The Joy of Easter

Opening Hymn:
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/t/g/itgarden.htm
In The Garden
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain

Memory Verse: 
Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

Today's Bible Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:3-8
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
 how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Today's Easter Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We bow our heads together and give thanks and praise for this joyful celebration of Easter.

Jesus blessed us by dying and rising again for us as foretold in the Scriptures.
We breathe, live, and eat in honor of Him.

By raising Christ Jesus, You conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Blessed be our risen Lord who provided the perfect sacrifice needed to cover our sins. We are thankful for your forgiveness Lord and for your perfect ways.
Heavenly Father, help us to be more: faithful and obedient, more merciful, loving and kind.  May the Prince of Peace continue to nourish and strengthen our hearts, mind and spirit and may our trust and faith in Him continue to grow.
We ask that you grant these things through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, your Son,
 Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Read Aloud Easter Poem:

LORD REMEMBER ME

L ight of this world
O ur crown, our reward
R emember me Saviour
D eliver me , Lord.

R iver of Life, round Your throne
E nlightened souls, Your glory known
M ountains and valleys call Your name
E ven  the fields proclaim  the same
M any , have You touched and healed
B y your compassionate Love revealed
E arth bows down to her mighty King...
R ejoicing in Your laboring.

M y Lord, holder of Heaven's key
E ternal Father, remember me.


Julie Pisacane

Luke 23:42
  And he said unto Jesus, Lord,
 remember me when
thou comest into thy kingdom.

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EASTER WORD SCRAMBLE:  FOR CHILDREN

STREAE  ____    ____ ____   _____   _____    ____

SNIER    ____   _____  _____  _____  _____   ____ 

JSESU    _____    _____    ____    _____    _____

VLIAE     ____     _____    _____   _____   ______

RDLO     _____   ____      _____   _____   _____

MNAE    ____    ____   _____   ______   ______

Answers: Easter, Risen, Jesus, Alive, Lord, Amen.

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Color a Cross Activity:  Paper and Crayons.

Have the children make a simple cross and color it in. Talk about
the cross of Jesus with them during the activity. 

Enjoy your Easter Celebration!

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