5th April 2026 10.30am – Easter Day – Eucharist

The Readings

Acts 10.34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’

Matthew 28.1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Scripture Quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

The Prayers
Prepared by Kath, Reader at St Mary's.

God our Father, hear us when we pray to you in faith.
We give you thanks for this very special day and the many gifts you give to each of us every day of our lives. Help us not to take any of these for granted, especially all the beauty that is in the world. May we appreciate it with heartfelt gratitude.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for your church throughout the world as together we celebrate the rising of our beloved Lord, Jesus Christ. And we pray for our sisters and brothers in places where they are not yet free to worship openly.

At the end our Lenten journey, may we hold on to all that we have found meaningful and that brings us closer to you in both our prayers & spiritual life and in the stuff of everyday life.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our very troubled and turbulent world, for all peoples, communities and nations who are going through dark and difficult times. Lord please give us hope that we can resolve our differences peacefully and make the world a better, more just and compassionate place for everyone.

We pray for our local community and all that makes it the special and creative place that it is.

We give thanks for the successful start to the Artemis 2 mission. May the amazing images of our world from space give us a new perspective and appreciation of your creation and encourage us afresh to take better care of it and all for whom it is home. We pray for the safe return home for the astronauts.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are ill or unwell at this time. May they be lovingly supported as they navigate the changes and challenges they face as a result of their illness. We pray also for those who will be alongside them that they too will be supported and cared for. In a few moments of quiet let us call to mind anyone known to us who is in particular need of our prayers and let us also bring before God our own needs and concerns.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We remember those who have died, some recently and some long ago. May they rest in peace and may all who mourn and miss them be comforted and find their own peace.

Especially may we pray for
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ,

St Marys Walkley

The Church on the Road: inclusive, eucharistic, a safe place to be with God

5th April 2026 10.30am – Easter Day – Eucharist