April 17th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Jenna Crafts
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Luke Poses Questions to Ponder: Where Do I Find the Risen One?
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.
[Reading above - Luke 24:1-12]
Luke makes a point in his witness to the empty tomb to highlight the Galilean women as exemplary disciples. They are present at the crucifixion, watching as Jesus is buried, and bringing spices to offer a proper burial for their Leader. These women are the first witnesses to and the first believes in the resurrection of Jesus. The Day of Resurrection unfolds in a way that confirms their proclamation.
Questions for Reflection:
On the day of his death there was not time to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. The women came to the tomb for this very purpose. What does this act demonstrate about their commitment to Jesus?
In the days leading up to his death, Jesus had repeated that in Jerusalem he would suffer, die, and be raised. Why do you think his followers were surprised when these events actually happened?
The eleven disciples considered the women’s story of the empty tomb an “idle tale”. How do you understand the resurrection? How have you experienced new life in Christ? Where do you find the presence of the Risen One?
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship
We are using an ancient spiritual practice called Lectio Divina. This is a prayerful way of reading a scripture passage with mindfulness of Christ’s Living Spirit in the words. Try this practice with today’s scripture lesson. At the beginning of the week please slowly read through these verses a few times in an attitude of prayer. Pay attention to a word or phrase that stands out. Then apply this word or phrase to the challenges and opportunities of each day in the week. At the end of the week look back and give thanks for the way Christ has helped you live as a more faithful disciple. If you need help or guidance, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Sermon title and text for April 24th:
Acts 5:27-32 | Resurrection Witness