As incredible as it may seem, this will be the second Easter Sunday when most of us will not be going to a church service. Last year, just a few weeks before Easter Sunday, attending church was made illegal by the pandemic lockdown. This year, some churches are still closed out of fear and confusion over how to safely reopen, some have closed permanently, and some will have services but the “new normal” church bears only a passing resemblance to the pre-covid church. Masks and outlandish face shields. No singing and no saying together the Creeds or the Lord’s Prayer. Other than perhaps standing and sitting, there is no longer any participation in the Liturgy. There is limited or non-existent contact with each other. A manufactured industrial-looking plastic container of a wafer and grape juice is handed out by the priest/pastor wearing sanitary gloves to prevent accidently touching another person. The church service has always been a time and place where we are lifted up into the presence of God, but the strange and unusual bizarreness of today’s covid church brings, for some, a disconnect with our faith and an empty sadness as we miss the church we so dearly love. Hopefully and prayerfully, our church services will someday look like they did before the pandemic, but until then, could there be a more spiritually fulfilling way to celebrate Resurrection Sunday and experience the joy of the risen Christ?
As we did last year, we’re suggesting that you consider something “radical” this Resurrection Sunday. Or maybe the better word would be “reformational.” As the reformer, Martin Luther, urged a return to the practices of the ancient church, perhaps this is good advice for us today. The early church met in houses, maybe just one family, maybe others. But for the first 300 years of Christianity, it looked nothing like our church looks like today.
What the ancient apostolic church looked like is what a gathering of your family in your own “house church” would look like. But what if we are a single adult with no family to gather? We don’t hear Jesus directing people to pray in the temple, He tells us to go into our prayer room, shut the door and pray with the implication being that we are praying and worshiping alone with God. Matthew 6:6
The Resurrection Sunday house church service I’ve prepared is for those worshiping on Easter alone or with others. Our County’s guidelines now permit an indoor gathering of three families in private homes. Those not fully vaccinated still need to wear masks, those who have been, do not. It is recommended that masks be worn by all if vulnerable people are present. Whether your Easter Service is you alone or with others, read the service out-loud and slowly. It’s okay to pause in silence and reflect on what’s just been read. Actually sing the hymns and worship songs – God loves the sound of your voice! Let the leading of the Holy Spirit incorporate appropriate scripture, exhortations, prayers and songs into your service as it was in the ancient church. If your house church is with others, you can appoint a leader and make sure that others, including the children, take turns reading scriptures and prayers.
For over a year now, we’ve allowed ourselves to become centered on the coronavirus and it’s been mentally and emotionally exhausting for some of us. This Sunday, we need to change our focus and become centered on the risen Christ. The risen Son of God is our only hope! You are in my prayers as I ask that I would be in yours. And now may the grace of God, the love of Jesus and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever.
Resurrection Sunday
in your House Church
HOUSE CHURCH SERVICE:
Opening Prayer
Hymns & Worship Songs
Psalm Reading
Old Testament Scripture
Prayers
New Testament Scripture
Gloria (Doxology)
Gospel Reading
Nicene Creed or Apostles’ Creed
Hymns & Worship Songs
Lord’s Prayer
Closing Prayer
View or Download a PDF
of this House Church Service HERE
Opening Prayer
God of life and hope,
we praise You for the miracle of Easter. We pray for great joy for ourselves and for all who come together in their churches and homes to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray especially today for those whose lives are filled with pain, loss, or deep sadness. May they sense how the resurrection is a source of great hope and be drawn closer to You by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
(Select and sing one or more Hymns and Praise Songs on the last page of
this House Church Service or choose any favorite that is appropriate for Easter)
Psalm
(The Psalm may be read by all family members in unison.)
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD, Through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise You, For You have answered me, And have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected, Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:1; 14;17;19-24 BCP
Old Testament Scripture
(Old and New Testament scriptures should be read by different family members – especially by children old enough to read. Note that while the following may or may not apply to today’s plague, the entire theme of the Old Testament was God bringing hardship, plagues, earthquakes etc. to turn the hearts of His rebellious and unrepentant people back to Him. You may eliminate the bracketed words if they discomfort you.)
“[When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among My people,] if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 NIV
(Choose one of the prayers that have been written by different
Christian denominations for use during this pandemic)
A Prayer for Evangelical Christians
(or use as an outline to inspire Extemporaneous Prayers):
For the sick and infected: God, heal and help those suffering from the coronavirus, keep them from experiencing any complications and restore them to full health. Sustain, Lord God, their bodies and spirits and fill them with trust in You and the assurance that You will never leave nor forsake them.
For those vulnerable: God, protect those who are older and all those suffering from immune deficiencies and from chronic disease. Protect those in crowded nursing homes and assisted living centers and protect their caretakers.
For the young and the strong: God, give them the wisdom and desire to keep from unknowingly or inadvertently spreading this disease. Inspire them to help.
For doctors, nurses, paramedics and all medical workers: God, keep them safe and healthy as they care for others while exposing themselves to this highly contiguous disease. Help them to stay clear-minded in the midst of the surrounding panic and deliver them from anxiety for their own loved ones. Give them compassion for every patient in their care and for those health care workers who are Christians, help them to exhibit extraordinary peace, so that many would ask about the reason for their hope and would give them opportunities to proclaim the Gospel of Your love, peace and salvation through Jesus Christ.
For local, state, and federal government leaders: God, help our elected officials as they make decisions and recommendations that will combat this pandemic.
For the medical scientists: God, help them as they work to understand this disease and give them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice as they communicate to us through the media.
For the media: God, help them to communicate the facts without causing panic through sensualization or causing divisiveness through politicalization of the stories and commentaries.
For the homeless: God, protect them from disease, provide for their needs, and help them to be responsive to those outreach workers attempting to assist them.
For all those who have lost jobs temporarily or permanently: God, keep them from panic, provide for them financially, give them courage during these dark and anxious times and inspire your church to generously support them.
For owners of restaurants, small retail stores and businesses: God, give these men and women the wisdom to make the difficult decisions during times of forced closures. Protect their business and investments and their employees.
For families with young children at home: God, help family members to partner together creatively for the care and flourishing and continued education of their children. For single mothers and fathers, grow their networks of support. For parents who must work, present them with creative solutions for their childcare needs.
For pastors and church leaders of closed churches: God, help them to creatively imagine how to pastor their congregants in this time of spiritual need and provide a “safe” church. Keep Your pastors and priests strong and encouraged that they may give strength and encouragement to others.
Lord God, we trust that You are in the very center of this plague tending to the needs of those ill, suffering and dying. We give you all the praise and glory for You are good and do good. When we are frightened, build our faith in You during this time of crisis assuring us that no matter what the future brings, all is well with our soul. We lift up all Christians in every neighborhood, community, and city for Your protection and may Your Holy Spirit inspire us to pray, to give, to love, to serve, and to proclaim the Gospel, that the name of Jesus Christ might be glorified around the world. Amen.
A Catholic Prayer
Most Heavenly Father,
send the protection of your holy angels,
to our family and loved ones
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.
For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate Father,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
A Litany Prayer for the Mainline Church:
(may be said by a leader and family)
Most merciful God, Holy Trinity, our healer, our rock, our refuge; We come to you with open hearts and hands, lifting up those whose lives are most at stake, knowing that we are only as strong as the weakest among us.
For those who are sick: help them recover in good health and restore them in body, mind and spirit. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the elderly, those with underlying illnesses, those without health insurance and sick leave: keep them healthy and free from all sickness. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who are forcibly contained in unsanitary jails and detention centers: protect them from all sickness and provide for their needs. Lord, hear our prayer.
For all hospitals, doctors, nurses, and first responders: protect them from all sickness, relieve all stress, and provide them the resources to meet everyone’s needs. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those experiencing financial loss and uncertainty of resources: alleviate any fears and provide for them daily bread and wage. Lord, hear our prayer.
For those for whom “home” is not a safe place, and for those without a home: protect them from harm and provide for them a safe home. Lord, hear our prayer.
For all parents: build in them strength and fortitude, and give them the words and witness to be wise counselors and compassionate caregivers. Lord, hear our prayer.
Stir up in us a spirit of compassion and tenacity; move us to check in with loved ones. Ease our fear and anxiety, that we may share our resources rather than hoard them. Inspire us and all who gather to worship around the world to be beacons of your love and hope. Amen.
New Testament Scripture for Resurrection Sunday
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
Gloria in Excelsis (all say together)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship You, we give You thanks,
we praise You for Your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
You take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
You are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen
The Gospel of the Lord According to Matthew
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” Matthew 28:1-9
(Here may be said, by all, the Nicene Creed,
which is the traditional creed for Easter Sunday,
or the Apostles’ Creed)
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And of all things visible and invisible:
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
Begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
Very God of very God,
Begotten, not made,
Being of one substance with the Father,
By whom all things were made;
Who for us men, and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost
of the Virgin Mary,
And was made man,
And was crucified also for us
under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried,
And the third day he rose again
according to the Scriptures,
And ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand
of God the Father.
And he shall come again with glory to judge
both the quick and the dead:
Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost,
The Lord and giver of life,
Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,
Who with the Father and the Son together
is worshiped and glorified,
Who spake by the Prophets.
And I believe one catholic
and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism
for the remission of sins.
And I look for the Resurrection of the dead,
And the life of the world to come. Amen.
(original 4th Century version)
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again
from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand
of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He shall come to judge
the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
(Select and sing a final Hymn or Praise Song from the
song sheet or choose any favorite that is appropriate for Easter)
Lord’s Prayer (to be prayed in unison)
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
Closing Prayer
God of our salvation,
You have restored us to life,
You have brought us back again into Your love
by the triumphant death and resurrection of Christ:
continue to heal us
as we go to live and work
in the power of Your Spirit.
As people of the resurrection, we will serve You with joy.
Your glory has filled our hearts.
Help us to glorify You in all things. Amen.
Hymns and Praise & Worship Songs
CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY!
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia
Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia
Where thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia
BECAUSE HE LIVES
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove
my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict’ry,
I’ll see the lights of glory...
and I’ll know He lives!
JESUS IS ALIVE!
Hallelujah, Jesus is alive
Death has lost its victory
And the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever,
He’s alive, He’s alive
He’s the Alpha and Omega
The first and last is He
The curse of sin is broken
And we have perfect liberty
The Lamb of God has risen
He’s alive, He’s alive
Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!
Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!
ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME!
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all,
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
and crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe,
on this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
and crown Him Lord of all,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
and crown Him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred ones,
we at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all,
We’ll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all.
+ + +
Resurrection Sunday Liturgy
compiled and prepared by Rev. John B. Hickman
New Hope Ministries
P.O. Box 33841
Granada Hills, CA 91394
www.nhfc.la
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