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Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B

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Children's Activity

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One of a kind -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Materials Pipe cleaners (white, iridescent, silver) Beads OR
The sin-disease connection -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Teachers or Parents: The theme of healing continues this

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Perceiving new things in the kingdom of God -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Most brides and grooms don't seem to have much investment in the selection of scripture for the wedd
Yes! -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
A few months ago there were two different television commercials that both had to do with a fellow t
Getting to yes -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
A number of years ago, a colleague and I were in a kind of leadership stalemate.

Children's sermon

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Saying "Yes" to Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Is everyone happy?
One of a kind -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. We are getting near the end of our season of Epiphany.
God says, "Yes" -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning! I brought something good for you this morning!
The sin-disease connection -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Good morning! Once Jesus healed a man who was a paralytic,

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
Isaiah 43:18-25
Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- William W. Helland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Mark 2:1-12

Drama

SermonStudio

A Hiding Place -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 32 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Opening Up To Jesus -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert F. Crowley -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
ThemeJesus fulfills all our needs.Summary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Harry was 89 when I... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Harry was 89 when I first met him.
In the mid-20th century... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
In the mid-20th century, Edgar A. Guest was a well-known verse-writer.
A forgiveness laboratory at Hope... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
A forgiveness laboratory at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, monitors the four stages identified i
Just as the paralytic's friends... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Just as the paralytic's friends came to his aid by bringing him to Jesus, so Paul Revere of Revoluti
The passage celebrates the incredible... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
The passage celebrates the incredible love and commitment of God to humanity and the sacrificial "Ye
There are few feelings as... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
There are few feelings as bad as realizing your dog has run away.
Before a product is put... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
Before a product is put on the market it goes through rigorous testing.
On one occasion during his... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2003
On one occasion during his administration, President Herbert Hoover was receiving some particularly
The people who witnessed Jesus... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
The people who witnessed Jesus' healing work were often amazed, a sign that they did not recognize w
I'll heal him, but first... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
"I'll heal him, but first fix the roof." This might have been one reaction of Jesus to this bizarre
Doug had gotten to the... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
Doug had gotten to the point where he almost hated going to work.
I applied for ordination while... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
I applied for ordination while I was serving a small country church.
Most of us have had... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
Most of us have had the experience of standing in the large room at an airport, waiting for our lugg
To vacillate or not to... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
"To vacillate or not to vacillate; that is the question -- isn't it?" quipped Bruce Wallace.
In 1997, a man who... -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2000
In 1997, a man who said that he was an exiled prince from Borneo announced at a United Nations confe
P, C)Are... -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
L, M)There... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(L, M)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(L, M)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- 2 Kings 2:1-12a -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)
(P, C)br... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1982
(P, C)

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Almighty God Our Heavenly Father... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Poems

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Andrew Daughters -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Four men came to Jesus,came bringing a friendwho was paralyzed. He could not walk.

Prayer

SermonStudio

Divine activity, demonstrable authority -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dennis Koch -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Gospel Note: Mark here records Jesus' forgiveness of a paralytic as well as

Preaching

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7/Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 41 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2006
This psalm is often identified as a prayer of individual thanksgiving but it reads more as a plea fo
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
Forgiveness Starts A Fight -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Miracle Four Forgiveness Starts A FightThe Text
The Miracle Of Forgiveness -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Richard Carl Hoefler -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
The Healing Of The Paralytic
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2001
A portion of this passage, namely verses 16--21, is also treated on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in Cycl
Healing A Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Forgiveness of sins -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: Forgiveness of sins.
Epiphany 7 -- Psalm 41 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
The Jews are in exile in Babylon. Deutero-Isaiah sees hope in
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Seasonal ThemeJesus grows up and it begins to dawn on some who and what he is.
Healing The Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
1. Text

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

Sermon

SermonStudio

Prayer Changes Things -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2015
Dr.
The Renewal Of Life -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
There once was a tree that lived happily in a big forest with many other trees.
Jesus At Home -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Robert J. Elder -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
When he [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
Integrity: Words With Meaning -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Scott Suskovic -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
My yes means yes. -- 2 Corinthians 1:18b (NLT)
Doing A New Thing -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Doing A New Thing
Gift Of Positive Thinking -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
For generations the "power of positive thinking" has been touted throughout our land.
Jesus Destroys The Power Of Sin -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
A story is told about how Leonardo da Vinci created one of his great masterpieces, Last Supper
Your Sins Are Forgiven -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Paul E. Flesner -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
This morning Mark tells us about the healing of a paralyzed man.
The Answer Waiting For A Question -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Frederick R. Harm -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
A number of years ago some Christians placed bumper stickers on their vehicles stating, "Christ is t
ChristianOptimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman
Forever Plaid -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- William L. Self -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
A few years ago there was a popular off-Broadway musical which gave a good insight into how life was
Standing Room Only Religion And Roof Repair -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
I long have enjoyed this story of Jesus' healing of the paralytic.
Christian Optimism -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
While waiting at an airport, years ago, I saw a couple in their thirties bring an older woman to her
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Harold C. Warlick, Jr. -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
The Power Of A Rumor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- John A. Stroman -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Most sermons on this text deal with one of two things: either a detailed account about the four
When Imagination Replaces Memory -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
One of the fascinating aspects of being human is our ability to create time.
With Friends Like This ... -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Glenn Schoonover -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Our sense of justice often causes us to insist that grace
And Now For Something Completely Different -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frederick C. Edwards -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
At the end of a week-long retreat in a mountain camp setting a
Sometimes It's Okay To Be Absentminded -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Curtis Lewis -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
All of us have heard of the absent-minded professor.

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,

The Village Shepherd

Get Up, And Live Life To The Full -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
They say the camera never lies, but that's no longer true, as the Royal Family proved on that

Stories

SermonStudio

The Forgiveness Factor -- Mark 2:1-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
This is probably one of the best-known vignettes in all of scripture, this wonderfully appealing sto
Yes! -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Yes!
Memories -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Don sat at the edge of his chair and looked right past me. "I can't hear much anymore.
The Aqueduct -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- John E. Sumwalt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Years ago there was an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the center of the village, all the way
Still Hope -- Psalm 41 -- John E. Sumwalt, John W. Doll -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
My brother has a daughter who is as beautiful as any woman could ever hope to be.

StoryShare

A Source Of Comfort -- Psalm 41:8, 10a -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
ContentsSharing Stories: "A Source of Comfort" by Kendall W. Anderson

Worship

SermonStudio

God Of Mercy, Ever Blessing -- Psalm 41 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2008
1. God of mercy, ever blessing, Tending to each human need,
Theme: Get In The Game -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9) One:
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 43:18-19)
God's Forgiveness -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord says, "Do not cling to events of the past."
The Blotter -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- James R. Wilson -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let our hearts be joined together this day in praise and worship!
Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12, Psalm 41 -- B. David Hostetter -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPIn Christ Jesus every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this
Jesus healing the bed-ridden -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 1990
Theme: Jesus healing the bed-ridden, followed by the hostility of the scribes.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic -- Mark 2:1-12 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Pastoral Invitation (Pastor and evangels)

The Immediate Word

Who Needs Forgiveness? -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- George L. Murphy -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B
Dear Fellow Preachers,
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For April 20, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: A bowl and a towel.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent

Have you ever gotten in trouble for not doing what you were supposed to do? (Let them respond.) Maybe it was something you were supposed to do at home, or maybe it was something you were supposed to do for someone else. Well, our story today is about the time Jesus’ friends didn’t do what Jesus told them they were supposed to do.
John Jamison
Activity: The Easter Game. See the note. 
John Jamison
Object: A box of Kleenex?

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

Today is the day we call Good Friday, and it is the day that Jesus died. What happened on Good Friday is the story I want to tell you about. It is a short story, but it is also a very sad story. (Show the Kleenex.) It is so sad that I brought a box of Kleenex with me in case we need it. Let’s hear our story together.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Acts 10:34-43
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 65:17-25
The vision of Isaiah, the new heaven and new earth, a world we cannot begin to imagine, moves us from the sorrow of Good Friday and the waiting of Saturday, into the joy of the resurrection. Isaiah proclaims from God, “no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it or the cry of distress.” What a moment, what a time that will be. What hope there is in this prophecy? God’s promises are laid out before us. God’s promises are proclaimed to us.
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
It’s unclear whether the original prophet is speaking about his own sufferings as a prophet bringing an unwanted word to people who want to believe all is well (and which could have led to severe physical punishment on the part of the authorities), or to the nation as the suffering servant who have suffered under the lash of a foreign oppressor, much as God’s people suffered under the Egyptians. These are legitimate interpretations, and perhaps there’s a bit of truth in all viewpoints.
Wayne Brouwer
When Canadian missionaries Don and Carol Richardson entered the world of the Sawi people in Irian Jaya in 1962, they were aware that culture shock awaited them. But the full impact of the tensions they faced didn’t become apparent until one challenging day.
David Kalas
What do you do on the night before God saves you? 

The children of Israel had been languishing in hopeless bondage for centuries. How many of them had lived and died under the taskmaster’s whip? How many of them had cried out to the Lord for help without seeing their prayers answered?  And so, as surely as their bodies were weighed down under the weight of their physical burdens, their spirits must also have been weighed down under years of bondage and despair.
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
It is perhaps not widely known, but the Community Blood Center has a website that contains stories of blood recipients.  I spent some time on that website as I thought about this passage. One of the stories that struck me was Kristen’s. Kristen’s time of need came during the birth of her first child. After a smooth pregnancy, she experienced serious problems during delivery, which led to a massive hemorrhage. She needed transfusions immediately, and ended up receiving 28 units of platelets, plasma, and whole blood.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. (v. 14)

Mary weeps as she comes to the tomb that first Easter morning. She weeps because her dearest friend is dead. When this friend comes up behind her she turns around and sees him, but she doesn't really see him. Do you know what I mean?

Mary thought Jesus was the gardener. She implores him, "Sir, if you have taken him away tell me where you have laid him…"  She sees him but she doesn't see him.
Peter Andrew Smith
I’m sorry but I have some bad news. John heard the words of the doctor again as he sat in the pew waiting for the service to start on Good Friday. He was at church because he was a regular and he hoped, he prayed that he could escape the rising fear and dread that had come from the medical appointment yesterday. The doctor had been sure there was no problem when John had told him the symptoms he was experiencing a couple of weeks ago. The doctor even told him to just ignore them as they were a sign of getting older.
John E. Sumwalt
In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ (v. 25)

I was seven years old, the same age as my grandson, Leonard, when I asked the big communion question in the barn while helping Dad, the first Leonard Sumwalt, milk cows in 1958.

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
All my life I have struggled with the concept of calling this day of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion as “good.” What could possibly be good about Jesus being arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified? How can we call this feast day “good”?
Wayne Brouwer
When I was a pastor in rural southern Alberta, we held our Easter Sunrise worship services in a cemetery. It was difficult to gather in the dark, since neither mountains nor forests hid the spring-time sun, and the high desert plains lay open to almost ceaselessly unclouded skies. Still, we mumbled in hushed whispers as we acknowledged one another, and saved our booming tones for the final rousing chorus of “Up from the grave he arose…!” We did not shake the earth as much as we hoped.
Dennis Koch
Gospel Theme:

Different paces and paths to resurrection faith

Gospel Note:
John here obviously mingles at least two Easter morning traditions, the one featuring Mary Magdalene and the other starring Peter and the beloved disciple. The overall effect, however, is to show three different paths and paces to resurrection faith: the unnamed disciple rushes to the empty tomb and comes to faith simply upon viewing it; Mary slowly but finally recognizes the risen Christ and believes; Peter, however, simply goes home, perhaps to await further evidence.
Pamela Urfer
Cast: Two Roman soldiers, FLAVIUS and LUCIUS, and an ANGEL

Length:
15 minutes

FLAVIUS and LUCIUS are seated on their stools, center stage.

FLAVIUS: (Complaining) What was all the hurry about for this burial? I don't understand why we had to rush.

LUCIUS:
(Distracted but agreeable) Hmmmm.

FLAVIUS: I don't know why I even ask. It's so typical of the military: Hurry up and wait.

LUCIUS:
True.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
The liturgy can start with a procession in which a child carries the Easter candle from the West end of the church to the altar at the East end, stopping at intervals to raise the candle high and cry, "Christ our Light". The people respond with "Alleluia!" All the candles in church are then lit from the Easter candle.

Call to worship:

The Lord is risen, he is risen indeed! Let us rejoice and be glad in him!

Invitation to confession:

Jesus, we turn to you.

Lord, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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