Easter Sunday.
Call to Worship
THE SYMBOLS OF THE RESURRECTION
THE SHROUD: Two people carry a plain white communion cloth and spread it on the bare communion table with these words:
This reminds us of the cloth in which they wrapped the body of Jesus. On Easter morning it was found empty, lying in the tomb where Christ's body had been placed. Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
THE FRAGRANT OIL
A jar filled with fragrant oil is placed it on the communion table with these words:
This fragrance reminds us that very early on Easter Day some women came to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body for proper burial. The women were the first to hear of Jesus' resurrection. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
THE STONE:
A stone( as large as possible) is placed on, or in front of, the table with these words:
This stone reminds us that on the resurrection morning, the stone which sealed the tomb was rolled away. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
THE BREAD:
A large wholemeal loaf (home baked if possible) and plates with bread ready for communion are placed on the table with these words:
This bread reminds us that on the first Easter evening, Jesus walked and talked with two of his followers on the road to Emmaus. It was not until he broke bread with them that they recognised who he was. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
THE WINE:
The chalice and communion trays are placed on the table with these words:
This wine, representing Christ's blood, helps us to remember that Jesus died for us. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
THE CROSS: A rough hewn cross is placed against the front of the
table with these words: The cross you see is an empty cross. Jesus is not dead. He is risen.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
THE CANDLE: A lit 'Christ candle' is placed on the table or stand with these words:
This candle reminds us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
Song: Christ the Lord is Risen today
Prayer of Adoration and Confession
Yours is the glory, O God, for raising Jesus from the darkness of death.
Yours is the glory, O Christ, for being prepared, through your sacrificial love, to conquer death and give us the gift of eternal life.
And, as if that were not enough, you greet us by name, as you greeted Mary
in the garden, and transform our lives forever with your Easter life.
Risen Lord, we worship and adore you .
We pray that the Holy Spirit, your life in us, will so conform us to your image
that we radiate your glory here, through our rejoicing and praise, and in all the
places where people's lives are still affected by the powers of sin and death.
Yours is the glory, risen Lord Jesus, and we rejoice that 'endless is the victory that you over death have won'.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Amen
Assurance of forgiveness
Jesus "is the one ordained by God 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." (Acts 10: 42b,43) Hear, believe, and live the good news. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
The Lords Prayer.
Song: Jesus Friend of Little Children
Infant Blessing: Karissa Chantal Phillips
Introduction
In the name of Jesus we welcome today Kate and Hutton with their daughter Karissa and members of their wider family and friends.
Kate and Hutton are here to present their child before the Lord, as Jesus was presented in the Temple by his parents. In so doing they recognise that Karissa is not their personal property but belongs also to God, and that as parents they have responsibilities before God. In their promises they will commit themselves to fulfil those responsibilities.
Those special friends - Gail, Keith and Clinton chosen by Kate and Hutton will promise to nurture and encourage Karissa throughout his/him/her life.
And as a church, we shall welcome Karissa into our family, as Jesus welcomed children brought to him. Also we shall promise in the presence of God to offer out support and friendship to this child and him/her family, and to join with Kate and Hutton in sharing our faith in Jesus Christ in the hope that he/she may one day discover such a faith for him/herself.
Finally, we shall ask God’s blessing on Karissa
First some verses from Matthews Gospel 18: 3-4.
Jesus said: Truly, I tell you, unless you turn round and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven . Whoever humbles himself and becomes like this child will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven ”.
Let us pray:
Living God, we praise you, the creator of all things,
The giver of all life, and the Father of each person.
Joyfully we thank you for the gift of new life in the birth of this child.
For all that you have given and will give to us through him/her.
For the potential of him/her new life;
For the love and hope he/she has awakened
And for the care which surrounds him/her
Accept our thanks and praise
In the name of Jesus Christ – Amen.
The Promise: The parents are asked by the minister:
Minister Kate and Hutton , do you thank God for his gift of your child, and do you accept the joys and duties of parenthood, promising to give love and care to your child?
Parents We do.
Minister Do you promise to bring your daughter up within the Christian community and to share your own faith with him/her?
Parents We do.
Minister What names have you given to your daughter?
Parents Names given to child (Karissa Chantal Phllips)
Minister then takes the child from the mother and going to the centre of the church, says:
Minister Karissa Chantal Phillips we welcome you in the name of the Lord.
(Show him/her to the congregation)
Minister to Congregation: Do you, as a congregation of God’s people, receive Karissa in the name of Christ, promising to play your part in their Christian upbringing, by providing instruction in the Christian faith, by the example of your lives, and the strong support of Christian fellowship?
Turn to Godparents:
Minister Do you Gail, Keith and Clinton as the God parents of this child accept the privilege and responsibility of Godparent to Karissa to stand with Kate and Hutton help them in every way you can and to join with them in the nurturing and encouragement of this little one.
Godparents: We do!
Blessing- Placing hand on the child’s head, the leader says:
Minister over the child
Karissa, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Karissa you are one of God’s children, held forever in his love. The blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rest and remain with you now and always.
Minister gives Baby back to Father:
Presentation of candle and certificate.
This light is a reminder of Jesus to you – Jesus who said: I am the light of the world.
May his light shine on Karissa always, and may she know his guidance and peace.
The Bright light of God's guarding be with you
The Bright light of Christ's love be with you
The Bright light of the Spirit's presence surround and enfold you.
All the days and nights of your life. Amen
Prayer of Thanksgiving
God our Father, maker of all that is living, we praise you for the wonder and joy of creation. We thank you for the love that has summoned this child into being, for a safe delivery, and for the privilege of parenthood. Accept our thanks and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We commend to you this home and family, and all the homes and families represented ere this day. Help us in our homes to honour you and to serve one another in your love, and help us to care in Christ’s name for all who are one with us in the family of His church, and for all our neighbours. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Testimony:Robert Mackay
Testimony: Yvonne Phillip
Song: For the Cross
Song: Lord of the dance
Service of Believers Baptism
My friends, you have heard Yvonne and Robert tell of the pilgrimages of faith that have brought them to this point today. They are here because in Jesus Christ they have found a living Lord. They have met him in a personal way, and know that Jesus, the Son of God, loves them, and that he gave himself to die for them on a cross. Each knows that Jesus, the Son of God, was not defeated by death but was raised to life, and calls us to accept his forgiveness and hope, and to share in his resurrection life.
In baptism they express this belief, consecrating themselves in a special way to commitment and service. They will enter the water in obedience, believing that baptism is commanded by Christ himself. As they go under the water and rise from it, they give witness to their desire to die to self and rise with Christ to new life.
They come surrounded by the love and prayers of this church family and upheld by the great continuous prayer that unites us with the universal Church of Christ in heaven and on earth.
They come as much loved children of a Father who welcomes them here. Jesus is their brother, and they are bound to him by his Holy Spirit. God is glad, and we are glad, that they have come. This is a special moment - let us pray for them.
Lord God , you know each one of us better than we know ourselves. In your Son you have shown us love that is greater than we can ever appreciate. In your Spirit we are bound closer to you and to each other.
We pray especially for your servants Yvonne and Robert. We ask that they may know the fullness of your love and the filling of your Spirit as in baptism they signify their desire to follow your Son.
May this important step on their lives’ journeys wash away the fears and sins of the past. May all they know of you be enhanced and magnified, and may what happens today underline their progress towards a future of sure and certain hope.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Alison enters the water - (Speaks to Yvonne from the pool )
Declaration of Faith
LEADER Yvonne do you believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
CANDIDATE I do.
LEADER In obedience to the call of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, do you repent of your sins and come to be baptised?
CANDIDATE I do.
LEADER With the help of the Holy Spirit, do you offer your life in service to God wherever he may call you to go?
CANDIDATE I do.
LEADER Then come and be baptised.
(Yvonne/Robert into the water)
Give Text:
Yvonne: Jer 31: 3 I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Robert: 2 Cor 5: 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
Minister Yvonne/Robert on your profession of faith and pledge of allegiance I gladly baptise you in the name or the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Pray over candidate.
(Then Baptise Yvonne)
(As she comes out of the water)
Sing Hallelujah to the Lord x2
Sing hallelujah, Sing hallelujah,
Sing hallelujah to the Lord
(Baptise Robert first)
(As he comes out of the water)
Jesus is King and Lord of all x2
Jesus is King, Jesus is King
Jesus is King and Lord of all;
Words of Appeal:
As Philip travelled from Jerusalem to Gaza . He met with that Ethiopian who after a dialogue with Phillip asked: "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" - The challenge and witness of baptism that Yvonne and Robert have demonstrated today is now offered to you. In a few weeks time we will have another service of Believers Baptism. How will you respond to the this invitation to follow Christ through these waters of obedience and faith. Our response is personal, but our witness and response is public as we share our journey of faith together. My prayer is that you will seek Gods will for your life in all things.
Notices and Offering
Bible Readings Matthew 28 v 1-10 Ashley Matthews
Song: Jesus what a beautiful name
Talk:
Prayers for Others: Ste
Hymn: Only by Grace
Receive Robert, Ashley & Claudine into membership
Ashley and Claudine have been members of good standing in their church in South Africa , having previously been baptised, and now desire to come into membership of this fellowship, where they have been worshipping now for the past few years. We also welcome Robert into membership with them. Let me first turn to Ashley and Claudine:
Me:
Ashley and Claudine, in the sight of God and the presence of this congregation - do you declare your faith in the One God, father, Son and Holy Spirit, having found new life in Him, and do you believe that God has called you to serve Christ as part of this local church?
Ashley and Claudine we do.
(Bring Robert in)
Me: Robert, Ashley and Claudine - Do you commit yourself to love and serve the Lord within this church community and in the world; and being filled with the Holy Spirit, to fulfil your ministry in the Body of Christ.
Robert, Ashley and Claudine: I do
Response of Church: (I invite the church family to stand)
Me; Do we welcome Robert, Ashley and Claudine into the family of God - into this local church?
Church family: We do.
Me: Do we promise to love, encourage, strengthen, guide, pray for, and care for Robert, Ashley and Claudine as an equal partner in the Body of Christ?
Church Family: We do
Declaration:
Robert, Ashley and Claudine - The God of all grace, who has called you to Christian faith and service, confirm and strengthen us all with the Holy Spirit and keep us faithful to Christ all our days.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I offer you the hand of fellowship and warmly welcome you to the full privileges and responsibilities of membership of this church. May your joining us be a blessing to you and to all of us, and may our one Lord keep us one with all His people for ever. Amen.
As is customary for other servers will welcome you too!
(Present membership Cards)
Communion
As if this were the only time, And this the only place,
And we the only people, Jesus Christ will meet us.
This is the table
Not of the church, but of the Lord.
It is to be made ready For those who love him
And who want to love him more.
So, come, You who have much faith
And you who have little.
You who have been here often
And you who have not been for a long time,
You who have tried to follow
And you who have failed.
Come,
Not because it is I who invites you:
It is our Lord.
It is his will that those who want him
Should meet him here.
We hear , and respond to our Lord’s invitation – and so we come, into his Holy presence, around his table - aware of our all frailty, shortcomings and sin. Let us seek his cleansing, forgiveness and refreshment together, in silent prayer. (1 min)
Words of affirmation from John who reminds us that - (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Almighty God , to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Now let us hear the story of how this sacrament began.
On the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he sat at supper with his disciples
While they were eating, he took the bread, (Take break) and said a blessing,
Let us to give thanks: Silence.
Thank you gracious God for your goodness to us as revealed here at this table, where for a moment we are joined with all Heaven in wonder, love and praise of you. Amen
Then he broke it (Break it!) and gave it to his friends, with the words
“This is my body, broken for you”.
Do this to remember me.
Later he took the cup of wine, saying, (Lift the cup now)
“This cup is God’s new covenant
sealed with my blood
Drink from it, all of you, and remember me.
(Lift up the cup and bread )
For as often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Let us together proclaim our faith.
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Distribution:
Grapes: On this plate I have some small red grapes – these are the young fruit of the vine, full of potential to become the best wine, but not yet fully matured and not yet down-trodden by the feet of many who grind them down so that they yield their best. Young grapes….vital for the developing life of the vine, as our children are within the church of Christ . I invite the children to come and take a grape and receive a blessing.
Bread. Please take and eat the bread as you are served.
Wine: Please retain your glasses and we will drink together as our sign of fellowship in Christ.
Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
So let us drink and be thankful.
Almighty God,
We thank you for feeding us
with the Body and Blood of your son, Jesus Christ.
Through him we offer you our souls and bodies
to be a living sacrifice.
Send us out
in the power of your Spirit
to live and work
to your praise and glory. Amen.
Hymn:Thine Be the Glory
Benediction
The Lord of the empty tomb
The conqueror of gloom
Come to you.
The Lord in the garden walking
The Lord to Mary talking
Come to you.
The Lord in the Upper Room
Dispelling fear and doom
Come to you.
The Lord appearing on the shore
Giving us life for ever more
Come to you.