Easter Sunday 4.20.2025
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
EASTER DAY
APRIL 20, 2025
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, FALLS CHURCH, VA
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PRELUDE Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing Setting: Paul Manz
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Settings: 1. Paul Manz, 2. Walter L Pelz
INVOCATION AND CALL TO WORSHIP
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
This is the day that the Lord has made!
Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
The stone that the builders rejected
Has become the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22)
I shall not die, but I shall live;
And recount the deeds of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17)
PRAYER OF PREPARATION
Let us pray. Almighty God, merciful Father, in Holy Baptism you declared us to be your children and gathered us into your one, holy church, in which you daily and richly forgive us our sins and grant us new life through your Spirit. Be in our midst, enliven our faith, and graciously receive our prayer and praise; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
EASTER PROCLAMATION
The angel said: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
“He is not here. He has risen.”
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
ENTRANCE HYMN Jesus Christ is Risen Today LSB 457
1 Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
2 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!
3 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!
4 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!
KYRIE LSB 152
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
THIS IS THE FEAST LSB 155
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are His.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign. Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
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. Amen.
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THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 65:17-25
“Behold, I create new heavens
and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
or come into mind.
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.
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.
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.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
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.
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.
Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
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.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM Jubilation Choir Joyful Are They Who Come with Singing Setting: G.F. Handel
Joyful are they who come with singing,
Come before their Savior and God,
Come with voices of thanksgiving.
They shall have the peace of heaven,
They shall rejoice and dance and sing within the sanctuary,
Giving God all praise and honor.
SECOND LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL VERSE (Stand) Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Sts. 1-3 LSB 458
1 Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands
For our offenses given;
But now at God’s right hand He stands
And brings us life from heaven.
Therefore let us joyful be
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud songs of alleluia!
Alleluia!
2 No son of man could conquer death,
Such ruin sin had wrought us.
No innocence was found on earth,
And therefore death had brought us
Into bondage from of old
And ever grew more strong and bold
And held us as its captive.
Alleluia!
3 Christ Jesus, God’s own Son, came down,
His people to deliver;
Destroying sin, He took the crown
From death’s pale brow forever:
Stripped of pow’r, no more it reigns;
An empty form alone remains;
Its sting is lost forever.
Alleluia!
THE EASTER GOSPEL Luke 24:1-12
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 24th chapter.
Glory to You, O Lord!
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, “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.
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (ESV)
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, O Christ!
GOSPEL VERSE (Stand) Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Sts. 6-7 LSB 458
6 So let us keep the festival
To which the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the joy of all,
The sun that warms and lights us.
Now His grace to us imparts
Eternal sunshine to our hearts;
The night of sin is ended.
Alleluia!
7 Then let us feast this Easter Day
On Christ, the bread of heaven;
The Word of grace has purged away
The old and evil leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
He is our meat and drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other!
Alleluia!
SERMON
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. Dear friends in Christ:
Easter Sunday is a day of joy! It is a day to express our joy and a day to give thanks for the source of our joy.
And as I hope you know, the source of our joy is Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Christ’s resurrection shows us that death is defeated. And this means that we too will live beyond the grave. This message gives us the greatest of joys, for what could be more joyful than this.
To begin today’s sermon I thought I’d lead us in a little thinking about other things that bring joy to us in life and explore how they can reflect the joy we have in Christ but also perhaps take away from it too. Lots of things bring us joy. But what kinds of joy do they bring?
Let’s start with something I find myself thinking a lot about: sports. I love to play sports and follow sports and I’ve definitely seen and experienced the joy it can bring.
The joy of sports comes in many ways. It’s joyful to run around and feel those endorphins as we exercise and know that we’re doing something healthy. And it’s joyful to be a part of a team and to strategize and to share an activity with others.
But let’s face it, the biggest joy in sports – at least the joy that gets the biggest attention – is winning. People love to win. And people love winners too, so it seems. Because winners are the ones that get celebrated in articles, photos, parties and appearances – seemingly everywhere we look.
In the past weeks I’ve noticed that two big winners have appeared in the media quite frequently. These are Rory McIlroy, winner of the Masters golf tournament and Paige Bueckers, star of the winning team in the women’s NCAA basketball tournament. Both players, as we can tell from the photos and interviews, were filled with joy because of their victories. And many of us were filled with joy too. For some of us are fans of theirs. And others of us simply appreciate the struggles they went through to get their victories.
In thinking about this, I hope we see that sports can definitely reflect a Godly joy. Many athletes are good Christian role models. And those who win usually do so because they worked hard and possess a talent that is God-given. These are things to celebrate.
There’s nothing wrong with having feelings of joy as we play or watch sports. Unless of course this joy overshadows the joy of knowing the One who has made it all possible and who wants more for us than this too.
The joy which should move us the most comes from the Almighty God – the One who created us, redeems us, and works to make us holy. Sadly, much of the celebrating we do over winning in sports – and in life – leads us away from such joy towards God. And that’s because winning also feeds our selfish beliefs, including the one where we think we’re better than others.
Winning doesn’t have to lead to poor belief. If we keep a proper humility, we will realize that often our winning simply comes because the ball bounced the right way for us.
But winning should always be seen as a secondary joy. And that’s because the goal of winning in a game is very different than God’s goals of redemption and holiness. There is only one victory that is truly redemptive and holy. And that is the victory mentioned in today’s second reading – the victory of Christ over death.
I’ll say more about that victory in a bit. But first, let’s examine another source of joy in this world too. For sports aren’t the only things that bring joy. It’s found in many other places as well.
Consider the joys of marriage and friendship. When people come together and support one another and encourage one another – and especially when that support and encouragement is characterized by commitment and love – this brings great joy. And that’s because life can be very lonely. Difficult too. Those who have companions and helpers are definitely blessed.
Certainly marriage and friendship reflect the joy of Christ because we know God wants people to live in community. “It’s not good for man to be alone,” God famously said. And God wants people to live in peace and harmony as well. Good relationships promote these.
Yet even marriage and friendship can take away from our joy in Christ… if they convince us that through these relationships, we’ve got all we need.
Companionship is wonderful. But is the relationship leading us toward the right things?
And it’s great to have a helper. But to what end is the help being given? Too many relationships are simply partnerships with ungodly goals.
Marriages and friendships that reflect the joy of Christ are the very best kind. Other relationships may be good in certain ways too, but they are no substitute for faith.
Okay, let me choose one more joy for us to think about… and this time one that speaks very directly to us here at the church. On this great celebration of Easter, many of us here are experiencing great joy because of the traditions we’re following. We love seeing the beautiful decorations and singing the great Easter hymns – even the hymns in a minor key since we understand that these convey God’s power. We love the egg hunt, the breakfast, the special clothing and the gatherings with family. These traditions are wonderful and certainly reflect the joy of Christ very well.
And yet, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen church attenders on Easter who are far more joyful about the music or the festivities or the food than the message. Especially the food. I know that’s a judgment on my part and perhaps my observations are not accurate in every case. But today is about the message. It’s not to be overshadowed by our traditions.
And by the way, when I say: “the message,” I’m not referring to the sermon. Sermons are just vehicles. I’m talking about the Gospel. It’s the Gospel message of Christ crucified and risen from the dead that brings true joy.
When the women went to the tomb that first Easter morning, Luke tells us that they saw two men, undoubtedly angels, who said to them: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” And then the angels called the women to remember. “Remember how he told you,” they said, “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.”
The women had forgotten that Jesus had told them about his death and resurrection. And it wasn’t just the women either, for all of Jesus’ followers had either forgotten what he said or acted as if what he said couldn’t be true.
But then, after the angels said these words, Luke tells us that “they remembered his words.” They remembered! “And returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.”
My friends, we’re just like those first followers of Christ. We too often forget his message. We get busy with other things and distracted by our troubles. And we find other joys and lose track of what Jesus has done.
Today is a day of joy but also a day to remember. We are to remember the Gospel message of Christ and remind ourselves that it brings our greatest joy.
And let me say, too, that remembering the Gospel once a year at Easter will not cut it. We are weak and sinful people, all of us. We need to be reminded of the message constantly.
Rehearsing and remembering the message will only help us. Because when we remember that Jesus is working with us, our troubles are not so big. And when we remember that Jesus is with us, the loneliness we feel is not so severe. And when we remember that he died for our sins, we can move past our guilt and shame.
We can certainly appreciate life’s other joys too. We can enjoy our sports, our relationships, and all things good and healthy. Life will give us new joys as well. Right now we’re experiencing the joy of spring – the beautiful flowers, the lovely trees and the warmer weather. But these other joys should remain secondary to the joy of the Gospel.
The prophet Isaiah once said: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Is. 40:8). The joy of Christ’s victory is life’s greatest joy not only because of what it does but also because it lasts.
Our first reading today also came from Isaiah. And in this reading, found near the end of his prophecy, we’re given a beautiful picture of the life to come. It tells of the “new heavens and a new earth” – a phrase meant to describe the life to come when Jesus has returned and made all things new according to his promise.
This life, according to the promise of Isaiah, is characterized by gladness, justice, peace, and abundance. There will be no more weeping, the wolf shall lie down with the lamb, and we shall enjoy the work of our hands. This is truly paradise restored.
And it is all made possible because of Christ’s victory – the greatest victory of all.
Earlier in the week, as I was finishing up today’s sermon, our secretary, Linda, brought in the Easter bulletin for me to proof-read and quietly set it next to me on my desk as I completed my thoughts. When I finally turned to look at it, I noticed that the cover said: “Victory!” And I smiled at the joy and assurance this brought me.
“Death is swallowed up in victory,” wrote St. Paul to the Corinthians. And he said too: “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory.”
On Easter Sunday, one of the best ways to remember this victory given by God is to remember those who have gone before us in faith and are now experiencing the joys of heaven. They have entered into a joy that mirrors that of the New Creation to come, and they rest secure until that day of its arrival.
Today I am remembering especially my parents, who always came so faithfully to visit me at Easter. And I find myself remembering, too, so many members of our church family here at St. Paul’s – those who worked with us, sang with us, struggled with us and encouraged us. They are now in the presence of God, having already won victory over death.
Yes, today is a day of joy. On this day, many centuries ago, Jesus rose from the dead and showed that death is defeated. Our task now is to remember this and to understand that this joy is greater than all others the world has to offer.
When Mary, Joanna and the others went to the tomb that morning, the angels said to them: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” And that is a question we should be asking ourselves as well.
True life is found in the presence of Christ. It is not found in the world; despite the many joys the world can bring.
Yes, the world often seems livelier. Christ’s church can seem quite boring by comparison.
But do not be deceived. Like hymns in a minor key, the joy of Christ is not always expressed in ways that are upbeat and easy.
People too often look for God in people, places and activities that only lead to death. And they too often place their hope in these instead of Christ. Only Christ brings victory over sin and death. And he alone is our sure and certain hope. For he is the one who survived the cross and who survives our poor memory too.
Today is a day for our greatest “alleluias.” And a day for our most sincere thanks.
May God lead us to these through his Holy Spirit. And may they bless us all our days.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY Christ the Lord is Risen LSB 469
1 “Christ the Lord is ris’n today!”
Saints on earth and angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply.
2 Love’s redeeming work is done,
Fought the fight, the battle won;
Lo! Our Sun’s eclipse is o’er;
Lo! He sets in blood no more.
3 Vain the stone, the watch, the seal;
Christ hath burst the gates of hell.
Death in vain forbids His rise;
Christ has opened paradise.
4 Lives again our glorious King!
Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once He died our souls to save;
Where thy victory, O grave?
5 Soar we now where Christ has led;
Foll’wing our exalted Head.
Made like Him, like Him we rise;
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
6 Hail the Lord of earth and heav’n!
Praise to Thee by both be giv’n!
Thee we greet triumphant now:
Hail, the resurrection, Thou!
NICENE CREED Hymnal, back cover
I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth
and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures
and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life ✠ of the world to come. Amen.
OFFERING
Offerings support the church’s mission work – both here and through our many partners. Offerings may be placed in the box at the sanctuary entrance or sent to the church through our website or the mail. Fellowship Cards help us welcome new people and track participation. Please fill one out and place it in the offering box following the service.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Holy Lord, mighty God, You have borne the sin of the world and given to us the promise of new and everlasting life. Receive our thanks for the glorious resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. Bring us with Him to our own joyful resurrection and to the blessed reunion of all Your saints. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, You have established the Church as the instrument of Your saving purpose and endowed us with the gift of Your Word and Sacrament. Embolden us with the Holy Spirit, that we may be renewed in witness, sustained in trial and refreshed through the Means of Grace. Bless those who bring Your gifts and preach Your Word. And give to all of us willing ears to hear and willing hearts to keep this Easter faith. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Give peace, Lord, to our homes and enliven them by Christ’s resurrected life. Let the forgiveness of sins reign among husbands and wives, parents and children. And assure those who live alone that they are Your children, upheld by Your right hand. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bless Donald, our president, and all who make and administer our laws. Frustrate the forces of evil, and do not let our leaders cooperate with them or further their goals. Guard our armed forces as they stand watch for us at home and abroad and move them to serve with honor and integrity. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Lord, Your healing and strength are the hope of all the weary and afflicted. According to Your gracious will, give to all the sick and those who suffer healing and relief. We pray especially for all those on or prayer list and for those we name in our hearts at this time… Grant them patience and hope until that day when they put on new and glorious bodies raised by Christ and receive the end of all afflictions. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most Holy Father, this is the feast of victory, for the Lamb who was slain has begun His reign. By Your Spirit, prepare us to receive His body and blood for the strengthening of our faith. And build in us anticipation for the marriage supper of the Lamb, which we and all the people of God shall feast upon in His kingdom without end. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, heavenly Father, You have not let Your Holy One see corruption but have raised Him in triumph from the dead, never to die again. Therefore, our hearts are glad and we rejoice, for our flesh also dwells secure. Since You have set Him at Your right hand, lead us to set His resurrection before us at all times, that His path of life and the fullness of joy in His presence may be known to us until we come also to the eternal pleasures at His right hand, forevermore; for You, O Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit are one God, now and forever. Amen.
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THE LITURGY OF HOLY COMMUNION
OFFERTORY through AGNUS DEI (Stand) LSB 159 – 163
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?
I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
PREFACE LSB 160
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who, out of love for His fallen creation, humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even death upon a cross. Risen from the dead, He has freed us from eternal death and given us life everlasting. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:
SANCTUS LSB 161
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of pow’r and might:
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING LSB 161
Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross.
Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My ✠ body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”
In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My ✠ blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER
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. Amen.
PAX DOMINI LSB 163
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
AGNUS DEI LSB 163
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.
THE COMMUNION (Be seated)
Those wishing to commune at the foot of the steps should come forward first. Those wishing to commune at the altar rail should come forward after these, front rows first, from both sides of the aisle. After receiving, all should return to their seats. A common dismissal will be given at the end.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS Awake, My Heart, with Gladness LSB 467
1 Awake, my heart, with gladness,
See what today is done;
Now, after gloom and sadness,
Comes forth the glorious sun.
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.
2 The foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb;
But lo, he now is routed,
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o’er the grave.
3 This is a sight that gladdens—
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me has won.
4 Now hell, its prince, the devil,
Of all their pow’r are shorn;
Now I am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn.
Grim death with all its might
Cannot my soul affright;
It is a pow’rless form,
Howe’er it rave and storm.
5 The world against me rages,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wages,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.
Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.
6 Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate’er He passes through.
He rends death’s iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell’s grim thrall;
I follow Him through all.
7 He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
“Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified.”
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia LSB 463
1 Christ the Lord is ris’n today; Alleluia!
Christians, hasten on your way; Alleluia!
Offer praise with love replete, Alleluia!
At the paschal victim’s feet. Alleluia!
2 For the sheep the Lamb has bled, Alleluia!
Sinless in the sinner’s stead. Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris’n on high; Alleluia!
Now He lives, no more to die. Alleluia!
3 Hail, the victim undefiled, Alleluia!
God and sinners reconciled, Alleluia!
When contending death and life, Alleluia!
Met in strange and awesome strife. Alleluia!
4 Christians, on this holy day, Alleluia!
All your grateful homage pay; Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is ris’n on high; Alleluia!
Now He lives, no more to die. Alleluia!
PRAYER (Stand)
BENEDICTION
SENDING HYMN Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing LSB 475
1 Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2 The Lord of life is ris’n this day;
Bring flow’rs of song to strew His way;
Let all the world rejoice and say:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3 Praise we in songs of victory
That love, that life which cannot die,
And sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4 Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
And sing today with one accord
The life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing Setting: Michael Burkhart
Those serving:
Sunday, 8:00 a.m.:
Greeter: Steve Berg
Comm. assist: Judy Koucky
Reader: Anne Kauzlarich
Acolyte: Kaydn Godbee
10:30 a.m.:
Greeter: Charles Fisher
Comm. assist: Dede Dixon
Reader: Dan Buuck
Acolyte: Noah Starck
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2025 Concordia Publishing House.
457 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Text: tr. Lyra Davidica, 1708, London, alt.; (sts. 1–3): Latin, 14th cent.; (st. 4): Charles Wesley, 1707–88 Tune: Lyra Davidica, 1708, London Text and tune: Public domain
458 Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Richard Massie, 1800–87, alt. Tune: Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, 1524, Wittenberg, ed. Johann Walter Text and tune: Public domain
469 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–88, alt. Tune: French, 13th cent. Text and tune: Public domain
467 Awake, My Heart, with Gladness Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. John Kelly, 1833–90, alt. Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662 Text and tune: Public domain
463 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today; Alleluia Text: attr. Wipo of Burgundy, d. c. 1050; tr. Jane E. Leeson, 1809–81, alt. Tune: Robert Williams, c. 1781–1821 Text and tune: Public domain
475 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing Text: Cyril A. Alington, 1872–1955, alt.
Tune: Melchior Vulpius, c. 1570–1615 Text: © 1958, renewed 1986 Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd., admin. Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
