Author: Diane Kaufmann

Lock in Worship

ENTERTRANCE – Procession. “Pep Band” lead in playing “Gonna Fly Now”, the theme from Rocky. Streamers, balloons, and other parade type stuff carried by participants. Church is semi-lit. Black lights are in place in front, not visible. Enter in excitement and anticipation. Band stops playing, lights are turned off. While dark, a figure, in a white robe, stations self in front of church, arms out to side, head down (as if hanging on a cross). Black lights are turned on. SILENCE for awe. Someone says, “It is finished”.

Band again plays “Gonna Fly Now,” Figure in white appears to come to life and begins Rocky victory dance across the front of the stage area.

When band stops, figure remains standing, this time with arms raised above head and head held high. Voice again says, “It is finished.”

Sing, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” (Trumpet and Piano)

Need either strobe lights or colored lights of some kind (like bands and dj's use) for a light show on last verse or following song.

Voice from balcony reads, (with enthusiasm, power and drama) “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death where is your victory? O death where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:55)

Song

John 3:16 person stands, waves sign, Crowd cheers and does the wave.
Read John 3:16-17.

Message: Victory and Grace (Candy) – God made us so he could have someone to love. (Throw Hugs & Kisses candy)

Creed: “I Believe I do Believe”

Passing of Peace . . . 
We come together from different churches, different families, and different ways of living. But we all come together in the name of the Prince of Peace to shape a more hopeful world. Let us begin by sharing the Peace of Christ with everyone here gathered. “The peace of the Lord be with you all.”
R. And also with you.

Prayers
Sing “Father Grant”

L. Christ, the victor, could not be bound by the chains of death. Let us lift our prayers to the one who chose life over death.

L. Christ, the victor, you bring us hope and encouragement to face the world full of unknown joys and dangers, give us strength to face the challenges. Lord in your mercy …

L. Christ, the victor, you came to earth to share the world we live in, to walk with your people, and talk with your people. Walk and talk with us today so we may know you. Lord in your mercy…
L. Christ, the victor, you were born into a family. You know the joys and hurts of being a child, a son, and a brother. Give us the grace we need to live in forgiveness with our families. Lord in your mercy…

L. Christ, the victor, you too had friends, and enemies. You met people who cared for you and people who wanted to hurt you. Guide us in choosing our friends wisely. Lord in your mercy…

L. Christ, the victor, the future is in front of us. There are decisions to be made, plans to be laid, and dreams to fulfill. Be our guide and friend as we travel the path before us. Lord in your mercy…

L. Christ, the victor, we pray for those who do not know your story, your power, your love. Help us to be your voice and your hands in this world, that all may share the joy of knowing you and your love. Lord in your mercy…

L. Gather our prayers in your wide embrace O Lord. Break the chains that keep us captive to unhealthy ways of living, strengthen us for the work you have given us and bless us with joy and laughter in the midst of a world of hurt and shame. This we pray in the name of Christ, the victor, over sin and death. Amen.

Song “Lord, I lift your name on high”

Go In Peace, Serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

Recessional: Christ figure leads the parade with Band playing “Gonna Fly Now”