An Easter Benediction – Dr Sharon R Fennema

The Easter Service at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile was built upon: Building Up a New World – At Early Dawn Service Prayers for Resurrection Sunday C which was written by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema, who serves as Join the Movement toward Racial Justice Curator with UCC National Ministries. 

This blessing comes at early dawn
when the day has not yet emerged
and the night lingers on our skin.
Hallelujah.  Even now, new life.

This blessing emerges through grief
when the sorrows have not yet left us
and the hope has not yet found us. 
Hallelujah. Even now, resurrection. 

This blessing calls from emptiness
when we have more questions than answers
and fear turns to amazement turns to joy.
Hallelujah. Even now, rise up.  

Christ is risen indeed.
Go in peace to rise up in protest and praise
until new life is witnessed, known, and enjoyed
by all creation.  Amen. 

Dear reader, as this Easter Sunday ends with the setting of the sun, may we indeed go in peace to rise up in protest and praise until new life is witnessed, known, and enjoyed by all creation.