Easter Sunrise Service 2023
Processional: Highland Cathedral
Call to Worship
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The light of Christ rises in glory, overcoming the darkness of sin and death. Christ is risen!
Prayer
Lord, We gather this morning in the face of beauty and the fellowship of community. Open our hearts and minds to your love. Be with us as we celebrate the rising light, the vanquishing of darkness, and the promise of new beginnings.
Anthem: Jubilate Deo
Reading: John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today
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!
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Reading: Luke 24:2
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.
Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light
Lord of all, to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
Benediction
Gracious creator, be with us as we go forth into the world. Help us find kindness and grace. Help us spread peace and love and light. Lift our hearts as we strive to live up to the promises of Easter. Amen
Hymn: Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see