What we’re singing at First Baptist Church of Berkeley this Sunday
Easter Sunday – “Christ is risen, Christ is risen, indeed!”
The service begins with recorded music and words for contemplation, the Matthew 28 telling of the resurrection story.
Hymns of Rejoicing:
“Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” (words: Brian Wren, 1986; tune: hymn to joy, Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824)
Stanza 1: Christ is risen! Shout Hosanna! Celebrate this day of days! Christ is risen! Hush in wonder! All creation is amazed. In the desert all-surrounding, see, a spreading tree has grown. Healing leaves of grace abounding bring a taste of love unknown.
“Good Christians All, Rejoice and Sing!” (words: Cyril Alington, 1931 tune: gelobt sei gott, Melchior Vulpius, 1609)
Psalm 100 responsive reading, with sung response: Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. (words and music by Rawn Harbor, 2006)
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1–12 (Luke’s version of the resurrection story)
Hymn: “Because You Live, O Christ” (words: Shirley Erena Murray, 1987; tune: vruechten, Dutch melody, 17th century)
Stanza 1: Because you live, O Christ, the garden of the world has come to flower; the darkness of the tomb is flooded with your resurrection power. The stone has rolled away and death cannot imprison! O sing this Easter Day, for Jesus Christ has risen!
Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18 (the Good News as recorded by John)
Hymn: “Woman, Weeping in the Garden” (words: Dan Damon, 1991; tune: kingdom, V. Earl Copes, 1959)
- Woman, weeping in the garden, who has pushed the stone aside? Who has taken Jesus’ body; Jesus Christ, the crucified?
- Woman, waiting in the garden, after men have come and gone; after angels give their witness, silently you watch the dawn.
- Woman, walking in the garden, Jesus takes you by surprise; when the gardener calls you, “Mary!” faith and joy meet in your eyes.
- Woman weeping in the garden, weep for joy, for you have seen Jesus Christ, Messiah, risen; Christ, of whom the prophets dream.
- Woman, dancing from the garden, find the others and proclaim Christ is risen as he promised; tell the world he knew your name!
Message – “An Easter People (Minister Sharon Allen, preaching)
Hymn: “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” (words: Samuel Medley, 1775; tune: duke street, attrib. John Hatton, 1793)
Time of Sharing and Prayer
Time of Offering
Hymn of Dedication: “He Lives” (words and music: Alfred H. Ackley, 1933)
Call to Communion: Mark 16:1-7 (the resurrection story as told by Mark)
Sharing the Bread and Cup
Hymn of Joy: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (words: Charles Wesley, 1739; tune easter hymns, Lyra Davidica 1708)
Stanza 4: Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Christ, like Christ we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Easter Blessing:
Pastor: Behold, I tell you a mystery! We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised. For, like Christ, our earthly bodies shall put on immortality and the saying shall be fulfilled:
People: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O grave is your sting?”
Pastor: Thanks be to you, O God, who gives us the victory through Jesus the Christ. And as we say “Amen,” Eternal One, we proclaim for all time:
People: I know that my redeemer lives!
Pastor: Christ is risen!
ALL: Christ is risen, indeed! Amen!
FBC Berkeley worships at 10:00 am every Sunday in Crouch Classroom, Hobart Hall, on the ABSW campus. Rev. Dr. Nancy E. Hall (ABSW faculty) is the pastor. Come sing with us! We are a Welcoming and Affirming congregation for the LGBTQ community (www.fbcberkeley.org).
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