2026-04-19 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

# St. John's United Church of Christ — April 19, 2026 ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar Today is the **3rd Sunday of Easter**, part of the Season of Easter (Eastertide) which spans fifty days from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. The liturgical color is **white**, symbolizing resurrection joy and the light of Christ. Today's service is themed around **Paul's Conversion** — the dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus that transformed the chief persecutor of the church into its most prolific apostle. ### Jewish Calendar **2 Iyar 5786.** The community is in the period of the **Counting of the Omer** (Sefirat HaOmer), Day 17. This 49-day count bridges Passover (which ended April 9, 2026) and Shavuot, paralleling the Christian journey from Easter to Pentecost. This Sunday also falls within a particularly solemn and celebratory week in modern Jewish observance: - **Yom HaShoah** (Holocaust Remembrance Day) — observed April 14 this year - **Yom HaZikaron** (Israel Memorial Day) — Tuesday, April 21 - **Yom HaAtzmaut** (Israel Independence Day) — Wednesday, April 22 ### Ecumenical & Global Observances - **Eastertide** — the 50-day season of Easter celebrated across global Christianity - **Earth Week** — with Earth Day falling on Wednesday, April 22 - **Week of the Road to Damascus** — a traditional reflection across Christian traditions on Paul's conversion, often linked to the Third Sunday of Easter in the Year C lectionary ### Lectionary Readings (Revised Common Lectionary — Year A, 3rd Sunday of Easter) The standard Year A readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter are: - **First Reading:** Acts 2:14a, 36-41 - **Psalm:** Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 - **Epistle:** 1 Peter 1:17-23 - **Gospel:** Luke 24:13-35 (Road to Emmaus) **Note on readings used today:** The bulletin uses readings from **Year C, 3rd Sunday of Easter** (Acts 9:1-6 [7-20], Psalm 30) to support the "Paul's Conversion" theme, along with 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Paul's own summary of the gospel and of his encounter with the risen Christ). The Prayer of Dedication is also drawn from the *Feasting on the Word Worship Companion Year C, Volume 1*. ### Connection to Today's Message Three texts from three genres converge on one witness: an encounter with the risen Christ *changes everything*. Psalm 30 gives voice to the one who has been "brought up from the realm of the dead" — a fitting prayer for both the psalmist and for Saul/Paul. 1 Corinthians 15 is Paul's own recital of the gospel tradition, ending with his own late, grace-given encounter with the risen Christ ("last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me"). And Acts 9 narrates the Damascus road encounter that made Paul's testimony possible. Together they announce that the resurrection is not a closed event but an ongoing breaking-in — the Call to Worship's image: *"You break in, O God."* ### Related Notes - **Previous Sunday:** [[2026-04-12]] — 2nd Sunday of Easter / Holy Humor Sunday / Thomas Sunday - **Easter Sunday:** [[2026-04-05]] ## [Order of Worship](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1658s) *Please stand in body or in spirit* ### [Gathering](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1658s) #### [Gathering Song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1658s) "This is the Day" Based on [[Psalm 118#24]] — "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." > This is the day, this is the day > That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made > We will rejoice, we will rejoice > And be glad in it, and be glad in it > > This is the day that the Lord has made > We will rejoice and be glad in it > > This is the day, this is the day > That the Lord has made. *— Words and music by Les Garrett, 1967. © 1967 Scripture in Song (admin. by Maranatha! Music)* #### [Unison Welcome](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1658s) "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### [Announcements](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1684s) #### [Passing of the Peace](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1784s) *"The peace of Christ be with you" — "And also with you"* #### Chiming of the Trinity #### Prelude #### [*Call to Worship](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=1988s) *"You Break In" by Roddy Hamilton (adapted); posted on Mucky Paws* You break in, O God, on the road. You break in, O God, exactly the way we don't believe. You break in, O God, and change everything. > **You break in, O God, with a call. You break in, O God, with an invitation.** > **You break in, O God, with the truth.** You break in, O God, with a new realm. You break in, O God, with a new world. You break in, O God, with your intent for the future. > **God, break in again and call us to be your workers.** > **God, break in again and use the gifts we are to build your realm.** > **God, break in again and change our world once more.** #### [*Hymn #205 — "Christ Is Alive"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2047s) **Words:** Brian Wren, 1968 **Music:** Thomas Williams' *Psalmodia Evangelica*, 1789 **Tune:** TRURO (LM) **Copyright:** Words © 1975, Rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company *Higher key, No. 173* **Verse 1:** Christ is alive! Let Christians sing. The cross stands empty to the sky. Let streets and homes with praises ring. Love, drowned in death, shall never die. **Verse 2:** Christ is alive! No longer bound to distant years in Palestine, but saving, healing, here and now, and touching every place and time. **Verse 3:** In every insult, rift, and war, where color scorns or wealth divides, Christ suffers still, yet loves the more, and lives, though ever crucified. **Verse 4:** Women and men, in age and youth, can feel the Spirit, hear the call, and find the way, the truth, the life, revealed in Jesus, freed for all. **Verse 5:** Christ is alive, and comes to bring good news to this and every age, till earth and sky and ocean ring with joy, with justice, love, and praise. #### [Call to Confession](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2217s) Let us confess our sins before God and one another. #### [Prayer of Confession](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2220s) > **Gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have promised to receive us when we come to you. We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed. We have disobeyed your law. We have not loved you or our neighbors as we should. Forgive us, O God, and grant that we may live and serve you in newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.** #### [Kyrie](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2261s) *Hymnal Companion C-4* #### [Assurance of Pardon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2297s) *from the UCC Book of Worship* God hears the confession of our hearts and lips. Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven all our sins, and by the Holy Spirit we are empowered for new life. > **We believe the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.** #### [*Glory Be to the Father #704](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2325s) **Text:** Traditional (Gloria Patri) — doxology rooted in the ancient church (c. 2nd–4th century) **Common tune:** GLORIA PATRI (GREATOREX) by Henry Wellington Greatorex, 1851 **Status:** Public domain > 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. ### [Word](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2374s) #### [Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:1-11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2374s) #### [Responsive Reading — Psalm 30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2522s) *(The Inclusive Bible)* I praise you, O God, because you raised me up and kept my enemies from gloating over me. I cried to you for help, YHWH my God, and you healed me. > **You brought me back from the realm of the dead, YHWH; you spared me from going down to the Pit.** Sing to YHWH, you who love God! Praise God's holy Name! > **YHWH's anger is fleeting, but God's favor endures forever. There may be tears during the night, but joy comes in the morning.** When I presumed I was secure, I boasted, "I will never be defeated!" > **When I stood firm in your favor, YHWH, I stood as firm as a mountain. But then you hid yourself from me, and I was filled with terror.** So I called to you, YHWH, I pleaded for your help: > **"What goodwill come from my destruction, from my going to the grave? Does dust praise you, YHWH? Can the dead proclaim your unfailing goodness? Hear me, YHWH, and be merciful! Help me, YHWH!"** Then you changed my despair into a dance — you stripped me of my death shroud and clothed me with joy. > **That's why my heart sings to you, that's why I can't keep silent — YHWH, you are my God, and I will thank you forever!** #### [Children's Message](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2641s) Rev. Caroline E. Saxton *Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message* #### [Scripture Reading — Acts 9:1-20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3148s) #### [Sermon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3380s) Rev. Caroline E. Saxton ### [Response](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4037s) #### [Apostles' Creed: An Affirmation of Faith](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4037s) *Hymnal Companion C-10* #### [Sharing of Joys and Concerns](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4103s) **[Virginia](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4128s)** — Continuing to settle the estate of her late best friend, whose body has not yet been claimed; Virginia served as medical power of attorney and is working to ensure her friend receives burial with honor and dignity. Also: another close friend's husband passed away at age 35 from aggressive cancer, leaving a wife and two young children. The two women are grieving together and supporting each other. Praise: Virginia is feeling much better after antibiotics and allergy medication. **[Peg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4318s)** — Gratitude and wonder at images from the Artemis 2 mission; one crew member's reflection on seeing all people sharing one planet together. Celebration of St. John's generosity toward Lenten projects. Joy: a 10-year celebration of racial reconciliation in Franklin County is happening today at 2:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church. **[Denise](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4417s)** — Her stepson Sam was hospitalized at Altoona Hospital with signs of a stroke; turned out to be a severe UTI. An incidental finding: a chest aneurysm that appears to have been there for some time. He is on IV antibiotics and fluids; his daughter is caring for him. Prayers for treatment and recovery. **[Pastor Caroline — prayer list](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4545s)** - **Ruth Simmons** — dealing with health issues; prayers for strength for Ruth and her husband Keith - **Tom Harrison** — had surgery at Hershey Medical on Wednesday; home Friday, recovering well in his own recliner - **Gary Raybach** — surgery at Hershey on Wednesday; home and on the road to healing (a scary experience for his parents) - **The Neper family** — **Mike Neper** passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon surrounded by family. No formal service per his wishes, but a celebration will be held. Described as "silly, stubborn, sweet." **[Erin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4641s)** — Prayers for the Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea on Saturday; that it will be a good fundraiser and a joyful time for all involved. **[Jim](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4668s)** — Prayers for peace; reflection on the Peace Pole and the many languages it holds, and on all communities and churches around the world praying for peace today. **[Pastor Caroline — Buffy Camille Smith](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4699s)** — Anne Aldrich's niece (through marriage to Jim Estip) was shot and killed in her home early Friday morning near Greencastle by her ex-partner Larry Seville; one of their two children was present. Buffy's parents are Denny and Sue Esta Barnes of the St. Thomas area. Please keep all persons from all families in your prayers. > *Margaret Atwood: "Men are afraid women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them."* #### [Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4760s) #### [Invitation to Giving](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=4945s) #### [Offertory](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5047s) #### [*Offertory Response #706 — "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5047s) **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. #### [*Prayer of Dedication](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5086s) *adapted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion Year C, Volume 1* > **Gracious God, receive these gifts of thanksgiving and praise and use them for your glory and the good of your people; in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.** ### [Sending](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5105s) #### [*Hymn #57 — "Be Still, My Soul"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5105s) **Words:** Katharina von Schlegel, 1752; translated by Jane Borthwick, 1855 **Music:** Jean Sibelius, 1899; arr. *The Hymnal*, 1933, alt. **Tune:** FINLANDIA (10.10.10.10.10.10) **Arrangement:** © 1933, Ren. 1961 Presbyterian Board of Education (admin. by Westminster John Knox Press) *Higher key, No. 680* **Verse 1:** Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to your God to order and provide; in every change God faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. **Verse 2:** Be still, my soul: your God will undertake to guide the future as in ages past. Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know the Christ who ruled them while He dwelt below. **Verse 3:** Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last. #### [*Commission & Benediction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5331s) #### [Postlude (seated)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=5451s) *Join us for a time of fellowship after worship!* ## Scripture and Sermon ### [Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:1-11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2374s) ![[1 Corinthians 15#1]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#2]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#3]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#4]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#5]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#6]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#7]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#8]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#9]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#10]] ![[1 Corinthians 15#11]] ### [Responsive Reading — Psalm 30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=2522s) ![[Psalm 30#1]] ![[Psalm 30#2]] ![[Psalm 30#3]] ![[Psalm 30#4]] ![[Psalm 30#5]] ![[Psalm 30#6]] ![[Psalm 30#7]] ![[Psalm 30#8]] ![[Psalm 30#9]] ![[Psalm 30#10]] ![[Psalm 30#11]] ![[Psalm 30#12]] ### [Scripture Reading — Acts 9:1-20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3148s) ![[Acts 9#1]] ![[Acts 9#2]] ![[Acts 9#3]] ![[Acts 9#4]] ![[Acts 9#5]] ![[Acts 9#6]] ![[Acts 9#7]] ![[Acts 9#8]] ![[Acts 9#9]] ![[Acts 9#10]] ![[Acts 9#11]] ![[Acts 9#12]] ![[Acts 9#13]] ![[Acts 9#14]] ![[Acts 9#15]] ![[Acts 9#16]] ![[Acts 9#17]] ![[Acts 9#18]] ![[Acts 9#19]] ![[Acts 9#20]] ### [Sermon — "Converted, Called, and Commissioned"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3380s) **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** #### Sermon Notes ##### [Opening Prayer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3356s) > *Spirit of the living God, fall afresh. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen.* ##### [Introduction — "I Saw the Light"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3380s) Caroline opened by recalling the **summer of 2024 Wild Goose Festival** she attended with her friend and colleague **Rev. J.T. Gills**. One of the highlights each evening was **Beer and Hymns** — gathering under a tent, adult beverage in hand, singing together beneath the stars. The crowd sang "I'll Fly Away," "Let It Be" by the Beatles, and — most importantly for this morning — **"I Saw the Light," written by Hank Williams and released in 1948.** > *I saw the light, I saw the light, > No more darkness, no more night. > Now I'm so happy, no sorrow inside. > Praise the Lord, I saw the light.* That song became her entry into today's text. She could imagine the Apostle Paul — the Pharisee formerly known as Saul — singing something very much like it after three days of being blind. **The light from heaven first encircled him, and then everything went dark. And now, the light that is Jesus shines through.** ##### Main Points ###### [Point 1: Saul's escalation — he was in need of an intervention](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3483s) Paul's conversion is **dramatic, memorable, and meaningful**. It turns his whole world upside down — the church's greatest persecutor becomes its main missionary, taking the gospel around the known world. Caroline walked us through the escalating arc of Saul's violence in the preceding chapters of Acts: - **Acts 7:58** — Saul stands by as others stone Stephen (the first martyr) - **Acts 8:1** — Saul *approves* of the murderers - **Acts 9:1** — Saul is literally breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord; he instigates the violent persecution of Christians in Damascus **Saul is escalating. He is in need of an intervention. And that is exactly what Jesus does.** (Note: Saul doesn't receive his new name *Paul* until Acts 13 — the name change is *not* instantaneous at conversion. The change of heart precedes the change of name by several chapters.) ###### [Point 2: Theophany on the Damascus Road — certainty undone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3564s) Saul experiences a **theophany** — a manifestation of God among humans. A bright light, falling to the ground, a voice calling his name twice: *"Saul, Saul."* As a trained Pharisee, Saul knows exactly what this pattern is — he has read his Hebrew scriptures and recognizes that, like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, and the prophets before him, he is encountering God. Yet there is a level of confusion. He has to ask, *"Who are you?"* > **Key quote — Scholar Andrew E. Gardner:** > *"He recognizes that God is speaking and that something does not add up."* The voice even asks, *"Why do you persecute me?"* **Previously, Saul was certain he was performing the Lord's work — not opposing it. His certainty now vanishes.** Jesus does not appear in bodily form, yet he is no less present. This interaction is transformative — and it is not transformative only for Saul. What happens on the Damascus Road is pivotal because **God does not work alone. God works through us — through messy and flawed people like Saul, like Peter, like Mary Magdalene.** Sent into the city, Saul cannot see. He knows to do only a few things — the things a faithful Jew would do in the face of a divine encounter: **fast, abstain from eating and drinking, pray, and wait.** The powerful Pharisee is literally laid low. It is both physical and spiritual. **It does not humiliate him — it humbles him.** And so begins the journey of conversion, calling, and following. ###### [Point 3: Ananias's obedience — if not for Ananias, where would Saul be?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3720s) And then there is **Ananias**, a disciple already living in Damascus who has heard the rumors that Saul is on his way. When Jesus first calls his name — *"Ananias!"* — Ananias is eager, ready, willing: *"Yes, Lord."* And then he is told *who* he is being sent to. His tone changes. Caroline said: *"I can't say that I blame Ananias for arguing."* Saul's reputation precedes him. But Ananias ultimately does what God asks. **His obedience is critical.** He could have said no. He could have let his fear be bigger than his faith. Instead, he goes. He lays hands on Saul. He calls him **"Brother Saul."** And by doing so, Saul's life — and the life of the whole church — is changed. God works with and through a fellow believer to reveal God's will to Saul. **Ananias's obedience is pivotal for Saul's understanding and subsequent faithfulness.** > *Just as with the resurrection, we might say, "If not for the women, where would we be?"* > *We might also say, "If not for Ananias, where would Saul be?"* Saul will proclaim the good news of God's work in and through Jesus to a wide world. Yet he is also called to **suffer for the sake of Christ** — which is exactly why the service paired Acts 9 with 1 Corinthians 15. Paul attests to this calling-with-suffering throughout his letters, and Luke documents it throughout Acts. **He who becomes Paul doesn't just convert to a new religion. He accepts a new calling — one that completely changes the course of his life.** ###### [Point 4: Converted, Called, *and Commissioned*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3843s) The Damascus Road reveals that God had much more in store for Saul/Paul than he could have ever imagined. **We are not just converted to following Jesus. We are called to new ways of life.** Caroline turned to the spring creation all around us as a natural parable: seeds starting to sprout, buds becoming blooms, birds building nests, pollen filling the air *(thank goodness for allergy pills)*. **Nature reflects how life comes out of death** — what appeared to be buried and gone comes alive once more, blossoming with health and vitality, inviting us to join the song. Jesus invites us into relationship with God *and with our neighbors*. Saul/Paul experienced the change because of Christ, and **because God used another person — Ananias — to reach him**. That same dynamic continues to this day. From the **God in Play** (Godly Play) curriculum used with the children, the recurring wondering question is: ***Who are you in this story?*** Caroline invited the whole congregation to sit with that question — to reflect on *where God has sent you* and *what God may be asking you to do* — because: > **My friends, we are not just converted and called — we are *commissioned*. We are sent out and sent forth to tell and show the love of Jesus.** ##### [The Closing Charge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonvUqgRJqU&t=3975s) The sermon ended with its most pointed line: > ***"The truth is, we won't change the world by going to church. We will change the world by being the church — by telling the love of Jesus wherever we are sent."*** > ***"Let us embrace God's gracious invitation to be converted, called, and commissioned."*** ##### Illustrations/Stories - **Wild Goose Festival, summer 2024** — clergy road trip with Rev. J.T. Gills; the *Beer and Hymns* gathering under the tent and stars - **"I Saw the Light"** by Hank Williams (1948) — the song's imagery of sudden illumination after darkness as a lens on Paul's three days of blindness ending in sight - **The escalation ladder in Acts** — Acts 7:58 → 8:1 → 9:1 (standing by → approving → actively threatening) - **Spring imagery** — seeds, buds, birds' nests, pollen; nature as a sign that what looks buried comes alive - **Godly Play wondering** — *"Who are you in this story?"* offered to adults as well as children ##### Scripture Connections - **Acts 9:1-20** — the narrative itself (Conversion / Damascus Road) - **Acts 7:58; 8:1** — Saul at Stephen's stoning; approving the execution (the escalation Caroline traced) - **Acts 13** — where Saul is renamed Paul (*not* at conversion, as is often assumed) - **1 Corinthians 15:1-11** — Paul's own retelling, including *"last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me"* and *"by the grace of God I am what I am"* — the epistle reading paired intentionally to let Paul testify in his own voice, including about the suffering that accompanies his calling - **Psalm 30** — *"You have turned my mourning into dancing... you have clothed me with joy"* — the shape of resurrection fits both the psalmist and Saul - **Theophany tradition** — Abraham, Moses at the burning bush, Samuel in the temple, Isaiah's vision; Saul recognizes the *pattern* of divine encounter even before he knows *who* is speaking - **Resurrection witness parallel** — "if not for the women at the tomb... if not for Ananias" ##### Key Quotes - **Andrew E. Gardner** (biblical scholar, on Saul's question *"Who are you?"*): > *"He recognizes that God is speaking and that something does not add up."* - **Hank Williams, "I Saw the Light" (1948):** > *"I saw the light, I saw the light — no more darkness, no more night. Now I'm so happy, no sorrow inside."* - **Caroline, the sermon's refrain:** > *"We are not just converted. We are called. And we are commissioned."* - **Caroline, the closing charge:** > *"We won't change the world by going to church. We will change the world by being the church."* - **Ananias to Saul:** *"Brother Saul..."* — the moment the feared persecutor becomes kin. ##### Structure at a glance | Movement | Paul's experience | Our experience | |----------|------------------|----------------| | **Converted** | Light, voice, falls to ground; three days of fasting/prayer/waiting | Encountering the risen Christ; letting our certainties be undone | | **Called** | *"This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites"* | Named and sent to a new way of life, including suffering for the sake of others | | **Commissioned** | Baptized; begins to preach Jesus in the Damascus synagogues *right away* | Sent out and sent forth to tell and show the love of Jesus | #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: ##### Questions raised: - *Where in my life am I "certain I am doing God's work" in a way that might need to be interrupted?* - *Who has been an Ananias for me — the one whose obedience despite fear changed my course?* - *Who might I be called to be an Ananias for — even if their reputation or past makes me want to argue back?* - *How am I distinguishing between being converted, being called, and being commissioned in this season?* ##### Challenges/Convictions: - The jump from "going to church" to "being the church" — what does that look like in a concrete week? - Fear vs. faith when God sends me toward someone I'd rather keep at arm's length. - Certainty as a spiritual hazard — Caroline's line that Saul's certainty *vanished* on the road. ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: - The three-day blindness as Eastertide echo — buried and raised, dark and light, grave-clothes to clothing of joy (Psalm 30). - Paul joins the list of resurrection witnesses precisely *because* he encountered the risen Christ — 1 Cor 15 places his experience in continuity with the Twelve and the women at the tomb. - The Counting of the Omer (Day 17) parallels the in-between waiting time — Saul in Damascus, fasting and praying, not yet sent. #### Applications ##### This week I will: ##### People to pray for: - Those whose certainty needs a gracious interruption - Those whose "reputations precede them" and whom I have been reluctant to approach - Those being called to a new way of life and waiting, like Saul in Damascus, for the word to come - Ananias figures in my own life — those whose obedience has changed my course ##### Follow-up study: - [ ] Re-read Acts 7:58 through Acts 9:20 as one escalating arc - [ ] Read 1 Corinthians 15 in full alongside Galatians 1:11-24 (Paul's autobiographical conversion account) - [ ] Look up Andrew E. Gardner's commentary on Acts 9 - [ ] Revisit Godly Play's *"Who are you in this story?"* framing for adult use - [ ] Reflect on the Wild Goose Festival / Beer and Hymns tradition as a model for embodied, sung faith #### Connections - **Previous sermon theme — Thomas Sunday, [[2026-04-12]]:** Thomas's doubt resolved by encountering the risen Christ pairs naturally with Saul's certainty undone by encountering the risen Christ. Both are Easter-season witnesses that resurrection arrives as personal interruption. - **Lenten Projects funded by April First Fruits:** African Mission Healthcare, Peru School Project, UCC Disaster Emergency Fund — concrete expressions of being *commissioned* (sent out) rather than only *converted*. - **Godly Play / God in Play curriculum (children's formation):** the wondering-question *"Who are you in this story?"* as a congregation-wide practice, not just a children's one. - **Wild Goose Festival tradition:** an annual touchstone for Caroline's preaching voice — embodied, musical, hospitable, publicly Christian. - **Upcoming [[2026-05-17]] "What Is Pentecost?" class:** this sermon's Eastertide trajectory (converted → called → commissioned) sets up the Pentecost arc of being filled and sent. ## Worship Leadership | Role | Name | |------|------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Choir Director | Gary Crum | | Deacon in Charge | Mary Lee Yaukey | | Lector | Henry Hopper | | Children's Corner | Melinda Orndorff | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz and Neath Ham | | Bulletin Cover | Edd Scheer | ## Church News & Announcements ### Flowers at the Foot of the Cross The flowers are given in memory of **Harry and Ida Funk** by Lynann Funk and Ken and Doreen Horn. ### Birthdays This Week - 04/20 — Nancy Gaal - 04/23 — Elijah Herbert - 04/26 — Harold Collier ### 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. ### Sunday Night Bible Study Join Pastor Caroline on Sunday evenings at **8 pm via Zoom** for a Bible study on the book of Esther. Our session on April 19 will focus on **Esther Chapters 9 & 10**. Zoom Meeting ID: **836 0593 5961**, Passcode: **277938**. A link for this opportunity is included in the weekly e-blast. We will begin studying the letter of James on Sunday, April 26. ### 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 20**. ### Monday Afternoon Book Study Reading chapter 8 of Norman Wirzba's book *"Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis"* on Monday, April 20, 1:30 pm in Conference Room 111. ### 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. We hope the weather will allow us to gather outside! ### 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 **Grace UCC in Greencastle**, Sunday, May 3, 3-5 pm. Hybrid meeting with Zoom option. Contact Pastor Caroline to attend as one of two lay delegates. ### Keystone Conference Annual Meeting **June 5-7, 2026 at Millersville University.** Theme: *"Joy at the Table Together!"* Contact Pastor Caroline to serve as one of two lay delegates. ### Life for Talk What's on your mind? Something that concerns or worries you? Do you need to vent? Just want to talk with other adults for a bit? Don't want to share in front of the entire congregation? Or you don't think it really needs to be a prayer request? Grab your snack and coffee, and meet in the parlor after services on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome. ### Support Our Scouts! Members of Boy Scout Troop 136 will be selling **discount camp cards** after worship **next Sunday, April 26**. Cards are $5 and help support the scouting program. ### April First Fruits Supporting the Lenten Projects: **African Mission Healthcare, the Peru School Project, and the United Church of Christ Disaster Emergency Fund.** These offerings support medical care in Africa, education in Peru, and those affected by natural disasters. ### May/June Upper Room Devotionals Currently available at the Welcome Center. Suggested donation: $1 small print / $2 large print. Contact the church office for mailed copies. ## 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 19:** - 8:00 pm — Bible Study on the Book of Esther, chapters 9 & 10 (Zoom) **Monday, April 20:** - 1:30 pm — Monday Afternoon Book Study — Conference Room 111 (Chapter 8) - 6:30 pm — Bible and Beer — Trojan Diner - 7:00 pm — Boy Scouts — Fellowship Hall **Tuesday, April 21:** - 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) **Wednesday, April 22:** - 1:00 pm — Camp Meeting — Conference Room - 6:30 pm — Council Meeting — Conference Room **Thursday, April 23:** - 4:00 pm — Finance Committee Meeting — Conference Room - 6:00 pm — Dance Class — Fellowship Hall - 6:00 pm — Bell Choir Practice — Bell Room 117 - 6:15 pm — Girl Scouts — Room 116 - 7:15 pm — Choir Rehearsal — Choir Room 103 **Friday, April 24:** - All Day — Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea Prep — Fellowship Hall/Kitchen **Saturday, April 25:** - 1:30 pm — Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea — Fellowship Hall **Sunday, April 26:** - 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 - After worship — Boy Scout Troop 136 selling discount camp cards - 8:00 pm — Bible Study on James, chapter 1 (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 - **April 26** — Scout Troop 136 discount camp card sale after worship - **May 3** — Mercersburg Association Spring Meeting, Grace UCC Greencastle, 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 (16th Annual) ## 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 "You Break In" by Roddy Hamilton, posted on Mucky Paws (adapted) - UCC Book of Worship - The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation - Prayer of Dedication from *Feasting on the Word Worship Companion Year C, Volume 1*, edited by Kimberly Bracken Long (adapted)