Wesley United Methodist Church 4256 Hartley Bridge Road Macon, GA 31216 wesleyumcmacon.org Facebook: Wesley UMC Macon Sundays at 11am

Wesley UMC Family,

Like all of you, it pains us to not be together for the remainder of the Lent season and beginning of the Easter season. Easter Sunday is such an important day for Christ- followers as we rejoice in a risen Savior. It can feel frustrating to not be able to celebrate together as a church family.

Yet.

Our job as Christians is to care for the vulnerable in our communities. With the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the severity of its outcomes, the best way we can show love and care for our neighbor – especially our vulnerable neighbors – is to practice social distancing. Unfortunately, that means not meeting in person for worship.

When we are given the green light to join back with one another in person for worship, we will have a grand, full celebration of Easter and resurrection for we will be a people who were once scattered and now reunited!

In the meantime, we will continue to worship together virtually via Facebook Live and Zoom (which allows for participants to listen in via phone, both landline and mobile) on Sundays at 11am. You should have received a letter with information about how to participate in one of those ways.

As for Holy Week and Easter Sunday, we have put together this packet of resources that we hope you’ll find helpful in your home celebrations! There are four sections: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Each of these sections has worship elements (responsive readings and/or orders of worship), a craft, an activity suitable for families or single individuals, and a list of music suggestions. This is one of those “keep what you want, leave what you don’t” situations where not everything in this packet will be of interest to you, but our hope is that everyone who encounters this will find at least one thing per “holiday” that helps them celebrate its purpose, even while distant from the church body.

When you participate in these activities, take photos and send them to us! We can share with one another how even though we are physically separate, we are still one body celebrating as one!

In Christ, Revs. Greg & Alaina Harrison PALM SUNDAY April 5, 2020

Contents: - Palm Sunday Responsive Reading - Act out the story - Palm branch craft - Music suggestions (hymns and modern) Palm Sunday Responsive Reading Written by Rev. Corey Turnpenny, 2013 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution – NonCommercial - ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Then Jesus went into the temple and threw out all those who were selling and buying there. He pushed over the tables used for currency exchange and the chairs of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.”

People who were blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and legal experts saw the amazing things he was doing and the children shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were angry. They said to Jesus,

“Do you hear what these children are saying?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Haven’t you ever read, From the mouths of babies and infants you’ve arranged praise for yourself?” Then he left them and went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there.

Jesus responded by speaking again in parables: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding party for his son. He sent his servants to call those invited to the wedding party.

But they didn’t want to come.

Again, he sent other servants and said to them, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Look, the meal is all prepared. I’ve butchered the oxen and the fattened cattle. Now everything’s ready. Come to the wedding party!”

But they paid no attention and went away.

The rest of them grabbed his servants, abused them, and killed them. The king was angry. He sent his soldiers to destroy those murderers and set their city on fire. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding party is prepared, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.

Therefore, go to the roads on the edge of town and invite everyone you find to the wedding party.’ Then those servants went to the roads and gathered everyone they found, both evil and good. The wedding party was full of guests. When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had left the Sadducees speechless, they met together. One of them, a legal expert, tested him.

“Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

“How terrible it will be for you legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You give to God a tenth of mint, dill, and cumin, but you forget about the more important matters of the Law: justice, peace, and faith. You blind guides! You filter out an ant but swallow a camel. “How terrible it will be for you legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and plate, but inside they are full of violence and pleasure seeking. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup so that the outside of the cup will be clean too. “How terrible it will be for you legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs. They look beautiful on the outside. But inside they are full of dead bones and all kinds of filth.

You look righteous but inside you are full of shame and rebellion.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You who kill the prophets and stone those who were sent to you. How often I wanted to gather your people together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you didn’t want that. Look, your house is left to you deserted. I tell you, you won’t see me until you say,

Blessings on the one who comes in the Lord’s name.”

Now Jesus left the temple and was going away. His disciples came to point out to him the temple buildings. He responded, “Do you see all these things? I assure that no stone will be left on another. Everything will be demolished.”

“But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the heavenly angels and not the Son. Only the Father knows. As it was in the time of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Human One. In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark. They didn’t know what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. The coming of the Human One will be like that. At that time there will be two men in the field. One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left.

Therefore, stay alert!

You don’t know what day the Lord is coming. But you understand that if the head of the house knew at what time the thief would come, he would keep alert and wouldn’t allow the thief to break into his house. Therefore, you also should be prepared, because the Human One will come at a time you don’t know. “Now when the Human One comes in his majesty and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his majestic throne. All the nations will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them from each other, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right side. But the goats he will put on his left. “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ “Then those who are righteous will reply to him,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’

When Jesus finished speaking all these words, he said to his disciples, “You know that the Passover is two days from now. And the Human One will be handed over to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and elders of the people gathered in the courtyard of Caiaphas the high priest.

They were plotting to arrest Jesus by cunning tricks and to kill him.

But they agreed that it shouldn’t happen during the feast so there wouldn’t be an uproar among the people.

Act it out!

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19

Characters: - Narrator - Jesus - Donkey (optional) - Disciples - Crowd

Props: - Coats, blankets, etc. - “Palm branches”

Choose one of the Gospel readings listed above – all have the same story of Jesus entering Jerusalem, the foundational story for Palm Sunday.

Have one person read the story aloud while the rest act it out.

Have fun!

Music Suggestions

Hymns (United Methodist Hymnal) Tell Me the Stories of Jesus (277) All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (154) O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (57) O Worship the King (73)

Modern Hosanna by Hillsong High King of Heaven by Vineyard Worship Here is Our King by David Crowder Band Come to Save Us by All Sons and Daughters

MAUNDY THURSDAY April 9, 2020

Contents: - Liturgy and instructions for a Love Feast - Service for hand washing - Recipe for homemade communion bread - Maundy Thursday coloring sheet - Music suggestions (hymns and modern) Liturgy and Instructions for a Love Feast Adapted from Marcia McFee’s “Comfort Food: A Feast of Love” and “The Love Feast” from the United Methodist Book of Worship

About The Love Feast The Love Feast, or Agape Meal, is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples during his ministry and expressing the koinonia (community, sharing, fellowship) enjoyed by the family of Christ.

Although its origins in the early church are closely interconnected with the origins of the Lord's Supper, the two services became quite distinct and should not be confused with each other. While the Lord's Supper has been practically universal among Christians throughout church history, the Love Feast has appeared only at certain times and among certain denominations.

The modern history of the Love Feast began when Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians in Germany introduced a service of sharing food, prayer, religious conversation, and hymns in 1727. John Wesley first experienced it among the Moravians in Savannah, Georgia, ten years later. His diary notes: "After evening prayers, we joined with the Germans in one of their love–feasts. It was begun and ended with thanksgiving and prayer, and celebrated in so decent and solemn a manner as a Christian of the apostolic age would have allowed to be worthy of Christ."

It quickly became a feature of the Evangelical Revival and a regular part of Methodist society meetings in Great Britain and throughout the English–speaking world. As Methodists immigrated to North America they made Love Feasts an important part of early American Methodism.

While Love Feasts became less frequent in the years that followed, they continued to be held in some places; and in recent years the Love Feast has been revived. Love Feasts have often been held at Annual Conferences and Charge Conferences, where persons may report on what God has been doing in their lives and on the hope and trust they place in God for the future. The Love Feast is also an important part of the practice of Covenant Discipleship groups. Christmas, New Year's Eve or Day, the weekdays of Holy Week, and the Day of Pentecost are also fitting occasions for a Love Feast. A Love Feast may also be held during a congregational supper.

The Love Feast has often been held on occasions when the celebration of the Lord's Supper would be inappropriate—where there is no one present authorized to administer the Sacrament, when persons of different denominations are present who do not feel free to take Holy Communion together, when there is a desire for a service more informal and spontaneous than the communion ritual, or at a full meal or some other setting to which it would be difficult to adapt the Lord's Supper.

The Love Feast is most naturally held around a table or with persons seated in a circle; but it is possible to hold it with persons seated in rows. A church sanctuary, fellowship hall, or home is an appropriate location.

One of the advantages of the Love Feast is that any Christian may conduct it. Congregational participation and leadership are usually extensive and important, especially involving children.

Testimonies and praise are the focal point in most Love Feasts. Testimonies may include personal witness to God's grace or accounts of what God has been doing in the lives of others. Praise may take the form of hymns, songs, choruses, or spoken exclamations and may vary from the relative formality of an opening and closing hymn to spontaneous calling out of requests and singing as the Spirit moves. Sometimes the leader guides those present alternating spontaneous singing and sharing in free and familiar conversation for as long as the Spirit moves. Wesley counseled that all the above be done decently and in order.

Prayer is vital to a Love Feast. A fixed form of prayer may be used, especially something like the Lord's Prayer or Be present at our table, Lord, that is familiar to the people. Spontaneous prayer requests and prayers may come from the people.

Scripture is also important. There may be scripture readings, or persons may quote Scripture spontaneously as the Spirit moves. There may be a sermon, an exhortation, or an address; but it should be informal and consist of the leader's adding personal witness to what spontaneously comes from the congregation.

Most Love Feasts include the sharing of food. It is customary not to use communion bread, wine, or grape juice because to do so might confuse the Love Feast with the Lord's Supper. The bread may be a loaf of ordinary bread, crackers, rolls, or a sweet bread baked especially for this service. If a loaf of bread, it may be broken in two or more pieces and then passed from hand to hand as each person breaks off a piece. Crackers, rolls, or slices of bread may be passed in a basket. The beverage has usually been water, but other beverages such as lemonade, tea, or coffee have been used. Early Methodists commonly passed a loving cup with two handles from person to person, but later the water was served in individual glasses. The food is served quietly without interrupting the service.

The Love Feast may also be followed by a full meal, in which case persons or families may bring dishes of food for all to share. During the meal there may be informal conversation in Christian fellowship, or the leader may direct the conversation by suggesting matters of mutual concern, or there may be spontaneous witnessing and praise. If there is food left over, it may be taken as an expression of love to persons not present.

The Love Feast The idea is that this service begins your meal together. Following the Closing Blessing, you may continue your meal as usual.

SINGING Begin with singing a chorus together.

Suggestion: “Spirit of the Living God” (UMH No. 393) Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me

PRAYER As you gather back at the table, pray together:

Be present at our table, Lord; Be here and everywhere adored; Thy creatures bless, and grant that we May feast in paradise with Thee.

Father of earth and heaven, Thy hungry children feed, Thy grace be to our spirits given, That true immortal bread. Grant us and all our race In Jesus Christ to prove The sweetness of thy pardoning grace, The manna of thy love. Amen.

REMEMBERING THOSE NOT PRESENT Read: When we “break bread” together as a church in our worship, we remember that Jesus invited folks to his table as part of his ministry, not just at the Last Supper.

Jesus used the parable of a great banquet to which all people are invited in order to talk about what the “kingdom” of God, the family of God, looks like. He said, “Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled.” He often invited the most unlikely guests to his meal-times, confounding the disciples. In this way, he was encouraging a deep love and connection beyond social norms. He knew that we humans need connection and inclusion. Jesus comforts us, saying “you have a place at the table” and Jesus challenges us to make sure we are doing the same–that all people know they are welcome in our hearts, in our homes, in our churches–even if we can’t physically be with each other right now. It is difficult in this moment not to be near some of the people we love and might be worried about. Take a moment and say out loud the names of people you wish were right there next to you at your table today.

Jesus is no longer physically on earth, yet every time we gather around a table and we call him to mind, he is present with us in Spirit. And so too, our loved ones are with us. Let this be a comfort to us.

We also want to call to mind, the people we cannot name, whose names we do not know. But we know they need our prayers and God’s comfort.

For those who have lost loved ones, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are sick and recovering, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are caring for loved ones who are sick at home, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are caring for persons in medical care, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are separated from loved ones, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are feeling alone and isolated, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are helping and are so very tired, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are struggling to find friends, food, and comfort, Lord, hear our prayers. For those who are afraid, Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.

SCRIPTURE (choose a Scripture – or more than one – from the list to read) Psalm 145:8–21 God's abounding love 1 Corinthians 13 The gift of love 2 Corinthians 9:6 –15 Our generous sharing glorifies God. Philippians 2:5 –11 God's self–emptying in Christ Jesus 1 John 4:7 –21 God is love. Matthew 22:34 –40 Love of God and neighbor Luke 9:12 –17 Feeding the five thousand Luke 14:16 –24 Parable of the great dinner John 6:25 –35 Jesus the Bread of Life

Discuss: What in our Scripture reading stands out to you? Explain.

BLESSINGS AND THANKSGIVING Read: Blessings at the table are part of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Indeed, Jesus adapted his Jewish ritual blessing spoken before and after meals. He asked us to remember him whenever we break bread and raise a cup in thanksgiving. This is why we call our communion prayers the “Great Thanksgiving.” In this feast of love and comfort, we can call to mind things for which we are deeply grateful.

Share with each other something for which you are grateful.

Read: Let us bless this time together in prayer. Repeat each section after me.

Holy Comforter (Holy Comforter) We gather in your name (We gather in your name) invited by Jesus (invited by Jesus) bound together with your Spirit (bound together with your Spirit) in union with each other (in union with each other) Feed our bodies and our spirits (Feed our bodies and our spirits) with your comforting presence (with your comforting presence) so we might be your comfort to others (so we might be your comfort to others) Bless this food (Bless this food) and break open our hearts (and break open our hearts) Bless this drink (Bless this drink) and pour out your love (and pour out your love) Amen (Amen)

SINGING Close with singing the same song you began with.

Suggestion: “Spirit of the Living God” (UMH No. 393) Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me

CLOSING BLESSING Read: And now may you shelter not only in place, but in peace. May the peace and comfort of Christ be present with you now and forevermore. Amen.

Service for Hand/Foot Washing

GREETING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.

Tonight, we begin our journey to the cross, remembering where our table manners came from. Tonight, we tell the stories that make us God's people. Tonight, we are a people about to be freed from slavery. Tonight, we are a people who come with dirty feet and become clean by water and the word.

Let us declare our need of forgiveness and cleansing. Jesus, our feet are dirty from the journey. We have not loved one another as you have loved us. Callousness and violence stain our hearts and lives. How will we become clean again? We see the table there, but who will make us clean and ready for the meal? Where will we find water for these soiled soles? Restore us to the joy of God's salvation. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: John 13:1-17

HYMN: Let There Be Peace on Earth (UMH No. 431)

HAND WASHING Pass the basin and towel around the table as you wash each other’s hands. In this time of health crisis and pandemic, washing of hands is more than just a symbol – it demonstrates love and care for the other person to keep them safe.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:7-20

SONG: Spirit of the Living God (UMH No. 393)

[You could enter The Love Feast celebration here]

HYMN: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (UMH No. 349)

Communion Bread Recipe Recipe from the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Modified by: Steve Reneau

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a bowl, thoroughly mix: - 4 cups of whole wheat flour* - 4 tsp. of DOUBLE ACTING baking powder (or 8 tsp. of single acting baking powder) - 2 tsp. of salt

In a separate container mix: - 3/4 cup water* - 3/4 cup milk - 3/4 cup honey - 3/4 cup vegetable oil* Note: If you use a container with a lid, you can shake the mixture to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing them together with your hands (this will be very, very sticky). You're shooting for a ball of dough that's cohesive, but not too sticky; this may mean that you don't add all the wet ingredients or if your dough is too sticky, add a bit of flour. Knead the ball of dough.

With your hands, roll the dough ball into a fat cylinder that is six to eight inches long. Cut the cylinder into eight equal parts (—I—I—I—). Each part/ball should make one 6-inch round. (I use my hands to pat out each ball of dough into a round.)

Once the round is patted into form, take a knife and cut a cross on top. (Be careful not to cut all the way through. You are simply scoring the top of the bread.) The dough round should be about a ½-inch thick. (You can make it thinner if you can do so without tearing. They will rise in the oven.)

Place the rounds on an ungreased cookie or pizza sheet ensuring at least an inch between them. They will bake around 10 minutes; however, they may need just a bit longer or shorter depending on your oven. You will know they are finished when they no longer seem doughy. You don’t want them super dark on the bottom.

One batch can easily make six to eight rounds.

*For gluten-free bread, use 3 ½ cups of gluten free flour, omit the water, and use ½ cup of vegetable oil.

Music Suggestions

Hymns (United Methodist Hymnal) Let There Be Peace on Earth (431) Spirit of the Living God (393) Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (349) For the Beauty of the Earth (92) Let Us Break Bread Together (618)

Modern From the Inside Out by Hillsong United Give Me Faith by Elevation Worship

GOOD FRIDAY April 10, 2020

Contents: - Stations of the Cross guide - Service for Good Friday - Fingerprint Cross craft - Music suggestions (hymns and modern) Stations of the Cross Used with permission from Rev. Crystal Jacobson

Suggested supplies: Chapstick or lipstick; paper and pencil; piece of wood; Band-aid; dice; piece of cloth; candle; seed for planting

1. Luke 22:39-44: He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

Reflect: Have you ever thrown yourself on the ground in prayer, asked your closest and dearest friends to pray and intercede with God for you? Have you ever prayed late into the night, desperately hoping to change God’s mind for you? Have you ever resigned yourself to God’s plan for your life, a plan that was not your own, a plan which would bring pain?

Action: Imagine how Jesus must have felt as he knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then kneel down (if you are able), and pray the prayer Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.”

2. Luke 22:47-51: While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, "Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?" When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, "Lord, should we strike with the sword?" Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him.

Reflect: Judas, one of Jesus’ closest friends betrayed him with a kiss, a sign of intimacy. Think about how he must have felt walking up to his teacher and his friend for the last three years, embracing him, knowing as soon as he did – things would be set in motion which he couldn’t undo.

Action: Pick up a tube of chapstick or lipstick and use it on your own lips. Think about the times in your own life when you have betrayed Jesus by the things you’ve done and left undone.

3. Matthew 26:57-66: Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered…The high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?" They answered, "He deserves death."

Reflect: The trial at Caiaphas’, the High Priest, home was to establish one thing. Who was Jesus exactly? Was he a revolutionary who would cause a war with the Romans? A prophet from God? The long-awaited Messiah? We all have questions about who Jesus is – what we decide makes all the difference.

Action: Write one of your questions about who Jesus is.

4. Luke 22:63-65: Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" They kept heaping many other insults on him.

Reflect: Jesus was not just physical beaten, but mocked and insulted. The men sought not just to break his body but to break his spirit. Many of us have found ourselves beaten up by people’s words. Jesus heals us by reminding us that we are worthy of God’s love, no matter how we are belittled by the world.

Action: On a piece of paper, write insults that has broken your spirit. Reflect on how Jesus has healed your spirit from the beating it has taken. Reflect on how Jesus has proclaimed you are worthy and loved. Erase the insults on that paper.

5. Matthew 27:1-24: When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor…Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You say so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed…when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves."

Reflect: Pilate could do nothing. He tried. He failed. Then all that was left was to get out of the mob’s way. We often think we can do nothing against the violence in the world. When have you found yourself trying to free yourself from the guilt of being a bystander of injustice?

Action: Wash your hands and reflect on the times you’ve avoided helping someone or standing up for someone. 6. Mark 15:6-11: Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead.

Reflect: Barabbas was exchanged for Jesus. Jesus freed the guilty prisoner. We all carry guilt. Just as Barabbas did, we find that Jesus frees us from the prisons we find ourselves in, even the ones we honestly deserve. Jesus us takes our place, and sets us free.

Action: Unlock a lock in your house, and reflect on what guilt has imprisoned you. How has Jesus set you free?

7. John 19:13-16: 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. He said to the Jews, "Here is your King!" They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate asked them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but the emperor." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

Reflect: Pilate was a government employee loyal to Caesar. Yet, here he is calling out to the crowd, “Here is your king!” Those whose loyalty should have been to God called out, “We have no king but Caesar.” How often we find ourselves putting our government officials and our nation’s interests above our loyalty to God. When have you chose nation over God? Where does your loyalty lie?

Action: Pray for God to reveal how you can put God first. Pray for our government.

8. Mark 15:20-21: After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Reflect: Simon was going about his own business, doing his best to stay out of the way of the Roman execution squad. Until he was picked at random from the crowd and forced to carry the cross beam for this criminal. Sometimes circumstances draw us into God’s work in unexpected and uncomfortable ways. Are you willing to carry the cross of Jesus, even if it means being singled out, having your plans interrupted, and identified with him?

Action: Pick up a piece of wood. Reflect on how rough the cross must have been on Jesus’ wounded skin. Carry it with you as you move through the rest of the day.

9. Luke 23:27-31: A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

Reflect: Jesus has been beaten and bloodied to the point he can no longer carry his own cross. Yet, when he sees the women mourning for him, he is moved with compassion, because he knows the pain the future will bring them. He knows life is full of hurts and sorrows and grief.

Action: Pick up a band aid and reflect on the pain you have suffered. Then stick it on your hand and remember it is by the blood of Jesus, all hurts are healed.

10. Mark 15:22-32: Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take. It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!" In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

Reflect: Can you imagine standing in public, surrounded by those who hate you, naked. It is what makes up our nightmares. Yet here was Jesus, shamed for the world to see. All so that we may be clothed his righteousness. All so that our shame may become honor.

Action: Roll a pair of dice, and hold a piece of cloth. Reflect on how Jesus has taken your shame, and replaced it with honor and righteousness.

11. Matthew 27:45-50: From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, "This man is calling for Elijah." At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last.

Reflect: The Water of Life was thirsty. Immanuel (God with us) felt the abandonment of God. The Light of the World overcome by darkness. The Giver of Eternal Life – dead on the cross. There are times in our lives where we feel God has abandoned us, that all hope is gone, and we can’t go on living life this way. In his last moments, Jesus tasted the bitterness of our broken world for himself – and knew our pain.

Action: Blow out a candle as you reflect on the death of the Light of the World.

12. John 19:38-42: 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, bringing 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, following 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.

Reflect: Jesus is dead. His body taken on the cross by secret followers, prepared for burial. Laid in a cold, rock tomb, with the stone firmly sealed behind them when they left. All their hopes had died when Jesus died. When in your life has hope died? What carried you through the despair?

Action: Bury a seed in the soil. Reflect on how like a seed buried in the ground, Jesus story didn’t end here.

Service for Good Friday

GREETING Let us continue our journey to the cross, as we remember the sacrifice Christ made on the tree. That we might be released from our sins, and instead live in righteousness.

SONG: All the Poor and Powerless

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:36-56

HYMN: Were You There - Verse 1 (UMH No. 288)

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:57-75

HYMN: Were You There - Verse 2

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:1-26

HYMN: Were You There - Verse 3

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:27-44

HYMN: Were You There - Verse 4

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:45-66

HYMN: Were You There - Verse 5

SONG: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

BENEDICTION May Jesus Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, keep you and strengthen you, now and forever. Amen.

Fingerprint Cross Craft

Use paint to fill the outline of the cross below (or create your own) with your fingerprints!

Music Suggestions

Hymns (United Methodist Hymnal) Were You There (288) Amazing Grace (378) Old Rugged Cross (504) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (298) Just As I Am, Without One Plea (357) Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (301)

Modern All the Poor and Powerless by All Sons and Daughters How Deep the Father’s Love for Us by Selah At the Cross by Chris Tomlin Jesus Paid it All by Kristian Stanfill Man of Sorrows by Hillsong Worship

EASTER SUNDAY April 12, 2020

Contents: - Responsive Readings for Easter - Instructions for butterfly craft - Recipe for Resurrection cookies - Music suggestions (hymns and modern) An Easter Responsive Reading

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

When they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them,

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!

Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”

Then they remembered his words. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

An Easter Responsive Reading Prayer

The world is full of turmoil and unrest. He is risen! We want to help, but we don’t know where to start. Take heart, he has overcome the world!

You prayed for the unity of you church, but we are not unified. He is risen! We long to be a vibrant, healing community of faith. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

My heart is full of turmoil and unrest. He is risen! I need your power inside of me. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Both readings written by Jayson D. Bradley Instructions for Butterfly Craft

Supplies: - pipe cleaners OR clothespins - large coffee filters - water-base markers OR watercolor paints and brushes - small spray bottle filled with water (if using markers)

Instructions: 1. Flatten the coffee filter on a plate or newspaper 2. Using the markers or watercolor paints, decorate the coffee filter however you like 3. If using markers, hold up the coffee filter and spray with water (this will create a watercolor effect) 4. Set aside on a clean paper towel to dry 5. Once the filter is dry, bunch it in the middle and wrap a pipe cleaner around it. Make sure you leave a little extra pipe cleaner to make two antennas. 6. Fan out the butterfly wings.

Resurrection Cookies

Ingredients 1 cup pecans OR 1/2 cup pecans and 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1 tsp vinegar pinch of salt 1 cup sugar 3 egg whites

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Place pecans in plastic bag and crush with the back of a wooden spoon. John 19:1-3 – After Jesus was arrested, he was beaten.

3. Add vinegar, egg whites, salt and sugar into mixer. John 19:28-30 – Jesus drank something like vinegar while on the cross.

4. Add egg whites. John 10:10-11 – Eggs represent the eternal life Jesus gives us.

5. Add salt. Luke 23:27 – Jesus’ followers cried (salty tears) when he was crucified.

6. Add sugar. John 3:16 – The sweetest part of this is that Jesus did this because he loves us.

7. Beat until egg whites are very stiff, about 12-15 minutes. Isaiah 1:8 & John 3:1-3 – White represents the purity we have in God’s eyes.

8. Fold in nuts and or chocolate chips. Matthew 27:57-60 – Nuts/chips represent the rocky tomb where Jesus was laid.

9. Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper or a brown grocery bag

10. Place meringue by spoonful onto baking sheet

11. Place into hot oven and turn oven OFF. Keep the oven door shut and “seal” with masking tape until the morning. Matthew 27:65-66 – The tomb was sealed with a large stone.

12. Go to bed! John 16:20, 22 – The disciples were sad to leave Jesus in the tomb.

13. In the morning, take a bite of the cookie and find that it is hollow! Matthew 28:1-9 – The tomb was empty! Jesus has risen! Music Suggestions

Hymns (United Methodist Hymnal) Christ the Lord is Risen Today (302) He Lives (310) Because He Lives (364) Fairest Lord Jesus (189) This is the Day (657)

Modern Revelation Song by Gateway Worship Beautiful Things by Gungor How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin Mighty to Save by Hillsong Worship Praise is Befitting by Will Reagan and United Pursuit Rescuer by Rend Collective Forever by Kari Jobe This is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham Glorious Day by Passion