Third Sunday of Easter

Each Sunday, you will find opportunities to worship individually, with your family, or with small groups. Although we are physically separated from one another, we are united in prayer and praise.

Gathering

You are welcome to join in the service of communion where you are. Wine, juice of any sort, crackers, bread, falafel — the forms do not matter. We are linked in the prayers, and truly are in communion with one another.

Welcome

In Jesus’ name, welcome!

First-time participant or one who’s been here many days; child or elder or somewhere in-between; stewards, caretakers, disciples of Jesus, children of God— neighbours all, loved and loving. Welcome. Welcome in Christ’s name!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Introit “Were You There?”

Opening Prayer

Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!
The risen one came to the disciples on the Emmaus road and turned their despair into hope. With joy in their hearts, they returned to Jerusalem with the words:
“Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed.”
As we gather in prayer, we bring our troubles and our fears.
May this time of worship be our Emmaus road, the place where we meet the risen one and hope is born anew.
In faith, let us proclaim that Christ is risen.
He is risen, indeed. Hallelujah!

Hymn “Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the Risen Lord”

Scripture readings

Hymn “Open my eyes, that I may see” CH 586

Sermon

Responsive Hymn “I’m gonna live so God can use me”

Prayers of the People

Living Prayer Page

Prayer for Each of us

Loving God, we often come to worship empty.
We come tired, worn down, and seeking meaning.
We come desperate to find our purpose in life.
Sometimes we wonder if we really can touch lives with hope.
We believe, so help us in our unbelief.
We come to be filled, so we open ourselves to you.

(a time of silent prayer)

We become who you intend us to be,
as your light shines within and through us.
Guide us and form us, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Communion

Affirmation of Faith (A contemporary creed, #360)

We are not alone,
    we live in God’s world.

 We believe in God:
    who has created and is creating,
    who has come in Jesus,
       the Word made flesh,
       to reconcile and make new,
    who works in us and others
       by the Spirit.

We trust in God. 

We are called to be the Church:
    to celebrate God’s presence,
    to live with respect in Creation,
    to love and serve others,
    to seek justice and resist evil,
    to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
       our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,
    God is with us.
We are not alone.

Blessing

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Closing Hymn: “The Servant Song”