My dearest Hope Family-
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The definition of a Christian is that we are Christ-followers. Tas Christians, we are Easter people who celebrate Christ’s death on the cross for us with gratitude and rejoice in his victory over Sin, Death, and the Devil in his resurrection. Christians live out the example Jesus set before us as we love God by loving others.
Here’s another definition that is so powerful from the Celtic tradition: “A Christians is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps.”
As we celebrate this week of weeks, seven weekends in this Easter season of Easter joy (remembering that every Sunday of the church year is a “little Easter” as we always focus on Christ’s death and his resurrection FOR US), let us continue to live out our Baptismal calling to follow Jesus’ example – to be humble servants of one another, loving others with unconditional, unlimited love to the best of our ability. When we fail, as we will, we ask God’s forgiveness and then we try again – loving others out of our deepest gratitude and thanksgiving to God for all of the unlimited, unconditional perfect love showered upon us each and every moment of o ur lives through Jesus and his Spirit.
Our purpose at Hope is to be led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all. It’s no accident that this is a call to cross-shaped love of loving God by loving others – it goes back to those words Jesus spoke on Maundy Thursday in the new command to love one another. In a world where so many are feeling separated and alone and too many are expereiecning despair, loneliness and anxiety, let’s together continue boldly to share the love of Jesus so that others may share in this Easter joy that we know. As the old song says; “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Let it be so.
A blessed Easter be with you all! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!! In Christ’s love, Pr. Jen+
Set out and light a candle, perhaps the one you used last night at the Vigil. You may wish to have a bowl of water as a reminder of your baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Prayer of the Day Almighty God, with joy we celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection. By the grace of Christ among us, enable us to show the power of the resurrection in all that we say and do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Gospel John 20:19-31 The story of Easter continues as the risen Jesus appears to his disciples. His words to Thomas offer a blessing to all who entrust themselves in faith to the risen Lord. A reading from John . 19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
HOMILY: A cartoon for this weekend which is a sign of the times. A disciple runs up to Thomas with arms in the air, exclaiming; “He is risen!” and Thomas, arms folded over his chest, says; “Sounds like fake news to me,” Today is sometimes called Low Sunday-but the name I prefer for this Second Sunday of Easter is Thomas Sunday. The Gospel for this day is always the story of how Thomas came to believe in the risen Christ – it focuses on the apostle Thomas and he is frequently dismissed as a doubter, “Doubting Thomas” which is unfair. The Gospel we hear today shares an amazing transformation in faith. Thomas moves from discouragement, disbelief, a wounded heart after witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion, to a confession of faith in the living Jesus – “My Lord and my God!” – a miracle in this complete confession of faith. ~ ~~Easter Day was just last weekend. Jesus was dead but he did not stay dead. But not everyone understood that even though Jesus had said it again and again. It just wasn’t something people could grasp. On this Second Sunday of Easter it shows us that Thomas was like all of us-questioning and wondering = not really sure about it all- a normal person who had honest, sincere doubts. The resurrection of Jesus seemed impossible. But Thomas did not remain stuck in his unbelief. In fact, Thomas experienced a resurrection of his own – a resurrection in his faith in his Lord and Master.
~~~As humans, we can compartmentalize people, including ourselves. We might designate people as good or bad, kind or evil, smart or not so, believers and non-believers….But reality is more complex. Lives are never static; lives are in motion. If we are willing, people can be changed, opinions and beliefs might shift and grow if we allow them. Change is hard, but it CAN happen. Faith is a muscle that must be exercised and if it is, things change. All we need to do is look at the things we thought or believed ten years ago – or even five years ago – have things changed? How about issues like race or gender or age? Do we see the world differently today, do we see people differently today than we did then? If so, you might also see how faith might change and shift as we grow, learn and experience more and more. Honest doubts and an open heart and a mind that allows for questioning allows us to grow and develop and become even more convinced in the things we believe or might help us shift to a new, clearer focus for our faith.
~~~If we close our minds and hearts off from trying to see another side, from listening sincerely and honestly, then we run the risk of staying where we are, stagnant and stuck. Our opinions, our thoughts, even our faith can get stuck. It can turn toxic. We don’t have to look far to find toxic belief in today’s world, some of it with a Christian label. Look at Qanon or even those who claim Christian faith and yet call for hate, division, and persecution of those they perceive as different. How is that in any way something our Lord who calls us to love-how is that anything Jesus would condone or accept or encourage? Christians are called to love-period. NO LOOPHOLES! Jesus said; “Love one another.”
~~~Doubt can get stuck, too. It can turn out as something less than honest doubt. Things like fear, close-mindedness, lack of trust, pride, laziness, and ingratitude can get our doubts caught in an unmovable place. We are convinced of our right-ness. Don’t confuse us with facts. Doubt like this is stuck. It can become toxic, too.
~~~But there can be honest doubt as well. People with honest doubt may want to believe, but struggle at great length with hard questions. They will not accept a belief unworthy of the troubles of the world. Things like the suffering of innocents or when bad things happen to good people. Sometimes the doubter has been hurt, perhaps severely–they refuse answers that are too easy, that do not recognize the dignity of the questions. In many of us there may be at least some of this honest doubt, this hesitancy to believe, this unwillingness to commit too easily. Yet the honest doubter is not a closed person. Even doubt can be doubted. So the doubter remains open to belief. This person is available to move from honest doubt to honest faith, remaining open open to receiving the gift of faith.
~~~All of us are on the road of life. None of us is home yet. We are all at different places on the path. All of us still have a distance to travel. Thomas stands today as a true example for us on our faith journey. He was a sincere, honest doubter but he also was a sincere and honest believer. Thomas moves ahead when it is time —when he sees Jesus and Jesus graciously invites Thomas to satisfy his need for proof, to examine the glorious scars and believe.
~~~There’s no evidence that Thomas touches the scars. What’s clear is that he moves ahead in faith. From honest doubt he moves to honest faith, a faith open enough to recognize that the man standing in front of him, this man he knows, this once – crucified, once – dead friend, is also his Lord and his God. Others move ahead in faith for other reasons. Mary Magdalene believes when the risen Lord speaks her name. The disciples assembled on Easter night believe because they see Jesus alive then. It is about keeping open hearts and minds. We all have our own experiences with Jesus that impact our faith. For us?
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We may be motivated by the wondrous beauty of creation, the witness of other Christians, or an event in life that indicates God is at work Any of these can lead us from honest doubt to honest faith. Each of has things in our lives that invite, encourage, inform, and embolden us on our walk with Jesus. As long as we keep an open heart and an open mind, we can find ongoing guidance from the Spirit on the journey that continues to lead us and guide us in the way of Jesus as we are led by that Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love withal. ~~~Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.” Remember-Jesus does not require perfect faith from the start. What he asks for is an open heart, one not closed to belief or closed by belief. He asks for this open heart so he can lead us, and keep leading us, from honest doubt to honest faith. The Good News is NEVER fake news. Amen
Prayers of Intercession
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love. A brief silence.
You shower your church with grace, O God. Unite the whole church on earth, so that with one heart it testifies to the resurrection of Jesus Christ with power and love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You proclaim the blessing of life forevermore. Like dew upon the mountains, refresh your creation. Restore waters, cleanse the air, and provide revitalizing moisture to parched land. Give your whole creation the promise of new life. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You direct the nations, O God. Guide all in authority, that they shepherd their peoples in the ways of your love. Defeat in us our impulse to war. Bestow the peace of Christ upon those in authority and breathe upon them the Holy Spirit. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You place within the heart of the church a spirit of sharing. Give us the power of your generous Spirit, that we provide for the needs of others ( specific needs may be named). Announce your peace to those who are lonely, hurting, suffering, or afraid. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You give us fellowship with one another in this faith community ( name). Shine the light of the risen Christ in our life together, so that we live in love for one another and our joy may be complete. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You share the gift of eternal life. In thanksgiving and remembrance, we recall the lives and gifts of those who now live in endless joy ( especially). Unite us with them in resurrection hope. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
The blessing of the living God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, surround and sustain us, keep us from harm, and fill us with courage. Amen.
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Let us go out into the world in peace, sharing the Good News of Jesus and his rising from the dead, as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen. Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
The April thru June Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS
Altar Guild: Gail Zahs & Delores Hall
Usher: Alan & Cindy Beicht
Counters: M. Outerbridge & B. Musgrove
PRAYER LIST
Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Cyndi and Fred for healing
Ken Zwara for healing
Jenny for healing and God’s love
Alec for healing
Pr. Marilyn for healing & God’s peace
Cindy Beicht for healing after surgery
Vinny for healing
Ian for sure and strong presence of God’s healing grace
Doris Puerner for healing
Marirose for a healthy pregnancy
Helen for healing
Kristin, Ron and Carolyn Rasmussen’s daughter, for healing after surgery
Jean Holcomb for healing
Florence, Lou Szepi’s mom, for God’s comforting presence
Dawn Seibert for healing
Carol for healing, hope, and God’s will.
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility.
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia.
Joyce, sister-in-law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery.
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing.
Pr. Pat for healing
Susan for healing
Jason for healing
NEW AT HOPE
CRAFT SALE – Earth Gifts, By Linda Kraigenow, Craftswomen was created to generate funds to support local charities. There will be a sale on Saturday, April 24, 2021 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Gulf Cove Church, 14200 Hopewell Avenue, Port Charlotte. Linda has a huge inventory of Hand crafted one of a kind, natural gemstones fashioned into pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets, beaded gemstones, pearls, and crystals. No two are alike. ALL proceeds will be used to keep Hope’s Love Pantry filled to help those in our community in need.
HOPE LOVE PANTRY – The pantry could use canned meat (no tuna), fruits, juice, iced tea, boxed milk, shampoo, personal products, or monetary donations. Thank you for your continued support and donations. This is our opportunity to serve God and share Christ’s love with all.
MONDAY BIBLE STUDY on God sightings every Monday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Bible study will return on April 19 th.
WOMEN OF HOPE –Next meeting with be April 18th, 2021.
HYMN REQUESTS If there are any particular hymns that you would like to hear at worship, please submit the names to Pastor Jen at hopeluthern1@comcast.net. If our licensing agreement permits, look forward to hearing them soon.
HOPES AND DREAMS FOR HOPE – If you have a suggestion for a Hope or Dream for Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen and your council would love to hear it. Please feel free to place any Hope or Dream in the mailbox in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All requests will be kept confidential, and you will receive a timely response.
EASTER FLOWERS
Donated by: In Memory of:
Fred & Cyndi Carley In Memory of Loved Ones
Kris Hinterberg In Memory of Ralph & Jean Klein
Paul Scott In Memory of Renee Scott
Anna Fretz In Memory of Loved Ones
Roger & Judy McGill In Memory of Loved Ones
Karen Petersen In Memory of Ernie Petersen
Donna Turner In Memory of My loved ones in Heaven
Barb & Larry Brady In Memory of Loved Ones
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