Easter Day - Joy!

​Matthew 28:1-10 – Fear and Joy!
Christ Jesus is risen!  He is risen indeed!
Matthew’s account of Easter morning adds joy to the women’s fear – the news from the angel and the meeting with Jesus fills their hearts with such mixed emotions!

​Hymn StF 313 - Thine be the glory

​Sermon

Prayer
Jesus you are our joy. No matter what happens to us your joy cannot be taken from those who love you. Forgive us for times when we forget that you overcame even death and have taken away all fear.

We thank you for the way the spread of your message of life and love has increased through the use of technology, not been diminished by the lockdown. Jesus you are the joy of the world!

We pray for all those who are fearful – those ill with COVID 19, and other dis-ease, their loved ones, and those who are caring for them, afraid of catching the virus or passing it to their families. We pray for a sense of peace and inner strength for all these who are afraid. Jesus you are the joy of the fearful.

As your friends, we pray that you will enable us too, to share the message of joy that you are alive– that you heal and save here and now. Jesus our joy, hear our prayer.
Amen

​Hymn StF 351 - In Christ alone my hope is found (if you’re worried by the phrase ‘wrath of God’ don’t be – wrath here means indignation, which is anger at injustice or wickedness)

​A blessing
Whatever today may hold, whatever tomorrow might bring, the future is secure, for Christ is with us, the same yesterday, today and for ever.
Amen

​James from Kingswood playing 'Meditation' on his saxophone​