EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

Community Easter Sunrise Service

April 5, 2026 @ 6:00am

6827 Morattico Road Lancaster, VA 22503

Prelude
(Soft instrumental music as people gather – optional live or recorded)

Call to Worship (Responsive)
Leader: The sun has risen!
People: Christ is Risen, indeed!
Leader: Darkness has been conquered!
People: The tomb is empty!
All: Christ is risen! Hallelujah!

Opening Hymn:
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (UMH #302)

Opening Prayer:
Gracious God, on this morning of miracles, we gather in awe of the risen Savior. As the sun breaks the horizon, we remember how Your light shattered the darkness of the tomb. Let resurrection hope rise in our hearts today. Amen.

Scripture Readings:                                       

• Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6–9                      Debbie Saunders

• Gospel: John 20:1–18                                               Deb Beutel

Special Music:                                     Church of Deliverance Choir

Sermon / Reflection:                                      Rev. Donald Conway

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed or Resurrection Affirmation UMH 881

Prayers of the People:                                        Rev. Chris Collver

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 and ever. Amen.

Closing Hymn:
“Because He Lives” (UMH #364)

Benediction:
Go forth as people of the risen Christ.
Proclaim the good news: Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Postlude:
(Music as people leave or prepare for breakfast/fellowship)