12. Christ is Risen: a Service in Easter

Christ is Risen:

a Service in Easter

Notes

Type of service

¶    A non-eucharistic service for use in the weeks between Easter Sunday and Pentecost;

¶    A fully worked out sample, suitable for local reproduction;

¶    Designed to be suitable for regular use.

This service is not designed for Easter Sunday itself (though it could form the basis of any non-eucharistic service on that day), but to meet the need for something that keeps the Easter flavour in the Sundays of the Easter season.

Opening Acclamation

The acclamation which is used as the greeting is also used (with an additional clause) as an acclamation of praise immediately prior to the dismissal (which, in this case, is the Peace). The service is therefore sandwiched between two great acclamations of the resurrection of Christ.

Penitence

The prayers of penitence could be led from the Easter candle. Children could be invited to gather there with the minister leading that part of the service.

Gloria in Excelsis

This is used as part of the concluding praise. If it is not used (or is said, rather than sung) a hymn or song of praise may be added.

The Peace

The Peace is used here as the dismissal. Other options could be used if this were not appropriate.

Combining the service with Holy Communion

If on occasion this service is combined with Holy Communion, the Gloria in Excelsis and the Praise acclamation that follows it should be moved to form part of the Post Communion and Dismissal respectively. The Peace would then lead into the preparation of the table and the Eucharistic Prayer.

If desired, the Lord’s Prayer could be moved to come after the Eucharistic Prayer.

Christ is Risen

A Service of the Word in Easter

We say together the words printed in bold.

The Greeting

The minister greets the people and says

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All   He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Opening Prayer

All   Faithful one, whose word is life:

come with saving power

to free our praise,

inspire our prayer

and shape our lives

for the kingdom of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayers of Penitence

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.

All   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.

All   Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived for this world alone,

and doubted our home in heaven.

In your mercy, forgive us.

All   Lord, hear us and help us.

May the God of love and power

forgive you and free you from your sins,

heal and strengthen you by his Spirit,

and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.

All   Amen.

The Collect

The Collect is said.

Reading(s)

After each reading

This is the word of the Lord.

All   Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Affirmation of Faith

This Affirmation of Faith or an authorized Creed is used

Let us declare our faith

in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All   Christ died for our sins

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he was buried;

he was raised to life on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures;

afterwards he appeared to his followers,

and to all the apostles:

this we have received,

and this we believe.

Amen.

A hymn may be sung.

Prayers of Intercession

This response may be used

Jesus, Lord of life:

All   in your mercy, hear us.

The Lord’s Prayer

Gathering our prayers and praise into one, let us pray as our Saviour taught us

All   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.

Gloria in Excelsis

This song may be said or sung

All   Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King,

almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

Praise

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All   He has given us new life and hope.

He has raised Jesus from the dead.

God has claimed us as his own.

All   He has brought us out of darkness.

He has made us light to the world.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

All   He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Peace

The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples

and said, ‘Peace be with you.’

Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.

The peace of the Lord be always with you

All   and also with you.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

A service from New Patterns for Worship. Compilation copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2002.