March 31, 2024
WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING
Alexis Owens
SONGS
Maggie McClary with Asha Beck, Maria Leckey, and Nancy Gaston
“CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY”
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
“AWAKE MY SOUL”
~Mumford & Sons
How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
My weakness I feel I must finally show
Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see
But your soul you must keep, totally free
Har har, har har, har har, har har
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
My weakness I feel I must finally show
Har har, har har, har har, har har
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
And where you invest your love, you invest your life
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
And where you invest your love, you invest your life
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
For you were made to meet your maker
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
Awake my soul
For you were made to meet your maker
You were made to meet your maker
WELCOMING STATEMENT
Abby Garber
RISE believes that God has open arms, and so should we. Our Creator wants us to love, accept and affirm every human being, including persons of every age, race, ethnic background, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or socioeconomic status, educational background, religion or creed, and physical or mental ability. We celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join us as we seek to follow Jesus with mutual respect, understanding, and love.
*Read more about “Why Pronouns Matter” HERE.
SCRIPTURE READING
Shiree Harbick
Mark 16:1-8 (CEB)
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they could go and anoint Jesus’ dead body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb. 3 They were saying to each other, “Who’s going to roll the stone away from the entrance for us?” 4 When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away. (And it was a very large stone!) 5 Going into the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right side; and they were startled. 6 But he said to them, “Don’t be alarmed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised. He isn’t here. Look, here’s the place where they laid him. 7 Go, tell his disciples, especially Peter, that he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you.” 8 Overcome with terror and dread, they fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
EASTER REFLECTIONS
Pastor Amanda Miller Garber
COMMUNION
Pastor Amanda Miller Garber
SONG DURING COMMUNION
“HALLELUJAH”
~Johnnyswim
I'm falling I'm falling come catch me you can't make me wait
Stars in the heavens watch out 'cause I'm headed their way
You came for me and made me new
For all of my days I will give You the praise that you do
CHORUS:
hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-hallelujah x2
My heart your love never parted
hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-hallelujah
Step after steep step on upwards I'm keeping a pace
Wherever your heart is I'm headed to show me the way
I hang on every word you say
If you turn the locks then I'll hand in my key everyday
CHORUS x3
PRAYER
Pastor Amanda Miller Garber
OFFERING
Alexis Owens
One of our core values is, "God gives to us, so we give back." We're called to give as a joy-filled response to what we've been given. Your financial gifts make a tremendous difference in the lives of God's beloved in Harrisonburg and beyond. Whether it's helping to make sure children in our community have enough to eat, helping to respond to the mental health crisis in our community, or providing much needed backing for the operating costs of our spaces and staff — your gift is a part of God's dream and we are grateful for everyone who partners with us on this journey!
FINAL SONG
“THIS IS NOT THE END”
~Gungor
This is not the end
This is not the end of this
We will open our eyes wide, wider
This is not our last
This is not our last breath
We will open our mouths wide, wider
And you know you'll be alright
Oh and you know you'll be alright
This is not the end
This is not the end of us
We will shine like
The stars bright, brighter
FINAL BLESSING
Diana Kemper
AN EASTER BLESSING
~Adapted from a prayer by Michelle Torigian
As we enter a world where resurrection is possible,
Nudge us forward when the unknown is overwhelming.
Empower us when anxiety and amazement seize our spirits.
Allow our trembling voices to share Alleluias with a hurting world,
a world that needs to be reminded of your promise that this is not the end.
Open our hearts to our neighbors yearning for rebirth.
And allow us to see the empty tomb in each season of our lives.
Amen.
HAPPY EASTER FRIENDS!
REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!
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