We mean it when we say, “Everyone is Welcome here!”

COMING IN APRIL: EASTER Sunday – APRIL 5th

April 1 – 7, 2026

This Week @ First Church

Wednesday April 1

Mindful Meditation – 6 p.m.

Come every Wednesday evening and leave the troubles of the world outside as you spend an hour in meditation. Enter the church through the Delaware Street entrance.

Thursday April 2

Let’s Pray Together – 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

St. John’s Episcopal – 120 1st Street NE – Mason City, IA.

Maundy Thursday Service – 5:30 p.m.

Here at First Congregational United Church of Christ

Sunday April 5 – EASTER Sunday

Worship Service – 10 a.m.

Worship Service In-Person and on Facebook

SERMON: “He Has Risen” Based on Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10

NOTES on Colossians 3:1-4

Alleluia, Christ has risen! And as He has risen, we too have been raised in Christ. This scripture encourages us to look at earthly matters through the lens of God, for when we practice that discipline, when we put perspective into action, we
fulfill our roles as Christians to giving God the glory and serving others in Christ’s name.

Colossians 3:1-4

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  2  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  3  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  4  When Christ, who is your [a]  life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

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NOTES on Matthew 28:1-10

Our Gospel reading today is from Matthew 28:1-10. It is a story most of us know well; it is the greatest love story in history! It is a story that is more than just a story of the resurrection miracle, it is also about the fulfillment of prophecies that foretold the sacrificial love of Jesus, “the lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world”. It is a promise kept, one that created the way for us to have intimate relationships with our Triune God and have eternal life through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Matthew 28:1-10

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2  There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,
going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  3  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  4  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for
Jesus, who was crucified.  6  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  7  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8  So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  9  Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.  10  Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

HYMNS

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”

“My Shepherd Is the Living God”

“The Day of Resurrection”