Easter Day B (April 12): Jesus is the One!

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Bible Readings: Acts 10:34-43, Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18, Mark 16:1-8 About the Images: Top: This is The Angel of the Lord painted in 1990 by Jacek Andrzej Rossakiewicz (b.1956). I love it! I obtained it from Wikimedia Commons, The permission for use of this work has been verified and archived in the Wikimedia OTRS system. Bottom: It never ceases to amaze me how new life arises from the devastation of an Australian bushfire. Because of the nature of our trees and the dense undergrowth, our fires can be amazingly hot and many cases even the dirt seems to be burnt - an absolute wasteland ensues. Yet before too long, the bush begins to regenerate. Life out of death! This photo shows first growth leaves in a 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 instruments eg bells, shakers, clackers etc etc for everyone - or at least for all your kids. Cheap toys are fine. Call to Worship: We Will Unfold By Roddy Hamilton, April 2006, available via his site -see Mucky Paws link at left (he will send you out monthly liturgies if you freely subscribe). Awesome stuff!!!

Call to Worship Project a series of pictures about Good Friday whilst playing Grace by Moby from his album Songs (pictured at left). 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 ISBN 1876357363 (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 Let's Make Another Scene by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 66 (pictured at right). This is based on the gospels. Easter Celebration: Easter is...... Another ripper from Roddy Hamilton (as above). Absolution for Prayer of confession and/or passing of the Peace: This is the Good News Found in Stages on the Way (see above) Drama: Easter Eggcitement Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (ed), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151, page 94 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the John reading. Kid's Talk: Cut the Tie Found at http://talks2children.itsforministry.org/t2c/view.asp?ID=59 I used this one three years ago and people still talk about it. It's a ripper! Kid's Talk: Faith and Belief Found at http://talks2children.itsforministry.org/t2c/view.asp?ID=29 Pew and Plenary Discussion Tell your neighbour what your best celebration ever was. Share with the 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 Easter will make a difference to your week. Story: On The River of Death Found at http://www.sermoncentral.com/article.asp?article=a-TopFiveEaster Sermon Idea: The Visit Found in The Final Boundary by Adrian Plass, Minstrel, 1987, ISBN 1854240935 (pictured at right). Listening Song: Beautiful Day By U2 on their album, 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.