Scripture Lessons for March 29

Our Lenten worship series concludes next Sunday with a look at the 

events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. 

Our lessons will come from Isaiah 53:4-9 and John 19:17-24.

First Sunday of Spring

Bob S. is today's scripture reader

Dale hangs the clock that Roy repaired

Nice to be back in church after last week!

Joys:

+Praise God that Donna D. is back in church for worship today, after her successful physical therapy.

+Praise God for the joy of today’s birthday lunch celebration for Donna D.’s sister.

+Praise God for the beautiful spring weather yesterday … although it is colder today. Reminds us that warmer weather is on its way to us.

+Praise God for the gift of music that brightens our spirits and lightens our loads.

+Praise God for Judy C.’ return home.

+Praise God for a great visit with grandchildren.

+Praise God for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H., for Korla S. who served as usher, and for Bob S. who served as today's Scripture reader.

Concerns:

+Praying for those impacted by the wildfires in Nebraska.

+Praying for healing mercies for Kraig S.

+Praying for Karnella S. who is dealing with medical challenges.

+Praying for the wellbeing of those who are absent from us this morning.

+Praying for all who are impacted directly and indirectly by conflict in the world.

Bulletin for March 22 - Focus: Maundy Thursday

The Last Supper by Sadao Watanabe
(In Pastor Charles' office at Throne Crest)

“The attitude that comes from selfishness leads to death, but the attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace.”  – Ephesians 5:8 (CEB)

Call to Worship

A table is set before us. A feast is prepared for us.

A meal of bread and wine, of meat and bitter herbs.
The Lord calls us to this supper of remembrance.
The Lord calls us to serve and to be served.
As we break the bread and share the cup,
our understanding may fail us.
But we will never forget Christ’s example.

We will never forget the full extent of His love.  

–  posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website.                   

Hymn: “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee,” #623   

Prayer:  

Holy God, we are caught in the tension of light and shadow, death and resurrection. You spoke the world into being, You illuminated the universe by Your very speech, then filled the void with life. Indeed, You have filled the void of darkness and death, the empty promises of the abyss, with new life and new creation. We look to You in the space between the world and the Kingdom, longing for the fulfillment of Your word in the work of the Holy Spirit and the reign of Christ, our Creator and King. Amen.                                                                                                                   – written by Thomas Turner and posted on everyday liturgy

Gloria Patri: #70 

Epistle Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 

Hymn: “Let Us Break Bread Together,” #618

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 26:20-30

Sermon: “Judas Received Communion, Too”

Communion & The Lord’s Prayer

Hymn: “Come, Sinners to the Gospel Feast,” #616  

Choral Amen

A prayer for Spring

A Prayer in Springtime

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For flowers that bloom about our feet,

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet,

For song of bird, and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

For blue of stream and blue of sky,

For pleasant shade of branches high,

For fragrant air and cooling breeze,

For beauty of the blooming trees,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

Ways United Methodists can talk together about war and peace

How are United Methodists to think about war? Should it always be condemned or are there circumstances under which it is justified? Is it a necessary evil, and if so, when is it wrong and when it is a valid response?  

When faced with difficult questions like these, United Methodists have historically relied on listening to one another as a means of hearing God speak and call us to action. Joining with members of a Sunday School class, small group, or getting together over coffee to wrestle together with big questions can open our hearts and lives to the work of the Holy Spirit.

The United Methodist Book of Discipline contains the Social Principles, which are a prayerful and thoughtful effort of the General Conference to speak to the issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation. Although the "War and Military Service" section states, "The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes," it also acknowledges that United Methodists are not in agreement about the use of force. Thankfully, we have one another to help us hear God speaking to our hearts. Honest and respectful conversations among people of faith are a means of grace that allows the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts through the words of others.

To help you facilitate such a conversation, here are some questions to consider:

• The Social Principles state, "The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict." Why do you agree or disagree with that statement?
• How does the story of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and resurrection speak to issues of governments, leadership, and violence? (see Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and/or John 18-19)
• The prophet Isaiah foresaw a day when, "Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war" (Isaiah 2:4 CEB). How does this inform your thinking about war, peace, and violence?
• When is military action justified? When is military action wrong?
• Is military action a viable way to stand up for those who are suffering? (see Matthew 25:31-46)
• What is a "tolerable amount" of violence?
• When is violence justified in one's personal life? How is that different? How is it similar?

Wednesday with the Wesleys

JESU! to Thee I bow

Th' Almighty's Fellow Thou!

Thou, the Father's Only Son;

Pleas'd He ever is in Thee,

Just and Holy Thou alone

Full of Grace and Truth for Me.

High above ev'ry Name

JESUS, the great I AM!

Bows to JESUS ev'ry Knee

Things in Heav'n, and Earth and Hell,

Saints adore him, Demons flee,

Fiends and Men and Angels feel.

- Charles Wesley

United Women in Faith: Bombing of Iran Must End

NEW YORK – In response to the United States’ ongoing attacks on Iran, UWFaith released the following statement attributable to General Secretary and CEO Sally Vonner:

“We urge our policymakers and leaders to support the War Powers Resolution and put an end to the United States’ attacks on Iran. We must pursue alternative routes toward peace, including the active involvement of women in peace negotiations. Violence cannot be the path forward.                            

These attacks have already resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens as well as many hundreds of innocent people in Iran. Reports confirm that the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school was struck during the bombing campaign, killing more than 165 schoolgirls and staff. Reports also point to indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, including damage to desalination facilities that communities rely on for access to clean water. Such devastation is senseless and horrifying, and we will not remain silent amid these grave injustices.

“We mourn and pray for these children and their families, and for all civilians who have been killed or displaced by these attacks. As an organization dedicated to the well-being of women, children, and youth, we call on the United States to end the bombing. Innocent people, especially women and children, bear the heaviest burden in times of war. They are most likely to be displaced, to suffer gender-based violence, and to be exploited.

“War also carries profound environmental consequences. Military conflict is a significant source of climate pollution and environmental degradation. The energy demands and destruction associated with war reinforce the urgent need to accelerate a just transition to renewable energy.

“We will not stop advocating for a just and lasting peace.”

United Women in Faith is the largest denominational organization for women in the United States.