WORSHIP AT MONTICELLO - COVID-19
At this time, due to COVID-19, Monticello United Methodist Church is not meeting in person for worship. You may join us for remote worship on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on Facebook. All worship services are available as recordings on the Monticello UMC Facebook page. You may access that Facebook page HERE.
Worship - Sunday, June 7
(Access video below.)
Pentecost Worship - Sunday, May 31
(Access video below.)
Worship - Sunday, May 17
(Access video below.)
Zoom Worship - Sunday, May 3
(Access video and transcript below.)
You may view the worship video HERE.
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Sunday, May 3, 2020
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
The people of God were made for worship:
To sing and to praise, to laugh and to dance.
The people of God were made for God’s presence:
For pleasure and praise, for joy and for song.
Come, holy people, God’s chosen disciples:
Gather for worship, right where you are!
We have gathered together.
We have come to praise God.
OPENING PRAYER
Loving God, we seek to follow your desire
And walk in your ways
To observe your commandments
Love God, love self, love others
As your servants may we labor
For Your purposes, building
Gardening, watering,
Reconciling, growing – peace
May we work together
Sister and brother, brother
And sister, as God’s field
God’s gift to you, to all
Amen.
WELCOME AND GREETING
Good morning and welcome! My name is Amy Spivey, and I am the pastor with Monticello UMC. I am thankful to be here in this beautiful Monticello Chapel with Linda Peak, who is leading our music. Come as you are today and meet our risen Savior.
HYMN – “My Hope Is Built”
REFLECTION—Working Together
During the past seven weeks, I have been thinking a lot about community—about how important it is—about how much our experiences in community have changed lately—about how we have had to be creative about connecting—how our households and families have lived differently with one another. It has taken definite nimbleness and flexibility as we have learned new ways of communicating and interacting—simply being community in new ways.
In the midst of these reflections, I also realize that this pandemic will require us to think about how we will reclaim our lives together in person—really how we will rebuild community. So, I want us to consider some aspects of community that I think are important—characteristics of community that enable us to share life, especially as the church. I have come up with four aspects or characteristics that I think are essential (but certainly not exhaustive) in faith-full life together, and we will focus on them today and in the coming weeks.
Four necessary things for life together:
Working together – Learning together – Eating together – Dreaming together
When we imagine building and rebuilding community, it seems pretty obvious that “working together” would be imperative. Let’s here what the writer Paul says to the church in Corinth.
SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Corinthians 3:7-11
7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. 9 For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.
This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God.
We teach our children from a young age how to live together—how to socialize. And certainly, we teach them how to work together—how to cooperate. I remember that with my own child. I see that with our Monticello preschoolers—forming one line and staying in it is a huge feat for them at the start of a new school year.
In a simple Google search for the words, “working together,” you will find pages and pages and pages of articles and information related to how individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, states, leaders, scientists, and countries are working together. There is even a television station out of Indianapolis that has created a new initiative called “Working Together” in order to share impactful stories of how people are making a difference in for community. Working together creates unity and strengthens us.
Maybe you have had to discover new ways of working together with your household. Maybe you have established different rules and routines in order to make this temporary new normal work. My household has certainly had to navigate jobs and school and dogs in much different ways than what we were used to before. Simply, we have been working together to make daily life happen. So, on a global scale and at home, our efforts of working together transform our lives for the better.
The church at Corinth needed to be reminded of the importance of working together. Paul’s word is intended to help them understand that—in their case—divisiveness and factionalism was not a faithful way of life. It was causing disunity and disconnection. Paul even says earlier in verse 3 that there is “jealousy and quarreling” as they are making claims that they belong to one group or another—with Paul or with Apollos—when actually they are all servants of the same God—and as it says in verse 9, “working together”—because in God they have purpose.
Clearly, Paul writes in order to help this community of Jesus followers see that in working together—literally being one—they are better and stronger—that at the heart of their life together is the power of God who takes what they plant and water and makes it grow. God gives them purpose and identity and blesses their efforts in faith. So, a community who works together offers a stronger witness to the world and grows.
I believe that working together is essential for our witness and our growth. We are working together while at a distance through our hopeful efforts for Iredell Christian Ministries. Thank you for giving generously. You may continue to bring donations for ICM to the bin out front. Or we will be prepared to receive your donations on Wednesday between 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. We will have a drive through process in place, maintaining social distancing with necessary precautions. Bring your items, and we will load them up for delivery to ICM.
Whether we are in our own homes or gathering in person, working together is necessary for community. Our current segmented lives aren’t the product of division like with the Corinthians; however, we do find ourselves separated and at a distance from one another.
So, as we connect differently at this time and also prepare ourselves for being reunited for in-person ministry, I want to remind us all that working together is and will be necessary in rebuilding community. For it is in working together—being one—finding purpose in God—that a community of Jesus followers offers a stronger witness to the world and grows.
We are community. We do live life in faith together. But, let’s not forget that our shared purpose with God leads us into the future, working together for the sake of bearing witness to God’s love and grace. May it be so. Amen.
Song – “Build My Life”
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Before we begin a time of prayer, I want to let you know that it is announcement Sunday for United Methodist churches in the Western NC Conference. Ministers are appointed from year-to-year, and I am able to announce today that I will be re-appointed with Monticello United Methodist Church for my fifth year. I look forward to seeing how God will lead us.
I also want to let you know the good news that we will welcome a Duke Divinity School student this summer. Her name is Hanna Stamey. Because of the pandemic, field education will work a little bit differently this summer. As of now, Hanna will begin to connect with Monticello UMC remotely at the end of May. Then, the plan as of now is that she will join us in person sometime around late June or early July. Like everything else right now that schedule is subject to change; however, let’s hope that she will be able to be in Statesville later in the summer. You will hear more from Hanna this coming week in the weekly email and in the weeks to come.
So, with this time of praise and worship, let’s live into the good news by trusting God with our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your. You may write the prayers in the comments as we worship. I want to share one prayer that we received online.
Leigh Allen has shared that her father-in-law, Marshall Allen, had successful surgery on Wednesday and is now home resting and recovering. Thank you for this praise. May we lift Marshall up today. You may continue to submit prayers on the Monticello website in the coming days and weeks.
Let us pray.
Eternal God, we thank you for calling us by name.
In you we live and move and grow.
We pray for churches and Christians throughout the world.
We pray for Monticello United Methodist Church.
Remind us of our common foundation in Christ.
May we grow together in faith and in love even while at a distance.
Build us together in Christ,
Make us your dwelling place.
Send down your Spirit
so that we may know Jesus and bear witness to our life and unity in him.
May we know the mind of Christ in order to speak God’s wisdom everywhere.
Strengthen us to work towards peace and reconciliation in church and community.
We pray for those who have no home, no land,
no food, no work, no medicine, no peace.
We pray for our neighbors in need, who are sick, grieving, suffering,
lonely, who are without stable work.
We pray for Iredell Christian Ministries, as we work together
in a hopeful effort of generosity.
We pray for many people, many helpers, many servants right now, who are on the
front lines in hospitals, in grocery stores, in community organizations, behind the
wheels of trucks, and in other essential businesses.
Build us together in Christ,
Make us your dwelling place.
We thank you for all your gifts of creation. For springtime and its beauty.
Teach us to share with others our time, our energy,
our resources and our love.
Make us sensitive and responsive
to the wounds in the human family and creation.
May we be faithful to our calling. May we give our whole life to Christ,
for we belong to him and in him are united all things on earth and in heaven.
Build us together in Christ,
Make us your dwelling place.
May you receive our prayers as we pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING AND PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of worship today. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email.
And now as we go into this day and into this week, staying at home, be hold tightly to God and know that we together stand on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged that in working together now and when we can be back together our lives are strengthened and blessed, and we are able to strengthen and bless others. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Sunday, May 3, 2020
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
The people of God were made for worship:
To sing and to praise, to laugh and to dance.
The people of God were made for God’s presence:
For pleasure and praise, for joy and for song.
Come, holy people, God’s chosen disciples:
Gather for worship, right where you are!
We have gathered together.
We have come to praise God.
OPENING PRAYER
Loving God, we seek to follow your desire
And walk in your ways
To observe your commandments
Love God, love self, love others
As your servants may we labor
For Your purposes, building
Gardening, watering,
Reconciling, growing – peace
May we work together
Sister and brother, brother
And sister, as God’s field
God’s gift to you, to all
Amen.
WELCOME AND GREETING
Good morning and welcome! My name is Amy Spivey, and I am the pastor with Monticello UMC. I am thankful to be here in this beautiful Monticello Chapel with Linda Peak, who is leading our music. Come as you are today and meet our risen Savior.
HYMN – “My Hope Is Built”
REFLECTION—Working Together
During the past seven weeks, I have been thinking a lot about community—about how important it is—about how much our experiences in community have changed lately—about how we have had to be creative about connecting—how our households and families have lived differently with one another. It has taken definite nimbleness and flexibility as we have learned new ways of communicating and interacting—simply being community in new ways.
In the midst of these reflections, I also realize that this pandemic will require us to think about how we will reclaim our lives together in person—really how we will rebuild community. So, I want us to consider some aspects of community that I think are important—characteristics of community that enable us to share life, especially as the church. I have come up with four aspects or characteristics that I think are essential (but certainly not exhaustive) in faith-full life together, and we will focus on them today and in the coming weeks.
Four necessary things for life together:
Working together – Learning together – Eating together – Dreaming together
When we imagine building and rebuilding community, it seems pretty obvious that “working together” would be imperative. Let’s here what the writer Paul says to the church in Corinth.
SCRIPTURE READING – 1 Corinthians 3:7-11
7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. 9 For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.
This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God.
We teach our children from a young age how to live together—how to socialize. And certainly, we teach them how to work together—how to cooperate. I remember that with my own child. I see that with our Monticello preschoolers—forming one line and staying in it is a huge feat for them at the start of a new school year.
In a simple Google search for the words, “working together,” you will find pages and pages and pages of articles and information related to how individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, states, leaders, scientists, and countries are working together. There is even a television station out of Indianapolis that has created a new initiative called “Working Together” in order to share impactful stories of how people are making a difference in for community. Working together creates unity and strengthens us.
Maybe you have had to discover new ways of working together with your household. Maybe you have established different rules and routines in order to make this temporary new normal work. My household has certainly had to navigate jobs and school and dogs in much different ways than what we were used to before. Simply, we have been working together to make daily life happen. So, on a global scale and at home, our efforts of working together transform our lives for the better.
The church at Corinth needed to be reminded of the importance of working together. Paul’s word is intended to help them understand that—in their case—divisiveness and factionalism was not a faithful way of life. It was causing disunity and disconnection. Paul even says earlier in verse 3 that there is “jealousy and quarreling” as they are making claims that they belong to one group or another—with Paul or with Apollos—when actually they are all servants of the same God—and as it says in verse 9, “working together”—because in God they have purpose.
Clearly, Paul writes in order to help this community of Jesus followers see that in working together—literally being one—they are better and stronger—that at the heart of their life together is the power of God who takes what they plant and water and makes it grow. God gives them purpose and identity and blesses their efforts in faith. So, a community who works together offers a stronger witness to the world and grows.
I believe that working together is essential for our witness and our growth. We are working together while at a distance through our hopeful efforts for Iredell Christian Ministries. Thank you for giving generously. You may continue to bring donations for ICM to the bin out front. Or we will be prepared to receive your donations on Wednesday between 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. We will have a drive through process in place, maintaining social distancing with necessary precautions. Bring your items, and we will load them up for delivery to ICM.
Whether we are in our own homes or gathering in person, working together is necessary for community. Our current segmented lives aren’t the product of division like with the Corinthians; however, we do find ourselves separated and at a distance from one another.
So, as we connect differently at this time and also prepare ourselves for being reunited for in-person ministry, I want to remind us all that working together is and will be necessary in rebuilding community. For it is in working together—being one—finding purpose in God—that a community of Jesus followers offers a stronger witness to the world and grows.
We are community. We do live life in faith together. But, let’s not forget that our shared purpose with God leads us into the future, working together for the sake of bearing witness to God’s love and grace. May it be so. Amen.
Song – “Build My Life”
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Before we begin a time of prayer, I want to let you know that it is announcement Sunday for United Methodist churches in the Western NC Conference. Ministers are appointed from year-to-year, and I am able to announce today that I will be re-appointed with Monticello United Methodist Church for my fifth year. I look forward to seeing how God will lead us.
I also want to let you know the good news that we will welcome a Duke Divinity School student this summer. Her name is Hanna Stamey. Because of the pandemic, field education will work a little bit differently this summer. As of now, Hanna will begin to connect with Monticello UMC remotely at the end of May. Then, the plan as of now is that she will join us in person sometime around late June or early July. Like everything else right now that schedule is subject to change; however, let’s hope that she will be able to be in Statesville later in the summer. You will hear more from Hanna this coming week in the weekly email and in the weeks to come.
So, with this time of praise and worship, let’s live into the good news by trusting God with our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your. You may write the prayers in the comments as we worship. I want to share one prayer that we received online.
Leigh Allen has shared that her father-in-law, Marshall Allen, had successful surgery on Wednesday and is now home resting and recovering. Thank you for this praise. May we lift Marshall up today. You may continue to submit prayers on the Monticello website in the coming days and weeks.
Let us pray.
Eternal God, we thank you for calling us by name.
In you we live and move and grow.
We pray for churches and Christians throughout the world.
We pray for Monticello United Methodist Church.
Remind us of our common foundation in Christ.
May we grow together in faith and in love even while at a distance.
Build us together in Christ,
Make us your dwelling place.
Send down your Spirit
so that we may know Jesus and bear witness to our life and unity in him.
May we know the mind of Christ in order to speak God’s wisdom everywhere.
Strengthen us to work towards peace and reconciliation in church and community.
We pray for those who have no home, no land,
no food, no work, no medicine, no peace.
We pray for our neighbors in need, who are sick, grieving, suffering,
lonely, who are without stable work.
We pray for Iredell Christian Ministries, as we work together
in a hopeful effort of generosity.
We pray for many people, many helpers, many servants right now, who are on the
front lines in hospitals, in grocery stores, in community organizations, behind the
wheels of trucks, and in other essential businesses.
Build us together in Christ,
Make us your dwelling place.
We thank you for all your gifts of creation. For springtime and its beauty.
Teach us to share with others our time, our energy,
our resources and our love.
Make us sensitive and responsive
to the wounds in the human family and creation.
May we be faithful to our calling. May we give our whole life to Christ,
for we belong to him and in him are united all things on earth and in heaven.
Build us together in Christ,
Make us your dwelling place.
May you receive our prayers as we pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING AND PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of worship today. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email.
And now as we go into this day and into this week, staying at home, be hold tightly to God and know that we together stand on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Be encouraged that in working together now and when we can be back together our lives are strengthened and blessed, and we are able to strengthen and bless others. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Facebook Worship - Sunday, April 19
(See video and transcript below.)
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AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Sunday, April 19, 2020
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Do not fear, dear friends. Jesus is among us, offering us new life and hope.
Nothing can prevent God's love for us.
Rejoice, friends, for the Lord has called us here.
Come joyfully today for we have received the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.
Open your spirits to receive all God’s blessings.
May God shower blessings upon us so that we may in turn bless God by our service.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
WELCOME
Good morning and welcome! My name is Amy Spivey, and I am the pastor with Monticello UMC. I am thankful to be here today with Linda Peak, who is leading our music. May our lives in isolation and separation—in pain and sorrow—in grief and loss—in worry and fear—in disappointment and regret—be filled with the light and life of Jesus. Come as you are today and meet our risen Savior. Let us pray.
Generous God, we thank you for your presence with us in all our lives. As we gather this morning, we are reminded of the many times we have doubted and feared. Today banish our fears with the memory of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Remind us again that through all our troubles, doubts, and fears, your power, mercy, and love are with us. Amen.
HYMN – “Breathe on Me Breath of God”
REFLECTION—When New Life Appears
The story of the resurrection is the crescendo of Lent and Holy Week. We celebrated the empty tomb last week for Easter Sunday, but the celebration doesn’t end there. New Life in Christ continues now and forever. This truth and testimony are clear from the gospel writers. After Jesus is raised from the dead, he appears to his friends, and each gospel writer, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, offers his own perspective in his context for his own particular readers in order to give proof, to encourage belief, and to enable them to trust God’s power for their journey ahead. There is a lot of resurrection!!
In the face of grief and death and sadness, these post-resurrection accounts of Jesus tell us something very important about God—about God’s promise of life. As we worship today and consider our faith as Easter people, I want to share one of these post-resurrection stories with you. Hear these words from John 20:19-31.
SCRIPTURE READING – John 20:19-31
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God.
The testimony from the gospel writer, John, prominently places Jesus alive and well in the presence of his friends. Let’s think about what is happening in the story. Mary Magdalene had just told the disciples that Jesus had been raised. And now, they are gathered in a house. The recent few days must have been very traumatic and frightening, so they are sticking together. They need one another. They probably didn’t know what to think about the crucifixion and now this unbelievable word about Jesus being raised. While probably facing despair and disbelief, they are hunkering down with the doors locked—taking no chances.
I can’t help but read this story a little differently in light of stay-at-home orders and social distancing. We are trying to figure out this new normal. We have eliminated shopping trips, play dates, movie nights, salon visits, extended family gatherings, and everything else. In many ways, we are really living behind closed doors. We are hunkering down—staying at home—taking no chances.
Now think again about the disciples. They are closed off from the world. They are behind locked doors—staying safe—trying to figure out their new normal now that their beloved friend, their teacher, their leader is gone. Maybe they are crying and talking and praying. Maybe they are replaying the course of events over and over again. Maybe they are trying to figure out what to do next. No matter what, they are afraid of the what ifs—the unknown—the uncertainty.
And then through what I can only imagine were tear-soaked eyes, they see Jesus. New life appears. Unannounced. Unexpected. Jesus is standing with them. He enters their grief-stricken, heartbroken, fear-covered life and speaks to them. “Peace be with you.” Now let’s back up just a moment to John 14. This powerful word—“peace”—reflects something that Jesus had already said to the disciples previously. In John 14:27, after Jesus promises them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, Jesus says to them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
So, when Jesus appears and speaks a word of peace to the disciples, John expects them and us to remember that earlier charge. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Now this word, “peace,” in the New Testament from the Greek “eirene” in this case means freedom from anxiety or inner turmoil. So, the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you,” are a deep expression of comfort and hope for his friends, who are closed in behind locked doors and crippled with fear.
And as the disciples stand and look at Jesus’ scarred body, they are able to rejoice because they see the Lord. They really see him not just with their eyes but also with their hearts. And then, Jesus repeats the words, “Peace be with you.” And then, like God breathed life into creation, Jesus breathes life into the disciples. When new life appears with Jesus, it alters their perspective, changes their hearts, injects hope into their fear. They see differently. They gain new perspective. They see resurrection. Jesus came into focus for them just like he did for Mary Magdalene and even Thomas. And throughout this part of chapter 20, we hear that proclamation: “I have seen the Lord.—“We have seen the Lord.” And with that proclamation they are forever changed. They have hope. They experience life. They believe.
Jesus shows up, and I am struck by the revelation and proclamation, “We have seen the Lord.” I think, as we live our lives very differently right now—behind closed doors and at a distance from one another—if we look closely, we might just see and experience new life as well. We, too, might be able to say, “I have seen the Lord.”
I thought it would be wonderful to hear from you all about your perspective of life right now and what you are seeing, since we aren’t together in person these days. So, many of you offered beautiful perspectives and insights. While we live behind closed doors, I believe that new life appears and, by grace, we are given new eyes with which to see and new perspectives to share. I want to share your testimonies this morning and offer a witness from you. When new life appears, this is what we see.
Nancy Harris sees this: “Now more than ever I appreciate the constants in life and thank God that they remain this way… The sun still rises and sets. The rain still pours and the wind still blows. Birds still build nests and continue to sing. Some sick are still being healed and still others get their wings. Babies are still being born and inspire hope to families. The grass is still green and flowers still bloom. People still rush into stores for their daily needs. And it's not even noon yet…”
My dear friend and sister-in-love, Susan Sterchi, sees this: “I think this is a unique opportunity to consider what it is like to be an absolute beginner at something. That something is figuring out how to live this life day-by-day, and perhaps how to consider how we live our lives differently in the future. I [shared] from the very beginning that this is a rare situation in which parents have no more experience than children, teachers have no more experience than students, employers have no more experience than employees, and leaders have no more experience than citizens. Even experienced healthcare professionals have never treated patients with this virus, and they are having to learn to practice medicine differently.” Her daily mantra right now is, “We all need space, grace, and gratitude.”
Donna Pennell see this: she has noticed a heightened sense of evangelism emerge and that it has offered opportunity for invitation in new ways with others. She has been thinking about how our new normal might be a new avenue for outreach, as people look towards God and seek faith and community and connection. She also shared that music has been important during this time. She has shared a hymn on social media and connected with others. She says, “It is refreshing to find those old hymns have touched the hearts of others as we have been singing them together.”
Barbara Gilbert sees this: “This shelter in place time and the virus itself makes me so grateful that we can pay our bills, that we have a warm comfortable home and plenty of food, and that we are healthy!! So many people don’t have this right now! I thank God every day for having basic things!!
Maureen Price sees this: “I really kind of like the slower pace life has for us now. But I so miss my people. This kind of shows us all that running around is really not important. It is really the little things. See God every day in the beauty of the earth.”
Dianne Kimball sees this: “I really enjoy the simple things. I have cleaned out closets and gathered a lot to donate when Yokefellow is open for donations again. I am enjoying cooking from scratch and making more phone calls to check on others and to hear their voices. Less texting. This reminds me of my grandmother when we had more time for domestic chores and made far fewer trips to the grocery store. If you didn’t have an ingredient, you learned to substitute.
Faye Perry sees this: “I'm not sure I ever want to go back to the way it was! I have read through the New Testament and starting on the Old Testament with my morning devotion. I have actually enjoyed a spring and seen things I have not seen for years. Kelsey and I have done a lot of cooking in and working in the yard. I have actually eaten on my back porch almost every evening. The dogs can't understand what I'm doing here but that's okay.”
Renee Jewell sees this: “Two of us trying to teach from our little cottage with three rambunctious boys is challenging and stressful. But I have learned how immensely blessed we are. We have had beautiful weather overall and my boys have played nonstop outside. So many kids in this world are stuck inside tiny apartments with nowhere to go. I am so overcome with the blessing of a yard. I never felt so overwhelmed by the sight of green grass, a billowing breeze, and the delight of the laughter carried in each breeze! We are so blessed!”
Stephanie Harris sees this: one of her colleagues who is a teacher has been personally coordinating food donations and delivery for local families. This teacher runs a food pantry at school all the time, but her grocery store connection has dropped to about 10% of the regular donations because of supply issues. The teacher reached out on Facebook, looking for help to continue to feed families in need in Iredell County, and Stephanie very simply shared the request and received an overwhelming response of generosity. Stephanie said, “The response that I have received has brought me to tears. I have had people drop off food at my door, Venmo me money, and drop off food. I'm so grateful to live in a county that cares about people. The biggest impact was a friend from high school, who sent me a pretty substantial sum. The care that people have shown for others has touched my heart.”
What are you seeing now and how might you be seeing life differently? Are you looking for new life? These words from our friends are the kinds of testimonies we have when new life appears—when we remember that we are Easter people. I am encouraged by your stories. They give me hope in these difficult and strange times. They help me connect to my faith in resurrection more than ever. And I hope that they will enable you to connect to your faith in resurrection, too. We need reminders of new life, but most of all we need to share them with others. Our neighbors, our nation, and our world are hurting. We all are not experiencing this pandemic the same way. And other people may be having a more difficult time seeing new life right now. How might we help others have hope? What can we do to help others experience new life when they are grieving or lacking enough for their families? May we today, tomorrow, and forever give thanks when new life appears. May we be able to say, “I have seen the Lord.” And may we help others experience life when life is hard.
Song – “Holy Spirit”
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and celebration, let’s live into the good news by trusting God with our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. You may write the prayers in the comments as we worship. In the coming days and weeks, you may also submit prayers on the Monticello website. I have a few submitted prayers to share this morning. It is a request from Leigh Allen… Mike Turgeon family. Mike passed away on Tuesday April 14. Marshall Allen, my father in law has been admitted to Iredell. He’s experiencing shortness of breath and fluid on his lungs and legs. Admitted Wednesday April 15 Continued prayers for the Brian McCoy family. Brian passed away on Good Friday and was laid to rest on Thursday April 16. Brian was my cousin. And also, from Kim Stikeleather for her friends, Tina and David Wilson whose daughter, a nurse, passed from corona virus. I also want to share the sad news that our brother in Christ, Bill Holland passed last week. Let us pray.
Surprising God, we come to Easter through the long Lenten journey in which you have called us to examine our inner lives. Then on Easter, it is as though we have been freed from our darkness to walk in the Light with you. However, Easter and its celebration so quickly slide into the past and we again are tempted to move back into our doubts and fears. Surprise us again, Lord, as Jesus surprised his disciple Thomas who feared and doubted. Remind us that the signs of Jesus' resurrection are all around us.
As we remember this day our dear friends who suffer from illness and loss, Lord, help us to be a presence of comfort for them; for those who are lost and alone, alienated from family and friends, we ask that you empower us to reach out in compassion, offering appropriate help that will lift them into new life with you; for all anywhere who are in situations of danger, war, and strife, we pray that your peace will be with them and that the warfare and dangers will be vanquished by your good news; for our community, our nation, Lord, we ask that you give to the leaders compassion and wisdom, remembering that their lives rest in your care. And for ourselves, we ask for the extra measure of faith so that as doubts arise, we may meet them with confidence, and emerge as strong witnesses to your love. In Christ's name, we offer this prayer. AMEN.
May you receive our prayers as we pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING AND PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of worship today. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook.
And now as we go into this day and into this week, staying at home, continue to replay the voice of good news and resurrection and hold fast to hope and trust in our risen Lord. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Sunday, April 19, 2020
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
Do not fear, dear friends. Jesus is among us, offering us new life and hope.
Nothing can prevent God's love for us.
Rejoice, friends, for the Lord has called us here.
Come joyfully today for we have received the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.
Open your spirits to receive all God’s blessings.
May God shower blessings upon us so that we may in turn bless God by our service.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
WELCOME
Good morning and welcome! My name is Amy Spivey, and I am the pastor with Monticello UMC. I am thankful to be here today with Linda Peak, who is leading our music. May our lives in isolation and separation—in pain and sorrow—in grief and loss—in worry and fear—in disappointment and regret—be filled with the light and life of Jesus. Come as you are today and meet our risen Savior. Let us pray.
Generous God, we thank you for your presence with us in all our lives. As we gather this morning, we are reminded of the many times we have doubted and feared. Today banish our fears with the memory of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Remind us again that through all our troubles, doubts, and fears, your power, mercy, and love are with us. Amen.
HYMN – “Breathe on Me Breath of God”
REFLECTION—When New Life Appears
The story of the resurrection is the crescendo of Lent and Holy Week. We celebrated the empty tomb last week for Easter Sunday, but the celebration doesn’t end there. New Life in Christ continues now and forever. This truth and testimony are clear from the gospel writers. After Jesus is raised from the dead, he appears to his friends, and each gospel writer, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, offers his own perspective in his context for his own particular readers in order to give proof, to encourage belief, and to enable them to trust God’s power for their journey ahead. There is a lot of resurrection!!
In the face of grief and death and sadness, these post-resurrection accounts of Jesus tell us something very important about God—about God’s promise of life. As we worship today and consider our faith as Easter people, I want to share one of these post-resurrection stories with you. Hear these words from John 20:19-31.
SCRIPTURE READING – John 20:19-31
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God.
The testimony from the gospel writer, John, prominently places Jesus alive and well in the presence of his friends. Let’s think about what is happening in the story. Mary Magdalene had just told the disciples that Jesus had been raised. And now, they are gathered in a house. The recent few days must have been very traumatic and frightening, so they are sticking together. They need one another. They probably didn’t know what to think about the crucifixion and now this unbelievable word about Jesus being raised. While probably facing despair and disbelief, they are hunkering down with the doors locked—taking no chances.
I can’t help but read this story a little differently in light of stay-at-home orders and social distancing. We are trying to figure out this new normal. We have eliminated shopping trips, play dates, movie nights, salon visits, extended family gatherings, and everything else. In many ways, we are really living behind closed doors. We are hunkering down—staying at home—taking no chances.
Now think again about the disciples. They are closed off from the world. They are behind locked doors—staying safe—trying to figure out their new normal now that their beloved friend, their teacher, their leader is gone. Maybe they are crying and talking and praying. Maybe they are replaying the course of events over and over again. Maybe they are trying to figure out what to do next. No matter what, they are afraid of the what ifs—the unknown—the uncertainty.
And then through what I can only imagine were tear-soaked eyes, they see Jesus. New life appears. Unannounced. Unexpected. Jesus is standing with them. He enters their grief-stricken, heartbroken, fear-covered life and speaks to them. “Peace be with you.” Now let’s back up just a moment to John 14. This powerful word—“peace”—reflects something that Jesus had already said to the disciples previously. In John 14:27, after Jesus promises them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, Jesus says to them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
So, when Jesus appears and speaks a word of peace to the disciples, John expects them and us to remember that earlier charge. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Now this word, “peace,” in the New Testament from the Greek “eirene” in this case means freedom from anxiety or inner turmoil. So, the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you,” are a deep expression of comfort and hope for his friends, who are closed in behind locked doors and crippled with fear.
And as the disciples stand and look at Jesus’ scarred body, they are able to rejoice because they see the Lord. They really see him not just with their eyes but also with their hearts. And then, Jesus repeats the words, “Peace be with you.” And then, like God breathed life into creation, Jesus breathes life into the disciples. When new life appears with Jesus, it alters their perspective, changes their hearts, injects hope into their fear. They see differently. They gain new perspective. They see resurrection. Jesus came into focus for them just like he did for Mary Magdalene and even Thomas. And throughout this part of chapter 20, we hear that proclamation: “I have seen the Lord.—“We have seen the Lord.” And with that proclamation they are forever changed. They have hope. They experience life. They believe.
Jesus shows up, and I am struck by the revelation and proclamation, “We have seen the Lord.” I think, as we live our lives very differently right now—behind closed doors and at a distance from one another—if we look closely, we might just see and experience new life as well. We, too, might be able to say, “I have seen the Lord.”
I thought it would be wonderful to hear from you all about your perspective of life right now and what you are seeing, since we aren’t together in person these days. So, many of you offered beautiful perspectives and insights. While we live behind closed doors, I believe that new life appears and, by grace, we are given new eyes with which to see and new perspectives to share. I want to share your testimonies this morning and offer a witness from you. When new life appears, this is what we see.
Nancy Harris sees this: “Now more than ever I appreciate the constants in life and thank God that they remain this way… The sun still rises and sets. The rain still pours and the wind still blows. Birds still build nests and continue to sing. Some sick are still being healed and still others get their wings. Babies are still being born and inspire hope to families. The grass is still green and flowers still bloom. People still rush into stores for their daily needs. And it's not even noon yet…”
My dear friend and sister-in-love, Susan Sterchi, sees this: “I think this is a unique opportunity to consider what it is like to be an absolute beginner at something. That something is figuring out how to live this life day-by-day, and perhaps how to consider how we live our lives differently in the future. I [shared] from the very beginning that this is a rare situation in which parents have no more experience than children, teachers have no more experience than students, employers have no more experience than employees, and leaders have no more experience than citizens. Even experienced healthcare professionals have never treated patients with this virus, and they are having to learn to practice medicine differently.” Her daily mantra right now is, “We all need space, grace, and gratitude.”
Donna Pennell see this: she has noticed a heightened sense of evangelism emerge and that it has offered opportunity for invitation in new ways with others. She has been thinking about how our new normal might be a new avenue for outreach, as people look towards God and seek faith and community and connection. She also shared that music has been important during this time. She has shared a hymn on social media and connected with others. She says, “It is refreshing to find those old hymns have touched the hearts of others as we have been singing them together.”
Barbara Gilbert sees this: “This shelter in place time and the virus itself makes me so grateful that we can pay our bills, that we have a warm comfortable home and plenty of food, and that we are healthy!! So many people don’t have this right now! I thank God every day for having basic things!!
Maureen Price sees this: “I really kind of like the slower pace life has for us now. But I so miss my people. This kind of shows us all that running around is really not important. It is really the little things. See God every day in the beauty of the earth.”
Dianne Kimball sees this: “I really enjoy the simple things. I have cleaned out closets and gathered a lot to donate when Yokefellow is open for donations again. I am enjoying cooking from scratch and making more phone calls to check on others and to hear their voices. Less texting. This reminds me of my grandmother when we had more time for domestic chores and made far fewer trips to the grocery store. If you didn’t have an ingredient, you learned to substitute.
Faye Perry sees this: “I'm not sure I ever want to go back to the way it was! I have read through the New Testament and starting on the Old Testament with my morning devotion. I have actually enjoyed a spring and seen things I have not seen for years. Kelsey and I have done a lot of cooking in and working in the yard. I have actually eaten on my back porch almost every evening. The dogs can't understand what I'm doing here but that's okay.”
Renee Jewell sees this: “Two of us trying to teach from our little cottage with three rambunctious boys is challenging and stressful. But I have learned how immensely blessed we are. We have had beautiful weather overall and my boys have played nonstop outside. So many kids in this world are stuck inside tiny apartments with nowhere to go. I am so overcome with the blessing of a yard. I never felt so overwhelmed by the sight of green grass, a billowing breeze, and the delight of the laughter carried in each breeze! We are so blessed!”
Stephanie Harris sees this: one of her colleagues who is a teacher has been personally coordinating food donations and delivery for local families. This teacher runs a food pantry at school all the time, but her grocery store connection has dropped to about 10% of the regular donations because of supply issues. The teacher reached out on Facebook, looking for help to continue to feed families in need in Iredell County, and Stephanie very simply shared the request and received an overwhelming response of generosity. Stephanie said, “The response that I have received has brought me to tears. I have had people drop off food at my door, Venmo me money, and drop off food. I'm so grateful to live in a county that cares about people. The biggest impact was a friend from high school, who sent me a pretty substantial sum. The care that people have shown for others has touched my heart.”
What are you seeing now and how might you be seeing life differently? Are you looking for new life? These words from our friends are the kinds of testimonies we have when new life appears—when we remember that we are Easter people. I am encouraged by your stories. They give me hope in these difficult and strange times. They help me connect to my faith in resurrection more than ever. And I hope that they will enable you to connect to your faith in resurrection, too. We need reminders of new life, but most of all we need to share them with others. Our neighbors, our nation, and our world are hurting. We all are not experiencing this pandemic the same way. And other people may be having a more difficult time seeing new life right now. How might we help others have hope? What can we do to help others experience new life when they are grieving or lacking enough for their families? May we today, tomorrow, and forever give thanks when new life appears. May we be able to say, “I have seen the Lord.” And may we help others experience life when life is hard.
Song – “Holy Spirit”
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and celebration, let’s live into the good news by trusting God with our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. You may write the prayers in the comments as we worship. In the coming days and weeks, you may also submit prayers on the Monticello website. I have a few submitted prayers to share this morning. It is a request from Leigh Allen… Mike Turgeon family. Mike passed away on Tuesday April 14. Marshall Allen, my father in law has been admitted to Iredell. He’s experiencing shortness of breath and fluid on his lungs and legs. Admitted Wednesday April 15 Continued prayers for the Brian McCoy family. Brian passed away on Good Friday and was laid to rest on Thursday April 16. Brian was my cousin. And also, from Kim Stikeleather for her friends, Tina and David Wilson whose daughter, a nurse, passed from corona virus. I also want to share the sad news that our brother in Christ, Bill Holland passed last week. Let us pray.
Surprising God, we come to Easter through the long Lenten journey in which you have called us to examine our inner lives. Then on Easter, it is as though we have been freed from our darkness to walk in the Light with you. However, Easter and its celebration so quickly slide into the past and we again are tempted to move back into our doubts and fears. Surprise us again, Lord, as Jesus surprised his disciple Thomas who feared and doubted. Remind us that the signs of Jesus' resurrection are all around us.
As we remember this day our dear friends who suffer from illness and loss, Lord, help us to be a presence of comfort for them; for those who are lost and alone, alienated from family and friends, we ask that you empower us to reach out in compassion, offering appropriate help that will lift them into new life with you; for all anywhere who are in situations of danger, war, and strife, we pray that your peace will be with them and that the warfare and dangers will be vanquished by your good news; for our community, our nation, Lord, we ask that you give to the leaders compassion and wisdom, remembering that their lives rest in your care. And for ourselves, we ask for the extra measure of faith so that as doubts arise, we may meet them with confidence, and emerge as strong witnesses to your love. In Christ's name, we offer this prayer. AMEN.
May you receive our prayers as we pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING AND PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of worship today. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook.
And now as we go into this day and into this week, staying at home, continue to replay the voice of good news and resurrection and hold fast to hope and trust in our risen Lord. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Facebook Worship - Easter Sunday - April 12
(See video and transcript below.)
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Easter Sunday – April 12, 2020
CALL TO WORSHIP
“There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said.”
Don’t weep! Don’t mourn! There is great Good News!
Christ the Lord is risen today!
Set aside grief and mourning; let the light of God’s love flood into your lives.
Christ the Lord is risen today!
No more do we have to fear the darkness; it has been overcome by God’s light.
Christ the Lord is risen today. ALLELUIA!
WELCOME
Good morning and happy Easter! He is risen. He is risen indeed. I welcome you to this celebration and give thanks for our risen Lord. Except for Linda and me, the church facility is completely empty. We are all finding new ways in our households to commemorate this special day of resurrection, and somehow it seems that the emptiness around us here is appropriate. Our willingness to stay home is an act of care and compassion for our neighbors and for our community, and collectively, our efforts are life-giving. So, consider today that our empty church building is a reflection of Easter—of God’s love—of new life. After all, we worship God of the empty tomb. May our lives in isolation and separation—in pain and sorrow—in grief and loss—in worry and fear—in disappointment and regret—be filled with the light and life of Jesus so that the world sees him in us. Come as you are today and meet our risen Savior.
Let us pray.
Holy God, when everything was dark and it seemed that the sun would never shine again, your love broke through. Your love was too strong, too wide, too deep for death to hold. The sparks cast by your love dance and spread and burst forth with resurrection light. Gracious God, we praise you for the light of new life made possible through Jesus. We praise you for the light of new life that shone on the first witnesses of resurrection. We praise you for the light of new life that continues to shine in our hearts today. We pray that the Easter light of life, hope and joy, will live in us; and that we will be bearers of that light into the lives of others through this worship, throughout this day, and always. Amen.
HYMN – “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
REFLECTION—Hearing a Life-Giving Word
I have noticed more than ever lately that the news headlines speak volumes these days. They even sound louder and weightier than usual. Maybe that is because we are at home more—because the rhythms of our lives are just different right now. If I am not careful, I find myself hearing too much of it. From yesterday on the Statesville Record and Landmark: “Iredell County has eight new reported cases of corona virus.” From The Today Show: “US sees deadliest day in corona virus pandemic but some states report drop in ICU admissions.” From the Charlotte Observer: “Corona virus cases increase—churches prep for online worship.” From the BBC: “Corona virus: we need Easter as much as ever, says the Queen.” These are the sound bites of our days and nights at home right now. We take these matters to heart. Certainly, we are deeply affected by the heartbreaking circumstances of these headlines. I have heard some people say that they make sure to talk about something else in conversation—not because they are trying to pretend or sweep the pain and struggle of our world away—but because we simply need to hear something else. The bottom line, Friends…words have power. What we hear and receive and say shape us and ultimately define us.
Like the news headlines that impact our daily lives.
Like the songs on a mixtape from the 80s that would speak a word about life or love or friendship.
Like the silly dad jokes that remind us of a joyful and caring home life.
Like the words of wisdom that we remember from a special grandmother.
Like the simple three words, I love you.
The sound bites of our lives do shape us and define us. Whether negatively or positively, words have power. John K. from the famed television show, The Office, decided a couple of weeks ago that the world needed to hear something else during the time of this pandemic. So, he created, Some Good News, an online news parody. SGN highlights human interest through kindness, humor, goodness, and silliness. Maybe you saw those moments last week when SGN surprised a nine-year-old girl with a Zoom performance from the entire original cast of Hamilton because the live show she was supposed to attend recently for her birthday was cancelled. Those words certainly impacted her life and the lives of millions of other viewers as well—for the better.
Words have power. And when we are inundated with sound bites and headlines about public health and economic woes that stir uncertainty and fear and heartbreak and worry, maybe we do need to hear something else.
SCRIPTURE READING – Matthew 28:1-10
28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Words have power. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised…” These words have life-giving power—especially in light of what happened previously. Jesus had been betrayed, deserted, and denied. He had made the painful and agonizing journey to the cross. He was humiliated and belittled. He met death for the sake of God and God’s forgiveness, love, and grace.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb to make sure for themselves that the body of their dear friend hadn’t been taken. We can only imagine how heavy the burden of grief was that they were carrying. We can only imagine how many tears they had cried since the crucifixion only days before. We can only imagine the deafening silence that they may have been sharing on that early morning walk. Then, at the dawning of the new day, a voice speaks into their grief and silence: “Do not be afraid…he is not here…he has been raised…” The angel had already shocked the guards so much that they were frozen with fear. The angel was so brightly illuminated that, as we know from other stories in scripture, it was obvious something remarkable was happening. The words from the angel have life-giving power for these women. Matthew tells us that they follow the instructions from the angel and go to tell the disciples. We can only imagine how quickly they must have been running. We can only imagine how fast their hearts must have been beating. We can only imagine how swiftly their minds were racing. Then, in the midst of urgent response, another voice speaks into their astonishment, “Greetings! Do not be afraid…” It is the voice of Jesus, their risen Savior. These words have life-giving power.
We hear a simple proclamation with a simple message—he has been raised. Yet, in it we know earth-rattling truth that by the power of God death is not the end—darkness has not overcome. And when we hear it, we know the good news of resurrection—we in some way experience the risen Christ. And these words have power for us, too.
I think that the Queen of England was right, we need Easter as much as ever right now. And I think that John K. was right, we definitely need some good news. And so, into the sound bites of our lives this morning comes the voice of new life—powerful words of resurrection. And we know that what we hear and receive shapes us and defines us.
Tony March is a person who understands the life-giving power of words. He grew up with very little. He didn’t have enough food from day to day. He didn’t have a nurturing and loving home. His teachers encouraged him and believed in him, but life was a struggle. One day Tony was walking by a local car dealership. He was tired and thirsty. He asked for a drink of water. They refused him. Then, in a moment of rejection, a voice spoke into Tony’s defeat, “Come over here and drink from this water hose.” It was the voice of Willie, an employee of the car dealership. In that moment, Tony heard simple yet life-changing words of compassion and care, and it helped to change the trajectory of his life. He grew up and became the owner of many car dealerships, including the one where he drank from the water hose. And when Tony bought it, Willie was still employed and would continue for what would be a total of 42 years. Words have life-giving power. Maybe you can recall a life-giving word that someone spoke to you like Willie did for Tony that day.
On this Easter morning, maybe you bring your fear and worry and anxiousness or broken relationships or grief. And I hope that you hear the life-giving voice of resurrection speaking into your life. It reminds us that beyond death we are promised eternal life, but moreover, that each and every day that new life is given to us and our lives are transformed in God. Even after the disciples betrayed, deserted, and denied Jesus, Matthew tells us that Jesus still called them brothers. They still belong. Restoration and healing had come through resurrection and new life. We can be certain today and always that there is nowhere in grief or struggle or sorrow that God can’t reach.
So, let’s add to the sound bites of our lives the voice of resurrection. “Do not be afraid…he is not here…he has been raised…” Words have life-giving power. Let’s turn it up so that it is the first thing that we hear. Let’s put it on repeat so that it plays over and over again. And let’s expect that it will shape our lives and define us so that it is reflected through our lives and through our words. How might we speak the good news of resurrection into the life of someone else? How might we offer care and compassion through a simple word? Without a doubt, there is a world around us that needs to hear some good news, too.
Song – “Because He Lives (Amen)”
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and celebration, let’s live into the good news by trusting God with our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. You may write the prayers in the comments as we worship. In the coming days and weeks, you may also submit prayers on the Monticello website. I have one submitted prayer to share this morning. It is a request from Leigh Allen for her cousin Brian McCoy. Sadly, Brian passed on Friday. Please be in prayer for that family. Let us pray.
O God, with faces touched by the light of a new day,
and hearts warmed by our prayers and praises,
we come before you to pray
for the needs of our world.
Into the light of Easter morning
we ask you to be with so many people,
who are serving on the front lines of this
pandemic—doctors, nurses, hospital staff, emergency workers,
and public health officials.
We pray for researchers and medical scientists,
who are studying and investigating.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
Into the light of Easter morning
we raise those who are struggling with illness,
with corona virus or with other health concerns,
with despair over their lives, or with
the breakdown of relationships.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
Into the light of Easter morning,
we bring those places in our world
where war, violence, poverty and need
are the experiences of everyday life.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
Into the light of Easter morning,
we bring our nation and community and neighbors.
We hold in our hearts the pain
of those people suffering violence,
especially amidst this stay-at-home reality,
the grief and bereavement of people who
have lost loved ones to death,
and the anxiousness and fear that may be
seeping into our lives like never before.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
And into the light of Easter morning
we bring ourselves, the private struggles,
the heart’s yearnings, the hidden dreams,
the unfulfilled potential.
May the light of Christ shine upon us.
And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of this Easter celebration. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. I encourage you to call someone outside of your circle of friends and family—someone from our church family—someone who you haven’t seen in a long time—someone you might not be as likely to call on a typical day. May it be a sign of life to you and to them.
And now as we go into this day and into this week, staying at home, continue to replay the voice of good news and resurrection and hold fast to hope and trust in our risen Lord. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Easter Sunday – April 12, 2020
CALL TO WORSHIP
“There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said.”
Don’t weep! Don’t mourn! There is great Good News!
Christ the Lord is risen today!
Set aside grief and mourning; let the light of God’s love flood into your lives.
Christ the Lord is risen today!
No more do we have to fear the darkness; it has been overcome by God’s light.
Christ the Lord is risen today. ALLELUIA!
WELCOME
Good morning and happy Easter! He is risen. He is risen indeed. I welcome you to this celebration and give thanks for our risen Lord. Except for Linda and me, the church facility is completely empty. We are all finding new ways in our households to commemorate this special day of resurrection, and somehow it seems that the emptiness around us here is appropriate. Our willingness to stay home is an act of care and compassion for our neighbors and for our community, and collectively, our efforts are life-giving. So, consider today that our empty church building is a reflection of Easter—of God’s love—of new life. After all, we worship God of the empty tomb. May our lives in isolation and separation—in pain and sorrow—in grief and loss—in worry and fear—in disappointment and regret—be filled with the light and life of Jesus so that the world sees him in us. Come as you are today and meet our risen Savior.
Let us pray.
Holy God, when everything was dark and it seemed that the sun would never shine again, your love broke through. Your love was too strong, too wide, too deep for death to hold. The sparks cast by your love dance and spread and burst forth with resurrection light. Gracious God, we praise you for the light of new life made possible through Jesus. We praise you for the light of new life that shone on the first witnesses of resurrection. We praise you for the light of new life that continues to shine in our hearts today. We pray that the Easter light of life, hope and joy, will live in us; and that we will be bearers of that light into the lives of others through this worship, throughout this day, and always. Amen.
HYMN – “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
REFLECTION—Hearing a Life-Giving Word
I have noticed more than ever lately that the news headlines speak volumes these days. They even sound louder and weightier than usual. Maybe that is because we are at home more—because the rhythms of our lives are just different right now. If I am not careful, I find myself hearing too much of it. From yesterday on the Statesville Record and Landmark: “Iredell County has eight new reported cases of corona virus.” From The Today Show: “US sees deadliest day in corona virus pandemic but some states report drop in ICU admissions.” From the Charlotte Observer: “Corona virus cases increase—churches prep for online worship.” From the BBC: “Corona virus: we need Easter as much as ever, says the Queen.” These are the sound bites of our days and nights at home right now. We take these matters to heart. Certainly, we are deeply affected by the heartbreaking circumstances of these headlines. I have heard some people say that they make sure to talk about something else in conversation—not because they are trying to pretend or sweep the pain and struggle of our world away—but because we simply need to hear something else. The bottom line, Friends…words have power. What we hear and receive and say shape us and ultimately define us.
Like the news headlines that impact our daily lives.
Like the songs on a mixtape from the 80s that would speak a word about life or love or friendship.
Like the silly dad jokes that remind us of a joyful and caring home life.
Like the words of wisdom that we remember from a special grandmother.
Like the simple three words, I love you.
The sound bites of our lives do shape us and define us. Whether negatively or positively, words have power. John K. from the famed television show, The Office, decided a couple of weeks ago that the world needed to hear something else during the time of this pandemic. So, he created, Some Good News, an online news parody. SGN highlights human interest through kindness, humor, goodness, and silliness. Maybe you saw those moments last week when SGN surprised a nine-year-old girl with a Zoom performance from the entire original cast of Hamilton because the live show she was supposed to attend recently for her birthday was cancelled. Those words certainly impacted her life and the lives of millions of other viewers as well—for the better.
Words have power. And when we are inundated with sound bites and headlines about public health and economic woes that stir uncertainty and fear and heartbreak and worry, maybe we do need to hear something else.
SCRIPTURE READING – Matthew 28:1-10
28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
This is the word of God for us the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Words have power. “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised…” These words have life-giving power—especially in light of what happened previously. Jesus had been betrayed, deserted, and denied. He had made the painful and agonizing journey to the cross. He was humiliated and belittled. He met death for the sake of God and God’s forgiveness, love, and grace.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb to make sure for themselves that the body of their dear friend hadn’t been taken. We can only imagine how heavy the burden of grief was that they were carrying. We can only imagine how many tears they had cried since the crucifixion only days before. We can only imagine the deafening silence that they may have been sharing on that early morning walk. Then, at the dawning of the new day, a voice speaks into their grief and silence: “Do not be afraid…he is not here…he has been raised…” The angel had already shocked the guards so much that they were frozen with fear. The angel was so brightly illuminated that, as we know from other stories in scripture, it was obvious something remarkable was happening. The words from the angel have life-giving power for these women. Matthew tells us that they follow the instructions from the angel and go to tell the disciples. We can only imagine how quickly they must have been running. We can only imagine how fast their hearts must have been beating. We can only imagine how swiftly their minds were racing. Then, in the midst of urgent response, another voice speaks into their astonishment, “Greetings! Do not be afraid…” It is the voice of Jesus, their risen Savior. These words have life-giving power.
We hear a simple proclamation with a simple message—he has been raised. Yet, in it we know earth-rattling truth that by the power of God death is not the end—darkness has not overcome. And when we hear it, we know the good news of resurrection—we in some way experience the risen Christ. And these words have power for us, too.
I think that the Queen of England was right, we need Easter as much as ever right now. And I think that John K. was right, we definitely need some good news. And so, into the sound bites of our lives this morning comes the voice of new life—powerful words of resurrection. And we know that what we hear and receive shapes us and defines us.
Tony March is a person who understands the life-giving power of words. He grew up with very little. He didn’t have enough food from day to day. He didn’t have a nurturing and loving home. His teachers encouraged him and believed in him, but life was a struggle. One day Tony was walking by a local car dealership. He was tired and thirsty. He asked for a drink of water. They refused him. Then, in a moment of rejection, a voice spoke into Tony’s defeat, “Come over here and drink from this water hose.” It was the voice of Willie, an employee of the car dealership. In that moment, Tony heard simple yet life-changing words of compassion and care, and it helped to change the trajectory of his life. He grew up and became the owner of many car dealerships, including the one where he drank from the water hose. And when Tony bought it, Willie was still employed and would continue for what would be a total of 42 years. Words have life-giving power. Maybe you can recall a life-giving word that someone spoke to you like Willie did for Tony that day.
On this Easter morning, maybe you bring your fear and worry and anxiousness or broken relationships or grief. And I hope that you hear the life-giving voice of resurrection speaking into your life. It reminds us that beyond death we are promised eternal life, but moreover, that each and every day that new life is given to us and our lives are transformed in God. Even after the disciples betrayed, deserted, and denied Jesus, Matthew tells us that Jesus still called them brothers. They still belong. Restoration and healing had come through resurrection and new life. We can be certain today and always that there is nowhere in grief or struggle or sorrow that God can’t reach.
So, let’s add to the sound bites of our lives the voice of resurrection. “Do not be afraid…he is not here…he has been raised…” Words have life-giving power. Let’s turn it up so that it is the first thing that we hear. Let’s put it on repeat so that it plays over and over again. And let’s expect that it will shape our lives and define us so that it is reflected through our lives and through our words. How might we speak the good news of resurrection into the life of someone else? How might we offer care and compassion through a simple word? Without a doubt, there is a world around us that needs to hear some good news, too.
Song – “Because He Lives (Amen)”
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and celebration, let’s live into the good news by trusting God with our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. You may write the prayers in the comments as we worship. In the coming days and weeks, you may also submit prayers on the Monticello website. I have one submitted prayer to share this morning. It is a request from Leigh Allen for her cousin Brian McCoy. Sadly, Brian passed on Friday. Please be in prayer for that family. Let us pray.
O God, with faces touched by the light of a new day,
and hearts warmed by our prayers and praises,
we come before you to pray
for the needs of our world.
Into the light of Easter morning
we ask you to be with so many people,
who are serving on the front lines of this
pandemic—doctors, nurses, hospital staff, emergency workers,
and public health officials.
We pray for researchers and medical scientists,
who are studying and investigating.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
Into the light of Easter morning
we raise those who are struggling with illness,
with corona virus or with other health concerns,
with despair over their lives, or with
the breakdown of relationships.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
Into the light of Easter morning,
we bring those places in our world
where war, violence, poverty and need
are the experiences of everyday life.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
Into the light of Easter morning,
we bring our nation and community and neighbors.
We hold in our hearts the pain
of those people suffering violence,
especially amidst this stay-at-home reality,
the grief and bereavement of people who
have lost loved ones to death,
and the anxiousness and fear that may be
seeping into our lives like never before.
May the light of Christ shine upon them.
And into the light of Easter morning
we bring ourselves, the private struggles,
the heart’s yearnings, the hidden dreams,
the unfulfilled potential.
May the light of Christ shine upon us.
And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of this Easter celebration. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. I encourage you to call someone outside of your circle of friends and family—someone from our church family—someone who you haven’t seen in a long time—someone you might not be as likely to call on a typical day. May it be a sign of life to you and to them.
And now as we go into this day and into this week, staying at home, continue to replay the voice of good news and resurrection and hold fast to hope and trust in our risen Lord. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Facebook Worship - Palm Sunday - April 5
(See video and transcript below.)
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Palm Sunday - April 5
WELCOME
Good morning and welcome. It’s Palm Sunday—the day when the church remembers the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, as he journeys closer and closer to the cross. I am once again in the beautiful Monticello chapel, and I miss congregating with you. But, what a joy that today I have Linda Peak here. She is across the chapel from me at the organ and is blessing us with beautiful music for worship this morning. I want to invite you into a time of meditation and prayer as we prepare for worship this morning.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! We are commemorating Palm Sunday, knowing that the Monticello choir and children would have been leading us in palm-waving “hosannas.” This is a palm that I used for our virtual children’s time last night. Some of our preschool and elementary kids shared in a gathering, and we waved palms and remembered Jesus.
Now this morning we all come together to do the very same—to wave palms and remember Jesus. I invite you to join this time of worship just as you are, knowing that God welcomes all. This is the good news of God’s grace and love. Maybe we come delicately balancing the complexities of our own lives, households, families, and jobs as well as the concerns of the world around us near and far. Whatever we bring, know that God cares and holds us together in love. Gather around. Be comfortable. Let’s join our lives in a loving and prayerful spirit in this call to worship written by Sarah Are of Sanctified Art.
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: On Palm Sunday so many years ago, the people saw Jesus and asked,
All: Who is this?
One: In worship, we respond. In worship, we declare:
All: Jesus is a miracle worker and healer.
One: Jesus is a teacher and preacher.
All: Jesus is our light in the darkness.
One: Jesus is our source of love.
All: Jesus is our path in the wilderness.
One: So may we lay down our hearts like they laid down their coats.
All: Let us worship Holy God.
Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God,
on this day your Son Jesus Christ entered the holy city of Jerusalem
and was proclaimed King
by those who spread their garments and palm branches along his way.
Let those branches be for us signs of his victory,
and grant that we who bear them in his name
may ever hail him as our Lord,
and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life.
In his name we pray. Amen.
HYMN – “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
REFLECTION--Jesus Leads the Way
We are now entering the final stretch of our wilderness wanderings of Lent, as we venture into Holy Week and remember the journey of Jesus towards the cross and the tomb. I have encouraged us to find holy interruptions along the way in new habits through prayer, scripture reading, and other faithful practices so that we are drawing nearer to God and relying upon God in new ways. And none of us could have ever predicted the kind of wilderness that we are navigating right now personally, nationally, and globally. Let’s consider wilderness as territory that is wild and uncharted. Maybe survival comes to mind in a Bear Grylls or a Les Stroud, Survivorman, kind of way. What will it take to make it through the wilderness? What tools will you choose to bring with you?—a fire-starter, a pot, a fishing net? I always imagine that bug repellent would be helpful. For our life in faith and for our time in the wilderness, we need tools that help us stay near to God—that remind us we are not alone—especially now when we are in uncharted territory of corona virus and constant reports of numbers and statistics and grief in loss. We are without a doubt wandering.
From the Old Testament, we know that God’s people wandered in the direction of the promised land for 40 years, being constantly reminded that they could trust God into the unknown—that God would provide them with water and food and every provision necessary. It wasn’t easy, but God was faithful. And from the New Testament, we know that Jesus’ growing presence and power through his ministry became a threat to other people with power and authority, and Jesus withdrew into the wilderness for 40 days of prayer. So, the tradition of Lent reflects the scriptural history of God’s people and invites the church into 40 days of wilderness wandering when we remember our need for God, prepare our hearts, gain perspective, seek forgiveness, and create new habits in faith.
Today, on Palm Sunday, we meet Jesus on our 40-day journey at the entrance to the holy city of Jerusalem. He is venturing into uncharted territory. And as always, he draws a crowd. Let’s hear the story this morning from the Gospel of Matthew 21:1-11.
SCRIPTURE READING – Matthew 21:1-11
1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
This story of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem is found in all four New Testament Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This unified inclusion by all four gospel writers gives us even more reason to take notice—to pay attention. After all, tradition names this movement the triumphal entry—an occasion for adoration and exaltation. Jesus is lifted up with reverence and humility. And the writer, Matthew, makes it clear that Jesus carries with him a royal identity—reflecting the prophetic promises of Zechariah 9:9—“Look your king is coming to you…” The Jewish people await their king, and so they greet Jesus with ritual practices fit for a king. He rides in on a donkey side-by-side with a colt. They lay their cloaks and branches on the ground along Jesus’ path—we actually get the specification of palm branches only from John’s gospel. Their covering the ground is an act of humility and a sign of victory. They honor and praise Jesus as the king for whom they have been waiting, crying “hosanna”—literally meaning “help or save, I pray.” But, really, he isn’t what the Jewish people had imagined.
Jesus isn’t a warrior king. He isn’t seeking power in order to control or dominate. Instead, he ushers in the peace of God and life-changing grace. He connects with people at the heart. He loves with humility. He leads with a different kind of strength. He points people away from himself and directly to God. So, as he walks into Jerusalem, being revered as royalty, he actually comes as a servant. He comes following the call of God on his life not for himself or for what he can gain but, instead, for the sake of others. He isn’t moving in the direction of a kingly throne. Instead, he is moving in the direction of a cross.
I am reminded of the question from Micah 6:8—“What does the Lord require of you?”—”to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God?” Jesus leads the way of justice. Jesus leads the way of kindness. Jesus leads the way of humility. Jesus leads the way for us. And on this Palm Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus faces the needs of the world head on. In many ways, it is a wild and uncharted wilderness. There is a lot unknown, but Jesus goes with courage and purpose and trust. He doesn’t cower to fear. He goes bearing the goodness of God to right wrongs, to love, and to shine the spotlight onto God even if it costs him his life. He leads us into a world that is in desperate need of justice, kindness, and humility. How far are we willing to go? What injustice moves us to action? How might we share kindness in word and deed? In what ways will our lives humbly point towards God?
I am inspired by the countless stories of people who are seeking justice when the world is askew—out of balance in unprecedented ways—in need of being realigned. In the wake of layoffs and furloughs and financial hardship from the pandemic, a landlord in Brooklyn informed his 200 tenants last week that they wouldn’t have to pay their April rent. What a generous act of grace for those residents.
I think about so many people, who are serving in our community and throughout our nation. They are working and caring in ways that reflect sacrificial kindness. One local outreach in our own community, Acts of Kindness Ministry, cares for our neighbors who are facing circumstances of homelessness and instability. Their very mission is defined by the call to kindness. You can learn more about the Acts of Kindness Ministry on their Facebook page.
I imagine the endless possibilities if we live humbly—if we draw closer to God—if we allow Jesus to lead us. I encourage you today after we conclude this time on Facebook to find the songs, “Rise Up” by Andra Day and Underdog by Alecia Keys. I will also post them this morning for you. But, I believe they will be just the inspiration we all need today to be able to walk into Holy Week with faith and courage and hope.
On this Palm Sunday and into this week, may we know that Jesus leads us. May we go even though much is required for us to follow. And while it might be wild and uncharted territory, the world needs to know the peace and hope and loving kindness of Jesus. How far are we willing to go?
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and holy interruption, let’s go the distance with Jesus, trusting that he leads us. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. In the coming days and weeks, you may submit prayers on the Monticello website at the Staying Connected Now page. I have one submitted prayer to share this morning. It is a request for us to pray for our military. I also want to let you know that Christine Bunton passed on Saturday, April 4. Please remember her family in prayer. What prayers do you have to offer at this time? Let us pray.
(Prayer adapted from Rev. Abi—no last name given)
God,
On this Holy day of Palm Sunday and Passion,
we have so many mixed feelings in side of us.
We remember your son’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem
with the people shouting praises and waving Palm Branches.
And we join them with our own praises and yet….
we remember too that this wonderful parade for your son, becomes
another kind of parade before officials and the booing crowds.
And instead of the crowds singing his praises they are shouting to crucify him.
And our hearts are broken by those very shouts,
and the pain and suffering he bore that day.
And yet we know that it is because of his choosing to enter
Jerusalem and taking the path he knew he was taking,
there is hope, grace, love and salvation for all.
And there are still many in need of hope in our world.
There are still many in need of your grace in our world.
There are still many in need of your love in our world.
And there are still many in need of salvation in our world.
Lord, enter our lives, our churches, our cities, our countries
once again today.
Heal us, Lord.
Transform us.
Renew us.
Draw us closer to you in this journey of Holy Week,
empower us with strength and courage and
with the assurance that you are with us, world without end. Amen.
And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of Palm Sunday. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. I once again encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors.
Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Buy only what is needed, and share or help others get what they need. Carve out time in the days to come for holy interruptions. And now as we go into this day and into this week, watch and wait for God and look for signs of life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Palm Sunday - April 5
WELCOME
Good morning and welcome. It’s Palm Sunday—the day when the church remembers the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, as he journeys closer and closer to the cross. I am once again in the beautiful Monticello chapel, and I miss congregating with you. But, what a joy that today I have Linda Peak here. She is across the chapel from me at the organ and is blessing us with beautiful music for worship this morning. I want to invite you into a time of meditation and prayer as we prepare for worship this morning.
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! We are commemorating Palm Sunday, knowing that the Monticello choir and children would have been leading us in palm-waving “hosannas.” This is a palm that I used for our virtual children’s time last night. Some of our preschool and elementary kids shared in a gathering, and we waved palms and remembered Jesus.
Now this morning we all come together to do the very same—to wave palms and remember Jesus. I invite you to join this time of worship just as you are, knowing that God welcomes all. This is the good news of God’s grace and love. Maybe we come delicately balancing the complexities of our own lives, households, families, and jobs as well as the concerns of the world around us near and far. Whatever we bring, know that God cares and holds us together in love. Gather around. Be comfortable. Let’s join our lives in a loving and prayerful spirit in this call to worship written by Sarah Are of Sanctified Art.
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: On Palm Sunday so many years ago, the people saw Jesus and asked,
All: Who is this?
One: In worship, we respond. In worship, we declare:
All: Jesus is a miracle worker and healer.
One: Jesus is a teacher and preacher.
All: Jesus is our light in the darkness.
One: Jesus is our source of love.
All: Jesus is our path in the wilderness.
One: So may we lay down our hearts like they laid down their coats.
All: Let us worship Holy God.
Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God,
on this day your Son Jesus Christ entered the holy city of Jerusalem
and was proclaimed King
by those who spread their garments and palm branches along his way.
Let those branches be for us signs of his victory,
and grant that we who bear them in his name
may ever hail him as our Lord,
and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life.
In his name we pray. Amen.
HYMN – “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
REFLECTION--Jesus Leads the Way
We are now entering the final stretch of our wilderness wanderings of Lent, as we venture into Holy Week and remember the journey of Jesus towards the cross and the tomb. I have encouraged us to find holy interruptions along the way in new habits through prayer, scripture reading, and other faithful practices so that we are drawing nearer to God and relying upon God in new ways. And none of us could have ever predicted the kind of wilderness that we are navigating right now personally, nationally, and globally. Let’s consider wilderness as territory that is wild and uncharted. Maybe survival comes to mind in a Bear Grylls or a Les Stroud, Survivorman, kind of way. What will it take to make it through the wilderness? What tools will you choose to bring with you?—a fire-starter, a pot, a fishing net? I always imagine that bug repellent would be helpful. For our life in faith and for our time in the wilderness, we need tools that help us stay near to God—that remind us we are not alone—especially now when we are in uncharted territory of corona virus and constant reports of numbers and statistics and grief in loss. We are without a doubt wandering.
From the Old Testament, we know that God’s people wandered in the direction of the promised land for 40 years, being constantly reminded that they could trust God into the unknown—that God would provide them with water and food and every provision necessary. It wasn’t easy, but God was faithful. And from the New Testament, we know that Jesus’ growing presence and power through his ministry became a threat to other people with power and authority, and Jesus withdrew into the wilderness for 40 days of prayer. So, the tradition of Lent reflects the scriptural history of God’s people and invites the church into 40 days of wilderness wandering when we remember our need for God, prepare our hearts, gain perspective, seek forgiveness, and create new habits in faith.
Today, on Palm Sunday, we meet Jesus on our 40-day journey at the entrance to the holy city of Jerusalem. He is venturing into uncharted territory. And as always, he draws a crowd. Let’s hear the story this morning from the Gospel of Matthew 21:1-11.
SCRIPTURE READING – Matthew 21:1-11
1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
This story of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem is found in all four New Testament Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This unified inclusion by all four gospel writers gives us even more reason to take notice—to pay attention. After all, tradition names this movement the triumphal entry—an occasion for adoration and exaltation. Jesus is lifted up with reverence and humility. And the writer, Matthew, makes it clear that Jesus carries with him a royal identity—reflecting the prophetic promises of Zechariah 9:9—“Look your king is coming to you…” The Jewish people await their king, and so they greet Jesus with ritual practices fit for a king. He rides in on a donkey side-by-side with a colt. They lay their cloaks and branches on the ground along Jesus’ path—we actually get the specification of palm branches only from John’s gospel. Their covering the ground is an act of humility and a sign of victory. They honor and praise Jesus as the king for whom they have been waiting, crying “hosanna”—literally meaning “help or save, I pray.” But, really, he isn’t what the Jewish people had imagined.
Jesus isn’t a warrior king. He isn’t seeking power in order to control or dominate. Instead, he ushers in the peace of God and life-changing grace. He connects with people at the heart. He loves with humility. He leads with a different kind of strength. He points people away from himself and directly to God. So, as he walks into Jerusalem, being revered as royalty, he actually comes as a servant. He comes following the call of God on his life not for himself or for what he can gain but, instead, for the sake of others. He isn’t moving in the direction of a kingly throne. Instead, he is moving in the direction of a cross.
I am reminded of the question from Micah 6:8—“What does the Lord require of you?”—”to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God?” Jesus leads the way of justice. Jesus leads the way of kindness. Jesus leads the way of humility. Jesus leads the way for us. And on this Palm Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus faces the needs of the world head on. In many ways, it is a wild and uncharted wilderness. There is a lot unknown, but Jesus goes with courage and purpose and trust. He doesn’t cower to fear. He goes bearing the goodness of God to right wrongs, to love, and to shine the spotlight onto God even if it costs him his life. He leads us into a world that is in desperate need of justice, kindness, and humility. How far are we willing to go? What injustice moves us to action? How might we share kindness in word and deed? In what ways will our lives humbly point towards God?
I am inspired by the countless stories of people who are seeking justice when the world is askew—out of balance in unprecedented ways—in need of being realigned. In the wake of layoffs and furloughs and financial hardship from the pandemic, a landlord in Brooklyn informed his 200 tenants last week that they wouldn’t have to pay their April rent. What a generous act of grace for those residents.
I think about so many people, who are serving in our community and throughout our nation. They are working and caring in ways that reflect sacrificial kindness. One local outreach in our own community, Acts of Kindness Ministry, cares for our neighbors who are facing circumstances of homelessness and instability. Their very mission is defined by the call to kindness. You can learn more about the Acts of Kindness Ministry on their Facebook page.
I imagine the endless possibilities if we live humbly—if we draw closer to God—if we allow Jesus to lead us. I encourage you today after we conclude this time on Facebook to find the songs, “Rise Up” by Andra Day and Underdog by Alecia Keys. I will also post them this morning for you. But, I believe they will be just the inspiration we all need today to be able to walk into Holy Week with faith and courage and hope.
On this Palm Sunday and into this week, may we know that Jesus leads us. May we go even though much is required for us to follow. And while it might be wild and uncharted territory, the world needs to know the peace and hope and loving kindness of Jesus. How far are we willing to go?
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and holy interruption, let’s go the distance with Jesus, trusting that he leads us. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. In the coming days and weeks, you may submit prayers on the Monticello website at the Staying Connected Now page. I have one submitted prayer to share this morning. It is a request for us to pray for our military. I also want to let you know that Christine Bunton passed on Saturday, April 4. Please remember her family in prayer. What prayers do you have to offer at this time? Let us pray.
(Prayer adapted from Rev. Abi—no last name given)
God,
On this Holy day of Palm Sunday and Passion,
we have so many mixed feelings in side of us.
We remember your son’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem
with the people shouting praises and waving Palm Branches.
And we join them with our own praises and yet….
we remember too that this wonderful parade for your son, becomes
another kind of parade before officials and the booing crowds.
And instead of the crowds singing his praises they are shouting to crucify him.
And our hearts are broken by those very shouts,
and the pain and suffering he bore that day.
And yet we know that it is because of his choosing to enter
Jerusalem and taking the path he knew he was taking,
there is hope, grace, love and salvation for all.
And there are still many in need of hope in our world.
There are still many in need of your grace in our world.
There are still many in need of your love in our world.
And there are still many in need of salvation in our world.
Lord, enter our lives, our churches, our cities, our countries
once again today.
Heal us, Lord.
Transform us.
Renew us.
Draw us closer to you in this journey of Holy Week,
empower us with strength and courage and
with the assurance that you are with us, world without end. Amen.
And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
I am grateful for this opportunity for us to give our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. I invite you to make space differently for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of Palm Sunday. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. I once again encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors.
Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Buy only what is needed, and share or help others get what they need. Carve out time in the days to come for holy interruptions. And now as we go into this day and into this week, watch and wait for God and look for signs of life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Facebook Worship - Sunday, March 29
(See video and transcript below.)
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Sunday, March 29
WELCOME
Good morning and welcome. I don’t know exactly what you bring to this time, whether you bring joy or heartache, but whatever it is, know that God cares and holds us together in love. Be comfortable as we share in this time together and invite your household to gather around in a loving and prayerful spirit. Let us join our hearts in worship.
OPENING WORDS
L: Come, find a time of peace.
P: We don’t think we have time. There are many demands on us.
L: Come, find a time of rest.
P: There is so much that we have to do, places to go, people to see, needs to be met.
L: Come, find a time of healing.
P: Our lives are fractured and bleeding. We give of ourselves and yet there is still much to be done.
L: Come, find a time of hope.
P: We can’t accomplish everything. Look around you. See how the cries of the world scream in our ears; how the hands of need reach out, pleading for our help.
L: You cannot serve if you do not rest. You need a time of quiet to re-gather your strength and spirits.
P: Lord, help us to slow down, even if it is for just a little while.
L: Come, find this place of peace. Let the spirit of God gently refresh and heal you.
P: We come and will find our rest in God’s steadfast love. AMEN.
OPENING PRAYER
O God, our Guide and Guardian,
you have led us apart from the busy world.
Grant us grace to worship you in Spirit and in truth,
to the comfort of our souls
and the upbuilding of every good purpose and holy desire.
Enable us to do more perfectly the work to which you have called us,
that we may not fear the coming of night,
when we shall resign into your hands
the tasks which you have committed to us.
So may we worship you not with our lips at this hour,
but in word and deed all the days of our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
REFLECTION—We Watch and Wait for God
I have read and seen a funny meme that has been traveling around social media lately. It says, “I never planned to give up quite this much for Lent.” If you know anything about Lent, it is often considered a season of sacrifice when we seek to make more space for God and less space for ourselves all for the sake of living more fully for God and reflecting more brightly the light of Christ. I don’t know about you, but silly religious humor is good for the soul about now. Our lives are giving way to change and loss and sacrifice in ways that are unexpected. So, I wonder how is all of this change, for better or worse, affecting us? There is a question that John Wesley, Anglican priest and organizer of the Methodist movement in 18th century England, would ask when he would gather for small group meetings. How is it with your soul? Ponder that question for a second. We may consider the soul to be who we are at the heart—at the center or core of our lives. Literally, the word, soul, derives from the Greek word for psyche meaning breath. What is life-giving for you? How is your life at the heart? How is it with your soul? Think about it as more than simply how are you doing? or how is it going? It reaches deeper than that. How is our life aligning with God? How are we being nourished in life-giving ways? Certainly, the hymn writer Horatio Spafford understood the depth of our soul, as it connects to life with God--"When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know, it is well, it is well, with my soul.”
God is our source of life. God’s grace keeps us connected and grounded. And when we are self-aware and make the effort to align our lives with God, we are probably much better able to say, it is well with my soul. Sometimes life is just plain hard. Sometimes life is filled with joy. But, all of the time God is with us—all of the time God loves us. Right now, we may not feel well, but God is with us. We may be anxious about the future, but God loves us. We can and should feel whatever feelings are bubbling up in our lives, but in the midst of those feelings, how can we align ourselves with God and attend to our soul—the very heart of our being—so that no matter the circumstance of life—how hard or not—as Spafford expressed, it is well because of God.
The words of Psalm 130 express honestly and beautifully how we might balance the weightiness of life and the hope of God’s faithfulness and presence and love. Listen now to Psalm 130.
SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
In The Message version of Psalm 130, verse 7 says, “…wait and watch for God—with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption.” We wait and watch. In the season of Lent, with a 30-day stay-at-home order looming, and in a time filled with self-isolation and loss of work and illness and physical distance and new routines and restlessness, we need the reminder to wait and watch for God, knowing that with God comes love and generosity and, ultimately, resurrection. We watch. We wait. We hope. When we watch for God and align ourselves with God’s love, it doesn’t erase our feelings or our current reality, but it does give us hope and may very well carry us through.
I have been very aware lately that winter is visibly giving way to spring. Maybe you have noticed it, too—blankets of pollen—choruses of songbirds—as if winter is finally giving in to hibernation and making way for new life. Without a doubt, I think the current star of springtime are the red bud trees. Wow. It is as if someone dipped a paintbrush in a paint can and flicked paint all around. Out of the earth tone browns and greens of wintertime are bursting those purplish-pink blooms. There is a stretch of road along Hwy. 21 right now between Iredell Memorial Gardens and Barium Springs where the red bud trees look like a parade crowd lining the roadside. They are stunning. They glisten in the sunshine as if to say, wait and watch—there is more to come—be patient—all will be well.
We must align ourselves with God—claim space and time for holy interruption. And when we do that, we will really know that life is unfolding before us—that out of the journey of Jesus to the cross God can accomplish the unbelievable—the unimaginable—the resurrection. Even in a world filled with anxiousness and grief, there is resiliency in the human spirit. Helpers and public servants are saving people’s lives. Entire cities are clapping in unison with gratitude. Corporations are innovatively transforming mattress and automobile and vacuum production into health care equipment production. A Mayo clinic doctor serenades the world with a beautiful rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine. People in China are beginning to come out of quarantine. Neighbors are hanging hand-crafted hearts on their mailboxes as signs of love. We even gathered for a virtual, at-a-distance children’s time last night with some of our Monticello kids and invited them to make their own hearts and spread the love, too. You might be also be interested in spreading the love, so I will share more information on the Facebook later today. There are signs of life near and far—close to home and across the world. May we trust that in God there is more life to come. And then, when answering the question, how is it with your soul, we might confidently say, it is well. Wait and watch for God.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and holy interruption, we watch and wait, trusting in the God of life who knows our heart and hears our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. What prayers do you have to offer at this time? Let us pray.
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.
Loving and healing God, we turn to you in prayer, confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. We come before you delicately balancing hope and anxiety. May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others. We pray for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, relatives who we have named aloud this morning. We pray silently for the needs that remain on our hearts and in our minds.
We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
Bring healing to those who are sick and be with their families. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals who are caring for the sick and all who work in our medical facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all of those people in our community and our country who continue to work in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. Help us to look out for one another, to acquire only what we need, and to share with others who may be in need. May your peace be with us this day, tomorrow, and the days and weeks ahead.
From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free;
perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.
And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
At this time in worship, the Monticello choir would usually lead us with music and we would make available the opportunity for spiritual giving by receiving an offering. However, now our offering is simply our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. You may make space in different ways for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week to 308 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC, 28625 or giving online here. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of this gathering. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. I once again encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors.
Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Buy only what is needed, and share or help others get what they need. Carve out time in the days to come for holy interruptions. And now as we go into this day and into this week, watch and wait for God and look for signs of life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Sunday, March 29
WELCOME
Good morning and welcome. I don’t know exactly what you bring to this time, whether you bring joy or heartache, but whatever it is, know that God cares and holds us together in love. Be comfortable as we share in this time together and invite your household to gather around in a loving and prayerful spirit. Let us join our hearts in worship.
OPENING WORDS
L: Come, find a time of peace.
P: We don’t think we have time. There are many demands on us.
L: Come, find a time of rest.
P: There is so much that we have to do, places to go, people to see, needs to be met.
L: Come, find a time of healing.
P: Our lives are fractured and bleeding. We give of ourselves and yet there is still much to be done.
L: Come, find a time of hope.
P: We can’t accomplish everything. Look around you. See how the cries of the world scream in our ears; how the hands of need reach out, pleading for our help.
L: You cannot serve if you do not rest. You need a time of quiet to re-gather your strength and spirits.
P: Lord, help us to slow down, even if it is for just a little while.
L: Come, find this place of peace. Let the spirit of God gently refresh and heal you.
P: We come and will find our rest in God’s steadfast love. AMEN.
OPENING PRAYER
O God, our Guide and Guardian,
you have led us apart from the busy world.
Grant us grace to worship you in Spirit and in truth,
to the comfort of our souls
and the upbuilding of every good purpose and holy desire.
Enable us to do more perfectly the work to which you have called us,
that we may not fear the coming of night,
when we shall resign into your hands
the tasks which you have committed to us.
So may we worship you not with our lips at this hour,
but in word and deed all the days of our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
REFLECTION—We Watch and Wait for God
I have read and seen a funny meme that has been traveling around social media lately. It says, “I never planned to give up quite this much for Lent.” If you know anything about Lent, it is often considered a season of sacrifice when we seek to make more space for God and less space for ourselves all for the sake of living more fully for God and reflecting more brightly the light of Christ. I don’t know about you, but silly religious humor is good for the soul about now. Our lives are giving way to change and loss and sacrifice in ways that are unexpected. So, I wonder how is all of this change, for better or worse, affecting us? There is a question that John Wesley, Anglican priest and organizer of the Methodist movement in 18th century England, would ask when he would gather for small group meetings. How is it with your soul? Ponder that question for a second. We may consider the soul to be who we are at the heart—at the center or core of our lives. Literally, the word, soul, derives from the Greek word for psyche meaning breath. What is life-giving for you? How is your life at the heart? How is it with your soul? Think about it as more than simply how are you doing? or how is it going? It reaches deeper than that. How is our life aligning with God? How are we being nourished in life-giving ways? Certainly, the hymn writer Horatio Spafford understood the depth of our soul, as it connects to life with God--"When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know, it is well, it is well, with my soul.”
God is our source of life. God’s grace keeps us connected and grounded. And when we are self-aware and make the effort to align our lives with God, we are probably much better able to say, it is well with my soul. Sometimes life is just plain hard. Sometimes life is filled with joy. But, all of the time God is with us—all of the time God loves us. Right now, we may not feel well, but God is with us. We may be anxious about the future, but God loves us. We can and should feel whatever feelings are bubbling up in our lives, but in the midst of those feelings, how can we align ourselves with God and attend to our soul—the very heart of our being—so that no matter the circumstance of life—how hard or not—as Spafford expressed, it is well because of God.
The words of Psalm 130 express honestly and beautifully how we might balance the weightiness of life and the hope of God’s faithfulness and presence and love. Listen now to Psalm 130.
SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
In The Message version of Psalm 130, verse 7 says, “…wait and watch for God—with God’s arrival comes love, with God’s arrival comes generous redemption.” We wait and watch. In the season of Lent, with a 30-day stay-at-home order looming, and in a time filled with self-isolation and loss of work and illness and physical distance and new routines and restlessness, we need the reminder to wait and watch for God, knowing that with God comes love and generosity and, ultimately, resurrection. We watch. We wait. We hope. When we watch for God and align ourselves with God’s love, it doesn’t erase our feelings or our current reality, but it does give us hope and may very well carry us through.
I have been very aware lately that winter is visibly giving way to spring. Maybe you have noticed it, too—blankets of pollen—choruses of songbirds—as if winter is finally giving in to hibernation and making way for new life. Without a doubt, I think the current star of springtime are the red bud trees. Wow. It is as if someone dipped a paintbrush in a paint can and flicked paint all around. Out of the earth tone browns and greens of wintertime are bursting those purplish-pink blooms. There is a stretch of road along Hwy. 21 right now between Iredell Memorial Gardens and Barium Springs where the red bud trees look like a parade crowd lining the roadside. They are stunning. They glisten in the sunshine as if to say, wait and watch—there is more to come—be patient—all will be well.
We must align ourselves with God—claim space and time for holy interruption. And when we do that, we will really know that life is unfolding before us—that out of the journey of Jesus to the cross God can accomplish the unbelievable—the unimaginable—the resurrection. Even in a world filled with anxiousness and grief, there is resiliency in the human spirit. Helpers and public servants are saving people’s lives. Entire cities are clapping in unison with gratitude. Corporations are innovatively transforming mattress and automobile and vacuum production into health care equipment production. A Mayo clinic doctor serenades the world with a beautiful rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine. People in China are beginning to come out of quarantine. Neighbors are hanging hand-crafted hearts on their mailboxes as signs of love. We even gathered for a virtual, at-a-distance children’s time last night with some of our Monticello kids and invited them to make their own hearts and spread the love, too. You might be also be interested in spreading the love, so I will share more information on the Facebook later today. There are signs of life near and far—close to home and across the world. May we trust that in God there is more life to come. And then, when answering the question, how is it with your soul, we might confidently say, it is well. Wait and watch for God.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and holy interruption, we watch and wait, trusting in the God of life who knows our heart and hears our prayers. I want to give you the opportunity to share your prayers just as we do when we are together in our gathering space. What prayers do you have to offer at this time? Let us pray.
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.
Loving and healing God, we turn to you in prayer, confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. We come before you delicately balancing hope and anxiety. May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others. We pray for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, relatives who we have named aloud this morning. We pray silently for the needs that remain on our hearts and in our minds.
We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
Bring healing to those who are sick and be with their families. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals who are caring for the sick and all who work in our medical facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all of those people in our community and our country who continue to work in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. Help us to look out for one another, to acquire only what we need, and to share with others who may be in need. May your peace be with us this day, tomorrow, and the days and weeks ahead.
From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free;
perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.
And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
At this time in worship, the Monticello choir would usually lead us with music and we would make available the opportunity for spiritual giving by receiving an offering. However, now our offering is simply our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. You may make space in different ways for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week to 308 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC, 28625 or giving online here. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of this gathering. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. I once again encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors.
Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Buy only what is needed, and share or help others get what they need. Carve out time in the days to come for holy interruptions. And now as we go into this day and into this week, watch and wait for God and look for signs of life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Facebook Worship - Sunday, March 22
(See video and transcript below.)
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Sunday, March 22
WELCOME
I welcome you to this time of worship, as we connect for prayer and reflection and set aside this time to remember our faith and draw near to God. I am thankful that we can gather in this way while we are not gathering for in-person. Be comfortable as we share in this time together and invite your household to gather around in a loving and prayerful spirit. Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together - With cords that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, Lord, - Bind us together in love.
Thank you for this opportunity to be together this morning when we are keeping a physical distance out of care and compassion for ourselves, for one another, and for our neighbors. Your love keeps us connected, so be with us during this time of prayer and reflection that our hearts might be open to you and our lives might be uplifted by you word. In your name we pray. Amen.
REFLECTION—We Do Not Walk Alone
We continue through the season of Lent when we consider what it means to engage in Selahs. I described this last week, Selah, as a reference from the Psalms that probably serves as a musical rest, and I offered us the opportunity to think about how this concept of Selah—a rest—a holy interruption—an intentional time for prayer or reflection—might be reflected in our lives of faith. How might we simply take time for God and for others so that we grow in God’s grace and open our hearts bigger and wider in love?
Maybe we are noticing more opportunities for holy interruption, if we are adjusting our lives and staying home more during this time of the corona virus pandemic. Maybe we are clinging to faith more tightly right now in the face of looming uncertainty, knowing that people in our community and throughout our nation and the world are on the front lines caring for the sick, working on a vaccine, maintaining our community services, and working so that we have basic necessities. Maybe we are cherishing time with those in our households, considering that school age children are gearing up for home school. Maybe we have had to reorient our lives and routines, responding to the call for physical distancing throughout our community. Maybe we are praying like never before, facing the unknown of this public health emergency and possibly a time of loss because of a job or isolation from relationships. There is so much that is changing day-to-day and even hour-to-hour. And something a friend shared resonates. She said, “There is power in the pause.” Whatever is causing us to pause—to stop—to experience that Selah kind of moment—that holy interruption—is important and will impact our lives even in small ways.
One of the ways that I experience pause is when I walk a labyrinth. For many years, I walked the beautiful labyrinth at Hinton Center in Hayesville. Now, I walk the labyrinth on campus at Barium. It is nestled behind Little Joe’s Chapel, and when I am walking or riding my bike along the local greenway, I always stop at the labyrinth. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is a circular or spiraling path that provides purposeful direction. You enter and move in the direction of the center and exit back into the world. The hope is that, while meandering along the path, a person will gain deeper clarity and focus. And I think when I walk the labyrinth at Barium there is definitely power in the pause. I was thinking yesterday at the labyrinth that in a time like this, when we are on a journey where everything is new and everything is in flux and lots is unknown and it’s hard to find our footing, it is kind of freeing to walk on a path that is already clearly defined—that is easily marked. There is no question where to go. What a liberating moment of holy interruption, and I feel free, even if just for a few moments, from the temporary new normal and unpredictability and unknown and unsteadiness of these days and hopeful for our anxious world.
So, when we are not on the labyrinth where we slow down and gain new perspective but are journeying through life at full speed, what or who helps us find our footing or gives us courage to forge ahead?
I think about the story from John 9 when Jesus and the disciples passed a man who was blind from birth—he had never seen the light of day. Yet, Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world.” Then, Jesus spits on the ground and makes mud and spreads the mud on the blind man’s eyes, telling him to go and wash. The blind man sets out on the most remarkable journey of his life—he hits the road and walks blindly into the unknown. Yet, he goes at the prompting of Jesus—he goes trusting and hoping—he goes with a strong footing and with the promise and power of Jesus. I also think that a word from the Psalms might help us with the answer.
SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
So, I ask the question again. When we are not on the labyrinth—that place of certain direction—and are journeying through life at full speed, who helps us find our footing or gives us courage to forge ahead? Certainly, the psalmist believes that God does. According to the psalmist, God shepherds and provides and leads and walks alongside and comforts and protects. When we are journeying through life, we can trust that God is with us. The blind man certainly trusted in the promise and power of Jesus. And we need these reminders that we don’t go it alone because right now the world is in flux and is improvising amidst so much change.
There is no March Madness. Car dealerships are creating television commercials that tell customers how they are making car shopping safe. Organizations that depend on volunteers are sending them home. Companies are making remarkable decisions to pay their employees while home with children and to extend sick days. Medical professionals are operating drive through virus test sites. Millions and millions of people are working from home. Restaurants are serving food curbside. A florist in Statesville even offered a drive-through for free bouquets of flowers yesterday so that people could give flowers to brighten someone’s day. Leaders, teachers, and staff with Iredell-Statesville Schools created virtual school and feeding sites for all students in five days. Our Wednesday night small group studied the Book of Acts by phone last week. We are on quite the journey right now.
These words of Psalm 23 are ours as we hit the road—as we forge ahead into the unknown—as we carry on along the journey of life—as we improvise during uncertain times—and these words may just help us to find our footing right now and give us direction, knowing that God goes with us and that we do not walk alone.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and with holy interruption, let’s imagine that Jesus is prompting us to go, trusting in God’s guidance and comfort and let’s take time to share our prayers. Let us pray.
Loving and healing God, we turn to you in prayer, confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. You shepherd us, and we come before you delicately balancing hope and anxiety. May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another. We pray for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, relatives who we have named aloud this morning. We pray silently for the needs that remain on our hearts and in our minds. Bring healing to those who are sick and be with their families. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals who are caring for the sick and all who work in our medical facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all of those people in our community and our country who continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. Help us to look out for one another, to acquire only what we need, and to share with others who may be in need. May your peace be with us this day, tomorrow, and the days and weeks ahead. Thank you, Lord. And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
At this time in worship, the Monticello choir would usually lead us with music and we would make available the opportunity for spiritual giving by receiving an offering. However, this morning our offering is simply our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. You may make space in different ways for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of this gathering. How might we make space for holy interruptions that remind us of God’s faithfulness and help us to find strong and courageous footing for the journey? How might we pause for a moment a rediscover the power of Jesus in our lives for whatever we are facing? If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. Just because we are limiting in-person interaction doesn’t mean that we can’t remain connected in other ways.
I once again encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors. Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Buy only what is needed, and share or help others get what they need. Carve out time in the days to come for holy interruptions. There is power in the pause. And now as we go into this day and into this week, find your footing with God and know that we do not walk alone. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Sunday, March 22
WELCOME
I welcome you to this time of worship, as we connect for prayer and reflection and set aside this time to remember our faith and draw near to God. I am thankful that we can gather in this way while we are not gathering for in-person. Be comfortable as we share in this time together and invite your household to gather around in a loving and prayerful spirit. Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together - With cords that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, Lord, - Bind us together in love.
Thank you for this opportunity to be together this morning when we are keeping a physical distance out of care and compassion for ourselves, for one another, and for our neighbors. Your love keeps us connected, so be with us during this time of prayer and reflection that our hearts might be open to you and our lives might be uplifted by you word. In your name we pray. Amen.
REFLECTION—We Do Not Walk Alone
We continue through the season of Lent when we consider what it means to engage in Selahs. I described this last week, Selah, as a reference from the Psalms that probably serves as a musical rest, and I offered us the opportunity to think about how this concept of Selah—a rest—a holy interruption—an intentional time for prayer or reflection—might be reflected in our lives of faith. How might we simply take time for God and for others so that we grow in God’s grace and open our hearts bigger and wider in love?
Maybe we are noticing more opportunities for holy interruption, if we are adjusting our lives and staying home more during this time of the corona virus pandemic. Maybe we are clinging to faith more tightly right now in the face of looming uncertainty, knowing that people in our community and throughout our nation and the world are on the front lines caring for the sick, working on a vaccine, maintaining our community services, and working so that we have basic necessities. Maybe we are cherishing time with those in our households, considering that school age children are gearing up for home school. Maybe we have had to reorient our lives and routines, responding to the call for physical distancing throughout our community. Maybe we are praying like never before, facing the unknown of this public health emergency and possibly a time of loss because of a job or isolation from relationships. There is so much that is changing day-to-day and even hour-to-hour. And something a friend shared resonates. She said, “There is power in the pause.” Whatever is causing us to pause—to stop—to experience that Selah kind of moment—that holy interruption—is important and will impact our lives even in small ways.
One of the ways that I experience pause is when I walk a labyrinth. For many years, I walked the beautiful labyrinth at Hinton Center in Hayesville. Now, I walk the labyrinth on campus at Barium. It is nestled behind Little Joe’s Chapel, and when I am walking or riding my bike along the local greenway, I always stop at the labyrinth. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is a circular or spiraling path that provides purposeful direction. You enter and move in the direction of the center and exit back into the world. The hope is that, while meandering along the path, a person will gain deeper clarity and focus. And I think when I walk the labyrinth at Barium there is definitely power in the pause. I was thinking yesterday at the labyrinth that in a time like this, when we are on a journey where everything is new and everything is in flux and lots is unknown and it’s hard to find our footing, it is kind of freeing to walk on a path that is already clearly defined—that is easily marked. There is no question where to go. What a liberating moment of holy interruption, and I feel free, even if just for a few moments, from the temporary new normal and unpredictability and unknown and unsteadiness of these days and hopeful for our anxious world.
So, when we are not on the labyrinth where we slow down and gain new perspective but are journeying through life at full speed, what or who helps us find our footing or gives us courage to forge ahead?
I think about the story from John 9 when Jesus and the disciples passed a man who was blind from birth—he had never seen the light of day. Yet, Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world.” Then, Jesus spits on the ground and makes mud and spreads the mud on the blind man’s eyes, telling him to go and wash. The blind man sets out on the most remarkable journey of his life—he hits the road and walks blindly into the unknown. Yet, he goes at the prompting of Jesus—he goes trusting and hoping—he goes with a strong footing and with the promise and power of Jesus. I also think that a word from the Psalms might help us with the answer.
SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
So, I ask the question again. When we are not on the labyrinth—that place of certain direction—and are journeying through life at full speed, who helps us find our footing or gives us courage to forge ahead? Certainly, the psalmist believes that God does. According to the psalmist, God shepherds and provides and leads and walks alongside and comforts and protects. When we are journeying through life, we can trust that God is with us. The blind man certainly trusted in the promise and power of Jesus. And we need these reminders that we don’t go it alone because right now the world is in flux and is improvising amidst so much change.
There is no March Madness. Car dealerships are creating television commercials that tell customers how they are making car shopping safe. Organizations that depend on volunteers are sending them home. Companies are making remarkable decisions to pay their employees while home with children and to extend sick days. Medical professionals are operating drive through virus test sites. Millions and millions of people are working from home. Restaurants are serving food curbside. A florist in Statesville even offered a drive-through for free bouquets of flowers yesterday so that people could give flowers to brighten someone’s day. Leaders, teachers, and staff with Iredell-Statesville Schools created virtual school and feeding sites for all students in five days. Our Wednesday night small group studied the Book of Acts by phone last week. We are on quite the journey right now.
These words of Psalm 23 are ours as we hit the road—as we forge ahead into the unknown—as we carry on along the journey of life—as we improvise during uncertain times—and these words may just help us to find our footing right now and give us direction, knowing that God goes with us and that we do not walk alone.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and with holy interruption, let’s imagine that Jesus is prompting us to go, trusting in God’s guidance and comfort and let’s take time to share our prayers. Let us pray.
Loving and healing God, we turn to you in prayer, confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. You shepherd us, and we come before you delicately balancing hope and anxiety. May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another. We pray for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, relatives who we have named aloud this morning. We pray silently for the needs that remain on our hearts and in our minds. Bring healing to those who are sick and be with their families. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals who are caring for the sick and all who work in our medical facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all of those people in our community and our country who continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. Help us to look out for one another, to acquire only what we need, and to share with others who may be in need. May your peace be with us this day, tomorrow, and the days and weeks ahead. Thank you, Lord. And now let us pray together the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
At this time in worship, the Monticello choir would usually lead us with music and we would make available the opportunity for spiritual giving by receiving an offering. However, this morning our offering is simply our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. You may make space in different ways for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week or giving online. Thank you for generously giving from the heart during this time of worship this morning.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for being a part of this gathering. How might we make space for holy interruptions that remind us of God’s faithfulness and help us to find strong and courageous footing for the journey? How might we pause for a moment a rediscover the power of Jesus in our lives for whatever we are facing? If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, on the website, and through Facebook. Just because we are limiting in-person interaction doesn’t mean that we can’t remain connected in other ways.
I once again encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors. Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Buy only what is needed, and share or help others get what they need. Carve out time in the days to come for holy interruptions. There is power in the pause. And now as we go into this day and into this week, find your footing with God and know that we do not walk alone. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
AN ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
Sunday, March 15, 2020
WELCOME
I invite you to use this order of worship, as we connect our lives with prayer and reflection and set aside this time to remember our faith and draw near to God. It is an unusual occasion that we were unable to gather in person today, but I am thankful for willingness to worship in your own space and time.
Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful and lift up all who are brought low that we may rejoice in your comfort, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love. In Christ we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 95
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
There are many words throughout the Bible that are translated as worship. Many of them involve bodily movement of some sort. The worship posture described often in the Hebrew scriptures is face down on the ground—a posture of humility. The psalmist in Psalm 95 tells us to bow and to kneel. Worship is not just, or even primarily, a head thing. It is a whole-body thing. We pour ourselves out in worship. That is why we physically gather together for worship. We enter the worship space and nothing else matters but the community who gathers and the God who we worship. We worship not to neglect the world but to remember the Creator of the world who sends us out to live and love that world and all who dwell in it. So, here we are taking on a posture of worship in a very unconventional way. We aren’t together in person. We aren’t making our way to our section or our seat. We aren’t shaking hands and giving hugs. We aren’t seeing our smiling faces. But we are still giving our attention to God. We are still honoring God with our time, our energy, and our hearts. We are still entering into a time of worship, remembering our Creator, and in this season of Lent, taking notice and reorienting our lives towards God.
With our lives, our neighborhoods, our community, our state, our nation, and our world being completely oriented towards the public health concerns around coronavirus, we greatly need this time to reorient our lives—to shift our focus for at least a few minutes away from the news, away from social media, and away from conversations that are revolving around COVID-19. Wherever you are right now, stop and be still. Turn off any electronic screens or devices. Take a deep breath. Maybe even close your eyes. And hear these words from the psalmist again: “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.”
Throughout the Book of Psalms, there is a word that appears at different times—the word is Selah. In fact, we encounter this Hebrew term at least seventy-one times. We experienced it several weeks ago in worship when we read Psalm 32. While the word Selah has not been definitively defined in scripture, the placement of the word suggests a shift, pause, break, or interruption. It suggests exhaling or resting from routine activities. It is a thought that the “Selah” functions much like a musical rest. This describes how we should understand our posture in worship and in the season of Lent. We are encouraged to set aside time to connect with our faith, as we live, move, and go about our daily lives. The Selah for our lives means that we stop and take time for God. We allow for “holy interruptions” that cause us to pay attention to God and to look for God’s grace in our lives. Lent calls for something a little more reflective and intentional—it calls for attention to ourselves and to the spiritual practices of our daily lives—prayer, scripture reading, communal worship, acts of service, love of neighbor—in order for us to remember our need for a Savior.
SCRIPTURE READING – John 4:5-14
5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. 7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”
In this story, the Samaritan woman has an unlikely encounter. She comes to the well—a place of common meeting—a place of regular routine—and she meets Jesus. Undoubtedly, this was a holy interruption for the woman. She carried a heavy burden around in her daily life, much heavier than a jug full of water. But, on this occasion, a holy interruption opened her to the living water—the spring of water gushing up to eternal life. There is no burden too heavy for Jesus. There is no despair too dark for the light of Christ. There is no judgment too sharp for the grace and forgiveness of God. This woman in a regular, every day place where she had probably been many times before met her savior. As we journey through this season—as we imagine ourselves sitting with Jesus—as we make space for holy interruptions in the regular, every day places of our lives—as worry creeps into our minds—as we wander through the wilderness of deep public health concerns—as we worship today, may we know that we are not alone. God loves us and goes with us—into the uncertainty of these times—into the chaos of our lives—into the weeks when school is closed—into the places of our hearts where we need healing—into the relationships where we yearn for reconciliation—into our anxiousness when we see grocery store shelves emptied of food and household items—into the lines at the gas stations—into the lives of our neighbors who don’t have stable homes—into the lives of children who already experience uncertainty with basic needs—into our joy when we see our community coming together for good—into our loving service when we care for one another—into our prayers—into our families—into our church.
In all parts of our lives, God loves us and goes with us. Let’s not forget this, especially now.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and with holy interruption, let’s imagine once again that we are sitting with Jesus. Let’s take time to share our prayer needs. What prayers do you have to offer at this time? Pray in whatever way you feel most comfortable. Silent prayer. Spoken prayer. Written prayer. Journaling prayer. Then, you may use the following prayer as well.
Loving and healing God, we turn to you in prayer, confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. We come before you as people of hope, trusting in your care. May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. We pray for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, relatives who we have named aloud this morning. We pray silently for the needs that remain on our hearts and in our minds. Bring healing to those who are sick and be with their families. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals who are caring for the sick and all who work in our medical facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all of those people in our community and our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. Help us to look out for one another, to acquire only what we need, and to share with others who may be in need. God of creation and life, be present with us and help us to see your grace at work in our lives and in our community. May your peace enfold us this day, tomorrow, and the days and weeks ahead. We go into the unknown, but what we know that you go with us. Thank you, Lord.
And now pray the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
At this time in worship, the Monticello choir would usually lead us with music, and we would make available the opportunity for spiritual giving by receiving an offering. However, at this time our offering is simply our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. You may make space in different ways for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week to 308 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or giving online here. Thank you for generously giving from the heart for God and others.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for sharing in this prayer and reflection. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. Just because we are limiting in person interaction doesn’t mean that we can’t remain connected in other ways. I encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors. Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Carve out time in the days to ahead for holy interruptions. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, and through Facebook. And we will keep you informed about how we will connect again next Sunday since we will not be in person for worship again on Sunday, March 22. And now as we go into this day and into this week, trust that God goes with us. Take time for holy interruptions so that we notice and don’t forget. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
WELCOME
I invite you to use this order of worship, as we connect our lives with prayer and reflection and set aside this time to remember our faith and draw near to God. It is an unusual occasion that we were unable to gather in person today, but I am thankful for willingness to worship in your own space and time.
Let us pray.
OPENING PRAYER
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful and lift up all who are brought low that we may rejoice in your comfort, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love. In Christ we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 95
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
There are many words throughout the Bible that are translated as worship. Many of them involve bodily movement of some sort. The worship posture described often in the Hebrew scriptures is face down on the ground—a posture of humility. The psalmist in Psalm 95 tells us to bow and to kneel. Worship is not just, or even primarily, a head thing. It is a whole-body thing. We pour ourselves out in worship. That is why we physically gather together for worship. We enter the worship space and nothing else matters but the community who gathers and the God who we worship. We worship not to neglect the world but to remember the Creator of the world who sends us out to live and love that world and all who dwell in it. So, here we are taking on a posture of worship in a very unconventional way. We aren’t together in person. We aren’t making our way to our section or our seat. We aren’t shaking hands and giving hugs. We aren’t seeing our smiling faces. But we are still giving our attention to God. We are still honoring God with our time, our energy, and our hearts. We are still entering into a time of worship, remembering our Creator, and in this season of Lent, taking notice and reorienting our lives towards God.
With our lives, our neighborhoods, our community, our state, our nation, and our world being completely oriented towards the public health concerns around coronavirus, we greatly need this time to reorient our lives—to shift our focus for at least a few minutes away from the news, away from social media, and away from conversations that are revolving around COVID-19. Wherever you are right now, stop and be still. Turn off any electronic screens or devices. Take a deep breath. Maybe even close your eyes. And hear these words from the psalmist again: “O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.”
Throughout the Book of Psalms, there is a word that appears at different times—the word is Selah. In fact, we encounter this Hebrew term at least seventy-one times. We experienced it several weeks ago in worship when we read Psalm 32. While the word Selah has not been definitively defined in scripture, the placement of the word suggests a shift, pause, break, or interruption. It suggests exhaling or resting from routine activities. It is a thought that the “Selah” functions much like a musical rest. This describes how we should understand our posture in worship and in the season of Lent. We are encouraged to set aside time to connect with our faith, as we live, move, and go about our daily lives. The Selah for our lives means that we stop and take time for God. We allow for “holy interruptions” that cause us to pay attention to God and to look for God’s grace in our lives. Lent calls for something a little more reflective and intentional—it calls for attention to ourselves and to the spiritual practices of our daily lives—prayer, scripture reading, communal worship, acts of service, love of neighbor—in order for us to remember our need for a Savior.
SCRIPTURE READING – John 4:5-14
5 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. 7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”
In this story, the Samaritan woman has an unlikely encounter. She comes to the well—a place of common meeting—a place of regular routine—and she meets Jesus. Undoubtedly, this was a holy interruption for the woman. She carried a heavy burden around in her daily life, much heavier than a jug full of water. But, on this occasion, a holy interruption opened her to the living water—the spring of water gushing up to eternal life. There is no burden too heavy for Jesus. There is no despair too dark for the light of Christ. There is no judgment too sharp for the grace and forgiveness of God. This woman in a regular, every day place where she had probably been many times before met her savior. As we journey through this season—as we imagine ourselves sitting with Jesus—as we make space for holy interruptions in the regular, every day places of our lives—as worry creeps into our minds—as we wander through the wilderness of deep public health concerns—as we worship today, may we know that we are not alone. God loves us and goes with us—into the uncertainty of these times—into the chaos of our lives—into the weeks when school is closed—into the places of our hearts where we need healing—into the relationships where we yearn for reconciliation—into our anxiousness when we see grocery store shelves emptied of food and household items—into the lines at the gas stations—into the lives of our neighbors who don’t have stable homes—into the lives of children who already experience uncertainty with basic needs—into our joy when we see our community coming together for good—into our loving service when we care for one another—into our prayers—into our families—into our church.
In all parts of our lives, God loves us and goes with us. Let’s not forget this, especially now.
PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
So, with this time of worship and with holy interruption, let’s imagine once again that we are sitting with Jesus. Let’s take time to share our prayer needs. What prayers do you have to offer at this time? Pray in whatever way you feel most comfortable. Silent prayer. Spoken prayer. Written prayer. Journaling prayer. Then, you may use the following prayer as well.
Loving and healing God, we turn to you in prayer, confident that you are with us and with all people in every moment. We come before you as people of hope, trusting in your care. May your faithful love support us and soothe the anxiety of our hearts. Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. We pray for our friends, neighbors, loved ones, relatives who we have named aloud this morning. We pray silently for the needs that remain on our hearts and in our minds. Bring healing to those who are sick and be with their families. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals who are caring for the sick and all who work in our medical facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people. We pray in gratitude for all of those people in our community and our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe. Help us to look out for one another, to acquire only what we need, and to share with others who may be in need. God of creation and life, be present with us and help us to see your grace at work in our lives and in our community. May your peace enfold us this day, tomorrow, and the days and weeks ahead. We go into the unknown, but what we know that you go with us. Thank you, Lord.
And now pray the prayer that Jesus has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hollowed 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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for the thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERING
At this time in worship, the Monticello choir would usually lead us with music, and we would make available the opportunity for spiritual giving by receiving an offering. However, at this time our offering is simply our time and our prayers and our love for God and for one another. You may make space in different ways for spiritual giving by mailing your tithe this week to 308 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or giving online here. Thank you for generously giving from the heart for God and others.
DISMISSAL AND BENEDICTION
Thank you for sharing in this prayer and reflection. If you need anything this week or if you know someone who does, please don’t hesitate to call the church office or send an email. Just because we are limiting in person interaction doesn’t mean that we can’t remain connected in other ways. I encourage you to take some extra time today to make a few phone calls or send a few texts to check on one another or to drop a note or card in the mail to someone or check on your neighbors. Balance your time with the news and social media carefully. Stay informed but don’t become overwhelmed. Carve out time in the days to ahead for holy interruptions. We will continue to communicate by phone, by email, and through Facebook. And we will keep you informed about how we will connect again next Sunday since we will not be in person for worship again on Sunday, March 22. And now as we go into this day and into this week, trust that God goes with us. Take time for holy interruptions so that we notice and don’t forget. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, go in peace to love and serve. Amen.
