Now sing the gospel story, the news we have received! To God be all the glory for what we now believe: Christ died to take our sinning; the scriptures say it’s true! It seemed that death was winning, yet God makes all things new. There’s news by which God saves us, if we believe God’s way; See! Death cannot enslave us; God gave us Easter Day. For Christ our Lord was buried, the scriptures say it’s true! His friends all grieved and worried, yet God made all things new. God raised him on a Sunday; the women saw the joy. Then Peter and the others learned death could not destroy. Then many more bore witness; the scriptures say it’s true! God’s love for us is endless, for God makes all things new. We sing the gospel story that Jesus is the Christ. He is God’s Son! Give glory! Through him, God gives us life. For he was the beginning; he also is the end. Christ Jesus is our Savior, our Lord and God. Amen! Biblical References: 1 Corinthians 15:1-6; Mark 16:1-9; Matthew … [Read more...]

  Christ Jesus, on Sunday, you rode into town; The crowds laid their coats and some palms on the ground. They made you a welcome and called you their king, But they did not know of the reign you would bring. Christ Jesus, on Monday, you went up to pray; The sellers were filling the Temple that day. But who could be reverent? That courtyard was loud; You overturned tables, dispursing the crowd. Christ Jesus, on Thursday, you readied a place; You hosted a meal and you offered the grace. You told your disciples, “Now eat of this bread,” “Now drink of the cup of salvation,” you said. With basin and towel, with washing of feet, You showed us where love and humility meet. You loved till your love led to suffering and loss; You knelt down to serve us, then hung on a cross. On Friday, you died, and the next day was bleak. O Christ, we remember your whole Holy Week. We can’t avoid suffering, or turn from what’s true, For out of your death, we find new life in … [Read more...]

  “Lord, if only you had been here, one I love would not have died.” Martha shared her grief with Jesus in these words she sadly cried. Jesus said, “I’m resurrection. Martha, do you know it’s true? I’m the life for which you’re longing.” She said, “I believe in you!” “Lord, if only you had been here!” Jesus heard these words again. Mary, sitting home and waiting, spoke to Jesus of her pain. So our Lord was deeply troubled in this world of death and sin. Sometimes all we see is struggle; death and evil seem to win. “Lord, if only you had been here,” we cry out when all goes wrong— When our grief is overwhelming, when life’s troubles seem so strong. Then, O Lord, we hear your answer: “I am resurrection— See! Not just in some distant future— I am life! Now live in me!” When we share your resurrection, when we know that you are life, We find courage for our living in this world of pain and strife. We your church will work for justice, welcome strangers, help the … [Read more...]

  Christ, you made the blind man see; with some mud you healed his eyes. So you acted lovingly, bringing health and changing lives. Yet it was a Sabbath Day; rules were all that some folks saw; They were quick to scorn the way you put love before the Law. Christ, you came to judge the earth, bringing truth and life and light, Showing humble ones their worth, giving vision, bold and bright. Those who proudly think they see are the ones who often find Though they act quite boastfully, they, in fact, are really blind. God, we pray that we will be people filled with light and grace. Show us what we need to see in this culture, time and place: We are called to be your light, telling how you’ve changed us here. Love can make the darkness bright; faith in you makes all things clear. Biblical Reference: John 9:1-41 Tune: ABERYSTWYTH 7.7.7.7 D ("Jesus, Lover of My Soul"; "Watchman, Tell Us of the Night") Joseph Parry, 1879. Text: Copyright © 2017 by Carolyn Winfrey … [Read more...]

As Jesus journeyed with his friends, He broke great walls and barriers down. He showed how far God’s love extends At Jacob’s Well, outside of town. A woman drew some water there, And Jesus asked her for a drink. They talked of life and truth and prayer— His kind, warm welcome made her think. Though culture pushed them far apart, He looked past things that others saw. He saw the searching in her heart; His love shined greater than the law. O God, when some are cast aside— When people here are scorned, oppressed, We see Christ reaching, arms stretched wide, To welcome, treasure, heal and bless. Biblical Reference: John 4:5-42 Tune: TALLIS' CANON 8.8.8.8 ("All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night") Thomas Tallis, 1561. Text: Copyright © 2017 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to return to the order page to purchase the scored music of this hymn. … [Read more...]

Who on earth can find God’s kingdom? Who can know God’s wondrous reign? How can we receive the freedom of a people born again? Can we hear the winds a-blowing— where they come from and return? Can we see God’s kingdom growing? These are things we long to learn. Nicodemus said to Jesus, “God must be at work in you! Rabbi, you’re a God-sent teacher; we can see the signs you do!” Jesus saw his faith and questions, so he spoke these words of love: “Surely, none can see God’s kingdom, till they’re born from God above.” Nicodemus kept on wondering, “How can one be born anew?” Jesus said, “This is the birthing that God’s Spirit brings to you. If you want to see God’s kingdom, do not be at all surprised. You can’t see God’s Spirit moving, yet it’s working, changing lives.” God, we see your world around us, and we wonder what will be. Is your loving reign among us; is it something yet to see? May we trust your Spirit’s moving, giving life and hope and birth. May we trust … [Read more...]