THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD Easter Day March 27, 2016 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AS WE GATHER Without Easter, there is no hope. Without Easter, there is no real life. Simply put, without Easter, there s no Christianity. The Resurrection of Our Lord is the day on which the Church throughout the world celebrates the new reality we are given because Christ Jesus is indeed risen from the dead, never to die again! For many people, Easter Day is no different from any other day, except perhaps for a few special traditions involving a bunny, a ham, and an egg hunt for the kids. We know better, don t we? And we have a blessed opportunity today, don t we? As we gather for worship this morning, we confess our risen Lord and His saving Gospel before the world! May the world know what we know! Without Easter, we have nothing. Yet with Easter and because of Easter, we have everything! Forgiveness and new life are ours in Christ both to receive and to share! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! PRELUDE Easter Trumpet Tune Organ RINGING OF THE BELLS CALL TO WORSHIP 8:00 AM & 9:30 AM The Strife is Over Ascension Sr. Choir WELCOME PREPARATION PROCESSIONAL HYMN Jesus Christ Is Risen Today LSB 457 Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our Triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heav nly king, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia! But the pains which He endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured, Alleluia! Now above the sky He s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia! Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia! Praise Him, all ye heav nly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! EASTER PROCLAMATION Men: Women: He is risen! He is risen indeed! He is risen! He is risen indeed! He is risen! He is risen indeed! He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 1
INVOCATION In the name of the Father, who created our bodies; in the name of the Son, who by His blood redeemed our bodies; in the name of the Holy Spirit, who by Holy Baptism sanctified our bodies to be His temple; keep us to the day of the resurrection of all flesh. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Romans 6:10 11 Let us confess our sins to God, our Father. Merciful Father, we confess to You that we are nothing apart from You. In our thoughts, words, and actions, we have acted as if we do not need You. But we are wrong. Forgive us, Father, for our many sins against You and against one another. By the mercy You show us in the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, remind us again of the new life and salvation You have freely given. Cleanse and renew us by Your grace that we may rise to newness of life with our risen Lord and Savior. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Upon this your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Please Be Seated) WORD HYMN OF PRAISE Lord Most High Harris/Sadler BOB 150 Led by Worship Team Men From the ends of the earth, From the depths of the sea, From the heights of the heavens Women From the ends of the earth From the depths of the sea, From the heights of the heavens ALL: Your name be praised; Men From the hearts of the weak, From the shouts of the strong, From the lips of all people Women From the hearts of the weak, From the shouts of the strong From the lips of all people ALL: This song we raise, Lord CHORUS: Throughout the endless ages You will be crowned with praises, Lord Most High Exhalted in ev ry nation, Sov reign of all creation, Lord Most High, be magnified. REPEAT SONG CCLI #219979 Used by permission 2
SALUTATION The Lord be with you. And also with you. PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Please Be Seated) OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 65:17 25 (The Lord will create the new heavens and earth.) [17] "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. [18] But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. [19] I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. [20] No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed. [21] They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. [22] They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [23] They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them. [24] Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. [25] The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain," says the Lord. Lector: PSALM Men: Women: Men: Women: This is the Word of the Lord. Alleluia! Thanks be to God. Psalm 16; antiphon: v. 10 (You will not let Your holy one see corruption.) For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your holy one see corruption. Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I say to the LORD, You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 3
Men: Women: Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. EPISTLE 1 Corinthians 15:19 26 (Christ Jesus will destroy death itself.) [19] If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. [20] But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. [21] For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. [24] Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Lector: This is the Word of the Lord. Alleluia! Thanks be to God. ANTHEM 8:00 AM & 9:30 AM Crown Him with Many Crowns Ascension Sr. Choir 11:00 AM For the Lord is Good Lisa Clark & Matt Bergholt, duet GOSPEL VERSE Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven LSB 477, v.1 Alleluia, alleluia! Hearts to heav n and voices raise: Sing to God a hymn of gladness, Sing to God a hymn of praise; He who on the cross a victim For the world s salvation bled Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, Now is risen from the dead. VERSE/GRADUAL 2 Timothy 1:10b Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia. [Christ Jesus] abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Alleluia. Alleluia! HOLY GOSPEL Luke 24:1 12 (The stone has been rolled away, and Jesus is risen!) The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 24 th chapter. Alleluia! Glory to You, O Lord! But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 4
Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but HAS RISEN. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise. And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Alleluia! Praise to You, O Christ. APOSTLES CREED LSB 159 I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. (Please Be Seated) CHILDREN S TIME Jesus Loves Me This I Know LSB 588 Jesus love me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. HYMN OF THE DAY Now All Vault of Heaven Resounds LSB 465 Now all the vault of heav n resounds In praise of Love that still abounds: Christ has triumphed! He is living! Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear! Repeat their song of glory here: Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Eternal is the gift He brings, Therefore our heart with rapture sings: Christ has triumphed! He is living! Now still He comes to give us life And by His presence stills all strife. Christ has triumphed! He is living! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! O fill us, Lord, with dauntless love; Set heart and will on things above That we conquer through Your triumph; Grant grace sufficient for life s day That by our lives we truly say: Christ has triumphed! He is living! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 5
Adoring praises now we bring And with the heav nly blessed sing: Christ has triumphed! Alleluia! Be to the Father and our Lord, To Spirit blest, most holy God, All the glory, never ending! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! SERMON PRAYER OF THE CHURCH / LITANY OF THE RESURRECTION Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. For the creation that surrounds us, that all of God s creatures may sing His praise, let us pray to the Lord. Thank You, Father, for the new life You give! For the Church and her witness to the saving Gospel of our risen Lord, that we may share the blessings of new life that we have been given, let us pray to the Lord. Thank You, Father, for the new life You give! For all servant leaders in our homes, workplaces, and communities, that the blessings of Christ s saving work may be made evident in the work we do, let us pray to the Lord. Thank You, Father, for the new life You give! For Ascension Lutheran Church, that our unity in mission and in ministry may bring glory to God and blessings to our community, let us pray to the Lord. Thank You, Father, for the new life You give! For all who need the healing of our Great Physician, [especially...], that they may be restored in both soul and body, let us pray to the Lord. Thank You, Father, for the new life You give! (Special Petitions) For these prayers, that we may boldly approach the throne of grace with the confidence that is ours because of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord, Thank You, Father, for the new life You give! (Please Be Seated) GATHERING OF OFFERINGS This I Believe The Creed Crocker/Fielding Led by Worship Team Our Father everlasting The all creating One God Almighty Through Your Holy Spirit Conceiving Christ the Son Jesus our Saviour CHORUS 1: I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in One I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the Name of Jesus 6
Our judge and our defender Suffered and crucified Forgiveness is in You Descended into darkness You rose in glorious life Forever seated high CHORUS 1 CHORUS 1: I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in One I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the Name of Jesus I believe in You I believe You rose again I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord I believe in You I believe You rose again I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord CHORUS 1 CHORUS 2 I believe in life eternal I believe in the virgin birth I believe in the saints'communion And in Your holy Church I believe in the resurrection When Jesus comes again For I believe in the Name of Jesus, For I believe in the Name of Jesus, For I believe in the Name of Jesus, CCLI #219979 Used by permission PREFACE The Lord be with you. [2 Timothy 4:22] And also with you. Lift up your hearts. [Colossians 3:1] We lift them to the Lord. SACRAMENT Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. [Psalm 136] It is right to give Him thanks and praise. PROPER PREFACE It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, for You have revealed to us the allimportant message of the Gospel centered on the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. On this day we praise You for displaying Your power over the grave in Jesus rising to life, and we eagerly anticipate the rising of all Your saints from the grave at our Savior s return. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and singing: SANCTUS Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven LSB 477, v. 2 Alleluia, Christ is risen! Death at last has met defeat: See the ancient pow rs of evil In confusion and retreat; Once He died, and once was buried: Now He lives forevermore, Jesus Christ, the world s Redeemer, Whom we worship and adore. 7
WORDS OF OUR LORD Matthew 26:26 28; Mark 14:22 24; Luke 22:19 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23 25 LORD S PRAYER (Matthew 6:9 13) LSB 159 Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. THE PEACE OF THE LORD The peace of the Lord be with you always. AGNUS DEI Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven LSB 477, v. 3 Alleluia, alleluia! Glory be to God on high: Alleluia to the Savior Who has gained the victory; Alleluia to the Spirit, Fount of love and sanctity! Alleluia, alleluia To the triune Majesty! (Please Be Seated) DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Great I Am J. Anderson Led by Worship Team I wanna be close, close to Your side, so Heaven is real and death is a lie I wanna hear voices of angels above, singing as one... Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, God Almighty, Great I Am, Who is worthy none besides Thee, God Almighty, Great I Am. I wanna be near, near to Your heart, loving the world, hating the dark I wanna see dry bones living again, singing as one... Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, God Almighty, Great I Am, Who is worthy none besides Thee, God Almighty, Great I Am. The mountains shake before You, the demons run and flee At the mention of Your name, King of Majesty. There is no pow r in hell or any who can stand Before the power and the presence of the Great I Am. The great I am. The great I am. The great I am. The great I am. The great I am. Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, God Almighty, Great I Am, Who is worthy none besides Thee, God Almighty, Great I Am. CCLI License No. 219979, Used by permission 8
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen LSB 474 Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Trumpets resounding in glorious light! Splendor, the Lamb, Heaven forever! O what a miracle God has in sight! Refrain: Jesus is risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia! Walking the way, Christ in the center Telling the story to open our eyes; Breaking our bread, Giving us glory: Jesus our blessing, our constant surprise. Refrain Jesus the vine, We are the branches; Life in the Spirit the fruit of the tree; Heaven to earth, Christ to the people, Gift of the future now flowing to me. Refrain Weeping be gone; Sorrow, be silent: Death put asunder, and Easter is bright. Cherubim sing: O grave, be open! Clothe us in wonder, adorn us in light. Refrain City of God, Easter forever, Golden Jerusalem, Jesus the Lamb, River of life, Saints and archangels, Sing with creation to God the I AM! Refrain At the Lamb s High Feast We Sing LSB 633 At the Lamb's high feast we sing Praise to our victorious King, Who has washed us in the tide Flowing from His pierced side. Alleluia! Praise we Him, whose love divine Gives His sacred blood for wine, Gives His body for the feast Christ the victim, Christ the priest. Alleluia! Where the paschal blood is poured, Death s dread angel sheathes the sword; Israel s hosts triumphant go Through the wave that drowns the foe. Alleluia! Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed, Paschal victim, paschal bread; With sincerity and love Eat we manna from above. Alleluia! Mighty Victim from the sky, Hell s fierce pow rs beneath You lie; You have conquered in the fight, You have brought us life and light. Alleluia! Now no more can death appall, Now no more the grave enthrall; You have opened paradise, And Your saints in You shall rise. Alleluia! Easter triumph, Easter joy! This alone can sin destroy; From sin s pow r, Lord, set us free, Newborn souls in You to be. Alleluia! Father, who the crown shall give, Savior, by whose death we live, Spirit, guide through all our days: Three in One, Your name we praise. Alleluia! BENEDICTION 9
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Let us go forth rejoicing, in the name of the Lord. The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD look upon you with favor and give you peace. Numbers 6:24 26 RECESSIONAL HYMN I Know That My Redeemer Lives LSB 461, v. 1, 2, 7 & 8 All: Men: Women: All: I know that my Redeemer lives; What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my everliving head. He lives triumphant from the grave; He lives eternally to save; He lives all glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high. He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same; Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! POSTLUDE Hallelujah Chorus Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, Series B, Part 2. Copyright 2014 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Text 2015 Ascension Lutheran Church. Used by permission. LSBHymnLicense.net #100012046 Organ 10