April 5, 2026
Easter Sunday
April 5, 2026 Livestream Worship + Holy Communion Online Bulletin for Easter Sunday
Gathering
Chiming of the Trinity
Prelude
He Is Risen arr. Jason Tonioi
Proclamation of the Resurrection
Hallelujah! Christ has Risen!
Christ has Risen Indeed!
Processional Hymn
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today UMH#302
Please sing stanzas 1, 2, 3, 4
Call to Worship
Early in the morning, while it was still dark — hope was born.
We come to the tomb carrying grief and expectation.
We come unsure of what we will find.
But the stone has been rolled away.
Love has breathed again.
Christ is risen. Life has the final word.
Come, let us worship the God of resurrection.
Responsive Psalm
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 UMH pp. 839 &; 840
Welcome
Reading from the Old Testament
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Anthem
Exultate, Justi Michael Joncas
Sing to the Lord a new song and bless his holy name.
Jacob Bailey, solo
Reading from the Gospels
Matthew 28:1-10
Anthem
I Saw Water Flowing Chris de Silva
Please join the choir in singing the ‘Alleluia’ as printed on the insert
Sermon
Breath Stronger Than Death | Rev. Kelly Dotson
The Celebration of Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving and Communion
Musical Setting D UMH pp. 23-24
Invitation to the Table
Confession
Resurrecting God,
We confess that we do not always live as Easter people.
We hold tightly to fear when you are calling us toward love.
We cling to what feels safe when you are inviting us into new life.
We turn away from the suffering of others when resurrection calls us to stand with them.
We have doubted that life could rise again
in the places that feel too broken, too far gone.
Forgive us. Breathe new life into us.
Open what we have closed. Soften what has hardened.
Awaken what has grown weary. Teach us to trust that your love is still at work—even here, even now. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
Our God, who is among us, holy is your name.
Your way of justice and peace comes.
Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today the bread we need.
Forgive us as we forgive others.
Lead us away from fear and division, and deliver us into love.
For yours is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.
Sharing of Bread and Cup
Thanksgiving after the Meal
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People | Make a Gift Online
Blessing of the Tithes and Offerings
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Doxology UMH#94
Hymn
Lift High the Cross UMH#159
Blessing and Sharing of Christ’s Light
Postlude
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today arr. James Koerts
Today’s worship participants
Our Pastor: Rev. Kelly Dotson
Music Director: Dr. Joel Reed
Worship Arts Associate: Patty Higgins
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Mars Hill United Methodist Church
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