What are we celebrating this week?

“Good Friday is not the dark that must unconditionally give way to light. It is not hibernation that carries within itself the seeds of life. It is the day when the God-become-human, the Love-become-person, is killed by humans who want to become gods -- when the Holy One of God, i.e., God himself, dies, really dies–by his own will and yet by the sin of humankind—without a seed of life staying in him. 

Good Friday is not like winter –a state of transition, no, it really is the end. Not about immortality does Easter speak, but of resurrection, resurrection from the death that really is death with all its terrors and monstrosities, a death of body and SOUL, of the whole human being. And here only one thing alone can help—God’s act of power out of his eternity. Resurrection comes by God’s act of power alone. That’s the Easter message!”

--Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Where did Good Friday get its name?

Our name for the Friday before Easter, "Good Friday," is most likely related to the English and the Dutch, the only two languages that use this term, which etymologists say is likely an alteration of the Germanic word, "Goddes," meaning "God's" or "Holy." That term does not mean "good." The day is called Holy Friday in nearly all other languages in the world.  

A similar process happened with the English word "goodbye," which was formed over time as a contraction of "God be with ye." English speakers are no more saying that "it's good to see you go" when they say goodbye than they are calling the day of Christ's crucifixion good when they call it Good Friday. Holy, yes. Good? Not so much.    

Good Friday, or Holy Friday as most of the rest of the world calls it in their languages, proclaims God's purpose of loving and redeeming the world even in the face of human rejection and cruelty through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is a day that is holy and makes us holy because God was drawing the world to God's self in Christ. 

This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.

A blessed Holy Thursday

The fellowship was wonderful

Plenty to go around

Shelley G. reads from Mark 14

Pastor Charles & Joyce S. celebrate communion

It's Friday, but Sunday's coming

Our church family gathered on a rainy evening to break bread and to worship together as we recalled the institution of the Lord's Supper and hear the Passion Narrative in Mark's account of the gospel.

The scripture reading, Mark 14:1 - 15:47, was read in segments by Kraig S., Shelly G., Gloria S., Belinda A., Roy B., Sandy D., Korla S., Bob S., and Ed S.

Thanks also to Renea H. for offering the music tonight.

Bulletin for Holy Thursday/Tenebrae worship

"Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you broadcast the death of the Lord until He comes.”  – 1 Corinthians 11:26 CEB)

Greeting                                                                    
Come, you with dirty feet, aching backs, and weary souls. We come bearing a heavy load of worry, frustration, and isolation. Come, you are hungry, thirsty, longing to meet the One who will feed you, body and soul. We come with emptiness in our stomachs and our hearts, desperate to be filled. Come to meet Jesus who kneels to wash our dirt and grime, who feeds us with bread and with love that never ends. We come to receive the balm for our anxiety, the provision for our hunger, the antidote for our loneliness. Come to receive a new commandment: love one another as Christ has loved you. We come to embrace this new commandment so that everyone will know we are disciples of Jesus Christ, God Incarnate who came to live and love among us. Amen.                                                                                                   

Hymn: “When I Survey the WondrousCross,” #298  

The Apostles’ Creed, #881

Gloria Patri: #70 

Confession and Pardon

Let us pray. Merciful God, we confess that we have failed to love as You teach us to love. We ignore the needs of our neighbors. We shy away from those   who are hurting. We meet the suffering of others   with trite answers to distance ourselves from their pain. We neglect creation, taking advantage of the earth’s resources without caring for it in return. We fail to love ourselves as You love us, tending to our own pain and distress by numbing our feelings instead of drawing close to You, the source of our well-being. Forgive us we pray. Free us to joyfully follow You into a life of love and service, building a world in which all creation can flourish. Amen. Receive this good news: Jesus, who comes to us, washes our feet, and invites us to sit at the table, is   the source of our salvation, saving us from our sins   and reconciling us to God. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Thanks be to God.                                          

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

(The pastor gives thanks and remembers God’s acts     of salvation and concludes) … and so, with Your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise Your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who come in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

(The institution of the Lord’s supper is recalled. The pastor concludes) … and so, in remembrance of these Your mighty acts in Christ Jesus, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.  

(The pastor invokes the present work of the Holy Spirit and then praises the Trinity, concluding): … all honor and glory is Yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.  

Lord’s Prayer

Sharing the Bread and Cup

"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?" - Psalm 22:1 (NKJV)

The Passion of Jesus Christ: Mark 14:1 – 15:47

Hymn: “Were You There,” #288

Wednesday with the Wesleys

“And first let us inquire, what is salvation? The salvation which is here spoken of is not what is frequently understood by that word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul’s going to paradise, termed by our Lord, ‘Abraham’s bosom.’ It is not a blessing which lies on the other side death, or (as we usually speak) in the other world. The very words of the text itself put this beyond all question. ‘Ye are saved.’ It is not something at a distance: it is a present thing, a blessing which, through the free mercy of God, ye are now in possession of. Nay, the words may be rendered, and that with equal propriety, ‘Ye have been saved.’ So that the salvation which is here spoken of might be extended to the entire work of God, from the first dawning of grace in the soul till it is consummated in glory.”

- John Wesley (The Scripture Way of Salvation)

Scripture lessons for Easter Sunday

Next Sunday, we come to that most festive of days on the Christian calendar: Easter!   Scripture lessons will come from Matthew 28:1-10 and John 20:1-18.

Pictured: The Resurrection (11th century mosaic), Hosios Loukas monastery, Church of the Katholikon (in the narthex), Distomo, Greece.

March draws to a close

Shelley G. is today's reader

Kraig S. is today's acolyte

Sign of faithful attendance

The cross is ready for Good Friday

Joys:

+Praise God for Sid’s safe return to be with us.

+Praise God for Harper worshipping with us today.

+Praise God for family invitations to spend Easter together.

+Prayers of joy for family member Haley who found the dress for her wedding next April.

+Praise God for a fun bridal shower with joyful, upbeat, friendly folks in attendance.

+Praise God for a fun, successful networking event last week for women entrepreneurs.

+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 Nancy B.’s great niece Jan who is dealing with a liver condition … and for all who love and care for her, too.

+Praying for Sandy’s nephew Jay who is back in the hospital; praying for all who love and care for him.

+Praying for the Sharp’s dear friend Billy H. in Texas; he is dealing with medical challenges; praying for all who love and care for him.

+Praying for Craig R., Judy C., Donna D., and Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.

+Praying for Pastor Charles’ relative, Joe P., a civilian firefighter in Dubai who is praying for a safe, calm, quiet night’s sleep.

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

+Praying for peace. 

Today in Methodist History

Today is the anniversary of the death of Charles Wesley.

From the Charles Wesley Society: During his adult life, Charles traveled, preached, wrote poetry and hymns, saw to the work of the Methodist societies, bands, and classes, and remained loyal to the Anglican Church until his death. He argued against John’s path of increasing separation from the Church of England that included ordaining ministers, sanctioning their offering the sacraments, and scheduling of worship services at the same hour as local Anglican churches.

He wrote more than 6,500 texts, including the poems and hymns. His range of poetic meters demanded the composition of new tunes and rhythms. His use of Scripture in his texts is unprecedented, with only the books of Obadiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Third John not used. The brothers published sixty-four collections of hymns between 1738 and 1785, many of which consisted of only Charles’ texts.

Wesley died on March 29, 1788, in Marylebone, London, England; his final hymn was dictated to his wife on his deathbed:

In age and feebleness extreme,
Who shall a helpless worm redeem?
Jesus, my only hope Thou art,
Strength of my failing flesh and heart,
O, could I catch a smile from Thee
And drop into eternity!

He was buried in the Marylebone Parish Church, London, an Anglican church. He did not wish to be buried in unconsecrated, Methodist ground; his gravestone reads:

HERE LIE
THE REMAINS OF
THE REV.
CHARLES WESLEY, M.A.
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 29TH MARCH 1788
AGED 80 YEARS.
WITH POVERTY OF SPIRIT BLESSED
REST HAPPY SAINT IN JESUS REST.
A SINNER SAVED THROUGH GRACE FORGIVEN
REDEEMED FROM EARTH TO REIGN IN HEAVEN.
AND LABOURS OF UNWEARIED LOVE
BY THEE FORGOT ARE CROWN’D ABOVE
CROWN’D THROUGH THE MERCY OF THY LORD
WITH A FREE FULL IMMENSE REWARD

Bulletin for March 29 - Focus: Good Friday

Byzantine mosaic, circa 1056 AD

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning? – Psalm 22:1 (NKJV)

Call to Worship – (based on Galatians 6:14) — from the Lutheran Church of Australia

God forbid that I should boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is salvation, life, and resurrection from the dead; by Him we are redeemed and set free. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us.

Hymn: “O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done," #287

Prayer: – Christine Jerrett

Now we know all is grace all is gift. You give us all good things: life and love; daily bread and water that quenches our thirst; friends and faith. Most of all, in Your Son, Jesus, You meet us with a love that will never let us go; You utter words of mercy and forgiveness that override the hurts and heal our brokenness; You offer new beginnings where we had    expected only dead ends. We give you thanks and praise for the mystery of Your suffering love that gives us life. We give You thanks and praise that You know our weakness and hear our prayers. We give You thanks and praise that all our dying and living is held in Your good keeping. Now we know all is grace, all is gift. We give You thanks and praise. Amen.

Gloria Patri: #70 

Lord’s Prayer

First Lesson: Isaiah 53:4-9

Hymn: "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," #301

Gospel Lesson: John 19:17-24

Sermon: “What the night revealed”

Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” #297

Choral Amen

Join us for worship!

Join us tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. as our Lenten worship series concludes with the focus being on the events of Good Friday.

Ask The UMC YouTube series

In the new series “Ask The UMC Shorts,” the Rev. Taylor Burton Edwards explains how apportioned funds are used for ministry. “Ask The UMC Shorts” is a collection of brief videos answering frequently asked questions about The United Methodist Church.

Visit this link to learn more.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

In order to this, we continually declare, (what should be frequently and deeply considered by all “who would not make void the law through faith,”) that faith itself, even Christian faith, the faith of God’s elect, the faith of the operation of God, still is only the handmaid of love. As glorious and honourable as it is, it is not the end of the commandment. God hath given this honour to love alone: Love is the end of all the commandments of God. Love is the end, the sole end, of every dispensation of God, from the beginning of the world to the consummation of all things. And it will endure when heaven and earth flee away; for “love” alone “never faileth.” Faith will totally fail; it will be swallowed up in sight, in the everlasting vision of God. But even then love, —

Its nature and its office still the same,

Lasting its lamp and unconsumed its flame, —

In deathless triumph shall forever live,

And endless good diffuse, and endless praise receive.

- John Wesley (The Law Established Through Faith)

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.

Scripture lessons for March 22

The communion table at Buckfast Abbey.

 

Our Lenten worship series brings us next Sunday to Maundy Thursday. 

Our lessons will be taken from 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 and Matthew 26:20-25.