Easter Service
at
St. Augustine's

2000 April 30


Key :

directions
instructions for congregation
movements during service
prayers and readings
sections of the service

Other information :

There are some notes on our production of the service.

A rough plan of the church is available.

A note on copyright.


THE SERVICE.

St. Augustine's Easter Service

THE EASTER STORY

LeaderWelcome !

Please stand for the songs -
He is the King of Kings.

Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
 Hosanna, Hosanna !
Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
LeaderPlease sit.
ReaderThe Triumphant Entry.
Kids' Club ItemJumping up and down ( to tape ).
LeaderPlease sit or kneel for the prayers.
Kids' Club membersPrayers
LeaderPlease stand for the song :
Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?

1. Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?
  Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?
  Oh ! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
  Were you there when they crucified my Lord ?

2. Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree ?
  Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree ?
  Oh ! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
  Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree ?

3. Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb ?
  Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb ?
  Oh ! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
  Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb ?

4. Were you there when God raised Him from the dead ?
  Were you there when God raised Him from the dead ?
  Oh ! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
  Were you there when God raised Him from the dead ?

LeaderPlease sit.
StorytellerEaster Story.
Storyteller or LeaderPlease stand for the song :
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
During this hymn, Jesus hides behind the altar, the angel hides in the cave.
LeaderPlease sit.

Play : Mary and friends at the grave.

NarratorThe "day of rest" - the Sabbath - began on the Friday evening that Jesus was placed in the grave. No one was allowed to do any work including walking for more than a very short distance.

So it was not until Sunday morning that people were able to visit the grave. Mary Magdalene and her friends set off early that morning to anoint Jesus's body with oils and herbs.

Mary and friends come down the aisle from the back, carrying bundles, very carefully and looking sad and weepy, saying one to another :
First womanIt was hard getting these spices and herbs together to rub on Jesus's body.
Second womanYes, I had to borrow some from Esther, next door, and I couldn't stop crying. Jesus dead - I can't believe it !
MaryI hardly slept all night. I was so upset. What a terrible tragedy; what will we do now ?
First womanI wonder what Peter and John and the others will do. Do you think they'll go back to fishing ?
As they reach the front pew -
Second womanLook, we're getting close to the cave.
First womanYes, so we are. I've been wondering all night - how will we move the stone ?
MaryI've been worrying about that too - it is so big. We couldn't possibly shift it ourselves.
Turning towards the cave -
Second womanOOO look ! Do you see what I see ? ( pointing to the cave )
MaryThe stone's moved !
First womanWho could have done that ?
Mary peers inside the cave with the others crowding round too.
MaryLook - the body has gone ! Has someone stolen it ?
Second womanBut who's that inside the cave - it's not Jesus - is he an angel ?
The angel says from inside the tomb :
AngelDon't be alarmed ! You are looking for Jesus who was killed. See - He's not here ! The cave is empty ! He has risen ! ! Go and tell the others !
All but Mary move to other side of church looking puzzled and questioning, and hopeful.

Jesus moves from his place hidden behind the altar to stand behind Mary.

Mary remains by the cave still weeping; she turns around and sees Jesus standing there.

JesusWhy are you crying ?
MarySir, are you the gardener here ? Did you carry Him away ? Tell me where you have put Him and I will go to Him.
JesusMary !
Mary kneels and says :
MaryLord Jesus !
JesusGo and tell the others I have risen.
Jesus goes back behind the altar.

Mary runs across to the others saying :

Mary I have seen the Lord ! HE HAS RISEN ! Let us go and tell the others !
First woman Yes, we must tell Peter and John quickly.
Second woman Come on !
They all three run down the aisle to the back.
LeaderPlease stand; The children are invited to come to the front.
Helper hands out sparklers to children for them to wave.
 Joy is the flag flown high ...

  Joy is the flag flown high
  From the castle of my heart,
  From the castle of my heart,
  From the castle of my heart;
  Joy is the flag flown high
  From the castle of my heart,
  When the King is in residence there.

  ( So ) Let it fly in the sky,
  Let the whole world know !
  Let the whole world know !
  Let the whole world know !
  ( So ) Let it fly in the sky,
  Let the whole world know
  That the King is in residence there.

Children return to their seats.
Leader or SpeakerPlease sit or kneel.
SpeakerTo think about -

Who is the King we have been singing about ?
The King is Jesus.
If anyone would like to invite Jesus into their life, this is how to do it :

Lord Jesus Christ,
I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life.

( Take a few moments to ask His forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience. )

Please forgive me. I now turn from everything which I know is wrong.
Thank You that You died on the Cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.
Thank You that You now offer me this gift of forgiveness and Your Spirit.
I now receive that gift.
Please come into my life by Your Holy Spirit to be with me forever.
Thank You, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

Leader or SpeakerPlease stand for the Collection song :

Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the Risen Lord !

During the song, collectors receive the donations and carry them to the front, where the Leader receives them and places them on the altar.

Omitted for copyright reasons; further details.
LeaderBlessing.
 We invite you all to join us for morning tea in the hall.


THOSE TAKING PART
Mary
Two Women
Jesus
Angel ( heard, but not seen )
Leader
Helper
Narrator
Storyteller
Reader

Collectors