1 Peter 1:13-21 
Be Holy
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

If you would like to sing along as Amy plays, the lyrics of the hymns are reproduced below.​

In the Garden

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

I’d stay in the garden with Him,
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

If you have joys or concerns that you would like to share, you can post those below. 

Remember that in this time of physical distancing, we can still connect with others. This is a great time to check in with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and our church family. If you need anything, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. For concerns that you would like included on the prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips. ​

Good morning! 

Please join us for a hymn.

When we meet together, we usually shares joys and concerns. Please take a moment to be thankful for any joys you have had this week, and to give any concerns to God. If you would like, feel free to share these below. ​

The scripture referenced throughout this lesson has been linked to an online text. If you click on a scripture, it will open up in a new window.

Our scripture for today's lesson is Isaiah 61:8-11 and Isaiah 62:2-4.

Lesson Context
Isaiah (ministered about 740-680 BC) lived in the days when Israel, the northern kingdom, was struggling against Assyria and was finally exiled from the land. For a time, the northern kingdom sent tribute to Assyria; however, Israel's King Hoshea sought an alliance with Egypt in order to end Israel's vassal relationship to the Assyrian oppressors. The consequence of Israel's rebellion against Assyria was that they were carried away into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 BC (2 Kings 17), never to be restored.

The southern kingdom of Judah remained, but Isaiah predicted punishment for its disobedience as well (example: Isaiah 3). His predictions were fulfilled almost a century after his ministry. God used the Babylonians as his instrument to bring down the monarchy of Judah and destroy the temple in 586 BC (see 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Habakkuk 1:6).

The Lord, in faithfulness to his covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:1-17), brought back the Jews from exile in 538 BC and reestablished them as a nation. He used the Persians as his instrument to accomplish that restoration (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-8).

​The book of Isaiah is typically viewed in terms of two large sections: chapter 1-39 and chapters 40-66 (see the Lesson Context from "A Just Servant" as well). Most of Isaiah 40-66 is conveyed in a poetic style. These chapters can be read as an ancient play.

Imagine a large stage with all the characters present. On one side of the room, there is Heaven with the Lord and the heavenly host present; on the other side, the earth and its inhabitants. Different characters speak, are addressed, or are discussed. The characters are the nation of Israel and the nations. 

Within Israel there are the righteous and the wicked, the leaders and the commoners, and the servant of the Lord. The Gentile nations are distant but interested observers. Usually they are talked about, whether for future judgment or for blessing. But sometimes they are addressed directly.

On two occasions, Cyrus, the future king of Persia, is specifically named (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-7). Isaiah is at times an actor onstage with the other characters; sometimes he is an offstage narrator to the readers, who are the theater audience.

Isaiah 56-66 begins with the prediction of the salvation of the nations (Isaiah 56:1-8). The text then describes the punishment of the wicked of Israel, especially the leaders (Isaiah 56:9-57:21), for their ritual and ethical sins (Isaiah 58).

But the Lord is able and willing to deliver the repentant (Isaiah 59). As a result, Israel will become a light to the nations (Isaiah 60) and embrace its priestly role (Isaiah 61).

Then comes a lengthy description of Israel's glorious future with the arrival of their triumphant Lord (Isaiah 62-65). The grand conclusion describes the blessings and ministry of the contrite and the ultimate punishment of the wicked (Isaiah 66).

Isaiah 61:1-11 is a sequence of four speeches that follow up on the Lord's declaring Israel a light to the Gentiles in Isaiah 60. The identity of the speakers is not always clear. But paying attention to changes in pronouns helps the reader identify different parts.

Verses 1-4: I/We is the messenger & Thou/Ye/You is Zion
Verses 5-7: I/We is Isaiah & Thou/Ye/You is Zion
Verses 8-9: I/We is The Lord & Thou/Ye/You is The Messenger/Zion
Verses 10-11: I/We is Zion & Thou/Ye/You is The Lord and the Messenger

Lesson
Normally, we discuss the lesson during our Sunday School class. Please take some time to think about and reflect on each question. If you are reading the lesson with someone else, discuss your thoughts together. If you would like to, you may post some of your thoughts and answers below.

• Which kind of change do you need to work on most: learning to love what the Lord loves, or learning to hate what the Lord hates? Why? How could enlisting the aid of an accountability partner help you do better in this regard?
• What adjustments do Christians need to make in how they view the concepts of legacy and heritage? Why do you say that? What secular stumbling blocks most need to be identified for improvements to happen?
• Which of these additional clothing texts motivate you most to praise their "tailor": Luke 12:28; Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:2-5; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 5:5; Revelation 3:4-5, 18? 
• With reference to 1 Timothy 2:9-10, how can you use your credit card statement to evaluate where your priorities need to change with regard to spiritual vs. physical clothing?
• Were God to allow you to choose your future "new name" right now, how would you use Revelation 2:17 as a basis for doing so? With regard to your former self (per Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22-24; and Colossians 3:9-10), in what one way can you live more victoriously now in light of your future "new name," (Revelation 3:12)?

Conclusion
A few years ago I went on an outing to a retreat center. Among the many activities was horseback riding. One of the wranglers told me two things about horses. First, he said horses can live 50 years or more. Domesticated horses live longer and healthier lives than wild ones because of care. Second, horses thrive when they have work to do.

We are similar. As we place ourselves in the hand of God, under his care and control, we live better: we are blessed. Whether our years be many or few, they are of higher quality. In turn, living under the control and care of God comes with a mandate to take Christ to the world (see Matthew 28:19-20).

• In what ways have your views of justice been challenged because of our studies over the past several weeks? What viewpoint do you continue to hold even though you sense God wants you to change?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, empower us by your Spirit to let our lights shine! May others see your Son in our good works and give glory to you. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Benedicton
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

Acts 2:40-47
​40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and was buried.
The third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
from then He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.

Please pray for the concerns mentioned by Pastor Gary in the video, and for one another for patience and hope. If you have other joys or concerns that you would like to share, you can post those below. 

Remember that in this time of physical distancing, we can still connect with others. This is a great time to check in with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and our church family. If you need anything, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. For concerns that you would like included on the prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips. 

Good morning! This morning, we are going to take a quick break from Alan. Please listen to this beautiful song. 

When we meet together, we usually shares joys and concerns. Please take a moment to be thankful for any joys you have had this week, and to give any concerns to God. If you would like, feel free to share these below. 

This week's scripture lesson is Esther 7:1-10.

 Lesson Context
The story of Esther is one of several in the Old Testament to portray the success of Israelites living in foreign surroundings. In a few noteworthy cases, these Israelites rose to influential positions (examples: Joseph in Egypt in Genesis 41:40-43; Nehemiah in Persia in Nehemiah 1:11; Daniel in Babylon in Daniel 2:48-49).

These accounts illustrate God's care for his covenant people. They also illustrate his resolve to use them as agents of influence even when (or especially when) they faced opposition, criticism, and ill-treatment.

The events in the book of Esther take place in the Persian citadel of Susan during the reign of Xerxes I, also known as Ahasuerus ("Uh-haz-you-ee-rus," 485-465 BC; see Esther 1:1-2). Key figures in the account are the close relatives Mordecai and Esther. They were part of a Jewish community that had remained in the area even after a decree in 538 BC allowed them to return home (Ezra 1:1-4; Esther 2:5-7). 

Esther became queen after Vashti, the previous queen, was divorced by Xerxes (Esther 1:10-22). Xerxes subsequently replaced Vashti by holding a beauty pageant, which Esther won (Esther 2:1-18). 

Throughout the selection process, Mordecai forbade Esther from revealing her nationality, and she complied (Esther 2:10). There is no indication that the king himself would have held her Jewish identity against her. Perhaps Mordecai was aware of a general prejudice among the members of the royal court in the larger community.

Eventually, a scheme to destroy the Jews materialized. Xerxes' highest official, Haman ("Hay-mun"), had developed a fierce animosity for Mordecai (Esther 3:1-5). This resulted in Haman's seeking an edict from Xerxes for the annihilation of all Jews throughout the Persian Empire (Esther 3:6). Haman secured this edict without revealing to Xerxes which people he had targeted for destruction. A date for their eradication was set, and the Jews found themselves in grave peril (Esther 3:7-15). 

Mordecai convinced Esther to act, at the risk of her own life, to save her people (Esther 4). A key part of his appeal was to consider the possibility that divine providence was at work. This possibility can be seen in his question, "Who knows but that you are come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Esther's subsequent resolve is seen in her reply, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish," (Esther 4:16). 

After three days of fasting, Esther went before Xerxes and received his mercy (Esther 4:16-5:2). She asked that he and Haman join her in a banquet, where she would answer the king (Esther 5:3-4). When prompted at the meal to offer her petition, she requested only that they come to another feast the next day (Esther 5:5-8). 

Conclusion
Like many people, I count the story of Esther among my favorites in the Bible. Though the book famously does not mention God by name anywhere, its many twists and turns strongly hint at God's providential hand with his covenant people. From Esther's selection as queen, to Haman's execution, to the Jews' deliverance -- the eyes of faith clearly see these events as much more than luck or happenstance. Rather, God was at work behind the scenes. 

We should therefore see God as the main character in the account. The actions of its human characters are of mixed quality. Xerxes consistently acted under the influence of alcohol and with a hot temper. Haman always acted in self-interest and pride. Esther and Mordecai seem not to have resisted Esther's participation in a contest that resulted in marriage to a pagan king (contrast Ezra 10). But God worked his will through all parties nonetheless. 

Like Esther and her relative Mordecai, we are God's imperfect servants in rectifying the wrongs in the world. But God can and does work through us nonetheless. There are two extremes to avoid: (1) thinking that confronting evil is all up to us and (2) thinking that confronting evil is all up to God. The proper path to take in any given situation will depend on prayer, Bible study, and openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must always consider the possibility that God has placed us in a circumstance, "for such a time as this," (Esther 4:14). 

There is no guarantee that every incident in the lives of God's people will have a tidy ending, as the book of Esther does. Evil sometimes enjoys temporary victories. The path to triumph over evil is often unclear, recognized only in twenty-twenty hindsight. But with Christ working in us and through us, we can live with the assurance that, "in all things God works for the good of those who love him," (Romans 8:28). 

He is Risen!

John 20:1-18
The Empty Tomb
20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Additional Scripture:
Psalm 118

If you would like to sing along as Amy plays, the words to the hymns are below:

Remember that in this time of physical distancing, we can still connect with others. This is a great time to check in with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and our church family. If you have any prayer requests or joys that you would like to share, you can comment below. If you need anything, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. For concerns that you would like included on the prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips. 

The scripture referenced throughout this lesson has been linked to an online text. If you click on a scripture, it will open up in a new window.

Our scripture this week is 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-14, 20-23, 42-45.

Lesson Context
The city of Corinth was located on the Isthmus of Corinth. That was a narrow strip of land, about five miles wide, that connected upper Greece with the Peloponnesian Peninsula to the south. This allowed Corinth to prosper as a trade center for goods coming from the Eastern Roman Empire across the Aegean Sea to the Gulf of Corinth on their way to Italy and Rome (and vice versa). Corinth became a large, wealthy city made up of a business class, workers, and -- sadly -- slaves. The city attracted entrepreneurs from around the empire, giving the city a cosmopolitan culture and a mix of religions.

The apostle Paul's first visit to the city of Corinth turned into a stay of 18 months in the early AD 50's (Acts 18:11). That was some two decades after the death and resurrection of Christ. Paul ended up planting a church of considerable diversity in Corinth, including Gentiles from many different religious backgrounds and Jews (Acts 18:8). After Paul's departure, the Corinthian church endured many self-inflicted problems (examples: 1 Corinthians 3:3-4; 5:1-2; 7:1-16). He wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth in AD 56 to address these issues. 

Perhaps the most serious of the Corinthians' problems was a misunderstanding of the nature and significance of the resurrection of Jesus. Paul understood that the resurrection could not be neglected; there could be no compromise about it. This issue is dealt with more completely in 1 Corinthians 15 than anywhere else in the Bible. For this reason, the chapter is often called the Resurrection Chapter. 

Lesson
Normally, we discuss the lesson during our Sunday School class. Please take some time to think about and reflect on each question. If you are reading the lesson with someone else, discuss your thoughts together. If you would like to, you may post some of your thoughts and answers below.

• What favorite memory-recall technique can you share with a fellow Christian to help him or her stay strong in the faith during trying times? In what way does 1 Peter 3:15 help form your response? Explain.
• In what situations should your personal testimony be included in a gospel presentation and in what situations should it not? Why? What biblical examples can you list for each of the two scenarios?
• Given culture's growing secularism, what are some ways you can remind yourself continually of the true of verses 13 and 14? When/how have you seen secular culture cause the most damage in denying Christ's resurrection?
• In what area of study do you feel most deficient: on the significance of resurrection in general, or the significance of Christ's resurrection in particular? What plan will you form to correct this?
• What additional steps can your church take in transforming people from being less like Adam and more like Christ? What could be your part in this plan?

Conclusion
Before and during the first century AD, there were instances of the miraculous restoration to life of a dead person (examples: 2 Kings 4:32-35; 2 Kings 13:21; Luke 7:11-17). But those people eventually died again. Jesus' resurrection, however, was different. He rose from the dead never to die again. Because he lives, we can be confident that we will live with him in resurrected bodies, never again to face death (Romans 8:2).

Paul's Corinthian readers had produced fruit and would continue to do so as long as they remained faithful. However, their faith was endangered by the choices some had made to abandon the doctrine of the resurrection -- and so the danger is with us. We should join Paul therefore in seeing resurrection as victory over humanity's greatest enemy: death. On the glorious day of Christ's return, we will be changed (1 Corinthians 15:52). As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let us anticipate the promise of our own resurrection.

Prayer
​Father God, we look forward to the resurrection of the dead, made possible by your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Benediction 
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

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He is Risen!
He is Risen Indeed!

Prayer:
Lord we lift our hearts to you.
As the dawn breaks, may we carry the unity we share into every moment knowing that we are one with the risen Christ.
Lord, we lift our eyes to you. As the sunrises, may this moment stay with us, reminding us to look for the beautiful colors of promise in your word.
Lord, we lift our prayers to you. As the dew air falls, may we breathe this morning in and know that like the earth, you sustain us, keep us and work within us always.
​And so, we lift our voices to you. We celebrate the greatest day in history, when Jesus rose from death, defeated darkness and bathed the world in stunning resurrection light. May we ever live to praise you!
Amen.

Christus Resurgens

Luke 24:1-12
Jesus Has Risen
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say:
    “His love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say:
    “His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say:
    “His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
    he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
    I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

14 The Lord is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory
    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
16     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord
    through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
    you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
23 the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 The Lord has done it this very day;
    let us rejoice today and be glad.
25 Lord, save us!
    Lord, grant us success!
​28 You are my God, and I will praise you;
    you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

Acts 10:34-43 
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached-- 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Prayer:
Halleluia!
Jesus is risen!
He is risen indeed!

May this declaration
resound not only in these walls
but touch the lives
of all we meet
and forever be
the truth of which we speak.
Your love,
once sown within a garden,
tended for your own people,
neglected and rejected,
now spreads its sweet perfume
in this place
and wherever it is shown.

Halleluia!
Jesus is risen!
He is risen indeed!

Thank you so much for joining us this morning! If you have joys or prayer requests that you would like to share, please feel free to comment below.

Luke 23:50-56 
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

John 1:1-5 
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A Spiritual Practice for the Easter Vigil

If you choose, light a candle, and reread John 1:1-5 above.
Reflect on and give thanks for times where you see God's light in the darkness.

Prayer

We praise and glorify you, Lord God, for Christ, our life, is risen and has conquered sin and death. He has broken the chains that bind us and freed us to live in his kingdom of light. May Christ enlighten the hearts of all who believe. May Christ transform this world that longs to see him, enlightening the hearts of all who believe, and restore all creation to its rightful place. Glory, praise, thanksgiving, and blessing to you, O God, victor over sin and death, now and forever. Amen. 

The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, a command or mandate. The night before he was crucified, on a Thursday, Jesus ate the Passover Meal with his disciples. This was where the first Communion was shared. After eating, Jesus gave his followers a new mandate: 

Prayer
How beautiful, O Lord, are the feet that proclaim the gospel.
Make us ready to follow Christ:
in word and action,
in service and love,
so that all the world may know the one we love and serve:
Jesus Christ the Lord. 
Amen.

Exodus 12:1-14
The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread
12 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.
12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.

Psalm 116
1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
    the anguish of the grave came over me;
    I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
    “Lord, save me!”
5 The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.
6 The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.
8 For you, Lord, have delivered me from death,
    my eyes from tears,
    my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the Lord
    in the land of the living.
10 I trusted in the Lord when I said,
    “I am greatly afflicted”;
11 in my alarm I said,
    “Everyone is a liar.”
12 What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill 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 servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
    and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill 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, Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

John 13:1-17 
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:31-35 
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him,[a] God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.
33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Prayer

Loving, listening God, ever-attentive to the voices of those in need, 
we call on your name so that we might live.
Now hear our prayer:

For the church that bears Christ’s name,
that the world may know we are his disciples
by the love that we have for one another.

For leaders of nations and all persons in positions of authority,
that their lives may be marked by Christ-like service and love.

For all who are oppressed and living in captivity,
that they may escape from evil and death
to find the land of freedom you have promised.

For those who are hungry and thirsty this day
and for those who have too much,
that we may learn to share your generous gifts, O God.

For those who are dealing with loss or facing death,
that the presence of Christ may bless and keep them.

For those who are working in the midst of this pandemic,
to care for the sick, to make sure we all have food to eat, 
that they feel your presence of peace and safety.

Answer us in the day of trouble, O God,
so that we may lift up the cup of salvation,
giving thanks for all your goodness to us;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Matthew 21
​Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’"
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

If you would like, you may sing along with the hymns as Amy plays. The words to each hymn are below:

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Hosanna, loud hosanna,
the little children sang,
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.


From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victor palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.

"Hosanna in the highest!"
that ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice!

Remember that in this time of physical distancing, we can still connect with others. This is a great time to check in with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and our church family.

​Friday, April 3rd was Evelyn Wood's 98th birthday. We are sure that she would love to get a birthday card from you. 

If you have any prayer requests or joys that you would like to share, you can comment below. If you need anything, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. For concerns that you would like included on the prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips.