Description

John 20:19-31 

All people have fears whether they want to admit it or not. Some have fear about admitting their fears. In the gospel account, the disciples are found huddled together in one place the evening following Jesus’ resurrection. They were frightened for their lives – thinking that the Jewish leaders would be coming after them. Their natural inclination is to lock the doors. Then, all of a sudden Jesus shows up and says those soothing, comforting words, “peace be with you.” The fears of the disciples were real and so are the fears we have. We, too, want to lock things up out of fear in openly dealing with them. Anger, pain, hurt, resentment, guilt, doubt, shame and a host of other issues can easily get locked inside. As Jesus did then and continues to do today, he brings peace and the fresh and freeing breath of the Holy Spirit – unlocking us to be what we were created to be in Christ.

 

… We Lift Our Hearts in Worship …

[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]

Time of Praise and Worship

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, & Scott Cash, © 2012 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)

Freedom

Darrell Evans, © 1998 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI))

Beautiful One

Tim Hughes, ©2002 Thankyou Music

[Traditional Options]

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

BH 75 233; BH 91 637; CH 797; CHH 718; EH 290; ELW 693; HWC 559; HFG 392; HLC 565; HGP 490; HSP 327; LBW 407; LSB 892, LW 495; NCH 422; PH 551; RH 718; STTL 765; WC 281; UMH 694; WAR 721; WHM 89; WIS 87

This Joyful Eastertide                         

BH 75 124; EH 192; ELW 391; LBW 149; LSB 482; LW 140; NCH 232; RS 598; WOV 676; WAR 308

Awake, My Heart, With Gladness

ELW 378; LBW 129; LSB 467; LW 128

 

Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme

Pastor              The news is out! Christ is alive and God’s light has shone in the darkness! Jesus brings peace and calms fears. Let’s celebrate together and proclaim Jesus as Lord!

All                    Amen

 

Opening Prayer

Pastor            Gracious and Mighty God, Jesus appeared to the disciples following the resurrection and found them full of fear behind locked doors. He brought a word of peace to                                  calm their fears and give them strength for the mission ahead. We are called to not only embrace that peace; we are to take it into the world. May others see Jesus in us                              and that through our words and actions, and may their faith be strengthened. In Jesus, you have given us not only an example to live by, but a savior who forgives sins                              and brings redemption. Inspire in us the desire to spread this Good News to others so that they may receive Christ and make Him the Lord and Savior of their lives.

ALL                  In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray.  Amen. 

 

Time of Greeting

 

Time of Confession and Forgiveness

[Alternate location:  following Message] 

Pastor           Almighty and Merciful God, the gift of your Word is so apparent, as it brings us strength for living and hope for the future. In the scriptures, it states clearly that we are                             in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves from its grips. Out of love, you sent Jesus to free us from this bondage and give us a wonderful new life. Through his death                               and resurrection, we have hope, abundant life, and eternal life awaiting us. We do not have to live life behind locked doors – filled with fear, guilt, and hopelessness. It is                           so freeing to be able to  confess and release our sins to you.

                                                (A time of personal reflection and confession 

All                  Gracious God, we confess that we often allow the pressures of living in the world clutter our minds and influence our hearts. We do not see                                   clearly what your will is for our lives because we allow our own selfishness will to be in charge. We are sorry and ask for your forgiveness. Open                           our eyes and ears to you.

Pastor         When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, God is faithful and just and forgives us all our sins. We are bathed and made clean through his redemptive blood.                                    Praise God for His mighty power to heal and restore!

ALL              Amen!

 

… We Hear God’s Word …

[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]

First Reading                      Acts 4:32-35

As a result of the unity brought about through the power of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, many gave and shared their possessions among one another. 

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.