As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship 
One: When the world divides us:
Many: Come, Holy Spirit, make us one.
One: When the world calls us orphaned:
Many: Come, Holy Spirit, make us a family.
One: When the world leads us astray:
Many: Come, Holy Spirit, call us home. Come, Holy Spirit, come! Come and fill this place! (W&S 36)

Opening Hymn We Are the Church (558 UMH)--Starts at 35 seconds, ends at 3:35

Lyrics: Refrain: I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we're the church together!
1. The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people. (Refrain)
2. W'ere many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces, all colors and all ages, too, from all times and places. (Refrain)
3. Sometimes the church is marching, sometimes it's bravely burning, sometimes it's riding, sometimes hiding, always it's learning. (Refrain)
4. And when the people gather, there's singing and there's praying, there's laughing and there's crying sometimes, all of it saying, (Refrain)
5. At Pentecost some people received the Holy Spirit and told the Good News through the world to all who would hear it. (Refrain)

​Opening Prayer
Perplexing, Pentecostal God, you infuse us you’re your Spirit, urging us to vision and dream. May the gift of your presence find voice in our lives, that our babbling may be transformed into discernment and the flickering of many tongues light an unquenchable fire of compassion and justice. Amen. (W&S 38)

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie, Pastor Lem, and friends (Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

Prayer of Dedication
Affirming God, we allow the distractions of everyday life to burden our spirits. As a result, we often embrace a mindset of scarcity rather than abundance. Transform our ambiguity of thought to a solid belief in the promises of Jesus Christ. We give these generous gifts because you have given us your Spirit. Glory to God! Amen and amen! (W&S 140)

Closing Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory (577 UMH)

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship 
One: Let us gather as they gathered on the Mouth of Olivet. Let us remember the teachings of the law, psalms, and prophets.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rose into heaven. Let us remember that every sin has been forgiven.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered when Jesus rode upon the clouds. Let us remember how he promised that we’d be clothed in power.
Many: Ride on, King Jesus, no one can hinder you!
One: Let us gather as they gathered upon a hill so high. Let us remember the ascension of our Messiah.
Many: Ride on King Jesus, no one can hinder you! (W&S 35)

Opening Hymn Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies (UMH 173)

Lyrics: 1. Christ whose glory fills the skies, Christ the true, the only light, Sun of Righteousness, arise, triumph o'er the shades of night; Dayspring from on high, be near; Daystar in my heart appear.
2. Dark and cheerless is the morn unaccompanied by thee; joyless is the day's return, till thy mercy's beams I see; till they inward light impart, cheer my eyes and warm my heart.
3. Visit then this soul of mine; pierce the gloom of sin and grief; fill me, Radiancy divine, scatter all my unbelief; more and more thy self display, shining to the perfect day.

Opening Prayer
Almighty God, in a time of great need you raised up your servants John and Charles Wesley, Susanna Wesley and Elizabeth Strawbridge, and by your Spirit inspired them to kindle a flame of sacred love which leaped and ran, an inextinguishable blaze. Grant that all those whose hearts have been warmed at these altar fires, being continually refreshed by your grace, may be so devoted to the increase of scriptural holiness and social justice throughout the land that in this our time of great need, your will may fully and effectively be done on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BOW 440, altered)

Blessing of the Masks

Children's Message--The Video will be available by Sunday
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie (Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

Prayer of Dedication
For all those who have gone on before us in faith; and for all those who continue to model faith for us on a daily basis; we give thanks to you, God of the Ages. Help us to be living examples of you and your love through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)

Closing Hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name (154 UMH)

Benediction
​Litany for Memorial Day Remembrances  
One: Let us give thanks to God for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties. For all the wonder of our country’s story:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
One: For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service:
Many: We give you thanks, O God.
All: O Almighty God and Most Merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering with gratitude their courage and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings them memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence. Amen. (The Book of Worship for United States Forces, 1974)

Announcements
UPDATE: We are currently closed under order of Mayor Jack Young to help "flatten the curve" of Covid-19. If you have pastoral needs, please contact Pastor Bonnie directly (preferably through email or the website) so they can be addressed promptly. We have no office hours and all activities, including, but not limited to worship, Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programs are cancelled until the building re-opens, and will be on a modified schedule once we return. 

A "Re-Launch" Team is meeting to discern best practices for our congregation moving forward. Stay tuned for more information. We are not allowed to resume inside worship until Baltimore City moves to Phase 2, at the earliest. We understand many people are anxious to resume in-person services, however, we are also trying to keep everyone safe and follow local and state laws, which prohibit us gathering in person at this time. Your Re-Launch Team has procured supplies from various vendors and is in the process of creating procedures to maintain the safety of our congregation. We are working diligently.

Please stay home and stay safe. If you need help getting reliable information, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie. She is getting informed and updated by Johns Hopkins staff and experts twice a week.

Pentecost is May 31. Please wear red!

Masks are now required when in public across the state of Maryland. If you do not have a face covering (mask, scarf, bandanna, etc.) please email HampdenPastor@gmail.com for more information on getting a suitable covering.

Online Giving Go to our website (www.goodshepherdhampden.com) and click the green "Give" button to go to a secure website for your transactions. Or, download the secure, encrypted App Tithe.ly from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact Information We have tried to reach out to every regular attendee and member each week via telephone, text, and/or email. However, in many situations, we have incorrect contact information. Please be sure to *email* or call Pastor Bonnie ASAP so you do not miss any information. You should be receiving calls from both Pastor Bonnie and a member of our Church Council Leadership team regularly. If you are not, please let us know.
 
Bible Study resources can be accessed at https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/#PeopleofGod Scroll down to part 3. We'd be on Session 1 this week. 

Flowers already paid for will be moved to an open date after we return.

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Words of Welcome
Together we celebrate all of God’s children – young, old and in-between; male, female and in-between; gay, lesbian, straight and in-between; the assured, the doubting, and the in-between; the optimistic, the cynics, and the in-between; the foolish, the wise, and the in-between. Let us together center our spirits, our minds, our hearts on this time of worship. (http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Rec-Sun-Pack-2012.pdf)


*Call to Worship The Spirit has called us to this place, to bring our whole selves to worship the God of Love. We lift our voices, We lift our hearts, We praise, we pray, we dance, we serve. We have been called to love our God, and love our neighbors as ourselves. 

Call to Worship 
One: The Spirit has called us to this place, to bring our whole selves to worship the God of Love.
Many: We lift our voices, We lift our hearts, We praise, we pray, we dance, we serve.
One: We have been called to love our God,
Many: and love our neighbors as ourselves.
(http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Rec-Sun-Pack-2012.pdf)

Opening Hymn Draw the Circle Wide

Opening Prayer
Breath of Life, we thank you for the Spirits who were trailblazers, moving and shaking people’s hearts and minds. Stir up in us that same energy of those who helped pave the way for where our LGBTQIA+ siblings are today. May we never stop expanding the borders of love and acceptance. (https://www.reconcilingworks.org/events/pride2020/)

Celebration of 1st Anniversary of Reconciling Congregation Status Show your posters!

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Ms. Melissa and friends! (Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;*
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic** church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
​
Joys, Concerns, & God Sightings
Continuing Prayers: Our Police; Baltimore; Our nation and world; The Syrian refugee crisis and Aleppo; Our homebound, Those effected by Covid-19--including medical staff, teachers, parents, children, those infected, etc.

The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed 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.

Offering
As a means of justice, we are committed to paying our staff throughout this crisis. So that we can do this, especially since church employees do not qualify for unemployment, and so that we are still here when this crisis ends, please consider giving generously. We know this is a tough time for everyone, but every little bit helps. Our preferred method of giving is by utilizing our online giving platform available with any of the green "Give" buttons located throughout our website. This is safe, secure, and gets the funds to us nearly instantly. Alternatively, you may mail your offerings to the church (3800 Roland Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211)--but there may be a delay in depositing. Lastly, please consider bringing your offerings when we resume meeting to "make up" the weeks missed. We appreciate your generosity as we seek to continue our mission and ministry throughout the community and world during this difficult time.

​Offertory Hymn​ Christ Has Broken Down the Wall

Doxology​ (95 UMH)

Benediction: Litany of Loving
One: Holy One, Out of love, you swept over the waters and hovered over the face of the deep.
Many: Your love created all that was, all that is, and all that will be.
One: Out of love, you brought your people out of oppression.
Many: Your love gave them a law and a land.
One: When their love for you failed,
Many: Your love remained steadfast.
One: Gracious One, Because of love, you gave us prophets to challenge and guide:
Many: Visionaries, dancers, dreamers, and scoundrels.
One: Because of love, you sent Jesus of Nazareth, the full expression of your love.
Many: He healed the sick; he ate with sinners; he loved with abandon.
One: Because of love, Jesus called together his disciples
Many: so that we might walk in the way that leads to love.
One: Passionate One, Teach us, as Jesus did, to love our neighbors: ​Our unhoused neighbors
Many: Our immigrant neighbors
One: Our neighbors of different faiths
Many: Or who have no faith at all.
One: Our LGBTQ neighbors
Many: Our heterosexist neighbors
One: Our undereducated neighbors
Many: Our neighbors who see race as a barrier to loving others.
One: Empower us, O God of all creation, to love our neighbors because out of love, you first loved us. Many: When Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, we are called to listen and respond.
One: Go forth into the world to love and serve,
Many: to seek justice and share grace.
(http://www.rmnetwork.org/newrmn/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Rec-Sun-Pack-2012.pdf)

Announcements
UPDATE: We are currently closed under order of Mayor Jack Young to help "flatten the curve" of Covid-19. If you have pastoral needs, please contact Pastor Bonnie directly (preferably through email or the website) so they can be addressed promptly. We have no office hours and all activities, including, but not limited to worship, Bible Study, Church Council, choir, and After School Programs are cancelled until the building re-opens, and may be on a modified schedule once we return. Once outdoor worship services are permitted, we will advertise a socially-distant parking lot communion service. Details are still being worked out, but we anticipate allowing up to 18 households at one service (based on the number of parking spots we have). You will need to RSVP, wear a mask, and remain in your spot. If you do not have a vehicle, you will be asked to bring a chair or stand in the middle of a parking spot--6 feet from others. This service is anticipated to be 15 minutes or less. Communion elements will be individually packaged and distributed safely as you leave the lot. Please do not remove your mask to consume until you are no longer in contact with anyone else outside of your household.  

A "Re-Launch" Team is meeting to discern best practices for our congregation moving forward. Stay tuned for more information.

Please stay home and stay safe. If you need help getting reliable information, please reach out to Pastor Bonnie. She is getting informed and updated by Johns Hopkins staff and experts twice a week.

Church Council meets after worship today. Please stay on the Zoom meeting.

Blessing of the Masks​ On Sunday, May 24, be sure to join us for a "Blessing of the Masks" during worship! One way to participate is to send a picture of yourself/household all wearing masks to HampdenPastor@gmail.com No later than Wednesday, May 20 at 12 noon. We will incorporate it into our service. You can also have your mask handy during the service to hold or wear while the blessing is happening.

Pentecost is May 31. Please wear red!

Masks are now required when in public across the state of Maryland. If you do not have a face covering (mask, scarf, bandanna, etc.) please email HampdenPastor@gmail.com for more information on getting a suitable covering.

Knitters and Crocheters care packages are available with yarn, needles/hooks, and patterns for free! Contact Pastor Bonnie to get one (and if you have any color or pattern preferences). Thank you to Melissa Salzman of LovelYarns for this opportunity.

Online Giving Go to our website (www.goodshepherdhampden.com) and click the green "Give" button to go to a secure website for your transactions. Or, download the secure, encrypted App Tithe.ly from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact Information We have tried to reach out to every regular attendee and member each week via telephone, text, and/or email. However, in many situations, we have incorrect contact information. Please be sure to *email* or call Pastor Bonnie ASAP so you do not miss any information. You should be receiving calls from both Pastor Bonnie and a member of our Church Council Leadership team regularly. If you are not, please let us know.
 
Bible Study resources can be accessed at https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/who-are-we/#PeopleofGod Scroll down to part 2. We'd be on Session 6 this week. 

Flowers already paid for will be moved to an open date after we return.

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship 
One: To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you.
Many: To those who lost a child this year—we mourn with you.
One: To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains—we appreciate you.
Many: To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you.
One: To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment—we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.
Many: To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms—we need you.
One: To those who have warm and close relationships with your children—we celebrate with you.
Many: To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children—we sit with you.
One: To those who lost their mothers this year—we grieve with you.
Many: To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother—we acknowledge your experience.
One: To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood—we are better for having you in our midst.
Many: To those who have aborted children—we remember them and you.
One: to those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children—we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be.
Many: To those who step-parent, we walk with you on these complex paths.
One: To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren, yet that dream is not to be—we grieve with you.
Many: To those who will have emptier nests—we grieve and rejoice with you.
One: To those who placed children up for adoptions—we commend you for you selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart.
Many: To those who choose not to be a parent, we thank you for your support.
One: To those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising—we anticipate with you.
Many: For all the women gathered here, you are warriors. We remember you.
(The Wide Spectrum of Mothering, Amy Young, adapted)

Opening Hymn Easter People, Raise Your Voices (UMH 304)

Opening Prayer
God, make of us truly great lovers. Above all else, give us an unending love: for our families, for our friends and neighbors, for strangers and far-off peoples, and, as Jesus taught, for our enemies too. Make us, like you, God, truly great lovers, willing to give all for those we love. Amen. (W&S 196)

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Lem (The full video will be uploaded by Sunday--until then, enjoy a preview with this beautiful rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" that will be featured in the message.) (Be sure to "subscribe" to our YouTube Channel too, so you don't miss any updates!)

Hymn ​Make Me a Servant (TFWS 2176)

Prayer of Dedication
Nurturing Creator, you gather your people as a mother hen gathers her chicks. Gather not only us, but our gifts and service to you, so that you may do with it your “God stuff” and turn it into something more than we can imagine, all in your glory. Amen. (Rev. Bonnie McCubbin)

Closing Hymn ​Blest Be the Tie that Binds (UMH 557)--Stop at 1:40

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.

Call to Worship 
One: Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem;
Many: for the Lord has comforted the people. (Isaiah 52:9)

Opening Hymn Up From the Grave He Arose (UMH 322)

Opening Prayer
Eternal God, Rock and Refuge; with roots grown old in the earth, river beds run dry, and flowers withered in the field, we wait for revival and release. We saw and experienced your resurrection, but we are still stuck in Good Friday time. Forgive us for not celebrating your resurrection fully and living as resurrection people. Abide with us until we come alive in the sunrise of your glory. Amen. (W&S 28, adapted)

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie.

Prayer of Dedication
God of Grace and Glory, we offer these gifts as a testimony of our faith. Use these gifts so that we may see one another as you envision us—faithful followers. As we continue in this time of worship, we seek now the sanctuary of your comforting peace. In the name of the Resurrected Healer, Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen. (W&S 110)

Closing Hymn ​How Firm a Foundation (UMH 529)--Start at 40 seconds, end at 4:08.

As we utilize "social distancing" to help contain Covid-19, I invite you to gather with your household, on the phone with a friend, or even alone as you prepare your heart and mind and spirit to worship God. The following resources are provided for your use. All links were current as of the posting of this blog.

Also, please consider joining us for our Zoom Worship Service at 10am on Sunday by clicking this link:
https://umcom.zoom.us/j/97309102821. If you are calling from a smart phone, you can click this number to be connected without having to enter a meeting ID: +19292056099,,97309102821#. Or, from a landline or flip phone, dial: 1-301-715-8592, and enter the Meeting ID 973 0910 2821 when prompted.
​
Choral Prelude Alleluia, Alleluia (162 UMH)

Call to Worship 
One: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.
Many: Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25)

Opening Hymn The Strife is O'er, the Battle Done (UMH 306)

Opening Prayer
Lord, can salvation really be so easy? Is there not some price to pay, some contract to uphold? Is confessing you with our lips, and believing in our hearts, all that is really necessary? Is there not some fine print, something we have not been told? This is too easy. If we were God, instead of you, there would be hell to pay. No one would get off so easy. But we, thankfully, are not God; and you are unlike any of us. There is no price tag on your love. Through we live like heathens, disobeying you at every turn, you wrap us in your salvation. “Come,” you say to us, “Come. Enjoy the miracle of my love.” And we come, Lord. We come. Amen. (W&S 195)​

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie.

Hymn Take Time to Be Holy (UMH 395)

Prayer of Dedication
Jesus gave himself for us, God. We’ll never equal that with our gifts. Our gifts will never pay you back, but they can say, “Thank you, God.” And as we give our lives for others, we let you know that we understand. So accept our gifts, God of grace, and use our lives however you choose. Amen. (W&S 110)

Closing Hymn ​I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (2153 TFWS)

Call to Worship 
One: For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
Many: When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
One: “Where, O death, is your victory?
Many: Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:53-55)

Opening Hymn The Day of Resurrection (UMH 303)

Opening Prayer
Lord of Life, submitting to death, you conquered the grave. By being lifted on a cross you draw all peoples to you. By being raised from the dead you restored to humanity all that we had lost through sin. Throughout these fifty days of Easter we proclaim the marvelous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is yours, now and throughout eternity. Amen. (James F. White, BOW 394)

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie.

Prayer of Dedication
Holy One, we do not doubt that Jesus, the Messiah, lives again. Yet only one short week from Easter, our thoughts are cluttered with finite, insignificant activities and agendas. Instead of remaining focused on the abundance of divine transformation, we return to a pessimistic mindset of scarcity. Refocus our attention on the joy of Easter, so that we may recognize all that we have received and be led to give cheerfully. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (W&S 141)

Closing Hymn ​Hymn of Promise (707 UMH)

Bonus! Check out this 4-part trombone version, recorded by Dwight Watson, Jr.

Double Bonus! Here's a snippet of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" from Good Shepherd UMC in 2019. 

Opening Prayer
Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, you shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry, and pass by those who mourn; we are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, and indifferent to calls for peace; we despise the weak, and abuse the earth you made. Forgive us, God of mercy. Help us trust your power to change our lives and make us new, that we may know the joy of life abundant given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen! (W&S 87)

Children's Message
Please visit this link for multiple children's activities related to this week's passage. You can also watch this children's message with Pastor Bonnie.

Hymn Easter People, Raise Your Voices (UMH 304)--No Lyrics on the video

Scripture John 20:1-18 (Click for the NRSV translation)

Sermon​ You can download a sermon below

Prayer of Dedication
Blessed One, the resurrection of your Son has given us renewed hope. We respond to your divine love and unfailing promise with these offerings. We give faithfully in support of ministries that enable others to encounter your salvation. We pray in glory and honor of your Son, the Messiah! Amen. (W&S 131)

Closing Hymn ​In the Garden (314 UMH)

One of the traditional services for Good Friday is a Tennebrae service, a service of light and darkness. Pastor Bonnie and Pastor Lem put this together to help us continue the journey towards the cross and resurrection. But remember...this is not the end of the story! You need to join us on Sunday to hear the continuation. The worst thing is never the last thing. 

As we long to gather together once more, let us gather virtually to observe the beginning of the holiest 3 days of the Christian year--the Triduum, lasting from the evening of Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday. Below is a home worship experience that Pastor Bonnie and Pastor Lem collaborated on. Please be sure to grab some lotion and a "comfort food" (whatever food brings you comfort: a cup of coffee, a sweet, a favorite dish) before starting. You are loved.