Prelude - “Lift High the Cross” (DeCesare) - Jeff Perks Opening Hymn - “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” - #123 - 4 Verses Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler Leader: Darkness is gone; brightness reigns; People: We are freed from fear and death. Leader: Let us celebrate the Good News; People: The stone was rolled away; the tomb is empty. Leader: Hope is shining brightly; People: God’s love has poured over us. Leader: Shout to all that Christ is risen! People: Christ is risen indeed! Song - “O Praise the Name (Anastasis)” - Makenzie Payne Prayer of Confession: Gracious God, we admit that we look for an easy faith, one that doesn’t require much from us. Forgive us for all those things that we have neglected to do that would have drawn us closer to you. Heal our hearts from the wounds of the past and prepare us for the bright future ahead. Use the power of the risen Christ to change us into living disciples who live each day as children of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace (9:30) Children’s Time Anthem - “Celebration Psalm” (Martin) - Unity Choir Sermon - “Belonging to Christ” - Rev. David Bonnema What is one of your favorite Easter memories or traditions? When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to Jesus’ body. —Mark 16:1 What is the significance of the women at the tomb? The message of Easter is “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has ! He is not here.” —Mark 16:6 Christ is the first to experience resurrection, but not the last. According to the Apostle Paul… But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who to Christ will be raised when he comes back. —1 Corinthians 15:23 What does it mean to belong to Christ? Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every in springtime. —Martin Luther King Jr. Anthem - “He Arose” (Choplin) - Unity Choir Offering and the Lord’s Prayer Doxology Affirmation of Faith written by Roddy Hamilton: I believe in Jesus, the best possible shepherd; his wisdom leads me to the best opportunities, his word comforts me when I'm anxious or afraid, his arm steadies me when I feel weary and heavy-laden, his wounded body displays the cost of my rescue. I believe in Jesus, the best possible shepherd; I believe that I do not find him but he finds me, that I, under his care, by virtue of sheer grace, thrive and grow to the best of my ability. I believe the love he gives me is to be shared with others, that he treasures my name and prepares a place for me, that all his promises are kept in this realm and the next. I trust in Jesus, the best possible shepherd. Amen. Closing Song - “Graves Into Gardens” - see screen Benediction Postlude - “Hallelujah Chorus” (G. F. Handel) - Jeff Perks