Order of Worship for Sunday, April 5th 2026

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship

Leader: Welcome to this joyous Easter day!
People: Praise God for the brightness and color.

Leader: The darkness has been overcome. Jesus Christ has defeated our greatest fear, death.
People: He is risen from the dead. ALLELUIA!

Leader: Sing your praises to the Lord!
People: For God has given to us new life! ALLELUIA! AMEN.

Opening Hymn

Christ the Lord is Risen Today UMH 302

Prayer of Confession

Merciful God, we confess that like the disciples of old, we ran and hid, in our hearts, from the terror and sadness of the crucifixion. We didn’t want to be there. We found ways of avoiding the scene and pretending that it was all a bad dream. But it wasn’t a dream. Jesus our Lord was crucified. That’s a fact. And we were numbed by the news. But now we have been given the most blessed gift of forgiveness for our stupidity and stubbornness; we have been given the gift of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. New Light has shined in our deep darkness. Restore us again to your presence. Soften our hard hearts. Brighten our spirits, for we ask this in the name of the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Words of Assurance

Leader: Do not fear. God has conquered death. Jesus Christ, who was crucified, is risen from the dead. Love has been poured out again for each one of us.
People: ALLELUIA! AMEN.

Passing of the Peace

First Reading:

John 20:1-18

Hymn of Preparation

Up from the Grave He Arose UMH 322

Sermon:

Hope in the Empty Tomb by Pastor Kevin Rutledge

Hymn of Response

He Lives UMH 310

Tithes and Offerings

Give Now

Offertory Response

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer

The Great Thanksgiving

Communion

Announcements

Closing Hymn

Easter People Raise Your Voices UMH 304

Benediction

Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.

Postlude

Featured Upcoming Events:

Monthly Food Distribution at Trinity House

on 6/22/2026 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Volunteers are needed to help unload food, divide bulk produce, and prepare it for distribution to the residents. This month, we will serve approximately 65 people, providing them with essential canned goods and fresh produce.Whether you can lift heavy objects or simply offer a friendly smile, your assistance is invaluable. This is a great opportunity to experience the joy of serving and make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

Learn More

Next Steps

on 7/5/2026 from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM

"Join us at 'Next Steps,' our recurring gathering where we explore the future of our church's ministry and your role within it. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by plugging into our diverse ministries."