EASTER SUNDAY April 8, 2012 "JOY COMES WITH THE MORNING"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious God, what a glorious morning this is! Our hearts are triumphant. Our spirits are full and like Mary and the other disciples, we are mystified and aflutter with the Good News of Christ’s resurrection. Most Wonderful God, let us not be afraid to dance and rejoice in response to your promises fulfilled. Help us shed our shyness so we don’t appear aloof or matter-of-fact, as if the resurrection were old hat and there is nothing new under the sun. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the unmatchable, unchangeable gift of your love, offered to us everyday. Like the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, we have been holding our breath, waiting to exhale. Like the women who arrived at the break of day, we are confounded and yet relieved, sorrowful and yet uplifted, excited and yet cautious. Dearest Lord, you promised to take away the sting of death and to make all things new. Your astounding message is so very clear. The empty tomb is yet another invitation for us to embrace life today and everyday. Unabashedly we confess a renewed strength and stamina of spirit we never knew possible. Indeed you are the author of all things possible. Thank you always in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
"If it’s Easter,” the Lake Champlain chocolate company exclaims, “it must be time for chocolate bunnies!” This year they have added to their classic chocolate rabbits collection, which includes their well known $75.00 — 3 pound Mr. Goodtime Bunny. New to the line-up is Cruisin’ Easter Bunny. He drives a two tone hot rod with a white chocolate grill and carries the proverbial egg on his back. Cruisin’ Bunny looks like Easter’s answer to Santa Claus, bringing chocolate gifts for good little girls and boys. Instead of putting your money in Chocolate bunnies this Easter, why not invest in our children by making a substantial donation to the Easter offering? It will be used to resurrect our children’s ministries and is bound to be much better for you in the long run.

UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Glorious God, Jesus taught us that whatever we ask for in prayer, we ought to believe we have received it. We believe, O Lord, that while our children are with us, we ought to be telling them the Good News of God, all the time. May the gifts we offer this morning empower our ministry to the all of the children in our care and around the world. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.