Suggestions for Preparing Your Home for Holy Communion

Holy Communion, along with Baptism, is one of our two United Methodist sacraments. The sacraments have a special place in our church because Jesus not only commanded them, but also participated in them. Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, while Holy Communion nourishes and sustains us on that journey. John Wesley, the founder of our Methodist movement, talked about how the sacraments infuse us with grace. Our sacramental life is important.

Because the sacraments are both powerful and important, we take care to preserve their sanctity and integrity. For Holy Communion, that means that the elements of Holy Communion (bread and juice) must be consecrated by a clergy person; once consecrated, the elements may be served both inside and outside the church. At times, clergy people consecrate the elements so that those who visit nursing homes, hospitals, etc. may take Holy Communion to those unable to attend church.

This year, because of COVID-19 precautions which prevent us from gathering in-person for worship, Nick and I will be consecrating the elements of Holy Communion online. You may then serve them to one another, as you worship remotely. And to help you prepare for celebrating the sacrament in your homes, here are a few tips to make your home ready:

1. Designate a special place to receive the sacrament a. In church, the sacrament begins at the table. You may want to use your home’s table as well. Remember that the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples took place not in a church, but in a room with a large table. It would be appropriate to share this meal in a place where you often share meals.

2. Prepare the elements in advance a. In our church, we use bread and grape juice. You may use whatever bread you have on hand; a cracker works as well. It doesn’t take a lot of bread, but we want everyone to receive a small portion. We encourage the use of grape juice if available. It may be helpful for you to prepare in advance separate cups of juice for each person you know will be participating, including children. We try to accommodate people who have special requirements (like gluten-free elements); you may want to do so as well.

3. Think about who will serve a. If you are by yourself, serve yourself. If you have multiple family members present, you might designate someone to be the person who serves everyone else, and then is served at the end. It is OK for everyone to participate; children may even serve parents, and may be a good way for them to be involved.

4. As you share the sacrament, offer a word a. I often say to adults, “the body of Christ” when offering the bread and “the blood of Christ” when offering the juice. For children who may not fully understand the language of body and blood— but whose parents still desire for them to receive the sacrament—I often say something like “this is a gift from Jesus, who loves you very much.”

5. Remember that this is an open table a. I often remind people in church that “this table is not a Methodist table, nor is it Arborlawn’s table. This is Christ’s table, and all are welcome.” Remember that even though the table is in your home, when serving the sacrament your table becomes Christ’s table and all are welcome there.

Nick and I are eager to lead you in this important part of worship together. We pray you will be blessed as your tables become Christ’s table. See you online!

Pastor Chris Sunday, April 5, 2020 11:00 am A Service of Word and Table PREPARATION Greeting Rev. Chris Mesa Before the service begins, take time to connect with those around you. As the prelude begins, prepare to meet God.

Chiming the Hour

Prelude “March Triumphant Into Jerusalem” Robert Thygerson

* Call to Worship Karen White-Dacy Leader: The palms still wave! Our spirits still soar! People: Shout Hosanna! Jesus is coming! Leader: The crowds still gather, now around their televisions and tablets, but their enthusiasm is unchanged. People: Shout Hosanna! Jesus is coming! Leader: Greet him in the sanctuary; greet him in your homes. People: Shout Hosanna, Jesus is coming! ADORATION

* Opening Hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” ST. THEODULPH Refrain All glory, laud, and honor, to thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son, who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and Blessed One. Refrain The company of angels are praising thee on high, and we with all creation in chorus make reply. Refrain The people of the Hebrews with psalms before thee went, our prayer and praise and anthems before thee we present. Refrain To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. Refrain Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King. Refrain

* The Invocation Rev. Chris Mesa Organ Interlude Children’s Sermon

Children’s Choir “Lift High the Palms of Praise” INTERCESSION

Petitions of the Church Michael Plantz

Morning Prayer DEDICATION

The Morning Offering Rev. Chris Mesa

Responding with Our Gifts

Offertory “Open the Gates of the Temple” Donald Hustad Jerry Westenkuehler, organ - Karen Gossett, piano 3 Ways to Give: Online at ArborlawnUMC.org Text “ARBORLAWN” to 73256 Mail check to Church Office

* Dedication of Tithes and Offerings OLD 100TH Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PROCLAMATION

Scripture Lesson Karen Gossett Matthew 21:8-11 (CEB) Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest!” And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 27:11-26 (CEB) Jesus was brought before the governor. The governor said, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “That’s what you say.” But he didn’t answer when the chief priests and elders accused him. Then Pilate said, “Don’t you hear the testimony they bring against you?” But he didn’t answer, not even a single word. So the governor was greatly amazed. It was customary during the festival for the governor to release to the crowd one prisoner, whomever they might choose. At that time there was a well-known prisoner named Jesus Barabbas. When the crowd had come together, Pilate asked them, “Whom would you like me to release to you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” He knew that the leaders of the people had handed him over because of jealousy.While he was serving as judge, his wife sent this message to him, “Leave that righteous man alone. I’ve suffered much today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and kill Jesus. The governor said, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” “Barabbas,” they replied. Pilate said, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!” But he said, “Why? What wrong has he done?” They shouted even louder, “Crucify him!” Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was starting. So he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I’m innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It’s your problem.” All the people replied, “Let his blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus whipped, then handed him over to be crucified. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Solo “The Holy City” Stephen Adams Karen White-Dacy, soprano Scripture Lesson, John 1:9-14 (CEB) The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children, born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Sermon “Illusion” Rev. Chris Mesa * The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving for Palm Sunday Christ’s table remains present here in our sanctuary but now extends into your own home, and as it does so it remains open to all persons. You are now invited to gather together around your own tables, as Pastor Chris leads us; have your bread and juice ready. Join in saying the bolded texts together. Serve those around your tables, even as Christ serves us. Pastor: The Lord has arrived! People: Hosanna! Hosanna! Pastor: Spread your clothes on the road before him; People: Wave the palm branches high! Salvation has come this day! Pastor: It is right to praise you, Sovereign God, for the acts of love by which you have set us free. On the day Jesus entered the Holy City triumphantly, he was greeted first with branches of palm, and then all too soon by shouts of “Crucify him!” Yet he never turned his face away from Jerusalem. So with those who spread cloaks before you, and those who are sustained by your love, we join our voices, singing: People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lion of the tribe of Judah, gentle Lamb of God. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Pastor: Holy are you, Sustainer of the weary, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your love become human. He emptied himself of glory, to be filled with our broken hopes and hearts. He chose the path of suffering love, so that we could run through the streets of the kingdom waving branches of joy. He walked the sin-cold streets into the tomb which could not hold him, so we could join our voices together, shouting “Hosanna! Hosanna! He is risen!” And so even in the midst of our isolation, our concern for these present days, and our anxiety about the future, we shall not turn our faces away from where the Lord leads us, but instead celebrate the mystery of the faith that sustains us: People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pastor: Here at the Table, and at the tables of our homes, we discover the world you intend. Here your love brings bread and cup to life, be they the familiar cups of the church or the simple, everyday cups of our homes. Here we are nourished, not just by this meal but by every meal we share around these tables. Here we share in the Spirit, and go on to give hope its wings, soaring beyond our own fears to serve our neighbors all around us. Here we are strengthened by grace, discovering that you have indeed been here all along. And it is here, in this home, that you will continue to live, making the lives we live fuller and fuller as your presence fills our hearts. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and the fruit of the vine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at His heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. People: Amen. Thanks be to God. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Breaking the Bread COMMISSION

* Hymn of Discipleship “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” HAMBURG When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God, all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Reception of New Members We rejoice to recognize you as a member of Christ’s Holy Church and bid you welcome to Arborlawn United Methodist Church. With you, we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. DISCIPLES BEAR FRUIT * Blessing and Sending

* Congregational Benediction William Tomer “God Be With You till We Meet Again” God be with you till we meet again; By his counsels guide, uphold you, With his sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.

Postlude “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” Michael Burkardt

* All who are able, please stand. Congregational response in bold. Thursday, April 9, 2020 7:00 pm

Gathering Online Pastor Chris in the Commons via Facebook Live

Prelude An Opening Prayer for Maundy Thursday Lord God, gather us around your table. Wherever we are, include us into this family meal. Fill the gaps of distance between us, even as you fill the gap between You and us with the redeeming life of Jesus. Thank you for this table before us, and for the abundance it represents. Amen.

Music Scriptures about Meals Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (NRSV) Every third year you shall bring out the full tithe of your produce for that year, and store it within your towns; the Levites, because they have no allotment or inheritance with you, as well as the resident aliens, the orphans, and the widows in your towns, may come and eat their fill so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work that you undertake.

Acts 2:42 (CEB) The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers.

Revelation 3:20-21 (CEB) Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them, and will have dinner with them, and they will have dinner with me. As for those who emerge victorious, I will allow them to sit with me on my throne, just as I emerged victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Music More Scriptures about Meals 1 Corinthians 10:31-32 (The Message) So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you’re eating to God’s glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God’s glory. John 6:28-35 (CEB) They asked, “What must we do in order to accomplish what God requires?” Jesus replied, “This is what God requires, that you believe in him whom God sent.” They asked, “What miraculous sign will you do, that we can see and be- lieve you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Jesus told them, “I assure you, it wasn’t Moses who gave the bread from heaven to you, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. The bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said, “Sir, give us this bread all the time!” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Matthew 26:26-30 (CEB) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.” He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven. I tell you, I won’t drink wine again until that day when I drink it in a new way with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Then, after singing songs of praise, they went to the Mount of Olives. Music The Sacrament of Holy Communion A Family Meal Preparing your Heart

Leader: We meet each other in these uncommon times at a most common place; our family tables. But we don’t meet as strangers; we meet as family. We meet as friends. That’s the impact a shared meal has on us. Two disciples were traveling to a place called Emmaus; they met Jesus on the road, but didn’t recognize him. (from Luke 24) When they came to Emmaus, Jesus acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. People: Their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Leader: And even though Jesus disappeared from their sight: People: They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” Leader: This table is for those with much faith, and those with little. This table is for those who have done this many times, and those who haven’t done this for a long time. This table is for those who are brave in the face of the pandemic, and those who are scared and don’t know what to do. And as we meet Christ at this table, in the sanctuary, in your home ,that same fire that warmed the hearts of the disciples warms our hearts tonight. Preparing the Table Friends at home, gather your bread (you may use whatever bread or crackers you have at home) and your juice (we suggest you use separate juice cups for everyone at your table). Gather at the table. Prepare to share.

Preparing the Sacrament Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give God our thanks and praise. Leader: When Jesus took bread and the fruit of the vine, He gave new meaning to commonplace things. Common bread became his body. Table wine became his blood. When we give Jesus our hearts and minds, He gives new meaning to our common existence. Our everyday lives become holy; our families and friends become sacred, our work takes on new significance, our rest becomes life-giving. Even our humble homes are transformed; the tables we eat from every day become altars of God’s grace and forgiveness. On the night Jesus gave himself up for us, He gathered his followers together; not in a church or cathedral, but around a simple table. Sharing bread and wine, He shared not only his own life; Jesus shared with us a promise, the promise of his redeeming presence. And so as we remember Jesus’ mighty acts, how he transformed the common into the uncommon; we celebrate his presence and we’re bold to claim the mystery of the Gospel: People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Leader: Pour out your Holy Spirit on all those who gather in your name this night, uniting us across the city. Bless the hands that share the sacrament; bless the hearts that are warmed. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. And until Christ comes again, may the common meal we share open our eyes to the presence of Jesus right here, in our everyday surroundings. People: Amen. You may offer one another the sacrament; as you share the bread, you may say, “The body of Christ.” As you share the juice, you may say “The lifeblood of Jesus.”

Music Closing Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Sending Forth Be blessed. Shelter in peace. Postlude Friday, April 10, 2020 7:00 pm

Gathering Online Pastor Chris in the Commons via Facebook Live

Prelude An Opening Prayer for Good Friday Eternal God, on this Good Friday look with mercy on this, your family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was content to be betrayed, given into the hands of evil people, and suffer death upon the cross. Strengthen us in these unsettling days with the peace of Christ, who is alive and glorified with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen .

Music A Call to the Hearing of Christ’s Passion Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, we pray you would set the cross between your judgment and our souls. Give mercy and grace to those who are isolated; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church, peace and purpose; to those who are sick, healing; and to us who gather tonight in our homes, everlasting life and glory; for you live and reign now and forever. Amen.

The Passion Gospel in three voices

Tonight we experience Jesus’ passion through a dramatic rendering of the Gospel of John. The third voice of the drama is yours; as you follow Jesus’ story, you are invited to become part of the story by reading aloud the bold portions marked, “All.”

Narrator: Hear the passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John.

Narrator: Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them,

Jesus: Whom are you looking for?

Narrator: They answered,

All: Jesus of Nazareth.

Narrator: Jesus replied,

Jesus: I am he.

Narrator: Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he,’ they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them,

Jesus: Whom are you looking for?

Narrator: And they said,

All: Jesus of Nazareth.

Narrator: Jesus answered, Jesus: I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go. [Silence follows]

Narrator: This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, ‘I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.’ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter,

Jesus: Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?

Narrator: So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter,

All: You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?

Narrator: Peter said,

All: I am not.

Narrator: Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered,

Jesus: I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.

Narrator: When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying,

All: Is that how you answer the high priest?

Narrator: Jesus answered,

Jesus: If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?

Narrator: Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him,

All: You are not also one of his disciples, are you?

Narrator: Peter denied it and said,

All: I am not.

Narrator: One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked,

All: Did I not see you in the garden with him?

Narrator: Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed. Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said,

All: What accusation do you bring against this man?

Narrator: They answered,

All: If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.

Narrator: Pilate said to them,

All: Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law. Narrator: The Jews replied,

All: We are not permitted to put anyone to death.

Narrator: (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him,

All: Are you the King of the Jews?

Narrator: Jesus answered,

Jesus: Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?

Narrator: Pilate replied,

All: I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?

Narrator: Jesus answered,

Jesus: My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here. [Silence follows]

Narrator: Pilate asked him,

All: So you are a king?

Narrator: Jesus answered,

Jesus: You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.

Narrator: Pilate asked him,

All: What is truth?

Narrator: After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them,

All: I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?

Narrator: They shouted in reply,

All: Not this man, but Barabbas!

Narrator: Now Barabbas was a bandit. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying,

All: Hail, King of the Jews!

Narrator: And striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them,

All: Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.

Narrator: So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them,

All: Here is the man!

Narrator: When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted,

All: Crucify him! Crucify him!

Narrator: Pilate said to them, All: Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.

Narrator: The Jews answered him,

All: We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.

Narrator: Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus,

All: Where are you from?

Narrator: But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him,

All: Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?

Narrator: Jesus answered him,

Jesus: You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.

Narrator: From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out,

All: If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.

Narrator: When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew “Gabbatha.” Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. Pilate said to the Jews,

All: Here is your King!

Narrator: They cried out,

All: Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!

Narrator: Pilate asked them,

All: Shall I crucify your King?

Narrator: The chief priests answered,

All: We have no king but the emperor.

Narrator: Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,

All: Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’

Narrator: Pilate answered,

All: What I have written I have written. [Silence follows] Narrator: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another,

All: Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.

Narrator: This was to fulfill what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my cloth- ing they cast lots.’ And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother,

Jesus: Woman, here is your son.

Narrator: Then he said to the disciple,

Jesus: Here is your mother.

Narrator: And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture),

Jesus: I am thirsty.

Narrator: A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said,

Jesus: It is finished.

Narrator: Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. [Silence follows] Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the Sabbath, especially because that Sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘None of his bones shall be broken.’ And again another passage of scripture says, ‘They will look on the one whom they have pierced.’ After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bring- ing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. [Silence follows] Music Closing Prayer God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Therefore we pray to Almighty God for people everywhere, according to their needs. Let us pray for the Church of God throughout the world, for unity in faith, in witness, and in service; for pastors and lay leaders and those whom they serve; for those who will worship this Easter in new and unusual ways; online, through social media, in their homes, and for those who have yet to experience Jesus as friend, Lord, and Savior, that God will confirm the Church in faith, increase it in love, and preserve it in peace. Lord, hear us.

Amen. Sending Forth Shelter in peace. Sunday, April 12, 2020 A Service of the Word

PREPARATION

Greeting Rev. Chris Mesa We originally planned to celebrate our Confirmands on Easter as we welcome them into the Arborlawn family. Dueto COVID-19, we will delay our special service, but we want to honor these students as they have continued learning (virtually) and wish to be Confirmed in the United Methodist Church. Please pray for each young adult as they continue their journey. Confirmands: Gabby Comer Jane Holloway Carden Kimball Adrian Schumacher Nathan Smitherman Chiming the Hour

Prelude “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” Albert L. Travis

* Call to Worship Pam Stoker Leader: Christ is risen! People: Christ is risen indeed! Leader: The tomb could not hold him; People: The pandemic could not restrain him. Leader: Christ is risen! People: Christ is risen indeed! ADORATION

* Opening Hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” EASTER HYMN Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia! Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! * The Invocation Rev. Chris Mesa Children’s Sermon Organ Interlude INTERCESSION

Petitions of the Church Karen Gossett Morning Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” DIADEMATA Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne. Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity. Crown him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave, and rose victorious in the strife for those he came to save. His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high, who died, eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die. Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways from pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise. His reign shall know no end, and round his pierced feet fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet. Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side, those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified. All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me; thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity. DEDICATION

The Morning Offering Rev. Chris Mesa

Responding with Our Gifts

Offertory “Easter Song” Michael Plantz, piano 3 Ways to Give: Online at ArborlawnUMC.org Text “ARBORLAWN” to 73256 Mail check to Church Office

* Dedication of Tithes and Offerings OLD 100TH Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PROCLAMATION

New Testament Lesson, Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV) Michael Plantz After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Solo “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” G. F. Handel Pam Stoker, soprano Scripture Lessons John 15:12-17 (NRSV) “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. Psalm 4:7-8 (ASV) Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than they have when their grain and their new wine are increased. In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; For thou, Jehovah, alone makest me dwell in safety. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Sermon “I Will Lay Me Down” Rev. Chris Mesa * The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. COMMISSION

* Hymn of Discipleship “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” LLANFAIR Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia! To his throne above the skies, Alleluia! Christ, a-while to mortals given, Alleluia! Re-ascends his native heaven, Alleluia! There the glorious triumph waits, Alleluia! Lift your heads, eternal gates, Alleluia! Christ hath conquered death and sin, Alleluia! Take the King of glory in, Alleluia! See! the heaven its Lord receives, Alleluia! Yet he loves the earth he leaves, Alleluia! Though returning to his throne, Alleluia! Still he calls the world his own, Alleluia! See! he lifts his hands above, Alleluia! See! he shows the prints of love, Alleluia! Hark! his gracious lips bestow, Alleluia! Blessings on his church below, Alleluia! Reception of New Members We rejoice to recognize you as a member of Christ’s Holy Church and bid you welcome to Arborlawn United Methodist Church. With you, we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. DISCIPLES BEAR FRUIT * Blessing and Sending

* Congregational Benediction G. F. Handel “God Be With You till We Meet Again” God be with you till we meet again; By his counsels guide, uphold you, With his sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again. Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.

Postlude “Toccata from Symphony V” C. M. Widor

* All who are able, please stand. Congregational response in bold.

HOLY WEEK IDEAS FOR FAMILIES

PALM SUNDAY: Wave your palms that you received in your Holy Week Bag during the 11:00 Traditional or Rooted 11:11 Worship. Participate in both services and listen for the children’s sermon.

MONDAY: Plant the seeds that came in your Holy Week Bag. Watch the seeds begin to sprout and be reminded of new life growing all around us.

TUESDAY: Make Resurrection Eggs as a family. This is a great way to be able to retell the Easter story throughout the week. www.Faithgateway.com/making-resurrection-eggs-Easter-story

WEDNESDAY: Make thumbprint crosses- using all different colors of washable paint, use your thumbprint to dip in different colors and create a beautiful cross.

THURSDAY: Maundy Thursday Family Foot Washing- Take turns washing each other’s feet and talk about ways each family member can serve others in a way that Jesus calls us to do.

FRIDAY: Spend time on Good Friday in prayer or reflection. Consider having one hour during the day as a quiet time with no TV or internet. Watch Pastor Chris on Facebook at 8:00 for his children’s Good Friday message.

SATURDAY: Make Easter Tomb Cookies to share with the family. www.Lovelylittlekitchen.com/empty-tomb-rolls HAPPY EASTER- CHRIST HAS RISEN!!

Due to COVID-19, Arborlawn Students cannot meet in our traditional ways. But that does not mean we have to stop meeting. Instead, it has forced us to be creative about the ways Sunday: we stay connected to each other.Bible Study & Worship

On Sunday mornings we host a bible study at 9am for students to join via zoom. We hope that this bible study can have a similar feel to our usual Sunday School classes. Then at 11:11 we host a watch party for Arborlawn's contemporary service. We invite Monday: Blog Poststudents to our Facebook & Hang Time page to join us in worship together.

Each Monday, someone from Student Ministry staff writes a blog about processing their feelings and emotions during a time when schedules and plans are forced to change. You can read the blogs at arborlawnstudents.com/stuminblog. At 3:00 each Monday we gather together to check in, catch up, and really just spend time Tuesday: TikTok Tuesdayvirtually ‘face to face’ through zoom.

Wednesday: Worship WednesdayEach Tuesday, Arborlawn Student Ministry Staff releases a silly TikTok video.

Every Wednesday, David leads us in worship at 1pm for us to watch and worship together Thursday: Bible Studyon Instagram Live.

Thursdays at 1pm, someone from Student Ministry Staff leads us in a Bible Study on Instagram Live. The past several weeks we have continued our Lenten series, “Words from the Cross.”Friday: Game Day

Each Friday at 1pm we will play a game - majority of the time using zoom.

Need help setting up zoom? Email Rachel at [email protected].