Welcome to our Easter Celebrations at The Ellesmere Port Church of England College.
Bible Reading 1 (John 11:17-25)
Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near to Jerusalem and many Jewish people came to console Martha and Mary concerning their brother.
So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him but Mary stayed at home.
Martha said to Jesus, ”Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again on the last day.”
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me though he or she dies will live forever.”
Bible Reading 2 (John 20:11-18)
As Mary wept, she stooped to look inside the tomb.
She saw two angels standing in white.
They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing but she did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him,
“Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where he is and I will take him.”
Jesus said to her. “Mary.”
She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
Jesus said, “Do not cling to me but go tell the others that I am going to my Father and your Father.”
Mary Magdalene went out and told the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord.”
Easter Prayers
Dear Lord God, we thank you that you are a forgiving God, who wipes out all the wrongs from the past, and starts anew with us today.
Bring healing and comfort to those who are anxious, upset, lonely, or ill today; encourage those who help and care for them. May all who suffer be led from pain to peace.
We give you thanks for your loving mercy shown to us in Jesus Christ, who endured the suffering of the cross to overcome all that separates us from you, and was raised up to new life.
Strengthen our faith in the victory of the cross and the hope of eternal life. Help us to grow in the life which does not end, in love and friendship with you, which lasts for ever; through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Easter prayer of response
Lord our God, we thank and praise you for the greatness of your love, shown to us in Jesus Christ, who was willing to die for us, to bring us into your family, and to bless us with the life that lasts for ever.
Lord, we thank you.
For the new life we celebrate at Easter; help us to keep growing in the life that never comes to an end.
Lord, we thank You.
We pray for our families, our friends, and all those we care about: fill them with hope and happiness.
Lord, we thank You.
We pray for people who are unhappy today: those who are hungry, or homeless, those who fear violence or harm; may they find protection and peace that comes from You.
Lord, we thank You.
We pray for those who are ill, especially with the coronavirus or facing difficulties: may they find hope in the cross of Christ, and be strengthened by the knowledge of your love.
Lord, we thank You.
Amen.
Closing Prayer
God our Father,
By raising Christ your Son
You conquered the power of death
And opened for us the way to eternal life.
Let our celebration today
Raise us up and renew our lives
by the Spirit that is within us.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
Amen.