Greeting:  Grace and Peace to all; to God be the glory!  Today is the day that the Lord has made and we serve a risen Savior.  As lots of praise and thanksgiving went forth during Holy Week, we are blessed by the sharing of God’s love through messages of Encouraging Faith. We hope that you will enjoy this reflection celebrating new hope through the knowledge that resurrection of Jesus Christ is real.  Let us hear God’s Word through Matthew 28: 1-10 from the Message and Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24 from the Bible Experience.  Prayers of hope from Africana Liturgy are shared to help remind of us of our legacy of grace as we are reminded that Jesus Christ rose.  Amen.

Pastoral Prayer:  It’s prayer time!  Gracious Father we come to you this morning saying thank you for your rising up with all power, mercy, love and grace.  Help me to call upon our Lord for guidance; call upon Jesus Christ for his undying love and call upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom.  Move me behind the cross and allow only your words for your people to come forth.  Cover us with your Spirit and open our ears so that we might receive your Holy Word.  Gracious Lord, nurture us through your Word, teach us to accept the freedom, release us from fear and unforgiveness so that we may receive your Power.  O’ Lord, let us know that your love is enough. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.