Holy Week continues and we take some time to reflect on and participate in Jesus' last meal with the disciples.
Maundy Thursday Before beginning this service, gather a piece of bread or bread-like food and a cup of juice or other liquid that you have available. To prepare ourselves: The Upper Room (Don Besig and Nancy Price) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY_A-tcT7Fs Let us pray: Though you are God, with all the influence and status that the name implies, you refused to pull rank, and parade your power among us. Instead, you chose to step down into our experience, living among us, as one of us, with all the struggle and suffering that goes with being human. More than that, you adopted the role of slave, washing feet, serving people of no reputation or social standing, and giving of yourself completely. As incredible as it sounds, you are the God who serves, and we can respond in no other way than to give ourselves to you in praise. Amen. My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) (Andrae Crouch) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iltoATb142M How can I say thanks for all the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me; the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things He has done. With His blood He has saved me, with His power He has raised me; to God be the glory for the things He has done. Just let me live my life, and let it be pleasing, Lord, to Thee, and should I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary. (found on https://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/andrae_crouch/my_tribute-lyrics-1174627.html) The first Passover: Exodus 12:1-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. 11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance. Go Down, Moses (African-American spiritual) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf6jBP4YXwo Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 1 I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 12 What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. 16 O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord. 18 I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, 19 in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord! An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare (Fred Pratt Green) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2lukOxMrBA An upper room did our Lord prepare for those he loved until the end: and his disciples still gather there to celebrate their risen friend. A lasting gift Jesus gave his own: to share his bread, his loving cup. Whatever burdens may bow us down, he by his cross shall lift us up. And after supper he washed their feet, for service, too, is sacrament. In Christ our joy shall be made complete: sent out to serve, as he was sent. No end there is! We depart in peace, he loves beyond the uttermost: in every room in our Father's house Christ will be there, as Lord and Host. (found on https://www.hopepublishing.com/find-hymns-hw/hw2964.aspx) At the Last Supper, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples: John 13:1-17, 31-35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (Samuel Trevor Francis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPXapfFfesA Let us pray: Gracious God, As those who strive to follow Jesus in our living and to trust your power in our dying, we gather to reflect upon the life that ended on a cross. We recognize in ourselves the strengths and weaknesses of Jesus’ disciples: although they loved him, they disappointed and failed him. And yet, gathering with these imperfect friends at this last meal Jesus washed their feet in service, and then extended the bread and cup to each. Jesus called them to love one another, and invited them to share in his very life and in his acceptance of the road ahead. We are humbled, honored and inspired by the deep love Christ extended to the world, and we take seriously the calling to be the body of Christ today. Forgive us when we disappoint and fail you, and guide us back to a place of trust and faithful living. Grant us the vision to see the world as you see it, with love and compassion for each creature and all of your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray to you. . . 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. Sharing Jesus’ Last Meal Broken for Me (Janet Lunt) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0uHfUO1Vlw Chorus Broken for me Broken for you The body of Jesus Broken for you Verse 1 He offered His body He poured out His soul Jesus was broken That we might be whole Verse 2 Come to my table And with me dine Eat of my bread And drink of my wine Verse 3 This is my body Given for you Eat it remembering I died for you Verse 4 This is my blood I shed for you For your forgiveness Making you new (found on https://digitalsongsandhymns.com/songs/8631) 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. The Last Meal: When the time was right, God sent Jesus to be among us. Born into this life, seeing God’s grace revealed in all things, he laughed with those who laughed, and mourned with those who mourned. In love, he healed the sick, he welcomed the outcast, he challenged those in power, and the structures that kept them there. And he called us back to God’s love. In the power of the Holy Spirit, the Christ laughs and cries, heals and welcomes, challenges and loves, again and again and again. On the night before he was taken to be tortured to death on a cross, Jesus sat with his disciples, and ate the Passover meal, a meal of remembrance, with them. Jesus took a loaf of bread, asked God’s blessing upon it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: (lift and break your bread) “Take this – all of you – and eat it. This is my body, given for you. Each time you eat it, remember me.” Close to the meal’s end, he took a cup filled with wine, asked God’s blessing upon it, and gave it to his disciples saying: (lift your “wine”) “Take this – all of you – and drink it. This is my promise in my life’s blood - poured out for you and for the world.” “Each time you drink it, remember me.” And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Holy God, pour out your Holy Spirit on each of us as we separately gather in your name, and on these gifts of bread and the vine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. By your Spirit, make us one with Christ and one with each other, as we minister to those all around us, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit and all your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen. You may partake of your bread and “wine,” giving thanks to God: the body of Christ broken for you; the blood of Christ shed for you. Amen. Closing Prayer: Inspire our hearts, O God, to follow where Christ walked, for Christ has marked us as his own. Let us all take new willingness to carry our cross and be led through sacrifice and suffering, but also to the glory and triumph of the Risen Life of the Savior. Grant us all your good graces, through Christ our Lord Amen. Alleluia (Jerry Sinclair) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2CjYtICAMs Prayers by (in order): John van de Laar, sacredise.com website; Rev. Kelly Burd, https://www.ucc.org/worship_worship-ways; from At the Foot of the Cross, http://catholicsensibility.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/at-the-foot-of-the-cross/ Words of “Sharing Jesus’ Last Meal” from Richard Bott, http://www.bibleclaret.org/liturgy/CycleA/june05/26_hugh.htm and “A Service of Word and Table II,” The United Methodist Hymnal 1989, p. 14 Picture of the Last Supper found on Pinterest Holy Week continues..
Wednesday Let us pray: Faithful Midwife, as you delivered the Hebrews safely out of the long labor of slavery, so, morning by morning, you draw us forth into the new day. Surround us with a cloud of witnesses, and sustain us by your powerful word, that, in the night of loneliness and fear, we, being weary, may not lose heart but push toward the joy that is to come, laboring with Christ to give birth to your promised kingdom. Amen. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High (written by Rick Founds) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj3djfLTWd8 (Petra, Christian rock band) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0nn8QT2-VQ (Hillsong United, I think) Isaiah 50:4-9a New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. 5 The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. 6 I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. 7 The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; 8 he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. 9 It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? Psalm 70 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) To the leader. Of David, for the memorial offering. 1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me. O Lord, make haste to help me! 2 Let those be put to shame and confusion who seek my life. Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire to hurt me. 3 Let those who say, “Aha, Aha!” turn back because of their shame. 4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” 5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay! Hebrews 12:1-3 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. John 13:21-32 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Beneath the Cross of Jesus (Elizabeth Clephane and Frederick Maker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g82KP4XXRRE Let us pray: Holy God, who calls your people to sustain the weary and protect the oppressed, uphold us in our concern and strengthen us, that we may not only speak our prayers but act on behalf of their fulfillment. Please lift up those who are on your heart Most Holy One, grant that we may be counted as members of the great cloud of witnesses who live with justice and compassion, and reveal your divine glory before all people. Amen. Onward Christian Soldiers (Sabine Baring-Gould and Arthur Sullivan) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCgYCCIjV1U (Mahalia Jackson) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa_qE3hpVas (church choir) Closing prayer: Troubled God, in every generation you call your people to contend against the brutality of sin and betrayal. Keep us steadfast even in our fear and uncertainty, that we may follow where Jesus has led the way. Amen. Prayers found on The Revised Common Lectionary, a service of Vanderbilt Divinity Library, https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=33 Picture of found on Pinterest Scriptures from biblegateway.com Our observation of Holy Week continues:
Tuesday Let us pray: Almighty God, Your name is glorified even in the anguish of your Son's death. Grant us the courage to receive your anointed servant who embodies a wisdom and love that is foolishness to the world. Empower us in witness so that all the world may recognize in the scandal of the cross the mystery of reconciliation. Amen Shout to the Lord (Darlene Zschech) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn5CMSSAx_c Psalm 71:1-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. 5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. 7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. 10 For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together. 11 They say, “Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver.” 12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! 13 Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace. 14 But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 The Message (MSG) 18-21 The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It’s written, I’ll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I’ll expose so-called experts as crackpots. So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn’t God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation. 22-25 While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God’s ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can’t begin to compete with God’s “weakness.” 26-31 Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don’t see many of “the brightest and the best” among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.” John 12:20-36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. What Wondrous Love Is This (US folk hymn, harm. by Paul J. Christiansen, sung by Fernando Ortega) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-UmemwpAvA Let us pray: God our strength, we lift to you the deepest prayers of our hearts that you will save us from the time of trial and comfort us in tribulation. Please lift up those who are on your heart Reveal your glory to the nations, that your cross may stand as a sign of the power that conquers human pride and confounds the wisdom of this world. Amen. Stand by Me (Charles Tindley, sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khDb3kbErTQ Closing Prayer: Holy and immortal God, from earliest times you have named us and called us into discipleship. Teach us to follow the One whose light scatters the darkness of our world, that we may walk as children of the light. Amen. Prayers found on The Revised Common Lectionary, a service of Vanderbilt Divinity Library, https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=32 Picture of woman clinging to the cross found on Pinterest Scriptures from biblegateway.com Want to Help Support RLUMC
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Even though it doesn't feel like it, yesterday started off Holy Week. Each day, I will send out readings and prayers, along with hymns and songs, to help us focus on who Jesus Christ is and what he did and is doing for us. I pray that we all will feel God's love filling us and renewing us each day as we make our way through this current situation. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May we find peace and comfort in God's Word, and the strength and courage to continue on in Jesus' name, our Lord and Savior. Monday Let us pray: Christ our God, your love is poured out in death for our sakes. Hold us in your embrace as we wait for Easter's dawn. Comfort us with the promise that no power on earth, not even death itself, can separate us from your love; and strengthen us to wait until you are revealed to us in all your risen glory. Amen. Open the Eyes of My Heart (written by Paul Baloche, sung by Michael W. Smith) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnqb7Vn4AEE Isaiah 42:1-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 42 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. 5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them. Psalm 36:5-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord. 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart! 11 Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me, or the hand of the wicked drive me away. John 12:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 12 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. The Word of God for the people of God; thanks be to God. Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (attr. to Bernard of Clairvaux; transl by Edward Caswall; music by John B. Dykes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3e95vb3KMA Let us pray: God, through Christ, has given us as a covenant to the people, to heal and to liberate through prayer and work. We gather the concerns of the church and the world, and hold them in our hearts before our creator and redeemer. Please lift up those who are on your heart: Gracious God, the hope of all in need, pour your Spirit upon us, that we may be instruments of your justice and compassion, a light to the nations, and a living promise of your new heaven and new earth. Amen. Great is Thy Faithfulness (by Thomas Chisholm and William Runyon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eQ1oal44wU Closing Prayer: God of steadfast love, light of the blind and liberator of the oppressed, we see your holy purpose in the tender compassion of Jesus, who calls us into new and living friendship with you. May we, who take shelter in the shadow of your wings, be filled with the grace of his tender caring; may we, who stumble in selfish darkness, see your glory in the light of his self-giving. We ask this through him whose suffering is victorious, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Prayers found on The Revised Common Lectionary, a service of Vanderbilt Divinity Library, https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=31 Picture of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet found on Pinterest Scriptures from biblegateway.com The following material was put together by Aimee (Millington) Munroe for our Sunday school children, but I think all of you may have some fun with these, as well. Please feel free to use and share.
Subject: Re: Sunday school lessons for our students of the Round Lake United Methodist Church Dear Families, We hope you are healthy and enjoying some family time. Unfortunately, we are unable to meet for Sunday School at this time. We have put together some lessons using video stories, crafts, and books. Click on the links below to begin your Easter journey. More lessons will be coming your way! If you have any questions, please contact Aimee at [email protected] God Bless, Aimee Munro and Carol Millington God’s Story: Jesus https://youtu.be/dZ9LmlgwHbA God’s Story: Palm Sunday https://youtu.be/cZ4gQniUVO8 Blessings, all! Happy Palm Sunday to all of you.
So…here we are. Palm Sunday, the beginning of what we call Passion Week. Although we know what happens at the end of this week – the good, the bad, and the ugly parts – we use this day as a day to celebrate and rejoice in who Jesus is – Jesus is King, of you and me, of our family and friends, of our acquaintances and strangers, of animals and plants, of all creation that we see and don’t see around us. As Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:15-17, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” We give thanks and praise to God for this day and every day, for this chance to rejoice. Join in singing of this familiar song: This Is the Day that the Lord Has Made https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llBHFsLaHfw This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice, let us rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made. That song comes from the psalter reading for today: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. As we enter this week, please re-read the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as King: Matthew 21:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Feel free to sing along or just listen: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (same hymn, two versions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idqSAMcpSUo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGRakE8KnFU Video of a palm procession in Jerusalem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYFoiDJnE40 Two videos about Palm Sunday - enjoy!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rdrcHLIs5c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTmbTuutBgg In the reading from Matthew, the author interprets a quote from the prophet Zephaniah (Zeph. 9:9): “Look, your king is coming to you” riding on a donkey. Later, he quotes Psalm 118:26, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” King. Lord. Although their definitions are slightly different, we often use the two words interchangeably when referring to Jesus. But what do they mean? Jesus is King, Jesus is Lord. We even combine them, as Paul (1Timothy 6:15) and John (Revelation 17:14; 19:16) do – King of kings and Lord of lords. Kings and lords are rulers over an area, over a people, over a nation. When we proclaim, as the people of Jerusalem did, that Jesus is king and Jesus is lord, we are saying that he is our ruler; he is in control of all things. But it goes further than that. When we repeat Paul’s and John’s phrase, King of kings and Lord of lords, we are commenting on Jesus’ title role over all creation. Jesus is thee King over all other earthly kings; Jesus is thee Lord over all other earthly lords. No one is greater, no one can compare, no one has, is, or will even come close! Jesus is the ultimate ruler over all things, over all creation – that’s you and me, our friends and families, the animals and plants, the fish and sea creatures, the stars and galaxies, the neutrons and protons – everything comes under Christ’s rule and he reigns as supreme King and Lord. The stars and galaxies hold their place in the skies because God through Jesus created them that way. The moon revolves around the earth and the earth revolves around the sun because God through Jesus created them to work that way. Our bodies move and breathe and have their being because God through Jesus created them to work that way. There is nothing that goes on in the universe, galaxy, planet, nation, state, country, community that God through Jesus has not created and placed here. What does that mean for us? As King and Lord, there is nothing we do that Jesus doesn’t already know about. There is nothing about our bodies, our thoughts, our fears, our joys, that Jesus doesn’t already know and care about. But although God is in control, that doesn’t mean we are robots or automated beings. God gave us free will – the ability to choose and make our own decisions – when God created us. So, even though God is in control, we have the ability to choose whether or not to follow this King and allow him to reign in our lives as supreme King and Lord. When the people of Jerusalem shouted “Hosanna!” at Jesus and laid their coats and palm branches on the road, they did call him Lord and King, but their idea of a supreme ruler was one that would overthrown the Roman government and allow them to live as they wanted. But that’s not the type of King and Lord Jesus was or is. Jesus didn’t overthrow the government, neither does Jesus overthrow our self-governance. We often think we have everything in control – we have decent jobs or a great retirement, we have cars and houses that are paid for (or at least almost), we have good educations for ourselves and for our kids and grandkids, we have health care and doctors and nurses that look out for us, we have money in the bank for rainy days – we have everything in control. UNTIL we are faced with some life-changing event that we never thought possible and didn’t plan for, something, say, like this CoVID-19 situation we find ourselves dealing with now. So much for having things under control. When faced with situations – with crises, chaos, uncertainty – how do we deal with not being in control? We panic, we fear, we look for ways out, for ways to hide, for ways to make ourselves feel better. But none of that seems to work, does it? When faced with these situations, we have no control over anything, not even ourselves. However, when Jesus is King and Lord of our lives, when we face these unknown, uncertain situations, we can rely on him to help us face it. We don’t have to panic, we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to look for ways out or places to hide. We can rely on and trust in our King and Lord, who, despite being royalty, actually wants to have an intimate, personal friendship with each and every one of us. So as we celebrate what this Palm Sunday means to us, reflect on what it means to have Jesus as King and Lord of your life. This last song is one that fits perfectly for today, for this situation we're in, and for the coming Passion Week. Praise You in the Storm, by Casting Crowns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUGwUgBvTU May you have a blessed Palm Sunday. Pastor Amy [email protected] 518-538-3697 "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." -2 Corinthians 3.5-6
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." -2 Corinthians 9.8 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 419 Dear Friends, We prepare to enter Holy Week amid the continuing reality of life, changed, and interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These indeed are days unlike any most of us have experienced in our lifetime. The same could be said for those who witnessed and traveled with Jesus from the parade of Palm Sunday to the reality of an empty tomb. The events of Holy Week were a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions for those following Jesus. From highs, to lows, and back to highs again, the one constant in that journey was the reality of who Jesus was, his dependence upon God, and his utter willingness to surrender his will for the glory of God and the purpose of God's will Jesus found in trusting God, he had all that he needed. As we follow Jesus, we find that He is sufficient, and as we trust Him, we too have everything we need to live out our call as disciples of Jesus Christ. I have been blessed by the testimonies and witnesses of God's people in Upper York trusting that truth. Through unprecedented days, you have been the Church in expected and unexpected ways. I want to thank the clergy of Upper New York for your outstanding leadership as you trust that God is sufficient. I want to thank the laity of every congregation for your response to the needs around you and participating in ministry as usual and in new forms. You are witnessing to your trust in the adequacy of Jesus. Thank you for being the Church! While we know God did not cause the events we are experiencing, I have no doubt that God is not wasting these days. God is using this season to draw us closer, to renew us, and to help us reimagine the ways in which we can be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus Christ in the world. I pray that we will continue to be open, first to what God desires to do in us and then, how God desires to use us in the lives of others in offering the good news of Jesus in word and deed. There are people around us and even we ourselves who are struggling with fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. Individuals have been infected with the coronavirus and are struggling physically. Families are dealing with separation from one another, with some experiencing the grief that comes in the death of a loved one. Our world is begging for good news! Our neighbors are looking for hope and promise of a better day. We know the one, we claim to follow, the one who is the answer to all those yearnings - his name is Jesus Christ! What an opportunity we have to let others know about the sufficiency of God through Jesus. I hope you will continue to do whatever is necessary to support one another, as clergy and laity. Stick together, look out for one another, build one another up, and encourage one another all you can. I encourage you to continue to offer to God what God has given to you, by supporting your congregation with your tithe and offering. Mail your tithe to your church or sign up for electronic giving. The needs continue in your congregation and community- the resources God has given you are a piece of what is necessary to meet the needs. Thank you for your faithfulness in returning to God what God has given to you. I also want to thank you for honoring and following the directives to not hold in-person worship currently. As disappointing as it is to not be able to gather with one another physically during Holy Week, your willingness to worship online is a gift of love to one another and your community. Our top priority must be the safety of those we have been called to serve among and with. We will gather together again in person, but for now, thank you for your creativity and participation in online worship and gatherings. I am praying for you and I will continue to pray for you. We want to assist you and your congregation in any way we can in this season of life and ministry. If you have a need, please let your District Superintendent know or reach out to me or another Conference staff person. While we can't promise to always have the exact resource you need, we can walk beside you and help you to discover what God has already given. When those early followers of Jesus experienced the events of Holy Week, they had in their mind a definition of life that would be found in following Jesus. By the time they got to the empty tomb, that definition had changed. It moved from an earthly focus to an eternal one. It moved from sufficiency found in power and authority to sufficiency found in service and submission. In just one week, Jesus changed it all! From a parade to an empty tomb, Jesus trusted and demonstrated the sufficiency of God and now invites us to do the same. As we move from Palm Sunday to Easter, as we travel through these different, difficult, and uncertain days because of the coronavirus, may we encounter our God who proclaims while seated on a donkey, reclining at a table, hanging on a cross and emerging from a tomb - I am sufficient - I am adequate - I AM ENOUGH! Believe it and then go tell someone else about it! With gratitude and love, Bishop Mark J. Webb Blessings, all!
Have you ever been lost in thought and staring off in space? You're not really looking at anything in particular or even really focusing on where you are or what you're doing. I think that probably sums up most of us these days, I know it does me. I get lost in trying to figure out what are the real "true" facts that we keep hearing/seeing and what maybe true but is being hyped up. Although difficult to find these days, there are other news-worthy events still happening around the world: it was the warmest winter on record, which led to an earlier spring; 4,000 lbs (2 ton) of drugs were found in a newly discovered tunnel dug under the border from San Diego to Tijuana; Harry and Meghan officially say good-bye to royal duties; a Van Gogh painting was stolen from a Dutch museum; North Korea fires two projectiles into the ocean; severe thunderstorms and tornadoes hit parts of the mid-west and southern states, more expected in the next few days; the North Country had a little tremor a few weeks ago, as did the Rochester/Buffalo/Lake Ontario region; a super "Pink" moon will appear April 7; a meteor shower will light the skies April 21-22; gun sales have surged; firefighters are still responding to fires and crashes, as are ambulance personnel and police; and New York lawmakers are still working on a budget. In the midst of all that we hear, no matter the topic, are we feeling lost - not knowing what to do, where to go/not go, who to listen to, who to believe? We certainly are living through a time of change, a time that most of us have never experienced before. Many of us remember the aftermath of 9/11 or Pearl Harbor (for those a little older than me), the effects of wartime, whether WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, or any of the other wars we've been involved in; some remember what it was like when polio, TB, and measles were common; it wasn't that long ago that we were fighting the Swine flu and Bird flu. But, yet, this time it seems different; it is different. We can sit and blame many people/countries/organizations for how this CoVID-19 situation has evolved, but in the end that doesn't really matter. What is important is how we respond - are we getting lost, are the stories we hear taking over our sanity, are we depressed, anxious or afraid? Or are we following guidelines and our own common sense, are we keeping ourselves busy with yardwork, housework, those "to-do" lists that we haven't gotten to, are we praying for our families and friends, those who are still working in the stores and hospitals, are we doing whatever we can to support one another? Are we standing firm in our faith, so that no matter what happens, we know that God never breaks a promise? That doesn't mean we'll have smooth sailing and nothing bad will ever happen to us, though. The Apostle Paul reminds us, in 1 Corinthians 10, "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it" (The Message). We will face all sorts of hardships, trials, sufferings, just plain bad things; we are human and stuff still happens. But as Christians and Jesus-followers, it is important to remember that God is in control, God knows everything that we face, how we feel, and how we're dealing with it. There's not a person out there suffering that God doesn't know about and you can be sure that God is right there crying and weeping with them. Over the last few years since I quite teaching, I've stopped listening to music (I know, weird, right! A music teacher not listening to music!?!?). Every now and then, though, I would turn on the car radio or YouTube, just to see what's new. I first heard the song "Way Maker" at one of the conferences I've been to; I didn't think that much of it then because it was brand new to me. But as I've heard it again, the words hit me: "You are here, moving in our midst...working in this place...touching every heart...healing every heart...turning lives around...Even when I don't see it, you're working, you never stop, you never stop working." How appropriate for this time in our lives - to be reminded that God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is here with us, working in us and around us, even though we don't see it. That is a promise that we can grab hold of and claim - "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age," Jesus proclaims (Matt. 28:20). No matter what we face, our Triune God is here with us, helping and supporting, crying and weeping, laughing and giggling, through thick and thin, through horrible news reports to great joys. So when we sit and stare into space feeling a little lost, remember God is shining light on you, Jesus is walking with you, and the Holy Spirit is giving you strength as you go. Attached is the link for the official live video of "Way Maker" by Leeland; the lyrics are below. May God's peace fill you this day and always. Pastor Amy Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJCV_2H9xD0 Lyrics: [Verse 1] You are here, moving in our midst I worship You, I worship You You are here, working in this place I worship You, I worship You You are here, moving in our midst I worship You, I worship You You are here, working in this place I worship You, I worship You [Chorus] You are Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are You are Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are [Verse 2] You are here, touching every heart I worship You, I worship You You are here, healing every heart I worship You, I worship You [Verse 3] You are here, turning lives around I worship You, I worship You You are here, mending every heart I worship You, yeah, I worship You, Lord [Chorus] And You are Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Yeah, You are the waymaker Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Yeah, sing it again You are, yeah Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Oh, it's who You are, Jesus, yeah Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are [Refrain] Sing that is who You are Oh, that is who You are (That is who You are) Oh, and that is who You are (That is who You are) My Jesus, that is who You are (That is who You are) Oh, we lift You up, that is who You are (That is who You are) My Jesus [Chorus] Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Yes it is, that is who You are Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are [Bridge] Let's sing this together, even when I don't see it Come on, even when Even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Come on And even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Oh-oh Even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working [Chorus] You are the way maker, yeah Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are [Refrain] Sing that is who You are Oh, that is who You are (That is who You are) Oh, that is who You are (That is who You are) That is who You are (That is who You are) Oh, that is who You are (That is who You are) Oh, it's who You are, my Jesus [Chorus] Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are You are Waymaker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are [Spontaneous] Oh, His name is above His name is above depression His name is above loneliness Oh, His name is above disease His name is above cancer His name is above every other name [Outro] That is who You are (That is who You are) That is who You are (That is who You are) Jesus That is who You are (That is who You are) Oh, I know that is who You are (That is who You are) Greetings, all! Since this is April 1, I thought we might enjoy some light-hearted jokes for April Fool's Day! From Reader's Digest:
My dentistry patients are called and reminded the day before their scheduled appointments. During an office visit, one man was in an especially good humor and explained why. “My staff kids me about the high opinion I have of myself,” he said. “Yesterday your receptionist left a message that had them in stitches.” He related the memo his secretary had handed him: “Your crown is ready.” — Contributed by Michael M. Stryker Our manager at the restaurant where I worked was a much beloved, jovial man. But there was one subject you didn’t dare discuss in front of him — his height. Or, should I say, his lack of it. One day, he stormed through the door and announced angrily, “Someone just picked my pocket!” Most of my fellow waitresses and I were speechless, except for the one who blurted out, “How could anyone stoop so low?” — Contributed by Bette Moeggenborg Shortly after graduating from veterinary school, I rode with my mother in the Michigan Trail Riders’ annual trek across state. Late one afternoon, I was summoned to look at a horse that had reared up and flipped over in his trailer. Fortunately the horse was not seriously injured, but some lacerations needed stitching. As I worked, I heard my mother chatting with the perturbed owner. “Don’t worry, sir,” she said. “My daughter’s a great vet. She’ll fix your horse up just fine.” “That’s good to hear,” said the man. “How long has she been a vet?” “A week,” replied my mother, proudly. Then hastily she added, “But she’s been embroidering since she was eight years old.” — Contributed by Mary Ellen Linn From http://www.greatcleanjokes.com/ : Harry walked over to the Priest after services, “You know Father, I am really stuck in a quandary I would like to attend church next week but I just can’t miss the big game next Sunday, it’s just out of the question.” “Oh Harry Harry” said the Priest putting his arm around Harry, “don’t you know? that’s what recorders are for.” Harry’s face lit up “you mean I could record your sermon?” A friend of mine was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the vicar was standing at the door, as always , to shake hands with the worshipers. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside. The vicar said to him, “You need to join the army of the Lord.” My friend replied, “I’m already in the army of the Lord, Father.”So the vicar inquired, “Then how come I only see you at Christmas and at Easter?” My friend whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.” Knock Knock Who is there? Broken pencil Broken pencil who? Ah never mind. it’s a pointless joke. Knock Knock! Who’s there? Dewey. Dewey who? Dewey have to keep saying these jokes! ENJOY! Pastor Amy |
ZOOM WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY @ 11 AM To join by phone, dial (929) 205-6099 and enter the meeting ID and password below: Meeting ID: 876 1875 9099 Password 333 PrayerGracious Loving Lord, please keep all of your children safe in these trying times. Guide us. Open our ears to hear, our eyes to see, our minds to understand and our hearts to know and be your love to others. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Want to support RLUMC and our missions? Donate Today
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September 2023
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