM.

Videos will premiere on our Facebook page, YouTube channel and on our worship page.

Order of Service (Bulletin) - Easter Sunday April 4, 2021

ENTERING THE STORY

Gathering Music - Judy Kriege
When It Was Yet Dark - Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Opening Hymn: "Christ the Lord is Risen Today” (UM Hymnal #301)

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Easter Prayer
Passing of the Peace

GETTING PERSPECTIVE

Listening for the Story: John 20:1-18 - Susan Willm
Intergenerational Easter Movement - Susan Jardin
Anthem: "Come On up to the House" by Tom Waits - Judy Kriege
Message: “Risking Joy" - Rev. Kristin Stoneking

ZOOMING IN

Hymn of Response - "He Lives" (UM Hymnal #301)

I serve a risen Savior,

He's in the world today;

I know that He is living

whatever foes may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him,

He's always near.

REFRAIN:

He lives, He lives,

Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives,

Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And tho' my heart grows weary

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading

thro' all the stormy blast,

The day of His appearing

will come at last.

REFRAIN

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek Him,

the help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

so good and kind.

REFRAIN

Call for Prayer - Zachary McVey
Prayers of the People - Rev. Kristin Stoneking
The Prayer Jesus Taught (Lord's Prayer)

Our Creator (Father/Mother), who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom (kin-dom) 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 (kin-dom), and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Offerings and Opportunities - Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Offertory Music: “Christ is Alive" - Epworth Handbell Ringers

Christ is alive, Christ is alive,

may the love of Christ surround you,

everywhere, everywhere, you may go.

ENTERING THE WORLD'S STORY

Prayer of Dedication - Zach McVey
Holy Communion - Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Closing Hymn: “Christ Has Risen" The Faith We Sing #2115

Christ has risen while earth slumbers,

Christ has risen where hope died,

As he said and as he promised,

As we doubted and denied.

Let the moon embrace the blessing;

Let the sun sustain the cheer;

Let the world confirm the rumor:

Christ is risen, God is here!

Christ has risen for the people

Whom he died to love and save;

Christ has risen for the women

Bringing flowers to grace his grave.

Christ has risen for disciples

Huddled in an upstairs room.

He whose word inspired creation

Can't be silenced by the tomb.

Christ has risen to companion

Former friends who fear the night,

Sensing loss and limitation

Where their faith had once burned bright.

They bemoan what is no longer,

They expect no hopeful sign

Till Christ ends their conversation,

Breaking bread and sharing wine.

Christ has risen and for ever

Lives to challenge and to change

All whose lives are messed or mangled,

All who find religion strange.

Christ is risen, Christ is present

Making us what he has been

Evidence of transformation

In which God is known and seen.

Benediction - Rev. Kristin Stoneking
Postlude - Judy Kriege

Virtual Coffee Hour

Immediately following online worship, everyone is invited to virtual coffee hour for a time of connection and conversation.

https://bit.ly/EUMC4421

Special Thanks To

Preacher: Rev. Kristin Stoneking

Video contributors: Rev. Jerry Asheim, Michele Arreola-Burl, Cathryn Bruno, Margot Hanson, Susan Jardin, Judy Kriege, Alina McVey, Zachary McVey, Eiji Miura, Sally Nasman, Susan Willm, Dianne Rush Woods. Handbell Ringers: Chris Baetge, Citlali & Eda Naranjo, Paul & Sally Nasman, Cathy Travlos
Video producer: Tai Jokela
Podcast producer: Ethan Toven-Lindsey
Livestream producer: Merrie Bunt