A frequently-voiced Bloggernacle regret is that so many of our wards fail to note, much less celebrate, Easter Sunday – was it Kevin Barney who reported an Easter Sacrament service devoted to tithing?
This neglect is not by policy but due to a too-widespread lack of imagination on the part of those who plan ward meetings. It is a neglect that has existed, apparently, for 50 years or more. Witness this question submitted to the editorial board of the Instructor magazine in December 1962:
Q. When was the policy established of not having special programs, but rather continuing with normal Sunday School activities on Easter and Christmas?
A. There has never been a policy of not having special programs on these two occasions.
Indeed, the Instructor, which had input only into Sunday School services, encouraged special programs at Easter in both the Senior and Junior Sunday Schools. The programs were brief and simple, and somewhat repetitious – but isn’t that what you want in annual traditions, to some degree? At least they acknowledged the significance of the day, and retold in scripture, music, and short talks the miracle and promise of the Resurrection.
It didn’t hurt, either, that Sunday School superintendents were reminded to decorate the chapel and Junior Sunday School room with fresh flowers.
A sampling of suggested Easter services from the 1960s, and a hope that your ward will celebrate to some degree this Easter Sunday:
1961
“Easter Is a Joyous Time”
Every officer and teacher in the Sunday School should put forth a special effort on East Sunday to make the services and the lessons particularly effective. We should be especially mindful of those people who come but rarely, and reward them with a worthwhile experience. Greeting members and visitors as they enter the chapel and as they enter the classroom should be part of our responsibility as we represent Christ in teaching the Gospel.
Theme: Jesus said …, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die … – John 11:25-26
Devotional Prelude
Opening Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Invocation
Welcome: Bishop
Sacramental Hymn: “We’ll Sing All Hail to Jesus’ Name”
Sacrament Gem: “… Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.” – I Corinthians 15:20
Sacrament
Scriptural Reading (to be given by an excellent reader): John 20:1-8 (this is the joyous account of the first Easter morning)
Hymn by the Congregation: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (a soloist may sing the first half of each verse, with the congregation joining in the second half)
Scriptural Reading (to be given by an excellent reader): John 20:9-31 (This account tells of the joy felt by the apostles on the first Easter evening and eight days later)
Hymn by the Congregation: “Glory to God on High”
Separation for Classes
Closing Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Benediction
1962
“I Am the Resurrection”
Devotional Prelude
Opening Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Invocation
Welcome: Bishop
Sacramental Hymn: “While of These Emblems We Partake”
Sacrament Gem: “…Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.” (I Corinthians 15:20)
Sacrament
Scriptural Reading (to be given by a capable reader): Jesus said … I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die … (John 11:25, 26)
Hymn by the Congregation: “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”
Talk: “… I Am the Resurrection and the Life …” (To be given by an adult who can appeal to all age levels)
I. The First Easter (consider the following scriptures in sequence):
A. The resurrection (Mark 16:1; Matthew 28:2-4; Mark 16:2-4; Matthew 28:5-7; John 20:2-10)
B. Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
C. Jesus’ appearance to the women (Matthew 28:8-10)
D. The soldiers bribed (Matthew 28:11-15)
E. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)
F. Jesus’ appearance to the apostles, Thomas being absent (Luke 24:33-48; John 20:21-25)
G. Jesus’ appearance to the apostles, Thomas being present (John 20:267-29)
II. The Significance of Easter
A. The love and mercy of God
B. Forgiveness of sins
C. Universal resurrection from the dead
D. Opportunity for continuous self-fulfillment
Hymn by the Congregation: “He is Risen”
Separation for Classes.
Closing Hymn: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
Benediction
1963
Devotional Prelude
Opening Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Invocation
Welcome: Member of bishopric or branch presidency
Sacramental Hymn: “God Loved us, So He Sent His Son”
Sacrament Gem: And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Luke 11:9)
Sacrament
The Story of the First Easter – Scriptural reading of John 20:1-3 (to be given by a capable reader)
Hymn: “He Is Risen”
Talk: The Meaning of Easter (to be given by an adult who can communicate to all age levels)
1. Christ’s gift of the Atonement. Through His great love of mankind, the Saviour gave His life voluntarily so that all may live again, and may receive forgiveness of sin on condition of repentance. (See Mosiah 4:6-30, and Articles of Faith, Talmage, Chap. 4)
2. Christ’s gift of the Gospel pattern for living. Christ showed us the way to achieve individual salvation through following the principles of the Gospel. he exemplified these principles in His own life and mission. The gospel principles include faith, repentance, baptism, humility, forgiveness, service, trust, and love. We must love both God and our fellow men. When we partake of the sacrament, we renew our covenants to remember Him and to keep His commandments. (See the 1963 Convention Instructor discussions on our commitment to follow Jesus by learning and living the gospel)
Separation for Classes
Reassembly from Classes
Closing Hymn: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
Benediction
1964
“At Easter We Remember The Glorious Resurrection”
Devotional Prelude: Handel’s “Largo”
Opening Hymn: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” – Hymns – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, No. 10
Invocation
It is suggested that a member of the superintendency make a preliminary statement somewhat as follows: “In view of the fact that on Easter Sunday we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the tomb, we shall dedicate our entire worship service this morning to recounting this glorious event. Beginning with our sacrament hymn, we shall ask our chorister to invite the congregation, before singing, to join in reading reverently the two verses of this beautiful hymn.”
Sacramental Hymn: “In Humility Our Savior” – Hymns, No. 49
Sacrament Gem
Member of the Superintendency: “Easter is a day on which we especially commemorate the resurrection of our Saviour. This is one of the most distinguishing features of the Christian religion. It is a basic concept of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the foundation of our faith. Today we shall have four of our classes participate in our special Easter Service by presenting choral readings of New Testament scriptures from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These beautiful citations portray the account of the resurrection of Jesus as seen by witnesses.”
Choral Reading, Matthew 28:5-9 (Members of Course 12)
Choral Reading, Mark 16:1-6 (Members of Course 10)
Choral Reading, Luke 24:33, 34, 36-40, 44-46, 48 (Members of Course 16)
Choral Reading, John 20:19-20, 24-29 (to be selected)Note to Teachers: The teachers of these classes should either personally announce where these scriptures are to be found or have a member of the class do so. The scriptures should be rehearsed in class so that these beautiful citations may be clearly and reverently read with proper emphasis and understanding.
Summary by Superintendency: A member of the superintendency might well make a one-minute summary of this choral reading of New Testament scripture, somewhat as follows: “And so you have heard this beautiful scripture depicting the events that occurred after the Saviour’s death on the cross. For two thousand years this occurrence has challenged interest, faith, and dedication of millions of people. If we had had time this morning, we could also have included a wonderful body of scripture from the Book of Mormon depicting the Saviour’s visit to the people of the American continent. May the commemoration of this glorious fact of the Resurrection help us to build our testimonies and to strengthen our faith.”
Closing Hymn, “He Is Risen” – Hymns, No. 61
Separation for Classes
1965
“For behold, this is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” – Moses 1:39
Devotional Prelude
Opening Hymn: “Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today” – Hymns – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, No. 10
Invocation
Welcome: Bishop or Counselor
Sacrament Hymn: “How Great the Wisdom and the Love – Hymns, No. 68
Sacrament Gem
Sacrament
First Scripture Reading – Moses 1:39 (select and prepare someone to read or quote)
Second Scripture Reading – John 11:25-26 (select and prepare someone to read or quote)
Adult Talk (2-4 minutes): Christ’s Work and glory” (emphasize Christ’s greatest gift – eternal life)
References: John 3:16; 10:10; Moses 1:39; Mosiah 4:6-30
Suggestions: A Way of Life; The Gospel Plan; Gospel Principles – love, unity, harmony
Hymn by Congregation: “He Is risen” – Hymns, No. 61
Separation for Classes
Closing Hymn: “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – Hymns, No. 95
Benediction
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