In the Blink of an Eye

Easter 2026

By Rev. David Bonnema, April 05, 2026

9:30am

Prelude - “Life High the Cross” (DeCesare) - Malinda Massey, trumpet; Scotty Nagel, french horn

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Opening Song - “O Praise the Name” - Makenzie Payne

Time of Greeting

Children’s Time

Choir Anthem - “The Empty Tomb” (Choplin)

Sermon - “In The Blink Of An Eye”

We have two choices of what to believe about resurrection:

  1. Resurrection is NOT possible (death is the end)
  2. Resurrection IS possible (death is a transition)

Each belief will lead us somewhere…

Resurrection— NO:
If the are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” —1 Corinthians 15:32

Resurrection–YES:
We live with purpose and sacrifice, with eternity in mind.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. —1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Imperishable: immortal, incorruptible, not subject to .

Easter declares that death has been swallowed up in victory! One day, in the blink of an eye, we will be changed.

Choir Anthem - “Christus Victor (Amen)”

Offering and Prayer

Song - “Because He Lives (Amen)”

Benediction


11:00am

Prelude - “Life High the Cross” (DeCesare) Jeff Perks; Malinda Massey, trumpet; Scotty Nagel, french horn

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!

Hymn - “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” - #123 Verses 1, 2, 4

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

Reflection on Easter

Anthem - “The Empty Tomb” (Choplin) - Unity Choir

Sermon - “In The Blink Of An Eye” - Rev. David Bonnema

We have two choices of what to believe about resurrection:

  1. Resurrection is NOT possible (death is the end)
  2. Resurrection IS possible (death is a transition)

Each belief will lead us somewhere…

Resurrection— NO:
If the are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” —1 Corinthians 15:32

Resurrection–YES:
We live with purpose and sacrifice, with eternity in mind.

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. —1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Imperishable: immortal, incorruptible, not subject to .

Easter declares that death has been swallowed up in victory! One day, in the blink of an eye, we will be changed.

Anthem - “Christus Victor (Amen)” (Cottrell) - Unity Choir

Offering and the Lord’s Prayer

Doxology

Affirmation of Faith by Rev. Sarah A. Speed:
We believe in resurrection, mysterious, beyond our understanding, and yet, like tulips after the snow, real. We believe in Easter morning, in the promise of a God who would roll back every stone to return to us. We believe in Jesus, who calls us by name and asks, “Who are you looking for?” So we look for justice, for mercy, for God in our midst. And as we look, we sing, “Alleluia!” Amen.

Closing Hymn - “He Lives” - 2 Verses; “Because He Lives” - Chorus

Benediction

Postlude “Hallelujah Chorus” (Handel)