Welcome to our service - 4 April - Easter Sunday
This service sheet can be used individually or with households.
We would encourage you to say (or even sing) hymns and songs out loud.
Prayers, other liturgy or readings can be said out loud or silently, corporately or individually.
If you are able, we would also like invite you to join us for our main Sunday service, 10am, live on Zoom. Even if you have never been to St Gabriel’s before we would love you to join you. Please get in touch with the vicar Alistair (vicar@saintgs.co.uk) and he will send you the Zoom details.
Please join us for public worship in the church building this Sunday, 11:30am, for a service of Holy Communion.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
He has given us new life and hope by raising Jesus from the dead
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSs4_vc0pq0
Christ the Lord is risen today; hallelujah!
Sons of men and angels say: hallelujah!
Raise your joys and triumphs high; hallelujah!
Sing, ye heavens; thou earth, reply: hallelujah!
2. Love’s redeeming work is done, hallelujah!
Fought the fight, the battle won; hallelujah!
Lo! our sun’s eclipse is o’er, hallelujah!
Lo! He sets in blood no more hallelujah!
3. Lives again our glorious King; hallelujah!
Where O death, is now thy sting? hallelujah!
Once He died our souls to save;
hallelujah!
Where thy victory, O grave?
hallelujah!
4. Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, hallelujah!
Praise to Thee by both be given:
hallelujah!
Thee we greet, in triumph sing
hallelujah!
Hail, our resurrected King: hallelujah!
EASTER CONFESSION
Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,
we come to you in sorrow for our sins,
and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
We have lived by our own strength,
and not by the power of your resurrection.
In your mercy, forgive us
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived by the light of our own eyes,
as faithless and not believing.
In your mercy, forgive us
Lord, hear us and help us.
We have lived for this world alone,
and doubted our home in heaven.
In your mercy, forgive us
Lord, hear us and help us.
ABSOLUTION
May the God of love and power
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by his Spirit,
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.
COLLECT
God of glory,
by the raising of your Son
you have broken the chains of death and hell:
fill your Church with faith and hope;
for a new day has dawned
and the way to life stands open
in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COQ6cni_TG8
Lord I lift Your name on high,
Lord I love to sing Your praises,
I 'm so glad You’re in my life,
I 'm so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth
to show the way,
From the earth to the cross
my debt to pay,
From the cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky,
Lord I lift Your name on high!
Words and Music: Rick Founds
(Copyright © 1989 Maranatha!Music)
READINGS
Acts 10:34-43 New International Version - UK
Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
‘We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’
Luke 24: 1 – 12 New International Version – UK
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ Then they remembered his words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
This is the word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.
TALK by Catherine Stevenson
That’s my King, and He is not finished
On Good Friday we remembered the death of Jesus. On the cross Jesus quotes Psalm 22, which begins with the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”. As Jesus took on the sin of humanity, bearing its terrible weight, he is cut off from the Father. This is a moment of deep despair. But by bearing the cost of the world’s sin, Jesus accomplishes something extraordinary. He tears down the barrier between God and mankind. At the end of Psalm 22 there is a victory cry: “He has done it!”, or as Jesus put it; “It is finished!”. At the end of his life, Jesus accomplishes what he set out to do. The greatest battle in history had been won.
But what exactly did Jesus mean? What had finished? What had been accomplished? Well, to answer this we must go all the way back to the beginning of the Bible, to Genesis and the story of Adam and Eve. God created a beautiful, perfect world. Then he created mankind and was in perfect relationship with people. Until Adam and Eve chose to turn their back on God (Genesis 3). They did the one thing He told them not to do, they took what was not theirs. They believed the lies of Satan and wanted to become like God, knowing good and evil. They betrayed God and in that moment sin, guilt, shame and death entered the world. And no matter what people did after that, they could not keep from sinning, they could not hide from guilt and shame, they could not avoid death.
Then when Jesus came, God in man, the world saw what should have been. Unspoiled humanity, free from sin and all its consequences. Jesus was what Adam should have been. He was in perfect relationship with his Father God, and did only what the Father told him to do. He showed us what God is really like, embodying God’s love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. Then when He died on the cross, He finished what Adam started. Only a man could end what mankind had begun. With Adam came sin, guilt, shame and death. With Jesus - the perfect sacrifice - the sin of humanity was paid for; guilt and shame were banished. Then when Jesus rose from death on that first Easter Day, death itself was defeated. With Adam came chains and death, with Jesus comes freedom and life.
Over every sinner who believes in him, Jesus says, ‘your sins are finished with; they are forgiven and sin has no power over you. To those battling with the guilt of their past, Jesus says come to me and I will wash it away. To those who come to him wearing a cloak of shame, Jesus replaces it with his majestic robe, declaring you are a child of the King.
And today, as we remember Jesus rising to life, we remember that death itself has been defeated. In our story today, Peter ran to the tomb perhaps with fear but also with hope. Mary was the first to see the risen Jesus and became the first witness to the resurrection - a reality which billions of Christians round the world attest to. In his famous sermon, Dr S.M. Lockridge said of Jesus; “Death couldn’t handle Him, And the grave couldn’t hold Him”. The victory is won! Jesus is the conqueror of humanity’s greatest foe. Jesus has finished with - paid for - the cost of sin. But in rising again he declares over humanity, I AM NOT FINISHED WITH YOU! Put your trust in me, and even when you die on earth, you will not be finished.
Over this last year the world has tragically seen a lot of death, and it frightens people. They’re scared of pain, and separation from loved ones. But perhaps many are also scared because they think it’s the end, or they don’t know what comes next. And to be honest, I don’t have a clear picture either, but I know it’s going to be good. I know that when my time comes, I will go to be with my King, and all his glorious family will be there. I know that there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). All those things will be gone forever. Death seems wrong because we were made for life, eternal life. But because of the resurrection we can live without fear. When our earthly bodies are spent we get a new one, a heavenly one, in which we will feel no pain. I don’t want to die yet, but sometimes I do long for heaven and for life on the other side. I do long sometimes to be close to my King; to stand in his presence, to look on his face, to worship, to bask in his perfect love.
Let’s also remember that because of the resurrection our King lives. He has not been defeated, He is alive and is actively working for our good (Romans 8:28). We serve the living God who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Shortly after Jesus’ was raised and ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to come and dwell inside the believers. Romans 8:11 tells us that the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you and me, and He gives us life - real life, life in all its fullness. Today let’s remember and celebrate the good news that Jesus is alive and he loves us. Jesus died for you and me, and by His Spirit He lives in you and me. Jesus’ death and resurrection was the greatest victory in the history of humanity, and it transformed the world forever. Jesus continues to bring transformation to a broken world through his people - through you and me. So like Peter who ran to tomb, let’s be bearers of hope, like Mary who saw the risen Jesus, let’s be witnesses to His love, and with Christians throughout the ages, let’s declare to the world, Jesus Christ is my King.
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f2FXxDVO6w
How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb,
In desperation I turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night.
Then through the darkness,
Your loving kindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul.
The work is finished the end is written
Jesus Christ my living hope.
2. Who could imagine so great a mercy, What heart could fathom
such boundless grace?
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame.
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own!
Beautiful Saviour I’m Yours forever,
Jesus Christ my living hope.
Hallelujah praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah death has lost its grip on me,
You have broken every chain,
There’s salvation in Your name,
Jesus Christ my living hope!
3. Then came the morning
that sealed the promise,
Your buried body began to breathe.
Out of the silence the Roaring Lion,
Declared the grave has no claim on me.
[repeat verse]
Jesus Yours is the victory!
Hallelujah praise the One…
Jesus Christ my living hope!
Words & Music: Phil Wickham & Brian Johnson
Copyright © Phil Wickham Music (2017)
Let us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God:
Though he was divine,
he did not cling to equality with God,
but made himself nothing.
Taking the form of a slave,
he was born in human likeness.
He humbled himself
and was obedient to death,
even the death of the cross.
Therefore God has raised him on high,
and given him the name above every name:
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,
and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
PRAYERS - written by John Gough
Christ is Risen, and the power of his resurrection fills the world today with new life, hope and expectation and so we bring him all of our needs.
Father we think of your church today celebrating the resurrection all over the world. We may be different in race and nationality but our worship and our joy on this day are as one voice together. May your holy spirit fill us, guide us and strengthen us each day in our walk with you, our mission and service.
Father we especially remember our brothers and sisters who are unable to meet freely because of the dangers they face in doing so. We ask that you bless them, protect and watch over them, as we pray for the day when they can worship openly and meet together in peace and thanks giving.
Father we pray for the leaders of the world that they may give priority to those in need in the distribution of the world`s basic resources, we also pray that there with be an equitable distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. We pray that there can be closer cooperation with our European neighbours in the production and delivery of the differing vaccines that are needed not only here but across Europe as well.
Father we give thanks for the difficult work that has been done to enable to stranded Container ship the Ever Given to be finally freed and re floated again, we pray for wisdom for the authorities in Egypt as they begin the formal investigation in to this situation which blocked the Suez canal for over a week, and left so many ships stranded at both ends of the canal. Thankfully shipping is moving again but will take time as there are over 290 vessels that need to navigate the canal.
Father we continue to pray for our country and the work that is being done by all front line workers in Hospitals, Retail, and the emergency services, we ask that you protect and watch over them in the work that they do.
We pray for patients going through difficult recoveries from the virus and for the NHS staff, who are struggling with all that they have experienced over this past 12 months, pour out your spirit on them all for healing and recovery.
Father we give thanks for the lovely weather that we have enjoyed this week and the joy that it has given as people have been able to move around a little more freely and meet up with family and friends since Monday. We pray that the virus can be kept under control as we head towards the next proposed date for the further opening up of the country in April.
Father we pray for our church here in Greystones and give thanks that we have been able to worship together on zoom over the past year and also in church when we have been able to do so. We pray and look forward to the time that we can open the church further to enable more people to come in to meet and worship together again.
Father we thank you for the Alpha course that has taken place over the past few weeks and finally came to an end this week. We pray for all who have took part and ask that you pour out your spirit upon them and bring them ever closer to you in praise and worship.
Heavenly Father, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the light of resurrection life, we thank you and ask that you stay close to us day by day in our walk with you.
Amen
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen
SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LgE_E7yaz4
See, what a morning,
gloriously bright,
with the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;
folded the grave-clothes,
tomb filled with light,
as the angels announce ‘Christ is risen!’
See God's salvation plan,
wrought in love,
borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
fulfilled in Christ, the Man,
for He lives:
Christ is risen from the dead!
2. See Mary weeping,
'Where is He laid?'
as in sorrow she turns
from the empty tomb;
Hears a voice speaking, calling her name;
it's the Master, the Lord,
raised to life again!
The voice that spans the years,
speaking life, stirring hope,
bringing peace to us,
will sound ‘til He appears,
for He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!
3. One with the Father,
Ancient of Days,
through the Spirit
who clothes faith with certainty,
honour and blessing, glory and praise,
to the King crowned with power
and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
death is dead, love has won,
Christ has conquered;
and we shall reign with Him,
for He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!
Stuart Townend & Keith Getty
(Copyright © 2003 Thankyou Music)
OFFERTORY - Take a moment to consider how you are going to continue to give to the life of the church and support other aid agencies and mission organisations.
SAY:
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power,
the glory, the splendour, and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you,
and of your own do we give you.
HYMN : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjz4yXUJrgU
Thine be the glory,
risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the vict’ry
Thou o'er death hast won;
angels in bright raiment
rolled the stone away,
kept the folded grave-clothes,
where Thy body lay.
Thine be the glory,
risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the vict’ry
Thou o'er death hast won.
2. Lo! Jesus meets us,
risen from the tomb;
lovingly He greets us,
scatters fear and gloom;
let the Church with gladness
hymns of triumph sing,
for her Lord now liveth;
death hath lost its sting.
Thine be the glory...
3. No more we doubt Thee,
glorious Prince of life;
life is nought without Thee:
aid us in our strife;
make us more than conquerors,
through Thy deathless love:
bring us safe through Jordan
to Thy home above.
Thine be the glory...
Words: Edmond Louis Budry (1854-1932)
Tr. Richard Birch Hoyle (1875-1939)
Music: G F Handel (1685-1759)
FINAL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He has given us new life and hope
by raising Jesus from the dead.
God has claimed us as his own.
He has brought us out of darkness.
He has made us light to the world.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
We wish you a very happy & blessed Easter!