Believing

Lent 2019 Worship Planning Series

Easter Sunday 2019, Year C

Our Lenten journey has ended, and we have finally made it to Easter! Every year, we are asked to tell the same story over and again: gaping tomb, confused mourners, unexpected and unbelievable encounters with angels and a gardener. 

With All Your Heart Worship Series: BELIEVING
Easter Sunday — April 21, 2019

Planning for this Series

I love seeing the different ways churches celebrate Easter morning. My husband’s family’s church finishes the early service by walking out of the sanctuary in the dawn light and sings while standing in their church’s cemetery, proclaiming the Risen Christ. Our liturgically traditional church in Nashville has a small orchestra, handbells, and full choir. Our previous church had extra copies of the Hallelujah Chorus ready, and whoever wanted to join the choir up front was welcome to do so. However you program Easter, if you have lilies in your sanctuary, a small choir, an orchestra, or your pianist, only one thing matters today: celebrating that we are truly Easter people.

If you’re looking for an unusual and moving Easter sunrise service, be sure to look at the one we wrote last year. Centered around a bonfire, it is a service that blends contemporary music with traditional music. Keep the gospel text the same, or switch to this year’s John 20 text.

Be sure, as you plan any service, to make an invitation to the following week’s service. Easter Sunday services are often filled with visitors. Be sure your ushers or hospitality team is welcoming visitors that morning. If you are following this series with another one, name that series and include an invitation. Consider having postcards highlighting the new series on hand to give to worshipers as they leave.

In This Series...


Ash Wednesday 2019, Year C — Planning Notes First Sunday in Lent 2019, Year C — Planning Notes Second Sunday in Lent 2019, Year C — Planning Notes Third Sunday in Lent 2019, Year C — Planning Notes Fourth Sunday in Lent 2019, Year C — Planning Notes Fifth Sunday in Lent 2019, Year C — Planning Notes Palm/Passion Sunday 2019, Year C — Planning Notes