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*Third Sunday of Easter* *Please stand in body or in spirit* ### GATHERING SONG *“This is the Day”* ### UNISON WELCOME > “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” ### ANNOUNCEMENTS ### MISSION MOMENT ### PASSING OF THE PEACE > *“The peace of Christ be with you”* > *“And also with you”* ### CHIMING OF THE TRINITY ### PRELUDE ## *CALL TO WORSHIP* *adapted from Ministry Matters* Great Spirit of God, you have healed our wounds. **You have brought us from paths of hurt and anger.** You have blessed our life that we might be a blessing to others. **Let us worship you in great joy.** Let us remember the ways you have turned our mourning into dancing. **Let us give thanks to you forever.** May this be a time of renewal and transformation, **as we praise and honor you!** --- ## *HYMN #456 – "I Come with Joy"* **Words**: Brian Wren, 1968 **Music**: American melody; arr. Austin Lovelace, 1977 **Tune**: DOVE OF PEACE, CM © 1971, 1995, 1977 Hope Publishing Company 1. I come with joy, a child of God, forgiven, loved, and free, the life of Jesus to recall, in love laid down for me, in love laid down for me. 2. I come with Christians far and near to find, as all are fed, the new community of love in Christ’s communion bread, in Christ’s communion bread. 3. As Christ breaks bread, and bids us share, each proud division ends. The love that made us makes us one, and strangers now are friends, and strangers now are friends. 4. The Spirit of the risen Christ, unseen, but ever near, is in such friendship better known, alive among us here, alive among us here. 5. Together met, together bound by all that God has done, we’ll go with joy, to give the world the love that makes us one, the love that makes us one. --- ## CALL TO CONFESSION (from *Gathered by Love*) > What questions is God asking us as we examine our faith and faithfulness? > Have our attitudes been rigid or flexible? Have we been motivated by self-sacrificing love or self-serving lies? > Do we live by a self-limited agenda or by a God-given mission? Surely we have much to confess. ## PRAYER OF CONFESSION (from *Gathered by Love*) > Loving God, we admit to attitudes that exclude rather than embrace. > We prefer to associate with others who think and act as we do. > We turn away from those who are different from us. > We identify some as enemies to be avoided or even destroyed. > Forgive us, God, for seeking to limit your family. > Awaken us to the limits of our understanding and the narrowness of our dealings. > Show us the better ways you intend and make us bold to respond; we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. ### KYRIE *Hymnal Companion C-4* --- ## ASSURANCE OF PARDON (from *Gathered by Love*) > Let the scales fall from your eyes. God has offered you new sight. > Unplug your ears. God is claiming you as a beloved servant. > Warm to the community that surrounds you. > God has given you siblings to love. > Reach out to feed and care and follow where Christ leads. > You are forgiven and claimed and sent. --- ## *GLORY BE TO THE FATHER #704* **Words**: Anonymous, 4th cent. **Music**: Christoph Meineke, 1844 **Tune**: MEINEKE, Irregular > Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; > as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, > world without end. Amen, Amen. --- ## SCRIPTURE READING ### Revelation 1:4–8 > **4** John to the seven churches that are in Asia: > Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, > **5** and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. > To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, > **6** and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. > **7** Look! He is coming with the clouds; > every eye will see him, > even those who pierced him, > and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. > So it is to be. Amen. > **8** “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” ### Revelation 5:11–14 > **11** Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, > **12** singing with full voice, > “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered > to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might > and honor and glory and blessing!” > **13** Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, > “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb > be blessing and honor and glory and might > forever and ever!” > **14** And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped. ### Acts 9:1–20 > **1** Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest > **2** and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. > **3** Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. > **4** He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” > **5** He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. > **6** But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” > **7** The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. > **8** Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. > **9** For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank. > **10** Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” > **11** The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, > **12** and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” > **13** But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; > **14** and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” > **15** But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; > **16** I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” > **17** So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” > **18** And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, > **19** and after taking some food, he regained his strength. > For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, > **20** and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” --- ## Anthem: *My Lord, What a Morning* – arr. Greg Gilpin > Traditional African-American Spiritual > Arrangement © Greg Gilpin – Lyrics may vary slightly depending on edition. **Refrain:** My Lord, what a morning, My Lord, what a morning, Oh, my Lord, what a morning, When the stars begin to fall. **Verse 1:** You'll hear the trumpet sound, To wake the nations underground, Looking to my God's right hand, When the stars begin to fall. **Verse 2:** You'll hear the sinner cry, To wake the nations underground, Looking to my God's right hand, When the stars begin to fall. **Verse 3:** You'll hear the Christian shout, To wake the nations underground, Looking to my God's right hand, When the stars begin to fall. --- **Note**: Greg Gilpin's arrangement often features SATB harmony, dynamic shifts, and optional solo lines. The lyrics typically stay close to the traditional spiritual, though minor variations may exist for choral phrasing or emphasis. Sheet music available from: [Sheet Music Plus – Greg Gilpin SATB](https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/my-lord-what-a-morning-22063170.html) ## CHILDREN’S MESSAGE **Harold Collier** (*Children’s Corner follows message*) ## SCRIPTURE READING ### Acts 9:1–20 (NRSVue) 1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” ## SERMON **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** ### Central Message Embrace divine transformation. Be open to changes in plans as God’s vision often exceeds our own. Avoid the blindness of self-righteousness and let grace reshape your worldview. ### Liturgical Focus Connects to the post-Easter narrative in *Acts 9:1–20*, highlighting resurrection as ongoing transformation. Ties in Saul’s conversion with the broader Easter theme of new life and calling. ## 🎙 Preaching Style ### Style Expository-Narrative blend. Walks through the biblical text with commentary and real-world analogies. ### Inclusion Uses relatable modern-day experiences (e.g., COVID) to bridge the ancient text with today's context. Could benefit from further inclusion of culturally diverse or global stories. ### Learning Modalities - *Auditory*: Strong use of storytelling. - *Kinesthetic*: Invites testimony and reflection. - *Visual*: Limited—could be enhanced with slides or images. ## 🗣 Intonation and Delivery ### Vocal Delivery Welcoming and empathetic. Uses inclusive language (“we,” “friends”) to build connection. ### Tone Thoughtful, hopeful, and gently challenging. Moves from narrative to exhortation smoothly. ### Engagement - Varied tone and pacing. - No explicit use of visuals or gestures mentioned in transcript, but sermon could benefit from them. ## 📝 Content Structure ### Organization Clear flow—introduction (Curtis Mayfield lyric), biblical exploration (Acts 9), modern application, conclusion. ### Transitions Smooth and logical (e.g., “Yet,” “So too…”). ### Support Tools - Repeated phrase: “Get ready for a change of plans.” - Could improve with summaries or bullet recaps to reinforce learning. ## 👥 Engagement and Application ### Audience Engagement Encourages listeners to share personal stories (“testify... scars”). ### Justice Focus Urges empathy and relationship with those we misunderstand or fear (Saul/Ananias parallel). Mentions American divisiveness but doesn't deeply explore systemic roots. ### Kinesthetic Inclusion Reflection prompts were verbal, but could benefit from written or active responses. ## 📖 Scripture Breakdown ### Passage *Acts 9:1–20* (NRSVUE) The preacher emphasizes that verses 7–20 are essential, not optional. ### Themes Drawn - Transformation of enemies. - Expansion of God’s vision beyond religious purity. - Divine justice and mercy. ### Interpretation - Clear focus on how God's grace disrupts plans and calls us into discomfort. ## 🧠 Logical Reasoning ### ✅ Positive Reasoning **Inductive Reasoning** - *Example*: COVID analogy → unexpected disruptions reveal faith. - *Strength*: Makes biblical truth relatable. - *Enhancement*: Add testimonials or global examples. **Deductive Reasoning** - *Example*: Saul’s religious certainty → spiritual blindness → need for transformation. - *Strength*: Strong logical arc grounded in scripture. - *Enhancement*: Support with other transformation stories (e.g., Jonah). **Balanced View** - *Example*: Recognizes both Ananias' fear and Saul's conversion. - *Strength*: Honors complexity and change in both individuals. ### ⚠️ Fallacies or Flaws **Hasty Generalization** - *Example*: “Too often, America divides us…” - *Issue*: Broad claim without evidence. - *Fix*: Add supporting data or clarify it's anecdotal. **Appeal to Emotion** - *Example*: COVID suffering used to evoke sympathy. - *Issue*: Can distract from logical content. - *Fix*: Tie emotional appeal more tightly to scripture. ## 📚 References - *Curtis Mayfield*, “People Get Ready” (via *Glory Road*, 2006) - *Acts 9:1–20* (NRSVUE translation) ### Suggested Additions - N.T. Wright – *Acts for Everyone* - Willie James Jennings – *Acts: A Theological Commentary* - Soong-Chan Rah – *Prophetic Lament* (for broader justice themes) ## 🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories ### Quotes - “Get ready for a change of plans.” - “Testify how your faith helped you... scars are evidence you survived.” ### Stories - Curtis Mayfield’s lyric sets tone for readiness and grace. - COVID experience highlights how sudden disruption reveals inner transformation. ## 🔄 Calls to Action - Share your story—even your scars—as testimony of faith. - Be open to divine redirection, especially toward those you misunderstand or fear. - Love without limits—refuse to weaponize righteousness. ### Suggested Enhancements - Add written reflection prompts or visual reminders in service. - Offer small group discussion or journaling on personal “blind spots.” # St. John's Nursery School 4 > Date & Time: 2025-05-04 10:48:17 > Location: [Insert Location] > [Insert Title] `Saul's conversion` `faith and transformation` `inclusivity of the gospel` ## Theme This lecture explores Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, highlighting Ananias' pivotal role, the necessity of faith and openness to change, and the dangers of rigid religious conviction. Emphasis is placed on the inclusivity and expansiveness of the gospel, obedience to divine calling even amid fear or misunderstanding, and the importance of personal testimony in spiritual growth and community transformation. The message also draws connections to contemporary experiences, such as the COVID pandemic, to illustrate the ongoing relevance of faith, adaptability, and communal well-being. ## Takeaways 1. Saul's transformation on the road to Damascus, from persecutor to proclaimer of Jesus. 2. The role of Ananias in Saul's conversion, demonstrating obedience despite fear and uncertainty. 3. Faith and readiness for unexpected change, both in biblical times and in modern life. 4. The importance of testimony and sharing personal faith stories, including scars and struggles. 5. The dangers of rigid religious conviction and the need for openness to God's broader work. 6. God's intervention and expansion of perspective, sometimes through dramatic means. 7. The inclusivity and expansiveness of the gospel message, reaching Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 8. Obedience to divine calling despite fear, misunderstanding, or discomfort. 9. The significance of suffering in Christian mission, as Saul is shown how much he must suffer for Christ's name. 10. The ongoing presence and guidance of Jesus after ascension, through the Holy Spirit and the faith community. ## Highlights - `"Keep your eyes open, your mind flexible, and your heart ready to love."` - `"God may invite our transformation when we expect it least, yet need it most."` - `"We must be willing to do difficult things and go to unexpected places and not to exclude our supposed enemies from the work God might do in the world."` - `"When you think you've got it all figured out, take it again."` ## Chapters & Topics ### Saul's Transformation on the Road to Damascus > Saul, who was actively persecuting the Lord's disciples, received authorization from the high priest to arrest followers of 'the way' in Damascus. On his journey, he was struck by a light from heaven, fell to the ground, and heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?" Saul was blinded for three days, neither eating nor drinking, and was led by hand into Damascus. Jesus instructed him to enter the city for further guidance. Saul's experience led to his conversion, baptism, and immediate preaching about Jesus as God's Son. * **Keypoints** * Saul sought letters from the high priest to arrest followers in Damascus. * A light from heaven blinded Saul as he approached Damascus. * He was blind for three days, neither eating nor drinking. * Jesus spoke to Saul, identifying himself as the one Saul was persecuting. * Saul was led by hand into Damascus by his companions. * Ananias, a disciple, was instructed by the Lord in a vision to restore Saul's sight. * Saul's sight was restored, he was baptized, ate to regain his strength, and began preaching in the synagogues. * Saul's transformation was both physical and spiritual, moving from persecutor to proclaimer. * **Explanation** Saul's journey to Damascus was initially to persecute Christians, but a divine encounter changed his path. The blindness symbolized his spiritual blindness, which was healed through Ananias' obedience. Saul's transformation is immediate and total, shifting from persecutor to proclaimer of Jesus. The narrative emphasizes that Saul did not see himself as a persecutor, but his zeal for righteousness blinded him to the harm he was causing, requiring divine intervention to expand his perspective. * **Examples** > Saul, authorized to arrest Christians, is blinded by a heavenly light and hears Jesus' voice. He is led to Damascus, where Ananias, despite his fears, restores Saul's sight. Saul is baptized, regains his strength, and begins preaching about Jesus as God's Son. * Saul's intent was to suppress the Christian movement. * A supernatural event interrupts his mission and renders him helpless. * He is dependent on others to reach Damascus. * Ananias, despite reservations, obeys God's command. * Saul's physical and spiritual sight are restored. * He immediately shifts to proclaiming the faith he once opposed. * **Considerations** * Obedience to divine instruction even when it challenges personal fears. * The importance of community support during transformation. * The role of suffering and vulnerability in spiritual growth. * **Special Circumstances** * If encountering someone with a hostile past, how should it be addressed? Approach with discernment, openness to transformation, and willingness to follow divine guidance. ### The Role of Ananias in Saul's Conversion > Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, is called by the Lord in a vision to restore Saul's sight. Despite his reservations and knowledge of Saul's reputation for harming Christians, Ananias obeys, facilitating Saul's healing and conversion. The Lord assures Ananias that Saul is a chosen instrument to carry Jesus' name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, and that Saul will suffer for this mission. * **Keypoints** * Ananias receives a vision instructing him to help Saul. * He expresses concern about Saul's history of persecuting Christians. * The Lord assures Ananias of Saul's chosen role and future suffering. * Ananias obeys, addresses Saul as 'Brother', and restores his sight through prayer and laying on of hands. * Ananias' faithfulness is highlighted despite his fears and lack of full understanding. * **Explanation** Ananias' role demonstrates the necessity of trusting God's broader plan, even when it involves risk or discomfort. His obedience is pivotal in Saul's transformation and the spread of the gospel. Ananias' willingness to honor Christ's command, even when he does not understand, earns him a place in the story of faith. * **Examples** > Ananias, despite knowing Saul's reputation, follows God's command, visits Saul, and restores his sight through prayer and laying on of hands. Saul is then filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, and begins his new mission. * Ananias initially protests due to Saul's violent past. * God reveals Saul's future mission and the suffering he will endure. * Ananias acts in faith, leading to Saul's healing and baptism. * **Considerations** * Faithfulness in the face of fear or uncertainty. * The impact of individual obedience on broader community transformation. * **Special Circumstances** * If asked to help someone with a harmful reputation, how should it be addressed? Seek divine guidance, consider the possibility of transformation, and act with courage. ### Faith and Readiness for Unexpected Change > The narrative emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unforeseen changes in life and faith, as exemplified by Saul's and Ananias' experiences. The COVID pandemic is referenced as a modern example of collective adaptation and prioritizing communal well-being. The message encourages telling the truth about one's experiences, sharing stories and scars as evidence of survival and faith, and being open to transformation when it is least expected but most needed. * **Keypoints** * Faith often requires adapting to unexpected circumstances. * Personal stories and testimonies are valuable in navigating change. * Transformation may come when least expected but most needed. * God's plans may disrupt personal expectations. * The pandemic is cited as a time when people had to pivot and prioritize health and community. * **Explanation** The lecture draws parallels between biblical events and contemporary challenges, urging listeners to embrace change, share their stories, and trust in God's guidance through uncertainty. Faith is most evident when things are not perfect, and God's love and presence help believers keep moving forward. * **Examples** > The pandemic forced individuals and communities to pivot, prioritize health, and adapt to new realities, mirroring the biblical call to readiness for change. * Unexpected events challenge established plans. * Faith is exercised through resilience and adaptability. * Community well-being becomes a shared goal. * Sharing personal testimonies, including struggles, strengthens faith and community. * **Considerations** * Openness to change as a core aspect of faith. * The value of sharing personal experiences of transformation. * **Special Circumstances** * If faced with sudden, disruptive change, how should it be addressed? Embrace flexibility, rely on faith, and seek communal support. ### The Dangers of Rigid Religious Conviction > Saul's initial zeal for religious purity leads to harmful actions against others. The narrative warns against the dangers of being so committed to one's own understanding of righteousness that it blinds one to the broader work of God. Saul's religious commitments become a hindrance rather than a help, and divine intervention is required to open his eyes to God's new work. * **Keypoints** * Religious zeal can become destructive if not tempered by openness. * Saul's campaign for purity causes harm despite good intentions. * Divine intervention is sometimes necessary to expand perspective. * Saul is an example of someone whose narrow focus on righteousness blinds him to God's broader mission. * **Explanation** The lecture critiques narrow religious focus, advocating for humility and openness to God's ongoing work beyond personal convictions. Saul's story illustrates that good intentions can lead to negative outcomes if not guided by love and openness, and that God may need to intervene dramatically to redirect zeal toward a more inclusive mission. * **Examples** > Saul believes he is serving God by persecuting Christians, but his actions are ultimately harmful and require divine correction. * Good intentions can lead to negative outcomes if not guided by love and openness. * God intervenes to redirect Saul's zeal toward a more inclusive mission. * **Considerations** * Regularly examine personal motivations and blind spots. * Be willing to reconsider deeply held beliefs in light of new understanding. * **Special Circumstances** * If convinced of one's own righteousness to the exclusion of others, how should it be addressed? Seek humility, listen for God's broader call, and remain open to correction. ### The Inclusivity and Expansiveness of the Gospel > The gospel message is portrayed as reaching beyond traditional boundaries, extending to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites alike. Both Saul and Ananias are called to participate in this expansive mission, which includes suffering and risk. The narrative emphasizes that God's plans often surpass human expectations and that inclusivity is a hallmark of the Christian mission. * **Keypoints** * The gospel is not limited to a specific group; it is for Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. * God calls unlikely individuals, such as Saul, to participate in spreading the message. * Suffering may accompany the mission, but it is part of the calling. * The gospel seeks the lost and also calls the powerful to justice, grace, and peace. * **Explanation** The lecture highlights the breadth of God's mission and the necessity of including those who might be considered outsiders or even enemies. God turns to both the marginalized and the powerful, demanding justice and inviting transformation. * **Examples** > God tells Ananias that Saul is chosen to carry the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, indicating the universal scope of the message. * God's plans often surpass human expectations. * Inclusivity is a hallmark of the Christian mission. * Both Saul and Ananias are transformed by their encounters and called to new ways of seeing and being. * **Considerations** * Avoid excluding others from the work of God based on past actions or identity. * Recognize the potential for transformation in all people. * **Special Circumstances** * If called to serve those considered outsiders or enemies, how should it be addressed? Respond with openness, humility, and a willingness to participate in God's inclusive mission. ## Topics & Conclusions ### Transformation and Faith 1. Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus leads to his temporary blindness and spiritual transformation. 2. Ananias, despite his fears, obeys God’s command to restore Saul’s sight, resulting in Saul’s conversion and baptism. 3. Saul’s transformation exemplifies how faith can emerge and grow through unexpected and challenging circumstances. 4. Both Saul and Ananias experience profound personal change by responding to God’s call, illustrating the power of obedience and openness to transformation. ### The Nature of Discipleship and Community 5. Discipleship requires readiness for change, willingness to face difficult situations, and openness to God’s guidance. 6. The story emphasizes the importance of sharing personal faith experiences, including struggles and scars, as testimony to God’s work. 7. True discipleship involves loving others, even perceived enemies, and recognizing God’s presence in all people. 8. The gospel’s reach is expansive, calling believers to bring the message to all people, including those outside their comfort zones. ### Divine Guidance and Human Limitations 9. Rigid religious convictions can blind individuals to God’s new work, necessitating divine intervention to expand understanding. 10. God’s plans often disrupt human expectations, inviting believers to remain flexible, attentive, and ready for transformation. ## SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS ## PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER *(debts)* ## INVITATION TO GIVING ## OFFERTORY --- ### *OFFERTORY RESPONSE #707 – "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow"* **Words**: Thomas Ken, 1674 **Music**: *Genevan Psalter*, 1551 **Tune**: OLD 100TH, LM > Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; > praise Him, all creatures here below; > praise Him above, ye heavenly host; > praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. --- ## PRAYER OF DEDICATION (from *Touch Holiness*) > We dedicate our lives and all that we have to the work of life, of love, of peace. > Receive our gifts and lead us in wisdom and courage. Amen. ## HOLY COMMUNION (*Hymnal Companion C-72*) > Celebrated by intinction; pre-packaged elements also available. ## C-72 — Brief Order for Holy Communion ### Sentences of Adoration **Leader**: God says, “Why spend money on what does not satisfy? Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all. Listen now, my people, and come to me. Come to me and you will have life!” --- ### Invitation to the Table This table is open to all who confess Jesus as the Christ, and seek to follow Christ’s way. Come to this sacred table not because you must, but because you may. Come not because you are fulfilled, but because in your emptiness you stand in need of God’s mercy and assurance. Come not to express an opinion, but to seek a presence and to pray for a spirit. Come to this table, then, sisters and brothers, as you are. **Partake and share.** It is spread for you and me that we might again know that God has come to us, shared our common lot, and invited us to join the people of God’s new age. **Leader**: God be with you. **People**: *And also with you.* **Leader**: Lift up your hearts. **People**: *We lift them to God.* **Leader**: Let us give thanks to God Most High. **People**: *It is right to give God thanks and praise.* **Leader**: Holy God, we praise and bless You for creation and the gift of life and for Your abiding love which brings us close to You, the source of all blessing. We thank You for revealing Your will for us in the giving of the law and in the preaching of the prophets. We thank You especially that in the fullness of time You sent Jesus, born of Mary, to live in our midst, to share in our suffering, and to accept the pain of death at the hands of those whom He loved. We rejoice that in a perfect victory over the grave You raised Christ with power to become sovereign in Your realm. We celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to gather Your church by which Your work may be done in the world and through which we share the gift of eternal life. With the faithful in every place and time, we praise with joy Your holy name. **All**: *Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty, the whole universe speaks of Your glory, O God Most High.* --- **Leader**: We remember that on the night of betrayal and desertion, Jesus took bread, gave You thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to the disciples, saying: “This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, Jesus also took the cup, after supper, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” --- ### Blessing of Elements **Leader**: Consecrate, by Your Holy Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine, and bless us that as we receive them at this table, we may offer You our faith and praise, we may be united with Christ and with one another, and we may continue faithful in all things. **People**: *In the strength Christ gives us, we offer ourselves to You, eternal God, and give thanks that You have called us to serve You.* --- **Leader**: Through the broken bread, we participate in the body of Christ. Through the cup of blessing, we participate in the new life Christ gives. **Come, for all things are now ready.** --- ## C-75 — Holy Communion Liturgies (continued) ### Sharing the Elements ### Prayer of Thanksgiving **Leader**: Let us pray. **People**: *We thank You, O God, for inviting us to this table where we have known the presence of Christ and received all Christ’s gifts.* *Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and let us show forth Your praise in our lives. Amen.* --- ## *HYMN #495 – "Called as Partners in Christ’s Service"* **Words**: Jane Parker Huber, 1981 **Tune**: BEECHER (John Zundel, 1855) 1. Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace, we respond with deep commitment fresh new lines of faith to trace. May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend, equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end. 2. Christ’s example, Christ’s inspiring, Christ’s clear call to work and worth, let us follow, never faltering, reconciling folk on earth. Men and women, richer, poorer, all God’s people, young and old, blending human skills together gracious gifts from God unfold. 3. Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission, in a small or global sense, help us bear each other’s burdens, breaking down each wall or fence. Words of comfort, words of vision, words of challenge, said with care, make us colleagues in our living, our compassion to increase. 4. So God grant us for tomorrow ways to order human life that surround each person’s sorrow with a calm that conquers strife. Make us partners in our living, our compassion to increase, messengers of faith, thus giving hope and confidence and peace. --- ## COMMISSION & BENEDICTION ## POSTLUDE (seated) --- ### FAMILY NOTES & REMINDERS - Nursery Nook and children’s bags available. - Please sign the black attendance pad to record communion. - Contact the church office if communing from home. --- ## **Birthdays This Week** - 5/5 Margaretta “Louise” Kennedy, Sabrina Sollenberger - 5/6 Trinity Burns - 5/7 Keiran Drexel, Pamela Reichelderfer - 5/9 Doreen Horn - 5/11 Christina Eslinger, Larry Wadel --- ## Worship Participants | Role | Name | |-----------------------|-----------------------------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Guest Organist | Kyunghee Reed | | Deacon in Charge | Mike Blumberg | | Lector | Judy Hodges | | Children’s Corner | Harold and Susan Collier | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz | | Bulletin Cover Art | “Who are We on the Road to Find Out” | | Christian Sisson, Saul Bass, Svetoslav Simov | --- ## Flowers at the Foot of the Cross In loving memory of **Sue Zimmerman Powell** Given by Merrill and Louise Powell with daughters Joan and Becky --- ## St. John’s Vision > We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ > as a congregation that welcomes everyone, > and seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth. ## St. John’s Mission > To grow in love of God and neighbor