PRAYER OF ADMISSION We are Easter people. And yet, we find ourselves in Good Friday moments. We encounter sickness and suffering. We meet death face to face. No matter how true your gospel rings for us, Lord, we still find ourselves staring into space wondering where you are. Forgive us, for the uncertainty of our world can cause us to go numb. The disease has not only infected bodies, but our economy and our psyche, too. Don’t just forgive us, Lord. Overwhelm us with your love for us and your light. Pour your light into us now more than ever. [silent confession]
PRAYER OF GRACE Glory be to the Father, Glory be to the Son, Glory be to the Spirit, three in one. As it was in the beginning, and will be forever. Amen, Amen, Amen.
HOLY INTERRUPTION
SCRIPTURE READING | John 20:19-23 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
SERMON + RESPONSE | New Day
PRAYERS FOR ALL PEOPLE +THE 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH | The Apostle’s Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen
