March 31st Virtual Worship
| The Order of Worship |
|---|
| The Bells Call Us To Worship |
| Prelude |
| Call to Worship |
| Hymn of Adoration |
| Confession of Sin |
| Kyrie |
| Assurance of Pardon |
| Greeting of Peace |
| Gloria |
| Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1-8 |
| A Message to Children |
| Worship in Music |
| Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer |
| Hymn of Reflection |
| Sermon: He Has Been Raised! |
| Hymn of Parting |
| Benediction |
| On Eagle's Wings |
| Postlude |
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
The Lord’s Doing
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. ___ ___ _____ _______; ___ ___ ____ _____. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
[Reading above - Psalm 118:1-4, 14-17, 21-24]
The darkness of crucifixion gives way to morning light and life on Easter! The women disciples who witnessed Jesus’ death (Mark 15:40) and burial (Mark 15:47), return to the tomb for the custom of anointing a dead loved one. Instead, they discover an alarming mystery—the stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, a young man announces Jesus’ resurrection and instructs them to tell the others to go to Galilee where they will see Jesus for themselves. It is litle wonder that these witnesses to this Divine mystery fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, saying nothing to anyone.
Questions for Reflection:
Fear is an emotion that is clearly expressed in Mark’s telling of Easter. In what ways do you find this story and the resurrection of the dead alarming?
In the seventh verse of this story there is an acceptable option in translation. It could read: tell his disciples and even Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee. Why does the addition of the word even make sense in light of Mark 14:66-72? How does the word even bring you hope?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
The root word of evangelism is angel. Evangelism is being like an angel, a messenger of God, who throughout the Biblical stories tells good news and reminds people not to be afraid. Evangelism is telling our story of the difference faith in Jesus makes in our lives. The Easter story emphasizes the spiritual practice of being an angel who shares good news. Give it a try this week and keep at it. And remember, ours is just to tell the good news, we trust the living Spirit of Christ to do the work of transformation and growth.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
