Easter Sunrise
April 5, 2026 • 7:30 AM • Gather at the Front Steps
Easter Sunrise Service Central United Methodist Church April 5, 2026 • 7:30 AM
The people gather on the front steps of the sanctuary.
GREETINGANDINTRODUCTION
Christisrisen!
He is risen indeed!
GraceandpeacetoyoufromJesusChristourLord. MybrothersandsistersinChrist:Onthismostholymorning inwhichJesusChristpassedoverfromdeathtolife,wegatherastheChurchtowatchandpray Thisisthe PassoverofChrist,inwhichweshareinChrist'svictoryoverdeath.
COLLECT
God of life, through Jesus Christ you have bestowed upon the world the light of life. Grant that our hearts and minds may be kindled with holy desire to shine forth with the brightness of Christ's rising, that we may attain to the feast of everlasting light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LIGHTINGOFTHEPASCHALCANDLE
HYMN302 (stanzas 1-4)
EASTERPROCLAMATION
EASTERHYMN
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Once the chancel has been restored, the ancient Easter Proclamation (the Exsultet) follows.
Rejoice,heavenlypowers!Sing,choirsofangels!Exult,allcreationaroundGod'sthrone!JesusChrist,ourKing, isrisen!Soundthetrumpetofsalvation!
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Rejoice,Oearth,inshiningsplendor,radiantinthebrightnessofourKing!Christhasconquered!Gloryfills you!Darknessvanishesforever!
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Rejoice,OholyChurch!Exultinglory!TherisenSaviorshinesuponyou!Letthisplaceresoundwithjoy, echoingthemightysongofallGod'speople!
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Itistrulyrightthatweshouldpraiseyou,invisible,almighty,andeternalGod,andyourSon,JesusChrist For Christhasransomeduswithhisblood,andpaidthedebtofAdam'ssintodeliveryourfaithfulpeople.
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
ThisisourPassoverfeast,whenChrist,thetrueLamb,isslain Thisisthenightwhenfirstyousavedour forebears,youfreedthepeopleofIsraelfromtheirslaveryandledthemwithdryfeetthroughthesea.
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Thisisthenightwhenthepillaroffiredestroyedthedarknessofsin!ThisisthenightwhenChristians everywhere,washedcleanofsinandfreedfromalldefilement,arerestoredtograceandgrowtogether inholiness
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave Night truly blessed, when heaven is wedded to earth, and we are reconciled to you!
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Accept this Easter candle, a flame divided but undimmed, a pillar of fire that glows to your honor. Let it mingle with the lights of heaven, and continue bravely burning to dispel the darkness of the night!
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
May the Morning Star, which never sets, find this flame still burning. Christ, that Morning Star, who came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful light on all creation, your Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels! Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Amen.
*GOSPEL LESSON .................................................................................................................................. Matthew 28:1-10
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
HOMILY ............................................................................................................................................ Rev. Thomas Smith Go and Tell
CONFESSION AND PARDON (UMH 12)
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP
PRAYER FOLLOWING COMMUNION
HYMN 322
BENEDICTION
CHRIST AROSE
Up from the Grave He Arose
ASSISTING IN WORSHIP
Clergy ............................................................................ Rev. Thomas Smith, Rev. Rusty Crimm, Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies
Organist/ Choir Director ................................................................................................................................. Dr. Don Grice
Acolyte
Crucifer
Sullivan Motte
MarthaAnn Johnson
Music text reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-732051 All rights reserved
Central United Methodist Church
The Well • 9:00 AM Sanctuary • 11:00 AM