Great Sabbath
Psalm 49:1-12Job 15,16; Romans 16:8-20
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression? You donot stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Micah 7:18 (NIV)
God did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us; will he notwith him also give us everything else? Romans 8:32
Forgiving God, who gave your son to be our Redeemer, have mercy on us. Amen.
I look forward to the Easter celebration tomorrow in my home-church THE MORAVIAN CHURCH Amsterdam.
Early tomorrow morning at 800 there is an Easter sunrise service held. I looked it up on the internet how this tradition is described in other Moravian Churhes in US who kept this tradition especially when they are situated near an cemetery like ours
Easter sunrise
service
The first
Moravian Early Easter Service was held in Germany in the year 1732. In some
parts of the world, Moravians are known as "The Easter People" because of the
importance of this service. In old Moravian communities, like Winston-Salem, at
about 2 a.m. on Easter Sunday morning, the Church Bands play chorales at
designated spots over the town, announcing the Resurrection.
Just before
dawn, the Raleigh Moravian congregation assembles at the Oakwood Cemetery (701
Oakwood Avenue; here's a map.) The minister opens the service with
the words, "The Lord is Risen!". The Congregation responds, and a brief
liturgical service follows. Midway through the service, the congregation moves
to a portion of the Oakwood Cemetery called "God's Acre". Part of the Church
Band precedes the congregation, another follows. The Band plays antiphonally as
the march progresses. When all have assembled at God's Acre, the minister leads
in the concluding liturgical service, which is actually our Christian confession
of faith.
During our liturgical service also all the names of church members "who passed away" between last Easter and this Easter will be named.
Than we all go back for " Easter breakfast " together....some also bring flowers to the graves of their loved ones.
10.30 will the Easter service be held and praises will go up to Heaven for our risen Savior Jesus Christ !
Romans 12!