Worship Planning Tools - April 2024

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7 April 2024 14 April 2024 21 April 2024 28 April 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________

WORSHIP RESOURCES

7 April 2024 Second Sunday of Easter

1 John 1:1-2:2 Easter People Witness Additional Scriptures Psalm 133; John 20:19-31; Acts 4:32-35; Doctrine and Covenants 162:3a-b Preparation Refer to Toronto Centre Place, online church, for a list of hymns that are available on YouTube. This might provide accompaniment for hymns. Prepare to share the audio YouTube version of the song, “Easter People” by Nash Revival, with permission.

For the Disciples’ Generous Response, secure a copy of the storybook, Charlie’s Walk, by Francine Inslee, ISBN 0-8309-1073-5. HeraldHouse.org/products/charlies-walk?_pos=1&_sid=4e1fbbc03&_ss=r Make the announcement found in the Collage as Spiritual Practice below. This relates to the next three services. Distribute the announcement to participants through all the communication channels available during the coming week.

Praise Prelude Ministry of Music: “Easter People” by Nash Revival, Youtube.com/watch?v=zJVPXl2tsDo Make sure you have permission to use this recording.

Welcome “He is risen!” This is the good news proclamation as we continue the Easter season of the Christian liturgical calendar. Easter includes the fifty 50 days that began last Sunday and continues until we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

On the very first day of Easter, the disciples were mourning and confused. The teacher they had followed had been crucified. They lost not only their leader and teacher but their friend.

Jesus taught love and acceptance. His nonviolent response to authorities was confusing and unexpected. Jesus did not lead and die in a battle to overturn the powers and principalities ushering in a new way of life. It looked like Jesus had lost. Further, the hope of the Lord’s Prayer to create “God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven” had seemingly died on the cross with him.

The disciples’ experience of the Resurrection was not at all like our Easter celebrations. The disciples had more questions than answers. The announcement of the empty tomb was shocking.

Although Jesus had foreshadowed the events, the news that he had risen was surprising. I would love to know what the disciples were thinking and doing during this time, but the New Testament only gives us a few glimpses of what happened between day one and day fifty of the first Easter season. What will we think and do, as we once again hear the good news proclaimed, “He is risen”? Unlike the first disciples, we expected this celebration even as we started Lent.

For us, the importance of the Resurrection might get lost because it is not a surprise that forces us to seek meaning.

“He is risen” is not just a proclamation of a singular event. This good news invites and sends us.

God invites us to shape our lives anew as Easter people. God sends us with the blessing of the Holy Spirit to embody and share the message and ministry of the Living Christ. He is risen when we live Christ’s mission. Today, our focus is on how we, as Easter People, witness to our world.

—Stassi Cramm, Daily Bread, April 17, 2022

Hymn of Praise Use the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House, to lead the singing.

“Mfurahini, Haleluya/Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia” CCS 471 OR “Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate” CCS 474 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Confession Prayer for Peace Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31 Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer Spirit of the unbelievable, As humans, it is hard to believe the injustice, the hatred, and the disharmony we witness in the world. We don’t want to believe it is real. We don’t want to believe because it is so painful. We relate to Thomas’s disbelief—his desire that what he sees ought to make sense. Spirit, remind us that despite Thomas’s disbelief, he stayed with his community.

He didn’t give up.

We pray that you would grant us the persistence and hopefulness of Thomas–that in our darkest moments, we might stay the course, pursuing justice and peace even in the face of

our own doubts. Resurrection was once unbelievable, and yet we follow a resurrected one. Peace and justice for all seems unbelievable, and yet we follow the path of peace!

In the name of Jesus, the resurrected One, Amen.

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian

Proclamation of the Word Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1—2:2 Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn “Sing to God as Sings the Ocean” OR “Restless Weaver” Message Based on 1 John 1:1—2:2

CCS 104 CCS 145

Commitment Disciples’ Generous Response Oblation The first Sunday of the month focuses Disciples’ Generous Response on one of our Mission Initiatives, Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes Oblation ministry.

Story Read the storybook, Charlie’s Walk, by Francine Inslee, available from HeraldHouse.org.

This is the story of a girl who gave all of her money to those in need, leaving her nothing to give during the offertory at church. She is regretting her choice to give freely when her friend, Charlie, reminds her that Jesus has asked us to give to those who need what we have to give…and in her giving, she “walked the talk” of giving to our true capacity.

OR Ask someone to share a time when they experienced someone who gave freely.

After the story/testimony discuss: What does this story/testimony say to you about giving?

How does giving at church teach us to give in our everyday lives?

Our theme today is “Easter People Witness”…how do we, as Easter People, show through giving that Jesus lives in us?

Statement During the Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings we are able to join in making God’s work visible in the world.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or at eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Hymn of Generosity “Can We Calculate Our Giving” OR “God Who Cares for All Creation” For a four-part arrangement of this tune, see CCS 198.

CCS 617 CCS 14

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Communion Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Communion Talk OR Video Show one of the “Witness the Word” videos based on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Dale Luffman: Youtube.com/watch?v=IL_oTQUgzFo&t=12s Carlos Enrique Mejia: Youtube.com/watch?v=FMkJYPfdMT8&t=145s Natalie Harper: Youtube.com/watch?v=8boVJBycIyg&t=10s Jane Gardner: Youtube.com/watch?v=Lzr8xF8T21k&t=627s Hymn of Preparation “In the Quiet of This Day” OR “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive” OR “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart”

CCS 161 CCS 215 CCS 531

Invitation to Communion All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ.

In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others might have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Blessing and Serving of Bread and Wine For guidelines on the Lord’s Supper, including online participation, see CofChrist.org/our-ministry-tools.

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn “To Be Your Presence” OR “For Such a Time” OR “Go Forth” Sing twice.

CCS 351 CCS 376 CCS 654

Collage as Spiritual Practice During our next three Sunday gatherings, we will be engaging in a spiritual practice that might be new to many—the making of paper collages. A collage is an artistic composition of pictures, most often from magazines. This is a practice in which we invite the Spirit to inspire us. The theme of our collages will be “Easter People.”

Today our theme was “Easter People Witness.” In the coming weeks, themes will be “Easter People Believe,” “Easter People Act,” and “Easter People Love.” Spend time in prayer and meditation as you consider…What does it mean to be an Easter People? Find the pictures or words that can express who we are as we welcome the resurrected Christ living in and through us. Please bring pictures you find next week.

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 162:3a-b Postlude

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters Second Sunday of Easter

1 John 1:1—2:2 Exploring the Scripture The author of John’s first letter reminds us of God’s generous grace revealed in Christ Jesus and our call as disciples to live ethically. Faithful interpretation and responsible application of this text invite exploration of the frame of reference of its first hearers and the environment of Christ-centered communities today. Some recognize the second Sunday of Easter as Low Sunday, because it was thought the lesser of two Sundays within the eight festival days of Easter, the greater being Resurrection Sunday. One might argue that after the hallelujahs of celebration fade from Resurrection Sunday, the work of Easter begins.

John, the Beloved Disciple, is credited as the author of five New Testament writings, including the fourth Gospel, three letters, and Revelations. While scholars affirm John’s first letter, written in the late first century, was not written by the same author as John’s Gospel, it mirrors the evangelist’s theology and language. First John is written in letter format but is not addressed to a specific congregation.

It is written from a community, likely a group of authorized teachers in the Johannine tradition, to the broader Johannine community. Using “we” in the introduction reflects the group closely connected with John, the evangelist. In contrast, using “we” throughout the body of the letter refers to the common faith shared with the faith community.

Various forms of Docetism divide Christian communities today. The letter addresses a community divided by differing beliefs about Jesus. Some believed the life and ministry of Jesus set a moral standard to be followed. Others argued believing in the Word was enough.

Docetism upholds the distinction between spiritual and material and denies the spiritual Christ took on human form. John’s first letter challenges this belief by reinforcing the Incarnation, the Word becoming flesh, central to John’s Gospel. The opening verses affirm the Incarnation through the direct connection of seeing, hearing, and touching; the Living Word is God’s revelation. This letter serves to unite the community by reinforcing who Jesus is, what God has done in Christ, and the importance of living as a Christ-centered community.

Light is an important symbol in John’s writings. In John’s Gospel, light is Jesus as God’s revelation. “…What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John 1:3–4). In 1 John, walking “in [God’s] light” refers to ethical conduct (v. 7). Such conduct is what Jesus revealed and modeled as God’s light in the world. Walking in God’s light involves personal choices and conduct.

This passage upholds the importance of understanding ethics and relationship to God through relationships in the community. Verses 5–10 use light to symbolize holiness in the community. It stands in opposition to 1) those who walk in darkness, 2) those who claim to be without sin, and 3) those who deny sin as a human condition. This passage points to the universal nature of sin, as both an individual act and a human condition, and the universal nature of God’s forgiveness. While theologies of atonement are diverse, John’s theology affirms Christ Jesus as the one who deals with the problems of

sin for the whole world. As in John 3:16, the universal nature of God’s love is obvious in this passage.

Christ is an advocate for the whole world.

The invitation is to walk in God’s light by embodying Jesus, the peaceful One, in Christ-centered communities of justice and peace on and for the Earth. We understand the counsel in this opening passage of 1 John through the lens of revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 163. Jesus Christ embodies the light of God and invites all to receive divine peace, forgiveness, and wholeness. “…That our joy may be complete” (v. 4) expresses the importance of oneness in community.

Koinonia is a Greek word that expresses the mutuality of contributing to, and receiving from, a community of oneness. The joy of life as disciples is most fully realized in a loving and inclusive community living the ethics of Christ’s peace.

Central Ideas 1. The Incarnation is central to understanding who Jesus is, what God has done in Christ, and what it means to live as communities of Christ.

2. Sin as an act and a human condition is universal, but so is God’s grace.

3. Relationship to God is best understood through relationships in the community. To walk in God’s light is to live the ethics of Christ’s peace through communities of oneness, generosity, justice, and peace.

Questions for the Speaker 1. Where do you see examples of beliefs about Jesus dividing your community?

2. How does living the ethics of Christ’s peace (embodying Jesus, the Peaceable One) bring light to conditions of darkness in your community?

3. What does the work of Easter look like, as disciples and communities walk together in the Resurrection’s light?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters Second Sunday of Easter 1 John 1:1–2:2 NRSVUE Gathering Welcome Today is the second Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season lasts fifty days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Creator God, embrace on this day, O God, those without power. Protect them from the whims of the world. Give them the courage to stand for the right to separate themselves from a world that offers no hope. Shine the light of your goodness in front of them and guide them into your vision for them. A vision of joy, satisfaction, and sharing in a world community of love. Help each of us spread this good news as we travel through our own lives. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us.

This Easter Day we will focus on the word rejoice.

Slowly read the following instructions: Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in centering prayer.

Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in and out, say the word peace in your mind.

Breathe in and out, focusing only on your word.

When we are done, we will sit for two minutes in silence, eyes closed, listening to the silence.

When time is up, share these closing instructions: Offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Sharing Around the Table 1 John 1:1–2:2 NRSVUE

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Time marches on. Easter comes, and Easter goes, and the question of the disciple is “How long Lord?” The first-century author of 1 John has not seen the unfolding of history and the thousands of Easters that followed the first. Yet we sense that the evangelist is coaxing his readers to remember that he tells only what he has seen, heard, and touched in Christ.

John asks readers to remember the sense of communion they experienced, the bond with each other and God. The early church knew this as koinonia, a oneness of community in Christ. In the light of this memory, we are challenged to renounce and walk away from the behaviors that separate us or destroy the communion that God has created in Christ and by the Holy Spirit.

The sacraments of Community of Christ are tangible ways that we come to understand koinonia.

Each marks, in the life of the seeker and disciple, a significant aspect of our life together in Christ. The Lord’s Supper, practiced on a regular basis, is a time to examine ourselves, to adjust to our lives, and to better reflect the light we follow. John says there is no darkness in God, and that if we claim fellowship with God, then we must allow the light of Christ to shine into all the corners of our lives.

The Lord’s Supper uses two consumable emblems that symbolize that we are one, having eaten from the same loaf and having drunk from the same cup. We recognize the life of Christ in us, and we celebrate the movement of the Spirit in our community that binds us as one.

This text is reflective of the prayer of Jesus in John’s Gospel (chapter 17) in which he prays for the unity of his followers that we all may be one in him. Just as they are one. In the text today, the author challenges the reader not to bail out on our fellowship by instead participating in sinful behaviors that destroy relationships and faith. He shares that joy is the outcome of the life of faithful discipleship and that we should take joy, too, that when we fail and fall short of the mark, Christ is there to advocate for us and keep us in koinonia.

Questions 1. Share a time when you felt a deep connection with the community of faith.

2. Are you currently longing for that experience of koinonia?

3. How can the church’s sacraments strengthen the bonds of the community?

4. How has repentance changed your life?

Sending Generosity Statement Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer for the Easter season is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: God of rejoicing, we share our gifts joyfully and with thanksgiving in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others so they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 576, “Sing a New World into Being” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

—1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NRSV Communion Statement All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community.

In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings 522, “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ.”

Thoughts for Children Ask participants: Have you ever been left out from something? How did it make you feel?

(Affirm all answers.)

Have you ever been invited to something? How did it make you feel? (Affirm all answers.)

Say: Being left out doesn’t feel good, and being invited and included can make us feel really good. The author of the letter in today’s scripture knew it was important to invite and include others.

This author is telling people what he knows about Jesus so they can fellowship together.

Today, I want us to think about ways we can be more inclusive and make sure everyone is invited to participate. Close your eyes and imagine yourself somewhere you spend a lot of time. Maybe you imagine school or practice for a sport. Wherever you are, imagine the other people you would see there.

Now, look around you and try to notice if any people in your place are being left out, not being included. Imagine walking to them and inviting them to whatever you are doing. What does their face look like when you invite them? Show me, using your face.

When you are ready, open your eyes. On the count of three, we are going to whisper at the same time the name of the person we thought of, the person we are going to try to include more. Then we’ll head back to our seats.

1…2…3…

WORSHIP RESOURCES

14 April 2024

Third Sunday of Easter

Luke 24:36b-48/24:35-47 IV Easter People Believe Additional Scriptures Psalm 4; Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d Preparation Refer to Toronto Center Place, online church, for a list of hymns available on YouTube. This might provide accompaniment for hymns.

For the Focus Moment, secure a copy of the storybook, Lily and the Paper Man, by Rebecca Upjohn, Second Story Press, ISBN 978-1-897187-19-7.

For Collage as Spiritual Practice, prepare materials—poster paper or art journal or card stock; pictures from magazines, calendars, postcards; glue or paste, scissors, markers, crayons, colored pencils. Consider setting up craft stations around the worship space.

Praise Prelude Hymn of Praise Use the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from HeraldHouse.org, to lead the singing.

“Mfurahini, Haleluya/Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia” CCS 471 OR “Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate” CCS 474 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Call to Worship Christ is risen! Thus, we believe that God is God of life, not of death. By faith we share in eternal life even now. In Christ, God’s love finally will overcome all that demeans and degrades the creation even death itself. Easter also gives us hope that the tragic suffering and death of victims, throughout history, is not the last word. We believe the Holy Spirit will transform all creation to share in the glory of God. “We Share Basic Beliefs,” Sharing in Community of Christ, HeraldHouse.org, p. 38 Today, our focus is on how we, as Easter People, believe and share our witness with our world.

Hymn “Good Christians All, Rejoice” OR “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” without the optional ending Invocation

CCS 479 CCS 457

Confession Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer Spirit of revelation, Show us the way to peace! People are dying unnecessarily. Suffering continues despite our best efforts. Lives are cut short by violence, greed, neglect, hunger, and unexplainable suffering. The list is endless. It is tempting to turn away. Open our eyes, just as the disciples’ eyes were opened to the risen Jesus!

Open our hearts, that we would stay soft and stay with the brokenhearted, just as the women stayed at the cross. Open our hands to continue the work of pursuing peace. Though the work is hard, it brings us closer to you and to one another. And in that closeness, we find strength.

In the name of Jesus, who is always close. Amen.

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian Scripture Reading: Luke 24:36b-48 Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn “Blessed Is the Body and the Soul” OR “Tenderly, Tenderly, Lead Thou Me On”

CCS 238 CCS 256

Focus Moment Read the children’s storybook, Lily and the Paper Man, by Rebecca Upjohn. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of one girl’s encounter with the existence of homelessness and poverty and how she makes a positive difference in the life of one person she encounters. We are reminded that our world needs generosity and compassion.

OR Move directly to the Creative Activity.

Creative Activity Say: When I look around at the world and see so many people hurt and suffering, I wish that there was a way we could spread more love. So, today, I need your help! I need you to put on your inventor caps and dream about creating something—a tool, a machine, a hero, a toy, whatever you want—that will help spread love in the world.

Allow participants time to think of and share their ideas. Really allow them to be creative, don’t put boundaries or restrictions on their imaginations.

Say: Wow! Your creations are all such wonderful ways to share love with the world. Do you want to know something pretty cool? God has also created a way to share love with the world.

Does anyone have a guess at what God created? God created you to share love with the world.

Just like each of the inventions you came up with shared love in a different way, each of us is called to share love in a different way.

Today’s scripture reminds us just how much God loves us. When we feel that love, we can’t help but share it with the world!

—Sacred Space, Year B, third Sunday of Easter

Proclamation of the Word Message Based on Luke 24:36b-48

Commitment Disciples’ Generous Response Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d Statement During Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings we can join in making God’s work visible in the world.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Ministry of Music Video: “Welcome Jesus, You are Welcome,” CCS 277, Youtube.com/watch?v=uid-lf2RbI0, to be played as the offering is received.

Collage as Spiritual Practice Invite those present to gather at craft stations. As you consider those present, choose to invite each to make their own collage or, as a group, create a poster-board collage. Consider playing meditative music as the collages are made.

Share these thoughts to prompt those who will creating collages: 1. Today, the theme of our collages will be “Easter People Believe.”

2. Before you begin, spend a few moments in stillness. Take deep breaths and invite the Spirit to sit with you and inspire you. This creative process is a prayer, and yet we do not need our words to commune with God. Open yourself to whatever wisdom or blessings you receive, focusing on the theme of “Easter People Believe.”

3. Begin with a clean sheet of paper. It’s up to you how you fill that page. You can sketch or doodle randomly, splash bold colors on it, or cover it with images from a magazine— anything that feels right for you.

4. If you choose to collage, peruse a few magazines. Don’t look for specific images or words. Instead, pick whatever inspires you in this moment. It might be photos, random words, or a combination.

5. Once ready, begin gluing them on the page in an arrangement that feels right.

6. When done, sit back and reflect on what is on the page. Some of the images might surprise you. There might be themes you didn’t expect would emerge. There might be combinations of photos that communicate something. Be open to whatever is received.

Once the collage pictures or poster are completed, invite brief sharing of the completed work with others. Make provision for posting the collages near the exit of the worship space. Leave these up for the next two services.

Hymn “Lord Jesus, of You I Will Sing/Jésus, je voudrais to chanter” Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “I Wish God’s Love to Be with You”

CCS 556/557 CCS 663

Benediction Sending Forth The resurrected Jesus appears to disciples, turning their fear to joy and their disbelief to wonder.

Jesus’s appearance comforts and reassures them and us that it is always God’s intention to bring peace, love, compassion, grace, and mercy to a sinful world. And through our witness of Christ’s presence among us, may it be so!

Postlude Ask participants to post their collages in the space provided as they exit the worship space.

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters Third Sunday of Easter

Luke 24:36b-48/24:35-47 IV Exploring the Scripture In the scripture passages for today, there is the great theme that God’s faithful presence continues in Jesus’ resurrection. The author, Luke, clearly presents the resurrected Jesus as one who has a physical body and walks, talks, and eats. This idea alone asks us to open our minds to accept the idea that in and through Christ something is new and different. There are possibilities we have not considered or fathomed. We are invited to explore our faith journey.

In this passage, Jesus has been crucified and the rumors of people seeing him are moving fast through towns and cities. His followers are hearing rumors of his being alive and they don’t understand.

How can Jesus be seen walking here and there? Is he a ghost or spirit? They want to believe he is alive, but it just doesn’t make sense to them.

When Jesus appears to his disciples, he recognizes their fears and says to them: “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36b). And then he addresses each source of their doubts and fears. He extends his hands and feet for them to see the scars, he invites them to touch him, and he asks for food and eats fish. With each of these actions the disciple’s fears are receding.

Now that fear and doubt are lessened, the disciples sit down with Jesus for scripture study. They have a new frame of reference to hear scripture—the resurrection. There is life after death. And there is new life now, through Jesus. The scriptures are being heard through hearts that have experienced the risen Messiah. The words of the prophets are fulfilled!

Jesus then renewed the disciples’ call to discipleship when he told them they “are witnesses of these things” (v. 48). What they experienced is not for them alone, but the message is to be proclaimed to all nations.

This message of hope is ours today. God continues to be present in our lives, through our fears and doubts, as we open our minds and hearts to receive resurrection.

Central Ideas 1. God continues to be present in our lives even when we have doubts and fears.

2. When we can set aside our fears, we can hear and receive scripture in ways that bring new understanding.

3. We are called to be the messengers of repentance, forgiveness, and resurrection.

Questions for the Speaker 1. When have fears and doubts kept you from recognizing the Holy Spirit moving in your life?

2. How have you experienced or witnessed resurrection?

3. Where do you see others engaging in acts of resurrection (bringing hope to the hopeless)?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters Third Sunday of Easter 1 John 3:1–7 NRSVUE Gathering Welcome Today is the third Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season lasts fifty days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Creator God, we come to this place to worship you, but we also come to find peace. Open our hearts to you. Still our spirits and free our minds to hear your voice. May this flame of peace warm each of us to your spirit of blessing, to your calming presence, and to your healing love.

May this sacred time together prepare us to be peacemakers in our homes, schools, workplaces, cities, countries, and world. Make us one, loving God, through your peace. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us.

This Easter Day we will focus on the word rejoice.

Slowly read the following instructions: Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in centering prayer.

Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in and out, say the word peace in your mind.

Breathe in and out, focusing only on your word.

When we are done, we will sit for two minutes in silence, eyes closed, listening to the silence.

When time is up, share these closing instructions: Offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Sharing Around the Table 1 John 3:1–7 NRSVUE See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God, and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

Have you ever heard a conversation in a language you did not understand? If those in conversation are glancing in your direction, a suspicion arises: “I wonder what they are saying about me?” Here lies the breakdown of international relations!

From this perspective we might understand the situation of the early Christians in a culture that was emerging from within a culture. This emergence was quite foreign to the larger culture. These followers of The Way were being misunderstood by their neighbors, and John was trying to tell them something about this new way of living.

First, do not doubt that we are children of God. Even if others do not understand it, we can be assured that we are living in the household of God in Christ. John said that the others would know when Christ is revealed. This can be interpreted two ways. One, Christ will be revealed in the Second Coming, the time that is in the future when Jesus will return from the clouds. Or two, Christ will be revealed to the community in the second coming that happens each time a disciple shares with someone who then is open to the Holy Spirit, thus beginning the journey of discipleship themselves.

John was careful to make sure this witness was pure in his frank talk about sin. He assured the reader that salvation has come, and it is ours. To be effective in that state of grace, we must not be lawless; we must avoid sin. John was not naïve though. He understood the pernicious nature of sin and how it wheedles into a person’s life. His warning was poignant.

There is a popular thought among many Christians that the world is evil and must be endured; that the spirit is eternal and just needs to get through this physical experience to obtain eternal bliss. This is not Community of Christ theology. Community of Christ holds that God created all things good, and that all things are sacred.

The soul of a human is body and spirit. The dualism of the theology that holds the world is evil and the spirit is good was dealt with in the first couple of centuries of the Christian Era. It was called Gnosticism. Several scripture texts have been interpreted corruptly to bolster this heresy, and this text from 1 John could be one of them.

Jesus was transparent in his ministry. There was a certain degree of mystery involved, but like overhearing a conversation in an unknown language, the hearer can know the truth about the speaker’s intentions by seeing their actions. John points this out by saying that the righteous act righteously. Your deeds speak louder than your words.

Questions 1. When have you shared an experience that hearers could not understand because they did not have the context of experience?

2. Have you ever been brought up short in your assessment of someone when their actions contradicted your assessment?

3. Have you ever felt disconnected from the world?

4. A unique ability of the human condition is the ability to “step outside of ourselves” to look at ourselves and the world with new eyes. This is the foundation of repentance. How have you been able to do this? How have sacraments or spiritual practices aided your capacity to do this?

Sending Generosity Statement Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer for the Easter season is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: God of rejoicing, we share our gifts joyfully and with thanksgiving in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others so they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 229, “When We Are Called to Sing” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children • •

You will need: Piece of paper Coloring supplies

Say: When I look at the world and see so many people hurt and suffering, I wish we could spread more love. So, today, I need your help! I need you to put on your inventor caps and create something—a tool, a machine, a hero, a toy, whatever you want—that will help spread love in the world. We won’t have long to work on our creations, so don’t worry about making it perfect. Write or draw your creation on the blank piece of paper I give you.

Allow participants time to create and share their inventions. Allow them to be creative; don’t put boundaries or restrictions on their imaginations.

Say: Wow! Your creations are all such wonderful ways to share love with the world. Do you want to know something pretty cool? God also has created a way to share love with the world. Does anyone have a guess at what God created? God created you to share love with the world. Just like each invention you came up with shared love in a different way, each of us is called to share love in a different way.

Today’s scripture reminds us how much God loves us. When we feel that love, we can’t help but share it with the world!

WORSHIP RESOURCES

21 April 2024 Fourth Sunday of Easter

1 John 3:16-24 Easter People Act Additional Scriptures Psalm 23; John 10:11-18; Acts 4:5-12; Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 Preparation Refer to the Toronto Centre Place, online church, for a listing of hymns that are available on YouTube. This can provide accompaniment for hymns.

Find a picture that depicts Psalm 23…Jesus as the good shepherd or a pastoral scene or still waters, for example. Project or print the picture for all to see.

For Collage as Spiritual Practice, supplement the materials for collage making—poster paper or card stock; pictures from magazines, calendars, postcards; glue or paste, scissors, markers, crayons, colored pencils.

Praise Prelude Hymn of Praise Use the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.org, to lead the singing.

“Mfurahini, Haleluya/Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia” CCS 471 OR “Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate” CCS 474 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Welcome The praise hymn that has just been sung is from the core repertoire in the Community of Christ Sings. Our core repertoire is important in Community of Christ because the culture from which each song comes offers specific perspectives and spiritual gifts to the universal body of Christ.

By showing willingness to sing in a language different from our own, we demonstrate humility and allow ourselves to experience the uncomfortableness of learning something new. If we are open, the words and music can help us gain a clearer vision of ourselves as part of the worldwide Christian community and appreciate a wider view of the Divine. We are many, we are one. You are welcome here today.

Call to Worship

“He is risen” is not just a proclamation of a singular event. This good news invites and sends us.

God invites us to shape our lives anew as Easter people. God sends us with the blessing of the Holy Spirit to embody and share the message and ministry of the Living Christ. He is risen when we live Christ’s mission. Today, our focus is on how we, as Easter people, act and through our actions, we share our witness with our world.

Confession Visio Divina Project or print the picture that depicts Psalm 23.

As our scripture is read, we will engage in the spiritual practice of visio divina. As you ponder the image before you, you are invited to become open to God’s presence.

Prayerfully consider the image as you observe the shapes, colors, shadows, lines. Allow your feelings, memories, and thoughts about the image to arise. Notice and welcome all reactions.

What captures your attention in this image? Where do you see yourself in this image? How is the Spirit calling you through this image? What is your response?

Scripture Reading: Psalm 23 Hymn “O Lord, My Shepherd” OR “The Lord’s My Shepherd”

CCS 264 CCS 259

Prayer for Peace Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18 Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer Spirit of protection, Sheep do not comprehend injustice–they simply eat and sleep and search for more delicious greens to eat.

They will walk the craggiest of cliffs to sit by a waterfall and eat.

Everything in their day is focused on food.

May we pursue peace as the sheep pursue nourishment!

May we go to the most unlikely places to share your love!

May we trek over roads and beyond fences in pursuit of peace!

May we remember that everywhere we look is an opportunity to share joy and defeat injustice!

Sheep may not recognize injustice, but we do. Be with us, and open our eyes to your presence as we forage for peace.

In the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Amen.

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian Ministry of Music Video “The Good Shepherd,” by Fernando Ortega, Youtu.be/3fIVTpzi0zU Be sure to have permission to use this video.

OR Congregational Hymn “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”

CCS 247

Proclamation of the Word Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:16-24 Focus Moment To better understand this scripture, let’s play a game.

I will act something out and I want you to tell me what I am doing or feeling…

Act out these or similar things: • Brushing your teeth • Feeling sad • Painting a picture • Cooking • Feeling angry • Playing catch • Playing Piano Ask: How did you know what I was doing even though I never used words to tell you?

Say: A lot of times, our actions communicate just as much, if not more, than our words do.

Today’s scripture passage reminds us that we can’t just say loving things, we also have to act in ways that communicate love. Our actions can let people know that they are loved.

Ask: What are some actions you can take this week to communicate love?

Affirm all answers.

—Sacred Space, Year B, fourth Sunday of Easter Message Based on 1 John 3:16-24

Commitment Hymn “The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound” OR “O for a World” OR “Bear Each Other’s Burdens” Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

CCS 347 CCS 379 CCS 374

Disciples’ Generous Response Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 Statement During the Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are about more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings we join in making God’s work visible in the world.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Collage as Spiritual Practice Invite those present to gather at craft stations with the supplies to make a collage. Considering those present, invite each to make their own collage or those gathered can create a poster-board collage together. Meditative music playing is an option. Prompt those creating collages with this: • Today, the theme of our collages is “Easter People Act.” • Before you begin, spend a few moments in stillness. Take deep breaths and invite the Spirit to sit with you and inspire you. This creative process is a prayer, and yet, we do not need our words to commune with God. Open yourself to whatever wisdom or blessings you may receive, focusing on the theme of “Easter People Act.” • Begin with a clean sheet of paper. It’s up to you how you fill that page. You can sketch or doodle randomly, splash bold colors on it, or cover it with images from a magazine— anything that feels right for you.

• To make a collage, peruse a few magazines. Don’t look for specific images or words.

Instead, pick whatever inspires you. It might be photos, random words, or a combination.

• Once you’re ready, begin gluing them on the page in an arrangement that feels right for you.

• When you are done, sit back and reflect on what is on the page. Some of the images might surprise you. Themes you didn’t expect might emerge. Combinations of photos might communicate something to you. Be open to whatever you receive.

Once the collage pictures or poster are completed, invite brief sharing of the completed work with others. Make provision for posting the collages near the exit of the worship space. Leave these up for next week’s service.

Closing Hymn “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” OR “Called by Christ to Love Each Other” OR “Help Us Express Your Love”

CCS 581 CCS 577 CCS 621

Benediction Sending Forth: 1 John 3:18 Go and act as God’s Easter people!

Postlude Ask participants to post their collages in the space provided as they exit the worship space. Add today’s collages to those already posted last week.

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters Fourth Sunday of Easter

1 John 3:16–24 Exploring the Scripture Most likely, the first letter of John is a commentary on the main themes of the Gospel of John. This letter was likely written to a group united in believing that the Word was God. However, they were divided about the importance of action in response to one’s beliefs.

Today’s text is at the beginning of the second part of 1 John, which begins with 3:11.

Whereas part one proclaims God as light, part two proclaims God as love. The passage begins with the idea that since Christ “laid down his life for us,” we are now called to do the same for others (v. 16). Following Christ means being willing to go to the cross for others. This sacrifice is not upheld as a heroic act, but as a faithful act expected of all disciples.

These verses speak to disciples in every generation, challenging us courageously to find ways to work for justice in our neighborhoods and nations. They remind us that if we claim to have God’s love abiding in us, we must be willing to move out of our comfort zones to right wrongs we witness in the world around us. John’s words are clear that words and intent are not good enough. Love moves us into action, responding to the needs around us.

The question asked by John ties our eyes and heart together. We must be looking for those in need, and then we must do what we can to meet the need we see. Fortunately, much good can be carried out that does not require our loss of life.

John speaks harshly about people who claim Christian love but are hesitant in sharing one’s capacity to support another in need. John explains that sacrificial living includes putting our love into action and being generous with our time, talent, treasure, and testimony in support of others. Our whole-life stewardship reflects the love we have received, and we share it as our response to God’s gift of love to us.

Verse 19 recognizes we sometimes doubt our faithfulness and capacity to respond the way God desires. We can become preoccupied with how God views us. We can trust that God does not abandon us and gives us the strength and courage we need to put God’s love into action.

The reference in verse 22 that “we receive from [God] whatever we ask” should not be interpreted through the lens of the heresy of the prosperity gospel that God gives anything to those God favors. This reference is about us receiving what we need to be God’s messengers of love.

The end of today’s passage summarizes the two primary themes of the Gospel of John.

First, “we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ,” and second, we should “love one another, just as he has commanded us” (v. 23). It upholds the vital idea from the Parable of the Vine (John 15) of Christ abiding in us and us in Christ through the blessing of the Spirit.

This parable is also a way of interpreting the beginning of this text, with the idea that our acts of love are the fruits we bear as faithful disciples.

Central Ideas 1. Since Christ “laid down his life for us,” we are now called to do the same for others.

2. If we claim to have God’s love abiding in us, then we must be willing to move out of our comfort zones to right wrongs we witness in the world around us.

3. Sacrificial living involves whole-life stewardship putting our love into action, and being generous with our time, talent, treasure, and testimony in support of others.

Questions for the Speaker 1. What keeps you from being willing to lay down your life for another?

2. What are your community’s needs and injustices, and how might you generously respond?

3. What issues or situations of injustice motivate you to want to get involved?

4. How might you go deeper in your whole-life stewardship, putting your love into action?

5. What is the “fruit” from your generous response of time, talent, treasure, and testimony in support of others?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters Fourth Sunday of Easter 1 John 3:16–24 NRSVUE Gathering Welcome Today is the fourth Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season lasts fifty days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

God of wonder and grace, we can’t begin to comprehend the love you show us, a love that made you willing to come among us in flesh and bone, to endure the hardship of humanity. To move among the persecuted and marginalized so we might learn new ways to be in relationship with you and one another.

Open our eyes and hearts to your message, to the opportunities you provide each day to reach out to others and live your love and compassion—to truly see our neighbor and extend your hands.

We pause now, Lord, that we might listen. Listen to your promptings, guidance, and desires for our lives that you may speak the ways in which we can bring peace; that we might hear your voice and respond.

Pause for one to two minutes of silence.

In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

Spiritual Practice Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us.

This Easter Day we will focus on the word rejoice.

Slowly read the following instructions: Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in centering prayer.

Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in and out, say the word peace in your mind.

Breathe in and out, focusing only on your word.

When we are done, we will sit for two minutes in silence, eyes closed, listening to the silence.

When time is up, share these closing instructions: Offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Sharing Around the Table 1 John 3:16–24 NRSVUE

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?

Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us, for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God, and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.

And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

Today’s text is about the generosity of God as expressed in Jesus.

The old teacher is continuing to tutor his new converts through this letter, expressing that laying down one’s life for a brother or sister (very personal examples) is not extraordinary behavior for a Christian. It is completely ordinary. That is what followers of Jesus do. End of discussion.

Christian mission has become a hot topic in the world of Christian speak. Leaders encourage mission, and articles talk about successful missions and outreach programs. Thousands of gallons of ink and millions of pages have been devoted to encouraging Christians to do what should come as a nobrainer.

The reason for this is the specialization of mission in the church over the centuries. We send missionaries to places around the globe and support them through gifts of money, goats, and tractors.

These ministries have changed the lives of many and improved the lives of some. But how do we lay down our lives for others?

John encourages his readers then and us today to look at our deeds. How should we live? In truth, in generous offering of ourselves to others. This is the ordinary expectation of every disciple. It can be accomplished by as many deeds as the imaginations of all disciples can conceive. Laying down a life is not giving up life. It is, rather, living life to its fullest expression as the Spirit leads and enhances the gifts we have been given in talents and skills for the service of creation.

Questions 1. How have you experienced or witnessed the gift of a life laid down for another so that they might “live”?

2. When have you felt a conviction of the heart about a decision or action in your life?

3. How can leading a life of truth be a form of laying down one’s life?

4. What role does obedience have in your understanding of a life in Christ?

Sending Generosity Statement Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer for the Easter season is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: God of rejoicing, we share our gifts joyfully and with thanksgiving in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others so they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 187, “Soften My Heart” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children Say: I want us to play a game today. I will act out something, and I want you to tell me what I am doing or feeling…

Act out the following or similar things: • Brushing your teeth • Feeling sad • Painting a picture • Cooking • Feeling angry • Playing catch • Playing the piano Ask: How did you know what I was doing, though I never used words to tell you?

Say: A lot of times our actions communicate just as much—if not more—than our words.

Today’s scripture reminds us that we can’t just say loving things; we also have to act in ways that communicate love. Our actions can let people know they are loved.

Ask: What actions can you take this week to communicate love? (Affirm all answers.)

WORSHIP RESOURCES

28 April 2024 Fifth Sunday of Easter

1 John 4:7-21 Easter People Love Additional Scriptures Psalm 22:25-31; John 15:1-8; Acts 8:26-40; Doctrine and Covenants 165:3c-e Preparation Refer to the Toronto Centre Place, online church, for a listing of hymns that are available on You Tube.

This may provide accompaniment for hymns.

For Collage as Spiritual Practice, supplement the materials for collage making – poster paper or card stock; pictures from magazines, calendars, postcards; glue or paste, scissors, markers, crayons, colored pencils.

For the Focus Moment, secure a copy of the children’s book, God’s Dream, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams. Candlewick Press, copyright 2008. ISBN 978-0-7636-3388-2.

Praise Prelude Hymn of Praise Use the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings, available from Herald House.org, to lead the singing.

“Mfurahini, Haleluya/Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia” CCS 471 OR “Celebrate Jesus” CCS 474 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Welcome The praise hymn that has just been sung is from the core repertoire in the Community of Christ Sings. Our core repertoire is important in Community of Christ because the culture from which each song comes offers specific perspectives and spiritual gifts to the universal body of Christ.

By showing willingness to sing in a language different from our own, we demonstrate humility and allow ourselves to experience the uncomfortableness of learning something new. If we are open, the words and music can help us gain a clearer vision of ourselves as part of the worldwide Christian community and appreciate a wider view of the Divine. We are many, we are one. You are welcome here today.

Call to Worship One of our scriptures from the lectionary is from the eighth chapter of Acts (8:26-40). In this scripture story, Phillip exemplifies following the leading of the spirit of God and extends the invitation to be baptized to an Ethiopian eunuch. To paraphrase this Ethiopian eunuch: Is there anything that might prevent any man or woman who responds to the good news from being baptized and becoming a full participant in the community of God? This scripture is one inspiration to the ways in which Community of Christ embraces diversity and proclaims the Worth of All Persons. We are one in our belief in the worth of every person and the value of every soul in God’s sight. All are called to develop their gifts for service to Christ and to others. We value the cultures and languages of others, but we fight barriers that divide us along lines of caste, class, gender, race, nation and age. God has called us into unique relationships and to offer loving acceptance to each other.

Hymn “For Everyone Born” Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “We Need Each Other’s Voice to Sing”

CCS 285 CCS 324

Invocation

Confession Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer Spirit of Love, We are so loved by you. We feel your love as you abide in us, and as we abide in you.

With certainty, we feel warmth from the sun heating our skin.

With certainty, we hear the wind dance through our hair.

With certainty, the ground never fails below our feet.

With certainty, we feel your love!

May we stop resisting, then, to spread that love to our neighbors! May we stop ignoring the tears, mourning, and crying of the desolate. Instead, may we act on your love, to wipe away tears and proclaim deliverance to people oppressed. Just as we stand in your love, we must also stand for your peace! Let us stand for those who feel rejected.

May we take seriously the commandment to love another, and in doing so, bring your peace to a suffering world. In the name of Jesus, who shows us how to love. Amen.

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian Song for Peace Sing several times.

If available, ask children to sing this song or to lead the congregation’s singing.

“Into My Heart” CCS 573 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Soften My Heart” CCS 187

Proclamation of the Word Focus Moment Read the storybook, God’s Dream, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams.

Tutu has a vision of God’s dream, people reaching out to hold one another’s hands, but sometimes getting angry and hurting one another, opening the way to say they are sorry and forgive. His is a wish that everyone will see they are brothers and sisters. The message is enhanced by vibrant artwork as Tutu shares his philosophy of ubuntu (we are one). This book reinforces our Enduring Principle of the Worth of All Persons.

OR move directly to Conversation.

Conversation Say: Today, I want us to get to know one another better. I want you all to tell me one thing about you that is important to who you are.

One thing about you that if someone doesn’t know it, they don’t really know you.

For example (include your example of something that is essential to who you are).

Think for just a minute before we go around and share our responses.

Allow each participant to share one essential thing about who they are.

Say: Wow! It is so wonderful to know you all better. I’m curious though, if God were answering this question, what do you think God would say? (Affirm all answers.) Those are really great suggestions! One thing I know is essential about God is love.

Today’s scripture reminds us that love is so central to who and what God is that to know God we first need to know how to accept and share love with others. This week, look for ways you can get to know God better by sharing love with others.

—Sacred Space Year B, fifth Sunday of Easter Message Based on 1 John 4:7-21

Commitment Reflection Hymn “Leftover People in Leftover Places” OR “Sometimes We Wait, Expecting God”

CCS 275 CCS 304

Disciples’ Generous Response Statement During the Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings we join in making God’s work visible in the world.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes Collage as Spiritual Practice Invite those present to gather at craft stations with the supplies to make a collage. Considering those present, invite each to make their own collage or those gathered can create a poster-board collage together. Meditative music playing is an option. Prompt those creating collages with this: • •

Today, the theme of our collages will be “Easter People Love.”

Before you begin, spend a few moments in stillness. Take deep breaths and invite the Spirit to sit with you and inspire you. This creative process is a prayer, and yet, we do not need our words to commune with God. Open yourself to whatever wisdom or blessings you may receive, focusing on the theme of “Easter People Love.”

• Begin with a clean sheet of paper. It’s up to you how you fill that page. You can sketch or doodle randomly, splash bold colors on it, or cover it with images from a magazine— anything that feels right for you.

• To make a collage, peruse a few magazines. Don’t look for specific images or words.

Instead, pick whatever inspires you. It might be photos, random words, or a combination.

• Once you’re ready, begin gluing them on the page in an arrangement that feels right for you.

• When you are done, sit back and reflect on what is on the page. Some of the images might surprise you. Themes you didn’t expect might emerge. Combinations of photos might communicate something to you. Be open to whatever you receive.

Once the collage pictures or poster are completed, invite brief sharing of the completed work with others. Make provision for posting the collages near the exit of the worship space. Leave these up for next week’s service.

Hymn “We Are One in the Spirit” OR “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

CCS 359 CCS 325

Benediction Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 165:3c-e Postlude Ask participants to post their collages in the space provided as they exit the worship space. Add today’s collages to those already posted the last two weeks. .

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS Year B—Letters Fifth Sunday of Easter

1 John 4:7–21 Exploring the Scripture Today’s text comes from one of three short letters bearing the name of John. For centuries, the letter was assumed to have been written by the apostle who knew Jesus personally. However, scholars have decided 1 John was written around 100 CE by a follower of John and his teachings.

The central affirmation of this passage is that “God is love” (vv. 8, 16). God’s love defines the Divine relationship with creation, specifically humankind. Being defined as love, God cannot but love others, including every part of creation. God’s love is full, complete, unreserved—in a word, God’s love is perfect. That is who God is.

Other loves, such as our love for God and one another, are imperfect images of God’s love. Our love is dependent: it cannot exist before or without God first having loved us. As verse 7 states, “let us love one another because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” The author wants readers to love one another but affirms we cannot do this without accepting God as the source of genuine love.

Verse 8 expresses the inseparability of God and love: those who do not love do not know God. And in verse 20, we read, “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers and sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.” In the same way God and love are inseparable, loving God and loving others are two sides of the same coin. Jesus said as much in the Gospel accounts. He answered: "…[Y]ou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the greatest and first commandment.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.

—Mark 12:30–31 The Matthew version of this passage ends with Jesus saying, “‘On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets’” (22:40).

Verse 18 suggests the opposite of love is fear: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” So many people in today’s world live in fear. Some fear, from experience, what others will do or say to them; those who do not know God or God’s love often instill fear in others. Yet fear cannot influence the lives of those who are grounded in belovedness: that God loves them perfectly.

Those who are confident of God’s unconditional, never-failing love for them and all people will bear the fruits of love in all their interactions with others. Such is our calling: to

“love one another” (v. 7) because God “first loved us” (v. 19). By loving others, we express our love for God. We show that we have not received and accepted God’s love by not loving others.

Central Ideas 1. Love comes from God; it is the essence of who God is.

2. We are urged to love others and are empowered to do this by accepting God’s love for us.

3. When we do not love others, we cannot love God.

Questions for the Speaker 1. How have you experienced God’s love?

2. What stands in the way of you loving others?

3. How can you more authentically and consistently share God’s love with others?

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters Fifth Sunday of Easter 1 John 4:7–21 NRSVUE Sending Welcome Today is the fifth Sunday of the Easter season. The Easter season lasts fifty days and concludes with the Day of Pentecost.

Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Gracious God and precious Friend, extend your peace throughout creation in flowing ribbons of love. Let all who seek you know your presence and be moved to greater acts of peace in their communities. May they know your infinite tenderness and intimate friendship as they seek greater knowledge of you. Bring your presence to those struggling with loneliness and uncertainty that they may understand your desire for their companionship and reach out to you in love. Be with those who feel weak and useless that they would find strength in their trials and confidence to share this strength with others.

Above all, we pray that your peace, love, and grace would impress upon our hearts the desire to live in service to you. As we go forward from this sacred place, may we carry your peace and love with us to all the corners of the world. In Jesus’s most precious name we pray. Amen.

—Molly Bagley Wilkins

Spiritual Practice Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is a method of meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us.

This Easter Day we will focus on the word rejoice.

Slowly read the following instructions: Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend three minutes in centering prayer.

Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in and out, say the word peace in your mind.

Breathe in and out, focusing only on your word.

When we are done, we will sit for two minutes in silence, eyes closed, listening to the silence.

When time is up, share these closing instructions: Offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

Sharing Around the Table 1 John 4:7–21 NRSVUE Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate a brother or sister are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

Let us love one another. Children love each other. Brothers and sisters please love each other.

The pastor implores his young disciples to love each other. This might seem a strange place to start.

Shouldn’t we first love God? John builds his instruction with the given understanding that God is love, and the way we love God who first loved us is to love each other.

The argument could be made that loving God by placing our feelings on the invisible and unknown is no love at all. It is only in active love that love is expressed at all. Some would say that spiritual practice in devotion to God is active love, but isn’t the real purpose of spiritual practice seeking knowledge on how to love God better by loving our neighbor?

John understands that an actionless love is not love; it is self-deception. He uses the prime example of God’s love for creation, expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus was a devout individual, spending time in prayer and self-reflection, but the difference he made was in the way he lived that devotion in expressions of love to those he encountered.

This is why the earliest disciples called themselves the followers of the The Way. The way of discipline, sacrifice, love.

John further reinforces a theology of oneness in Christ that we first encounter in the Gospel of John. He does not depend on hearsay for his testimony. The pastor shares that he is a first-hand witness to the fact that God sent a Savior. And how does he know? Because he knew Jesus and personally experienced the love of God in the actions of Jesus.

Let us love one another. Children love each other. Brothers and sisters please love each other.

Questions 1. Share about a time when the actions of someone else caused you to know that God is love?

2. How have you lived or shared the love of God through action?

3. How might spiritual practice help you love like Christ?

4. Share a time when you were moved to respond actively from your sense of God’s love?

Sending Generosity Statement Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

This offering prayer for the Easter season is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response: God of rejoicing, we share our gifts joyfully and with thanksgiving in response to the generous gifts you have given us. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others so they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 588, “Beloved Community of God” Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group • •

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children Say: Today, I want us to get to know each other better. I want you all to tell me one thing that is important to who you are. One thing about you that if someone doesn’t know, they don’t really know you. For example, (include your example of something essential to who you are). Think for just a minute before we share our responses.

Allow all participants to share one essential thing about who they are.

Say: Wow! It is so wonderful to know you all better. I’m curious, though. If God were answering this question, what do you think God would say? (Affirm all answers.)

Those are great suggestions! One thing I know that is essential about God is love. Today’s scripture reminds us that if we don’t love, we don’t know God. Love is so central to who and what God is that to know God we first need to know how to accept and share love with others.

This week, look for ways you can get to know God better by sharing love with others.