EASTER DAY
FIRST SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B

2018 - 01 April
2021 - 04 April
2024 - 31 March
2027 - 28 March
2030 - 21 April
2033 - 17 April
2036 - 13 April

Note: For explanations and suggestions on the various resources provided, see the documents 'General notes and resources' and 'Easter season' in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

LITURGY

SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

Christ is risen. (Alleluia!)
He is risen indeed. (Alleluia!)
He has trampled down death by his death. (Alleluia)
He has given eternal life to us. (Alleluia)

OR
This is the day that the Lord has made; (Alleluia)
let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Alleluia)  (Psalm 118:24 NRSV)

OR
Jesus says: I was dead, but see! I am alive forever and ever; (Alleluia)
and I have the keys to Death and Hades. (Alleluia)  (Rev 1:18 NRSV)

PASCHAL CANDLE
If the paschal candle has not been lit during the Easter vigil, it may be lit at the beginning of the service using the following responses instead of the opening sentences.

Christ is risen. (Alleluia!)
He is risen indeed. (Alleluia!)

Christ has trampled down death by his death, 
and has brought light to those in the grave. 
And to us he has given eternal life. 
Thanks be to God.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

The paschal candle may be lit.
Let the heavens rejoice, and the earth be glad, 
and all creation, both seen and unseen, keep the feast.
Thanks be to God.

The candle may be lifted up.
May the light of Christ, rising in glory, 
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Thanks be to God.

The candle is then placed in its stand in the sanctuary.
The light of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONFESSION OF SINS
Friends in Christ: 
God the Father gave Jesus to die for our sins 
and raised him to life in order to put us right with himself. 
Let us confess our sins to God our Father, 
and ask him to forgive us 
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Continue with the call to confession according to the order being used.

LORD, HAVE MERCY
For variations to the 'Lord, have mercy', see the document 'Easter season' (under 'Liturgy', 'Lord, have mercy' and under 'Hymns and songs' 'Lord, have mercy'), in the 'General and seasonal' folder, or use one of the following for Easter Day (based on the German).

Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, you suffered under Pontius Pilate,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, you were crucified between two criminals,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, you died amidst ridicule and contempt,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, you were buried like all the dead,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, you rose again on the third day,
have mercy on us.
Jesus, you are exalted at God's right hand,
have mercy on us.

OR
Let us call on the Lord, to whom we belong through our baptism.
Lord Jesus Christ, you have broken the power of death:
Lord, have mercy.
You share your own life with us:
Christ, have mercy.
You fill us with hope and joy:
Lord, have mercy.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
For a dawn service
Traditional
O God, 
since you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, 
to suffer death upon the cross  
for our redemption, 
and to deliver us from the power of the enemy 
by his glorious resurrection: 
Grant us so to die daily to sin, 
so that we may live forever with him 
who died and rose again for us, 
and who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and for ever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
O God, 
you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, 
to redeem us by dying on the cross, 
and to rescue us from the power of the enemy 
by rising from the dead. 
With each new day, 
put to death everything that is sinful in us, 
so that we may live forever with him 
who died and rose again for us, 
and who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and for ever. 
Amen.

For the main service of the day
Traditional
Almighty God, 
since you have overcome sin and death 
by the death of your Son, 
and have restored innocence and eternal life 
by his resurrection, 
so that we may be delivered from the power of the devil 
and live in your kingdom: 
Grant that we may confidently believe this 
and always praise you with our whole heart; 
through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Almighty God, 
you have overcome sin and death 
through the death of your Son, 
and have brought forgiveness and eternal life 
through his resurrection. 
Help us confidently to believe this 
and always praise you with our whole heart. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, another traditional
Almighty God, 
you have overcome death 
through your Son Jesus Christ, 
and have opened for us 
the gate to eternal life. 
As you give us good desires, 
help us continually 
to bring them to good effect. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)
(Let us pray that we rejoice in Christ's victory. [silence])
Everliving God, 
we thank you that you have overcome 
the old powers of sin and death 
through the mighty resurrection of your Son, 
and have made all things new in him. 
Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Jesus Christ. 
For he lives and reigns  
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 10:34-43 Summary of Jesus' life and ministry

OR
Isaiah 25:6-9 God will prepare a banquet

PSALM 
Psalm 118:1,2,14-24
Antiphon: 
This is the day that the Lord has made (; let us rejoice and be glad in it)!  (Ps118:24 NRSV)

SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 The good news of Christ's resurrection

OR (if not used as the first reading)
Acts 10:34-43 Summary of Jesus' life and ministry

ALLELUIA VERSE
Alleluia.
(Since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; 
death no longer has any power over him.
Alleluia.)
Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.
Therefore, let us celebrate the festival.  (1 Cor 5:7b,8a NRSV alt)
Alleluia.

OR
Alleluia.
Since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; 
death no longer has any power over him.
Alleluia.
The life he lives, he lives to God.  (Rom 6:9,10)
Alleluia.

GOSPEL 
John 20:1-18 Mary finds the tomb empty and Jesus appears to her

OR
Mark 16:1-8 Christ has risen!

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ (, raised to live forever).
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for rising from death.
Let us share in your new life forever.
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Everliving God, 
let the resurrection of your Son 
fill us with hope and joy. 
May our lives and our gifts 
help to bring your new life to others. 
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
On this day of resurrection, let us pray that the light of Christ may rise over the whole world.

The regular response, OR:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

Suggested intercessions
*	that the light of Christ would shine in the church, so that all may see it and be drawn to faith in God
*	that the light of Christ would shine in our community, so that our friends and neighbours may know with us the joy of new life
*	that the light of Christ would shine into the darkness of despair, to lift up all who are grieving, lonely, suffering, or without hope
*	that the light of Christ would shine into the darkness of human hearts, wherever deeds of greed, oppression and injustice are being planned
*	that the light of Christ would shine in the darkness of the tomb, and that all who have died in Christ may rise to life again

Concluding prayer
Lord of all creation, we thank you for the gift of light, which you created in the beginning by the power of your word. Shine the light of Christ upon us and all the world, so that we may come to feast with you in eternal light; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our light and our life,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

OR, the following prayer may be used (from 'Hymnic service with holy communion for Easter Day', in Approved Worship Services of the LCA)
Let us pray that the results of Christ's resurrection may be seen throughout the world.
Lord God, our loving heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Your Son, our Passover Lamb, has taken away the sin of the world. Forgive us and all people.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Your Son said, 'Peace be with you'. Bring your peace to the world and to our own country.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Your Son appeared to Mary Magdalene when she was weeping. Comfort those who are sad, lonely, or grieving.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Your Son met the women and asked them to tell the disciples about his resurrection. Guide Christians everywhere to witness to the resurrection in their lives.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Your Son proclaimed himself to the two disciples from the Scriptures and made himself known to them in the breaking of the bread. Reveal him to us and all people through the teaching of your word and the celebration of your holy meal.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Your Son strengthened the faith of Thomas by telling him to touch his hands and side. Reassure those whose who are troubled by doubts, and strengthen their faith in your goodness.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Your Son conquered death by his death and won the victory by his resurrection. Be with those who are dying, and lead them to life with you forever.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, grant that all who now celebrate these joyful holy days here on earth may finally praise you forever,with all the angels and saints in heaven. We ask this through your risen Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

OR
The following prayer, by Kevin Zwar, includes verses from the hymn 'I know that my Redeemer lives' (LHS 103, TIS 376), modernised, which could be sung by the congregation/choir/cantor.

O Holy Spirit of God, you are the Lord and giver of life. We thank you for the good news that Jesus is alive, and that through you, he is present with us today. You have changed our futures from despair to hope. Fill us with your joy in the Easter news which gives us a share in the greatest victory of all. 

When we feel death creeping up on us, and a shiver goes up our spine, fill us with confidence in Christ and teach us to say/sing:

I know that my Redeemer lives. 
What joy the blest assurance gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
he lives, my everlasting Head.

When we feel no one cares and no one wants to listen to us, or we cry out for help from deep down inside, hear us and teach us to say/sing:

He lives, to bless me with his love:
he lives, to plead for me above;
he lives my hungry soul to feed;
he lives to help in time of need.

If we are scared death will be the end of us, and our worn-out bodies will only turn to dust and ashes, and if we think this life is all there is, then lead us to rejoice in the promises you make and teach us to say/sing:

He lives and grants me daily breath;
he lives, and I shall conquer death;
he lives, my mansion to prepare;
he lives, to lead me safely there.

Every time we visit those pronounced terminally ill, or each time we gather round the coffin of a friend and loved one, point us to our risen Lord Jesus and teach us to say/sing:

He lives, all glory to his name;
he lives, my Saviour, still the same;
what joy the blest assurance gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

In confidence and joy, we celebrate the good news of the resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord.  
Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
But most of all we praise you 
for the glorious resurrection of your Son, 
the true Passover Lamb, 
who has taken away the sin of the world. 
By his death he has destroyed death, 
and by his rising again he has restored life. 
And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter 
and all the other witnesses of the resurrection, 
with earth and sea and all their creatures, 
and with angels and archangels, 
cherubim and seraphim, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus says: 'Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.'
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
For an Easter post-communion prayer, see the document 'Easter season', under 'Prayer after communion', in the 'General and seasonal' folder. Alternatively, use the third prayer for the main service of the  day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.

Almighty God, 
you have overcome death
through your Son Jesus Christ, 
and have opened for us 
the gate to eternal life. 
As you have given us 
the benefits of his death and resurrection 
in this sacrament, 
help us continually 
to bring them to good effect in our lives. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL BLESSING
This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

(May) the God of peace, 
who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus, 
provide you with every good thing you need 
in order to do his will; . . .

DISMISSAL
Go in peace, as witnesses of the risen Lord.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS
Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading (a):Acts 10:34-43
LHS
16	Hail to the Lord's Anointed G6 (vv1,2,4,5)
90	Christ the Lord is risen again G8
232	Rise, Thou light of gentile nations* G4
761	Christ is alive! Let Christians sing G3
791	O love how deep, how broad, how high G5
AT
61	Hallelujah my Father
125	Man more than man
133	When Jesus came to earth from heaven
227	Allelu!
TIS
194	O love how deep, how broad, how high
275	Hail to the Lord's anointed
355	Man more than man
365	Christ the Lord is risen again
383	Joyful the morning when Jesus is risen
387	Christ is alive ! Let Christians sing

First reading (b): Isaiah 25:6-9
LHS
834	At the Lamb's high feast we sing G3
841	O welcome, all you noble saints of old GS
842	Praise the Lord, rise up rejoicing G3
847	The Lamb's high banquet called to share (tune 227) G5
AT
77	O welcome all ye noble saints of old
TIS
516	Here, gracious Lord, we see you face to face (holy communion)
529	By your priestly power, O risen Lord (holy communion)
545	Shout for joy! the Lord has let us feast (holy communion)

Second reading (a): 1 Corinthians 15 : 1-11
LHS
90	Christ the Lord is risen again G8
170	Chief of sinners though I be* G5
762	Make songs of joy to Christ G8
769	With high delight let us unite G7
791	O love how deep, how broad, how high G5
AT
61	Hallelujah, my Father
133	When Jesus came to earth from heaven
171	Dying you destroyed our death
277	Allelu!
455	All this I believe
TIS
185	We praise you God, Creator Lord (v 1-4)
189	Glory to our boundless God (v 2 as prayer response)
194	O love how deep, how broad, how high
225	My heart and voice I raise
245	We have a gospel to proclaim
260	He walked on earth, showing glimpses of heaven
365	Christ trhe Lord is risen again

Second reading (b): See first reading (a)

Gospel(a): John 20:1-18
LHS
From the Easter sections, especially the following:
88	Jesus Christ is risen today G5
89	Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands * G5
90	Christ the Lord is risen again G8
91	Christ the Lord is risen today G4
92	Christ the Lord is risen today G in STJ 11 (alt tune 88, add alleluias, G5)
96	Ere yet the dawn has filled the skies G8
97	The strife is o'er G5
101	Jesus lives! thy terrors now* G5
105	Good Christian men, rejoice and sing* G5
479	Jesus, my Redeemer, lives* G5
764	Now the green blade rises GS
766	The Son is up GS
768	We welcome glad Easter GS
770	Yours is the glory G6
AT
15	Love has come again
26	He is Lord
160	Resurrection shout
179	Come let us eat
263	Singing all praises (v 3)
312	Celebrate
346	Jesus is alive today
437	I have seen the Lord
TIS
361	The day of resurrection
362	Jesus Christ is risen today
364	Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands
365	Christ the Lord is risen again
366	Jesus, my Redeemer, lives 
367	The strife is past, the battle done
368	This is the day the Lord has made
370	Christ the Lord is risen today
372	Jesus lives! your terrors now
375	Come let us with the Lord arise
379	He is risen, he is risen!
380	Yours be the glory
382	Now the green blade rises
388	Easter glory fills the sky (vv 1-4,7,8)
391	Come God's people, sing for joy (baptism)
660	Myrrh-bearing Mary

Gospel(b): Mark 18:1-8
As for Gospel (a) plus:
LHS
-
AT
445	Roll the rock (v 1)
TIS
363	My daughters and my sons hear tell (vv 1,2,3)

PSALM 118:1,2,14-24 
For musical settings of Psalm 118:1,2,14-24 , see Music Packages 2, 5 and 8.

TIS 74, Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, is a version of Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,22-23,24.

OR
Use the energetic 'Psallite Deo/This is the day the Lord has made' in Music from Taize, Volume II, page 51. A strong cantor is required for this.

OR
ATN 2 is a paraphrase of Psalm 118:24 and may be used for the psalm.

OR
The following paraphrase of Psalm 118 by David Schütz may be sung to the tune 'St Denio' (LHS 768, TIS 143). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

verses 1-2,14
Give thanks to the Lord, for his goodness and love.
'His love is forever', let Israel say:
The Lord is my strength, my salvation and might,
the homes of the righteous are filled with glad songs.

verses 15-16
'How bold and how brave is the power of the Lord; 
so high and exalted, the power of the Lord! 
The power of the Lord has brought vict'ry to us! 
So mighty in battle, so steadfast in love!'

verse 17-18
So I shall not die - no, I'm sure I will live
to tell of the Lord and the things he has done. 
And, though I was punished, because of my sin, 
he did not forsake me or leave me to die. 

verses 19-21
So open the door of the temple to me,
and let me go in to give thanks to the Lord.
The righteous shall enter the door of the Lord.
'My saving God, thank you for hearing my prayer.'

verses 22-24
The stone that the buiders rejected is now
the chief cornerstone of the temple of God.
The Lord God has done this, a marvellous sight,
The Lord made this day, let's rejoice and be glad.

EASTER SEQUENCE
The Easter sequence 'Victimae Paschali Laudes' (c 1030) may be sung after the second reading. It designed to be sung or said by choir, congregation and soloist ('Mary'). It may be performed dramatically as an encounter that takes place at the open tomb, similar to the Easter dialogue below.

First version
The following text is a fairly literal translation of the Easter sequence by David Schütz. A choir and soloist(s) may wish to learn to sing it to the original plainsong chant, which may be found in the English Hymnal no. 130 (New English Hymnal, no. 519). If it is done in parts, the choir (or congregation) sings verses 1, 2, 3, and 4, then one or three (female) soloists ('Marys') sing verses 5, 6, and 7, with the congregation (or choir) singing the final verse 8.

1	To the Passover sacrifice,
	Christians, offer up your praise.

2	Now the Lamb redeems the sheep,
	now the innocence of Christ
	reconciles the sinner to the Father.

3	In the fight of life and death,
	Christ, the prince of life, was killed
	yet our Lord is living and victorious.

4	O Mary, tell us, please,
	what did you see on your way?

5	I saw the tomb which was empty,
	the glory of Christ who now is risen.

6	Angelic witnesses,
	grave clothes lying cast aside.

7	For Christ, my hope, has arisen,
	and now proceeds you into Galilee.

8	Yes, we know Christ has risen, he is no longer dead.
	Hear us, victorious King;
	Lord, have mercy. Amen. Alleluia.

Second version
The version of the Easter sequence given below (also translated by David Schütz) may be sung to the tune St George, LHS 91. (Note that the hymn at LHS 91 is itself a loose paraphrase of the Easter sequence.) It may be sung entirely by the congregation or in parts as follows: verse 1 by a choir or the congregation or a soloist; verse 2a by a (male) soloist, verse 2b-d by one or three (female) soloists ('Marys'), and verse 3 by the congregation.

1	Let our Easter praises rise
	to our final Sacrifice.
	Now the Lamb redeems the sheep
	leaving us no cause to weep;
	Christ, the sinless, makes us right
	in our heavenly Father's sight.
	Death contended in the strife,
	yet Christ reigns as Prince of Life.

2a	Mary, tell us all today
	what you saw along your way.
2b	'At the dawning of the sun,
	tomb of Christ, the living one,
2c	grave clothes lying on the floor,
	angel witnesses, we saw,
2d	telling us he goes ahead - 
	Christ is risen from the dead!'

3	We know what you say is true,
	we have seen our Saviour too!
	Now he lives no more to die,
	he has won the victory.
	Hear us, O triumphant King,
	as we shout aloud and sing:
	Kyrie eleison,
	Alleluia, and Amen.

See also below under 'Drama' for an Easter play that is based on the Easter sequence.

ALLELUIA VERSE
Make the alleluias big and musical and joyful and plenteous to celebrate the resurrection. In particular, consider using the 'Celtic Alleluia' by Christopher Walker with a selection of appropriate verses. See Gather (no. 117), Gather Australia (no. 141) or As One Voice (no. 13).

OR
The choir may rehearse and sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah for this day.

OR
If a hymnic verse is desired for the alleluia verse, verse 1 of 'All Christians, come, rejoice and sing!' (LH 105 modernised) may be used:

All Christians, come, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King;
to all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

ACTS 10:34-43: This is the first sermon preached to non-Jews, Gentiles in the home of the Roman centurion Cornelius. The account we have is no doubt a brief digest of Peter's address. It is a comprehensive summary of the apostles' message and covers the Lord's ministry to humankind from the time of his baptism through to the day of judgment. Note that the importance of the resurrection and its witness by those chosen is based on the bodily proofs given the apostles. While Jesus is unequivocally ordained as final judge, yet his essential teaching is centred on forgiveness. The seeming creedal nature of the section is belied by the very personal and radical application Peter makes to the impartiality of God to include Gentiles in this salvation, which is universally offered.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-11: St Paul treats the resurrection: The gospel is good news of completed salvation ('good news in which you stand') but is at the same time continuing to work salvation in the people to whom he is writing (v 2 'you are being saved'). Basic and foundational to the truth of this message is the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Paul carefully enumerates personal and irrefutable appearances of the Lord to different disciples and then cites his own supernatural experience of the risen Christ. The resurrection is still for us also the surety for our experience of the unfathomable grace of God.

JOHN 20:1-18: One of the strong indications as to the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus is the slowness of his immediate and best known friends and followers to believe that it had really happened. This is despite the repeated predictions of their Lord before his death. Peter and John did not believe the women, but did believe when they saw the manner in which the burial cloths lay collapsed in the tomb. They believed even though they had not yet comprehended the deep underlying prophetic reasons why he must rise. Mary did not recognise the Lord until he spoke personally to her. We also have believed as the Spirit has given us each personal attestation through Christ's word.

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead projector during the readings. The gospel from Mark could be accompanied by a picture like the illustration in the TEV Bible for Mark 16:8 and/or Luke 24:6.

COLOURS
White and gold.

DECORATION
*	Take the opportunity to make the most of the contrast of decoration on Easter Sunday.
*	Use plenty of white, gold and green colours, plenty of flowers and greenery - perhaps early wattles in some parts of Australia?
*	Arrange white flowers with a touch of red in the shape of a butterfly. The wings of the butterfly could be made with sword fern or cane.
*	Depict a sunrise with yellow flowers (eg chrysanthemums) with painted gold flax leaves cut and arranged to make the shape of the sun's rays. 
*	Banners which were taken down for Holy Week and/or Lent may now be restored to their usual place, and new banners added to the usual ones. Even just plain banners of white or gold will make a startling effect. Symbols of the resurrection, such as the rising phoenix, the sun, or a butterfly may be used.

For ideas for additional decoration, see the document 'Easter season', under 'Visual arts', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

CROSS WITH FLOWERS
If a large, life-size cross was used for the 'Adoration of Christ on the Cross' on Good Friday, it may now be decorated with flowers. This can be done by covering the cross with chicken-wire, and placing the flowers into the wire.

AN EASTER GARDEN
See the document 'Easter season', under 'An Easter garden (with tomb)', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

ALLELUIA BANNER
The word of praise 'Alleluia' was banished before Ash Wednesday. Now it may be returned into the worshipping community by making a large, bright banner with the word 'Alleluia!' on it. This banner may be carried into the service either at the beginning of the service, or at the singing of the Alleluia.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama  resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the gospel from John could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), Mary, and Jesus; or the gospel from Mark could be read by three readers: narrator (the pastor), one of the three women, angel.

Whichever gospel is read, it may be dramatised with the minister reading the narrator's part and others reading, acting or miming the parts of the witnesses at the tomb.

EASTER DIALOGUE
This very brief dramatic dialogue dramatises the confrontation between the women and the angels at the empty tomb. It may be performed before the greeting and prayer of the day (collect).

Two people, dressed in white gowns, stand either side of the altar. They represent the angels. Three other people, representing the three women at the tomb, approach the altar.

Angels: 	Who are you looking for in the grave, you Christians?
Women:	O Angel, we are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
Angel 1: 	Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen, as he said he would.
Angel 2:	Come and see the place where he was lying.

The angels hold up the ends of the white altar cloth towards the congregation.

Angel 1:	Go and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the tomb, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you.'
Angel 2:	There you will see him! Remember what we told you.

Note: These resources provide for four ways of dramatising the scene at the empty tomb: The Easter dialogue, the Easter sequence, a dramatic reading of the gospel, or the longer Easter play. Although all options are given here, it is intended that no more than one of these options for dramatisation are taken up at the one service.

EASTER PLAY
From 'The Resurrection', the medieval York Pageant of the Carpenters; modernised by David Schubert.

This play could be performed at the beginning of the service for Easter Day or instead of the Easter dialogue between the hymn of adoration and the greeting preceding the collect. The characters could be in albs or surplices.

Characters:	Mary Magdalene
	Mary, mother of James
	Salome
	Angel

In front of the empty tomb, angel(s) heard singing softly a verse of an Easter hymn, eg LHS 88  (TIS 362) v1, 95 (TIS 379)  v1, 97 (TIS 367) v1, 765  (TIS 363) v1.

Enter the three Marys.

Magdalene	Oh, I might as well be dead.
	No-one has ever been so sad!
	My sorrow is all because my Lord
	is dead and gone from me.
	I've seen his suffering and his pain,
	and now his life has gone.
	He gave his help to all people,
	whenever they called on him.

Mary	Ah, who can soothe my grief,
	when I think of all his wounds?
	Jesus, who loved us all,
	and did no-one harm,
	is dead and buried now,
	for no reason at all.

Salome	For no reason at all
	the leaders have killed our Lord.
	He did no wrong to anyone.
	Whom can I go to for comfort,
	now that he is dead?

Magdalene	Now that he is dead, my sisters,
	let us go with the spices and perfumes
	we brought to anoint his wounds.

Mary	Let us go together and see his body.
	But I don't know how we can manage;
	we have no-one to help us,
	and how can we three remove the stone?

Salome	We could not do that
	unless there were more of us.
	It is too huge and heavy.

Magdalene	Sisters! A young man is sitting there,
	dressed in white clothing.

Mary	Yes, look, it is plain to see,
	the heavy stone has been rolled aside.

Salome	Let's go up close, whatever happens,
	to find the one who is our friend,
	and stay with him here.

An angel speaks to them.

Angel	You mourning women with sorrowful face,
	whom are you looking for here in this place?

Magdalene	Jesus, our Lord,
	who was put to death.

Angel	He is not here, I've come to say;
	the place is empty where he lay.
	If you come nearer, then you may
	see the shroud he wore.
	He has risen and gone his way,
	as he said before.

	He's risen from death triumphantly,
	as he said he would, and now he's free.
	He will be found in Galilee,
	alive and well.
	Now his disciples you must see,
	so go and tell.

Exit angel.

Magdalene	My sisters, since this is so,
	that he has risen from death,
	as the angel told us three,
	I will stay here and never go
	until I see him.

Mary	Mary, we need stay no longer here.
	Let's turn and go to Galilee.

Magdalene	Not till I see that faithful friend,
	my Lord and Saviour.
	So you go now, my sisters,
	and tell what we have seen.

Salome	What we have seen and heard we'll tell.
	Goodbye then, Mary, our sister.

Magdalene	God be with you and guide you.

Exeunt Mary and Salome.

Magdalene	Now what will happen to me?
	My heart almost breaks
	when I think of that body,
	how it was destroyed,
	hands and feet nailed to a tree,
	without any guilt.

	Without any guilt he was taken;
	he never did any wrong.
	And all the wounds that he suffered
	were for my sins.
	It was for my deeds that he died,
	and not his own.

	So nothing will make me happy, then,
	until I can meet with my Lord again.

Angel(s) and congregation sing another verse of the same hymn as before.

Exit Mary Magdalene.

CHILDREN

IDEAS FOR INVOLVING CHILDREN
Children can be involved in some of the following actions this day:
*	processions
*	bringing in the alleluia banner (see above under 'Visual')
*	the dramas and dramatic readings (see above under 'Drama' and the Mega Drama resources)
*	placing flowers on the cross (see above under 'Visual')
*	helping to prepare visual symbols and other decorations
*	singing an Easter hymn/song/anthem
*	miming the gospel
*	preparing and displaying the visuals
*	explaining the Easter symbol(s) used (where appropriate).

'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

The story for Easter Sunday for year B is: 'The empty tomb' (to be found in both the original edition and the RCL edition Series B for Easter Sunday).