May 3 2020 Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

May 3^rd 2020 Worship at Home: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Revive Us Again: By His Wounds

 

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp OR credit card for online giving
• Sheep Printable for the Children’s Message

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space

as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

You are Christ, our shepherd,

We listen for your voice.

You know us by name,

We hear you call us.

You lead us on your path,

We follow you into life.

 

Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us

This video includes lyrics; please sing along!

 

Proclamation

 

Children’s Moment

Children of all ages are welcome to watch!

 

Psalm 23 (NKJV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

      He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

      He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

      For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

      I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

      Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

      You anoint my head with oil;

      My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

      All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever. 

 

1 Peter 2:21-25

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

John 10:1-10

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

Pastor’s Reflection

Today all of our scriptures center on the image of God as our Shepherd. In Israel’s earliest days God cares for the people like a shepherd. When the people request to have a king, God calls the kings to shepherd the people. Some like David do a good job, while others forget this calling.  Through the prophets God promises to send a new shepherd to the people, one who will help the people stay close to God. We recognize that shepherd as Jesus, who uses this imagery to describe his ministry of reconciling people to God.

So why shepherds? Shepherds remain close with their sheep. They protect them from danger during the day and even sleep near them at night. Shepherds know their sheep and give each one has a name. Each shepherd has a distinct call and their sheep learn to follow only their own shepherd. Sheep rely on their shepherd and trust them to care for them.

Calling God our Shepherd reminds us that we can rely on God. God will never abandon us or forsake us. God is with us through all things. We trust God to know us, care for us, and lead us.

Through Christ our Shepherd we are “made whole” (1 Peter 2:24). Listening for our Shepherd’s voice we follow where God leads us, knowing that when our path leads us through both bright and dark times we never walk alone. Staying connected to God and following God means we are living in the image of God as God created us. St. Augustine prayed, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.” Living connected to God we experience God’s “abundant life” for us (John 10:10).

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed    (UMH 882)

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

Christ our Shepherd, sometimes it is hard to remember your promise to be with us. We find ourselves in valleys and forget to listen for your voice. We hear the loud voices around us, voices that we don’t know if we can or should trust, and we lose our way. Help us listen for your voice in the midst of the noise.

Guide us through the times when we suffer. Remind us that our suffering isn’t our fault, isn’t part of your plan, isn’t some lesson plan to make us more holy. Lead us through it.

Help us see where to turn to you in this broken world, so that we can more fully rely on you in the midst of this unknown and uncomfortable time. Provide space for us to learn how you are always with us, especially in the valleys.

Pour your goodness and mercy on us, thank you for helping us see the ways that you are providing for us even when it gets hard. Comfort us and restore us, Christ our shepherd, and be with us as we pray as you taught your disciples whom you knew and called by name:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Image of God

This song speaks to how God makes us whole. As you listen think about how God has shaped your life.

 

Offering

Please consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072).

Our conference has also set up online giving here. Make sure to put in Granite Quarry, Uwharrie, John Bryant, and general offering.

 

Sending Forth

 

They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Bless the Lord My Soul

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

 

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection:

St. Augustine famously prayed to God, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.” What makes you feel restless? How are you dealing with restlessness now? How does Psalm 23 describe the Shepherd offering rest? How have you found rest in God?

 

How are you different because of Jesus? How is Jesus making you whole?

 

Scripture Study:

Read John 10:3-4. Shepherds would pen all the village sheep together in a single enclosure during the night. Then in the morning the shepherds would call their sheep to lead them out to graze. Each shepherd has their own call and their sheep recognize that voice, following their own shepherd even when someone tries to duplicate their call. How do you recognize the voice of Shepherd in your life?

 

Psalm 23 reminds us that God is with us through all situations. What promises do we find in the psalm to trust our Shepherd even in the midst of difficulty (v4-5)?

 

Sharing Together:

Shepherds know all their sheep by name. God knows your name. God knows you personally: not just by your family, your job, your church, or anything else. God knows you. How do you feel knowing that God knows your name?

 

Prayer:

God of steadfast love, you call us to be loving as you are loving. Help us to see ways that we might sacrifice and give so that others might experience the abundance of joy and fullness of life that comes only from you. Empower us to work for the freedom and release of those who are captive to addiction, fear, consumerism, exploitation, abuse, and neglect, so that they might experience your freedom and love. Amen.*

 

This at-home worship guide is based on the Revive Us Again worship series materials from Discipleship Ministries. It is a collaborative effort of Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant, Rev. John Bryant, and Rev. Kris Mares.

Questions marked with an * are adapted from UM Discipleship.

April 26 2020 Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

April 26^th 2020 Worship at Home: Second Sunday of Easter

Revive Us Again: Setting Our Faith & Hope

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp OR credit card for online giving

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space

as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

To our God who reigns on high, we cry out:

Almighty God, Revive us.

To our Savior who became one of us, we ask:

Jesus Christ, Revive us.

To the one who gives us words when we are speechless,

Holy Spirit, Revive us.

 

We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise, TFWS #2031

This video includes lyrics; please sing along!

 

Proclamation

 

Children’s Moment

Children of all ages are welcome to watch!

 

Isaiah 57:14-15

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

1 Peter 1:17-23

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

Pastor’s Reflection

We’re continuing with 1 Peter, this letter of hope to a church who feels alone and afraid. This letter reminds them (and us) of the good news of the resurrection and how it shapes their lives today.

The letter reminds the church that our hope does not rely on anything that can spoil or fade. Our hope is set on God’s love and power as demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus the source of our hope never fades or fails, because God’s love and power are constant.

It’s amazing to me how many things I took for granted that have now been set aside during this time. Activities that were part of my normal routine that have been disrupted or canceled. Opportunities that have moved online or been postponed for a later date. Tasks that felt relatively straightforward now have many new challenges. I feel like I’m “dwelling in a strange land” (1 Peter 1:17). In the midst of the strange and the uncertain, I need the reminder that nothing stops God’s good news. Nothing stops God’s promise. God’s resurrection power can’t be held back.

Knowing that God’s promise is secure, the foundation of our hope is firm, then we love one another. When nothing can shake that promise of God’s love for us, it’s easier to love others. When we first know love, we have more compassion to share. Our hope leads us to share love with one another.

How are you sharing “genuine affection” for one another? Checking in with friends and family? Holding more patience for those in your home? Praying for our community, our healthcare workers, and the world as we address this crisis together?

Even in the midst of uncertainty, God’s resurrection power gives us hope and enables us to share love with one another. Thanks be to God!

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed    (UMH 882)

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

God of wonder, we are living in a strange land. Our lives are strange and full of worries, and it is hard to know who to trust and who to believe. We struggle with blaming people for the problems we face rather than working together to create a space of life for everyone.

Help us to see our neighbors as made in your image. Help us see those we disagree with as people you value, guide us to genuine love and affection, that we may earnestly share your hope with those around us, and with those who we have never met before.

Plant your love deep within us.

Root your love deep within our souls, granting us new life in the midst of this time of uncertainty.

Free us from fear, nurture within us a reverence for you, so that our love for others can grow out of your love for us.

Reveal your flourishing love within our hearts, liberating us for enduring love for our neighbors, family, friends, and strangers.

Show us the difference between this strange time and the strangers that are too easy to fear.

Nourish us with your love and your enduring Word. Speak words of life into our hearts, that we may be confident in your word when everything else seems uncertain.

In the Name of Jesus, who humbled himself to live among us, and taught us to pray, saying:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Grace Like Rain

This song is an adaptation of Amazing Grace and has lyrics on the screen. Sing along!

 

Offering

Please consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072).

Our conference has also set up online giving here. Make sure to put in Granite Quarry, Uwharrie, John Bryant, and general offering.

 

Sending Forth

 

Blessed Quietness, TFWS #2142

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Bless the Lord My Soul

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

 

This at-home worship guide is based on the Revive Us Again worship series materials from Discipleship Ministries. It is a collaborative effort of Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant, Rev. John Bryant, and Rev. Kris Mares.

 

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection:

Peter encourages the church to hold onto hope “during the time of your dwelling in a strange land” (1 Peter 1:17). How does today feel like “dwelling in a strange land?” How are you holding onto hope?

 

What might Peter’s statement “Through him [Jesus] you have come to trust in God” mean? * How have you come to trust in God?

 

Scripture Study:

Peter frequently talks about the hope of the resurrection. Read his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:22-36). How does Peter proclaim the resurrection?

Read the crowd’s response (Acts 2:37-39). What is the good news for them and us?

 

It is routinely said this time of year that Christians are Easter people. How do you think Peter would explain what it means to be Easter people based on this passage? [Especially see v. 23.] *

 

Sharing Together:

On Easter Sunday we celebrate that Jesus was raised from the dead.

Was Jesus able to raise from the dead all by himself? {No, he had help from God.}

We all need help. Who is helping you right now? And who can you help?

 

Youth and adults can dig deeper here.

 

Prayer:

 God of the Resurrection. You have clearly demonstrated your faithfulness and love to the world through sending the Son, Jesus Christ. Through a trust-filled relationship with Jesus Christ, we experience joy, peace, hope, and love. May we live as Easter people this week. Amen. *

 

Questions marked with an * are adapted from UM Discipleship.

April 19 2020 Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

April 19^th 2020 Worship at Home: Second Sunday of Easter

Revive Us Again: Indescribable and Glorious Joy

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp OR credit card for online giving

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space

as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

To you, we look for safety,

Protect us, God.

In you, we find our life,

Deliver us, Christ.

With you, we rejoice in hope,

Restore us, Spirit.

 

Christ Has Risen                     TFWS #2115

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Proclamation

 

Children’s Moment

Children of all ages can watch!

 

Psalm 16 (UMH 748)

Consider reading responsively with someone reading the odd verses and others reading the even verses.

 

1 Peter 1:3-9

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

Pastor’s Reflection

We are moving into our season of Easter as we celebrate what the resurrection means for us. How does the resurrection shape our lives? For the next three weeks we’ll be reading a little letter in the New Testament, 1 Peter. This letter was written to a church in need of encouragement who felt afraid and alone.

The author of 1 Peter encourages the church with our Easter message. We have hope through the resurrection of Christ. Because of what God has done for us at Easter in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have hope. This is a living hope: because Jesus is alive and because our hope fills us with life today. Our hope is in what God has done; it doesn’t rely on our own actions. God offers us this gift.

Our hope leads us to rejoice. We celebrate with joy this good news of God that God loves us and acted on our behalf in order that we would receive salvation. Even when we are going through difficult times, we celebrate the good news of our faith.

So while the days are hard and the news is tough, we look for signs of good news and hope. We keep our eyes open for new life and the resurrection all around us. We look for the ways we can be encouraged.

I am finding great encouragement in how people from all across the world are striving to share humor and joy in the midst of all that is scary. One of my favorite sources of encouragement right now is Some Good News by John Kransinski.

People are finding ways to encourage one another, even those they do not know, in order to help us all through this time. From the city-wide shouts in appreciation of healthcare workers, to teddy bear hunts in neighborhood windows, to finding ways to sharing joy online, we’re all finding ways to be encouraged. Because while we are apart, we are not alone. I find encouragement, hope, and joy in remembering that.

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed   (UMH 882)

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

Almighty God, we confess we are distracted by many things. It is so easy to get caught up in the worries of the day, that we forget to turn our hearts to you. You know our worries, you see our concerns, and you acknowledge our fears. You see us, what we need, and what we are afraid of.

You know us. You love us.

Help us to see this time of trial not as something you sent, but as something you are carrying us though. Clarify our faith, burn away what is unnecessary, cleanse us so that our focus is on your word. Restore us to the new birth you created in us through our baptism by the water and the Spirit.

Spring forth new life in us, in the midst of uncertainty and the unknown, show us new ways of living into the faith you call us to. Guide us to see how we can show others your love when we cannot do the things we are accustomed to doing. Grant us hope through your resurrection, so that we can walk the path of life you have created for us.

In the knowledge of Christ’s resurrection and the hope of the Kingdom to come, we pray as Jesus taught us, saying

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Without Seeing You TFWS #2206

 

Offering

Please consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072).

Our conference has also set up online giving here. Make sure to put in Granite Quarry, Uwharrie, John Bryant, and general offering.

 

Sending Forth

 

He Lives         UMH #310

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Bless the Lord My Soul

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

 

This at-home worship guide is based on the Revive Us Again worship series materials from Discipleship Ministries. It is a collaborative effort of Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant, Rev. John Bryant, and Rev. Kris Mares.

 

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection: 

What does it mean to have “a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3)? How does Christ’s resurrection offer us hope?

1 Peter 1:4 says that we have an inheritance that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” (NRSV). Since salvation is a gift that we inherit, it is tied with our identity as children of God (more so than with the degree of our faith or obedience). How does that inheritance influence how you live now? *

 

1 Peter 1:8 speaks directly to us: “Although you’ve never seen him, you love him. Even though you don’t see him now, you trust him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words.” What might it look like for you to “rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy?” *

 

Scripture Study: 

Read John 3:1-5. How does Jesus describe our new birth? What does the author of 1 Peter say offers us our new birth (1 Peter 1:3)? How have you experienced a new birth?

 

A common image in Scripture is refining metals with fire until they are purified. Psalm 12:6 states “the Lord’s promises are pure, like silver that’s been refined in an oven, purified seven times over!” What does the author of 1 Peter write is purified in us (1Peter 1:7)? How have you experienced your faith being refined?

 

Sharing Together:

Our Scripture today was a letter written to a church who was afraid. They needed encouraging that God was with them even though they couldn’t see God. Peter tells them that even though bad things are happening now, God still loves them.

Who do you know who needs encouragement? What helps you feel encouraged?

Pray: God of hope, there is lots to be scared of today. Thank you for the encouragement that you are still with us and love us, no matter what. Amen.

 

Prayer:

God, we rejoice for the salvation that is found in Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, for reconciliation with God and others, and for the inheritance that awaits us in glory. May the joy found in our relationship with you be evident in all we say and do. Amen. *

 

Questions marked with an * are adapted from UM Discipleship.

Easter Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

April 12^th 2020 Worship at Home: Easter Sunday

24 Hours That Changed the World: The Resurrection

 

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space

as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

One: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!

Response: Christ is Risen, indeed!

All: Alleluia!

 

Christ the Lord is Risen Today                                                           UMH 302

Charles Wesley’s stirring Easter hymn states “Christ the Lord is risen today.” Where do you see evidence of the resurrection today?

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Proclamation

Children’s Message

It feels good when people call us by our name rather just “Hey you!” To be called by our name means someone knows us, knows who we are.

In our story today, Jesus’ friend Mary doesn’t recognize him until he says her name. We are reminded that Jesus knows our name too. Jesus wants to be our friend.

Let us pray: Thank you Jesus for knowing our name and being our friend. Amen.

 

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24   (UMH 839)

Consider reading responsively with someone reading the odd verses and others reading the even verses.

 

John 20:1-18

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

Tombs in ancient Israel were carved out of the rock. See some examples and a stone that blocked the entrance to a tomb here.

 

Pastor’s Reflection

Mary goes to the tomb and there finding it empty begins to cry. Remember that for Mary it’s the day after Jesus’ crucifixion and death. John doesn’t tell us why she’s gone to the tomb. Maybe it was to anoint Jesus’ body following Jewish burial rituals, like the women in the other gospels. Maybe she’s going for confirmation or simply to be near Jesus however she can right now. The weight of grief and uncertainty in this moment is palpable. It’s the weight of the day after.

The day after is the day after the worst news: the diagnosis, the “there’s nothing more we can do,” the layoff, the silence. When all the pieces have fallen apart but you haven’t been able to start putting them back together again. When the new reality has been shared but is only beginning to sink in.

In many ways I feel like we’re living in the day after. While it’s been a few weeks now, the reality is still sinking in. I feel like I’m still learning more about what life looks like during this time. I’m still unsettled, still unsure about what the future holds. I’m still grieving missing friends and family, canceled plans, and regular routines. So I empathize with Mary on a different level this year than I ever have before.

Then Jesus arrives, on the day after. Not on our best day, but on the hardest. Easter happens when we are at our lowest. In the darkness, in our grief and uncertainty, in the midst of fear, Jesus arrives. Jesus speaks our name so that we will recognize God’s grace and power to offer resurrection and hope.

Resurrection shows us that the worst thing is never the last thing. God has the final word. There is no power greater than God’s life and grace. Not even death can defeat God’s resurrection life.

Jesus arrives this Easter to share with us the promise that the worst thing is never the last thing. None of us know when this pandemic will end or how life will change on the other side of it. But we hold to the promise that this illness is not the final word. Jesus is with us through everything, God’s grace will sustain us, and resurrection power has the final word. That is good news, the best news, the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Watch a sermon from Church of the Resurrection on this story here.

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed   (UMH 882)

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

Loving God, thank you for being our strength and our salvation. We praise you for bringing us to this morning, however we are, meeting us in grace and the promise of new life. We are hungry for the new life you promise.

Saving Christ, we are distracted by our grief even in the midst of the presence of your resurrection. We are hungry to hear you call us by name. Reveal yourself to us, wherever we may find ourselves, waiting to hear words of freedom and safety and mercy.

Living Spirit, breathe into us when our breaths are shallow. Revive us with your grace and peace as we celebrate the work of Easter, of turning death into new life again. Travel with us in all things, so that we may be able to proclaim that in this day, we rejoice because the Lord has made it.

Holy Father, Risen Christ, Present Spirit, we thank you for the promise of new life that comes with Easter. Guide us into your celebration, that we may remember the gift you continue to give us, and long for the day when your promise of the Kingdom of God will be complete.

In the name of Jesus, the risen Christ, we boldly and joyfully pray:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Offering

Please consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072).

Our conference has also set up online giving here. Make sure to put in Granite Quarry, Uwharrie, John Bryant, and general offering.

 

Sending Forth

 

Because He Lives  (UMH 310)

This hymn’s author speaks about writing in the midst of social upheaval and times of fear. “It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert.”

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Jesus Remember Me       UMH 488

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

Call to Worship and Pastoral Prayer written by Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant

Today’s Call to Worship is adapted from the traditional Paschal Greeting across many traditions.

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection:

John records that Mary does not recognize Jesus until he speaks her name (John 20:16). Our names are powerful. Hearing our name spoken, especially by friends and family, builds an instant connection. God’s promise of the resurrection is for all of creation and for us as individuals. God knows us. Jesus speaks our name. God’s grace and life are offered to us personally. When have you experienced God offering you grace on a personal level?

 

Reflect on this quotation from Frederick Buechner, Presbyterian pastor and author. “The worst isn’t the last thing about the world. It’s the next to the last thing. The last thing is the best. It’s the power from on high that comes down into the world, that wells up from the rock-bottom worst of the world like a hidden spring. Can you believe it? The last, best thing is the laughing deep in the hearts of the saints, sometimes our hearts even. Yes. You are terribly loved and forgiven. Yes. You are healed. All is well.” (Frederick Buechner, The Final Beast)

 

Scripture Study:

Read John 20:14-16. When Jesus first arrives, Mary doesn’t recognize him. She instead mistakes him for the gardener. This sounds like an odd detail, until we remember than John loves to drop hints for the reader to understand Jesus in a deeper way. When Jesus leaves the Last Supper to go pray, John says he went to a garden (John 18:1). Many scholars believe John was comparing Jesus to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2-3), who chose their will over God’s in a garden, while Jesus prays in the garden “not my will, but yours be done.” In what ways did the risen Jesus begin restoring this world as God’s “garden”? How has his restoring work shaped your life? *

 

Read Matthew 28:1-20. Like the other gospels, Matthew says women were the first witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection (hardly a fact anyone would invent in that male-dominated culture). He notes the plot to spread a false account of what happened to Jesus’ body. He ends with a grand summary of Jesus’ mission for, and promise to, all of his followers (the “Great Commission”).

Christ the victor, risen from the dead, began his final commission with the words, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). What, or whom, did Jesus defeat through the cross and resurrection? What does his victory over evil, suffering and death mean in your daily life?

Matthew’s description of the women’s reaction— “afraid yet filled with joy”—carries a ring of truth. It’s often the way we feel when something amazing happens that will bring about huge changes in our life. What is there about having God at work in your life that might make you afraid? What fills you with the greatest joy? *

 

Read John 20:19-31. Matthew noted in passing (Matthew 28:17) that some of the disciples doubted, even after the Resurrection. John gives a fuller account of Thomas’ reluctance to accept the witness of others, and then of his joy when he met the risen Lord. Again and again, Jesus called his first followers to peace. He extends the same call to all who believe in him.

You’ll notice that the disciples hadn’t gathered for a worship service. They were together “with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.” It’s little wonder, then, that Jesus twice said, “Peace be with you.” In what part(s) of your life do you most need the assurance of Jesus’ peace? How can you live into that peace today? *

 

Sharing Together:

Where do you see signs of hope or new life today? Call or text someone and share one.

 

Prayer:

Jesus, I feel like Mary at the tomb: uncertain, unsure, afraid, grieving. But you come to speak life and hope into the darkness. Help me listen for your voice speaking my name, reminding me that you are with us through all things. Show me see signs of resurrection, big and small, so that I will know your power is greater than any other. Guide me to share hope with others as we support one another. Amen.

 

Burnand’s Disciples Peter and John Rushing to the Sepulcher

 

In this painting, Eugene Burnand has captured the moment just after Mary Magdalene has reported to the disciples that Jesus’ tomb is empty. Here are Peter and John, looking and leaning forward, like the clouds and the horizon line, toward their destination: the empty tomb. The men’s facial expressions and body postures reveal some of their feelings. What story does the artist want us to experience in this scene? *

 

Questions marked with a * are adapted from ShareChurch.com, a ministry of Church of the Resurrection.

Good Friday Worship at Home

Tenebrae Service

 

Items to gather before worship:

• 7 smaller and 1 larger candle
• lighter
• 2 pans or pan lids
• a device to watch video links

 

The service of Light and Darkness, or “Tenebrae,” is a service of meditation and refection centered around the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ from John 18:1-19:42. This time of worship is best held after the sun has gone down, with as few lights as possible.

 

Entrance

Call to Worship

Light the large candle in the center of your gathering space as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

Leader: God is light, in whom there is no darkness at all.

People: Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world,

and we loved darkness rather than light.

 

He Loves Us

 

Opening Prayer

O God of infinite love and power, we gather together on this Good Friday to reflect on the passion of the Christ. We are utterly humbled in the presence of such love and mercy. Open our hearts this day to the goodness of Good Friday,

and fill us with your love and powerful Spirit of Holiness. Remove from us all sin.

Offer us anew this Life in Christ that makes all things new. Amen. (from Ministry Matters)

 

The Passion of Jesus Christ

Consider alternating readers. Even if you are alone, read aloud the Passion story. After each reading, extinguish one small candle.

 

Jesus went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When he said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he; so, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word which he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?”

 

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Judean authorities seized Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas; for he was the father–in–law of  Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had given counsel to the religious authorities that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

 

Go to Dark Gethsemane

Extinguish one small candle.

 

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he entered the court of the high priest along with Jesus, while Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman who guarded the gate said to Peter, “Are not you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

 

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jewish people come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying,

“Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

 

Extinguish a second small candle.

 

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “Are not you also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed.

 

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not an evildoer, we would not have handed him over.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The religious authorities said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.”

This was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken to show by what death he was to die.

 

Extinguish a third small candle.

 

Pilate entered the headquarters again and called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the religious authorities; but my kingship is not from the world.” Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

 

After Pilate had said this, he went to the religious authorities again, and told them, “I find no crime in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover; will you have me release for you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

 

Extinguish a fourth small candle.

 

Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; they came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again, and said to them,

“See, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him.” The religious authorities answered him, “We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the headquarters again and said to Jesus,

“Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.”

 

Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the religious authorities cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the religious authorities, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” They handed him over to them to be crucified.

 

Extinguish the fifth small candle.

 

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Gol’ ·go·tha . There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Judeans read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. The Jewish chief priests then said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

 

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the scripture, “They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”

 

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord

Extinguish the sixth small candle.

 

So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

 

After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), “I thirst.”

A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

Extinguish the last small candle.

 

Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the religious authorities asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, “Not a bone of him shall be broken.” And again another scripture says, “They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”

 

Extinguish the larger Christ candle. Make a loud noise using pan lids. The last section is read in darkness.

 

After this Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the religious authorities, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds’ weight. They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

(JOHN 18:1–19:42)

 

Sending Forth

 

We go in peace.

May Jesus Christ,

who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross,

keep you and strengthen you this night and forever. Amen.

 

 

 

Good Friday Tenebrae Service adapted from the United Methodist Book of Worship by Rev. Kris Mares.

Maundy Thursday Worship at Home

What You Will Need:

1. A copy of this liturgy, either on a device or in printed form, for each person participating with you
2. 1 candle, and a lighter
3. A Bible
4. A cross to place at the center of the table
5. Bread and a meal to share
6. A device to play the music of the hymns or plan to sing it a capella (note: we will sing one hymn but pause after verse 2 & 4 to continue the liturgy. The links will jump you to the appropriate verses.)

 

There is a profound simplicity about the essentials, since they arise out of Scripture and the early church’s worship, which unfolded the meaning of Christ’s redemptive action. From the history of this pattern of elements, we have included four:

1. Introductory rites emphasizing penitence, (turning towards God)
2. The liturgy of the Word of God, (listening to God)
3. Footwashing, (handwashing, being forgiven by God)
4. Love Feast, (being cared for by God)

 

PART 1: SETTING THE TABLE

As you set the table, put out the plates, forks and knives, and the salt and pepper, place a Bible, a cross, and a candle at the center.

Who else should be at your table? 

Can your family join with another family using the gifts of technology?

 

If you are home alone, maybe you can plan to call a friend and to set the table with a phone or a device. Either way, don’t feel that you have to go it alone.

 

If you are praying in solitude, pray both the plain and bold texts.

If you are praying with others, the leader prays the words in plain text and the people respond with the words in bold.

Begin with light and then with prayer.

 

LIGHTING THE CANDLE

Light the candle against the growing darkness.

 

Light and peace in Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God!

We have been asked to shelter in place to keep one another safe.

For us this is an act of communal grace.

The Lord has not left us, nor forsaken us.

In Divine Love we are held securely.

We are not alone.

United by our prayers and our witness of hope we are still together in this uncertainty.

 

You are the one who has loved each of us from before the world began. Even now we are all being held in the security of loving arms. You are attentive to our every prayer and through these prayers you have knitted us together. You are aware of our needs before they are revealed at our horizon and have begun to act before we know to cry out. Keep us attentive to the needs around us, so you might illuminate your gracious presence through our acts of kindness.  Amen.

 

Hymn:             “And Are We Yet Alive”       UMH 553 vs. 1 & 2

And are we yet alive,

to wish each other grace?

Glory and thanks to Jesus give

for his Almighty grace!

Preserved by power divine

to full salvation here,

again in Jesus’ praise we join,

and in his sight appear.

 

CONFESSION AND PARDON

Family and friends,

Christ shows us his love by becoming a humble servant.

Let us draw near to God and confess our sin in the truth of God’s Spirit.

Most merciful God,

We, your Church, confess

that often our spirit has not been that of Christ.

Where we have failed to love one another as he loves us,

Where we have pledged loyalty to him with our lips

and then betrayed, deserted, or denied him,

forgive us, we pray;

and by your Spirit make us faithful in every time of trial;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ.

But Christ suffered and died for us,

was raised from the dead and ascended on high for us,

and continues to intercede for us.

Believe the good news:

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Glory to God. Amen.

 

Hymn:             “And Are We Yet Alive”                   vs. 3 & 4

What troubles have we seen,

what mighty conflicts past,

fightings without and fears within,

Since we assembled last!

Yet out of all the Lord

hath brought us by his love;

and still he doth his help afford,

and hides our life above.

 

THE GOSPEL READING

Read aloud John 13:1-17, 31-35 CEB:

Before the Festival of Passover, Jesus knew that his time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them fully.

Jesus and his disciples were sharing the evening meal. The devil had already provoked Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God. So he got up from the table and took off his robes. Picking up a linen towel, he tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he was wearing. When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I’m doing now, but you will understand later.”

“No!” Peter said. “You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t have a place with me.”

Simon Peter said, “Lord, not only my feet but also my hands and my head!”

Jesus responded, “Those who have bathed need only to have their feet washed, because they are completely clean. You disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” He knew who would betray him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you is clean.”

After he washed the disciples’ feet, he put on his robes and returned to his place at the table. He said to them, “Do you know what I’ve done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you speak correctly, because I am. If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do. I assure you, servants aren’t greater than their master, nor are those who are sent greater than the one who sent them. Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them.

When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Human One has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify the Human One in himself and will glorify him immediately. Little children, I’m with you for a little while longer. You will look for me—but, just as I told the Jewish leaders, I also tell you now— ‘Where I’m going, you can’t come.’

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

 

Blessing the Meal

Tune: OLD HUNDREDTH (to the same tune as the Doxology)

Be present at our table, Lord:

Be here and everywhere adored;

Thy creatures bless and grant that we

May feast in paradise with Thee.

 

WASHING OUR HANDS

In this time where handwashing has taken on new importance,

we wash our hands to be ready to share this meal.

As you wash, say the Lord’s Prayer. Quite beautifully, the Lord’s Prayer takes about 20 seconds to recite (the recommended length of time for effective handwashing).

 

PART 2: SHARING THE MEAL

 

Passing the Bread

As the bread is shared, each person shares what Love is leading them toward today.

 

Feasting Together

As you feast together, reflect on the Gospel reading:

When was a time you chose love this week?

When was a time you found it difficult to love this week?

When was a time you felt loved by someone this week?

 

Prayer after the Meal

For these, and all of your mercies, God,

may your holy name be blessed and praised;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Hymn:             “And Are We Yet Alive”                   vs. 5 & 6

 Then let us make our boast

of his redeeming power,

which saves us to the utter most,

till we can sin no more.

 

Let us take up the cross

till we the crown obtain,

and gladly reckon all things loss

so we may Jesus gain.

 

Benediction

Say together, as you are able:

May the Lord bless you wherever you are.

May you find comfort in the eternal love of God

who was and is and is to come.

May the hope you embrace be the hope you share,

until we see each other’s face.

Amen.

 

 

 

Liturgy adapted from North Carolina and Eastern Pennsylvania Conferences

April 5 2020 Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

April 5^th 2020 Worship at Home: Palm/Passion Sunday

24 Hours That Changed the World: Jesus on the Cross

 

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp

• Homemade palms: https://www.facebook.com/377656905595756/videos/239097883886549/

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space

as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

Even though the streets are empty,

Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Even though our sanctuary is empty,

Hosanna! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Because this is not the end of the story,

Hosanna in the highest heaven! Hosanna!

 

Mark 11:1-10

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

Hosanna Loud Hosanna  (UMH 278)

Waving palm branches is a sign of welcome to a returning victor. This scene invites us to think about what kind of victory does Jesus bring?

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along! If you made a palm branch, wave it while you sing!

 

Proclamation

 

Children’s Message

What do you find scary? Do you feel scared right now?

It’s okay to feel scared. We all do, even grownups. In our story today Jesus feels scared too. But we have the promise that God is with us and we can always talk to God.

Pray: Jesus, I hear you tell God that you’re scared on the cross. We’re scared too. Help us remember that God is always with us, no matter what. Amen.

 

Psalm 22:1-5, 24-25

Consider reading responsively with someone reading the odd verses and others reading the even verses.

 

Mark 15:21-39

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built on the site where we believe Jesus’ crucifixion took place. You can see inside the church here. Pilgrims can kneel and pray at the rock where we believe the cross was placed. What would you pray if you were kneeling at the rock?

 

Pastor’s Reflection

 

We’ve come finally to Palm / Passion Sunday. We glance backwards in our story following Jesus’ day to remember the crowds celebrating his arrival into the city, waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” as those they were welcoming someone who had won a great battle. How excited and happy that scene was. Then we jump back to our regular timeframe, when after torturing Jesus the soldiers lead him out to be crucified. A crowd gathers, not to celebrate Jesus, but to insult him. What a different tone!

There on the cross Jesus shouts “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). That’s a scary line to hear at any point, but especially this Lent. Hearing the news, seeing the impact of the pandemic on the world, being separated from friends and loved ones, we too feel that God has abandoned us. Is Jesus abandoned on the cross?

Jesus is quoting Scripture here, Psalm 22:1. As the psalms were the Jewish songbooks, think about Jesus quoting the first line of a familiar song. When you hear it, you can sing the rest of the song yourself.  If I start singing “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound” or “Silent Night, Holy Night,” you can fill in the blanks. Back home in Alabama anytime someone sings “Big wheel keep on turnin’” you can guarantee the room will break out into “Sweet Home Alabama.”

So what comes next in Psalm 22? Like all the lament psalms, after the psalmist expresses their frustration, grief, and pain, Psalm 22 turns towards hope. The psalmist proclaims that God does hear us in our distress and listens to our complaints, as the psalmist declares their intention to continue praising God (Psalm 22:24-25).

We learn two things from this moment with Jesus on the cross. First it’s good news to know that Jesus understands what it’s like to feel alone. He’s been there. There is nothing in our human experience Jesus does not understand. Jesus understands our pain, our loneliness, our fear, our uncertainty. Jesus knows what it means to feel alone and afraid, to grieve and hurt.

Second it’s good news is that God does not leave us alone. God does not forsake us. God does not abandon us. Even when we feel apart from God, God has not left us. We see this promise repeated through Scripture. Paul writes that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:37). John famously affirms that “God so loved the world,” not that God could not look upon the world (John 3:16).

So take heart friends! Even though this moment is hard and scary, God is still with us. God has not left us. And Easter is coming!

 

Watch a sermon from Church of the Resurrection on this story here.

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed   (UMH 882)

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

Holy Savior, we are caught in the midst of grief and waiting. Your death tore the curtain of the temple, so that we might approach you and encounter your holiness directly, but our sanctuary is closed today. Tear off the things that divide us from you.

We grasp for you in the midst of the unknown and unfamiliar time we are in. Be present with us during this Holy Week, even in the midst of uncertainty and worry and distraction.

When we feel forsaken, remind us of your comfort.

When we feel alone, remind us of your love.

When we feel despair, remind us of your salvation.

Creator, plant within us space for new life.  Redeemer, remind us of our dignity in your love. Sustainer, hold us up when we are unable to travel by ourselves.

When we doubt, remind us of your grace and mercy that do not follow the rules of this world, rather, you turn your world upside down. Be with us in this journey to the cross where you died, in the name of Jesus, who was surely God’s Son, and who taught us to pray, saying:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Offering

Consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072).

Our conference has also opened up online giving here. To give to your church, simply complete the form below. Follow the prompts to identify your church, along with the amount of your donation. The conference will then remit the donation to the specified church, minus the convenience fees (unless you choose to add the amount of the fees to your donation).

Additionally, as a family, think of a way you might offer your time to someone this week (make a meal for someone, call and “visit” someone over the phone, offer to run errands for someone who may be staying in).

 

Sending Forth

 

Alas and Did My Savior Bleed    (UMH 359)

This hymn moves through our various emotions of seeing this scene. From our sorrow at Jesus’ death and own self-reflection to gratitude at what Jesus’ sacrifice means for us. We celebrate with hope the promise that we are never alone or forgotten. God is always with us no matter what.

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!   

 

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Jesus Remember Me       UMH 488

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

Call to Worship and Pastoral Prayer written by Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant

 

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection:

Rev. Adam Hamilton says that the cross is a reminder that (1) we need saving, (2) God experiences suffering because of our brokenness, (3) God has chosen to be merciful and forgiving toward us, and (4) God loves us. Which of these reminders do you need today?

 

Where do you find hope knowing that Jesus understands our suffering, pain, and fear? Where do you find hope knowing that God never abandons us in our suffering?

 

Scripture Study:

Jesus bears the mocking jeers of the crowds standing before the cross. The cross was likely only a few feet off the ground which means Jesus can easily see the faces of those who are mocking him. What kind of love does it take to stay on the cross, to say “Father forgive them” in the midst of that (Luke 23:34)?

 

Read Psalm 22. Psalm 22 is a classic “lament.” These personal hymns fully honored and expressed the psalmist’s pain and fear, while holding onto trust and faith in God’s goodness. On the cross, Jesus voiced even his anguish and loneliness in the words of Psalm 22:1. The psalmist pressed on, through grief and fear, to arrive at renewed trust in God. Jesus, too, held on through the darkness of the cross to commit himself into God’s keeping. How do the two aspects of the lament (fear and trust) cast light on what Jesus went through on the cross?

The very act of praying a lament psalm is an affirmation of faith. When darkness seems to prevail in your life, it takes faith even to talk to God and complain! When was the last time you complained to God out of an experience of despair or darkness and yet ended up affirming your trust in God? *

 

Like Mark, Matthew 27:51 and Luke 23:45 report that the Temple’s curtain was torn in two. The curtain veiled the Most Holy Place. Only the High Priest could enter there, and only once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Jesus’ death, the gospel writers were saying, tore down all the barriers between God and us.  Hebrews 6:19-20 and 10:19-22 say that Jesus, the great High Priest, opened the way for us to come “behind the curtain.” We can go directly to God for mercy and grace.

Think back over the scenes we’ve examined during this study of the 24 Hours That Changed the World. What would the Roman centurion have seen and heard that moved him to the confession he made as Jesus died? How can your life bear witness that the one you worship and serve “surely was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39)? *

 

Sharing Together:

What’s scary right now? What helps you feel brave?

Mr. Rogers shares a story of his mother telling him to “look for the helpers.” Watch him talk about it here. Where do you see helpers right now?

 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you really died on the cross. You were God in the flesh—I struggle to grasp what it meant for you to submit to that. What your death offers me fills me with wonder —release from my fear of death, freedom from my guilt, power to live a more truly human life than I have ever lived. In your divine creativity, you took the worst we could do, and brought from it the best gift I could ever receive. I submit myself to you. I praise your name. Amen *

 

Velázquez’s Christ on the Cross:

 

One of Velázquez’s achievements was to make his paintings seem to come alive with just the right luminosity. The irony in this particular painting is that the dying body of Christ appears real (or alive) enough to step down from the cross. What other features of Velázquez’s Christ strike you? What aspects of the Gospels’ account of Christ’s death on the cross do you think the painter wanted to portray to his viewers? *

 

Questions marked with a * are adapted from ShareChurch.com, a ministry of Church of the Resurrection.

March 29 2020 Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

March 29^th 2020 Worship at Home: 5^th Sunday in Lent

24 Hours That Changed the World: Simon and the Cross

 

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space

as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

Almighty God, trouble is near

Protect us, we put our trust in you.

Jesus Christ, fear surrounds our community

Save us, Do not be far from us.

Holy Spirit, we do not know where to turn,

Deliver us into your presence of hope.

 

I Stand Amazed in the Presence    (UMH 371)

We hear several of our stories in this hymn. We remember our own brokenness reflected in the suffering Jesus undergoes at human hands, but we also rejoice in God’s grace and love for us.

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Proclamation

 

Children’s Message

Have you ever been bullied? Or seen someone else being bullied? Bullying can be physical or emotional; both hurt.

We hear in our story today about Jesus getting bullied. It’s mean and hurtful. We don’t like to think about that. Jesus doesn’t fight back against those who are bullying him. He doesn’t hurt them. Jesus loves even those who are bullying him.

If you are getting bullied, please find a grown-up you trust and tell them about it! You don’t need to go through it alone.

Let us pray: Jesus, it’s hard to hear about you being hurt. We remember that you ask us to love everyone, even those who hurt us. Help us share your love with others. Amen.

 

Psalm 22:1-18, 25-31    (UMH 752)

Consider reading responsively with someone reading the odd verses and others reading the even verses.

Mark 15:15-21

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

See where the story takes place here. The video starts looking at the Temple in Jerusalem and pans over to the Antonia Fortress, the seat of Roman power in Jerusalem where the Roman garrison was housed.

 

Pastor’s Reflection

 

We continue our walk with Jesus through the story of his final day. Pilate, the Roman governor, hands Jesus over to be crucified and releases the political prisoner named Barabbas. What plays out next is a cruel mockery of who Jesus is. The soldiers dress him in a robe and pretend to salute him like a king. It’s cute when my kids play dress up; this is anything but cute. This is psychical and psychological torture to break Jesus down

I wonder if the soldiers would have looked back on this moment and said “That’s not me. That’s not how I was raised.” Or if a senior officer when confronted with their behavior would have said “This was just a few bad apples.”

It’s easy for us to hear this scene and think we would never do something like that. We’re much more civilized, compassionate, wiser today. But the ugly truth is that this is part of who we are. We’re invited to see ourselves in the story of Jesus’ final day. Not as Jesus, but as any of the other characters who fail to love well. To remember the ways that we have hurt others. To remember our own need for God’s grace in our lives.

This is a dark story during a tough time for us. I almost wanted to skip it, but here’s why I didn’t.

It’s good to be reminded that our actions matter. That what we say and do matter. Pilate’s choice to ignore his understanding of the situation and bow to the crowd’s pressure matters. The soldiers’ choice to hurt and mock Jesus matters. Our choices matter. That’s so important to remember right now. Our time away from one another is hard. It’s difficult. We don’t like it. It’s tempting to ignore and keep going with life as usual.

But that temptation literally hurts and kills people. It’s our responsibility to do everything we can to keep our communities safe and to help those who are working to keep us safe. As the church we are the body of Christ. Hurting one another hurts Christ, just like in this story.

And even in this dark, painful story there is a sign of good news and grace here too. Let’s think about Simon the Cyrene. In one single moment his life gets upended. The gospels give us no indication that he knew Jesus, saying that he was forced to carry the cross (Mark 15:21). He might be afraid what being associated with Jesus might mean for him. Certainly Simon wouldn’t have chosen this for himself. To be forced to help carry this instrument of torture knowing full well what awaited Jesus at the end of the road. The moment is dark, scary, and uncertain. Just like the moment we are living through together.

Mark adds one interesting detail, introducing Simon as Alexander’s and Rufus’ father. I only introduce myself as my kids’ dad to those who know them. So why would Mark do that unless people knew them?

Paul mentions a Rufus who is a leader in the church in Rome (Romans 16:13). Luke records a group of “men of Cyrene” who preach the good news (Acts 11:20). These could be Simon, Alexander, Rufus, or neighbors with whom Simon shared his story. Simon’s difficult moment transforms his life and the lives of his family. They never forget this moment and they live differently as a result. Their ministry together transforms even more lives.

This is a hard time, a scary time. None of us would have chosen this disruption in our lives and schedules. But I wonder what we will learn from it. What transformation will God work in it?

Facebook crashed last Sunday because so many people tuned into worship services on Facebook Live! The church is learning and innovating as our mission stays the same as it always has: love people, love God, and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

As we discover new ways of doing that, I wonder what transformation God will work in the church and in us? How will we grow in faith? How will we grow in love?

 

Watch a sermon from Church of the Resurrection on this story here.

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed   (UMH 882)

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

Almighty God, we cry out to you, and it feels like you don’t answer us. Our hearts are empty, poured out like water, dried up, and left to blow away in the wind. We feel alone, left to our own devices, and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. The ends of the earth are filled with uncertainty and fear, and it is so hard to do anything but worry with the terror that surrounds us.

God, set our eyes on Jesus, who was surrounded by those who mocked him and led him away to his death. Focus our eyes on Jesus, who bore a brutal crown of thorns which held more truth than the jeers of his abusers. Turn us to Jesus, who carried the sins of the world on his shoulders, even as he was spit on by the ones he came to save.

Gracious God, help us hold on to the example of Jesus in the midst of our uncertain journey, show us we have the ability to wield pain and hatred just as easily as his abusers. Help us instead to bear the hurt of the world in the strength of our Savior, Jesus Christ, so that we may extend hope to the hopeless, strength to the weary, and peace to the restless in the name of the one who offered himself to death, and taught us to pray, saying:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Offering

Consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072).

Our conference has also opened up online giving here. To give to your church, simply complete the form below. Follow the prompts to identify your church, along with the amount of your donation. The conference will then remit the donation to the specified church, minus the convenience fees (unless you choose to add the amount of the fees to your donation).

Additionally, as a family, think of a way you might offer your time to someone this week (make a meal for someone, call and “visit” someone over the phone, offer to run errands for someone who may be staying in).

 

Sending Forth

 

Grace Greater Than All Our Sin   (UMH 365)

Even as we see our capacity for hurting one another, God’s grace is greater than that. God’s grace for us is greater than anything else

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!   

 

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Jesus Remember Me       UMH 488

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

Call to Worship and Pastoral Prayer written by Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant

 

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection:

During the final twenty-four hours of Jesus’ life, we see Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the disciples’ abandonment, the Sanhedrin’s jealousy, the crowd’s rage, Pilate’s acquiescence, and the soldiers’ cruelty. What do these sights teach us about what we need saving from?*

 

Some of the Roman soldiers have just grabbed you from the crowd of people who have been following Jesus. The soldiers force you to your knees. You can see other soldiers approaching you with the crossbeam that Jesus has been carrying. They want you to carry it! At first you struggle to resist, but then . . . what? *

 

Scripture Study:

Read Mark 15:15-21. After all of the flogging and abuse, it’s no shock Jesus couldn’t carry the heavy cross beam all the way to Golgotha. Simon was likely a Passover pilgrim (Cyrene was in what is Libya today). Being forced to carry the cross no doubt felt like being “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” But that bit of “bad luck” seems to have forever changed his life for the better.

Mark named Simon’s sons. That only made sense if his Christian readers knew them. In Romans 16:13 Paul greeted a Christian named “Rufus,” likely Simon’s son. As Pastor Hamilton concludes, “in that frightening and burdensome interruption of Good Friday, Simon’s life would forever be changed.” What interruptions or accidents have had positive results in your life? How do you watch for God in the unexpected? *

 

Like Psalm 22, nearly all the lament psalms—those that complain because God seems to be nowhere near—end with an affirmation of faith. The very act of praying a complaint psalm is an affirmation of faith. When darkness seems to prevail in your life, it takes faith even to talk to God and complain to him! The last words of Jesus from the cross recorded in the Gospel of Luke reflect Jesus’ absolute trust in God: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” This is also a model of prayer for all of us when we are afraid, when we are sick, when we face our own death. This prayer says, “I commit myself to you, O God. In my living and in my dying, in the good times and in the bad, whatever I am and have, I place in your hands, O God, for your safekeeping” (Rev Adam Hamilton, page 112).

When was the last time you complained to God out of an experience of despair or darkness and yet ended up affirming your trust in God? Describe how you moved from lament to trust. *

 

Sharing Together:

Jesus taught His followers to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Ask each family member to name one person who sometimes makes life hard, and share what that person does to make life difficult. Discuss how Jesus wants us to forgive others, and also to love and pray for them. Ask family members how they feel about Jesus’ teaching. Have your family choose a number between 1 and 9. On each day of the month that includes that number, spend time praying for those “enemies.” Also on those days, share how you are finding those prayers answered. Remember to ask God and others for forgiveness when you are hurtful. Thank God for the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. *

 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, it’s hard to read about your torment. I want to turn my eyes away. But you said you still suffer when children are hungry or hurting, when people lack adequate shelter, when hurts go unhealed, or when even one person is treated unjustly. Often I want to turn my eyes away from those realities, too. Give me even a small portion of your courage. Show me how I can join in your healing, helping work. Amen. *

 

Questions marked with a * are adapted from ShareChurch.com, a ministry of Church of the Resurrection.

 

Monday Moment: March 22 2020

This week we follow Jesus from his trial under the Jewish religious leaders to his trial before the Roman authorities, specifically Pontius Pilate. While the religious leaders had power to find Jesus guilty of religious crimes, only the government of Rome could find him guilty of crimes requiring capital punishment.

Pilate’s story is certainly interesting. The gospel writers make it clear that he doesn’t find Jesus guilty of anything. He can tell this is all a sham. However, he’s afraid of how the crowd might react and what his legacy will be. We saw last week how fear leads us to live a wrong story. Pilate’s fear leads him to condemn Jesus.

Pilate appears to do everything he can not to be remembered for this incident. He literally and symbolically washes his hands of the matter, which is where the phrase comes from. He tries to avoid responsibility at every turn, including offering the crowds a choice. It is certainly ironic then that we only remember Pilate specifically for this incident. The history books don’t record his actions, except for this one.

The choice that Pilate offers the crowds is more than him simply trying to avoid responsibility. Matthew’s gospel highlights that both men offered to the crowd are named Jesus: Jesus Barabbas and Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua (“God saves”), a fairly common man’s name at that time. According to the other three gospels Barabbas was a political revolutionary who sought to end Roman occupation of Israel through violence. Matthew lets us see that Pilate is truly offering the people two different images of a Savior: a powerful fighter or a servant.

What kind of Savior do the people want? What kind of Savior do we want?

As I read about Pilate washing his hands, I can’t help but think about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet only hours before (John 13:1-17). Jesus gives the disciples this image of servanthood. Washing feet was a sign of hospitality in that time, because everyone’s feet became dirty. Today we would think of washing hands in a similar manner, since our feet do not become as dirty wearing closed shoes. However, this job was done by servants, never the host. Jesus shows the disciples that following him, loving God and those around us, means serving one another.

Jesus even tells his disciples “If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example: Just as I have done, you also must do” (John 13:14-15). Do our lives reflect following our servant Savior? How are we serving others and sharing love?

 

For Your Week

Personal Reflection:

Considering our world today, what kind of messiah would people choose: the strong or the Servant? Whom would you choose? Why? *

 

In what ways are we still presented with the opportunity to confront our culture by choosing the way of love (Jesus) or the way of violence (Barabbas)? *

 

Scripture Study:

Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12. Scholars refer to this section as the “suffering servant.” Christians see these words as foreshadowing Jesus. How do these words support Jesus’ understanding of who he is? What promises does the Scripture make about God’s servant?

 

The gospels record that Pilate was amazed Jesus remains silent in the face of the accusations. Why do you think Jesus doesn’t respond to them?

 

Barabbas was sentenced to die, but Jesus died instead. We don’t know if that did or did not affect Barabbas. In a much deeper sense, Jesus died instead of you, and you get to choose how that affects you. How do you respond to Jesus’ self-giving love? *

 

Pontius Pilate asked, one last time, “What crime has he committed?” The crowd didn’t answer; they just roared, “Crucify him!” A weak man in a position of trust chose to allow a gross injustice rather than stand up to a crowd. This part of the story may be most disturbing, not because it is strange, but rather because it rings true to the human condition. If we’re honest, most of us find the seeds of Pilate’s choice in our own hearts.

 

Rev. Hamilton writes, “What darkness do you see in your own soul? Bigotry? Hatred? Anger when your sin is exposed? Frustration when others do not see eye to eye with you? Can you see yourself in the crowd?” “What happens when you are faced with doing something you believe is right but which will cause a large number of people to be upset with you, maybe even turn against you?…When have you said or done things aimed at satisfying the crowd? When have you remained silent when you should have spoken out?” *

 

Sharing Together (discussion with family or friends):

It’s hard to imagine why so many people didn’t like Jesus. Jesus asks us to do hard things like share what we have, forgive those who hurt us, and even love people who do not love us back. Perhaps the people they knew he was right, but did not want to do what he asked. What do you find hard to do what Jesus asks us to do?

 

Prayer:

Jesus, we hear Pilate’s choice to the crowd: Jesus Barabbas or you. We hear the choice for which Savior they want: the strong fighter or the servant. Lord, living your servant life is hard. We would much rather “win” than have to serve. But you teach us that in your kingdom serving looks like winning, because the last will be first. Work in my heart so that my life reflects the choice to follow you, the servant Savior. Amen.

 

Questions marked with a * are adapted from ShareChurch.com, a ministry of Church of the Resurrection.

March 22 2020 Worship at Home

Shiloh United Methodist Church

March 22^nd 2020 Worship at Home: 4^th Sunday in Lent

24 Hours That Changed the World: Jesus on Trial

 

Items you may want to gather before worship:

• computer, tablet, or other way to play video and follow reading links/prompts
• candle and lighter
• offering, envelope, stamp
• a deck of playing cards

 

Gathering

Call to Worship

Light a candle in the center of your gathering space as you bring the Light of Christ into your time of worship.

O Lord, in you we seek our refuge.

Remind us now of your steadfast love.

Show us the way we should go,

For the path is uncertain.

To you we lift up our souls,

Hear our prayer, O Lord.

 

Lift High the Cross       UMH 159

Not everyone in our story today recognizes who Jesus is. This hymn calls us to share God’s love until “all the world adores his holy name.”

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!

 

Proclamation

 

Children’s Message

It’s hard to imagine why so many people didn’t like Jesus. Jesus asks us to do hard things like share what we have, forgive those who hurt us, and even love people who do not love us back. Perhaps the people they knew he was right, but did not want to do what he asked. What do you find hard to do what Jesus asks us to do?

Let us pray: Thank you Jesus for loving us. Help us do what you ask us to even when it’s hard. Amen.

 

Isaiah 52:13—53:12

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

Watch a reflection on this passage here.

 

Psalm 143:1-10    UMH 856

Consider reading responsively with someone reading the odd verses and others reading the even verses.

 

Matthew 27:15-24

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

 

Ciseri’s Ecce Homo

What does the artist want the viewer to know about this moment int he Passion narrative from the way he has painted it? Why do you think he chose to depict the scene from behind? In the painting, whose face is visible and whose is not? Why might that be significant?

Watch a sermon from Church of the Resurrection on this story here.

 

Response

 

Apostles’ Creed     UMH 882

I believe in God the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

Prayers of the People

Please lift the names of the people, situations, and places for which we ask God’s grace to be known. After all share prayer needs, the leader may prayer this or another prayer:

 

Holy God, in this time of Lent, be with us.

We are unsure of so many things in this time, be with us in our uncertainty. Help us as we navigate the hard path of waiting and distance, and remind us that you are not distant to us.

Guide us to tune out the clamor of the crowd as we seek to do your will, and direct us away from blaming our actions on the voices that shout the loudest. Lead us to take act not out of fear, but from a place of calm that you provide.

Holy Spirit, guide us in all we do: as we rise up for the day and lay down to rest for sleep, as we prepare our food and eat our meals, as we hear the news and wait in the uncertainty. Be with us in the simple things we do, so that even in their simplicity we are reminded of your grace that touches all things.

We wait, and watch, and pray in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying:

 

Our Father, who art in heaven. 

   Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. 

   Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

   as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

   but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

    and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

Offering

Consider mailing your offering to the church (PO Box 315 Granite Quarry NC 28072). Additionally, as a family, think of a way you might offer your time to someone this week (make a meal for someone, call and “visit” someone over the phone, offer to run errands for someone who may be staying in).

 

Sending Forth

 

Lord Whose Love Through Humble Service      UMH 529

Jesus patterns his life on after servant love, including offering us mercy through the cross. As Christians we are called to pattern our lives after Christ’s, so we are called to lives of serving others and sharing love too.

Lyrics are on screen. Please sing along!   

 

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you

wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness

protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing

once again into our doors.

 

Jesus Remember Me       UMH 488

Blow out your candle and be the Light of Christ in the world!

 

 

Call to Worship and Pastoral Prayer written by Rev. Kathy Randall Bryant