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This week's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word
PRELUDE ANNOUNCEMENTS Choir CALL TO WORSHIP P: God is calling us today. L: Why is God calling us? P: To be the church, people united by God in faith. L: For what purpose would God do such a thing? P: Because God has given each member a gift to share, so that if we all come together and lean on one another, then we can become all that God has called us to be. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
*HYMN Blest Be the Tie that Binds # 306
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) We confess to you, renewing Spirit, that we confuse unity with uniformity and diversity with divisiveness. We speak and behave as if being a part of your family means assimilating others to our way of living. We deny and destroy the beauty you created in each person. We long to change these patterns, O Creator, but we do not know how. Teach us to value challenge. Help us to see strength in difference. And empower us to build your kingdom in creativity and love. Amen. *Time of silent prayer. *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (580) *Passing the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE READING Psalm: 23 Debbie Mary Acts 2: 42-47 L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God! SERMON “KOINONIA” *HYMN Called as Partners In Christ’s Service *761 APOSTLES CREED Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Prayers of the people Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN Here In This Place *401 BENEDICTION Choir POSTLUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. We need special prayers for Keith McGill. He is doing better and was moved to Southmont, if you want to send him a card, the address is Room 317, 835 S Main St., Washington, PA 15301 I was told he enjoys having visitors….. Linda Rice of Upper Buffalo Church sent an invitation to join them for a CPR and AED class on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. If interested, please call Linda Rice at 724-345-3594. She needs to know a week in advance to let the instructor know how many are coming to the class. The cost of the class is $10.00 a person. You may pay the night of the class. Don’t forget next Sunday, May 7th is our monthly Covered Dish. It will be the last one till fall. If anyone in the congregation would like to join in and read a scripture, please let Don Herschell or Diana know so they can relate it to the speaker. He will then let Don or Diana know which scripture they should read for the following Sunday.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Jean Westfall, Ed Horne, Taylor Shrontz Kopacko, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Clutter Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton, Susan Paul, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, Billie Wilson, John O’Hara, Keith McGill
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not hidden the truth from us, but revealed it in Your Word. Thank You that I am part of that great cloud of Church-age believers who are witnesses to the truth of the glorious gospel of grace, which was started at Pentecost and which has spread to every nation and tribe, people, and language. Thank You that I have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit and baptized into the Body of Christ, which had its beginning in that special room on that first day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was sent to be the permanent, indwelling Helper for all Christians. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Acts 1:1-11.
The book of Acts, written by Luke, begins with a flashback. It is part two of his writings. The gospel of Luke is about Jesus and the book of Acts is about the church. It may surprise you to know that Luke is a Gentile and wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else. His writings are very detailed and can be corroborated with historical details. Although historians believe that the name Theophilus means anyone who loves God; we simply do not know.
Verse 8 is Luke’s version of the great commandment found in Matthew chapter 28. “Go to the ends of the earth and be my witnesses.” Although these verses are different, they convey the same message and that message applies to Christians today. As modern disciples we respond differently. Some of us become missionaries, others find fulfillment in supporting the missions of our church and the larger missions of the Synod or those of Louisville. What matters is that we walk the walk and talk the talk. It matters that we are concerned for those who do not know Jesus. Our love for others matters. Our sacrifices will never be as great as Jesus, but our obedience and small attempts are pleasing God. 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may we be the generation that finally fulfills your desire to share our witness about your Son with all the people of the earth. May your Holy Spirit give us strength and courage to work toward this goal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Thought to Remember The gospel must be spread NOW
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 2:1-8, 14-24, 37-40.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Announcements Choir CALL TO WORSHIP Rise and greet the morning. Cast off your sleep and doubt. Arise, meet the risen Christ. Who comforts our grieving hearts, Who encourages our faltering steps, Who splinters us with laughter, Who wrinkles us with compassion, Who raises us to heaven, Who knows us as we shall be fully known. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
* HYMN “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” # 260
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Merciful Savior, although blind, we think we see. We are blind to Your presence among us in those who are poor and lonely. We have made invisible those who are in mental or emotional need. We look away from the refugee, the hungry, the homeless in the midst of overwhelming need. We convince ourselves that You came to save people just like us, and therefore, what concerns us must concern You. For our self-focus, Lord, we ask your forgiveness. For our lack of compassion and our complicity in the inequalities between peoples, forgive us. Open our eyes and our hearts to see the truth and turn us away from ourselves that we might desire and pursue your way of righteousness, justice, and peace. We thank You for Your mercy, O Christ. Amen. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (Hymnal page 581) *Passing the Peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19 Don Herschell Luke 24: 13 - 35 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! Sermon “Being Fully Known” *HYMN “Open My Eyes, That I May See” # 451 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Be Still, My Soul” #819 *Benediction Choir Postlude
Good morning!
We are so happy you chose to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for not abandoning us to our mistakes, but for reaching out instead to bring us home. Help cleanse me of my sin and help me accept your mercy without shame. Thank you for the love you have poured out for me and all of your children. Help me live out of that love today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Today's lesson is on John 21:15-19.
This lesson picks up immediately where the previous lesson left off when Jesus cooks breakfast for some of the disciples who were fishing. We note that the focus narrows from the disciples in general to Peter specifically. But keep in mind that as Jesus and Simon Peter speak, they are still in the presence of the others, including John.
The New Testament testifies in various ways to Peter's unique and ongoing role in Jesus' ministry and in the earliest life of the church. Along with Paul, Peter stands out among the apostles in terms of his fame and influence. Peter was one of the three apostles considered by Paul to be “pillars”of the church. Peter emerged early on as a leader, bold in word and deed. He was among the first to recognize that when Jesus told his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations”, he really did mean to go to Gentiles without requiring them to take up Jewish practices before accepting him. In Acts 10 it tells of the vision that Peter had about the unclean food that God had told him to eat. While Peter was wondering about the meaning of this vision, the men sent by Cornelius the Centaurian who had seen an angel who told him to send for Peter to come to Cornelius house. While Peter was there the Holy Spirit came upon all that was there to hear his message just the same as the Holy Spirit had came upon them on Pentecost. Peter's influence resounded throughout the church. The impact of the events of today's text are therefore incalculable . Jesus asked Peter “Do you love me more that these?” Peter had overtly denied Jesus while Jesus was on trial. One explanation for Jesus question is simple redemption. This understanding was widespread in ancient Christian interpretation. Jesus was giving Peter the opportunity to repent of his betrayal and reaffirm his love for and devotion to Jesus. Jesus question as a call for repentance and redemption also refutes the idea that Jesus required affirmation from Peter, as though Jesus did not know Peter loved him or that Jesus was unsure of Peter's loyalty. Dovetailing with the above two explanations is one more concerned with Peter's prominent role in the first century church. Even though all of Jesus' disciples abandoned him with the exception of John, Peter's denial stands out as particularly grievous. Peter had boldly proclaimed that he would not betrayed Jesus even if others did, making his denials stand out . How, then, could Peter become arguably the most influential of the Twelve? How could he, who did not just run but verbally and empathically denied Jesus, become a faithful leader? John's inclusion of the series of questions and answers between Jesus and Peter more than justifies the position that Peter would hold. Though it is possible that Jesus was asking whether Peter loved him more than Peter loved the other disciples or his fishing profession it probably means that Jesus was asking if Peter loved him more than the other disciples did. More than a comparison between the states of their hearts-clearly a task Peter was not qualified to answer- the question was about the depth of Peter's own love. Did Peter's experience deepen his love for Christ or shatter it? If Peter loved Christ more than the others did, would Peter be prepared to do as Jesus would command? We might ask ourselves the same question following sinful failures. Though the word repentance is not used here, Peter's response clearly illustrates it. His response was an important step in repairing his relationship with Jesus. Note that Jesus approached Peter; similarly, Jesus approached us before we even knew him. Romans 5:8. Peter may have felt himself on unsteady footing with Jesus. Jesus question allowed Peter to affirm for himself and his companions the depth of his love and loyalty, despite his prior stumble. Jesus' question to us – whether he will be Lord of our lives, whether we love him-is also an opportunity to repent of whatever sins have prevented us from having the relationship we need with him. Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus had identified himself as the good shepherd. In that discourse Jesus contrasted himself with Israel's current spiritual shepherds, who acted more like thieves than caregivers. Jesus' self-disclosure as Israel's shepherd was a claim of rightful leadership in ancient terms and even a fulfillment of God's promises. For example, in Ezekiel 34 God rebuked Israels shepherds; the nation's political religious leadership. As with corrupt leadership the world over, past and present, these authorities were more concerned with their own welfare and even luxury that with the lives of the people they were tasked with serving. God promised to remove those shepherds and take up the job himself. He would seek and find the lost sheep; he would feed them and heal them. Ezekiel 34: 1-16. In Jesus, God has fulfilled his promise. Jesus is the loving shepherd who feeds and protect his flock. He demonstrated this by healing the sick and feeding the multitudes. Jesus taught God's love for the lost sheep and indicated his role in seeking the lost. With Jesus' time on earth rapidly coming to a close, the task of shepherding his flock was still his. But Jesus would ensure that his disciples were empowered to care for the fledgling church- and his work continues today. Jesus has promised he will appear again, but we don't know when this happen. In the meantime, do we wall ourselves off from society and proverbially sit at the window waiting? No. We too have task to fulfill. We are not all called to be apostles or preachers or teachers. But we are all called to good works in Christ and whatever other work we do-as parents and grandparents, as employees or bosses, as citizens in our communities- we do as working for the Lord. Until Jesus returns, we too can make the most time and feed Jesus' sheep. Jesus proceeds to tell Peter about Peter's suffering and death. In light of what lay ahead for Peter, faithfulness to Jesus required a love so great that it could overcome the instinct for self-preservation. Peter loved Jesus he would show this through his own ministry and death. Stretch out your hands is and allusion to carrying one's cross to one's execution. Someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go finishes the contrast. Peter's life would not be his own. In this way, his life parallel that of Jesus. 
Conclusion
Peter stands out as a model disciple for a numerous of reasons. First, Peter was not unique in his need for redemption. All of us stand before Jesus needing redemption, being incapable of accomplishing it for ourselves. Just as Jesus did for Peter, so also Jesus does for us. He made the first move toward our redemption long ago on the cross and continues to invites us to accept his sacrifice as the atonement for our own sins. God's grace is magnified by the fact that Jesus himself, the offended party, initiated the process. This is consistent with the biblical story in which God, who is always the offended party, initiates reconciliation with sinful humanity. Second, Peter redemption resulted in commission. Like Peter, we confess our love for our Lord and Savior. Doing so must result in our commitment to living lives that parallel Jesus' own; being more concerned about the will of our Father than with our own agendas. Though how we each live out Jesus' commission varies based on our circumstances, each of us is called to the life of faith. Third, our commission comes with knowledge of what our faithfulness can cost us. Like Peter, we accept the call with the clear understanding that because Christ suffered and we are his, we too expect the life of faith to entail suffering just as Peter's did. Sometimes this means physical suffering or even death at the hands of the world. Sometimes it means enduring shame and torment for righteousness' sake. Fourth, like Peter's pain, our own suffering comes with a promise. With our suffering it comes with a promise. When we suffer for Christ and for godly purposes, we bring glory to the Lord- no matter how humiliating the world might believe our plight to be. None of us today have had an encounter with Christ like Peter did. But when you tell the story of how God has redeemed you, what role do believers like Peter play? In whose redemption story do you (or should you) play a role? Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for making our redemption story possible. Help us to embrace living lives that parallel Jesus' life and bring glory to you, even in suffering. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you would like to read a good book about Peter, Lois would recommend “Simon Peter, Flawed but Faithful Disciple” by Adam Hamilton. It discuss how most Christians identify with Peter because he did have his flaws like we all do. It had some many insights that you might not of thought of.
Questions
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New Revised Standard Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 1:1-11.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Prelude
ANNOUNCEMENTS Choir CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 29) Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; The Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to His people; The Lord blesses His people with peace. INVOCATION
* HYMN “Rejoice, the Lord is King!” # 363
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, You shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry and pass by those who mourn. We choose to walk in the selfish ways of this world. Forgive us, O God of Mercy, and help us to trust Your power to change our lives and make us new. Usher us into the joy of abundant life given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (Hymnal page 581) *Passing the Peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 1 Debbie Durila Luke 24: 13 - 32 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! Sermon: “Hitchhiking With Jesus” *HYMN “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” #353 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology (Hymnal page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Lift High the Cross # 826 *Benediction Choir Postlude
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer (edited from a prayer found on the Sacred Space website) to get started.
Heavenly Father, we know that we have much, and we also know that everything we have of value is because of your love and your graciousness toward us.
Jesus, you meet us at the water’s edge of our ordinary lives. You accept us lovingly, you encourage us, you invite us to abundance. Nourished by the food of your word, warmed by the fire of your unfailing love, may we, in turn, nourish, heal and love those we meet today. For we ask it in Christ’s name. Amen.
Today's lesson is on John 21:1-14.
Introduction
The Gospel of John begins with a prologue that speaks not about Jesus’s lineage (as in Matthew and Luke) but about what God was doing through Christ from the perspective of eternity. It’s a wonderful passage chock full of meaning and grandeur about how Christ was the true light that came into the world to shine in the darkness. This same Gospel ends with what could be considered an epilogue, which is the 21st chapter. Chapter 20 ends with a statement of the purpose of the gospel, which would seem to be a fitting ending to the gospel. However, chapter 21, which includes our text for this morning, describes an intimate post resurrection story of a particular disciple’s redemption and forgiveness after Christ’s resurrection. Some scholars believe this chapter was added later by another author, but that is not necessarily the case. The lesson points out that no manuscripts exist that do not include this passage and that such epilogues were common in other ancient writings. In any case, these verses serve to show Christ’s continued power and presence after the resurrection and to talk about how Peter was forgiven and restored after his denial of Jesus during his trial.
The disciples fail (verses 1-3)
After Jesus appeared to Mary, to the disciples and then to Thomas (in chapter 20, not in our lesson), the disciples are back in Galilee, seemingly trying to figure out everything that had happened and what they should do now. Those present included Simon Peter, Nathanael (a disciples mentioned only in John), the sons of Zebedee (James and John mentioned in Matthew’s gospel but not named in John) and two other unnamed disciples. The disciples are staying near the Sea of Galilee. Suddenly Peter tells the others, “I’m going out to fish.” Some scholars take this as a decision that he is simply going to return to his former profession and put his discipleship behind him. That is not necessarily the case, though. It may simply be that, while they waited for Jesus in Galilee, they needed to feed themselves. Jesus had already appeared to them after his resurrection. With that in mind, although Peter might have been impatient and distraught over his own failure, it is hard to believe he was abandoning his discipleship so quickly. The other disciples went out with Peter to fish during the night. According to the lesson, fishermen typically worked at night on the Sea of Galilee. Fish would come up to feed at night and dive deeper as the sun warmed the surface. Therefore, nighttime was a more productive fishing time. Yet even though they fished all night, they caught nothing.
Jesus provides (verses 4-6)
As they were finishing for the night, the disciples saw a man standing on the shore. However, at this point they did not recognize it as Jesus. The gospel writers must be saying something about the disciples’ inability to recognize the resurrected Christ. Mary did not recognize him at the tomb. The disciples on the road to Emmaus did not recognize him, even though they walked with him for miles. There could be explanations for each of these events. Mary was not expecting to see Jesus standing before her, just as the disciples could not imagine it was Jesus walking with them. And just because it was early in the morning, that doesn’t mean the sun was completely risen, not to mention the fact that they may have been a distance from the shore. However, taken together, it seems strange that no one immediately recognized the man they had followed for years, after he was resurrected. Then Jesus calls out to them, asking them if they have caught any fish. Of course, they answer, “No.” So he instructs them to throw their net on the right side of the boat instead. He promises they will find some there. When they obeyed and did, in fact, catch a large number of fish, they realize this could be no one but Jesus.
‘It is the Lord’ (verses 7-14)
The disciple whom Jesus loved — which most scholars believe is John, the author of the book of John — shouts out, “It is the Lord!” As soon as John says the words, Peter puts on his outers garment, which he had removed in order to fish, and he jumps into the water and swims for shore. It is clear that Peter could not wait for the boat to reach shore. He had to get to Jesus in the fastest way possible. The other disciples stayed in the boat, weighed down with the miraculous catch, and slowly headed for shore. Peter, we assume, reached the shore first. On the shore they found Jesus beside a fire of burning coals, with fish on fire, and some bread. The burning coals harken back to the coals that were burning as Peter stood outside the judgment hall and warmed himself and denied he knew Jesus. Undoubtedly, Simon Peter still felt guilty about denying the Lord, and the smell of the coals would stir up those memories within him. In the last part of chapter 21 (not included in our lesson), Jesus has an intimate conversation with Peter and says to him, “Feed my sheep” and “Follow me,” setting him back on the path of discipleship. At this point, Jesus instructs them to bring some fish from their catch as well. So Simon Peter climbs back into the boat and drags the net ashore. We’re told that the net was full of large fish and that there were 153 in all. It seems unusual that the fishermen would have bothered to count each fish, and many have tried to find meaning in the number 153, but the only thing we know for certain is that there was a large number of big fish and that, despite that, the net did not break. This surely must mean that Jesus continues to provide for his disciples and that, when Jesus is involved, nothing will be lost. Next Jesus invites them to have breakfast with him. And the disciples know without asking that it is Jesus. Just as the travelers on the Emmaus Road recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, so the disciples become certain of Christ’s presence as they share a meal with him. This meal signifies Jesus’s acceptance of those who had abandoned him. It signifies his presence, even when we cannot see him, and it signifies his sharing his life with those who follow him. Even though Jesus would no longer be with them in the flesh, the resurrected Christ sends the Spirit to empower his disciples for their mission. John records three times when Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection. Those appearances gave his disciples the assurance that Jesus was still with them, that the grave did not hold him. And that gave them strength for the work that lay before them. 
Conclusion
Jesus is not waiting for Sunday to spend time with his disciples today. While you’re at work — whatever that looks like for you — Jesus still invites you to experience his abundance and spend time with him. How can you ensure that you don’t miss these opportunities? Prayer Our Father, we marvel at the abundance of life we find in Jesus. And we thank you for sending him to us! We give thanks in Jesus’ name. Amen. Questions for discussion:
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week's lesson continues from this week. It is on John 21:15-19.
Happy Easter!
He is Risen!
Our guest speaker today is Rev. Renny Domske.
Easter---What a joy to celebrate!!
Prelude Announcements: Choir Call to Worship: He is Risen! He is risen indeed! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! This call has rung out for 2000 years. Yet it is still as true as that first day! Christ has risen from the dead! Hallelujah! Christ is no longer in the grave! Hallelujah! The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. And by His wounds--by His stripes-we are healed! I serve a Risen Savior, He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. Christ the Lord is Risen today! Up from the grave He arose! Hallelujah! Christ Arose. He is Risen indeed!
Invocation
Hymn of Praise “He Lives” see insert Unison Prayer of Joy Lord, help us to live right. Before you act, LISTEN. Before you react, THINK. Before you spend, EARN. Before you criticize, WAIT. Before you pray, FORGIVE. Before you quit, TRY. Before you fail, GIVE YOUR LIFE TO GOD. Assurance of Pardon Response – Gloria Patri Passing the peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you And also with you. Children Chat Gospel Joy John 20:1-9 Choir Anthem Gospel Joy John 20: 10-18 Prayer for Illumination Exploring God’s Word Dr. Renny Domske “My Mamma Martha Now Playing Mary” Hymn of Dedication “Christ Arose see insert Apostles Creed Presentation of Tithes and Offerings Offertory—Doxology Prayer of dedication Joys and Concerns Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE Communion Hymn of Celebration - Every morning is Easter Morning See insert. Choir Benediction
He is Risen!
Happy Easter!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns together. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord God, You loved this world so much, that you gave your one and only Son, that we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice.
Let us have eyes that look upon your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world. All for your glory do we pray, Lord, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 24:13-27, 30-31.
Lesson Context
Today's lesson follows directly after the women found the empty tomb. Our book says that many Jews at the time believed in the bodily resurrection of the dead. This idea is rooted in certain Old Testament prophetic texts (example Daniel 12:1-3, 13). In the time between the Old and New Testaments, this doctrine was developed further. However, not all Jews believed in the resurrection (Acts 23:8). Jesus' followers, though skeptical of the empty tomb, would not have entirely dismissed the possibility.
The Journey Begins
Two of Jesus followers who had heard the women's report were walking to a village called Emmaus. Emmaus was close enough to Jerusalem that they would have made the walk in a day. Our book says we do not know the exact location of the village. This is the only mention of the place in the New Testament. The men were discussing what had happened. Our book says the word used suggests a strong debate. Jesus came up and walked with the men. However, they were kept from recognizing him. This could mean that either God obscured their vision in some way, or that Jesus' physical appearance was changed from before his burial.
The Travelers Lament
Jesus starts a conversation by asking what they are talking about. The men are surprised! How could this man not know about all the things that had just happened in Jerusalem? Ironically, that man was the only person who fully understood the events of that week. The two men explain that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. They said he was a prophet, and that there was hope he would redeem Israel. As we have discussed before, the Jews were hoping for a political redemption, which would free them from oppressive foreign occupation. By speaking of the only who was going to redeem Israel, the travelers likely believed that Jesus was going to save their people from foreign oppression. To see Jesus put to death in a horrifying manner brought them disappointment. Further, this was the third day after Jesus died, when Jesus promised his disciples that he would be resurrected. If these two men had heard of that promise, they had left Jerusalem without experiencing the fulfillment of the promise. The men recounted that the women found the empty tomb that morning, and that at least Peter (and maybe also John) confirmed the empty tomb. But the men had not seen their resurrected Lord.
The Stranger Responds
Jesus calls the two men on the road foolish. This follows the tradition of Hebrew wisdom literature, like the book of Proverbs, which calls out the folly of fools. Jesus referred to all the things our Old Testament said regarding the Messiah. In Jesus' day, the scripture would have been traditionally seen in three categories:
As the travelers reached Emmaus, they invited the unknown stranger to stay with them as an act of hospitality. When they sat down to eat, Jesus acted as the host by giving thanks and breaking the bread. At this point, the men recognize Jesus. Then, Jesus vanishes. Our book says that his being recognized and yet vanishing from the men's sight indicates both a continuity and a discontinuity with his physical body after the resurrection. The men then returned to Jerusalem and told the other disciples of their experience with the resurrected Christ. 
Conclusion
The travelers in today's scripture had an experience that brought about a personal revolution. Their saddened outlook was transformed when they shared a meal with the resurrected Lord. This revolution brought the two travelers joy, enthusiasm and peace. It also meant reordered priorities; they received a correction and were reminded of how scripture pointed to Christ's resurrection and the resulting revolution. Are you attentive to the ways the resurrection can change your expectations -- and your life? Prayer Heavenly Father, Jesus' resurrection has changed the world. Show us how we might better teach your Word for other people to believe in you. In the name of the resurrected Jesus. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New Revised Standard Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on John 21:1-14.
Our guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Prelude
Choir “ Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” ANNOUNCEMENTS: Call to Worship: “from Psalm 28” To You I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. If You remain silent, I will feel as if I have fallen in the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your Holy Holies. Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. I leap with joy as I give thanks to Him in song. The Lord is the strength of His people, A fortress of salvation for His anointed one. Save Your people, Lord, and bless Your inheritance. be their Shepherd and carry them forever.
* Hymn “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna #197
Prayer of Confession (unison) O Lord, we’ve heard the old, old story and we confess our Sin of indifference. Forgive our faithlessness, O Faithful God! We have apathy—see beyond our apathy. We have thoughtlessness—see beyond our thoughtlessness. We are self-centered—see beyond our self-centeredness. We make wrong choices—turn our heads toward right choices. My Lord God, I am sorry, Brush against me when I least expect it. Inspire us to tell the old, old story of Your love to all we meet. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance Of Pardon: Response – Gloria Patri (page 581) Passing the peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you! Children’s Chat Prayer for illumination The Word of God Scripture reading: Luke 19: 28 – 40 Matthew 21: 1 – 11 Sermon: “ Sent My Coat To The Cleaners” Responding to the Word *Hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor # 196 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of Dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “What Wondrous Love is This # 215 *Benediction Choir “There is a Green Hill Far Away”
BIRTHDAYS : Evelyn Wood, Bobbie Clifford
SYMPATHY : To the Family of Joyce Nichols To Family of Carol Horne’s Niece Jennifer Sovocool ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. Prayers are needed for John O’Hara. This afternoon is the last of the Lenten services. This one is at Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church at 4:00PM Rev. Terry Lucarelli, Preaching Ruling elder Dale Rush, Liturgist THE DISCIPLE SIMON PETER, JOHN 21: 4-19 Holy Week Services Choir Practice, Thursday at 2 pm Maundy Thursday, 5 pm at Upper Buffalo Good Friday, 7 pm at North Buffalo Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast 7 am at North Buffalo Breakfast and Worship 9 am at Upper Buffalo Worship and Communion 11 am at North Buffalo
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Ed Horne, Helen Provenzano, Jean Westfall, Lori Doxtator Walker, Ruth Buterbaugh, Ron Westfall, Taylor Shrontz Kopacko, Heather Waltz Simpson, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Clutter Donaldson, Mike Fisher’s co-worker Vincent, Marlene McFeely, Susan Paul, Chuck Harton, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, John O’Hara
Good morning!
Happy Palm Sunday! We're so glad you are joining us today!
When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns. Consider the past week, and any prayer requests you may have. If you would like, you can share them in the comments. When you are ready, get started with the prayer below (source).
Father, Palm Sunday is a reminder of the unexpected, yet fully anticipated, King of Kings. Jesus did not look like the Messiah Your people hoped for. The way He entered the Holy City of Jerusalem on that day, riding a young donkey as a significant sign of peace and fulfillment of prophecy, did not align with their expectations of a military conqueror. Much of our daily lives don’t align with our expectations, Father. So much of our lives don’t make sense. This Palm Sunday, let us embrace the unexpected entrance of our Savior, Jesus. He is Peace. Let us apply this incredible truth to our lives. Peace mattered to Jesus. He came to bring us Peace. He is peace. Father, how quickly we forget the Peace we possess in Christ! Remind us, minute by minute, as we navigate difficult days and trying times. Father, we need Peace to live life to the full, as Jesus died for us to live. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 24:1-12.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation. 
Next week's lesson is on Luke 24:13-27, 30-31.
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