# St. John's United Church of Christ — April 12, 2026
## Liturgical Context
### Christian Liturgical Calendar
Today is the **2nd Sunday of Easter**, also known as **Thomas Sunday** and celebrated as **Holy Humor Sunday** (Bright Sunday). This is part of the Season of Easter, which continues for fifty days from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. The liturgical color is **white**, symbolizing resurrection joy and the light of Christ.
Holy Humor Sunday traces back to the early church tradition of *Risus Paschalis* — the "Easter Laugh." The earliest Christian theologians noted that God played a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead. Easter was "God's supreme joke played on death." The Sunday after Easter became a "bright Sunday" filled with joy and laughter as people played jokes on each other, sang, danced, told jokes, and had fun.
This is also Thomas Sunday, recalling the apostle Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ one week after Easter (John 20:19-31). Thomas's honest doubt and subsequent confession — "My Lord and my God!" — models a faith that moves through questioning to deeper belief.
### Jewish Calendar
25 Nisan 5786. The community is in the period of the **Counting of the Omer** (Sefirat HaOmer), Day 11. This 49-day count bridges Passover (which began April 1, 2026) and Shavuot, paralleling the Christian journey from Easter to Pentecost.
### Ecumenical & Global Observances
- Risus Paschalis (Easter Laugh) — an ancient tradition observed across many Christian traditions
- Low Sunday / Quasimodo Sunday (named from the Latin introit: *Quasi modo geniti infantes* — "As newborn babes")
### Lectionary Readings (Revised Common Lectionary — Year A)
- **Old Testament:** Acts 2:14a, 22-32
- **Psalm:** Psalm 16
- **Epistle:** 1 Peter 1:3-9
- **Gospel:** John 20:19-31
### Connection to Today's Message
The readings and the Holy Humor theme converge on resurrection joy. Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts proclaims the risen Christ; the epistle celebrates a "living hope" and an "indescribable and glorious joy"; the Gospel shows Thomas moving from doubt to the most exalted confession of faith in the New Testament. The humor tradition reminds us that the resurrection is ultimately good news worth celebrating with laughter.
### Related Notes
- **Previous Sunday:** [[2026-04-05]] — Easter Sunday: "Fulfilling Imagination" (Lenten series conclusion)
## Order of Worship
[▶ Full Service Recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY)
*Please stand in body or in spirit*
### Gathering
#### Gathering Song [▶ 27:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1625s)
"This is the Day"
#### Unison Welcome [▶ 27:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1666s)
"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here"
#### Announcements [▶ 28:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1694s)
#### Passing of the Peace [▶ 30:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1857s)
*"The peace of Christ be with you" — "And also with you"*
#### Chiming of the Trinity
#### Opening Song [▶ 32:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1930s)
"How Great Is Our God" — Chris Tomlin
**Writers:** Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash (2004)
**Album:** *Arriving*
**CCLI Song #:** 4348399
**Verse 1:**
The splendour of a King
Clothed in Majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps Himself in light
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
> *Chorus:*
> How great is our God
> Sing with me, how great is our God
> And all will see how great
> How great is our God
**Verse 2:**
Age to age, He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead, three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb
Lion and the Lamb
> *Chorus*
**Bridge:**
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing, how great is our God
You're the name above all names
You are worthy of all praise
And my heart will sing, how great is our God
> *Chorus*
**Tag:**
How great is our God
How great is our God
How great, how great is our God
The whole world say it
The whole world say it
How great is our God
How great is our God
How great, how great is our God
#### Call to Worship [▶ 37:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2254s)
*adapted from Charlton United Methodist Church*
We believe in God, who made us in His image.
> **We live, we laugh, we love, because we are like Him.**
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Savior.
> **He had the last laugh on the devil when He rose from the dead.**
We believe in the Holy Spirit, coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Son.
> **Our counselor, our guide, our motivator — our joy!**
Forgive us, Lord, when we take ourselves too seriously, when we don't claim the happiness that is ours as your children, when we forget that you will have the last laugh in this world.
> **Restore to us the joy of our salvation, as we worship today!**
#### Opening Hymn #197 [▶ 38:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2323s)
"We Welcome Glad Easter"
**Verse 1:**
We welcome glad Easter when Jesus arose,
And won a great victory over His foes.
> *Refrain:*
> Then raise your glad voices, all Christians, and sing,
> Bring glad Easter praises to Jesus your King.
**Verse 2:**
We tell how the women came early that day,
And there at the tomb found the stone rolled away.
> *Refrain*
**Verse 3:**
We sing of the angel who said: "Do not fear!
Your Savior is risen and He is not here."
> *Refrain*
**Verse 4:**
We think of the promise which Jesus did give:
"That he who believes in Me also shall live!"
> *Refrain*
#### Prayer of the Day [▶ 41:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2471s)
*from the United Church of Canada's Bay of Quinte Conference*
**O Great Laughing God, we come into your presence with joy and longing to be surprised. We thank you that you have given to us the gift of laughter and delight. These things give hints as to the nature of your purpose for us and for all the earth. May we find that in giving up to laughter there is healing and hope and abundance and blessing. Tickle our souls with the brush of your Spirit to renew our worship and our living. Amen.**
### Word
#### Prayer for Illumination [▶ 41:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2516s)
*adapted from a prayer posted on RevGalBlogPals*
As we listen for your word and seek to follow your call, keep us mindful that you always have the last laugh. May we know your fire of love deeply in our being. May we be your love. May we bring your love. May your love reign as we rejoice with you this day, never taking ourselves too seriously, while always seeking you. Amen.
#### Scripture Reading [▶ 42:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2570s)
Acts 2:14a, 22-32; 1 Peter 1:3-9
##### Acts 2:14a, 22-32 [▶ 42:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2570s)
![[Acts 2#14]]
![[Acts 2#22]]
![[Acts 2#23]]
![[Acts 2#24]]
![[Acts 2#25]]
![[Acts 2#26]]
![[Acts 2#27]]
![[Acts 2#28]]
![[Acts 2#29]]
![[Acts 2#30]]
![[Acts 2#31]]
![[Acts 2#32]]
##### 1 Peter 1:3-9 [▶ 45:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2704s)
![[1 Peter 1#3]]
![[1 Peter 1#4]]
![[1 Peter 1#5]]
![[1 Peter 1#6]]
![[1 Peter 1#7]]
![[1 Peter 1#8]]
![[1 Peter 1#9]]
#### Anthem [▶ 47:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2847s)
"We Walk by Faith" — arr. Kenneth T. Kosche
#### Children's Message [▶ 49:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=2950s)
Roxanne Davenport — "Holy Hilarity Sunday"
*Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message*
Roxanne shared jokes with the children: [▶ 50:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3004s)
- Why did Noah have to punish the chickens on the ark? *They were using foul language.* [▶ 50:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3004s)
- What did Adam say the day before Christmas? *It's Christmas Eve.* [▶ 50:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3031s)
- What do they call pastors in Germany? *German shepherds.* [▶ 50:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3053s)
She did magic tricks — "erasing the future" [▶ 52:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3140s) and "levitating a pencil" [▶ 52:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3172s) — getting laughs from the kids. Then she told the story of Thomas in kid-friendly language [▶ 53:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3223s): the disciples were hiding in a locked room because they were scared after Jesus was killed. Jesus appeared to them, but Thomas wasn't there. When they told Thomas, he said "No way, I don't believe that" — unless he could see and touch the nail prints himself. Days later, Jesus appeared again when Thomas was present, and Thomas believed.
Roxanne connected it to faith [▶ 55:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3354s): "Is Jesus standing here right now? No. Have you ever personally seen Jesus in the flesh? Neither have I. But yet, here we are today praising God." We believe because of the Bible, because of the kindness in others, the giving, the loving, and miracles that happen that cannot be explained except by faith.
Closing prayer [▶ 57:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3436s): "Lord, we thank you for sending your son and though we may not see all of you, we believe, and we believe in your Holy Spirit that comes to give us strength, power, and courage."
*("Don't step in the dog poop on your way out" — rubber dog poop prop, nobody noticed it!)* [▶ 57:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3459s)
#### Scripture Reading [▶ 57:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3479s)
John 20:19-31
![[John 20#19]]
![[John 20#20]]
![[John 20#21]]
![[John 20#22]]
![[John 20#23]]
![[John 20#24]]
![[John 20#25]]
![[John 20#26]]
![[John 20#27]]
![[John 20#28]]
![[John 20#29]]
![[John 20#30]]
![[John 20#31]]
#### Meditation [▶ 60:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3632s)
Rev. Caroline E. Saxton
#### A Communion of Saints: Affirmation of Humor [▶ 73:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4411s)
*(insert — full text below)*
We affirm with the Bible that *"there is a time to weep and a time to laugh."*
We affirm with John Chrysostom that *"laughter has been implanted in our souls."*
We affirm with Thomas Aquinas that there is a time for *"playful deeds and jokes."*
We affirm with Martin Luther that *"You have as much laughter as you have faith."*
We affirm with John Calvin that *"we are nowhere forbidden to laugh."*
We affirm with Francis De Sales that *"humor is a foundation for reconciliation."*
We affirm with John Wesley that *"A sour religion is the devil's religion."*
We affirm with Søren Kierkegaard that *"Humor is intrinsic to Christianity."*
We affirm with Fyodor Dostoevsky that *"If a person laughs well they are a good person."*
We affirm with G.K. Chesterton that *"A good joke is the closest thing we have to divine revelation."*
We affirm with Dietrich Bonhoeffer that *"Ultimate seriousness is not without a dose of humor."*
We affirm with Flannery O'Connor that *"Christianity is a strangely cheery religion."*
We affirm with Kirster Stendhal that *"humor, along with irony, forms a safeguard against idolatry."*
We affirm with Charles Schultz that *"Humor is proof that everything is going to be alright with God nevertheless."*
We affirm with Elton Trueblood, *"Never trust a theologian without a sense of humor."*
*— compiled by Rev. Christ Anderson with help from the Joyful Noiseletter (adapted)*
### Response
#### Sharing of Joys and Concerns [▶ 75:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4545s)
**Courtney Robertson:** [▶ 76:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4574s)
- *Joy:* Received injection for bulging discs — pain has vanished
- *Concern:* Sleep hasn't returned; the injection gives excess energy
- *Concern:* Work headspace improving but next three weeks will be challenging; needs God to calm and quiet her soul and settle anxiety
- *Joy:* Artemis mission went flawlessly — "emotional support astronauts." A woman of color, the women in the NASA control room, how far history has come. "Both miraculous and wow, the math exactly worked."
**Tom (congregation member):** [▶ 78:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4702s)
- *Joy:* Appreciation for church grounds work this past week — flowers planted at parking lot B entrance, island in center repaired and replanted after electrical line work, bushes trimmed, branches cleaned up by crew yesterday
- *Concern:* Tom Harrison scheduled for spinal surgery this week — delicate procedure, prayers for successful surgery and quick recovery
**Harold:** [▶ 81:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4860s)
- *Concern:* Prayers for healing for Aaron Martliff
**Nancy:** [▶ 81:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4889s)
- *Concern:* Prayers for son Gary Raybach — major surgery Wednesday at Hershey
**Allison:** [▶ 82:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4932s)
- *Concern:* Prayers for US and Iran to negotiate in good faith, peace in Middle East, Lebanese government and Israel to stop the killing in Lebanon. "May peace prevail on earth."
**Pastor Caroline (for Sharon Mayor):** [▶ 83:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5009s)
- *Joy/Concern:* Sharon Mayor recovering from surgery on Monday. One phase done, healing happening.
**Shanny:** [▶ 84:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5042s)
- *Concern:* Yesterday was one year since Whitney died by suicide. Prayers for her family.
- Pastor Caroline's response [▶ 84:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5058s): "We will keep her alive by telling stories about her. For I believe that we die twice. The first time when the breath leaves our bodies and the second is the last time someone says our name. Whitney is not gone. She is here and we are keeping her alive."
**Aaron:** [▶ 85:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5125s)
- *Joy:* Art showcase raised $1,296 for the Fayetteville food pantry. Also the little free food pantry in the parking lot — spirit of generosity for those struggling with food insecurity.
**Pastor Caroline:** [▶ 86:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5181s)
- *Joy:* Doug Steppler had double knee replacement Monday — procedure went well, home recovering. ("One is bad but I can't imagine two. So Doug, I'm waving to you.") [▶ 86:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5181s)
- *Concern:* Meyers and Whitman families — Nina in hospital (no visits, mostly sleeping), John at Meadow Haven Rehab room 108 working on mobility. Support needed for Sarah, Dale, Curt, Elizabeth, and family. [▶ 86:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5214s)
- *Personal joy:* Visit to Iowa — brother is thriving in his new location. "Maybe I am a little more like Doubting Thomas than I realized — I needed reassurance that what I was receiving in photos and emails was really actually true." Drove 980 miles yesterday to get back. Grateful to cross Tuscarora Mountain in daylight. [▶ 87:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5262s)
#### Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts) [▶ 88:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5331s)
#### Invitation to Giving [▶ 90:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5445s)
#### Offertory
#### Offertory Response #706 [▶ 93:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5590s)
"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
#### Prayer of Dedication [▶ 93:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5622s)
*adapted from Roscoe UMC, Illinois*
**Gracious God, grant us a joyful heart and a holy sense of humor. Give us the gift of faith, to be renewed and shared with others each day. Thank you for caring for each of us and for all of your creatures. Help us use these gifts to mold our corner of the world to be more and more like the heavenly realm, living and acting so that your work is done "on earth as it is in heaven." Amen.**
### Sending
#### Closing Hymn #218 [▶ 94:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5662s)
"Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain"
**Verse 1:**
Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke Jacob's sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.
**Verse 2:**
'Tis the spring of souls today; Christ hath burst His prison,
And from three days' sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to whom we give laud and praise undying.
**Verse 3:**
Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to gladden faithful hearts which with true affection
Welcome in unwearied strains Jesus' resurrection!
**Verse 4:**
For today among His own Christ appeared, bestowing
Blessed peace, which evermore passes human knowing.
Neither could the gates of death nor the tomb's dark portal
Nor the watchers nor the seal hold Him as a mortal.
**Verse 5:**
Alleluia! now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb's dark portal;
Alleluia! with the Son, God the Father praising,
Alleluia! yet again to the Spirit raising.
#### Commission & Benediction [▶ 96:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5811s)
"The laughing one called us together so that we could share in the laughter of life. The laughing one sends us out to carry the joy of life and love to the world. Go out to laugh, to live, to love. And when you hear a good joke, remember that sharing is a great thing."
> Thank you, God, for Easter story.
> Christ is risen. Love has won.
> Death with all its power and fury
> can't defeat what you've begun.
> Thank you, God, that there is nothing
> stronger than the love you give.
> We rejoice a new world's coming.
> In our risen Christ we live.
#### Postlude (seated)
*Join us following the service for coffee hour and a time of "Holy Humor" in the parlor!*
## Scripture and Sermon
### Scripture Reading
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
![[Acts 2#14]]
![[Acts 2#22]]
![[Acts 2#23]]
![[Acts 2#24]]
![[Acts 2#25]]
![[Acts 2#26]]
![[Acts 2#27]]
![[Acts 2#28]]
![[Acts 2#29]]
![[Acts 2#30]]
![[Acts 2#31]]
![[Acts 2#32]]
### Additional Scripture
1 Peter 1:3-9
![[1 Peter 1#3]]
![[1 Peter 1#4]]
![[1 Peter 1#5]]
![[1 Peter 1#6]]
![[1 Peter 1#7]]
![[1 Peter 1#8]]
![[1 Peter 1#9]]
### Scripture Reading
John 20:19-31
![[John 20#19]]
![[John 20#20]]
![[John 20#21]]
![[John 20#22]]
![[John 20#23]]
![[John 20#24]]
![[John 20#25]]
![[John 20#26]]
![[John 20#27]]
![[John 20#28]]
![[John 20#29]]
![[John 20#30]]
![[John 20#31]]
### Sermon [▶ 60:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3632s)
Rev. Caroline E. Saxton
#### Sermon Notes
##### Introduction [▶ 60:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3653s)
Easter is more than a day — it's a liturgical season known as Eastertide, the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost. The mystery and miracle of Easter continues to surprise us, and we are called to rejoice in the resurrection: "the great joke that God played on the devil." No matter how grim or dire things may seem, **love gets the last word.** [▶ 61:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3691s)
Pastor Caroline challenged the assumption that worship must always be somber and solemn [▶ 61:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3698s) — that limits the fullness of human experience and our relationship with God, because God invites our fully embodied participation. Jesus wept, and being fully human as well as fully divine, he also laughed [▶ 61:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3719s). Fun fact from the sermon: Peter and John had a foot race and John won ([[John 20#4]]) — the gospel writers themselves have a sense of humor [▶ 62:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3730s).
##### Main Points
###### Point 1: Thomas as a relatable, honest character [▶ 64:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3852s)
Thomas is bold and brave enough to express his doubt [▶ 64:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3865s). He needs proof — he wants to see before he believes. When the risen Christ appears and shows him the wounds, Thomas gives voice to faith: "My Lord and my God." The other disciples *rejoiced*; Thomas's response is *praise* — and there's a difference [▶ 64:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3879s). Thomas's honesty in naming what he needs (reassurance, promise of a future) is what we all would ask for [▶ 64:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3887s).
###### Point 2: Faith and doubt as partners, not enemies [▶ 65:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3904s)
Doubt can be healthy — God gives us critical thinking skills [▶ 65:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3922s). Too much doubt isn't good (the world has plenty of skeptics and cynics), but doubt allows for the possibility that we don't know everything [▶ 65:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3937s). Faith helps us leave room for the mystery of God [▶ 65:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3943s). Blind faith can lead us astray — making us rigid and dogmatic, ill-equipped when our world falls apart [▶ 65:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3950s). The balance is **a faith that is flexible, that has room, that can grow** [▶ 66:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3962s). Thomas, who followed Jesus for three years, helps us see how faith and doubt can work together to bring us toward wholeness [▶ 66:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3970s).
###### Point 3: Resurrection as rebellion and transformation [▶ 66:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3984s)
"You can put truth in the grave, but it won't stay there" [▶ 66:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3984s). In John's gospel, **trauma is not erased — it is transformed** [▶ 67:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4049s). Jesus still bears the scars. Thomas's doubts fade when Jesus appears; his belief is solidified. Jesus challenges us to believe even when we don't see (v. 29: "Happy are those who don't see and yet believe") [▶ 67:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4075s). None of us were in that locked room, yet we have come to faith [▶ 68:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4082s).
Faith and doubt don't have to be enemies [▶ 68:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4135s). Leave room for mystery [▶ 69:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4148s).
Confirmation and faith development: Confirmands create their own statement of faith. The faith we have at 14 will not necessarily be the faith at 41 — and Pastor Caroline hopes it's not [▶ 69:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4154s). Early Christians were known as "followers of the Way" [▶ 70:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4204s). The creeds help articulate who Jesus is, but "we need more" — we are to be known as Christians by our love [▶ 70:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4238s).
Paula Gooder [▶ 71:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4299s): "Belief in the resurrection is an act of rebellion against the evil corruption and oppression that can so easily swamp us. Believing in the resurrection allows us to see the world with a long view... it can and should transform not only how we view the world but how we live in it."
Values to live by [▶ 71:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4266s): Peace, not war. Creativity, not destruction. Empathy, not hate. Generosity, not greed. Everybody, not just us.
###### The closing question [▶ 72:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4356s): "Do people see the resurrection in you?"
"Easter reminds us that some of God's best work happens when the world is the darkest." [▶ 72:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4373s)
"Let us continue to wrestle with our faith and our doubts and love one another as Jesus has loved us." [▶ 73:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4381s)
##### Illustrations/Stories
- Post-resurrection appearances across all four Gospels [▶ 63:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3785s): Mark (no appearances in original ending, longer ending added later); Matthew (Great Commission in Galilee) [▶ 63:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3804s); Luke (Road to Emmaus) [▶ 63:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3823s); John (most famous appearances, including Thomas) [▶ 63:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3839s)
- John 20:4 — Peter and John's foot race, with John noting he won: "It's almost like the gospel writers themselves have a sense of humor" [▶ 62:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3730s)
- Confirmation faith statements — the faith we have at 14 won't be the faith at 41 [▶ 69:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4174s)
- "We die twice. The first time when the breath leaves our bodies and the second is the last time someone says our name." (said during prayer for Whitney) [▶ 84:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5093s)
- Pastor Caroline's personal connection to Thomas — her visit to Iowa to see her brother [▶ 87:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=5262s): "Maybe I am a little more like Doubting Thomas than I realized — I needed a level of reassurance that what I was receiving in photos and emails was really actually true."
##### Scripture Connections
- [[John 20#4]] — Peter and John's foot race (humor in the Gospels) [▶ 62:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3730s)
- [[John 20#29]] — "Happy are those who don't see and yet believe" [▶ 67:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4075s)
- [[John 20#30]] — Jesus did many other signs not recorded [▶ 68:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4098s)
- [[1 Corinthians 13#13]] — "Now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love" [▶ 70:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4252s)
- Mark 16:8 — Original ending of Mark with no post-resurrection appearances [▶ 63:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3785s)
- Connection to early Christians as "followers of the Way" [▶ 70:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4204s)
- The creeds as ancient affirmations that help articulate who Jesus is, but "we need more" — we are to be known as Christians by our love [▶ 70:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4238s)
##### Key Quotes
> "No matter how grim or dire things may seem, love gets the last word." [▶ 61:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3691s)
> "You can put truth in the grave, but it won't stay there." [▶ 66:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=3984s)
> "In John's gospel, trauma is not erased. It is transformed." [▶ 67:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4049s)
> "Do people see the resurrection in you?" [▶ 72:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4356s)
> "Easter reminds us that some of God's best work happens when the world is the darkest." [▶ 72:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4373s)
> "Faith and doubt don't have to be enemies." [▶ 68:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4135s)
> "We are to be known as Christians by our love. A love that endures, that perseveres, that lasts." [▶ 70:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4243s)
> — Paula Gooder: "Belief in the resurrection is an act of rebellion against the evil, corruption, and oppression that can so easily swamp us... Believing in the resurrection can and should transform not only how we view the world but how we live in it." [▶ 71:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=4299s)
#### Personal Reflections
##### What spoke to me:
##### Questions raised:
##### Challenges/Convictions:
##### Liturgical Context Reflections:
#### Applications
##### This week I will:
##### People to pray for:
- Tom Harrison — spinal surgery Wednesday
- Gary Raybach — major surgery Wednesday at Hershey
- Aaron Martliff — healing
- Sharon Mayor — recovering from Monday surgery
- Whitney's family — one-year anniversary of her death by suicide (husband, son, parents, Shanny & Dan)
- Doug Steppler — double knee replacement Monday, home recovering
- Nina (Meyers family) — hospitalized, no visits, sleeping
- John (Whitman family) — Meadow Haven Rehab room 108, mobility
- Sarah, Dale, Curt, Elizabeth and family — support during difficult time
- Peace negotiations — US/Iran, Israel/Lebanon, worldwide conflicts
- Pastor Caroline's brother — thriving in new location in Iowa
##### Follow-up study:
- Mark 16:1-8 — the original ending of Mark and why it matters
- Paula Gooder's writings on resurrection theology
- Compare Thomas's "My Lord and my God" (praise) vs. the other disciples' response (rejoicing)
- Early Christians as "followers of the Way" — what did that mean in practice?
#### Connections
- [[1 Corinthians 13#13]] — faith, hope, love
- Thomas's doubt connects to confirmation process — faith as something that grows and changes over time
- "Trauma is not erased, it is transformed" — connects to grief ministry and Whitney's anniversary
## Hymns
### Hymn: We Welcome Glad Easter (No. 197)
**Author:** Anonymous
**Tune:** ST. DENIO (Welsh melody)
**First published as hymn tune:** John Roberts's *Caniadau y Cyssegr* (1839)
**Verse 1:**
We welcome glad Easter when Jesus arose,
And won a great victory over His foes.
> *Refrain:*
> Then raise your glad voices, all Christians, and sing,
> Bring glad Easter praises to Jesus your King.
**Verse 2:**
We tell how the women came early that day,
And there at the tomb found the stone rolled away.
> *Refrain*
**Verse 3:**
We sing of the angel who said: "Do not fear!
Your Savior is risen and He is not here."
> *Refrain*
**Verse 4:**
We think of the promise which Jesus did give:
"That he who believes in Me also shall live!"
> *Refrain*
### Hymn: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (No. 706)
**Author:** Thomas Ken (1674)
**Tune:** OLD HUNDREDTH by Louis Bourgeois (1551)
**Status:** Public domain
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
### Hymn: Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain (No. 218)
**Author:** St. John of Damascus (8th century); translated by John Mason Neale (1859)
**Tune:** ST. KEVIN by Arthur S. Sullivan (1872)
**Status:** Public domain
**Verse 1:**
Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke Jacob's sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.
**Verse 2:**
'Tis the spring of souls today; Christ hath burst His prison,
And from three days' sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to whom we give laud and praise undying.
**Verse 3:**
Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to gladden faithful hearts which with true affection
Welcome in unwearied strains Jesus' resurrection!
**Verse 4:**
For today among His own Christ appeared, bestowing
Blessed peace, which evermore passes human knowing.
Neither could the gates of death nor the tomb's dark portal
Nor the watchers nor the seal hold Him as a mortal.
**Verse 5:**
Alleluia! now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb's dark portal;
Alleluia! with the Son, God the Father praising,
Alleluia! yet again to the Spirit raising.
## Worship Leadership
| Role | Name |
|------|------|
| Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton |
| Organist | Barbara Motichka |
| Choir Director | Gary Crum |
| Worship Team | Neath Ham, Courtney Robertson, Swann Kongkeattikul, Diana Kongkeattikul, Roxanne Davenport, and Chris Willman-Bunge |
| Deacon in Charge | Diana Kongkeattikul |
| Lector | Erin Hartman |
| Children's Corner | Rebecca Pound |
| Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz & Neath Ham |
| Bulletin Cover | "Inherit the Mirth: Where faith meets funny" © Cuyler Black |
## Church News & Announcements
### Flowers at the Foot of the Cross
The flowers are given in memory of Jeryl C. "Jerry" Miller, given by his wife Cookie, sons Chip and Jon, and their families.
### Birthdays This Week
- 04/13 — David Frantz
- 04/15 — Katie Boyer
### Vacation Bible School — Snowball Mountain Challenge [▶ 29:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1741s)
July 19-23. When it's horribly hot outside, we'll be chilling! Looking for volunteers to help with decorating, snacks, and youngest members. See Roxanne Davenport.
### Art Showcase Results [▶ 29:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwbg0OXkkEY&t=1793s)
The art showcase has wrapped up — very popular, a win this year. Raised **$1,296 for the Fayetteville food pantry.** May do it again in a year or two (not next year, to keep it fresh).
### Nursery & Children
The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. See the deacon for assistance.
### Coffee Hour
Join us following the service for coffee hour and a time of "Holy Humor" in the parlor!
### Life for Talk
What's on your mind? Something that concerns or worries you? Need to vent? Just want to talk with other adults for a bit? Grab your snack and coffee, and meet in the parlor after services on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome.
### Bible and a Beer
An opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Next gathering: April 20th.
### Monday Afternoon Book Study
Reading chapter 7 of Norman Wirzba's book "Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis" on Monday, April 13, 1:30 pm in Conference Room 111.
### Sunday Night Bible Study
Join Pastor Caroline on Sunday evenings at 8 pm via Zoom for a Bible study on the book of Esther. April 12 session: Esther Chapters 7 & 8. Zoom Meeting ID: 836 0593 5961, Passcode: 277938.
### Combined Church School Class
Continental breakfast and conversation on "What is Pentecost?" led by Pastor Caroline on Sunday, May 17, 8:45 am in Fellowship Hall.
### Pentecost Picnic
Sunday, May 24 after worship. Menu includes hot dogs, chips, drinks, and dessert.
### Race Against Poverty
St. John's is a sponsor of the 16th Annual Race Against Poverty, held Saturday, June 6. Contact Pastor Caroline to join St. John's team.
### Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting
Trinity UCC in Waynesboro, Sunday, May 3, 3-5 pm. Hybrid meeting with Zoom option. Contact Pastor Caroline to attend as a lay delegate.
### Keystone Conference Annual Meeting
June 5-7, 2026 at Millersville University. Theme: "Joy at the Table Together!" Contact Pastor Caroline to serve as a lay delegate.
### Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea Tickets
Saturday, April 25, 1:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Tickets $35, cash or check. Limited quantities.
### 2025 SJUCC Year End Financial Report
Available upon request from the Church Office.
### April First Fruits
Supporting African Mission Healthcare, the Peru School Project, and the United Church of Christ Disaster Emergency Fund.
### May/June Upper Room Devotionals
Available at the Welcome Center. Suggested donation: $1 small print / $2 large print. Contact the church office for mailed copies.
### Want to Stay in Touch?
Contact the Church Office to be added to the email list — weekly emails, Diana's Devotionals, and/or the Prayer Chain.
## Vision & Mission
### 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
## Calendar & Upcoming Events
### This Week at St. John's
**Today — Sunday, April 12:**
- 8:00 pm — Bible Study on the Book of Esther, chapters 7 & 8 (Zoom)
**Monday, April 13:**
- 1:30 pm — Monday Afternoon Book Study — Conference Room 111 (Chapter 7)
- 6:30 pm — Community Engagement Meeting — Conference Room 111 & Zoom
- 7:00 pm — Boy Scouts — Fellowship Hall
**Tuesday, April 14:**
- 5:30 pm — Yoga — Room 202
- 6:00 pm — Ladies' Bible Study — Zoom
- 6:00 pm — Cub Scouts — Fellowship Hall (then break into smaller groups)
**Thursday, April 16:**
- 6:00 pm — Dance Class — Fellowship Hall
- 6:00 pm — Bell Choir Practice — Bell Room 117
- 6:15 pm — Girl Scouts — Room 201
- 7:15 pm — Choir Rehearsal — Choir Room 103
**Friday, April 17:**
- Church Office is CLOSED
**Sunday, April 19:**
- 8:45 am — Sunday Morning Caffeine Church School Class — Parlor Room 104
- 8:45 am — Godly Play Class — Room 119
- 8:45 am — SPARK! Elementary Church School Class — Room 115
- 8:45 am — Teen Discussion Class — Room 206
- 8:45 am — Wired Word Church School Class — Room 116
- 8:45 am — Upper Room Church School Class — Conference Room 111
- 10:00 am — Sunday Worship — Sanctuary
- 8:00 pm — Bible Study on Esther — chapter 9 (Zoom)
### Upcoming Events
- April 20 — Bible and a Beer at the Trojan Diner, 6:30 pm
- April 25 — Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea, 1:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
- May 3 — Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting, Trinity UCC Waynesboro, 3-5 pm
- May 17 — Combined Church School Class: "What is Pentecost?", 8:45 am, Fellowship Hall
- May 24 — Pentecost Picnic after worship
- June 5-7 — Keystone Conference Annual Meeting, Millersville University
- June 6 — Race Against Poverty
## Staff & Contact Information
- **Pastor:** The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton —
[email protected] — (641) 260-1868 (cell)
- **Office Administrator:** Tonya Schwartz —
[email protected] — (717) 263-8593 (office)
- **Music Director:** Gary Crum
- **Organist:** Barbara Motichka
- **Director of Children & Youth:** Roxanne Davenport
- **Pastor Emeritus:** The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman
## Worship Resources
- Call to Worship adapted from Charlton United Methodist Church
- Prayer of the Day from the United Church of Canada's Bay of Quinte Conference
- Prayer for Illumination from RevGalBlogPals (adapted)
- Prayer of Dedication from Roscoe UMC, Illinois (adapted)
- Notes on Holy Humor Sunday from Heritage Presbyterian Church, Acworth, GA
- Cover image from "Inherit the Mirth: Where faith meets funny" © Cuyler Black