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Maundy Thursday - A

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Children's Activity

CSSPlus

Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOME
Serving others -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME AT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND AT HOMEMaterials:

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sharing the Table -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Fred Craddock once flew to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to speak at a church conference.
Just Love One Another -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
If your congregation(s) are typical for these United States, you’re possibly combining the Last Supp
The Lamb Of God -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
George MacDonald helps us understand the heart-tug of grace in his children’s tale known as “Papa’s
A world turned upside down -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
In 17th-century England, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell and his righteous Puritanism, Parli
A good meal -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
When traveling through a strange town many years ago, we stopped a pedestrian and asked her, "Where
I'll never forget that night ... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Years ago, a band called Lobo sang about an international memorable event. Describing
Binding blood -- Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Psalm 23 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2002
The Unity Ribbon. Never heard of it?
The magnificence of the ordinary -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1999
Our arrival at Thursday in the week we call holy brings us face to face with the core of our faith.
Remember and act -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1996
Three actions -- the passing over of the houses of Israel while they hurriedly feast, the blessing o
The thief who gave nothing -- Maundy Thursday - A
We've never met, you and I.

Children's bulletin

Gospel Grams 2

Children's Bulletin (ages 8-10) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Gospel Grams 1

Children's Bulletin (ages 5-7) -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A

Children's sermon

CSSPlus

Commands! -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- John Jamison -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Object: A babysitter.
The Connection -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bethany Peerbolte -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
There are many things in faith that only make sense if we understand the connection.
Doing The Unpleasant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mary Kay Eichelman -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
I have a surprise in my bag today but I'm not sure if any of you would like to see it. You see...
Do It to Be It -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Anna Shirey -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
First Thoughts
Feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no
Remembrance of me -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he come
Passing the story on -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you. (v. 23a)
Serving others -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Jesus got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around
Remember! -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good evening! I brought this picture to show you. It's a
Humble yourself -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good evening! On the night before he died, Jesus took a wash
A special meal -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good morning! I brought a birthday card with me this evening
A new rule -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A
(Taking out the sheet of rules, start reading them off one-by-
Remember me -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Good evening, boys and girls. (Have a string tied around a
Washing of feet -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A
Note: Prior to Maundy Thursday ask an adult to have his feet

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2020) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2014) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Derl G. Keefer, Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
This passage gives... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
This passage gives the historical reason and setting for the feast of the Passover.
But would grandma... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
But would grandma approve?
Famed modern theologian... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Famed modern theologian Karl Barth nicely sets the tone for celebrations of the Lord's Supper and of
Bishop William Quayle... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Bishop William Quayle (1860-1925) of the Methodist Episcopal church attended a communion service wit
A district superintendent... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
A district superintendent in the United Methodist church, along with a dozen other district superint
You can often tell... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bob Ove -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
You can often tell where someone is from by the way they speak.
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
NULL -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
I can still remember going to the bank seven years ago with my wife to buy our home.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Leah Thompson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Country songs are really happy if you play them backward, some people say.
NULL -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Ron Love -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
In Billy Graham's daily devotional he was asked what is more important to God, our actions or the mo
NULL -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Craig Kelly -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
A recent study by the Barna Group (www.barna.org) showed that you
Worship prepares us to recognize... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Worship prepares us to recognize and receive God's grace -- no matter the circumstances.
Here is the origin of... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Here is the origin of our Lord's table observances. Jesus later gave new significance to it,
The final plague for the... -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
The final plague for the Egyptians, the death of the firstborn, was coming. All of the
The food on which he... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
The food on which he feeds us is bread: the ordinary stuff of life. Here is how it comes to
An adult education group was... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
An adult education group was meeting with the pastor to prepare themselves for
Janet was headed to the... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Janet was headed to the local church as she did almost every Thursday to attend an
Dr. Susan Coady of Ohio... -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Dr. Susan Coady of Ohio University defines a tradition as something a family does, has
E. L. Doctorow's novel, The... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
E. L. Doctorow's novel, The March, is about General Sherman's "March to the
Controversies abound over the way... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Controversies abound over the way to determine the identity of Jesus' true standard

StoryShare

Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)

Preaching

SermonStudio

Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Carlos Wilton -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayIn Christ, we have nothing to fear: not even the night.
Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2006
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see Maundy Thursday, Cycle B, for an alternative a
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover w
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme
Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Victory Feast -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- George M. Bass -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
The church year theological clue

Sermon

SermonStudio

Loving Made Real -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Marian R. Plant, David G. Plant -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
The lectionary gives us two types of traditional texts for our Maundy Thursday services over the spa
Remembering Then; Anticipating When -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Tony S. Everett -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
Today is called Maundy Thursday by Christians throughout the world.
Looking Down on God -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
One of the most interesting accounts of a creative and surprising story was of a father and his thre
Brought Together And Sent Forth -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Lee Griess -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
There once was a majestic cathedral in Northern Europe that was known for its magnificent organ.
To Be Passed Over -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
This ancient story comes down the centuries to us with power.
The Ordinary In God's Hands -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
The apostle Paul writes to a church where he was the founding pastor.
All Baked Into One Loaf -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Harry N. Huxhold -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
On Passion Sunday we took note of the work of Richard Fortey, an English paleontologist, who publish
For And Against -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Robert J. Elder -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Carrying On The Tradition -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
Tradition is an integral part of being human.
Go Love! -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Richard L. Sheffield -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
Say: "I Remember" -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Luchsinger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
How good are you at remembering?
Wash Up First For The Meal Before You Eat! -- John 13:1-15 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
"People just do not take the Lord's supper as seriously as they should.
The Difference A Night Makes -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Theodore F. Schneider -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
I. A Memorial Forever
Receiving In Order To Give -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Albert G. Butzer, III -- Maundy Thursday - A
According to the Apostle Paul, Jesus once said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 2

Stories

StoryShare

Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
A Waste of Time -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2020
Contents “A Waste of Time” by Keith Hewitt
In His Service -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Keith Wagner -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2017
Contents "In His Service" by Keith Wagner "Remembering" by Keith Wagner
Learning Humility -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2014
Contents"Learning Humility" by Sandra Herrmann
Get Your Boots On -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2011
Contents"Get Your Boots On" by C. David McKirachan
Do This Remembering Me... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez, Bryan Meadows -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

The Upper Room -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David E. Leininger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
I've been there, the upper room, where this scripture is set.
Al Webster: The Gentle Giant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God
Being A Servant -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Danny looked at the document. He was standing at his secretary's desk.

Worship

SermonStudio

Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
Offertory Prayer
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: In remembrance, we gatherAll: to be with the One
Fast Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
HymnsI Love The Lord, Who Heard My Cry (PH362, NCH511)
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The PassoverCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: The Institution Of The Lord's SupperCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: Servant LeadershipCall To Worship
Holy / Maundy Thursday -- Psalm 116 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet, and the New Commandment -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Wayne H. Keller -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1998
For this worship, use a small room for closeness that can be expanded easily to accommodate those wh
I Will Pay My Vows To The Lord -- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use as a call to worship.
MAUNDY THURSDAY -- Matthew 21:12-17 -- B. David Hostetter -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1992
The Matthew Passion Narrative Divided into Eleven Lessons for a Tenebrae Service with Holy Communion
God's Lamb, God's liberation -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 89, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 -- Paul A. Laughlin -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1989
Exegetical note: When the Synopticists (especially) depicted Jesus as celebrating the Seder meal wit
MAUNDY THURSDAY -- Psalm 89:20-21, 24, 26, Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 -- Norman A. Beck -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 1986
What an interesting selection of texts we have for Maundy Thursday in Series A!

Free Access

Holy / Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2001
Theme: Servant LeadershipCall To Worship
UPCOMING WEEKS
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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:

CSSPlus

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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