Embedded Files
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Updated for Sunday, April 5th, 2026 [Resurrection of the Lord]
Updated for Sunday, April 5th, 2026 [Resurrection of the Lord]
Prelude - Debbie
Prelude - Debbie
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
Gathering Hymn - #322, Up from the Grave He Arose; - Debbie
Gathering Hymn - #322, Up from the Grave He Arose; - Debbie
Call to Worship - Sarah Dawson
Call to Worship - Sarah Dawson
One: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
One: Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Many: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Many: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
One: In the breaking of bread and the sharing of life, the Living God is among us.
One: In the breaking of bread and the sharing of life, the Living God is among us.
Many: Alleluia! We come to celebrate the victory of love and the promise of new life! Amen!
Many: Alleluia! We come to celebrate the victory of love and the promise of new life! Amen!
Opening Prayer (in unison) - Sarah Dawson
Opening Prayer (in unison) - Sarah Dawson
Almighty God, we rejoice in the light of the resurrection! You transform our darkness into hope! Fill our hearts with the joy of Easter, that we may witness to your living presence in the world. Guide us to walk in newness of life, united in the love that has conquered the grave. Amen.
Almighty God, we rejoice in the light of the resurrection! You transform our darkness into hope! Fill our hearts with the joy of Easter, that we may witness to your living presence in the world. Guide us to walk in newness of life, united in the love that has conquered the grave. Amen.
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70) - Debbie
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70) - Debbie
Scripture Reading - Sarah Dawson
Scripture Reading - Sarah Dawson
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Resurrecting God, you conquered death and opened the gates of life everlasting. In the power of the Holy Spirit, raise us with Christ that we, too, may proclaim healing and peace to the nations. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Resurrecting God, you conquered death and opened the gates of life everlasting. In the power of the Holy Spirit, raise us with Christ that we, too, may proclaim healing and peace to the nations. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading - Acts 10:34-43 (CEB)
Scripture Reading - Acts 10:34-43 (CEB)
Peter said, “I really am learning that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another. Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him. This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all! You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism John preached. You know about Jesus of Nazareth, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and endowed with power. Jesus traveled around doing good and healing everyone oppressed by the devil because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did, both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him up on the third day and allowed him to be seen, not by everyone but by us. We are witnesses whom God chose beforehand, who ate and drank with him after God raised him from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Peter said, “I really am learning that God doesn’t show partiality to one group of people over another. Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him. This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all! You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism John preached. You know about Jesus of Nazareth, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and endowed with power. Jesus traveled around doing good and healing everyone oppressed by the devil because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did, both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him up on the third day and allowed him to be seen, not by everyone but by us. We are witnesses whom God chose beforehand, who ate and drank with him after God raised him from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
One: This is the message of peace preached through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
One: This is the message of peace preached through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Many: May we bear witness to the power of God’s love and Christ’s resurrection!
Many: May we bear witness to the power of God’s love and Christ’s resurrection!
Lectionary Hymn - #302, Christ the Lord is Risen Today, vs 1 - 4. - Debbie
Lectionary Hymn - #302, Christ the Lord is Risen Today, vs 1 - 4. - Debbie
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen.
Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen.
Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world to God who raised Jesus to new life.
Let us pray for the needs of the church and the world to God who raised Jesus to new life.
Are there any requests?
Are there any requests?
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
Through the resurrection of your son, O God, you destroy the power of death and remove your people’s shame. By the power of the Spirit, raise us from sin and seat us at the paschal feast, that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation Jesus has won for us. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Through the resurrection of your son, O God, you destroy the power of death and remove your people’s shame. By the power of the Spirit, raise us from sin and seat us at the paschal feast, that we may rejoice in the gift of salvation Jesus has won for us. And all the beloved said: Amen.
(A moment for silent prayers)
(A moment for silent prayers)
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name;
Hallowed by thy name;
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil;
But deliver us from evil;
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95) - James
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95) - James
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Generous God, in the light of the resurrection, we offer these gifts as signs of our gratitude and hope. Bless these offerings and our lives, that they may become instruments of your peace and new life in the world. In the name of Christ, our resurrected Lord, all the beloved said: Amen.
Generous God, in the light of the resurrection, we offer these gifts as signs of our gratitude and hope. Bless these offerings and our lives, that they may become instruments of your peace and new life in the world. In the name of Christ, our resurrected Lord, all the beloved said: Amen.
Prayer Hymn - Death In His Grave - James
Prayer Hymn - Death In His Grave - James
Sermon - Luke 24:1-6 (CEB) - Stations 1-2 - Pastor Mary Beth
Sermon - Luke 24:1-6 (CEB) - Stations 1-2 - Pastor Mary Beth
Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but has been raised.”
Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but has been raised.”
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Sermon Hymn - Living Hope - James
Sermon Hymn - Living Hope - James
Communion - Pastor Mary Beth
Communion - Pastor Mary Beth
One: The Lord be with you!
One: The Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
One: Lift up your hearts!
One: Lift up your hearts!
Many: We lift them up to the Lord!
Many: We lift them up to the Lord!
One: Let us give thanks!
One: Let us give thanks!
Many: It is right to give thanks!
Many: It is right to give thanks!
One: It is truly right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.
One: It is truly right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord
Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
The light of the resurrection exposes the shadows in our hearts, not to condemn us, but to lead us into wholeness. Let us come before the Living God, trusting that the same power that rolled away the stone can remove the weight of our own mistakes and regrets. Let us pray together:
The light of the resurrection exposes the shadows in our hearts, not to condemn us, but to lead us into wholeness. Let us come before the Living God, trusting that the same power that rolled away the stone can remove the weight of our own mistakes and regrets. Let us pray together:
Living God, we confess that we often live as if the tomb were still sealed. We hold onto old fears, cling to past resentments, and doubt the possibility of new beginnings for ourselves and others. Forgive us for choosing the safety of the dark rather than the challenge of your light. Roll away the stones of our hearts and breathe your life into us once again. Amen.
Living God, we confess that we often live as if the tomb were still sealed. We hold onto old fears, cling to past resentments, and doubt the possibility of new beginnings for ourselves and others. Forgive us for choosing the safety of the dark rather than the challenge of your light. Roll away the stones of our hearts and breathe your life into us once again. Amen.
Hear the good news: The grave is empty because God’s love is overflowing! Be at peace, and walk in the freedom of new life. In the name of the Risen Christ, we are forgiven and beloved!
Hear the good news: The grave is empty because God’s love is overflowing! Be at peace, and walk in the freedom of new life. In the name of the Risen Christ, we are forgiven and beloved!
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection, you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection, you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
(Lift the bread, break it) We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the bread, break it) We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the cup) Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the cup) Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at the heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. And all the beloved said: Amen.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at the heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and for ever. And all the beloved said: Amen.
The Table is prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty are invited to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you.
The Table is prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty are invited to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you.
(After everyone has received)
(After everyone has received)
Gracious God, we thank you for feeding us at your table and for the gift of your life-giving presence. May this bread and cup strengthen us to be your hands and feet in the world, carrying the hope of the resurrection into every place we go. Send us out to do the work you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Gracious God, we thank you for feeding us at your table and for the gift of your life-giving presence. May this bread and cup strengthen us to be your hands and feet in the world, carrying the hope of the resurrection into every place we go. Send us out to do the work you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Sending:
Sending:
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Go forth now into the world, walking in the light of the empty tomb. May the God of resurrection and life fill you with all joy and peace, that you may be witnesses of hope to everyone you meet. And may the blessing of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
Go forth now into the world, walking in the light of the empty tomb. May the God of resurrection and life fill you with all joy and peace, that you may be witnesses of hope to everyone you meet. And may the blessing of God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186) - Debbie & James
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186) - Debbie & James
Postlude - James
Postlude - James
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