Mark 16:1-8 Easter Sunday Year B Naomi Wadler was only 11 years old when she spoke at the “March for Our Lives” rally — the student-led rally against gun violence in Washington, D.C. in 2018. But by all accounts, she seemed much older — some even said she seemed like future presidential material. If so, then Americans have a bright future to look forward to. Naomi was born in Ethiopia; her father is Black and her mother white. While attending school in Alexandria, Virginia, a community where the majority are white, she would ask her parents questions — such as why the news identified the race of Black people but not white people. With questions like this on her mind, she appeared on the big stage to speak at the rally in D.C. "I am here today,” she said, “to acknowledge and represent the African American girls whose stories don't make the front page of every national newspaper, whose stories don't lead the evening news. … I represent the African American women who are … [Read more...]
Maundy Thursday prayer
Glorious God, There was a time – centuries ago – when the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. The Word was called “Jesus” and his birth was heralded by angels and animals alike. Just a few decades later, the world had too much of the Word and its topsy-turvy, the-last-shall-be-first ways. It was then that Jesus was persecuted for being too equitable, too countercultural, too loving. So then, one night, after dinner with his disciples, Jesus donned an apron and put water in a basin. Having loved his friends, he continued to love, tenderly washing feet — even as death drew devastatingly near. But God, you know — they weren’t just his friends. They were also his betrayers. The ones whose dusty feet Jesus made clean were the ones who would let him down again and again. Those events – that story – seem so distant from our reality. So today, O God, we recall that Jesus set an example, that we are called to do as he did: love … [Read more...]
Easter Sunday: Family faith formation @ home
Welcome We begin today a little differently by using the traditional Easter responsive greeting. Before you begin, invite those gathered to go outside (or, if weather does not permit, around the house) and gather something that reminds them of new life (a flower, a leaf, water, a cross, the Bible or anything they think connects with resurrection) and place it in the center of the gathering after each repetition of “He is risen indeed!” Repeat as often as necessary. One: Christ is Risen! All: He is risen indeed! (Place a sign of new life on the table.) One: There are signs all around. Christ is risen! All: He is risen indeed! (Place a sign of new life on the table.) One: The old has gone and the new is come. Christ is risen! All: He is risen indeed! (Place a sign of new life on the table.) One: Because of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we can begin anew. Christ is Risen! All: He is risen indeed! One: We are here, Holy … [Read more...]
April 2 — Good Friday: Family faith formation @ home
The format for today is a bit different than our usual weekly edition. There are two things to keep in mind as you prepare. The first is the Scripture, from Mark’s Gospel, will be read in a participatory manner. The narrative is a bit long and this will help keep everyone engaged. The parts are listed below. The second is in response to the Scripture. You are invited to take a walk or a drive and take pictures with a camera, a cell phone or to draw a picture of what you see. Full instructions are provided below. Teaching points to incorporate in discussion or to answer questions that may arise: “Good” Friday is the day Christians intentionally remember Jesus’ crucifixion and the sacrifice he made on our behalf. It is called “good” not because what humanity did to Jesus was good, but because what God did through it was good. Jesus’ death, and on Sunday his resurrection, brought the grace of salvation for all of us. Between the end of the Last Supper and Friday morning, … [Read more...]
“I have seen the Lord” (Easter) — Christian ed @ home
Of all the things I miss about not gathering for in-person Sunday school and worship, the one I miss the most is getting to hear our children’s questions. Kids ask the most wonderful, thought-provoking theological questions! One of the most pressing questions I hear is: What does Jesus look like? On the surface, this seems like a question about his appearance. In reality, it’s asking how we recognize Jesus in the world. The interaction between Mary and the resurrected Jesus offers a springboard for considering this important aspect of our faith. Begin the time with your children by playing a game. Ask them to close their eyes. Repeat their names using a particular tone of voice (happy, confused, etc.). After doing so, ask them to share how your tone made them feel. Repeat this several times using different tones of voice. Note that you said the same thing (their names) each time, but their responses were different. Ask them why they think this happened. Share that our … [Read more...]
April 2, 2021 — Good Friday
John 18:1-19:42 The Passion of Jesus as told in John’s Gospel presents a host of characters playing seemingly small roles as the narrative sweeps them up into the grand story of salvation. Judas’ intimate knowledge about Jesus makes him a well-suited betrayer. Judas knows enough about Jesus to lead the soldiers to the place in the garden where he could be found that night. Loyalty or love energizes Peter to defend Jesus with a sword as he is arrested, but a few paragraphs later Peter won’t even admit to knowing who Jesus is. Annas and Caiaphas, the religious leaders, identify Jesus as one whose teaching has broken norms that must be protected. Pilate, the political leader, seeks to find a space between multiple constituencies, while preserving order. His perfunctory examination of Jesus takes a dramatic turn as Pilate gives voice to the deepest of questions: What is truth? While Pilate finds Jesus innocent, the crowd instead insists on the release of the guilty … [Read more...]
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