After the dark shadows and solemn music at the Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service, the family of worshipers on Sunday were filled with the joy of renewed life and fulfilled promises at the two Easter morning services. More than 30 souls from both FCC Bristol and the wider community gathered at 6:30 AM at our new “sunrise” location at the Bristol Boat Launch on the eastern shores of the Bristol peninsula.
The grey sky lightened as the sun shone through dramatic clouds over the bay. Birds sang and treetops swayed in the early morning breezes. Led by the Rev. Dr. Nancy H. Soukup, worshipers shared hymns and hopes for the healing of the world.
At the Easter morning service in the flower-filled sanctuary, the welcoming greetings of “Christ is Risen” and “Happy Easter” were followed by loud trumpet blasts and voices raised in praise. The Prayer of Invocation declared the hopes of all present: “Creator of Life, in raising Christ Jesus up, through, out of, and beyond the chains of death, You opened for us the way to eternal and abundant life. May our Alleluias on this day float high above the ceiling of what we think we know and transcend to the heaven of what we believe—and thus live. Raise us up! Renew our lives! Resurrect our dreams! Through Jesus Christ our Living Savior.”
After the sermon from Rev. Soukup, entitled “Through Jesus We Behold All of Humanity,” the service closed with a prayer of dedication and Holy Communion: “Let us remember that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes early in the morning. May these gifts of blessing be a sign of the love, light, and glory of our redeeming God who has created a world of abundance with all that we need. May we remain thankful for your generosity, O God.”
The full worship service in the sanctuary can be viewed here.