Easter Day B: Jesus is the One!

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Bible Readings: Mark 16:1-8, Acts 10:42 Theme: Jesus is the One! First, a note this week on the photo:It never ceases to amaze me how new life can arise out of the devastation of an Australian bush fire. Because of the oil in our trees and the dense undergrowth, the fires can be amazingly hot and a burnt area can appear to be an absolute wasteland. However it doesn't take all that long for the bush to regenerate: Life out of death! This photo shows first growth leaves in a very burnt out area of the Australian High country. Decor and preparation: As for Good Friday - black cloth over communion table and unlit Christ candle. Get enough musical instrument eg bells, shakers, clackers etc etc. for everyone - or in a huge church, enough at least for every kid. Cheap toys are fine. Call to Worship: Project a series of pictures about Good Friday whilst playing Grace by Moby from the album Songs (pictured below). Move straight into the following Opening Drama: The Three Woman Found in Stages on the Way by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 1998 (pictured in an earlier blog). As the three woman say their final lines together, "He is Risen" , project their words. Woman 1 then removes the black cloth, woman 2 lights the candle and woman 3 gives out the musical instruments and announces the first song. Then make enthusiastic music!! or Opening Drama: The Message In Lets make Another Scene 3 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, page 66 Absolution for prayer of confession and/or Passing of the Peace: This is the Good news Found in Stages on the Way, (see above) page 183. Drama: Easter Eggcitement Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (ed), Open Book, 2001, (pictured below) page 94. Pew and Plenary Discussion: Tell your neighbour what your best celebration ever was. Share as a congregation the age you were for this event. Just as birthdays can become a little more ordinary as we grow older I wonder if we can sometimes lose the intense meaning and significance of Easter as each year adds another celebration. Share as a congregation: what is the significance of Easter? Tell your neighbour how you think that will make a difference this week? Sermon Idea: The Visit Found in The Final Boundary by Adrain Plass, Minstral, 1987 Listening song: Beautiful Day By U2 on All That You Can’t Leave Behind Response Activity:Christ has died, Christ has risen Found in Stages on the Way (again!!), page 196. Benediction: Here are your Disciples Found in Stages on the Way (you can tell I like this book!), page 198.