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Woship Resources 2008-2009 — Year B: Be a Sanctuary of Christ's Peace
Return to Year B: 2008-2009
Resource Index
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Peace Be with You
Second Sunday of Easter
Scriptures: Acts 4:32–35; Psalm 133; I John 1:1—2:2;
John 20:19–31;
Helaman 2:112; Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
Prelude
Welcome
*Peace Songs
“We’re Singing a Peace Song” SP 19
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” NS 45
“The Cause of Zion Summons Us” HS 314
*Invocation
*Response: “Song of Zechariah” verse 1 SP 5
OR “O How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” refrain HS 322
Call to Worship: Psalm 133
Song: “Will You Come and Follow Me?” Worship and Rejoice 350
This hymnal is available from Hope Publishing Company. Call
1-800-323-1049, toll free.
OR “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee” HS 462
Sermon
Based on John 20:19–31
Disciples’ Generous Response
Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to
integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries
Mission Tithes. Generosity stories are provided to keep the church in touch
with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ.
Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information
as part of your offertory ministry. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/generositystories to print a copy, or contact your
pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.
Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes
Song: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” HS 18
Sharing Warm Fuzzies
Tell about someone in the group you appreciate. In a small congregation,
each member is encouraged to pick out one individual—telling about a
quality, personality trait, memory, or some other positive attribute or
experience they admire or have appreciated. If the facilities allow, share
by sitting in a circle. In a large congregation, smaller groups could be
formed for sharing.
Prayer for Peace see
page 27
Feel free to remain in the groups from the previous activity. Each group
could choose a specific region of the world and offer a prayer for peace
regarding that area. After the prayers the groups can return to the larger
group or can remain in place through the last hymn and benediction.
*Closing Hymn: “Peace I Leave You” SP 35
*Benediction
*Sending Forth: Helaman 2:112 OR John 20:21
*Postlude
Sermon Helps
Scriptures: Acts 4:32–35; Psalm 133; I John 1:1—2:2; John 20:19–31
Exploring the Scriptures
The story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples causes us to wonder what it
would have been like to encounter the risen Lord. It is common to assume that
the term “disciples” is specifically referring to the Eleven (the Twelve minus
Judas), but it would be a mistake to make this assumption. John rarely refers to
the Twelve but rather the gathering of disciples. In this case the gathering of
disciples represents the faith community and not the early leaders as
represented by the Twelve.
This story is linked with the preceding story in the garden by the use of the
phrase “that day” (v. 19). The disciples’ fearful actions would suggest they did
not believe Mary’s report. The locked doors seem to heighten the expectation and
the effect of Jesus’ entrance into the room. In fact it is a reflection of the
disciples’ fear because of conflicts with Jewish authorities.
Jesus’ greeting, “Peace be with you,” is a conventional greeting; however, in
this context it fulfills one of his promises given to those who will experience
hatred and intense persecution (14:27). This peace is given to a small band of
disciples who have locked themselves away for fear of the Jews and is a reminder
to us today that in life or death we belong to Christ and need not be afraid.
As if to alleviate any doubt, Jesus shows them his hands and his side. He
will give Thomas a more detailed presentation with the challenge to later
generations of the importance of faith in the unseen things of God. After
affirming the gift of his peace and commissioning them, he fulfills the promise
of the Advocate, or Holy Spirit, in his farewell message to the disciples. Jesus
breathed on them as he conferred upon them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This commissioning of the Holy Spirit would not only be critical in the
empowerment of their ministry but would serve as a foundational experience as
they encounter significant challenges and even death for the sake of the work.
As we read this scripture, we have the benefit of knowing what lies ahead for
the disciples and the early church. God, through Christ and the Holy Spirit,
would not leave them alone but would sustain and empower their ministry. The
same promise holds true for us today.
We close this passage with the memorable interaction between Thomas and
Jesus. We wonder how one could doubt in the presence of the risen Jesus, yet we
recognize in our lives today the tendency to focus on those things which are
seen. Jesus continued to point to a kingdom that was not of this world and
challenged the disciples to put their trust in God.
Central Ideas
- Like the disciples, we struggle to grasp the full meaning of the
Resurrection in the midst of the struggles of life.
- We hear the commissioning of the disciples anew in our day as we respond
to the call to share the peace of Jesus Christ.
- The disciples saw and believed. We are called to place our trust in a
faith journey with God that provides assurance for today and hope for
tomorrow.
- If we truly follow the movement of God in Christ, we will encounter
hatred and persecution.
- The Holy Spirit provides strength and insight to those who accept
Christ’s commission.
Questions for the Speaker
- How does your hope in the Resurrection impact your ministry today?
- How has the Holy Spirit provided peace in the midst of your
uncertainties?
- What are the modern-day distractions and messages that make trusting in
the unseen purposes of God challenging?
- How has your discipleship resulted in situations where you are
confronted with opposition or persecution?
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