Worship ServiceApril 26th (Third Sunday of Easter)

“WE GATHER TO PRAISE GOD AND BE CHRIST’S PEOPLE”

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Opening Hymns - “He IS Lord” 177(UMH) x2

Opening PrayerWondrous God, present with us when we do not know it, valuing us when we do not care for ourselves, planting in us the seed of your word even when the soil of our hearts is hard and unyielding, open our eyes to recognize you here. May we sense your presence next to us. May we hear your voice. May we know your touch. May we see you in one another and in the beauty all around us. May your reality emerge deep inside each life, transforming our thoughts and deeds and our relationship with one another. Amen. (Taught by Love, Lavon Bayler)

Welcome & AnnouncementsGood morning! How are you today? Today is the Third Sunday of Easter. It is the season to celebrate Jesus’ victory. And, it is also a chance to give thanks to our Lord for his steadfast and everlasting love. He demonstrated his own love for us. And, he became our Lord and Savior. Because we believe him, we want to keep our faith that Jesus is our Lord. We want to have power from the Holy Spirit through our worship. We want to be filled with joy and happiness through our worship service.1) Closure update from Bishop Oliveto: “As we continue to monitor rates of COVID-19 infection throughout the Mountain Sky Conference, as well as look at models for removing Shelter in Place

Restrictions, I am updating my request to keep our churches closed at least through May 2020.” If the situation changes, and the Governor decides to lift the restrictions before the end of May, we will re-assess our options as well. 2) The church office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until further notice. In addition, Pastor Jung will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays unless he is called away. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care, please contact Pastor Jung at 303-548-6535 or Pastorjung@berthoudumc.org. 3) Our mask-making team is committed to making sure that everyone in our church family has a mask. Please stop by the church to pick up a mask for yourself and/or family. These are sturdy washable masks; they are bound to serve you as long as needed. Debbie can help you; or, for delivery, contact Betsy Haskins, 303-818-2577. 4) Photos needed! There’s still time to get your “worshipping at home” photo to us for the May newsletter! Just send it to secretary@berthoudumc.org. Please note, by sending your photo, you agree to have it published in the newsletter and possibly the website. 5) Alternative Worship Update: The church is not a building, but PEOPLE. Although we cannot be together face to face in our sanctuary, we believe we are connected within our Lord, Jesus Christ. Please continue to worship, praise and give thanks to God by participating in the alternative worship each week. Pastor KyeongSu will continue to prepare a document you and your family can use to worship in your homes, but will also have a YouTube video which corresponds with the document. You should receive an email on Friday mornings, which will include the material and the link to the video. You may also go to the church website’s home page for the link to the video. Delivery of materials on Saturday to those without email access will also continue. If you know of someone who would like the material to be delivered to their home, please contact Debbie or Pastor KyeongSu in the church office to get them added to the list. Also, please continue to give as you are able during this time. There are several options for giving: 1) Give online through our website, www.berthoudumc.org. At the top-right corner of the website is a white heart with a button that says “giving”; click on that button and follow the instructions. If you have not set up a profile, you will have to do that first. Call Debbie in the office or Barbara Boyd for help. 2) Mail a check to 820 9th Street, Berthoud, CO 80513. 3) Drop off a check or cash to the church office on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 6) Congratulations to Zachary Obendorf for achieving his Cub Scout Religious emblem for completing the P.R.A.Y. Program! We are so proud of him and hope to be able to celebrate in person during a worship service in the near future! Good job, Zachary! 7) UMW’s Annual Women’s Luncheon, scheduled for May 9 has been postponed to July or August. We will make an announcement a new date is determined. Also, the Early Birds and Hope Circle group meetings for May have been canceled. The Executive Board Meeting on May 12 will be done via a conference call. 8) From Karl Scott: The Clarence Scott Memorial Fund is being taken care of at First United Methodist Church, 108 E. 18th St, Cheyenne Wyoming 82001. Please note the Memorial fund in the memo on checks or add a note. The family will have a celebration of life service when gatherings can resume. 9) Scholarship for On-line High School diploma: Church family, you have shown that despite adversity, you remain generous and faithful to meet needs around us. BUMC is donating one full scholarship to the Berthoud Community Library! May God bless your efforts, and may this scholarship open doors to growth and fulfillment for its recipient.

Passing the Peace of Christ: Please Greet Each Other in Jesus’ Name – “Peace be with you!”

Hymn - “Maker in Whom We Live” 88(UMH)

Prayers of Joy and Petition It is time for us to open our hearts, and share our joy and concern. We want to pray for one another. We can remember each other in our hearts and in our prayers.Sharing Please share your joys and concerns together. Please do not forget to give thanks to God.Meditation – Together

Pastoral PrayerAlmighty, Creator God, you have brought us together this morning and we are grateful to carve out this time of stillness to be completely present and receptive to you. Draw us into the fullness of your presence, into your heart; which is life, light, and love without limit. We desire intimate relationship

with you, Lord. Not only here in this sanctuary but also in our everyday lives. We praise you, we worship you, and we adore you. Everything starts in you and finds its purpose and joy in you, and in your incredible love and power that surrounds us. Lord, we honor you and earnestly seek your will. As we look to you for guidance and direction, we often get distracted by the noise and circumstances of this world. Forgive us and help us to see from your perspective and not our own limited one.Merciful God, at this time we want to lift up all our prayers for the people who are in our minds and hearts. We believe that you are in charge of everything. Many are facing serious physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges and they need your healing touch and help. We pray for those who are lonely; those who long to feel worthy and loved; those who are searching for meaning and purpose. Infuse them with your restoring power and the comfort of your Spirit. Please meet each of us at the very point of our need today. And, please help us to be the gift of being a shoulder for another to lean on. You’ve told us that when we serve others, we are serving you.Holy God, yours is a voice from within, written on our hearts, and as personal as our next breath. We trust you and we thank you for what will be. We thank you especially for your promises; for hope and a new and transformed life in Christ. Empower us by your Spirit to respond fully to your love in whatever ways you are inviting us to follow you and in so doing may we glorify and honor your name. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lord’s PrayerOur father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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, Amen.

Scripture Reading ------------------------ “Luke 24:13 - 35” ----------------------------------Stu BoydNow that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Special Music ---------------------------- “It is Well” -----------------------------------Janie Patterson

Sermon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Burning Heart”They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the

road and opened the Scriptures to us?” It is the conversation between the people who met Jesus Christ on the way to Emmaus with deep sorrow and despair. When Jesus was arrested and crucified, Jesus’ followers including his disciples were in panic. They believed that Jesus would become the redeemer of Israel. They wanted to see Jesus as a powerful leader who could liberate the Israelites from the oppression of the Roman Empire. Many people expected that Jesus would change their society.

However, Jesus died on the Cross as the worst sinner. Jesus did not do anything like what they wanted. In their perspective, Jesus died in vain. His life looked like a failure. Many people who had followed him disassociated with Jesus because they were really disappointed. But, people who met Jesus, who resurrected, changed. They became the people who were filled with the power of Jesus Christ. They were filled with the joy of The Resurrection. They became faithful servants for God’s works. They kept their faith for the Lord although they were in terrible situations. Today, we want to share this story together.

In today’s text, we can find two people who were very disappointed with Jesus. They left Jerusalem and went to a village called Emmaus. Actually, they were Jesus’ followers. When they met Jesus, heard Jesus’ preaching, and saw Jesus’ amazing miracles, they decided to follow him because they thought he was different from the other humans. In verses 19 and 21, they said that “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” They followed Jesus with great hope. Whenever Jesus performed miracles, they glowed with enthusiasm. “Wow! We were right. Jesus is a special person. Otherwise, how can he do something like this? He will do very wonderful things for us and our people.” But Jesus let them down. He died on the Cross. Their hopes were completely shattered. They would say, “We are really disappointed. When we saw Jesus, he looked different from the other people who only searched for their desires. Jesus preached God’s words. He showed different things to us. We thought that Jesus would do special things for us. We guessed that he would lead us like Moses or Elijah. But we were wrong. He died on the Cross. He did not show his power of leadership. He was not a real hero for us. He was only a little bit special.”

Yes, they would be right. However, we have to see a very important thing here. This story occurred on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Verse 13 said, “that same day.” That is, these two people also heard about the empty tomb. They would also hear the news that Jesus has risen. But, they did

not go to see Jesus. They left Jerusalem on the day of the Resurrection with great despair and disappointment although they heard the news that Jesus had risen. Let’s think about that. Why did they leave Jerusalem even though they heard the news of the resurrection? It was because they did not believe Jesus’ resurrection.

They expected Jesus as a prophet and a redeemer. But, that was it. They did not believe that Jesus who died on the Cross would resurrect on the third day for them. The Resurrection had nothing to do with them. That is why they left Jerusalem. Naturally, they could not expect Jesus to be with them. They failed to meet Jesus because Easter was someone else’s business. So, their eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus. Although Jesus was with them, they didn’t realize they were with Jesus. And, it is exactly the same for us.

We celebrated Easter. We shared Easter Sunday Service via a video clip. Although we could not be together in our sanctuary, we enjoyed Easter Sunday because we were together. It was a wonderful time. But, when we talk about Easter Sunday, some people would say, “Oh! Easter. We celebrated Easter. Easter was already two weeks ago.” Many people just think of Easter as an annual event in the church calendar. Please remember, Easter is not one day. Easter is not one of our annual events. It should be every Sunday. No, it should be every day in our lives. That is, we should have the joy and happiness of Jesus’ resurrection every day. We should keep the delight of Easter in our daily lives. Let’s keep the strong belief of Jesus’ resurrection. When we keep this joy and happiness of resurrection, our lives can be filled with confidence which comes from our Lord because Jesus Christ who died on the Cross resurrected for me, for you, and for all of us.

There is one more thing we have to share. Although they left Jerusalem and the news of resurrection with unbelief, Jesus came to them. Because they did not believe in the Resurrection, they stood, their faces downcast, when Jesus called them. Because they lost hope, they behaved like losers. Jesus clearly proclaimed he would resurrect several times. Jesus came to them. But they could not recognize him. Although they followed Jesus for a long time, although they pretended that they were really close with Jesus, and although they had pride that Jesus was their teacher and leader, they missed the most important thing. How sad Jesus would be? However, Jesus never gave them up. Jesus came to see them. Until they experienced Jesus’ resurrection and until their despair and sorrow changed into joy and happiness, Jesus was with them.

It was his amazing love and grace. And, it is also exactly the same for us. Although God shows his love and grace every day in our lives, we overlook it. Although God prepares his blessing, we miss it. But God never gives us up. Two people who left Jerusalem and were going to Emmaus were in the worst situation. They lost their hope. They regarded their lives as a complete failure because they thought that they had wasted their time. They were in despair and deep sorrow. But, Jesus came to them. He talked to them about their unbelief and gave them Bible scriptures on prophecies about the Messiah. And, when he asked to join them for the evening meal, Jesus broke the bread as he did at the last supper. When Jesus did the same thing, finally their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus.

The Bible said, Jesus disappeared from their sight when they recognized Jesus Christ. But, they clearly experienced that Jesus has risen. They had personal experiences with Jesus Christ. They were extremely happy because they realized that Jesus came to them. They shared, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They felt that their hearts were burning. How could they stop testifying their amazing experience? The Bible said they returned to Jerusalem to carry the news to other disciples. If so, when did they go back to Jerusalem? They arrived at the village in the evening time. Actually, it was night. But it was not a

problem for them. They could not wait until the morning. Today’s text said, “They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem.” They immediately rushed to Jerusalem. They ran to Jerusalem because they wanted to witness to other Christians what they experienced. Finally, they became witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.

“Faith” is another name for the “Burning Heart.” Faith means the burning heart which became extremely hot because of Jesus Christ and for Jesus Christ. Think about that. Jesus came to me. It was not Jesus of despair. It was not Jesus of failure. It was Jesus who resurrected from the dead for me. It was Jesus of victory. It was Jesus of joy. That is why we can be happy and our heart can burn for him. In Psalm chapter 39 verse 3, David confessed the very same thing: “My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue.”

In the Bible, there are numerous people who experienced joy and happiness because of Jesus of Resurrection. Although they missed the news of resurrection, and although they failed to follow Jesus, Jesus never gave them up. Jesus came to them and showed his love and grace. It is the same for us. Although we are not strong, although we fail to follow him, and although we miss his love and grace, he will never stop showing us his love and grace. Our Lord never stops telling us his message of love.

Please remember whenever we are in bad times, and wherever we are in trouble, he will come and will say “I love you my children. I will lead you, protect you, and bless you even though you are in the valley of darkness.” Please believe Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Please meet Jesus of Resurrection. Please hear his lovely voice. When we hear him, we will experience his power of love. And our heart will burn for him. At that time, we will become his faithful disciples and wonderful witnesses. I pray you can all have a “Burning heart” for Jesus Christ.

Let us pray. Loving God, thank you for giving us this time to worship you. Thank you for giving your wonderful message of love. Thank you for letting us remember your Resurrection. You came here to show your love and to save our lives. And, you resurrected and became our Lord. And, you never stop to show us you love us. As many people experienced your love of salvation, we want to have the life which can be filled with your power of resurrection. You promised that you will never give us up even though we are in trouble, and we miss your love. We want Easter to be every day in our spiritual journey. We want to be happy with your power of resurrection. We want to have a “burning heart” for you. Please help us enjoy a “Burning Heart” for you in our daily lives as your people. Please help us to witness our “Burning Heart” to the world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn “Majesty, Worship his Majesty” 176(UMH) x2

OffertoryAlthough temporarily, we are not gathering at the church, we are still a church. When we pray together and praise God together, we believe we are connected to each other spiritually as “One Congregation.” As “The Community of Faith,” we want to become the community that can help others not to become one that have to ask help from others. To keep this wonderful faith community, please continue to give to the Church. We need your support and participation to continue each operation. You can find “How to give!” through the church email blasts and announcements.Offertory Prayer - Thank you, God, for the privilege of joining with Christ in the proclamation of your love for all people. May the ministries we support serve to unite people across all differences, building up the body of Christ and reaching out to the world with healing energy. Bless these gifts and all who give any way to make your love known. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Taught by Love, Lavon Bayler)

Closing Hymn - “Because He Lives” 364(UMH)

Commission and BlessingWe have been called away from a corrupt generation. We have been ransomed from our futile ways.Life’s meaning is not to be found in silver or gold. We have found new life in trusting God.We have been born anew through God’s enduring word. We embrace a living faith and hope.We purify our souls through obedience to truth. We love one another deeply from the heart.Christ is alive in our midst. Christ goes with us along all life’s roads.We go out to serve in Christ’s name. May the love of Christ find expression in us.Amen. (Taught by Love, Lavon Bayler)