To Be and Make Disciples

HOLY WEEK 2020gracepeople.church

Holy Week!

During this precious week of remembering our Lord’s sacrifice, we want to make sure you all feel connected even though we are physically at a distance.

We are providing devotions, service notes, and music to help you make the most of your worship at home. Rest assured we will celebrate a special Resurrection Day, when we are able to worship in the building, again.

FROM PASTOR DARRIN VICK

By grace alone,

PALM SUNDAYSUNDAY, APRIL 59 & 10:30 a.m. Livestream

MAUNDY THURSDAYTHURSDAY, APRIL 95:30 p.m. Facebook Live

Worship at home directions included on pages 3-8.

GOOD FRIDAYFRIDAY, APRIL 105:30 p.m. Refuge Led Livestream

7 p.m. Traditional Tennebrae Livestream

A service of shadows that helps us remember the depth of the passion story.

Holy Week is Here!

RESURRECTION SUNDAYEASTER SUNDAY SERVICES9 a.m. Traditional Livestream

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Livestream

LivestreamLivestreamScheduleSchedule

4000 Linden St. White Bear Lake, MN

55110

gracepeople.church

(651) 429-5349 hello@gracepeople.church

@gracepeoplemn /gracepeoplemn

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We realize many of you do not have internet access but for those of you who do, here are some additional options for connecting:

Maundy Thursday at Home

CONNECT“Hosanna” means “Lord, save us.” What do you feel you most need saving from this week? What would that look like for you?

LEARN & APPLYWhat stood out to you in the message this week?

Read Luke 19:28-44 and then Matthew 21:8-17.• What differences and similarities do you notice in these two accounts?• What parts do the disciples, the crowd, the children, and the authorities play in each of

these tellings.• “Hosanna” means “Lord, save us.” What do you think each group was looking for in a

savior?

Read Matthew 27: 21- 26, 32-44, 50-54.• Only a few days later, the crowd was yelling very different things. What is God saying to

you today about your own response to Jesus? How have you experienced Jesus as theLord who saves you? If you haven’t, ask him to show you his love in a new way this week.

PRAYLord, as we walk with you this week from the Palms to your Passion, remind us that all you did was for us. May we never forget the price you paid to give us the hope of eternal life with you. Amen.

Palm Sunday

Welcome! 2000 years ago, Jesus shared this evening with his closest friends around a dinner table in a private home. During that special time, they shared a meal together and talked about life. Then Jesus shared two commandments with them:

• To love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34-35)• To remember his sacrifice for them through Holy Communion (Matthew 26:26-28)

Even though we cannot gather as the church tonight due to this pandemic, we hope that you will honor this evening by sharing in an experience of Jesus’ table knowing that in many different places (around the world) your family in Christ are doing the same. The following pages contain a suggested outline for the evening. Feel free to adjust as you see fit for your context.

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Part 1 - The MealTake time to plan and prepare a meal for yourself or whoever is in your household with you.

Once the table is set and dinner is ready, begin your meal with a table prayer. If you don’t have one that you regularly use, feel free to use the following:

Lord, thank you for this food and for meeting (me/us) in this moment, as you did for your first disciples, with the promise of your presence with (me/us) at the table of your grace. Thank you, Jesus, that by your sacrifice of love, you’ve given (me/us) a place at your table both now and forever. Jesus, may you be the host of this meal today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Part 2 - Table TalkDuring your meal, engage in some discussion or personal meditation around the following questions:

• What was the best thing that happened to you this past year?• What was the worst thing that happened to you this past year?

These may be a focus of prayer later in the evening.

Once the meal is concluded, clear the table. (Don’t worry about doing dishes yet. That can wait until later.)

Part 3 – Sharing a Song (Optional)Music is a beautiful gift from God! But not everyone enjoys this gift in the same way. If this is an important part of worship for you, we encourage you to sing a simple song as you return to the table for the next part of the evening. If you would like, pick one or two to sing.

Song LyricsJesus, Name Above All Names

Jesus. Name above all names. Beautiful Savior. Glorious Lord.

Emmanuel. God is with us.Blessed Redeemer. Living Word.

Jesus. Name above all names. Beautiful Savior. Glorious Lord

Emmanuel. God is with us.Blessed Redeemer. Living Word.

Author: Naida Hearn (1974)© 1974, 1978 Scripture in Song (admin. by Maranatha! Music)Onelicense.net #A-711239

I Love You, LordI love you, Lord, And I lift my voiceTo worship you, Oh, my soul, rejoice!Take joy, my KingIn what you hear.May it be a sweet, sweet sound,In your ear. (Repeat)

Author: Laurie Klein (1978)© 1978 House of Mercy Music (admin. Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing)Onelicense.net #A-711239\

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Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so;little ones to him belong, they are weak, but he is strong.

RefrainYes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me,yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know, as he loved so long ago,taking children on his knee, saying, “Let them come to me.” Refrain

Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,wanting as a friend to give, light and love to all who live. Refrain

Jesus loves me! He who died heaven’s gate to open wide;he will wash away my sin, let his little child come in. Refrain

Jesus loves me! He will stayclose beside me all the way;Thou hast bled and died for me, I will henceforth live for thee. Refrain

Text: Anna B. Warner, 1820-1915, alt. Onelicense.net #A-711239

Amazing GraceAmazing grace, how sweet the sound,that saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found;was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,and grace my fears relieved;how precious did that grace appearthe hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils, and snaresI have already come;‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,and grace will lead me home.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,that saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found;was blind, but now I see.

Text: John Newton, 1725-1807Onelicense.net #A-711239

Part 4 – Scripture ReadingReading scripture aloud is a powerful experience. John chapter 13 is one account of what happened with Jesus and his disciples on Maundy Thursday. (It is a bit lengthy so if you want, you may have more than one person present.) Discussion questions are after the scripture.

John 13:1-35 (NIV) 1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

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6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’

19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”

22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”

25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 6 7

Questions for scripture discussion or meditation:

• Imagine what Jesus might have been feeling, knowing his time with his disciples (asthey had been used to) was drawing short. Why do you think Jesus chose to wash hisdisciples’ feet?

• Have you ever felt uncomfortable being served by someone? Why?• Have you ever felt betrayed by someone? How would it feel to serve them?• What do you learn about Jesus in this act? What do you learn about what he wants

for us?• What might it mean in your life, to do what Jesus said in verses 14, 34 and 35?

Part 5 – The Lord’s SupperA powerful way the Lord shows us his love is through the gift of the practice of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). Experiencing this in your home may be a new or even uncomfortable experience for you, but Christians have been sharing the Lord’s Supper in their homes for centuries! It’s Jesus’ supper and he is the host at the table wherever that table may be located.

The scripture references for this part of the evening are found in Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20, and John 6:54-58.

If you’d like to read these passages as well, you are welcome to do so from your Bible.

Preparing the ElementsFeel free to use supplies you have at home - wine or juice and some form of bread. Prepare these for each person present.

What makes this sacrament holy is not the earthly elements themselves. Jesus chose to use items that were commonly a part of shared meals. These elements were given special significance through the celebration of the Passover meal (which was the meal Jesus was sharing with his disciples when he instituted this sacramental practice). The Passover was a meal celebrating God’s saving power for his people as he rescued them from slavery in Egypt, allowing them to be his people in freedom and love. They celebrated this meal so they would not forget God’s rescue or his love for them.

On this night, Jesus proclaimed a New Covenant promise was being formed between God and his people through Jesus’ sacrificial act of love. Jesus would lay down his life, his body, and his blood so that we could be set free from the power of sin and death and instead share in resurrection life with him, forever. It’s a meal of liberation from our slavery to sin and death through Jesus’ love poured out, for you. We celebrate this meal to remember God’s rescue of his saving love is also for us.

Speak the following words aloud:In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11: 23-25)

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After these words are said, if there are several people in your household, each person should serve the person to their left, saying over the bread, “The body of Christ given for you.” (The person may eat the bread as they hear the words.)

Do the same with the cup saying, “The blood of Christ, shed for you.” (The person may drink from the cup as they hear these words.)

Part 6 - PrayersThere is something very special about praying for one another. It is one specific way to show the love that Jesus wants us to share with each other. Praying aloud for others might feel uncomfortable at first so we have provided some pre-written prayers that you can use if you’d like. Or feel free to pray however the Holy Spirit leads you.

Healing Dear Jesus, we pray that you would touch ___________ with your healing hand. By the power of the Holy Spirit, let your life-giving power flow into every cell of his/her body and soul, restoring him/her to wholeness and strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

ProvisionMost loving Father, you know our needs before we ask, yet you want us to ask. Jesus, _________ needs provision from your glorious riches. Lord, we ask you to do with ________ what seems best in your eyes; give him/her a patient spirit to wait expectantly for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

SalvationLord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray that you would set your passion, your cross, and your death between your judgment and the soul of _________. We pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit you would reveal yourself to __________ and that he/she would embrace you, Jesus, so you can present him/her to the Father clothed in your righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Encouragement:Gracious God, you know the plans you have for ____________; plans to prosper and not to harm him/her. Jesus, by the power of your Holy Spirit, remind ________ that strength is found in you and you are his/her hope and future. In Christ’s holy name, amen.

Once you have prayed, close the evening by praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen

Final InstructionsWe would love to hear how your evening went! If you have photos or stories, we encourage you to share them on Facebook, or send photos and written stories to the church via email at hello@gracepeople.church, or by mail to: Community of Grace, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. You can also call us at (651) 429-5349 and share your stories.

God Bless You!

Darrin Vick, Senior Pastor8 9

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Notes

Good FridayBy His Wounds We Are HealedThis year, more than ever, we need the message of Good Friday. As we live in this broken world, many things leave us wounded: loneliness and fear, abandonment and betrayal, injustice and corruption, disrespect and mockery, the cost of reaching out for others and the rejection of that gift, isolation and the grief of loss, the physical suffering that we face, and the anxiety of the constant looming specter of death awaiting each one of us. But on Good Friday we are reminded that in the Lord’s great love for us. He understands these wounds, and we are not left to bear any of those things alone.

Our Lord has loved us so much that he chose to walk the way of the cross and to be wounded for us so that through him we might find wholeness. Good Friday reminds us there is nothing we face that Jesus won’t walk through with us. We will not even face death alone because Jesus has entered into death for us first to make it the place where his sacrificial gift of love meets our greatest need. This night is the ultimate reminder of God’s love for you.

In the book of Isaiah, it was prophesied that God would send a suffering servant to change the course of our relationship with him forever. Isaiah 53:3-5 says, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely, he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Tonight, we remember the wounds of Jesus so we might know this Savior came to meet us in our woundedness to bring us the healing of his love today.

Pray: Lord Jesus, you know the world we live in today seems very dark, full of fear, anxiety, and pain. Life in this world often leaves us wounded and feeling alone. But we remember tonight you chose to walk the lonely road to the cross for us so we need never be alone. Each year we remember once again the darkness of this day was not the end of your story and, because of your sacrificial love for us, it also will not be the end of ours. Remind us tonight, Jesus, that by your wounds we are healed. As we remember your suffering, may we also remember that your love is with today us in ours. We love you, Jesus. Draw us close to you tonight. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

The Wounds of Loneliness and Fear - Mark 14:32-40 “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found

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them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.”

Prayer of Reflection: Jesus, it breaks our hearts to think of you contemplating the horror of the cross alone knowing the human fear of pain and death just as we do. Still, you chose obedience for the sake of the disciples you loved - for those who even in that moment were failing you. You love us so far beyond our deserving. Where we fail, Jesus, you stand for us. Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak. And yet the strength of your spirit and your love persevered even to the point where flesh failed in your sacrifice even unto death for us. When we cry out to you in our loneliness and fear, help us remember, Jesus, that you understand. Help us also to remember that although our flesh may fail, your love will never fail us. You are with us. Help us to look for you and see your compassionate hand extended to us even in the darkness. You are faithful. Amen.

Go to Dark Gethsemane - Green Hymnal 109, sts. 1, 2  (Included in your mailing.)

The Wounds of Betrayal and Abandonment - Matthew 26:47-56 “While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”

Reflection: Have you felt the pain of betrayal or abandonment? Or the pain of being the one to betray or abandon? Fear or self-interest can cause us to make choices we never thought we’d make. In the shock of Judas’s betrayal - out of fear and self-interest - all Jesus’ dearest friends deserted him. And yet, where Jesus could’ve called on the power of 12 legions of angels to defend his self-interest, he chose not to betray or abandon his saving purpose for us. We were his best interest. Only a few short hours before, Jesus was feeding each of these same friends with a promise, “This is my body, my blood, given for you, for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Before any had betrayed or abandoned him, Jesus had already set the table for their homecoming, and for ours, by his grace. Jesus has chosen his loyalty; he will not be moved. When we have been betrayed or abandoned, Lord, help us to remember no matter who abandons or betrays us, your commitment to us remains steadfast. Help us to find our hope, our comfort, and our peace in you. Where we have forsaken you, Jesus, forgive us. Remind us that the table you set was for those you knew would run from you so when we come back to our senses, we would know how to find our way home to your grace. Thank you, Jesus, that you will never betray or abandon the soul that trusts in you.

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Just as I Am, Without One Plea - Green Hymnal 296, sts. 1, 2, 3, 6

The Wounds of Injustice and Corruption - Matthew 27:11-26 “Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge - to the great amazement of the governor. Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time, they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So, when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”

Reflection: In this night, Jesus was tried 4 times. First, by his own people - leaders of the Sanhedrin - who judged him a blasphemer; healing, forgiving sins as only God can. Second, by Herod, who in frustration at Jesus’ refusal to speak, judged him “unhelpful” to his personal cause. Third, he was judged by the crowd to be “a means to an end,” both to liberate a man who’d been a thorn in the side of their enemies and to become, by his crucifixion, their gruesome entertainment. And fourth, he was judged by Pilate to be “not worth the trouble” to uphold the cause of a man clearly innocent. How many times in this broken world have human beings suffered under such forms of judgment? How often has the corruption of power destroyed the lives of the innocent? Jesus is present with all those unjustly judged. And he gives a different verdict. Barabbas means “son of a father,” meaning he could be anyone. How fitting that when Jesus received the sentence instead the person he replaced was ‘anyone.’ A son of Adam, a daughter of Eve, one guilty but set free by the unjust suffering of the innocent Savior. Beloved. behold your redeemer, who deemed you to be worth the trouble to stand in your place. Now it’s your turn. Who do you judge him to be tonight?

Ah, Holy Jesus - Green Hymnal 123

The Wounds of Disrespect and Mockery - Matthew 27:27-31 “Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spat on him and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”

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Reflection: If you’ve ever known the wound of being disrespected, mocked, or belittled, you know sticks and stones may break our bones but words cut deeper and create wounds so much harder to heal. Those wounds go deep into our self-worth, into our understanding of our value. It hurts me to imagine Jesus mocked like this - physically tormented and verbally belittled. And it makes me love him all the more to know when I am wounded this way, the king of heaven and earth - my King - once put himself in this place for me so I could feel the truth of his love for me reaches even deeper than the wounds of human cruelty. “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (Romans 5:20b) “That’s my Jesus. That’s my King.”

My Song is Love Unknown - Green Hymnal 661, sts. 1, 4, 7

The Wounds of Sacrificial Giving, and of the Refusal of That Gift - Luke 23:33-43 “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Reflection: “Father, forgive them” he said of the people who had driven the nails in his hands and feet. His greatest hope, his greatest desire, was that the costly price he was paying in that very moment would result in our life, our freedom. The very reason the ‘King of the Jews’ refused to save himself was to open the way for our salvation. Is there a greater wound than to give everything you have, everything you are, for someone to be free and for them to refuse the gift? And yet in all this horrible scene comes a moment of absolute beauty. A criminal, who confesses to be undeserving of redemption, still dares ask Jesus for this forgiveness he so freely offers. He dares to ask of this king, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” If there was any joy for Jesus in that horrible day of suffering and pain, it was in this moment. This was his glory: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Do you know it’s in your power, beloved, to make this moment for Jesus a wound or a joy? This is the gift of his greatest love offered for you. Will you receive it?

O Sacred Head Now Wounded - Green Hymnal 117

The Wounds of Isolation and the Grief of Loss - Matthew 27:45-46 “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (Which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

Reflect: In this time of social distancing it can be easy to feel isolated and to be shaken by the unexpected griefs of all different kinds of losses. Grief can shake us to our core. But in the moment Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world, he felt an isolation and grief like nothing we can

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imagine. For the first time in eternity, the Trinity was ripped apart. The Son was separated from the presence of the Father and the Spirit by the sin of humanity - by my sin and yours. He became God forsaken in order to make us God redeemed. Now nothing, neither height, nor depth, nor life nor death, can ever separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord!

What Wondrous Love is This? - Green Hymnal 385 sts. 1, 2

The Wounds of Suffering and Death - Luke 23:44b-46 “darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.”

Reflection: One day, the end will come for us. One day the number of our days upon this earth will be completed. And when that day comes for you and me, my prayer is that we will remember this moment; the tender trust of Jesus that his heavenly Father would receive him. The work of redemption had been done; the curtain separating God from his people, ripped in two, by Jesus’ obedience. And by Jesus’ redeeming work for you and me on this Good Friday, we too can trust that even there he will bring us into his good promise. Through every wound we sustain in this broken world, in this life of joys and pains, we can trust it is by his wounds that we are healed. Lord, may we never take for granted the beauty of your great love for us.

Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Final Reading: Mark 15:46 “So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? - 92 sts. 1-3

Blessings from Pastor Angie Way14 15

Notes

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Matthew 28:1-6a: “After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

Response: He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is Ris’n Today! - Green Hymn 151

Confession and Absolution: In God’s great love for you, he sent his son Jesus to forgive your sin and restore you to himself in grace. 1 John 1: 8-9 tells us “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God already knows the sins that stand between us and himself and between us and one another. The purpose of confession is not for God, it’s for us to set us free. When we acknowledge our sins to God and ask him to remove them from us, the Holy Spirit then applies to us the power of the saving work of Jesus. And, just as in Jesus’ resurrection, by that same power we too can rise again restored.

Confess: Take a moment of silence to ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind those things you need to confess, things you’ve done or left undone. Are there people you need to forgive or places in your life when you feel you have not been acting as Jesus would. When those things come to mind, honestly confess them to the Lord.

Lord, I confess________. Please forgive me. Restore me, renew me, help me instead to be a reflection of your grace.

Pray: It’s never been our strength that conquers the darkness but yours! Jesus, we confess today we need the earth-shaking power of your resurrection! Put our sin to death and raise us to new life today by the saving power and grace of your love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Now receive the Good News: In love, God sent his son, Jesus, to die for you, and because he not only died for you - but rose for you - today this victory is also yours. In Jesus, the power and love of the risen Lord has raised you to begin again with him, forgiven, and made new. In Jesus’ name and by his saving work alone, Amen!

Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds! - Green Hymnal 367

Message - Unforeseen - Darrin Vick, Senior Pastor

Easter Message Summary - Read Mark 15:42 – 16:8 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the

Easter (Resurrection Day)

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kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

For the first followers of Jesus, the idea of their rabbi, master, messiah, and friend being arrested, tortured, and crucified was completely bewildering. What did it mean? Why did it happen? How would it affect their future? And what did it say about the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God of the universe that his only begotten Son was just as vulnerable, helpless, and mortal as the rest of them. Jesus was dead. And they never saw it coming.

How do we respond to unforeseen circumstances? Most of us have experienced situations in life that caught us off-guard. Sometimes they are a minor nuisance but other times they completely turn our world upside down. Back in the late 90’s, I was working as an instructional para-professional helping teach video production in a local high school. It didn’t pay very well, and it really had no opportunity for promotion but the work, itself, was alright. I was also

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a volunteer youth director at a small church in North Minneapolis. The youth ministry was shrinking along with the church, but I didn’t see any other options or opportunities on the horizon, so my wife and I continued to serve and attend.

One summer, my wife and I decided to bring our nine-person youth group to a week-long Bible camp with three other churches. That week would change my life and radically shift my future. One of the other churches at the camp just happened to be looking for a full-time youth minister. The Senior Pastor of that church just happened to be the keynote speaker for the week and his wife and children just happened to be sharing the same cabin with my family. We spent a great deal of time getting to know one another and by the end of the week, that pastor asked me to prayerfully consider becoming his new, full-time, youth minister. So many things had to happen behind the scenes in order for this opportunity to present itself. And I never saw it coming.

The unforeseen and bewildering events of Jesus’ death could only be surpassed by the mind-blowing, history-changing event of his resurrection! It was almost as if God had been conspiring behind the scenes, developing the perfect plan, to bring about his ultimate purpose - the salvation of the entire human race. Of course, this is exactly what God had been doing all along! The salvation story is a conspiracy of God’s desire to reconcile his rebellious people and restore his broken creation. And there is nothing in this story that comes as a surprise to God.

God is still conspiring to bring about his perfect plan in the lives of broken people. While your current circumstances may look bewildering, frightening, or perhaps even hopeless, God is still as work in unforeseen ways. The resurrection of Jesus Christ means there is hope after tragedy, peace after conflict, reunion after separation, healing after covid-19, and life after death! As the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

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Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Creed: A Creed is a statement of faith. Attached today is the Nicene Creed which was put together by a council of Christians hundreds of years ago and is still confessed with joy today. Please speak the words of this confession of faith aloud trusting that you confess together with followers of Jesus around the world.

Nicene Creed: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Pray: Jesus, you met us in the most broken places to transform us from those who are broken by the world to those who are whole in your love. Lord, transform our hearts in a way that leaves us unrecognizable as those we used to be and recognizable as yours! Help us follow you with joy in this new beginning as we pray in the words you taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Blessing: As you enter into this new week in the resurrection power and love of Jesus, may the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord look upon you with favor and grant you peace. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Thine is the Glory! - Green Hymnal 145

Go in peace! Serve the Lord!

Thanks Be to God!

Easter Blessings from All of Us at Community of Grace18 19

Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110(651) 429-5349 gracepeople.church