 Dear Friend,
In those first few hours, the disciples did not know what to do or what to believe. Mary Magdalene declared she had seen the risen Christ, but the rest were uncertain. However, when they were together, Christ appeared before them. Even for Thomas, though he didn’t gather with the rest that first evening, it was when he was in the company of others that he witnessed Christ before him.
God calls us to be in community, and we witness best to the love of Christ when we are with one another. We experience God’s grace and mercy best when we extend grace and mercy to each other.
We experience God’s love when we love one another. Christ came to the disciples as they gathered together, and Christ extended the peace of God with them. May we gather together and share God’s love, and witness God’s grace in Christ together.
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READINGS:
The early disciples of Christ bear witness to the resurrection through their generosity and care for one another, ensuring that no one among them had any need.
John writes to testify to Jesus and to open the door to fellowship for the believers with one another and with God. However, if we claim to be in fellowship but live in “darkness” – denial and sin – we lie. But, if we confess our sin, and live in the light we do, indeed, have fellowship with God and others.
Jesus appears to the disciples in the closed upper room, giving them a gift of the Spirit, and sending them just as he was sent. Then, Thomas who wasn’t at this appearance, is encountered by Jesus, and his doubts are removed.
Prayer
Heart of all hearts, Joy of all joys, teach us how to live as one. You offer us your abundant grace, and yet we still long to find rest and peace. You have shown us the light of our salvation, yet we often lurk in the shadows.
You promise us the glory of everlasting life, yet we settle for the tarnished glow of selfish pursuits.
Forgive us. Help us believe where we have not seen; help us walk bravely in the midst of our fear, that we may truly know your peace each and every day. Amen.
In our Prayers Today:
All of our members, especially:
Bill Battcher; Grace Stetson; Lucille Edwards; Louise Anderson, Pat Matzek, Loretta Tanis, Rich Rardin, Amy Castleberry, Jan Elsner
Those with health and family issues:
Beth, Linda Dumas’s niece;
Debbie Sanchez; Kim, niece of Teddie & Dick Knapp; Marlene, friend of Shavers; Tracey, friend of Randi Grzenia; Missy Iannella; Kayson Schumacher; Barb McLeod, Denise Karhoff King’s sister; Virginia Thomasma, Pat Shaver’s mother; Tony, brother in law of Christine Marousek; Linda Shaver-Gleason; Chris Gleason; Linus Gleason; Ann Efflandt, niece of Jack and Denise Karhoff King; Marilyn Blake, sister of Carol Wixson, Kate Benner, friend of the Landerholms; Jerry Buffenmeyer, Susan Friend’s Father; Sarah Wilkin, niece of Carol Wixson; Janet, extended family of Dennis Subach
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8:00am Worship in the Chapel
8:45am Conversation with Pastor
10:00am Worship in the Sanctuary:
Music by: Call To Worship
Liturgist: Carol Wixson
Ushers: Gerry Chvatal, LouAnn Chvatal, Jack King, Ron Lohman,
Jeff Kaiser
Coffee And…: Denise Karhoff King & Jack King
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First United Methodist Church of Lombard, IL
Growing in Discipleship - Serving Community - Witnessing in Christ - Gathering in Worship
