Sunday, March 31, 2024

Sermon: “Be Still and Know: What Comes Next?”, Mark 16 (March 31, 2024)


He is risen! [He is risen, indeed!]

This year, March came in like a lion and is going out like the Lamb of God! Amen?

After six long weeks, we’ve finally arrived at what is inarguably the pinnacle of the Christian liturgical year: the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Since Lent is a time of preparation and reflection, we’ve spent it learning new ways to stop in the midst of our busy lives and pay closer attention to God’s work in the world. To NOTICE God around us in every moment, so that we’re even more ready to welcome the miraculous Good News of Easter Morning – that Christ is risen! [He is risen, indeed!] In case you need a reminder of all that we covered in the last month and a half, the bulletin insert provides a brief summary of each practice we’ve discussed – take it home and use it as encouragement to keep up with whatever Spiritual Practice (or practices) you’ve found most meaningful.

My Favorite Moment of Easter Worship

When I used to serve an Episcopal Church, one of the liturgical differences that stood out to me the most was the fact that we didn't have a prayer of confession during Easter. Don't get me wrong; I totally appreciate the theology behind this, but as a cradle Presbyterian, it just feels wrong not to confess our total depravity every week, even on the day that we celebrate the divine act that ensured our salvation. So I always include it in every liturgy that I write.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Liturgy: Easter Sunday Lessons and Carols, Mark 16 (March 31, 2024)

   *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*


Additional Hymns:

Hymn GTG #232, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”
Hymn GTG #589, “Aleluya”
Hymn GTG #591, “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah" [Refrain only]
Hymn GTG #246, "Christ Is Alive!"
Hymn GTG #238, "Thine Is the Glory"
Hymn GTG #248, "Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!"


Liturgy: Good Friday Lessons and Carols, Mark 14:43 - 15:47 (March 29, 2024)

*You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

You can watch the video HERE.

Leader: Over the course of the past six weeks of Lent, we’ve been reading through Mark’s gospel from the beginning to the end, a practice that we’ll be continuing tonight. But we’ve also been exploring different spiritual practices that can help us to “be still and know that God is God.” Tonight, we will be experiencing the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trials, crucifixion, death, and burial alongside the ancient tradition of Breath Prayer.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Liturgy: Maundy Thursday Lessons and Carols, Mark 13:1 - 14:42 (March 28, 2024)

*You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*


Opening Words: Mark 13:1-2

Leader: Throughout Lent, we have been hearing the story of Jesus’ life through Mark’s gospel, and we’ve been learning about how we can encounter God through different Spiritual Practices. Tonight, we continue our journey: we will hear the story of Jesus’ final moments with his disciples as we encounter God through the Spiritual Practice of Meditative singing.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Liturgy: Palm Sunday Lessons and Carols, Mark 10:46-12:44 (March 24, 2024)

  *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*


Additional Hymns:

Hymn GTG #199, “Filled With Excitement”
Hymn GTG #281, “Holy Spirit Come to Us”
Hymn GTG #200, “A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd”


Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Liturgy: Lent 5 Lessons and Carols, Mark 9:33-10:45 (March 17, 2024)

 *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*


Additional Hymns:

Hymn GTG #188, “Jesus Loves Me!”
Hymn GTG #281, “Holy Spirit Come to Us”
Hymn GTG #749, “Come! Live in the Light!”


Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Liturgy: Lent 4 Lessons and Carols, Mark 8:22-9:32 (March 10, 2024)

 *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*


Additional Hymns:

Hymn GTG #410, “God Is Calling through the Whisper”
Hymn GTG #281, “Holy Spirit Come to Us”
Hymn GTG #463, “How Firm a Foundation”