Meeting of the Congregation
Prelude Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship We gather together in worship. as a mother calls her family around the table. A loving, nurturing God, Who, like a mother, loves us unconditionally, teaches us in the way we should go, and comforts us in times of need. All praise be to God, the source and sustainer of life. Prayer of the Day We bless your name, O Lord, for sending your own incarnate Son, to become part of a family, so that, as he lived his life on earth, he may experience life’s worries and joys. We ask you, Lord, to protect and watch over all our families, so that in the strength of your grace, its members may enjoy the priceless gift of your presence and peace, and, as the Church alive in the home, bear witness in this world to your glory. In the name of Christ, our brother, Amen. *Hymn 14 For the Beauty of the Earth, Verses 1-3 Prayer of Confession Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our own sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding refuge and strength, through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen. *Hymn Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Pardon Hear the good news! Who is in a condition to condemn? Only Christ, And Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life is gone and a new life is begun. Know you are forgiven and be at peace. Amen. First Reading 1 Peter 3:13-22 Time for Young Disciples Reading from Scripture John 14:15-21 The Morning Message While it may seem that the two scripture texts for today have little to nothing to do with Mother’s Day, I want us to consider how very much they read like the words of a mother to her child…maybe an older or adult child. Who here has sought council from their mother or someone who was like a mother to you? I can remember those times of big decision, when I was about to experience change. Should I study for a Master’s Degree? What do you think about that neighborhood or school? Should children be given an allowance? Should we let our daughter move into an apartment instead of the dorm this year? Today, our conversations are likely to be about retirement and how many years we should get out of the new roof. No matter the questions we may ask our mothers or fathers, and those who filled the role of parent, we expect they will be answered in a way that affirms our value, encourages us, warns us against danger, reminds us of the faith that saves us and the One who guides our lives. No one on earth thinks more of us, has higher hopes for us, and who loved us before anyone else knew our names. I hear these messages in First Peter and in John. Years ago, NPR created a special series of programs titled, “This I Believe.” Did anyone ever catch it? It was a popular radio series based on creative essays on a particular subject. The authors would read them on the air and then discuss their topic with the host. In 2011, four books were published which highlighted the series. They were: This I Believe: Life Lessons This I Believe: On Fatherhood This I Believe: On Love This I Believe: On Motherhood A few years ago, my daughter sent the one on Motherhood to me for Mother’s Day. She knew one of the authors and was moved by her essay. I’d like to share with you an excerpt from the book, written by Josephine Guido. Excerpt Our lives are full of loss and separation, hellos and goodbyes, of the busy, loud and hectic days of child-raising to the years of the empty nest, which has its own benefits but also means separation from the ones in whom you have invested so much of your life. While I love the fact that I can pretty much set my own agenda, I miss my children every day. After the resurrection, Jesus was present with his disciples for forty days. That’s a metaphor for a long time. Noah and his ark endured a forty-day flood. Moses and the children of Israel were exiled for forty years. After his baptism in the Jordan by John, God sent Jesus into the wilderness for forty days of fasting, praying, and sparring with the Evil One. As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples once again, he reassures them that though he would be absent from them, they should not despair. He would send the Comforter, who will be their companion. The Spirit would fill them with goodness and grace and courage. In this way they would know that they are God’s own beloved children. When I worked as a church educator, I was occasionally asked what was taught in our nurseries. On one occasion, I was actually handed curriculum that I was expected to present to those brave people who volunteered every week to provide child care. . My response was to explain that the nursery was a child’s introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Mommy and Daddy bring the little one to the nursery and hand them off to the teacher, who will lovingly care for them. They will be read to, prayed over, and maybe even taught a song or two. They will learn to play alongside other children, to share and follow simple instructions. They learn to trust the ones who take their parents’ place for a little while. It’s a big lesson. It’s hard to wave good-bye to the parents. Maybe there are even tears. But Mommy and Daddy assure their precious baby that they are only going to be away for a little while, that soon they will return and they will all be together again. Those are words that comfort me on the days I miss my adult children, my grandchildren, and especially on the days when I miss my loved ones who have joined the Church Triumphant. One day we will all be together again. This is the promise of Jesus. You can believe it. *Hymn 14 For the Beauty of the Earth, Verses 4 and 5 *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed *Hymn 581 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Gifts of Tithes and Offering Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication *Hymn You Formed Us In Your Image, Lord (To the tune 0f “Be Thou My Vision”) Carolyn Winfrey Gillette *Blessing Go out into the blessing of a new week. As Christ prays for you, pray for one another. As Christ forgives you, forgive one another. As Christ loves you, love one another. And may the grace of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit go with you today and always. Amen. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Antiphon at Lauds, Saints Days Come, mine elect one, and I will set my throne within you. Source of all creation, maker of the world and everything in it, you are never far from each one of us. We come into your presence seeking you, O giver of life and breath. Reveal yourself to us; dwell with us; abide with us. We live because of you. We hope because of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, in whom we live and move and have our being. Amen. *Hymn 260 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, Verses 1 and 2 Prayer of Confession Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from who no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts that, by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we may perfectly love you and magnify your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness God is love. Anyone who abides in love, abides in God, and God abides in them. The love of God in Jesus Christ will never let us go. Know you are forgiven and be at peace. First Scripture Reading Acts 17:22-31 Moments With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading John 14:15-21 Morning Message Today’s texts lift up two important events: Paul’s speech before the Areopagus in Athens, and the ascension of Jesus. You recall that Jesus made several post-resurrection appearances. This is the final one as he is taken up into heaven. In the church year, this happens forty days after Easter and a few days before the Day of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on May 31st. I would like to turn our attention this morning to the Acts passage. My husband says when he was in officer training shortly after being elected a Ruling Elder, he was told that an elder should be ready to preach at all times. In fact, back in the day, some church elders carried a sermon in their wallets or folded up in the pocket of a suit jacket. Leaders of the Church should be ready to preach the gospel at all times. Paul was ready to preach before the Areopagus, the high court of intellectual and religious sparring, in Athens. This would not be a friendly audience. He was there to be tested. So what does he do? Well, he doesn’t start with the Westminster Catechism, or preach the importance of baptism. He doesn’t even enumerate the four spiritual laws that characterize some Christian preaching. No. Paul meets them where they are. He says he has noticed the numerous statues displayed in the temples around Athens. There were idols to everything. There was even one dedicated to the “unknown God,” in case they had forgotten one. And that’s where Paul seizes his opportunity. He tells them that he stands before them to introduce them to that unknown God. “What you worship as unknown, I now proclaim to you.” The court of the Areopagus was about the strength of reason and rhetoric. The Greeks were all about the life of the mind. Some adhered to a philosophy that the flesh, the human body, was inferior to the mind and the spirit. Some went to great lengths to deny the needs of the body or to satisfy the desires of the body. We have a more integrated understanding of life that includes body, mind, and spirit. Paul whets his audience’s intellectual appetite by saying there is more to learn. And to this body of critical thinkers, he drops a great mystery: the mystery of God in human flesh, the God who defies death by resurrection. “God calls all people to repent, to follow, for judgment in righteousness by an appointed Savior, who has given us assurance by raising the Savior from the dead.” And in his death, is the promise of ours. Willie James Jennings, professor at Yale, has written, “ To speak of the resurrection of Jesus is…speech that changes reality, reorients how we see earth and sky, water and dirt, land and animals, and even our own bodies. This is speech that evokes a decision: either laugh at it or listen to it. Either leave it or draw near to his body. It is his body or your stones.” One positive outcome from this sheltering at home era is that we have been compelled to look at our immediate surroundings. How have we spent our time? I can’t tell you how many of my friends and family members have taken the opportunity to clean out closets and attics and garages, getting rid of those things they no longer use or need or ever needed. I actually found the floor of a closet I haven’t seen in about twenty years. My husband and I just spent a week with our two year old grandson. It was great fun, at least most of the time. It was good to be reminded of the early days of our family life, when we had little ones to feed, and bathe, and dress and comfort. We heard expressions we hadn’t heard in a long time, at least in such direct language. “Mine!” Whether it was a cup, a toy, a shoe, when it seemed to Thomas that he was about to lose something, he loudly protested and claimed it as his own. Most of us outgrow that behavior. We know that hanging onto or accumulating things can be a form of idolatry. So can the unhealthy pursuit of recognition, power and wealth. They become the stones that Dr. Willie Jennings warns us about. Like the idols in Athens, their promises are empty and they may come with a high price. Friends, Jesus isn’t a stone like the idols found in Athens. He is a living Savior who paid the highest price and keeps his promise: to be at home with us on earth and to welcome us to a home with him in the world to come. I’ll take it. How about you? *Hymn 703 Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed p.35 *Gloria Patri Joys and Concerns of the Church Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Lord of love, in the upper room, you gave us a new commandment to love one another. You have demonstrated before us the power of love to bring healing, redemption, and hope in the lives of all your people. Just as you have called us all into the ministry of grace, you have empowered us with gifts to carry out your purpose. The weeks have been long, O God, and we are weary. So many lives have been disrupted, services interrupted, and events cancelled. Illness and death have been our food day and night. We have become isolated out of necessity, and that has brought its own set of troubles. And so today, we come before you to dwell in your presence and receive the courage to be your people in this time and in these circumstances. Remind us when we bring the names of those in need before you, we also bring our own needs and concerns. Hear now the names of those who long to feel your love and grace… We celebrate with the graduates among us, for the successful completion of their academic pursuits and their optimism and goals for the future. In the words of the prayer that never fails, in gratitude for all life’s blessing, we pray, Our Father…Amen. Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication * Hymn 260 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, Verses 3 and 4 *Blessing Wherever we are, we are in God. Wherever we are, we are in Christ, and Christ is in us. We go forth in peace and hope, with the support of God’s Spirit, in faithfulness and trust. and with enough transparency that, through us, others may glimpse the Divine. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” *Prayer of the Day O God, form the hearts of your people into a single will. Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where joy is found, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Hymn 361 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation, verses 1 and 2 Prayer of Confession Holy and merciful God, in your presence, we confess our failure to be what you created us to be. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. By your mercy, help us live in your light and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Hymn Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Pardon The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Believe the good news of the gospel: our sins are forgiven. Be at peace. First Reading 1 Peter 2:2-10 Time for Young Believers Gospel Reading John 14: 1-14 The Morning Message What is the story of your home? How would you describe it to others? I would describe ours as a Brady Bunch style home with three bedrooms and two and a half baths. The kitchen and one of the bathrooms have been recently updated. We have an above-ground pool and the back yard is enclosed with a stockade fence tall enough that our old dog, Conrad, couldn’t climb. He was an escape artist. Our neighborhood was right in the path of one of the seventeen tornadoes that touched down a few weeks ago. There was a lot of damage done in just a few seconds. The wind is a powerful force. The two roads that make up our subdivision were impassable for a time. Trees had fallen. Utility lines were down or dangerously dangling from homes and utility poles. We were spared serious damage. We lost a shutter, some gutter and fascia material. The flag pole snapped from its place by the front door. Part of the fence came down. Our neighbors acquired a trampoline in their yard. Power was out for a couple of hours or days depending on which side of the street you resided. It was home but didn’t look or feel much like it for a few days. Anxiety and discomfort were our constant companions. We felt displaced for a time. Not unlike the disciples to whom Jesus speaks in this text. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” The Lord himself reassures them and us that we have nothing to fear. We have a future beyond that which we can see. We have a place. We have a host who has made that place ready for us. We will be with him. And in him, we will be forever home. Ed and I left home on Iroquois Trail last weekend to attend the memorial service of our friend of many years, Tim Waugh. Tim was a vocal music teacher, like my husband, and their paths crossed frequently over the years. He was a Presbyterian, having grown up at the Rock Lake Presbyterian Church in South Charleston. He was a church musician, an outstanding organist. But Tim was best known for his expertise in handbells. He composed directed and traveled around the world teaching and ringing. Every now and then Ed would get a text: “Guess where I am?” It could be a small town in the American south or a convention hall in Hong Kong. Tim went to Ireland with us once. He was a world traveler, but was most at home in his house in Princeton, West Virginia. But, something unexpected happened in the last year. Tim was retired from public school teaching, but still made music. He went to the First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, North Carolina, to conduct a handbell festival. He discovered the church had a need for an interim music director. He applied and served there for several months, growing very fond of the congregation, the pastors and staff. In time, it became apparent that he and the church were a good fit and the relationship should continue. Tim called us to say he had just signed a contract to serve the church and a permanent move to Salisbury was in order. And, further, he advised, the small town is just lovely and easily accessible to our own three daughters who live in North Carolina. He was pretty convincing. He had found home. Tim lived life with a sense of urgency because he had a kidney disease that claimed the lives of his father and grandfather when they were very young. Eighteen years ago, he had a kidney transplant which extended his life and we are grateful. He was very healthy for a long time, checking in with Duke University Hospital yearly, but was recently battling a persistent problem. Tim was single. He had no biological children, a choice he made due to his kidney disease. But, in fact, his family was the music world and he had many children. His memorial service was at First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury last Saturday morning. Ed and I traveled there to give God thanks for his life and faith and to thank the good people of Salisbury for loving him and making him a part of their faith community. It was a special place and the only church or community that felt like home to him apart from his place in West Virginia. It was a grand day altogether, as our Irish friends would say. Sunny, flowers and trees blooming in brilliant colors, the breeze wafting sweet smells of spring around us. The town may be small, but the church building is massive. The sanctuary ethereal. There was a thirty minute handbell prelude, a grand and glorious choir, a warm and welcoming congregation, a young and inspiring clergy couple whom Tim loved. Lots and lots of beautiful music. But it was hard to sing. Memories, love, and grief caused our voices to stall and crack and rendered us silent for much of it. As we left the sanctuary- our aging bodies moving slowly after two hours of sitting- a voice sounded behind us, “I hoped I would see you here.” We turned around to behold the familiar face of a beautiful young woman who grew up in Ona, was once Ed’s student, and part of a family we’ve known about as long as we’ve known Tim. Rebecca Petit, daughter of Tom and Sally. She lives in Charlotte now, an engineer for a pharmaceutical company. She had met Tim on many occasions through Ed and Tim was well known to her Lutheran Church in Charlotte as a handbell musician. In fact, many of them had come to the service. She introduced us. That little moment, in that small town in which we had never been, that simple statement, “I hoped I would see you here,” probably important to no one but us, was reassurance of so much that day. It spoke to us of faith, hope, and love. It spoke to us of home. Jesus said, “In my father’s house are many mansions,,,” And churches, singers, orchestras, ringers, pray-ers, pre-schools, youth groups, circles, teams, kitchens, ushers, greeters, preachers, teachers, students… Friends, our God is so vast. God’s house is so expansive. And God’s house is standing now, today, just as surely as it stands in the next life. Tim found God’s people in places I’ve never even heard of, let alone visited. Rebecca, whose home was once with her parents and three sisters, has made her home in the Shenandoah Valley, then Virginia Tech, and now makes her home in Charlotte, soon to make a life with her fiancé. The church invited everyone to stay and break bread-or sandwiches and cookies-together following the service. The Lutherans from Charlotte welcomed us to their table and we greatly appreciated their company. We walked Rebecca to her car, telling her she had been a comfort to us this hard day. She shared the same. We admired her crossover vehicle with its Hokie license plate holder. She pointed to a sticker in the corner of the back window. A silhouette of West Virginia, with a little heart cut-out. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid.” I have no idea what this promised home will look like. I don’t think my wish list will include a fireplace this time or stainless steel appliances. It won’t matter if the school bus comes by the house, or if the neighbors keep their lawn mowed. I can imagine it will be a place of peace and welcome, a place so comfortable that I never again think about the need for safety and security. A place where those who mourn can find comfort, where there is always an extra chair, where sweet melodies are wafted to us on the wind, where aromas from the kitchen smell like love. And the sign on every heart says “home.” *Hymn 361 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation, verses 3 and 4 *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 580 Gloria Patri Joys and Concerns of the Church Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication *Hymn 462 I Love to Tell the Story *Blessing Just as God’s Word was sent into the world to heal and redeem, so God sends you into the world this day to be light and love, healing and hope. Go now, and share the good news generously, and may the grace of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you today and always. Amen. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Psalm 116 The Lord is gracious and merciful, and hears us when we call. The Lord has been good to you. The Lord has delivered my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling. We come with thanksgiving, and call on the name of the Lord. *Hymn 664 Morning Has Broken Prayer of Confession O God, whose presence is veiled from our eyes, when we do not recognize you, may our hearts burn within us, and when feeling is lost, may we cling in faith to your Word and the power of bread broken. We confess that we do not always live in the spirit of new life. We worry and grow discontent about our circumstances and deny the transforming power of the resurrection. Forgive us and call us back to the sacred walk you take with us, be it on the highway, or the quiet path. in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. *Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness Friends, in Jesus Christ we are called to a new way of life, one that overflows with hope, love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us walk forward together on this journey of faith, assured that our Lord never leaves us or forsakes us. Be at peace. Amen. First Reading 1 Peter 1:17-23 Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Luke 24:13-35 The Morning Message This is a favorite Scripture passage for many of us. My affection for it has been influenced by the beautiful Robert Zund painting of the scene which we have included in worship today. The setting is so lush and green. Fertile. The soil soft and worn as they tread it. The trees providing a cool canopy above them. Three friends moseying along, enjoying each other’s company. They could be any group of guys walking around Lake William at Barboursville Park. Maybe they’re walking off that biscuit they just had a Tudor’s. But they’re not just any trio of buddies. This is Jesus with two of his friends. Post-resurrection. They didn’t recognize him yet. We know what has happened in recent days in Jerusalem. Jesus of Nazareth, a prophet mighty in deed and word before the people, had been arrested and crucified. How they had hoped he was the one to rescue Israel, but the authorities had ordered his death. They had witnessed his crucifixion and had carried him to the tomb. The tomb that the women had found empty on the third day, but did encounter angels and Jesus himself, though they didn’t recognize hime at first. They didn’t know what to make of these mysterious occurances. When the stranger joined them, the disciples recounted the events. Their hearts were heavy with grief and confusion. But, into their sad reverie, Jesus brought some good news. He recalled stories from Scripture, stories they would know by heart. Jesus reminded them that the Savior would suffer trials before his entrance into glory. Was not this the testimony of the law and the prophets? They walked and talked ‘til the sun was low in the sky. Close to their lodging place, they invited Jesus to join them for a meal and a night’s rest. And so he did, and though he was not the owner of the house, or the host of the meal, Jesus took bread and blessed and broke it. And they recognized him in the breaking of the bread. A friend of mine says that when she was growing up, she and her sisters shared the task of setting the table for meals. They were taught by their parents to set an extra place, for Jesus, the unseen guest at every meal. There is an expectation in that, an intimacy that says Jesus is familiar in a tangible way. He is family. He is friend. Sometimes, when a person is near death, they report that they see Jesus waiting for them, at the foot of the bed, or by the door, to take their hand and lead them into the next life. Their good and trusted friend has come for them. There is no fear. No hesitation. There is recognition. And that is a great comfort for them and for us. Can we know Jesus in that way? In a time when we send and receive “Friend” requests and “Like” requests with a tap on our iPhones, can Jesus be our friend? What kind of friend? Can we “Unlike” him when we disagree or when he “Likes” someone or some cause we don’t? Ruth is one of the saints in light now, but she lived 96 years on earth, before her friend, Jesus, led her into the Church Triumphant. One day when I was visiting her, she spoke of how Jesus became her closest and most reliable friend. Ruth was born in Massillon, Ohio. She came to Huntington and graduated from Huntington High School. She went on to Marshall College, where she would be a member of Kappa Theta Sorority. She served on the Pan Hellenic Council. She was a long-time supporter of one of our county political parties. Ruth had many friends. That was no surprise to me. Even in advanced years, she was beautiful, energetic, articulate, and social. She loved football…or at least she loved “that Tom Brady…um!” It is also no surprise that Ruth caught the eye and the heart of a handsome young man, Julian. They married and were blessed with a son and a daughter. Life was good. Julian worked for the US Post Office as a letter carrier, as they were called in those days. On October 24, 1950, while he was on the job, in Salt Rock, here in Cabell County, Julian was shot and killed. He was forty years old. Ruth was left to grieve his death and raise their children, who were not yet in school, the youngest still a babe in arms. Ruth says she was strolling her baby one day, a million thoughts running through her troubled mind. How in the world could she carry on, how could she raise her children without her husband? Would they even remember their father? She says she remembers praying that day as she walked, repeatedly asking, “What am I going to do?” And then she felt the warmth and comfort of a hand on her back. A hand she couldn’t see, but, knew, was the hand of Jesus. And in that moment, she heard him say, “I will be your friend.” And her burden was lifted. With that reassurance, Ruth did find strength and courage and everything needed to raise two faithful, healthy, accomplished children. She had a forty year career in one of our local businesses. She had a church family. She had friends. Jesus was her friend and I’m sure it was Jesus who took her hand and led her home on a January day a few years ago. Jesus is always with us, though we may not see him, or hear him, or even acknowledge his presence. But we have evidence. How have you recognized him? In the breaking of bread on a Communion Sunday or in the breaking of an addiction? In seeing a solution to some problem? A break-through? When we are alone and scared, when the diagnosis is undesired, and we get a call or a handful of flowers from a neighbors garden? Have you recognized him when you’ve reached a milestone, succeeded at a difficult assignment, aced a high-set goal? Do we acknowledge his help when we learn something important? Or when healing comes? Or when a relationship is mended? Our old friend William Barclay included these words in his discourse on Luke 24: “It is not only at the Communion Table that we can be with Christ. We can be with him at the dinner table, too. He is not only the host in his church. He is the guest in every home.” And he leaves us with these verses by Fay Inchfawn: “Sometimes when everything goes wrong, when days are short and nights are long; when wash-day brings so dull a sky that not a single thing will dry. And when the kitchen chimney smokes, and when there’s not so odd as folks. When friends deplore my faded youth, and when the baby cuts a tooth. When John, the baby last, but one, clings round my skirts ‘til day is done, and fat, good-tempered Jane is glum, and butcher’s man forgets to come. Sometimes I say on days like these, I get a sudden gleam of bliss. Not on some sunny day of ease, He’ll come…but on a day like this!” *Hymn 246 Christ Is Alive, Verses 1-3 *Affirmation of Faith Apostles Creed p. 35 *Hymn 581 Gloria Patri Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication *Hymn 246, verses 4 and 5 *Blessing May the work of your hands bring Christ honor. May your speech and actions reflect the Word of Life. And may the service you offer be driven by the indwelling Spirit. Amen. *Postlude Welcome and Announcements
Minute for Mission One Great Hour of Sharing *Call to Worship Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! *Hymn 232 Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Prayer for Easter O Christ, in your resurrection, The heavens and earth rejoice, Alleluia! By your resurrection you broke open the gates of hell and destroyed sin and death. Keep us victorious over sin. By your resurrection, you raised the dead, and brought us from death to life. Guide us in the way of eternal life. By your resurrection you confounded your guards and executioners, and filled your disciples with joy. Give us joy in your service. By your resurrection you proclaimed good news to the women and apostles, and brought salvation to the whole world. Direct our lives as your new creation. God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead. for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death, you raise us with him and renew the gift of life within us. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you. Where we have strayed from your example, forgive us and restore us to right relationship with you and those with whom we live, love, work, and play, through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me as I Am Assurance of Forgiveness Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our ending, has come to save us from our sins and turn us toward the grace and mercy of God. Friends believe the good news of the gospel. In Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven. Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen. First Reading Luke 24:1-12 Choral Anthem He Arose Time for Young Disciples Gospel Reading John 20:1-18 The Morning Message I heard the little “bing!” that announced I had a message on my phone. It was an SOS from dear friend. We met doing presbytery work and formed a fast and strong bond. “Help! The pastor’s sick, I’m writing a sermon, the session has met and approved me to officiate Communion. But, I need a Book of Common Worship and can’t find one anywhere in the church. I’ve never been on the other side of the Communion Table and I don’t know the right words to say!” The irony of this moment was rich. My friend is one of the most articulate people I know. She is gifted in many ways and communication is her strong suit. She has had more experience at public speaking than I’ll ever have. I’ve taken this call before and immediately sent her a link to the on-line resource. But, when I hadn’t heard from her in about thirty minutes, I sent a text. All was well. She just made a fast trip to the church to look for recorded service music they might use in worship. The organist had just been diagnosed with strep. Holy Week marks the defining moments of the Christian faith. We have good news to tell. But, there have been moments in recent days, it felt like the good news was getting kicked in the teeth. Now, I learned a long time ago that this happens sometimes when we enter holy seasons. We encounter a negative energy that gets in the way. So, I said as much to my friend and reminded myself as well as her that our task is a simple one. We just need to stick to Mary’s script: “I have seen the Lord!” To say, “I have seen the Lord!”is to point out resurrection in the midst of ruin, new life when all that seems visible is death; love in the face of hate; decency and goodness when that which is vitriolic and vile and vicious finds only more and more followers. Because, in the end, resurrection is not only the promise of life after death, which, is huge, but, it is also that the life-giving love of God will always move the stones away. Tombs are just that-containers for the dead. And there are enough tombs around us, dark dwelling places that fuel corruption and deception, racism, sexism, rejection, suspicion, fear. A few years ago, we celebrated Easter in our homes because a deadly virus prevented almost all social interaction. It may have felt as though you were trapped in a tomb. Thanks to the efforts of many, many people and institutions and the public working together toward the goals of life and health and well-being, that stone is being rolled away. But, we have been changed. Rolling the stone away may reveal places that need further work. Those of you in education are aware of the impact Covid has had on students and families. I have heard some teachers say it may take years to catch up. It’s hard to see God’s work in this type of situation, but, it is possible. Sarah Bessey is a young contemporary author and preacher. She speaks with clarity, frank honesty, and with a spirit of humility. She says out loud what most of us think but can’t quite say: that some days we are unwavering believers. But, sometimes we have doubts. Bessey writes, “And Jesus is-still, now, always-the resurrection and the life. And on the days when I believe this, I am certain we will also be resurrected and death will not have the final word and all tears will be wiped away and there will be no more night, no more hunger, no more wounding, no more loss, no more good-byes. On the days when I believe this, I believe death is a dawn and never the last word. On the days when I believe this, I know the miracle is that God knows the dark and it is never the last word. On the days when I believe this, I believe that ongoing hope of resurrection changes how we engage in our lives as they stand right now as we love and know and walk with God who brings life out of death, order out of chaos, healing out of sickness, wholeness out of brokeness. On the days when I believe this, I know God isn’t finished with this story yet. But, there are days when I don’t believe it. And on those, I have this: God With Us, Emmanuel. This Easter, it may be all some of us have. Maybe life has been so turbulent or disappointing, or scary, or sick that we can’t quite get to resurrection and life yet, but, in that place of exile, we can rest alongside God with us, which is our country of grace for today.” For months I asked for prayer for my cousin, with whom I was very close our whole lives long. She was first hospitalized a year ago and was in and out of the hospital, ICU, step-down, rehab hospital and skilled nursing, back to ICU for a final attempt to turn her condition around. She told us she was spiritually ready to go, but, she wanted to live. She and her husband had raised two fine sons and they had two little grandsons to watch grow up. So, the extraordinary measures were applied, but, eventually, it became clear that she would not survive. Many of you have been there. Even for Christians, it is a painful place. But, her family gathered their faith and love and courage and we gathered around and we talked to her and prayed. And, then her sister, Kim, came to the head of the bed and stroking her hair, she began to sing softly, then her daughter-in-law, Krystle, joined her in song, and then her life-long friend, Missy, joined them. I could not utter a sound from my throat. And that was the way it should be, as I witnessed them sing Melody into heaven. Into the eternal country of grace. And in the stillness that followed, someone said, “Imagine what she is seeing now.” And we know, as Scripture gives witness, she has seen the Lord. And, friends, we all have that to look forward to. Amen. * Hymn 240 Alleluia! Alleluia! Give Thanks *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 580 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings including One Great Hour of Sharing *Hymn 607 Doxology *Hymn 250 Hymn of Promise *Blessing Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Lenten Reading Robin McComas Mark 11:1-11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he set two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it.. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found the colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said to them, and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple, and when he had looked around, at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Litany of Response Humble and riding on a donkey, we greet you. Acclaimed by crowds and caroled by children, we cheer you. Moving from the peace of the countryside to the corridors of power, we salute you, Christ, our Lord. You are giving the beasts of burden a new dignity; You are giving majesty a new face; You are giving those who long for redemption a new song to sing. With them, with heart and voice, we shout, “Hosanna! God save us!” *Hymn 197 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna Prayer of the Day We praise you, O God, for your redemption of the world through Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph and was proclaimed Messiah and King by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Let these branches be signs of victory, and grant that we, who carry them, may follow him in the way of the cross, that dying and rising with him, we may enter into your kingdom, through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen. First Reading Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Prayer of Confession Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our failure to be what you created us to be. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. By your mercy, help us to live in your light and walk in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and we may dwell in peace. Amen. Moments With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Luke 19:28-40 Morning Message How did it get to be Palm Sunday? It seems like we just wrapped up Advent and Christmas. But the signs are all around us: trees have budded and bloomed, the daffodils planted by a former homeowner have popped up in our back yard, my dog is fascinated by bird song, we had to mow our grass this past week. And we started a list of the projects we wanted to tackle once the weather breaks for sure. It sounds like we are very organized, but, these are aspirational goals. We’ll see how many we can really accomplish. Others have aspirational goals in the spring. They knock on our door frequently, it seems, these days. Campaign workers, the Tru-green sales people, neighborhood kids passing out fliers advertising their yard work services for the summer. And occasionally, we will open the door to find well-groomed young men in their Sunday clothes wanting to speak with us about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Now, I know some people pretend not to be home when such people ring the doorbell, but, I can’t do that. I think about their young ages, being away from home, in sometimes inadequate living arrangements, trying to talk to strangers about Jesus. So, I listen and answer some questions. But, I confess, we don’t have an extended conversation, except for the time two missionaries came to our door in the pouring rain. They were soaked and cold. They didn’t want to come in. But, they did accept the umbrella we offered. And, to our surprise, a few days later, they returned with the umbrella and a thank you. Pastor Yvette Schock, of the Christian Century magazine, says something like this happened to her recently. She opened the door to three visitors –a husband, wife and their teenage daughter who looked like she wished she could be anywhere else-holding Bibles and eager to speak with Yvette about Jesus. “Do you know Jesus? Do you believe, if you die today, you would go to heaven? Do you believe there is anything you can do to lose God’s love?” And so on. Sensing that the direction of this question and answer exercise was going to eventually get into theological differences, Yvette thanked the people for stopping by, and offered her blessing on their church and their service to the Lord. Yvette says not much gives her hope these days that people can truly talk across religious or political differences. I relate. I can feel myself becoming uneasy and even angry at times as I see or hear political ads, and as I note the comments some are posting to social media. I think the time is quickly coming that I will have to set Facebook aside until after the election is over. But, even in the throes of angst and suspicion, of who’s in and who’s out- Yvette says this brief encounter with the visitors made her oddly hopeful. She says she felt a tenderness and respect for their commitment and their willingness to risk knocking on the doors of strangers to talk about Jesus. She wondered then if she had shut down their conversation too soon. That maybe they would have had a more satisfying conversation had she not wanted to get back to her work. Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem is full of confrontation. He enters the city in a conspicuous way. His homespun parade stands in stark contrast to Pilate’s show of force as he processed into the city. The next day, Jesus enters the Temple and turns the tables of the money changers over. Repeatedly, religious leaders confronted him, trying to discredit him to get him in trouble. But, Yvette says, the week began in an effort to show Jesus as an agent of peace. Jesus rides into town on a donkey, recalling Zachariah’s prophecy that a humble king would appear, riding not on a horse, the beast of war, but a donkey. And this king would “command peace to the nations.” Jesus confronts and disrupts the systems that harm, corrupt, and exploit God’s beloved children. He always pointed to God and the magnificent gifts of God’s creation, providence, grace, and love for all humankind. And he does it in peace and humility. Yvette says, like many churches around the world, hers will pass out palm branches today and parade around their block, singing their hosannas, “God save us.” But, as she does, she says she will be thinking of her Baptist visitors, and how she might have encouraged further conversation, genuinely confronting the reality of their differences in a spirit of peace seeking understanding. In this current climate of warring nations, government stalemate, political division, how do we want to live? Do we stay behind doors, cling to our brink, avoiding those we know will oppose most everything we affirm? If that keeps you out of trouble, keeps your blood pressure down, maybe that’s the way to go. But, maybe we could borrow some courage from the missionaries of any church who make cold calls on people they don’t know because they love Jesus and sharing that love is how they faithfully serve him. Live on the edge-dare to express an opinion or belief that your neighbor or your family member doesn’t share. I don’t know. My defenses always wane with illness. So, I’ll do what Christians do on Palm Sunday, here and around the world, clutch my palm branch and sing as well as I can, “Hosanna! God save us!” * Hymn *Affirmation of Faith The Nicene Creed p. 34 *Hymn 580 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings including our contributions for ECCHO and Centsability * Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts. Use us and what we have gathered, In feeding the world with your love, Through the one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. *Hymn 196 All Glory, Laud, and Honor *Blessing The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Lenten Reading John 3:1-8 John and Connie Morgan Reader 1: Friends, we ask you again to observe a holy Lent. With prayer, fasting, and demonstrating the love of Christ through benevolent acts, we prepare for Holy Week and the passion of our Lord and Savior. Reader 2: In John’s gospel we read: Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Prayer St. Columba, 521-597 Kindle in our hearts, dear God, the flame of love that never ceases, that it may burn in us, giving light to others. May we shine forever in your temple, set on fire with your eternal light, Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. *Hymn 802 The King of Love My Shepherd Is, verses 1, 2, and 3. Prayer of Confession Holy One, you know our hearts. You have knitted our inmost being and you know our deepest desires, fears, and worries. Help us to journey during this Lenten season into a new awareness of your presence in our lives. Save us from our own temptations, so that we may more freely follow you. Amen. Hymn Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness The Lord removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. In this is our great comfort in life. Friends, believe the good news. Our sins are forgiven. We may find rest in God’s peace. First Reading Psalm 23 Moments With Our Young Disciples The Gospel Reading John 3:9-17 The Morning Message This time last year Ed and I were on spring break with forty of our closest friends. We had just arrived in Dublin, Ireland. We were punchy with jet lag and very hungry. After we cleared the airport, our tour guide took us into the city and dropped us off where we could find something to eat. We recognized a familiar restaurant and headed that way. The building has shops on the ground floor and a large and lovely cafeteria style restaurant on the second floor. Right away we noticed arrangements of fresh flowers everywhere. Signs were posted on shops wishing the city’s women a “Happy Mother’s Day.” Upstairs in the café there were more flowers and a special menu on a sign board for Mother’s Day. I was really interested in the offer of a complimentary glass of rose with lunch for all mothers. My husband gave me one of those looks to remind me we were on a school trip. I ordered a pot of tea. We have taken several spring break trips to Ireland, but, apparently, we had missed the fourth Sunday in Lent, known in some cultures as Laetare Sunday. Laetare is Latin for “rejoice.” It is a Sunday for the Church and her people to express joy in the midst of a solemn Lenten season. Vestments are pink on Laetare Sunday. By now you have figured out that it is quite similar to the third Sunday in Advent, “Gaudete Sunday,” or Sunday of joy when we light the pink candle in the Advent wreath. Laetare Sunday is also called “ Mothering Sunday” , a time in the church year for all the baptized to return to the church in which they were baptized, their “Mother Church.” The customs we in the U.S associate with Mother’s Day are also observed, thus the reason for the beautifully decorated entrances to all the shops and signs on storefronts beckoning the public inside for “Mother’s Day specials.” What I find really ironic is that today, Laetare Sunday, or Mothering Sunday, we have Nicodemus on a nighttime visit with Jesus that prompts a conversation about mothers, wombs, birthing…and re-birth. Nicodemus has become curious about this new rabbi, Jesus. He goes to see him and asks how he can inherit eternal life. That is a powerful, naked question. It strikes at the heart of the matter. Some would say Nicodemus has everything. He was a Pharisee, one of the most devout Jews of his day. He was one of the most highly-educated people in his community. He was important, respected. He may have been somewhat wealthy. Some have suggested that it is because of Nicodemus’s social position that he goes to Jesus at night…under cover of darkness so he wouldn’t be recognized. But, could it also be a sign of his sincerity? In that day, it was believed that the most serious, most intense study of a subject was undertaken at night. And so, here he was, a Jew, a scholar of the law, asking Jesus about life after death and how he can attain it. That’s pretty important. It is an important subject for us, too. What do we understand in our reformed tradition about eternal life? A good place to start is what we know of Jesus’ experience. The Jesus story is our story, too. That Jesus died, was raised, ascended into heaven, and sits at God’s right hand prefigures our own story. We will follow him. This means our confessions of faith describe the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in a way that we can learn and internalize so they become a part of us. From the earliest confessions, it is understood that we are destined, when we die, to follow Jesus into the very presence of God. The Scots Confession declares: “The chosen departed are at peace, and rest from their labors, not that they sleep and are lost in oblivion as some fanatics hold, for they are delivered from all fear and torment, and all the temptations to which we and all God’s chosen are subject in this life.” Westminster is even more precise, declaring that “the bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption; but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God.” In heaven, these souls “behold the face of God.” If there is a Presbyterian narrative about life after death, this is it: when you die, your soul goes to be with God, where you enjoy God’s glory and wait for the promised day of Christ’s return, when he will draw all things to himself in ultimate redemption. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is the gospel in a nutshell, isn’t it? It is the most-often quoted verse in the Bible. And this was the ultimate answer to the deep and probing question Nicodemus asked of Jesus. That verse says the origin of our salvation begins with God. God initiates a relationship with us. Why? Because God loves us and established a covenant with us way back in the day of Abraham and Sarah. We would be God’s people and God would be our God. Out of love, God sent his Son to live among us, to be one of us, to teach us lessons of love and grace, to save us from our sins. Behind everything is the love of God. I often quote a verse in First John at weddings: “God is love and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them.” This is not the image of God that some present, of God as an angry monarch whose subjects must follow strict orders to please God. The God Jesus speaks of in his conversation with Nicodemus is the Father who cannot be satisfied until all his wandering children find their way home. This answer tells of the width, the reach, the expanse of God’s love. It is the whole world God loves. It is not a nation. It is not a race. It is not only the good people, or only the people who already love God. No. God sent God’s Son into the world to save it. All of it. The unloved and the unlovely. The lonely who have no one else to love them. He came to save the immigrant and the aristocrat, the poor and the powerful, the scholar and the uneducated, the straight and the gay, the ones who love God and the one who spurns God’s love. We are all included in God’s wide embrace. Augustine of Hippo, St. Augustine, said, “God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us to love.” And you, child of the covenant, are one to love. You are the one Jesus came to save. So maybe this is the perfect day to re-visit your baptism. In baptism, we are grafted unto Christ; washed clean from sin; welcomed into the family of faith; and are marked as Christ’s own forever. We believe that eternal life begins with baptism, be it infant or believer’s baptism. We live now in God’s astonishing kingdom, experiencing it in part, but one day we will know it fully, even as we are fully known. *Hymn 802 The King of Love My Shepherd Is Verses 4,5, and 6 *Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 581 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication All our resources are gifts from you, gracious Lord. In gratitude, help us to use them wisely, that we may serve the needs of your people and spread the good news of salvation near and far. Amen. *Hymn 166 Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days *Blessing May the Three that are over you, the Three that are below you, the Three that are above you here, the Three Who are above you yonder, the Three Who are in the earth, the Three Who are in the air, the Three Who are in heaven, the Three Who are in the great, pouring sea- bless you. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three in One and One in Three. Amen. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Lenten Reading Bonnie Draper and Nancy McIntosh Reader 1: Friends, once again we invite you to observe a holy Lent-by prayer and fasting, reading and meditating on the Word of God, by acts of service done in Jesus’ name. On this third Sunday in Lent, we see Jesus in an unexpected way. We witness him overturning the tables of the money changers at the temple. His actions surprise us. Yet, in our lives and in our world, we find much that needs to be overturned and driven out that the kingdom of God may be more fully revealed. Reader 2: In John 2:13-22 we read this account. The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple, he found people selling cattle, sheep, doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Prayer Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Hymn 475 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Prayer of Confession Holy God, you have called us to love you with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But, if we are honest, we know that sometimes we hurt each other and fail to keep our promises to you. Forgive us, God of grace. Teach us, day by day, to turn away from what is wrong and to turn to you in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness Hear the good news: We are dead to sin and evil and alive to God in Jesus Christ. Friends, I urge you to walk in his light- forgiven, reconciled, and free! Old Testament Reading Exodus 20:1-20 Time With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading John 2:13-25 Morning Message William Barclay interprets the words of this passage a little differently: “Come to me, all you who are exhausted and weighted down beneath your burdens, and I will give you rest.” In this text, Jesus is speaking to people who were desperately trying to find God, desperately trying to be good, and who were finding the tasks impossible. They were worn out and driven to fatigue and despair. So, when Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are exhausted, he is speaking to people trying to be faithful Jews in that day, keeping all the laws, rules, and obligations laid upon them. This practice was known as “the yoke of the Pharisees,” the burdensome yoke of self-righteousness and legalistic law-keeping. According to biblical scholarship, the Pharisees had added over 600 regulations to the proper observance of not working on the Sabbath. Working on the Sabbath is prohibited according to the Law, the Decalogue, what we call the Ten Commandments. So, we can easily see why a person would find their faith less joy and more burden under this system. It was impossible to adhere to such a complicated system. Jesus has come to change the system and he invites everyone to join him. In The Message, the Bible interpreted by Eugene Peterson, we hear it this way: “Are you tired? Are you worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me. And you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” I could respond to an invitation like that. It’s hopeful. It’s winsome. For the religious orthodox, being a faithful Jew was a real burden. It was oppressive. We can look back with the help of social science and see that the goal of a rigid rule system is to establish control over a group of people. The Pharisees maintained control and wielded power because they made the rules. Jesus said of them, “They bind heavy burdens, and grievous to the bone, and lay them on men’s shoulders.” For the Jews, religion was a life of rule-keeping that affected every aspect of their lives. Barclay says they had to listen for the voice that continually said, “Thou shalt not.” The rabbis were aware of this oppression. There is a poignant story that illustrates the tragedy of the system: ( Page 18, The Gospel of Matthew, William Barclay, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia.) The yoke of Jesus is different. It is his desire that we take his yoke upon ourselves. There is a legend that, as a carpenter, Jesus would make yokes for beasts of burden, ox yokes in particular. A yoke had to be custom-made for an animal. The animal was brought to the shop. Measurements were taken. The yoke was roughed out. Then there was a second fitting. Adjustments were made. It had to be smooth so as not to hurt the animal which would enable him to labor effectively. The legend goes that Jesus made the best ox-yokes around. In that day, as well as ours, a sign would hang over a shop, identifying the nature of the service or business. Over Jesus’ shop, a sign read, “My yokes fit well.” What does Jesus want for his followers, for those called by his name? let’s try this on for size: “My yoke fits well. The life I give you is not a burden to gall you. Your task, your life, is tailor-made for you. In this life, find joy. Find fulfillment. Find peace.” The rabbis used to say, “My burden has become my song.” We all have burdens. Work that is hard, but necessary. It’s not always physical labor. Sometimes the burden is a deeply emotional one. Anyone who has walked the long road of chronic illness with a loved one knows what it is to carry a burden. We lost a family member a few days ago. She was spiritually ready to die, but, she has grandchildren 2 and 6 years old. She would have loved more time to enjoy them and her other family members. In those final hours, her husband spoke of her goodness and how she relieved the burden he had carried all his life. He said she was a good woman and up until the day he met her, he hadn’t been around many good people. They were married 43 years. The Christian’s burden, or work, is simply to love God and love others. This is grace. It is then that our burden becomes a song. There is an old story in which a man comes upon two children. A little boy carrying an even smaller boy, who was lame, on his back. The man said to the child, “That’s a heavy burden for you to carry.” And the little boy responded, “That’s not a burden, sir, that’s my wee brother.” May all your burdens be given and borne in love, and may they all be carried like a wee brother. *Hymn 168 Within Your Shelter, Loving God *Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 580 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication Thank you, Lord, for your many gifts-for the world’s helpers, peace and security, recreation and rest, friends and family, life and health. We thank you for your Son, Jesus, who came to embody your love and compassion for the world, calling us into lives of joyful service. We offer these gifts in his name. Amen. *Hymn 443 There Is a Redeemer *Blessing May God bless you and keep you safe. May God smile on you with grace. May God watch over you always and give you peace. Amen. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Lenten Reading Psalm 22: 23-31 Jon and Caroline True Reader 1: Friends, once again we invite you to observe a holy Lent, that by practicing the spiritual disciplines, you may draw closer to Christ the Savior and your life may more closely follow his. Reader 2: Hear these words from the psalmist: All you who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction or the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it. Reader1: Please join me in prayer. Look with favor, Lord, upon your household. Grant that, though our flesh may be humbled by setting aside human comforts and appetites, our souls, hungering after you, may be resplendent in your sight. Amen. *Hymn 450 Be Thou My Vision Prayer of Confession Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our failure to be what you created us to be. You alone know how often we have sinned in wandering from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love. By your loving mercy, help us live in your light and abide in your ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen. Old Testament Reading Genesis 17: 1-7; 15-16 Moments With Our Young Disciples New Testament Reading Mark 9:2-10 Morning Message If you are a teacher of the fine arts, taking your students on a trip to New York City is probably at the top of your to-do list. Ed has taken his students about every three or four years and I have benefitted from those trips. Theatres, the Met, museums, and much more are like magnets, drawing young people, and those who accompany them, into the magnificent buildings and performance settings. Just don’t try to take a picture while you are inside those exquisite places. A security guard may just ask you to hand over your phone until you leave. My sister, who memorializes everything, was caught trying to snap a quick pic of her son during intermission at the Metropolitan Opera. It can be pretty intimidating. And, advised both the travel guide and the bus driver in the early years after the 9/11 disasters, when you go by the site of the Twin Towers, the bus will stop and you may take a photo, but, it is considered very bad manners to take a picture of yourself or anyone else standing by Ground Zero with a smile on the face. We can understand why. You can take pictures of a million other things, including the new One World Trade, which we visited the last time we were there with students. It was a miserable day. Rain was pouring buckets and the wind was whipping. We would pay our respects at the 9/11 Memorial Fountain before ascending the 102 stories to the Observation Tower, enjoying the Big Apple’s skyline from the tallest building in the western hemisphere. Truth be told, I would have preferred staying on the ground, at the 9/11 Memorial. There is something gravid and mysterious about that place where so many lost their lives that tragic September day. A few moments felt too short a time to acknowledge the depth of pain and suffering. Water runs over the surface of the granite walls bearing the names of the dead, like so many tears coursing down the cheeks. But, I joined the others and up we went, by elevator and stairs, finally reaching the first observation deck. The enthusiastic tour guides pumped us all up for the big reveal. You see, when you get to the observation deck, there are ceiling to floor windows, like Windows on the World, the famous restaurant that once topped the World Trade Center. Shades cover the windows to add to the suspense. At the moment of greatest suspense, the shades rose slowly to reveal… Nothing. Absolutely nothing. We were shrouded in fog so dense you could see nothing of the great throbbing city below. No Statue of Liberty beckoning to the tired and poor, no Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center or St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We knew they were there. We had seen some of them from the busy Manhattan streets. But, in that moment, all we could see was a solid white wall of fog. We were so high up, it was like being enveloped in a cloud. And being in a cloud is disorienting. The transfiguration of Jesus is a beautiful and mysterious story found in all three of the synoptic gospels. It is a theophany- an appearance of the holy. A visual manifestation of God. Jesus has taken his closest disciples-Peter, James, and John, the brother of Jesus, up Mt. Horeb for some time set apart, to pray, to think about this ministry God has called them to, to be strengthened for the days ahead. The transfiguration not only supports the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. But the statement, “Listen to him,” identifies Jesus as the messenger and voice of God. The significance of this identity is affirmed by the presence of Moses, the law-giver, and Elijah, the great prophet. What a moment for Peter, James, and John. Not just to see, but fully experience Jesus in all his glory. And yet, they were terrified. Scripture says so. So terrified that they could do nothing else but fall face down on the ground and worship God. The disciples didn’t anticipate this event. But, they were in the company of Jesus, and when they were with Jesus, all kinds of unusual things could happen. They had witnessed his compelling preaching and teaching. They had seen him perform miracles. They knew deep down in their hearts that Jesus was of God. And still…they were afraid. Is there any other way to respond? How do you explain what happened? Who would believe you anyway? That’s a good question for us. Has Jesus come to you in some transcendent way? Maybe he has spoken to you, or appeared in a dream, or comforted you in a time of trouble. How did it make you feel? Did you tell anyone? Why? Why not? Tova Sido, is a minister in the United Methodist Church. She shares this story: She says, “When I was a child the only thing I ever wanted to be was a mom. So, in the year 2000, when I became pregnant, I was ecstatic. This was the beginning of all my dreams coming true. Over the next five years, my husband and I experienced unspeakable tragedy. We lost our first pregnancy at nine months with the birth of our stillborn daughter. The next pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. Our third pregnancy, I finally gave birth to the most beautiful boy the world has ever known, Charlie. However, I lost Charlie just eight short months later. I also lost his baby sister, Louisa, after eight months, in the summer of 2005. They were born with a rare metabolic disease- untreatable, incurable. The summer of 2005 proved to be the darkest of Tova’s life. She was suicidal. She felt like she had no purpose, no joy, and no hope for a future without children. Her dreams of becoming a mom had only ended in heartbreak. She was deeply depressed and very afraid. This season of tragedy made it very difficult to trust that life was worth living. I want to pause here a moment and acknowledge the reality of that pain. Most of us hope to be parents one day. To take our place in the eternal circle of life. But, when parenthood doesn’t come, or you have experienced reproductive trauma after trauma, it can become the thing that defines you. The loss is magnified until you can see or appreciate nothing else. Tova says was not a particularly spiritual or religious person at the time. But something within her told Tova that the only way out of this was something much bigger than she. She made an appointment with her pastor. On a hot summer day, Tova sat down with him, describing how sad, lonely, and depressed she was. She told of all the losses she and her husband had suffered. She cried what she called an ocean of tears. When she quieted down, her pastor looked at her, and after a long pause, gently asked, “Are you done?” Now, that would have made me cry even more. Didn’t he hear me? Could he not at least sympathize with my pain and grief? If I were Tova, I probably would have left never to return. But, that’s not what happened. Tova’s pastor asked her, “What are you going to do now?” She replied that she had no idea and that was why she was there. She needed help sorting that out. She had great fears. She didn’t know how to live or go on, her dreams now shattered. He looked at her and said what might seem like harsh words. “Tova, God did not put you on earth to sit around and cry about things you cannot change. The scriptures say, “ This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” The pastor then left the room and soon came back with the church’s human resources director. He said, “Tova, you need a job. You need to get out of your home, and we need help at the church.. I will see you at 9 am on Monday.” Then he promptly left the room and left Tova and the HR director to work out the details. Tova says she thought her pastor had lost his mind. Never in a million years did she expect this kind of response from him. Was this how God gave comfort? It sure didn’t feel like it. Walking into the church that day had taken monumental courage. Tova was so weak and broken and suffering. She was filled with feelings of worthlessness and failure. Heartache. Sometimes it was hard just to breathe. It was excruciatingly hard to hold a conversation. How in the world could she commit to a job? It all seemed impossible. But Tova was in for her own transformation story. The first six months were the roughest. Some days, just getting out of bed took all the energy she had. She still cried a lot, but soon the clouds began to lift. Sometimes she even caught herself smiling. In that church, God revealed himself to her in ways that she never imagined. She experienced God’s love, witnessed his miracles- healing power in her own life. Over the next few years, she moved from serving in adult ministry to youth ministry, to eventually becoming one of the church’s pastors. God’s healing power called her out of her grief and pain and showed her how to be Christ’s disciple. Even so, with all the reassurances of God’s presence and power and activity in her life, Tova sometimes becomes fearful. That’s natural. We are human. Being a follower of Jesus isn’t always easy. Jesus is not Santa Claus, appearing occasionally to lavish gifts on us. Sometimes being a disciple requires more of us than we think we can handle. And sometimes following Christ requires sacrifice. Jesus didn’t leave Peter, James, and John up on that mountain alone. In short order, Jesus would be put to the ultimate test. When he came down from that mountain, Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem. He didn’t abandon his disciples even then, when his very life was threatened. No. Jesus was faithful to the end. And that’s good news for us. Jesus will never forsake us or leave us. He will be with us to the end. Tova says she wakes every morning and asks God to light her path and show her the way. Sometimes, it scares her that this is her prayer. What if God takes her someplace she doesn’t want to go? Or directs her to do something she doesn’t want to do? She knows the answer and so do we: if God calls us into a work, God will give us the skills and courage to accomplish it. What if we don’t feel equipped to handle this task? Then we can borrow from God. In God’s storehouse, we find a supply of strength and courage that never runs out or passes its expiration date. Our last stop that cold spring day in New York, was to visit the Statue of Liberty. Rain drizzled as we boarded the ferry that would take us across the harbor. Visibility was no better than it had been at One World Trade. And now we were on the water and there was a great big ocean out there. The majority of the kids went up on the top deck, where they would be assaulted by the wind and rain. They were so in hopes of seeing that iconic symbol of welcome. I found a seat and started counting life vests. And I started listening . To the sounds of the passengers, of course, but also to the sounds of the ferry’s motor. To the sounds of the choppy water slappimg its sides. To the sounds of the fog horn, its lone voice calling mournfully across the water, reminding us of the presence of one we could hear, but could not see. *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 580 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Intercessions for Lent Jesus, remember us when you come into your kingdom. As we journey with you toward Jerusalem, may we be aware of both crisis and opportunity in this life of discipleship. Increase in us our capacity to empathize, to work for peace, to forgive as you have forgiven us. Hear now our prayers for the world, our neighbors, and ourselves: For your church around the world, we ask for new life. For all who carry out ministries in your church, we ask grace and wisdom. For those who have accepted the spiritual disciplines of Lent, we ask inspired discipleship. For Christians of every land, we ask unity in your name. For Jews and Muslims and people of other faiths, we ask your divine blessing. For those who cannot believe, we ask your faithful love. For governors and rulers of every land, we ask your sober guidance. For people who suffer and sorrow, especially your sons and daughters in Ukraine, Syria, Turkey, Israel, Gaza, and Palestine, we ask your healing peace. Holy God, Your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world and brought humanity the gift of reconciliation, by the suffering he endured. Teach those who bear his name to follow the example he gave us. May our faith, hope, and charity turn hatred into love, conflict to peace, and death to eternal life. We lift our prayers to you now for the health and well-being of our church members, families, and friends in their particular circumstances. Silence. Save us from weariness, but, strengthen us to seek health and wholeness for all people, here and everywhere. We lift our prayers with the confidence of the children and God, saying, Our Father…Amen. Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication Blessed are you, O God, giver of all things. Through your goodness, we have these gifts to share. Use us and what we have gathered, in serving the world with your love and compassion, through the one who gave himself for us, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. *Hymn 724 O, Jesus, I Have Promised *Blessing Go now, and live before God in openness and integrity. Set your minds on the ways of God, not clinging to your own life, but taking up your cross to follow Jesus. And may God give you a share in the eternal covenant; may you be found faithful when Christ comes again in glory; and may the Holy Spirit strengthen you in faith and courage, and lead you in the way of righteousness. Amen. *Postlude Prelude
Welcome and Announcements Lenten Reading Nancy Jackson and Melvin Richardson Reader 1: Brothers and sisters in Christ, I invite you to observe a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance, by prayer and fasting, by self-denial, and by reading and meditating on God’s Word. Lent is a period of forty days- like Moses’ sojourn at Mt. Sinai, Elijah’s journey to Mt. Horeb, Jonah’s call to Ninevah, and of Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness. Like the story of Noah and the flood. Reader 2: In Genesis 9:8-17 we read: Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you- the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you- every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you, never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood, and never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, a covenant for all generations to come. I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and all the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all the living creatures of all kinds. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.” Prayer Merciful God, in Christ you make all things new. Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Hymn 12 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Prayer of Confession O God, our strength and fortress, forgive us when we fail to trust in you. We fall easily to temptation, swayed by false words, and false statements of our own making. We choose ease and comfort over the claims made upon us as Christians devoted in faith and service. In turning from you, we settle for less than the abundant life you intend. We keep the Good News to ourselves and neglect to demonstrate your generosity to those desperate to find relief. Forgive us, Lord, and do not put us to shame. Show us your salvation when we call upon you. In the name of Jesus Christ, who died that we might live. Amen. *Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness The Lord is generous to all who call on him. God does not turn us away, but, desires to bring us into the glorious freedom offered in our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Friends, know you are forgiven and be at peace. Moments With Our Young Disciples Gospel Reading Mark 1:9-15 Morning Message On Wednesday night, some of us gathered in the chapel to begin the Lenten season with the sign of ashes. The sign of the cross traced across our foreheads in dark, grimy ash. Two symbols in one: the dust of the earth, reminding us that from dust we came and to dust we will return. But, the second symbol-ashes formed into a cross, the symbol of resurrection, life after death. Death and rebirth contained in two swipes across our faces. I stopped off at a store briefly on Wednesday night and received a few looks like, “Should we tell her she has dirt on her face?” One of my dear, dear friends did that at the mall one Ash Wednesday. She was shopping and noticed another customer, well-dressed and accessorized, and thought she would want to know she had a little something on her face. My friend said she was mortified when the woman responded with, “I know. I’ve just come from church. You know-Ash Wednesday.” Presbyterians have not always observed Lent. Many of the Reformers who shaped our Protestant faith, set aside practices that they considered empty rituals or because they were just “too Catholic.” That’s unfortunate. Our rituals and symbols become meaningful as we regularly acknowledge and practice them and as we make our way through the many experiences of life. For example, when I look at my wedding ring, I don’t see how thin the band has become, or that it doesn’t sparkle like it did when Ed first placed it on my finger. What I see is forty plus years of living. And while I wouldn’t trade mine for anyone else’s life, it has not all been sweetness and light. And that is how it should be. My ring means more to me today than it did on that Thanksgiving day in 1979 when I first received it. It is an important symbol. When Jesus submitted to Baptism by John in the Jordan River, he did so in obedience to God his Father. It was the sign to the world that he was being called to a life set apart for a particular purpose. Something I had never noticed before in the many, many times I have read Mark’s account of this event, is that it was the Spirit, God’s Holy Spirit, who drove him out into the wilderness. I hope after three years of my work here among you, you know that I don’t believe God causes bad things to happen to us. God doesn’t make us fall victim to disaster or disease or any kind of malady. But, if we find ourselves in trouble or hardship or the worst kind of loss, God is there, too. God is there to bear witness to our grief and pain and strengthen us to live through it. God is there on the other side to help us sort out how to live once the crisis has passed. In a lot of ways, I have come to believe that’s what the fellowship of the church is all about- celebrating with one another and bearing witness to one another’s pain. Today it may be my turn to support you and some other day it will be your turn to support me. When the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, it was not to starve him or torment him with tests of faith. It wasn’t to teach him magic tricks. God-Father, Son, or Holy Spirit-doesn’t cause us harm. God doesn’t trifle with us. God teaches us-if we are teachable. Morgantown has been the setting for the state high school swimming finals this weekend. We followed it because Ed had students competing. The outcomes of the events were faithfully posted to Facebook. The accomplishments were impressive. But what almost always followed, were remarks about how far the team members had come since the beginning of the season, or freshman year or the neighborhood pool when they wouldn’t even get their faces wet. The skills involved in that sport, or any sport, didn’t come overnight. They were practiced and perfected. An effective faith is one in which a teachable human heart opens itself to the impulses of God. In order to become more like God created us to be. In scripture, we know something important, something transformational is happening when the text says this process took forty days or forty years. Something transformative was happening when Jesus was in the wilderness forty days and forty nights, hungry and thirsty, tried and tempted, taunted by Satan. This was not like an episode of Survivor. This is how Jesus was shaped and formed and strengthened to be the Savior of the world. A friend of mine was a family and marriage therapist. When talking about raising children, he used to say we want our children to experience occasional failure. Who wants their kids to fail? Not one of us. But, don’t we want our kids to be able to cope with adversity? Don’t we want them to be prepared to make their way in a world that is not all sweetness and light? Don’t we hope they will find a way to advance society? Don’t we pray that one of their objectives will be to bring peace to our troubled world? Of course we do. And it will take their own forty-day or forty-year missions to accomplish the work God calls them to. And, while we have our plans for them, we can’t possibly see or know what challenges and opportunities they will encounter. But, God knows and is preparing them, as God prepares us, to respond in ways that affirm life, that calls and encourages people to reach for what is good and kind and faithful in order that their corner of the world is a growing reflection of the kingdom of heaven? I have a dear cousin who lives in Oregon. One of his adult daughters lives in Kansas City. As it is with everyone, life is full, busy, complicated. It is often blessed. But one day last week, it was full of terror and grief. She wrote and posted to Facebook a message I would like to share with you : I still believe in Kansas City. I am angry and disappointed and sad that someone tarnished our name. That can never be erased and should never be forgotten. But, I still believe in Kansas City. We may not like your team, but we’ll make sure you have enough to eat. We’ll razz you and tease you and make sure you feel welcome. I still believe in Kansas City. Parade Day-Anytime I bumped into someone we both immediately said, “Oh, I’m sorry,” then helped the other pass thru. I still believe in Kansas City. Someone in front of me dropped a $20 bill, so I picked it up and ran to them to return it. Five minutes later someone ran up behind me to hand me my favorite Chiefs hat that I dropped. I still believe in Kansas City. In the crush of the crowd I was met with smiles and high fives and GO CHIEFS! bellowed in bass voices, from black and brown, white, and yellow, from young and old, men and women, unified by the most beautiful of colors, an absolute sea of reddest of reds. I still believe in Kansas City. We’re good people. Hardworking. We’ve known struggle and heartache. But we’ve also known love. We’re welcoming and kind. Giving and respectful. I’ve seen these things shining from the eyes of the hardest of faces. We’re good people. I hope we remember. The shared joy and pride and excitement to see the Chiefs parade down Grand. How our children’s faces lit up when they spotted their favorite players. Remember the grin on Mahomes’s face, so fun to see him being a silly kid. Andy Reid all dressed in black (what the heck), and Kelse just straining for that microphone. I hope we remember the beautiful weather and the sun on our faces, and how happy we were crushed together amongst community. Remember the high before the low. I hope our spirits aren’t sullied by this horrific event. Instead I pray we are lifted by reaching out to each other, helping each other, and healing together. Because I see you. I know you are good as I am good, and because of us, our city is beautiful. I still believe in Kansas City. I still believe in all of you. And I love you all. #kcstrong #ChiefsKingdom Forty days from last Wednesday, the stone will be rolled away. I still believe in Jesus. I still believe in the power of life after death. #jcstrong #God’sKingdom *Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 580 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Prayers of the Faithful and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings *Hymn 607 Doxology *Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, we give you thanks for all your gifts, including these forty days of Lent. May they be to us a time of deep searching, be it during walks in the wilderness or by making courageous choices. May we dedicate ourselves anew to discipleship, even as we dedicate our gifts to your kingdom. Amen. *Hymn 215 What Wondrous Love Is This? *Blessing These Lenten days will take us to the cross of Christ. Go forward, knowing that you do not walk this way alone. Do not fear, for the Word of God empowers us and the Holy Spirit sustains us. May the God of the exodus lead us into freedom. May the Holy Spirit bind us to God’s will and to fellowship with believers over time and space. May Christ Jesus, God’s own Son, show us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Announcements Next Sunday is ECCHO and Cents-ability Sunday. Your contributions for those in need are appreciated. A Lenten study will begin March 3 at 10:00AM in the chapel. A congregational meeting will be held immediately following worship February 25. This is the Annual Meeting during which committee chairs present a review of mission and ministry. We will also elect one member of the congregation to serve on the Nominating Committee. The Presbytery of West Virginia met yesterday. Tim Moore served as our Elder Commissioner. *Postlude |
PastorCinda Harkless Archives
July 2024
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