Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
The tomb is empty – how can this be? May the good news of this story be that no matter how you arrive this Easter morning—whether you are steeped in grief, stunned in disbelief, or running in the direction of hope—resurrection is for you. This story is for you.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Matthew 28:11-10
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. We begin this week that stands at the center of our faith- the mystery, the love, the grief, the pain and the awe.
Listen as members of Faith Lutheran Church read the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
Accompanying Scripture:
Matthew 26:14-27:66
Death is not the end all, be all. The death of a loved one may sting but there is hope in the resurrection. Lazarus and Jesus walked among their people after being dead. Not sure we all will have that same experience but do know that Jesus’ love for us provides each of us a place with the saints that have gone before us.
Accompanying Scripture:
John 11:1-45
In this gospel, Jesus proclaims blindness is not sinful. All are created in the beloved image of God without limitations or ability and we need each other to be whole. Come hear the story of acceptance and be reminded of your place in God’s community.
Pastor CJ shared a sermon this week written by Rev. Duane Steele, titled “The Blind Man Who Knew Too Much.” Rev. Steele is a retired ELCA pastor known as one of the few totally blind pastors to hold a full-time ministry position. He served at Gladesboro Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hillsville, VA, from 1978 to 2010, later becoming pastor emeritus.
Accompanying Scripture:
John 9:1-41
What are you thirsty for? In our gospel for this week, Jesus offers an unnamed woman who has been ostracized living water and the whole community is transformed through her testimony. We too are invited to come and see Jesus – in the Word, in the meal, in the waters of baptism and in one another.
Accompanying Scripture:
John 4:5-42
We are in good company this week dear church. No question is off limits. No time of day or night is taboo. Like Nicodemus – we can continue to ask ‘how can this be?‘ trusting that our faith comes not from our own understanding but from God’s great love for us.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17 (18-2)
Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Tonight we begin our Lenten journey to Easter beginning with this ancient ritual of marking our forehead with ashes. While it may feel morbid, perhaps it is also an invitation to take stock of what really matters- what is really worthy of our time and efforts. We begin in this place where we are loved, we end in this place where we are loved- so what do we want to do with this in between time now that we know the points do not matter?
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 58:1-12, Matthew 6:1-6
Is God really with us? Will God provide enough food or a warm place to sleep? How do we know that God is trustworthy? Those questions can be hard to fathom for some but easy to relate for others. The good news of the Gospel says that God is trustworthy and we can put all our joys, burdens and sorrows in God’s hands.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Matthew 4:1-11
Today we conclude the season by celebrating the Transfiguration of our Lord, when Jesus went up a mountain and showed himself to be divine. Then next Wednesday we observe Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, as Jesus walks up another mountain and shows himself to be human. In the mystery of intertwined divinity and humanity we encounter Love incarnate for us and are reminded there is no place we can find ourselves in that God does not show up too. Dear ones, we are never alone.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2, Matthew 17:1-9
When the world may be feeling salty, be the light for others. In gloomy times, we can shine our light for others.
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 112:1-9, Matthew 5:13-20
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