Lord Jesus Christ,
in this world where hopes are so often dashed
and dreams so often broken,
we remember today the faith in the future you brought to so many,
both through your coming and through your resurrection from the dead.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
We remember how Mary and Joseph looked forward
to the day of your birth,
how shepherds and magi caught their breath in wonder
as they knelt before you,
how the hearts of Anna and Simeon leapt in anticipation,
and how your disciples
and the crowds that flocked to hear you gave thenks,
convinced that you were the Messiah, the one God had promised,
the long-awaited deliverer come to set them free.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
We remember how that vision of the future
was shattered by events to follow –
your pain, humiliation, suffering and death –
hope ebbing away as the lifeblood seeped from your body –
an end to their dreams, an end to everything.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
We remember how the news spread that the tomb was empty,
the stone rolled away, your body gone,
and how despite it all,
your followers could scarcely bring themselves to hope –
afraid to take the risk of faith
in case they should face the heartache of losing you once more.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
But we remember finally how you appeared,
in all your risen glory –
in the garden,
in the upstairs room,
on the Emmaus road,
by the Sea of Galilee –
and the dream was born again,
the smoldering embers of faith rekindled.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
Lord Jesus Christ, a world is waiting,
hurting,
longing,
searching for hope,
crying out for meaning,
hungry for some reason to believe in the future.
Come again in your living power,
and bring new life to all.
Lord Jesus, where faith has died and dreams have faded,
may hope flower again.
WELCOME/
Hi - welcome to UCPC online worship: whether within the Parish or elsewhere, whatever time you may be joining in, it's good to see you here. Even though we can't meet face to face, and even though we're physically scattered/ socially isolating, we are still a part of Christ's body, and still a community albeit, gathering in a slightly different format for the time being.
Today, something of an experiment! We're going to try to do a 'rolling' style of worship over on our YouTube channel [yes, we do have one, we just hadn't really done much with it!].
If you click the link below, it should take you there and you'll find the playlist for worship 26 April. It's set so that each wee clip should follow on automatically and play in order. Don't forget when you're looking at the viewing panel to enlarge the video by clicking on the box below the video screen to your right - it'll make singing along to the hymns a tad easier!! Also, apologies for the occasional flashes of blinding light during the sermon... I hadn't quite moved round with the sun! Bear with me as I continue to learn and get to grips with the tech! :-)
For those of you with younger ones at home, before you click the YouTube link, scroll down to the bottom of the blog post and you'll find some worship accessible activities for all-ages.
Also, below, you'll find a couple of church notices...
In the meantime, the Order of Service is below...
And... if you CLICK ON THIS LINK it will take you across to our time worship
where all the elements of the service - hymns, prayers, sermon etc will play one after the other in the correct running order as if you were at Church.
NOTICES/ Pastoral care... if you, or anyone you know in the parish could use a listening ear, please don't
hesitate to get in touch with me [Rev. Nikki]. And, if you just want a wee blether, that's okay too!
At the moment, I'm also able to go to the store to collect and deliver prescriptions if needed, so let me know if I can be of help with that. My phone number again is 01864 502139
or you can email me by making use of the 'contact us' box on the right side column of the blog. Food bank referrals... just a reminder that in my capacity as Minister, I'm authorised to make
referrals to Clydesdale Food Bank. If you are in need of the service, please do get in touch -
and, if you know someone who could do with the help, please pass my contact info. on to them.
Also, if you happen to be passing by the front door of the manse on your daily exercise, or essential travel, and you have items you'd like to donate to the food bank, feel free to drop them at my front door and I can organise a pick up when they next come through this way.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to the work of the food bank via their website -
here's the LINK
When you get to the page, scroll down until you get to the green 'donate' button.
ALL-AGE WORSHIP RESOURCES/ This LINK will take you to the resources by 'Roots' - there's prayers, an all-age friendly version of the Emmaus story, suggested activities, and at the bottom of the page, downloadable printable activity sheets.
A MID-WEEK PRAYER/
Loving God,
If we are ill, strengthen us.
If we are tired, fortify our spirits.
If we are anxious, help us to consider the lillies of the field and the birds of the air.
Help us not to stockpile treasures from supermarkets in the barns of our larders.
Don't let fear cause us to overlook the needs of others more vulnerable than ourselves.
Fix our eyes on your story and our hearts on your grace.
Help us always to hold fast to the good,
See the good in others,
And remember there is just one world, one hope,
One everlasting love, with baskets of bread for everyone.
In Jesus we make our prayer,
The one who suffered, died and was raised to new life,
In whom we trust these days and all days,
Amen.
WELCOME/
Hello and welcome to our online blog-style worship - although scattered, we are still community, and we can still find ways to worship even during the time of lockdown.
How has the week been for you?
Hope you're managing to find ways that help you through this odd time and to generally stay positive. I've kept up my Lent [and Advent] practice of stopping at the end of each day and taking time to find three people/things to be grateful for over that day. It's a wee practice that I've found really useful, and something that helps me keep some personal perspective at the moment. Let me know how you're doing - do feel free to get in touch, I'm always up for a blether or to be listening ear.
In the meantime, our worship theme continues with Easter, where we remember and reflect on the story of an upper room at night, gathered disciples, and a follower of Jesus called Thomas.
Those of you with younger folk at home will find a link to family friendly resources/ prayers/ activities for today's theme.
Wherever you are, whatever time it is:
let's worship God....
CALL TO WORSHIP/ Come to me,
all you who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death!
On you has the light shone!
For Jesus Christ is the light of the world
and this is the story;
the light shines in the darkness
and the darkness could not put it out!
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. I am the bright and morning star.”
So let us join with the faithful
down through the ages and proclaim:
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia
Come, let us worship God. HYMN/ Christ is alive, let Christians sing!
PRAYER/ Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
Living God,
we are among the ones whom Jesus said were blessed.
We have seen no risen body,
no walking through walls,
no nail-pierced hands and side.
And we believe—in something—
even when we are not always sure what.
Blessed we may be, but like others in that dubious elite—
the poor, the hungry, the persecuted, the grieving ones—
we would really rather it were not so.
How much easier it would be if we had seen with our own eyes;
if we knew where he was, and could invite others to come and see for themselves.
But that is not how it is, nor ever was meant to be.
Resurrection is not an argument,
but an experience of a relationship that death cannot sever.
It is an act of trust, not a test of logic or a feat of willpower.
Loving God,
we give thanks for every experience of resurrection that we have known, however fleeting:
for hope returning after the darkness of despair;
for a comforting touch;
a word of peace.
We, too, have met him around a table, sharing bread and wine with friends.
Other people have been the risen Christ for us, as we, amazingly, have for them.
We ask forgiveness,
not for our doubting,
but for our failure to be honest about what we do believe,
and what we struggle to affirm.
Not for asking questions,
but for stopping short of the really hard questions
that would take us closer to the deepest truth.
We pray, as we always do, for your presence with us in our worship.
May we be surprised, astonished, delighted, when our prayers are answered,
and move from this time knowing that we have been with
the One who lived and died and is alive for evermore,
Jesus Christ, our companion and friend...
the One who taught us to pray by saying: Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen
REFLECTION/ Every day is Easter
When Thomas touched the wounds
and set himself free
it was Easter day
When Peter’s three “yes’s” to Jesus
finished his three denials
it was Easter day
When Mary ready to embalm the dead
ran in fear from the empty tomb
it was Easter day
When the disciples looked from afar
at a breakfast of fish on the beach
it was Easter day
When Emmaus became synonymous
with welcome, and the breaking of bread
with strangers
it was Easter day
When Paul was blinded by the light
and recognised the voice niggling in his head
it was Easter day
When the hungry are fed at the table
the same table as the rich
it is Easter day
When weapons are beaten to ploughshares
and peace is a word to be shouted
it is Easter day
When the stranger is welcomed in community
and the lonely are restored to relationship
it is Easter day by Roddy Hamilton
Let's turn our minds to scripture and continue on from our reading last week...
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.’ 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again,
‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If 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. 25So 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.’ 27Then 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.’ 28Thomas answered him,
‘My Lord and my God!’ 29Jesus 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. 31But 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.
HYMN/ In the tomb so cold - Christ is risen
SERMON/
Apologies for the quality of the sound - you may have to turn it up a wee bit!
I've put the text below if you'd prefer reading...
[scroll past if you've listened]
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all our hearts
be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen...
On Easter Sunday last week, in our gospel reading from John, there was a lot of running about:
at first, it begins with a walk –
we have the solitude of Mary heading to the garden tomb in the pre-dawn darkness,
to mourn her beloved Rabbi, only to find the tomb is empty and he’s not there.
She runs.
At the end of that particular run through the early morning streets of Jerusalem...
where the light is now dawning, she finds Peter and a beloved disciple.
She tells them the news that the grave is empty. They run.
They have to see it for themselves.
Then they return back to where they’ve been staying.
Mary, meanwhile, has returned to the garden in what is now the full light of the morning.
It’s there, in that full morning light, that she meets Jesus, the One who is the Light of the world.
Throughout the Gospel of John there’s a very deliberate use of darkness and light –
and there, in the garden on that Easter morning, the light is shining.
The sun beams down upon Jesus, Son of God, revealing – showing us –
that God is with us:
just as God showed up in the incarnation –
in Bethlehem as the child of Promise,
so God shows up still, in the resurrection –
in a Garden having fulfilled the promise...
forgiveness,
death – that old enemy – defeated,
and new life - a new way of living...
a promise for now and for all of eternity.
Our reading focus from John’s gospel at this point finds us still in that first Easter –
it’s clearly been a busy and confusing day for the followers of Jesus.
And note the time that this account begins.
It is night.
Our gospel writer is pointing that out for a reason –
he likes his metaphors of darkness and light, remember.
So you have:
darkness and fear;
light and freedom to love...
darkness and death in all its finality;
light and life in all fullness...
darkness and sin;
light and purity...
darkness and lack of knowledge, lack of understanding;
light and understanding - where all is now more fully comprehended.
And as we look on at these followers of Jesus,
hemmed in by the darkness of the night,
hemmed in by the fear that moves them to lock the door of the familiar room they’ve returned to
what we see is that, although the light of revelation has opened Mary’s mind,
in contrast, as far as the disciples are concerned, they are all still very much in the dark.
After all the running around to the empty tomb in the morning,
now, in the evening, they're just running on empty.
They sit and argue among themselves and wonder what on earth is going on
until the Light of the World comes among them –
moving through that locked door,
moving through their fears,
moving into hearts and minds that are closed.
...God, in Jesus, shows up.
God, in Jesus, offers words of peace –
not once, but twice –
to ease their fears,
their troubled minds and hearts,
to move them from the darkness and chaos of confusion
into the light of understanding and comprehension
that, with God
anything is possible –
even death can’t nail him down.
They rejoice at his return.
But there’s more.
While Jesus is there among them,
there is one who is not: Thomas.
Thomas is at least open to the possibility of not allowing his fear
to keep him in a locked room.
We aren’t told where he is –
perhaps he’s an essential worker –
but he’s out in that city somewhere
even though he may be recognised
as one of the followers of the radical rabbi who has been dealt with only a few days before.
Thomas may have unfairly been left with the label ‘doubter’ for generations –
but he is perhaps more courageous than some of the other followers.
When he returns to where they’re all gathered,
and they tell him that Jesus has been among them,
he’s not asking for anything beyond what the other disciples have experienced:
a little unfair, then, to stick him with that ‘doubter’ label, really.
In fact, just as Peter and the unnamed disciple had run to the tomb
that very morning after Mary had told them of the empty grave
to see for themselves,
so, too, he has to see it for himself.
He even sets up his conditions:
unless I see the nail marks...
unless I put my finger where the nail marks were...
unless I put my hand in his wounded side...
Often we use the words at communion: ‘taste and see that the Lord is good.’
In the case of Thomas, it’s a matter of ‘touch and see that the Lord is real.’
A full week passes.
Even after Jesus has shown up among them,
shared his words of peace with them,
breathed his Spirit upon them,
still they sit in that locked room, somehow unable to move on and out.
And as they sit there, this time with Thomas,
God, in Jesus, shows up yet again.
Jesus doesn’t dismiss or diminish Thomas for his words,
for the conditions he’s set out as a requirement to believe.
He moves among them again,
speaking peace into their hearts and troubled minds... again.
He approaches Thomas and meets him where he is –
invites him to touch and see and believe
that resurrection is real...
that belief is possible.
And where the disciples, having seen Jesus the week before, rejoice,
Thomas does something different;
he cranks things up a notch.
The disciples, upon seeing Jesus were basically saying ‘Wow, this is awesome.’
Thomas, instead, says the equivalent of ‘Wow, you are awesome.’
Where the disciples rejoice, Thomas praises.
With the light of realisation, Thomas not only sees the resurrected Jesus,
he makes the deeper connection:
Jesus truly is the Messiah,
Son of God,
human
and
divine...
and so he worships the risen Lord.
God, in Jesus, shows up.
God, in Jesus, offers us words of peace to ease our fears
to ease our troubled minds and hearts
to move us from this present darkness
into the light of his peace,
into the light that reveals again and again and again and forever
that, with God,
anything – indeed, everything – is possible.
And while we can rejoice with the disciples and go ‘wow that’s amazing’
we can also praise and worship with Thomas and say of Jesus ‘wow, you’re amazing’
Friends, whether you’re out and about doing essential work, or whether you’re doing your bit by staying home and keeping yourselves and your neighbours safe...
may you know the light and love of Jesus, and remain in his peace.
Amen.
An Easter Affirmation
We believe in a bright and amazing God
who has been to the depths of despair on our behalf;
who has risen in splendour and majesty;
who decorates the universe with sparkling water, clear white light,
twinkling stars and sharp colours,
over and over and over again.
We believe that Jesus is the light of the world;
that God believes in us and trusts us,
even though we make the same mistakes over and over again.
We commit ourselves to Jesus,
to one another as brothers and sisters,
and to the Maker’s business in the world.
God said: let here be light,
Amen. by Helen Lambie. From Lent and Easter readings from Iona. Wild Goose Publications 2001 PRAYER/ Lord of all, we come to you, Lord of all, our saviour be, come to bless and to heal with the light of your love.
Lord, there are so many people and situations
that need the light of your love today,
that need the peace you offer.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the darkest places where violence, hate and abuse
have free reign over people,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the hearts of all
who are lonely, bereaved or ill,
who are suffering and afraid,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the minds of all
who have power and authority
all who lead in government or other institutions,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the souls of all
who have yet to discover the risen Christ,
of all who are seeking a higher power,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
We pray that the light of your love would shine
into the lives of all people in the world:
the young and the old,
the able and the less able,
the believer and the doubter,
the seen and the unseen,
Lord may your peace be upon them.
So be it. Amen.
REFLECTION/ I’ve had people promise me things;
promises that were never fulfilled!
The empty words of others:
well-meaning, perhaps, but hardly worth the uttering!
Others have had me promise them things;
promises that were never fulfilled!
The empty words of mine:
well-meaning, perhaps, but hardly worth the uttering.
Good intentions:
so much easier than words;
Words:
so much easier than actions;
Actions:
so often difficult to carry out.
God’s promises?
The promise of love,
the promise of mercy,
the promise of peace.
the promise of the Holy Spirit
to come down,
come in
and come amongst us?
Promises, promises, promises;
uttered and fulfilled!
Promises, promises, promises;
intentions and words and actions!
Promises, promises, promises.
Our God is a faithful God,
who has come down,
come in
and come amongst us!
Hallelujah!
HYMN/ Lord of the dance
FINAL PRAYER AND BLESSING/ Holy God, Lover of your children:
the tomb has been opened,
and we dance into your future.
Your life has dawned on us,
and we surround you with our praise.
You reach out your hand,
and lead us into joy.
Jesus Christ, Faithful Witness:
you pick open the locked doors
of our hearts
and come in to be with us forever.
You breathe peace into our souls,
so we may bring healing
to a troubled world.
Holy Spirit, Breath of Peace:
you show us our hearts,
so we may give love to others.
You show us our hands,
sending us to serve the needy.
You show us your hope,
so we may live in your joy.
As we end this time of worship...
Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord,
And the blessing of God:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
be with you
- and those you love and who love you...
Amen.
A WEE BIT OF FUN/
A cartoon for our times in these days of online meetings:
ALL-AGE RESOURCES/
Click on the link HERE for downloadable/ printable resources to help younger people access worship
Easter doesn't end on Easter Sunday - a wise person once said 'now every day is Easter.'
Traditionally, the season of Easter lasts for 50 days to Pentecost.
Christian faith communities across the world read again the Bible stories reflecting the
appearance of Jesus...
In the spirit of Easter, two poems for meditating upon this week
CHRIST OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS (Inspired by the painting 'Christ of St. John of the Cross' by Salvador Dali.)
And still his head is bowed,
The cross uncluttered now
By family and friends,
Adrift;
Unearthly brightness ghosts his outstretched arms,
God's well-belovèd son.
The storm is spent.
No ripples break the water's calm.
Two fishermen seek comfort
In their nets
And, in the eastern sky,
A new day dawns. by Dee Yates
EASTER IONA
Listen. There is nothing except the wind.
The sheep lie in boulders in the fields,
The first few lambs shelter to the south-east of their mothers.
The moon swims through cloud, a rim of gold,
Yet never flows clear into open sky, never burns the sea with light.
Is there a God in all this blackness,
The huge emptiness of night? How small we are
When our lights go out, when all we can comfort our dark with
Are candles. In the end, each and every invention is not sufficient
To cure our loneliness, to take away our fear,
To solve the riddle of death. We can fly to the moon,
But we cannot heal the flaw in a broken soul.
Easter. How we took the only one who ever truly knew us
And murdered him. That night the dark must have seemed so close,
The emptiness so huge. The disciples
Blown away into troubled corners of Jerusalem,
Their hope broken, their lives lost.
Far away east, a black blood stains the sky;
The cold is bad, like a wound, it hurts the heart,
Twists like a rusted knife. Morning is many miles away;
Resurrection, awakening, they seem nothing more than a story
In some half-forgotten book, and yet Easter is becoming real
A little every second, the candles are being born across the hills
Until, at last, they conquer night, they light an impossible morning,
A beautiful hope.
WELCOME/
Well, it may be one of the strangest of Easter Sundays, but nevertheless these words still ring true:
Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Welcome to physically-distanced, yet community, worship - and a blessed Easter to you;
may you know God's deep peace and joy this day.
So... how are you getting along?
Are you settling into some kind of rhythm while you're in lockdown?
I don't really think there's any right or wrong way of making your way through this particular time -
some of us are 'here's a few projects to take on' people, for others concentration is quite hard to
maintain and you feel like you're not accomplishing much... and for some, just getting out of bed
is a big victory. Perhaps the take away here is not to be too hard on yourself - or others, for that
matter - do what you can, as you can, when you can... and if what you need to do is rest, or take
on six impossible things before breakfast, then just do that. And, stay in touch: just because we're
all having to be physically distanced doesn't mean we have to be isolated... pick up that phone,
or use that internet and stay connected: like the old BT slogan used to tell us 'it's good to talk.'
Even though we are still in lockdown, the fact of lockdown does not stop us, as people of faith,
from celebrating the breaking of a different lockdown: the breaking open of a tomb in a garden
nearly 2 000 years ago, and of new life - the amazing story of the resurrection.
Death itself could not contain the Son of God and, in faith, we hang on to that, and give thanks.
Our blog worship this morning picks up Mary's visit to the garden tomb. There's also quite a few
opportunities to say an 'Alleluia' - released at last from Lenten captivity once more!
At the end of this blog post, you'll find some notices, and below that, there are some suggestions
for all-age Easter activities to enjoy.
I hope you find this Easter blog post a helpful way to remember the wonder that is Easter
and just how great is the God who calls us by name, and loves us so very much.
CALL TO WORSHIP/
Stop!
Did you hear it:
the stone roll,
the grave clothes being folded,
the body rise,
it was like a whispered ‘alleluia’
in the stillness of the dawn,
but it was real.
Stop!
Did you hear it:
the angels’ muffled laughter a
as the women reached the tomb,
the dawn break over the garden
revealing footprints in the dew,
the mountains bow in slow grandeur
just out the corner of your eye,
it was like something shifting
at the edge of your sight,
but it was real.
Stop!
Did you hear it:
the world holds its breath,
the stars hesitate,
the sun lingers,
creation fill its lungs,
the air swells
so that the whole earth can proclaim:
‘Christ is risen’.
This is resurrection morning!
Alleluia!
Let us worship...
And what better way than to begin with that great Easter hymn... HYMN/ Jesus Christ is risen today
PRAYER/
‘Living God!’
Let us say that again:
‘Living God!’
May the life you have redeemed
from death
be alive in us,
that in our living and being
we proclaim
a life that never dies
yet is so full of alleluias,
of the love of justice and the making of peace,
it can never die.
May we find a million ways
to proclaim you are alive
in word and in deed,
in hope and in action,
in longing and being,
in singing and speaking,
in laughter and care,
in questions and wonder,
in faith and belief.
May we be your resurrection people,
alive to life
and ready to share it
with the world.
Hear us.
Living in us,
reshape us,
call us anew
and again
into life
and it’s fullness.
So be it.
Amen
Our reading today speaks of early morning, a journey to a garden, an unsettling discovery.
Grief is replaced by confusion, which in turn is replaced by astonished joy.
Let's spend time reading God's word...
BIBLE READING/ John 20:1-18 1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them,
‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ 3Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. 4The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, 7and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10Then the disciples returned to their homes.
11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; 12and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. 13They said to her,
‘Woman, why are you weeping?’
She said to them,
‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ 14When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know
that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her,
‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’
Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him,
‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ 16Jesus said to her,
‘Mary!’
She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her,
‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and
say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
‘I have seen the Lord’;
and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Amen. And may God bless and inspire us with His word.
REFLECTION/ How To Speak Of God
Risen,
alive,
back,
breathing,
resurrected…
What new ways to describe you today, O Love!
We ended up speaking of you as:
dead,
broken,
crucified,
but now:
restored,
dynamic,
awake,
aware,
resurrected.
On Friday the words ran out
we had nothing left to say.
Now we have new words:
vibrant,
vivid,
laughing,
living,
resurrected.
May we speak again
in this new way,
and give the world
new words:
hope,
grace,
light,
faith,
love…
each word
filled with resurrection promise
and alleluias.
Our next hymn begins with a solo... and then moves into wider congregational singing... [from Songs of Praise] HYMN/ Now the green blade rises
EASTER SERMON/
[I've had a go at trying to do a sermon video - not promising to do this every week but as it's Easter!! If anyone would prefer the text only version of the sermon, get in touch and I'll email it to you]
PRAYER/ We give thanks to you,
Gracious God,
for you have done marvellous things!
When the world was walking in darkness,
you came as light.
Not the light of a bright star alone—
but the light of Jesus, Prince of Peace.
When we were kneeling in weakness,
you came as teacher.
Through his parables and conversations,
Jesus of Nazareth opened our eyes
to a new way of being -
to create communities of compassion and care.
When some were feeling worthless,
you came as friend and physician.
By the healing love of Jesus your Son,
many were shown acceptance
and were brought to new life.
When we were needing forgiveness,
you came as sacrifice.
By the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
mercy came in the form
of unconditional and unabated love.
For all of this we give you thanks,
on this holiest of days.
Compassionate God, we come before you with an active focus
on those people in the world who are suffering...
We live in strange, unsettling times
and many this day live with real challenge in their lives.
We pray for the grieving and the lonely,
for the young who spend their days walking on eggshells at home,
and the old who deserve the best we can give,
for families cramped in city flats who long to go to the play park;
for those who are prejudiced against others
and who live behind barriers of fear and suspicion,
and those who have been damaged by the actions of others.
We bring before you
all who live in fear,
those ones who are immuno-compromised,
those who are sick at home or in hospital;
we remember all who work in the NHS in whatever capacity,
and especially the ones treating patients with Covid-19...
we also pray for all who maintain the necessary links
that provide food and other necessities -
giving you thanks, too, for all who are able to volunteer
and support their neighbours and communities.
We grieve with those who grieve
and remember all who have died as a result of the Corona virus...
may their families, friends, and colleagues feel the comfort of your love.
We pray too, for all who are particularly on our minds and in our hearts
at this time, and we pray for our own needs
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
God of love, promise and hope,
this day reminds us of a new dawn and of a different world.
Let us live, united in spirit,
and ready to serve our brothers and sisters in the world,
that they too may know the blessings of your generous love.
Purple changes to gold
darkness to light grey to colour.
This is a day of transformation,
yet it is more.
Sadness to celebration,
graveyards to gardens,
silence to laughter.
This is a day of revolution,
yet it is more than that.
Death to life,
passion to proclamation,
future to now.
In this day of resurrection
may we tangle our thanks
and our praise together,
lost for words that speak of what it is
to be your renewed community
and know what we always wanted to know
and believe what we sometimes
dared not believe:
that your love
is the most powerful thing in all creation,
and even death,
and even graves,
and even sin,
and even nothing in all creation,
can stop love bursting to life once more.
This is love’s day
and Lord Jesus,
we have chosen to celebrate...
As your people,
scattered, yet community,
we pray the prayer your Son taught us:
Our Father,
who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever.
Amen
REFLECTION/
Say to the world today
what was thought absurd is now imaginable:
the tomb is empty and death is broken.
Say to the world today
what was impossible yesterday is possible today:
the old preconceptions are shattered.
Say to the world today:
the stone has rolled,
the light streams in and the darkness has cracked.
Say to the world today
all that was uncertain is now certain:
the truth is alive and the lies have crumbled.
Say to the world today
the tomb is empty,
hope is back,
the alleluias have begun
and the silence has snapped.
Say to the world today
death is broken,
preconceptions shattered,
darkness is cracked,
lies crumble,
silence is snapped.
This is the good news that cannot be contained.
Alleluia!
I truly can't think of a better hymn to conclude an Easter Sunday service -
this one gets the 'Songs of Praise' treatment... and perhaps gives us a glimpse
of a time when we can all be physically present - gathered together again to sing God's praise. HYMN/ Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son
BLESSING/ The stone has been rolled away!
Christ is risen!
Love wins!
With joy in our hearts,
thanksgiving on our lips
and a spring of hope in our step,
let us love and serve the risen Lord
and
May the blessing of God almighty -
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be with you today, tomorrow and always.
Amen. NOTICES/ Pastoral care... if you, or anyone you know in the parish could use a listening ear, please don't
hesitate to get in touch with me [Rev. Nikki]. And, if you just want a wee blether, that's okay too!
At the moment, I'm also able to do a prescription delivery if needed, so let me know if I can be of help with that. My phone number again is 01864 502139
or you can email me by making use of the 'contact us' box on the right side column of the blog. Food bank referrals... just a reminder that in my capacity as Minister, I'm authorised to make
referrals to Clydesdale Food Bank. If you are in need of the service, please do get in touch -
and, if you know someone who could do with the help, please pass my contact info. on to them.
Also, if you happen to be passing by the front door of the manse on your daily exercise, or essential travel, and you have items you'd like to donate to the food bank, feel free to drop them at my front door and I can organise a pick up when they next come through this way.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to the work of the food bank via their website -
here's the LINK
When you get to the page, scroll down until you get to the green 'donate' button.
ALL-AGE EASTER ACTIVITIES/ Create/ Celebration cards
You will need: sheets of A4 card, scissors, pens, coloured tissue paper, glue, envelopes...
Pre-prepare by folding the sheets of card in half to form a greetings card for each person.
Cut a large, cross-shaped hole in the front cover of each card.
Ask everyone to write ‘The joy of Easter shines through’ on the front, and a message inside their card.
Inside the card, they can then cover the cross ‘window’ carefully with tissue paper, creating a stained-glass effect.
Help the children to carefully stick and seal all the edges with glue.
Leave for a few minutes to dry.
Then encourage the children to place the finished cards in the envelopes.
Invite them to send their card to a friend or family member.
A simple craft activity for younger children Easter bunting
Make Easter bunting from card with the letters spelling out ‘Joy’ -
repeated as many times as needed to create the length to decorate your space.
Invite everyone to decorate the pennant shapes with pens, stickers and sparkles.
The emoji Bible
Invite those with mobile phones to look at emojis and either draw them on paper
or use them within a message on their phones to create a storyboard.
Find suitable emoji images to represent each key point and create a sequence of emojis
to tell the Easter story.
When everyone has finished, invite people to share their stories with each other.
Think/reflect Chocolate prayers
Give out foil-wrapped chocolate eggs.
Ask everyone to unwrap their egg carefully and save the foil.
As you read the story again, invite them to eat their egg and enjoy the taste.
Then ask the young people to create a cross using their foil wrapper.
Reflect together on the journey from the cross to the joy of Easter Day.
Good Friday:
It is a paradox;
they call this day 'good' when so much sadness and violence and despair
wells up and covers the land in the darkness of grief and hope lost.
It is a paradox:
we worship the upside down God who upends our words,
who bids us open our eyes to new ways of seeing, being, understanding.
Bad Friday is turned good,
for out of death, springs life.
We walk through the darkness of this day,
remembering...
sorrowing, even,
taking time to ponder the great love story
shown in the One who loved humanity with the whole of his very being.
And we continue walking -
as hope is reborn,
as the story merely pauses a moment:
for, this is not the end;
we walk through the darkness of this day
and move onwards, toward the light. MUSIC/ Within our darkest night
a chant from the Taize Community...
St Augustine said that when we sing, we pray
twice. Use this simple chant as a prayer -
either to listen and pray with, or to sing it as a
form of prayer as we think of the One whom
the darkness can not overcome...
Within our darkest night, you kindle a fire that never dies away, never dies away...
PRAYER/ Holy God,
on this Good Friday,
we stop, make time,
and wonder once more at your love for us.
We do not understand why Jesus had to die,
why he had to endure
the pain and suffering of the cross.
On this day of days,
we pause awhile
to meditate and contemplate
the death of Jesus.
We come to wonder
at the sacrifice of our beloved Lord.
We come in silence,
awe and amazement
unsure of what to say or do,
knowing that we need to be here.
Draw near to us
and reveal to us ever more clearly
your love for us, now and forever.
Amen.
READING/ Luke, chapter 23 This is a long reading. As you read, perhaps pause in different places, take a moment of quiet to reflect on the verses, then move on... reading in prayerful contemplation. 1Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. 2They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’ 3Then Pilate asked him,
‘Are you the king of the Jews?’
He answered,
‘You say so.’ 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds,
‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’ 5But they were insistent and said,
‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’ 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. 9He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. 12That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14and said to them,
‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’ 18 Then they all shouted out together,
‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ 19(This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; 21but they kept shouting,
‘Crucify, crucify him!’ 22A third time he said to them,
‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ 23But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. 24So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. 25He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.
26 As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said,
‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34Then Jesus said,
‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’
And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying,
‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying,
‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ 38There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying,
‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ 40But the other rebuked him, saying,
‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42Then he said,
‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ 43He replied,
‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. 47When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’ 48And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. 55The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.
On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
We give thanks to God for His word contained in scripture, Amen.
PRAYER/
Forgiving God,
we come before you,
on this most difficult of days,
prayerful, reflective,
and forever thankful,
for the love poured out,
on all humanity, in the life and death
of your son Jesus Christ.
How can we weather the sorrow
that comes as we reflect on the events
that we remember today?
How, O God, can we stand,
in this place
in your salvation...
when our ancestors,
nailed our Saviour to a cross?
How?
In your forgiveness, which surpasses all.
Loving God,
we offer ourselves to you;
in your mercy, we pray that your love,
shown on that day,
and every day since,
continues to shine a light in our lives.
How can we thank you,
when you have given everything for us?
For our lives, our loves, our joys.
How, O God, can we express our gratitude
for the constant embrace of your love,
for the knowledge of the life of Christ,
on this day, as we remember the darkest day?
How?
In your love, which surpasses all.
Gracious God,
we commune with you and are glad,
as spiritual descendants of those
who walked with,
wept over, buried,
and loved Jesus.
We come also, and are mortified
at the betrayal, torture, rejection and denial
of Christ, our Saviour.
We are a people of contradictions.
How can we call ourselves your people,
most loved by your constant care,
gathered up in your eternal love,
forgiven and blessed today and always,
saved through that darkest hour of our history?
How?
In your grace, which surpasses all.
Eternal God,
on this day of sorrow,
we cannot escape the promise of hope,
the surety that the darkness will pass,
and the light of the world will shine forever.
Amen.
MUSIC/ Jesus, remember me -
Use this simple chant as a prayer -
either to listen and pray with, or to sing it
as a form of prayer as we think of the request
of the man hanging next to Jesus
Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom, Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.... REFLECTION/
What could have been said?
In the garden, surrounded by friends,
knowing what is coming,
defence rejected,
no-one lost.
Jesus accepted the cup that was given.
What could have been said?
Before the high priest,
no denials,
only truth.
The Messiah questioned and rejected.
Jesus stands, accused and beaten.
What could have been said?
Before Pilate,
no arguing, no violence,
his kingdom is not of this place,
those who belong to the truth,
belong to Christ.
Jesus is imprisoned.
What could have been done?
Sentenced to death,
here is the man
that no earthly power could contain,
flogged and crowned.
Jesus is sent to death.
What could have been done?
Crucified,
the king of the Jews,
hung from a cross,
taunted, robbed, broken,
it is finished,
our Saviour has been killed.
What could have been done?
He died for us,
gave everything for us,
he is buried, and will rise again,
in love, for us.
What can we do?
PRAYER/
Holy one,
on this day when we remember
Jesus dying on the cross,
suffering pain and breathing his last,
we come humbly before you.
We come to say thank you
that Jesus loved us so much
that he was willing to die for us.
We come to say thank you
that Jesus knows exactly what it feels like
for all people who suffer pain and loss,
fear and rejection,
trauma and persecution.
Lord God,
our world is still a place
where too many people die at the hands of violence,
where too many people suffer persecution,
where too many people die alone and often in pain...
a world now feeling jangly, disjointed,
as we find ourselves living in strange times...
Lord, many of us are fearful -
we think of the power of microbes
that can bring entire systems,
whole countries and continents
to a standstill.
Lord Jesus,
you are in our midst,
Light in our darkness
and so we pray that, as the world walks
through this present darkness
we find your comfort and strength.
Be with all who watch and wait this night:
for deliveries of food, medicine, ventilators
and for safe working equipment...
for news of loved ones...
for clear test results...
for patients to recover...
for the end of the shift and welcome sleep.
Lord,
give us patience and hope,
help us not to give up,
and help us to do your will -
whatever that might be,
that your glory may shine brightly
in a world full of pain and suffering.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Amen.
MUSIC MEDITATION/ What wondrous love is this
An old and beautiful hymn forms the setting for a montage of Good Friday images to reflect on...
EPILOGUE/
A dark day draws to a close,
a barren place
filled with shadows and death,
loneliness and uncertainty.
We leave with thoughts of what might have been.
What’s next for us?
Where do we go from here?
Maundy Thursday:
This is the time when we recall the Last Supper.
We follow in the footsteps of others before us;
we walk back in time and walk into an upper room where Jesus gathers with his friends.
He will speak to them of the ways of the Kingdom.
He will show them what real leadership looks like.
He will share bread and wine and create a meal to remember.
This is the last gathering before the darkness finally takes the light
and the love of God is silenced.... READING/ John 13:1-17 1Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ 7Jesus answered,
‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ 8Peter said to him,
‘You will never wash my feet.’
Jesus answered,
‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ 9Simon Peter said to him,
‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ 10Jesus said to him,
‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean.
And you are clean, though not all of you.’ 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said,
‘Not all of you are clean.’ 12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them,
‘Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right,
for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought
to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have
done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are
messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.'
MUSIC MEDITATION/ 'The basin and the towel' by Michael Card...
PRAYER/
When we find the kingdom
in the most generous of acts,
silently arriving
in a cupful of water,
may we pause
and recognise where we are,
O Saviour of the basin and towel.
When the moment is shaped
in an act of giving
and the kingdom unveils
what it is really about,
may we pause
and recognise what is happening,
O Saviour of the basin and towel.
When the words have gone
and the doctrine spent
and the act of giving
is all we have,
may we pause
and recognise the truth,
O Saviour of the basin and towel.
May we bless the brokenness of heaven
which has fought against the words of religion
that has too often lifted itself up
and given itself power
and lauded itself over others
that we might pause in this place
where she reveals herself
in acts that are self-giving
and sacrificial,
serving the world
and all within,
and may we draw breath
in the truth of it all:
a kingdom unlike any other
humble,
forgiving,
serving,
redeeming.
When the darkness shifts
and the truth is revealed
and the moment arrives
and we do not understand,
may we pause
and recognise the moment,
O Saviour of the basin and towel.
Amen. READING/ Matthew 26:17-19 17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying,
‘Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?’ 18He said,
‘Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, “The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’ 19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. ... ... ... 26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said,
‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ 27Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying,
‘Drink from it, all of you; 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for
many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine
until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ 30 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
REFLECTION/ THE MEAL
The evening was unusual, to say the least. There was nothing out of the ordinary in us eating in the company of Jesus. We had done it often, but outside, a picnic on the grassy slopes of a hillside maybe, folk joining us- one or two or, occasionally, thousands, though always with enough food to go round. Sometimes we had been invited into a home and been given a meal - at Simon's mother-in-law's house when she was ill - with Martha, Mary and Lazarus on frequent occasions.
But this was different. Jesus had arranged it so that we would, all twelve of us, be there in a
room with Him. We were to celebrate Passover. It was what Jewish people everywhere did, a
recalling of how the Jews had escaped death by the smearing of blood from the sacrificial lamb,
onto the lintel of their door, so that the angel of death passed over them.
So we were all seated round the table, a motley assortment of men, if ever there were.
One so sure of himself, given to boasting that would go with Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Another who disliked Jesus' way of doing things and wasn't afraid to say so. One rescued from
a dubious job, working for the government, collecting taxes; a fourth who was a fanatic,
not afraid to kill for his belief. And the rest of us, quieter, staying out of the limelight, uncertain
of our place in the scheme of things. We all called him teacher, for that is what he had been to us,
these last three years. And Jesus rose from the table , tied a towel round his waist, took a bowl of water and a cloth and began to wash our feet. Our feet, dusty and soiled from the road, all calloused skin and broken nails and blisters. It was unlovely, embarrassing. Embarrassing because this was something we ought to have done for each other and for Him and we hadn't, too proud, maybe, to be the one to do this menial task. Jesus went on to say that this was an example of what we must do - that we must be willing to do the job of a servant, however lowly that job might be.
We were to love one another.
But this was not all.
Then he took bread and broke it and gave it to us.
'This is my body given for you.'
The same with the cup of wine past round the table:
'This is my blood poured out for you.'
I was confused, I have to admit.
'Do this in remembrance of me.'
I didn't understand what he was saying. All I knew was that something momentous was happening, that this Passover meal superseded all such meals that had taken place in years past.
It was a few days later that I realised the significance of the words he had spoke in that upper room and the look of suffering on his face as he left the table and went out into the night. by Dee Yates TAKE, EAT.../
At the edge of everything lies this—
when we cannot understand the world
and the questions it asks us to answer,
when we cannot hold onto the world
because it is running out,
when we cannot hear what is truth and what are lies
in a cacophony of conflicting doctrine,
when we are fed up with control and a religion of power
that decides who is saved and who is not,
when we cannot find the words that express our faith any longer
within a religion that has lost its meaning,
when we can no longer sit comfortably
and feel connected with a polarised world,
when we have nothing left to say
and the words make no sense anyway,
when the story feels like it is coming to an end
and the Saviour is living on borrowed time,
when the darkness has greater hold than the light
and the rumours of conspiracy continue to grow,
when the disciples are confused and do not understand
and the Saviour is quiet with a darkness in his eyes,
when we feel the crack of a broken heaven
appearing in everything we thought sure,
at the edge of everything lies this—
a table:
bread,
broken;
wine,
waiting;
take,
and eat.
PRAYER/
Holy God,
we have remembered that final meal
shared between Jesus and his disciples;
we have remembered his life,
we have remembered his death,
and we look forward to celebrating his resurrection.
Before that happy day,
we remember his suffering,
his pain,
and his desolation on the cross;
we remember his loved ones
looking on from a distance,
unable to offer any comfort,
and we remember the men who sat at his feet
dividing up his belongings as if he was already dead.
Holy God,
on this night
when we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us all,
help us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice,
willing to let our egos go
and instead, choosing to serve you
body, mind and soul.
May we be renewed and refreshed,
confident and bold,
ready to share your love
and your story
with all people.
Amen.
ONWARD...
Bread:
blessed, broken, given—
his body.
Wine:
thanksgiving, sharing, drinking—
his blood, poured out for many.
On this night, a meal is shared among friends at table.
On this night, darkness gathers.
In a garden,
where prayers are offered,
and disciples sleep,
the sound of coins jingle in a purse
as footsteps march in time growing nearer:
the hour is at hand...
