Should Easter worship services be any different from other Sundays of the year? Easter is a Sunday to remember and celebrate what Christ accomplished through his death, burial and resurrection. In our planning we try to tell this story each week by telling God's story, the gospel. However on this special day we devote the whole service to the retelling of the Easter events, celebrating the redemptive power and giving opportunity for adequate response. For some that will be thanksgiving for others it may be a new commitment or a first time saying yes to Christ.

Should we make Easter worship so 'out of the park' that when people come back the next week they are disappointed?

Here is where we might be different from some churches. We are very intentional to make Easter Sunday 'normal.' We want to give a true picture on Easter of how our congregation worships each Sunday, not just on a special day. (I posted more about this here.)

Below is our set list. I have included the video testimonies we used interspersed during two of the songs and following the sermon. The testimonies are from two adults who although had been attending church their whole lives just recently surrendered totally to Christ. A special thanks to John Magyar and Silverleaf Entertainment for creating these videos for us.

Pre-service Song All Because of Jesus by Steve Fee

Songs and Scripture When I Survey vs. 1 and 3 (Appalachian melody) sung by soloist Hallelujah What A Savior (adapted from Ascend the Hill arrangement) Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 Stronger by Rueben Morgan and Ben Fielding

*video was placed after the first chorus and it was followed with the third verse. The band provided underscore music for the video. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57 Christ Is Risen by Matt Maher and Mia Fieldes

Welcome

Songs and Scripture Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham *video was placed just before bridge of "Because of Your Love" After the video we segued to the bridge and completed the song.The band continued to play underscore music for video. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21 Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash and Jesse Reeves