Worship Planning

April - 2009

April 5 – Communion – Palm Sunday

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV version please)
Sermon: “One Step Closer”
Theme: Having waited his whole ministry for this moment, Jesus takes one step closer to
the death and resurrection that he knows are his purpose. We take steps as well – kids
with palm branches, adults toward communion – but we remember that Jesus calls us to
take one step closer as we journey through this week.
Video: Bill Shaw – palms, images of the Palm Sunday parade, leading to images of Holy
Week later in the service
Note: Print Mary Oliver poem “The Poet Thinks about the Donkey” in the bulletin

April 10 – Good Friday

Scripture: John 18:1-19:47
Readings: 18:1-11, 18:12-27, 18:27-19:16, 19:17-37, 19:37-47
Sermon: “Into the Silence”
Theme: We will focus on Jesus’ words from his betrayal in the Garden to his death on the
cross. At first he explains again who he is, and tells people the truths he has been
sharing. After he is condemned, his words become fewer – until he dies and is silenced.
Jesus enters into the silences of our lives – the places where we are misunderstood, where
we have no words, where we thirst and fear being alone.
Video: Bill – start with spare and simple images of the passion (from the garden to the
cross) – end with images of emptiness, silence - the feeling after the crucifixion.

April 12 – Easter Sunday – Baptisms at both services

Scripture: John 20:1-18
Sermon: “First Things First”
Theme: Keying in on Jesus words to Mary – “Do not hold on to me, because I have not
yet ascended to the Father.” Prior to Jesus being going to the Father, even before the
resurrection was complete in some sense– he went to tell Mary what had happened! Such
is his love for us. The first thing for Jesus is those who need to know of his victory.
Those being baptized this Sunday are the first thing this Easter – as are those who have
not yet come to believe.
Video: Bill – The visual focus of the sermon will be Jesus and Mary’s interaction in the
garden…particularly the moment where Mary rejoices in Jesus without “holding onto
him”. The feel of the presentation should be victorious. I will speak of Jesus’ power
over death and its hold on our lives.
Note: Flower Cross, Butterfly Release

April 19 – Bright Sunday

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35
I John 1:1-2:2
Sermon: “No Kidding”
Theme: One week after Easter, it can be hard to believe that the world has changed. The
proof is in the way we live, the “impossible” things we do in Jesus name, and the power
of our testimony. I will go back and forth between jokes and stories about the power of
the resurrection.
Video: Lani, with an assist from Bill. Humor is key – have great fun this day.

April 26 – Day Care Sunday

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48
I John 3:1-7
Sermon: “Faith Like a Child”
Theme: Jesus instructions on appearing to his disciples after the resurrection are striking.
He proves he is alive in bodily form and then gives them a simple message. What would
it mean to live out his words with a child-like faith?
Video: Randy – images of the risen Christ, images of children practicing the faith