Prayers of the Church, May 25, 2025: 6^th Sunday of Easter, C

Acts 16:9-15 (mission to Macedonia; meeting in house of Lydia)

Psalm 67 (May God be gracious to us and bless us; let all peoples praise him)

Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27 (vision of the New Jerusalem)

John 16:22-33 (then you will ask anything of the Father in my name, and receive; you joy will be complete. In the world you have trouble, but I have overcome the world)

RCL: John 14:23-29 (Those who love me keep my word; I give you peace;  I send the Spirit; rejoice, because I go to the Father)

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Opening Hymn: O Day Full Of Grace: LBW #161, ELW #627, LSB #503

OR Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace: LBW #419, ELW #716, LSB #844

Hymn of the Day: O, What Their Joy: LBW #337 (may use tune for “Blessing and Honor,” LBW #535)

                OR Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, ELW #402, LSB #769

Communion Hymn #1: Jerusalem, My Happy Home: LBW #331, ELW #628, LSB #673

Communion Hymn #2: My Life Flows On In Endless Song: WOV #781, ELW #763

OR When Peace, Like a River: LBW #346, ELW #785, LSB #763

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

OR Amazing Grace: LBW #448, ELW #779, LSB #744

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, blessed Bridegroom, thank you for making us your beloved Bride, even giving your life for us! Thank you for making your Church, now troubled by evils within and without, the glorious New Jerusalem! Thank you for promising us joy in our fellowship with you and one another!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your Church the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Grant that, in a world shadowed by suffering, sorrow and sin, it proclaims your promise of joy, and shares the blessings of your love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Confessing your name brings great trouble to many Christians around the world. Assure them that you have overcome the world.  Grant them such deep joy that their enemies are astonished, and repent.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the Spirit fill every heart in this congregation with joy. Make that joy blossom into heartfelt worship, loving service, truthful witness, deep prayer, and loving fellowship. Use us to draw our friends and neighbors closer to you. Use us to shed the light of your love and joy in the darkest corners of their lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give your joyous presence to our teenagers. It is easy to be preoccupied with school, sports, jobs, and friends. It can be hard to endure teasing or scorn because of faith in you. Fill them with your love, so they may share it and be a blessing to those around them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This world is filled with trouble; yet you have overcome the world and defeated the powers of sin, evil, and death. We pray for our world; for its leaders; for all people, especially those who are most burdened by the sorrows and horrors of human malice and natural calamity. Bestow your Holy Spirit upon us all: the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord; and most of all, the Spirit of joy in your presence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant healing and hope to all who suffer in body, mind or spirit, including: {List}. Be gracious and merciful to them, and to all who care for them. Restore the bonds of fellowship and affection that have been strained or sundered by suffering and adversity; and give us all the joy of your saving help.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have overcome the world, the devil, and our sins. Thank you for delivering our beloved dead from those powers. Let the fullness of your joy touch and heal hearts still shadowed by grief. Help us all to live in faith and hope, love and kindness, gentleness and peace, self-control and patience. Give us a foretaste of that joy that you promise forever to all whom you love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, May 18, 2025: 5^th Sunday of Easter, C

Acts 11:1-18 (Peter defends baptism of Cornelius’ household by recounting his vision)

Psalm 148 (all creation praises the Lord)

Revelation 21:1-7 (new heaven and earth; no pain, crying or death; He is Alpha and Omega)

John 16:12-22 (Jesus promises the Spirit, who will declare his words to the disciples; they should rejoice that Jesus is going away, for he will return, and no one will take away their joy)

ELW/RCL: John 13:31-35 (A new commandment: love each other as I have loved you)

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Opening Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

Hymn of the Day: Awake, My Heart, With Gladness: LBW #129, ELW #378, LSB #467

OR Where Charity and Love Prevail (If using RCL Gospel): LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love: WOV #765, ELW #708. LSB #980

Communion Hymn #1: In Heaven Above: LBW #330, ELW #630

OR In Christ There Is No East Or  West: LBW #359, ELW #650, LSB #653

Communion Hymn #2: Soon and Very Soon: WOV #744, ELW #439

Closing Hymn: Alabare,  (If you didn’t do it earlier) WOV #791, LSB #799/800

                OR Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, LBW #551, ELW #836, LSB #803

OR Jesus Loves Me: ELW #595

*******

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life! You bestow, here and now, a vision of that new creation, in which sin and death are no more. Our words falter. We truly are “lost in wonder, love, and praise.” To you alone, blessed Jesus, be the glory!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your Church with the Holy Spirit. Make it constant in faith, bold in witness, joyful in worship, patient in adversity, cheerful in service, rich in compassion, and radiant with holiness. Through it, lead many, as you led Cornelius and his household, to life, salvation, and fellowship with all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace, equip, and encourage those who are persecuted on account of you – in Nigeria, Syria, and elsewhere.  Do not let us ignore their suffering, but rather find ways to assist and defend them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Stir up the Spirit’s power in this congregation. Make us burn with love for you and for our neighbors. Give us that joy which the world cannot give. Help us share that joy with all who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all elementary and middle school children with joy, love of learning, and kindly hearts. Protect them from bullies and abusers, from the world’s alluring dangers and hidden threats; and from everything that would darken their hearts or hide your face.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who stand in harm’s way on behalf of others. Strengthen them to do their jobs faithfully, bravely and well. Bring them home in safety when their service is completed. Speed the day when there is no more warfare, pain, or death, and all your people may live at peace with you and with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill this world with your goodness and righteousness, until every creature, person, nation, and tribe shouts praises to your name for the abundant life that only you can give. Teach the rulers of the nations – and the leaders of commerce, technology, education, medicine, and law – to seek truth; to delight in wisdom; to deliberate and decide with justice; and to act with generosity and humility. And teach everyone to live in peace and fellowship with one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Wipe away the tears, and take away the suffering, of all whose need is great. This day we plead on behalf of: {List}. Give them, and all who love them, a measure of your Kingdom’s joy and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end of all things. You are the light and life of all who died trusting in you. Keep us in fellowship with them, through the bond of your Spirit. By the same Spirit, raise up all whom you have redeemed. Lead us into your Father’s presence as a holy community: your family, joy, and treasure forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

May 11, 2025: 4^th Sunday of Easter, C (Good Shepherd Sunday), also Mother’s Day

Acts 20:17-35 (Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, exhorts elders to watch over the flock they are entrusted with, for there are dangerous wolves that threaten them)

ELW/RCL: Acts 9:36-43 (Peter raises Tabitha)

Psalm 23 (the Lord is my shepherd)

Revelation 7:9-17 (salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb; behold a host, arrayed in white)

John 10:22-30 (my sheep hear my voice; no one shall snatch them from my hand)

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Opening Hymn: Behold A Host, Arrayed in White: LSB #676, (superior translation)

Behold A/The Host, Like Mountains Bright: LBW 314, ELW #425

OR Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones: LBW #175, ELW #424, LSB #670

Hymn of the Day: The King of Love My Shepherd Is: LBW #456, ELW #502, LSB #709

                OR Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us: LBW #481 (I hate this tune. If you have access to SBH, ELW, OR LSB, use that tune, which is the old familiar one!), ELW #789, LSB #711

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus, King Most Wonderful: LBW #537

                OR Thine the Amen: WOV #801, ELW #826, LSB #680

Communion Hymn #2: I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb: LSB #740

OR Have No Fear, Little Flock: LBW #476, ELW #764, LSB #735

Closing Hymn: Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing: LBW #196, ELW #544

OR The Lord’s My Shepherd; I’ll Not Want: LBW #451, ELW #778, LSB #710

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Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy! You are worthy of blessing and honor, glory, and praise. Give us grace to praise your greatness, to bless your name, and to live lives worthy of you, our Shepherd and Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Paul exhorted the elders of the churches to protect your flock from the wolves that threaten them. Bless your Church with pastors and theologians who rightly proclaim your Word, defend against heresy and schism, and lead your people into lives of holiness, faithfulness, and love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your martyrs stand before your throne, praying for all who are persecuted for your Name’s sake. Join our prayers to theirs. Give courage and endurance to those who suffer on account of you. By their example, cause their enemies to repent, so their lives may be transformed, and their minds renewed.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless and direct this congregation. Call us by name and lead us in love. Guide us in paths of discipleship and service. Let all be done to your glory, and for the good of our family, community, and world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our littlest lambs: our infants and toddlers, and all newborns in the faith. Lead them safely through the dangers of this world. Crown their innocence with holiness. Teach them to know your voice and to gladly follow wherever you would have them go.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for mothers, foster mothers, and for all who care and love with a mother’s heart. Adorn their lives with wisdom, goodness, common sense, and patience. Give them endurance – and a good night’s sleep – to carry out their many tasks with a light heart and ready smile. Be their strength and shield when their burdens are great and sorrowful. And bestow your dearest comfort to all who have lost a child, or who are unable to have one.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give a shepherd’s heart to the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Teach them to seek the welfare of their people above power, wealth, or re-election. By their labors, grant the simple blessings of decent food, clean water, and the chance to raise families in freedom and safety. Give wisdom and integrity to all who risk their lives on behalf of others. And to all people, especially those whose lives have been shattered by violence, grant a measure of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O great and good Shepherd, carry on your shoulders all who are suffering in body, mind, and heart. This day we remember before you: {List}. Give a double portion of you Spirit to all who care for them, and restore them to wholeness and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we pray the Shepherd’s Psalm when a member of your flock has died, confident that you bring them through death’s dark vale into your Father’s house. We therefore entrust to you all our dear departed. Lead, feed, and protect us, as you have done for them. Prepare our place at your festive table, where with all whom you have redeemed, we will feast on your goodness and mercy forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, May 4, 2025: 3^rd Sunday of Easter, C

Acts 9:1-22 (Conversion of Saul)

Psalm 30 (praise God for deliverance from enemies)

Revelation 5:1-14 (Is no one worthy to open the scroll of judgment? The Lamb who was slain, alone is worthy!)

ELW/RCL: Revelation 5:11-14 (eliminates weeping because no one found worthy)

John 21:1-19 (the disciples and the risen Jesus, a miraculous catch of fish, and “Feed my lambs”)

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Opening Hymn: Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor: LBW #172, ELW #475, LSB #534

OR  I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: WOV #649, ELW #815, LSB #411

Hymn of the Day: At the Lamb’s High Feast: LBW #210, ELW #362, LSB #633

OR (If preaching on Revelation): Alabare: WOV #791, LSB #799

OR Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds: LBW #143, ELW #367, LSB #465

Communion Hymn #1: O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts: LBW #356, ELW #658

Communion Hymn #2: O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

Closing Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns: LBW #170, ELW #855, LSB #525

***********

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you alone are worthy of worship. You alone are worthy to speak words of divine judgment and forgiveness. Give us grace to kneel in adoration and to rise up in obedient service to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You commanded your servant Peter to tend your sheep. Equip your Church with every good gift, so it feeds your flock with your holy Word and life-giving Sacraments.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Church is persecuted today, even as it was in the days of the Apostles. Deliver it from its enemies. Grant it steadfast faith and hearts free from bitterness. By its faithful endurance, soften the hearts of its persecutors, so that they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Kindle our hearts to seek the lost, lift up the broken-hearted, and feed hungry souls around us with your holy and precious Word.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You confronted Saul on the Damascus road. In your merciful, tough love, confront those who scorn your Word and refuse your truth. Give us holy reason and gentle hearts, so that through us, you lead many unbelievers into your flock.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You are Lord, King, Judge, and Savior of the world. Bless and strengthen all who take counsel for the nations. Guide them in pathways of justice and righteousness. Use their labors to feed all people with justice as well as loaves; to drink of peace as well as clean water; to live in friendship with their neighbor, and to walk humbly before you, their Lord and God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Defend and guide all who stand between life and death; between violence and safety; and between oppression and freedom. Lend them your wisdom and righteousness. Raise them up when they falter. Heal their wounds, and grant them joyous reunions with loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Oh great and good Shepherd, gently tend all who are sick, lonely, grieving, despairing, and all who cry out for mercy. Today we remember before you: {List}. Give the Spirit of your compassion to all who care for them, and restore them to wholeness and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you are worthy to open the scroll and to judge the world. Yet you freely grant forgiveness and salvation to every sinner who dies trusting in your promises. Thank you for keeping those promises to the faithful departed, especially those dear to us. Give us faith to trust your Word in times of doubt and confusion. Give us compassion to care for all your dear lambs.  Give us grace to receive a foretaste of the banquet-feast of heaven. Give us joy, which is the undying inheritance of all whom you love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church, April 27, 2025: 2^nd Sunday of Easter, C

Acts 5:12-32 (imprisoned, the disciples are freed by angel; they keep proclaiming Gospel, obeying God not man)

ELW/RCL: Acts 5:27-32 (We must obey God, not man; we are witnesses to these things)

Psalm 148 (all creation praises God)

ELW/RCL: Psalm 150 (Let all creation praise God!)

Revelation 1:4-18 (John writes to his churches, sees glorified Jesus amidst their lampstands)

John 20:19-31 (Jesus appears, gives Spirit, commission to forgive/retain sins; Thomas’s confession of faith)

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Opening Hymn: The Day of Resurrection: LBW #141, ELW #361, LSB, #478 (LBW tune is awful. Use tune for “O Day of Rest and Gladness”, LBW #251, or tune for “Lead On, O Kinky Turtle,” LBW #495)

OR Christ is Arisen, Alleluia: WOV #678, ELW #372

Hymn of the Day: O Sons and Daughters of the King: LBW #139, LSB #471; 470

O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing: (ever-so-correct! 😉)  ELW #386

OR That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright: LBW #154, ELW #384 (LBW tune is meh.

 Use the tune for “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry,” and play it like a dance, not a dirge!)         

OR These Things Did Thomas Count as Real: LSB #472

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Let Us Eat: LBW #214, ELW #491, LSB #626

Communion Hymn #2: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

Closing Hymn: Thine is the Glory: LBW #145, ELW #376

Let us pray to our risen Savior on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, you stand in the midst of the lampstands, your churches, filling them with imperishable light. Thank you for rescuing us from the darkness of sin. Thank you for dispelling clouds of grief and despair. Thank you for leading us into your everlasting life. Grant us grace to lead all people to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Breathe your Holy Spirit upon your Church, and fill it with your peace. Teach it to proclaim the Gospel graciously and boldly, so that all people may adore you as their Lord and their God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Dwell in the midst of those are persecuted for your sake. Make them lampstands that shine with the radiance of your glory and grace. Fill them with the oil of faithful witness and steadfast endurance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Pour your Holy Spirit upon this congregation. Give us a hunger for your Word; a thirst for your mercy; a vision of your love for all people; and a desire to serve you by serving others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us the persistence and kindness of the disciples who sought out Thomas and drew him back into your dear presence. Help us to share, with those who have lost hope, the hope that is in us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give to all peoples that peace which the world cannot give. Teach us repentance and humility. School us in generosity, gentleness, and justice. We need all these things to flourish – but mostly, we need your Spirit working your will in our hearts.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give wisdom, courage, and integrity to our military, first responders, and all who serve the causes of liberty and justice throughout the world. Fill them with a love for your good and gracious will. Use them to establish justice, safety, and hope in places lacking those good things.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the bodies, cheer the spirits, and illumine the hearts of all whose lives are shadowed by sorrow and pain. This day we remember before you the needs of: {List}. Renew in them the gifts of faith and hope; raise them to fullness of life; and restore them to joyful fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you promise your resurrection life to all whom you have redeemed. We entrust into your care our beloved dead. Wipe away the tears of all who grieve. Fill us with the faith to follow you fearlessly, and to encourage one another cheerfully. Lead us to your Father’s house, where with all whom you love, we shall with endless joy acclaim you as our Lord and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

John 20:19-31

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls!

Pastor: Hey Sammy! I was thinking that we could talk about Thomas today.

Sammy: That sounds great, Pastor! Thomas the Twin. Such a great last name. Twin.

Pastor: No, Sammy. Twin is not Thomas’s last name.

Sammy: I was listening to you read the Gospel today, Pastor. I heard you call him Thomas the Twin. First name: Thomas. Middle name: The. Last name: Twin.

Pastor: Sammy, Thomas had a twin. He was a twin. His mama had two babies in her belly at the same time.

Sammy: Oh. That makes so much more sense.

Pastor: I want to talk about what being a twin meant in Jesus’s day. How many of you boys and girls know twins?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: It sounds like many of us know twins or get to play with twins. Jesus called Thomas as his disciple. What is really neat about this call was Thomas was the second born twin.

Sammy: Second born? Does that matter?

Pastor: In Jesus’s day birth order was everything. The first born baby received the inheritance and the title of his father’s last name. The second born baby was called “The Twin” and did not receive the same inheritance.

Sammy: What’s an inheritance?

Pastor: That is what parents give to their children. It’s their homes and their money.

Sammy: Well, it doesn’t seem fair that Thomas’s older brother got everything and Thomas was just called Thomas the Twin.

Pastor: I think Thomas was the one who received everything, Sammy. Jesus gave him the opportunity for fellowship with God. He ate with Jesus, walked with him, and learned from him.

Sammy: That’s true. There is no place I would rather be than right next to Jesus.

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. When Thomas received the power of the Holy Spirit from Jesus, he went to India and taught people about the amazing love of our God. He brought the love of Jesus to everyone he met. He was changed forever.

Sammy: What about his inheritance?

Pastor: He received it.

Sammy: He did?

Pastor: Yes, he did. With God, our inheritance is the same, whether we are the first born, the last born, a boy, a girl, old, or young. God gives us the gift of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven with him. He sees each of us as equals, and he doesn’t place more value on one of us over the other.

Sammy: I feel so blessed, Pastor. I have a lot of comfort knowing I have an inheritance with Jesus.

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Let’s pray. Boys and girls, can you fold your hands and bow your heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for Thomas. Thank you for helping us see and believe. Thank you for sending us out to share your love. Help us to love others no matter where we go. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Luke 24:1-12

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning!

Bartholomew: Good morning and Hoppy Easter!

Sammy: It’s the Easter bunny!

Bartholomew: Hi Sammy! Hi boys and girls! My name is Bartholomew.

Sammy: Wow! Hey, Pastor, did you know that a celebrity was coming to church today? Can I have your autograph? Did you leave eggs outside for us?

Bartholomew: Hang on a second, Sammy. I am here to tell you about Jesus. He is risen! Our focus today isn’t on me—I’m just a little bunny. Our focus is on Jesus.

Pastor: That’s right, Bartholomew. Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Today we celebrate that he is alive. He beat death!

Bartholomew: Eggs-actly.

Sammy: But what does that mean?

Bartholomew: Jesus took on our sins and died in our place. Now, all people who believe in him get to live in heaven with him forever. He beat death. And because we have faith in Jesus, we get to beat death, too.

Sammy: That’s cool.

Pastor: Yes it is. Today is a big day of celebrating that Jesus is alive. Boys and girls, what are some of the things that you get to do on Easter?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: So, Bartholomew, did you leave eggs for the boys and girls to find after church?

Bartholomew: Yes I did. After church, we will head outside for an egg hunt for all of the children. And I have special bags for you, too. But I want you to remember that the eggs you find are a symbol of the new life we receive in Jesus. Remember Jesus loves you today.

Sammy: Thanks, Bartholomew. I am so glad that Jesus was willing to die for me and that he is now alive.

Pastor: Well, let’s close in prayer. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for the power of your name. You are the King of Kings. You are the Lord of Lords. You are God. We thank you for choosing us. We thank you for coming down from Heaven for us. We love you. Amen.

Bartholomew: Bye, everyone! Hoppy Easter!

Sammy: Bye, boys and girls! See you next week!

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, this Gospel reading was a long one today.

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. The Gospel reading today is all about the Passion of our Lord Jesus.

Sammy: So much happened while you were reading the Gospel. Jesus shared communion, he prayed in the Garden, and he was put on trial several times.

Pastor: Several people did not like Jesus. We meet some of them in the reading today. One of the things we have to remember is that Jesus committed no sin. He lived a perfect life. Boys and girls, have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: Jesus did not deserve death, but he chose to die because we deserve death. We are sinful, and the price for sin is death.

Pastor: Jesus went willingly to the cross, and he knew what he was going to suffer.

Sammy: You know, Pastor, as I listened to you read the Gospel today, I wondered who I would be if I was there to witness Jesus on the cross.

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Would I betray Jesus, like Judas? Would I deny Jesus, like Peter? Would I be one of the ones who wanted Jesus to die, like the crowds or priests or Herod? Would I be willing to carry the cross like Simon? Would I mock Jesus like the soldiers? Or would I ask for forgiveness like the thief on the cross? Or would I stand at a distance and watch like Mary and the other women? Who would I be?

Pastor: I think each of us plays all of or many of these roles during our lives. God knows our hearts. He gives us faith and teaches us through the trials and challenges we face.

Sammy: But, Pastor, I worry that I am not good enough to deserve what Jesus did for me. He took my sin so that I could eat at his table with him forever.

Pastor: Sammy, none of us deserve the gift that Jesus gives us. None of us our worthy. We are broken and made new in Jesus. And he asks us to go and love as he loved us.

Sammy: I will try, Pastor. I will try.

Pastor: Boys and girls, this week, I want you to think about how you can better love someone. What can you do to show Jesus’s love to someone else?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Great answers! Let’s close with prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your great love. Thank you for taking our sin so we could eat at your table. Thank you for your goodness and grace. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture:

John 12:1-8

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Hey, Pastor! I am free this evening.

Pastor: Okay…what do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Exactly what I said. I am free this evening. You know, for you to invite me over for dinner.

Pastor: Uhh, Sammy, I–

Sammy: I know I haven’t been over to your house in some time, so I thought I would share my dietary preferences and restrictions, and my favorite foods, and what I don’t like to eat.

Pastor: Sammy, wait a second. Why do you think you’re coming over for dinner tonight?

Sammy: I guess I just got really inspired with Lazarus and Mary and Martha having Jesus over for dinner. I know Martha cooks really well, and I thought that you might cook really well, too, Pastor. Well, except for maybe that one time that you almost cooked a mouse on your grill.

Pastor: Sammy, the dinner that Lazarus and Mary and Martha had for Jesus was a very special event.

Sammy: I know. And I cannot wait to see how special the dinner you prepare for me is going to be, too.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think I should make for Sammy at the dinner?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I love all of these answers. Pastor, I will take one of everything!

Pastor: Let’s talk more about Jesus’s dinner with Lazarus before we get too carried away. Mary did something very special for Jesus at this event. She purchased very expensive perfume, called nard, and she poured this perfume on his feet.

Sammy: I like perfume. I don’t know what nard is, but I like Estee Lauder, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Burberry…

Pastor: Sammy. Let’s focus.

Sammy: I’m just giving you ideas for my welcoming gift when I get to your house, Pastor.

Pastor: Mary’s perfume was a very special kind of perfume. She anointed Jesus with the perfume, which is an essential oil. She was preparing Jesus for his path to the cross.

Sammy: That is a special oil. I am glad that Mary gave that perfume to Jesus. If anyone deserves the best we can give, it’s Jesus.

Pastor: Amen to that, Sammy. Boys and girls, can you please fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to recognize the gifts we have. Thank you for helping us share with others. Help us to honor and love you better each day. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: 

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone!

Pastor: Hey Sammy! Did you know we have just two more weeks of Lent until we reach Palm Sunday and Holy week?

Sammy: I didn’t know that, Pastor! That’s great news! But what does that news mean?

Pastor: Well, Sammy, Palm Sunday is a special day where we celebrate Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem. 2,000 years ago, Jesus and his disciples arrived in Jerusalem and Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey.

Sammy: That’s very special. That donkey was one lucky critter to carry the Son of God.

Pastor: Yes indeed. When the donkey came into Jerusalem with Jesus on his back, the crowds of people grew and grew. They lined up in the streets to see Jesus. Boys and girls, what were some of the things that you think the people saw when Jesus rode by on the donkey?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: These are great answers!

Pastor: Yes they are! People laid their coats in the road so that the King of Kings, Jesus, could have a grand entrance. And they grabbed palm branches and waved them in the air.

Sammy: And there was singing and dancing…

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. The people sang and danced and shouted “Hosanna!” which means, “Save us!” The people knew that Jesus was coming to save them.

Sammy: What was he saving them from? From evil rulers? Bad laws? Chores?

Pastor: No, Sammy. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He saved his people, but not in the way that they expected him to save them.

Sammy: I am glad that Jesus came for me.

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Let’s pray. Can we please fold our hands and bow our heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for being with us and for saving us. Thank you for choosing to walk a difficult road so that we could live in peace with you forever. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!