Kathleen Hart Brumm

This is part of the worship SeriesOur Living GuaranteeSeries Introduction Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3  Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6  EASTER 6Living the Guarantee of Ultimate Victory Acts 16:9-34; Revelation 21:10, 22-27Gathering Sentences Alleluia! The Lord is risen!Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile on us! The whole country will see how you work, all the godless nations will see how you save.Let people thank and enjoy you, O God! Let all people thank and enjoy you!Let all far-flung people become happy and shout their happiness because you judge them fair and square.Let people thank and enjoy you, O God! Let all people thank and enjoy you!Earth, display your exuberance! You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.Let people thank and enjoy you, O God! Let all people thank and enjoy you!May all the best from God and Christ be yours.Grace be with you.—adapted from Psalm 67:1-6, Psalms by Eugene H. PetersonPrayer of ConfessionNote: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme. Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We have forgotten that, no matter what happens, the final victory is yours, and we resign ourselves too easily to the powers of this world.Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.Hymn Suggestions"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray "Thine Is the Glory Risen, Conquering Son" Budry"Lift High the Cross" Kitchin"Christ for the World! We Sing" Wolcott"Come, We That Love the Lord" Watts"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" Dix"From All That Dwell Below the Skies" Watts"People, Clap Your Hands" UnknownWays to Involve Children and YouthHave children sing "Believe in the Lord" as part of the service.Have a group read the text "After Darkness, Light" (The Hymns and Ballads of Fred Pratt Green, 36)Act out all or part of the Acts passage.Sermon StarterThe Acts reading is extended to include the entire story of Paul and Silas's visit to Macedonia. The passage focuses on the ups and downs of the journey, Sanctus and how God helps these ministers overcome adversity and their own missteps as well. The Revelation story holds out the promise that the New Creation's promise will reach the whole world, despite all that might go wrong. Christians are not called to be perfect every time; Christians are simply called to keep plugging away, to never give up. In light of God's promise and call to us, how concerned can we truly be with momentary setbacks? How quick should we be to compromise with the secular world? In telling the story, imagine the jailer's perspective, or the woman whose spirit was cast out.Suggested Anthems"Alleluia, Come Let Us Sing" by John Bertalot (CGA 679), two-part"Sing Praise to God" by Robert Leaf (CGA 712), unison"Let the People Praise You, O God" by William Matthias (Oxford), SATBRevised Common LectionaryYear C: Easter—Sixth Sunday of Easter

This is part of the worship SeriesOur Living GuaranteeSeries Introduction Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3  Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6  EASTER 5Living the Guarantee of Plenty for All Act 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6Gathering Sentences Alleluia! The Lord is risen!Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!Hallelujah!Hallelujah from heaven, praise God from the mountaintops.Hallelujah from all God's angels and all God's warriors.Praise God, sun and moon and morning stars.Praise God, high heaven and heavenly rain clouds.Praise, O let them praise the name of Yahweh—God spoke the word, and there they were!Let them praise the name of Yahweh—it's the only name worth praising.God's radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky.God has built a monument—God's very own people!May all the best from God and Christ be yours.Grace be with you.—adapted from Psalm 148:1-5, 13-14, Psalms by Eugene H. PetersonPrayer of ConfessionNote: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme. Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We lose sight of the abundance of your love for us, and we hoard the gifts you give us, and cut ourselves off from receiving anything else.Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.Assurance of PardonNote: The Assurance of Pardon remains the same throughout the Easter season.Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.Anyone in Christ is a new creation: the past is gone; the new has come.Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!—Based on Romans 8:34 Phillips & 2 Corinthians 5:17Hymn Suggestions"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray "We Are Your People" Wren"Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me" Gerhardt "Lord, You Give the Great Commission" Rowthorn"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" Wesley"Blest Be the Tie That Binds" FawcettWays to Involve Children and YouthInvite the children to add butterflies to the banners as appropriate.Have children learn "Sing Alleluia" Johnson, Page and sing it as part of your liturgy.Gather children around the baptismal font and pour some water over their hands. Talk about how, when we are baptized, the Holy Spirit works through the water to make us part of God's family, and how there is always room for more people in the family of God—God never runs out of love for us. Point out how this is why God can promise the water of life to anyone who is thirsty.Sermon StarterSince the fifth Sunday of Easter falls on Mothers' Day this year, you could recall the old Smothers Brothers' "Mom likes you best" routine; or, for those who don't remember the sixties, just talk about sibling rivalry—all those times that we, as children, suspected our parents of favoring a brother or sister over us. Then make the transition to the Jerusalem Christians, who were at first so upset with Peter for baptizing Gentiles. It was bad enough that Paul was doing this sort of thing; now Peter was betraying them too! If all the world were allowed to share in God's love, the Jerusalem Christians would no longer feel special.The point of the message is that God loves all of us and has enough for all to share in the new creation. That's why everyone who is thirsty will be invited to share the water of life in the new Jerusalem. It is human nature to think of everything—including love—as having finite qualities (which is where sibling rivalry comes from). But God always has more to give. Can't we dare to share more freely too?Suggested Anthems"Come to the Water" by John Foley, SJ, first published in Wood Hath Hope (available from Oregon Catholic Press)"Prayer for Today" by Margaret Tucker (CGA 358), unison with flute"Servants of Peace" music by K. Lee Scott (Selah 425-822), SATB, congregation, optional brassRevised Common LectionaryYear C: Easter—Fifth Sunday of Easter

This is part of the worship SeriesOur Living GuaranteeSeries Introduction Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3  Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6  EASTER 4Living the Guarantee of Everlasting NurtureActs 9:32-43; Revelation 7:9-17Gathering Sentences Alleluia! The Lord is risen!Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!The LORD is my shepherd. I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows. You find me quiet pools to drink from.True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.Even when the way goes through a valley dark as death, I'm not afraid when you walk by my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.I'm back home in the house of my LORD forever.May all the best from God and Christ be yours.Grace be with you.—adapted from Psalm 23, Psalms by Eugene H. PetersonPrayer of ConfessionNote: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme. Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We too easily forget that you are always caring for us, and so, in our fear, we too often put our own interests over the good of all.Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.Assurance of PardonNote: The Assurance of Pardon remains the same throughout the Easter season.Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.Anyone in Christ is a new creation: the past is gone; the new has come.Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!—Based on Romans 8:34 Phillips & 2 Corinthians 5:17Hymn Suggestions"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray"Come, Christians, Join to Sing" Bateman"Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power" Bonar"O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" Wesley"What Wondrous Love Is This" Unknown"My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" Watts"Precious Lord, Take My Hand" DorseyWays to Involve Children and YouthHave children cut out paper hands and pass them out to the congregation. At the offertory, invite each member of the congregation (including children) to write on their "hand" one way they provide nurture or care for others. Let the children collect the hands and place them on a large posterboard with the title "Christ's Nurturing Hands" (have double-sided tape handy).Invite children to add butterflies to the banners (see instructions in resource section of series introduction).Try a choral reading of Revelation 7:9–17Have children learn and sing "He's Got the Whole World" UnknownSermon StarterThe fourth Sunday of Easter, with Psalm 23 and the "I am the good shepherd" passage from John, is always the "shepherd Sunday" in the Revised Common Lectionary. The shift to the Acts and Revelation readings moves us away from the explicitly pastoral imagery, while reinforcing the guarantee that God always cares for us with the promise in Revelation that "God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes."From the Acts story, we recognize that Jesus and his resurrection power are still with us, alive in the Christian community. Imagine how Aeneas—or maybe even Tabitha—would relate the events in Lydda and Joppa. (What would it be like to wake up from the dead, looking at Peter, who might have been just a little surprised that he was able to perform such a miracle?) Everyone knows about going through great tribulations such as illness, grief, and unemployment, but the point is that we get through them. That is the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection at work. Knowing that God will get us safely through whatever may come frees us to see one another through. We are Christ to one another just as Peter was Christ to Aeneas and Tabitha.Suggested Anthems"God of Great and God of Small" by Natalie Sleeth (Carl Fischer CM7808), unison"To the Glory of Our King" by Robert Leaf (CGA 173), unison"The God of Love My Shepherd Is" by Roy Hopp (Selah 418-617), SATBRevised Common LectionaryYear C: Easter—Fourth Sunday of Easter

This is part of the worship SeriesOur Living GuaranteeSeries Introduction Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3  Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6  EASTER 3Living the Guarantee of a Better Vision Acts 9:1–20; Revelation 5:11–14Gathering Sentences Alleluia! The Lord is risen!Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!All you saints, sing your hearts out to Yahweh!Thank God face to face!God gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.When things were going great, I crowed, "I've got it made. I'm Yahweh's favorite. God made me king of the mountain."Then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces.I called out to you, O Lord; I laid my case before you.You did it: you changed my wild lament into a whirling dance; you ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.I'm about to burst into song; I cannot keep quiet about you.Jehovah, my God, I cannot thank you enough.May all the best from God and Christ be yours.Grace be with you.—adapted from Psalm 30:4–8, 11–12, Psalms by Eugene H. PetersonPrayer of ConfessionNote: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme. Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We have been so focused on the world's path, the path to what we think we should do, that we cannot see your better path, the path to what we might become.Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.Assurance of PardonNote: The Assurance of Pardon remains the same throughout the Easter season.Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.Anyone in Christ is a new creation: the past is gone; the new has come.Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!—Based on Romans 8:34 Phillips & 2 Corinthians 5:17Suggested Hymns"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray"Amazing Grace—How Sweet the Sound" Newton st. 5; Cowper"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" Dix"At the Name of Jesus" Noel "Lift High the Cross!" Kitchin "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" WesleyWays to Involve Children and YouthInvite them to add butterflies to the appropriate banner (see instructions in resource section of series introduction).During your church education time, teach the children both the words and the signs for "Send Me, Lord." Have them sing and sign the song as part of your service.Sermon StarterThe reading from Acts relates the familiar story of Saul's conversion on the Damascus road. Saul's perspective is probably the most dramatic one from which to tell the story of how we can become so wrapped up in doing what seems to be right (as Saul did in trying to stop the spread of Christianity) that we miss the better possibility Christ lays before us.The Revelation passage, with its image of saints from all times and places gathered singing in joy, holds out one of those better possibilities we sometimes fail to see. Often, as in Paul's case, it takes a traumatic event to make us recognize what we have been missing. Assure the congregation that Jesus never gives up on us, just as he never gave up on Paul.Suggested Anthems"Let the Whole Creation Cry" by Robert Leaf (Augsburg 11-1618), SA"Followers of the Lamb" arr. Dorothy Christopherson (CGA 672), unison with instruments"Rejoice, the Lord is King" set by George Frederic Handel, Rejoice in the Lord 597, SATB"Amazing Grace" arr. David Ashley White (Selah 420-733), SATB with C instrumentRevised Common LectionaryYear C: Easter—Third Sunday of Easter

This is part of the worship SeriesOur Living GuaranteeSeries Introduction Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3  Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6  EASTER 2Living the Guarantee of a Firm Foundation Acts 5:12–42; Revelation 1:4–8Gathering Sentences Alleluia! The Lord is risen!Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!Yahweh's my strength and also my song, and now God is my salvation. Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved?"The hand of Jehovah is raised in victory! The hand of Jehovah has turned the tide!"Thank you for responding to me; you've truly become my salvation! The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone.This is the Lord's work. We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it! This is the very day the LORD acted—let's celebrate and be festive.Salvation now, Yahweh. Salvation now!Oh yes, Yahweh—a free and full life!May all the best from God and Christ be yours.Grace be with you.—adapted from Psalm 118:14–16, 22–25, Psalms by Eugene H. PetersonPrayer of ConfessionNote: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme. Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We have been timid in proclaiming your new creation, more ready to believe the bad news of the world than the good news of your Word.Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.Assurance of PardonNote: The Assurance of Pardon remains the same throughout the Easter season.Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.Anyone in Christ is a new creation: the past is gone; the new has come.Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!—Based on Romans 8:34 Phillips & 2 Corinthians 5:17Suggested Hymns"Because You Live, O Christ" Murray"The Day of Resurrection" Damascus "People, Clap Your Hands" Unknown"Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation" Neale"The Church's One Foundation" Stone "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" Luther Ways to Involve Children and YouthHave some children and/or young people do a dramatic reading or even act out Acts 5:12-26 and/or 27-42. See The Dramatized New Testament, ed. Michael Perry (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993).Invite children to add butterflies to the appropriate banner (see instructions in resource section of series introduction).Sermon StarterThe passage from Acts is much longer than the one suggested by the Revised Common Lectionary for this week. While the shorter reading may be used, the longer passage gives insight into why the activities of the Christian congregation in Jerusalem so upset the Jewish officials, and how the apostles boldly kept preaching even under persecution.The Revelation reading reminds us that God is first and last, Alpha and Omega, and that Jesus has not only saved us but set us aside as a chosen people to participate in the redemption of creation. The apostles were able to stand firm in the face of the Pharisees' inquiry because they absolutely knew the gospel to be true and were, in fact, living it out every day. Such a foundation can also help us stand firm against the more subtle and much more insidious reassures of modern society. If you have a flair for the dramatic, you might try giving this sermon from the point of view of Gamaliel, the Jewish teacher who defended the apostles.Suggested Anthems"From the Rising of the Sun" by Robert J. Powell (Choristers Guild, CGA 463), unison"Witnesses: Jesus Is Risen" by Ronald A. Nelson (CGA 534), unison"How Firm a Foundation" arr. Alfred V. Fedak (Selah 425-828), SATB and congregationRevised Common LectionaryYear C: Easter—Second Sunday of Easter

This is part of the worship SeriesOur Living GuaranteeSeries Introduction Easter Sunday | Easter 2 | Easter 3  Easter 4 | Easter 5 | Easter 6  EASTER SUNDAYLiving the Guarantee of Beginning NewIsaiah 65:17–25; John 20:1–18Gathering Sentences Alleluia! The Lord is risen!Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ.Grace to you and peace from the One who is and who was and who is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, and ruler of the rulers of earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom—priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever!—adapted from 1 Corinthians 15:19–26, The Message by Eugene H. PetersonPrayer of ConfessionNote: The prayer of confession is based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45; part of the prayer (in italics) will change each week to reflect the Scripture theme. Almighty God, who raised up your Son, Jesus, overcoming death that we might also share in his righteousness, we confess that we have not lived as people already raised to new life. We have forgotten the guarantee of our own glorious resurrection. We have been so caught up in the shadows of old, corrupt creation around us, that we fail to see the light of your glorious New Creation in our midst.Merciful God, forgive our sins and make us bolder disciples. Help us to be courageous and daring, rather than compromising and shallow. Help us to live as people anticipating life and victory, rather than shrinking from death and despair. Resurrect us to your new life once again, dear God, in the name of Jesus Christ, living by your side and in our hearts. Amen.Assurance of PardonNote: The Assurance of Pardon remains the same throughout the Easter season.Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.Anyone in Christ is a new creation: the past is gone; the new has come.Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!—Based on Romans 8:34 Phillips & 2 Corinthians 5:17Suggested Hymns[This is a day to sing as many as you can manage. These are especially appropriate]:"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" Wesley"Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain" Damascus "Because You Live, O Christ" Murray "Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!" Wren"He Is Lord" UnknownWays to Involve Children and YouthUse "Alabare" Polman, Alonzo as a processional or recessional (on every Sunday of Easter, if you wish), with children singing the refrain, and everyone the verses.Invite children to put butterflies on the first banner (see instructions in resource section of series introduction). Talk to them about how a butterfly looks almost dead when it's in the cocoon (try to have a real cocoon handy!), and yet there is a glorious new life inside it. Explain that we'll be using butterflies to remind us of Easter: Jesus was truly dead inside the tomb, but God had already prepared a glorious new life for him.Have some children pantomime the Easter story while it is read (this takes some rehearsal).Sermon StarterThis is a good day to let the gospel speak for itself as much as possible and to limit your preaching to a brief, memorable reflection. Note that John begins the story of the resurrection at dawn on the first day of the week, the same time that creation begins in Genesis. This is to be the beginning of the new creation, which Isaiah promises will be filled with joy, equality, and peace. John begins the story "while it was still dark," however, and notes that John and Peter leave the tomb believing, but not yet understanding. Only Mary puts all the pieces together, because she sticks around through the painful moments, waiting to find the joy.Living out the guarantee of the resurrection means that we can live through the pain to the new life that follows. It also means that we—all of us—get a fresh start.Declaration of Faith Note: To be used on all six Sundays. If you prefer to sing the declaration, see "If God Is for Us" Foley, first published in Earthen Vessels; now available from Oregon Catholic Press. A children's, youth, or intergenerational choir could sing the verses, with everyone joining in on the refrain.What, then, shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through the One who loves us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.—adapted from Romans 8:31, 35, 37–39 NRSVAnthems"He Rose!" Spiritual, arr. Ronald A. Nelson (Selah 422-401), unison or two-part"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" by John Rutter (Oxford Easy Anthem series), SATB"Run, O Run to Jerusalem" by David Music (Selah 405-522), SAB"He's Alive" FettkeRevised Common LectionaryYear C: Easter—Resurrection of the Lord

It's easy to gear ourselves up for a big Easter celebration. We're more than happy to sing the joyous songs and fill the sanctuary with flowers on that glorious Sunday, rejoicing in our Savior's even more glorious life beyond death.