On Sunday, 12th April at 4pm (GMT) we will gather on Facebook Live (or on YouTube) for Easter with interactive discussions afterwards in Zoom. You can follow along with the running order below and find any links that you need.
We are hosting a number of Easter events over the weekend that you are invited to join in with if you would like to. Read more about them here.
When we gather in person we always have cake and a creative/ mindfulness area with activities. You’ll have to grab your own snack this time, but if you fancy doing something creative as you watch/ listen/ engage with our worship gathering, you can download and print this Easter ‘Alleluia’ poster to colour. Here’s what else to expect:
Welcome (Danielle)
Songs (Ali & Ellie)
Cornerstone
O Praise the Name
Prayer (Sarah):
We greet you, risen Christ – our hope in times of despair.
We pray for those in despair today:
worried about future employment;
worried about where the next meal is coming from;
worried about a relative in isolation.
Turn their despair into resurrection hope.
We greet you, risen Christ – our peace in times of conflict.
We pray for those in conflict today:
for those in war zones in Yemen, Syria,
and other unknown places that never make the news;
for those fleeing war, seeking refuge in Greece
and throughout the world;
for those feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Turn their conflict into resurrection peace.
We greet you, risen Christ – our healing in times of trouble.
We pray for those in any kind of trouble today:
for those who are physically unwell;
for those struggling with their mental health;
for those facing their own mortality and those who care for them;
for those who grieve.
Turn their trouble into your resurrection healing.
We thank you, Lord, that through your sacrifice,
you have triumphed over death,
opening the way to new life for all.
And so we thank you
for all those who bring glimmers of new life:
for all care workers;
for our emergency services;
for those willing to work to keep us fed;
for those whose creativity is bringing life
to vulnerable people and in remote places;
for those, such as our educators, willing to go the extra mile.
Your resurrection hope is all around us – even now.
Thanks be to you,
Risen, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.Question for Sharing: Where have you seen a sign of Spring coming this week?
Song (Ali & Ellie): Thine be the Glory
Story from Prison Chaplaincy (Ronnie)
Scripture Reading (Joel) – “ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’” John 20:19-21 (John is one of the 4 life-stories of Jesus in the Bible, known as the Gospels)
Reflection (Eunice) – Easter: God’s Yes to the World
Response (AKA a moment to think)
Virtual Love Feast (Tom)
Song (Ali & Ellie): In Christ Alone
What’s coming up (Danielle)
Blessing: “May we live fully, love wastefully and have the courage to be all that God has created us to be.”
After our Worship Gathering, at 5:15 we will move over to Zoom to chat about how we’re doing and discuss some of the themes from today. If you are in a regular Inclusive Gathering Community Group, please join your regular group. If you are not, please pop in to any of the groups below by clicking the link. If you enjoy the chat, you are very welcome to meet up with your group again, later in the week. If there isn’t a group near you, that’s okay – join whichever one. You can read more about Community Groups here:
Edgbaston Community Group (Pete & Eunice – also meets Mondays – FULL)
Coventry Community Group (Ali & Ellie – also meets Mondays)
Moseley Community Group (Danielle & Joel – also meets Tuesdays)
Summerfield/ Winson Green Community Group (David & Nettes – also meets Tuesdays)
West Brum Community Group – (Adam & Rachel – also meets Thursdays)
Worcester Community Group – (Judith & Ethan – also meets monthly Saturdays) PLEASE JOIN ONE OF THE OTHER GROUPS TODAY 🙂
Here’s the questions the groups will be discussing this evening:
- Do you have Easter traditions that you are missing today?
- Where have you seen a sign of resurrection hope this week?
- If you feel comfortable sharing, what have been the difficult moments this week?
Any questions? Would you like to sign up to our email update list? Email newchurchbirmingham@gmail.com. If you’d benefit from help getting onto Zoom, have questions about our Community Groups or if you are in the West Midlands would like someone to check in on you via phone your during this unsettling season, give us a shout.
