Even in the excitement of Jesus’ resurrection, the work is not yet done. The messenger gave this message: go to Galilee. The mission continues, and we are sent.

Worship for this week:

Sunrise worship – 7:00 a.m.

Traditional worship – 9:00 a.m.

Contemporary worship – 10:30 a.m.

Easter Breakfast served by the youth –  7:30 – 10:20 a.m.

Devotions for this week:

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding Sunday, Mark 16:1-8, Resurrection

Monday, Psalm 118:21-27

Tuesday, Mark 16:8, The Shorter Ending of Mark

Wednesday, Mark 16:9-11, Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Thursday, Mark 16:12-13, Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

Friday, Mark 16:14-18, Jesus Commissions the Disciples

Saturday, Mark 16:19-20, The Ascension of Jesus

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

Some of Jesus’ followers went to the tomb to anoint him, very early in the day, as soon as it was permitted. When they arrived, they found an empty tomb and a messenger who sent them out from that place with good news to share.

Mark has several endings. It is speculated the last two may have been added throughout the centuries. How does Jesus’ story read differently when ended at verse 8?

How does Jesus’ resurrection shape your life? How would your life be different if you didn’t have Jesus in it?

What makes you different from people who do not believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus? What makes you the same? How does Jesus see those that are different from you?

PRAY:  Resurrected one, grant us courage to go out on the road, seeking you. Remind us that your mission is just beginning. Amen.

BLESS: May God raise you up to new life each and every day. Amen.

Although the celebration would come to an abrupt end, in this moment, there is joy, hope, and love. Today let us live in this moment.

Worship this week:

Saturday — 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. — Generations in Faith Together – a time for all ages to gather for learning and fellowship

10:30 a.m. — Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:

The Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday)                            March 19-20, 2016

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Mark 11:1-11, Triumphal Entry

Monday, Mark 14:3-9, Woman Anoints Jesus

Tuesday, Mark 14:43-65, The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Wednesday, Mark 14:66-72, Peter Denies Jesus

Thursday, Mark 14:12-42, The Lord’s Supper

Friday, Mark 15:16-39, Crucifixion

Saturday, Mark 15:40-47, The Death and Burial of Jesus

TALK: Consider some of these ideas:

The road, at last, has taken Jesus and the disciples to Jerusalem. The dance with the powers of the world has been going on for a while. But now matters begin to come to a head. They enter the city to great acclaim amid a public spectacle. Although things would change quickly, in this moment there is hope, and joy, and love.

• Notice and discuss the high points and low points of this emotional and eventful week.
• How does your life reflect shifting views or emotions toward Jesus? When in your life have you felt close to Jesus? When have you felt a distance?
• How might you explain the events of Holy Week to someone who has never learned of Jesus before? What do these events mean to you?

 PRAY: God of great and small, use every occasion to teach us. In all the places we journey, the public square and own dwelling places, grant us sacred encounters with you. Amen.

 BLESS: May God walk with you on your Holy Week journey. Amen.

More than just the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, this weekend’s story asks us to consider how we are dealing with our days.  Jesus tells the disciples not to panic, but to stay alert and make the most of the days we are given.

Worship this weekend:

Saturday — 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship

9:30 a.m. –Sunday School

10:30 a.m. — Contemporary worship

Devotions for this week:

The end of the age                                                                   March 12-13, 2016

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ:Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Mark 13:1-8, 24-37, End of the Age

Monday, Mark 13:9-13, Persecution Foretold

Tuesday, Mark 13:14-23, The Desolating Sacrilege

Wednesday, Mark 14:1-2, The Plot to Kill Jesus

Thursday, Mark 14:10-11, Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Friday, Mark 15:1-5, Jesus before Pilate

Saturday, Mark 15:6-15, Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified

TALK: : Consider some of these ideas:

Across from the temple, great edifices and porticoes of stone, Jesus responded to yet another question from his disciples. “When will we see the end of all things?” No one knows, he says, and many will mistakenly attempt to declare the time, but a disciple’s priority is not to predict, but merely to stay alert.

• How do these stories take a dark turn? Why do you think so many were against Jesus?
• How are you prepared for the end of all things? How are you unprepared? How are you prepared to live a long, healthy life?
• What do you imagine the end of the age will be like? What will happen to the earth? To humanity?

PRAY: Spirit of life, inhabit our reflections, our actions, our hope. Guide us to understand all things in light of your great promises. Amen

BLESS: May God prepare your heart and mind for whatever is to come. Amen.

When challenged with questions about which commandment was the greatest, Jesus presented an answer to which all the commandments would point: love God and love others. In a world where righteous hatred and blind prejudice seem to run rampant, this word of love is a refreshing reprieve.

Worship with Holy Communion this week:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Adult class

10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship

The Great Commandment –                                             March 5-6, 2016

 SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

 READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Sunday, Mark 12:28-44, The Great Commandment

Monday, Psalm 89:1-4

Tuesday, Psalm 102:12-17

Wednesday, Psalm 121

Thursday, Psalm 116:12-19

Friday, Psalm 22:1-2, 14-21

Saturday, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, The Great Commandment

 TALK: Consider some of these ideas:

How do we sort through the hundreds of commandments offered in Holy Scripture? How shall we be judged? Such questions were brought before Jesus by all the people he encountered, whether experts disputing a point of law, disciples seeking to learn, or everyday people negotiating situations that were anything but theoretical.

• How is the theme of love woven throughout these readings?
• How is love for God, others, and self woven into your life?
• Of these three, do you love one more than another? Why or why not?
• Who do you find it difficult to love? Why? What could you do to love even more?

PRAY:   Lord of life, direct our gaze toward what we need to see. Grant us the ability to attend to what truly matters. Amen.

BLESS: May God fill your heart with understanding, acceptance, and love. Amen.