An Easter Call to Worship for All Ages

I remember the joy of Easter morning when I was young. My sister and I always had new Easter dresses (that sometimes needed a winter coat on top) and candy hidden around the house that we could hunt after Easter services. I remember sanctuaries filled with Easter lilies and joyful songs to celebrate this important day.

I wanted to create a call to worship that shared that same excitement and joy as I remember from my childhood. My idea is that the congregation will respond by saying Alleluia and each time they say it they will get louder. So the first time, it needs to be whispered and by the end everyone should be yelling. This call to worship will work for all ages because the congregation doesn’t need to read along just repeat Alleluia louder and louder. While some people may not approve of yelling in church, if there is any day for Christians to shout for joy it is Easter morning!

One-Mary Magadelene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away.

All-Alleluia!

One-She ran to tell the disciples and they went to the tomb. They saw that the tomb was empty and went home.

All-Alleluia!

One-Mary wept outside the tomb and angels asked her, “Why are you weeping?”

All-Alleluia!

One-Jesus asked Mary, “Why are you weeping?”

All-Alleluia!

One-Jesus called Mary by name and she recognized him.

All-Alleluia!

One-Mary went and told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”

All-Alleluia!

One-Today we celebrate the risen Christ in our midst and share the good news once again.

All-Alleluia!

This Call to Worship is based on John 20:1-18 from the New Revised Standard Version.