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WELCOME TO Easter |
April 17th, 2022
What is Easter?
Easter is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This day, which we now call Easter, was the beginning of the movement we now call Christianity. It is the most important day of the Christian year. We celebrate Easter not on a specific date, but on a day referred to as a "moveable feast." Specifically, Easter happens on the first Sunday on or following the spring equinox. (If that's confusing for you, do as I do and ask Google to tell you the date!)
Though Easter has very specific (and important!) religious significance for Christians, it is celebrated broadly in our culture. Symbols of Easter can be both religious and non-religious. Many parents trying to teach their children the spiritual and religious significance of Easter want to keep the holiday secular (non-religious) symbols such as the Easter Bunny, jelly beans, or Easter eggs. In my view, these secular symbols can add to the celebration of the holiday and even enrich our celebration of it.
*Taken from Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, & Resurrection by Traci Smith
Though Easter has very specific (and important!) religious significance for Christians, it is celebrated broadly in our culture. Symbols of Easter can be both religious and non-religious. Many parents trying to teach their children the spiritual and religious significance of Easter want to keep the holiday secular (non-religious) symbols such as the Easter Bunny, jelly beans, or Easter eggs. In my view, these secular symbols can add to the celebration of the holiday and even enrich our celebration of it.
*Taken from Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, & Resurrection by Traci Smith
Easter Services
Worship Bags are available in the Narthex. The bags contain visuals that go along with some of the scripture content. We even suggest reading the scripture as a family ahead of time or sharing with them the tone they can expect will help prepare everyone to experience this service. Your family may also need help processing what they heard and felt following the service. I'm grateful to Anna Shuford for choosing appropriate books in the Fellowship Hall you can check out regarding the Easter Story.
Worship options available:
Following the Children's Message in the Sanctuary, all children will return to their families and explore visual elements of Easter in the worship bags located in the Narthex.
Following the Children's Message in the 9:00 Connection Service, the Prayground will be open. There will be ample bulletins and children's materials available if children remain with their families during the service.
Nursery is available at any time during the 8:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am services for infants and preschoolers (and truly any child that needs it). The Nursery is minimally utilized during the morning and there is ample space should you desire that option.
Worship options available:
Following the Children's Message in the Sanctuary, all children will return to their families and explore visual elements of Easter in the worship bags located in the Narthex.
Following the Children's Message in the 9:00 Connection Service, the Prayground will be open. There will be ample bulletins and children's materials available if children remain with their families during the service.
Nursery is available at any time during the 8:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am services for infants and preschoolers (and truly any child that needs it). The Nursery is minimally utilized during the morning and there is ample space should you desire that option.
Scripture Proclamation: Luke 24:1-12
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.
2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While
they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were
terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among
the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the
Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." 8 Then they
remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now
it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the
apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and
ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at
what had happened.
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.
2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While
they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were
terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among
the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the
Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again." 8 Then they
remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now
it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the
apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and
ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at
what had happened.
Children Telling the Story of Jesus' Resurrection
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This video is 5:29 minutes long
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This video is 2:57 minutes long
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I Wonder...
- What Mary thought when she discovered the stone was rolled back and Jesus was not in the tomb?
- What the disciples thought when they heard Mary tell them about what she saw?
- About a time when you expected something and were surprised. I wonder what you thought or felt.
Discussion Questions
- How does Luke tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection?
- What are the most important parts according to Luke?
- What story did the women have to tell the disciples?
- Why do you think they responded with doubt?
- What was Peter’s response when he went to the tomb?
- What did Peter do after he saw the tomb was empty?
- What was the difference between what the women did after they discovered Jesus had risen and what Peter did after he discovered Jesus had risen?
- Why is the story of God raising Jesus from the dead considered “Good News?”
- What difference does it make to the world, the Church and to you that Jesus is risen?
- What story do we have to tell of the good news of Jesus’ resurrection?
- How will you tell the story of the good news of Jesus and the message of Easter?
Videos
Godly Play
This video is 9:28 minutes long
Holy Moly
This video is 2:49 minutes long
Crossroad Kids' Club
This video is 4:36 minutes long
Saddleback Kid's
This video is 2:58 minutes long
Read Aloud
Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist
This video is 5:04 minutes long
Songs
Songs by Palma Ceia Singers and Musicians
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Jesus Christ is Risen Today played by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Musicians
This song is 3:16 minutes long
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Christ is Risen played by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Praise Band
This song is 4:22 minutes long
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Hallelujah played by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir
This song is 4:30 minutes long
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He is Risen played by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Praise Band
This song is 4:31 minutes long
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Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks sung by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir
This song is 1:16 minutes long
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Jesus Christ is Risen Today sung by Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir with Brass Quintet
This song is 3:12 minutes long
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Prayer
We started the week by saying "Hosanna!" We end it by saying "Hallelujah!" Thank you, God, for all the good gifts of Easter. Thank you for the hope that comes when the tomb is empty. Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed.
Past Easter Services
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2021 Traditional Service
This video is 1:05:26 hours long
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2020 Connection Service
This video is 29:30 minutes long
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2022 Sunrise Service
This video is 21:53 minutes long
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2022 Connection Service
This video is 54:08 minutes long
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2022 Traditional Service
This video is 1:28:39 minutes long
Photos and Videos
2022
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This video is 7 seconds long
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This video is 17 seconds long
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This video is 5 seconds long
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This video is 26 seconds long
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This video is 12 seconds long
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This video is 6 seconds long
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This video is 11 seconds long
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This video is 5 seconds long
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Sources
Materials are taken from excerpts of :
- Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection by Traci Smith (Chalice Press; 2021, All Reserved Rights)
- Easter Sunday — Family faith formation for April 17, 2022 by Rebecca Davis (© Copyright 2022 The Presbyterian Outlook. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Statement. Website Design by Poka Yoke Design)
Author of Easter Sunday - Family faith formation for April 17, 2022
Rebecca Davis is the associate professor of Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. A teaching elder and certified educator, she served congregations for over 20 years before moving into academic teaching. In addition to teaching and mentoring students, her passion is child advocacy and ministry.
Author of Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection
Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author. Traci's passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be fun, easy to fit into daily life, and accessible to all.