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Sunday, March 30, 2008

Peace Be with You

Second Sunday of Easter

Scriptures: Acts 2:14a, 22–32; Psalm 16; I Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31; I Nephi 5:103–112; Doctrine and Covenants 157:11–12

Sharing Christ’s Peace

Become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls, as a fulfillment of the vision for which Jesus Christ sacrificed his life.—Doctrine and Covenants 163:8c

Worship setting should include a candle to light later in the service.

Prelude

Welcome and Sharing of Good News

Praise Hymn

“Jesus, Name above All Names” NS 25
OR “We Are People of God’s Peace” SP 6

Call to Worship: I Peter 1:3–5, Acts 2:32

*Hymn of Invocation

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” HS 31
OR “O Day of Peace” SP 22

*Invocation

*Response

Focus Moment: Share the story of “The Handyman’s Philosophy.”

Lighting of Peace Candle and Prayer for Peace

Have someone in the congregation light the candle and someone share a peace prayer.

Scripture Lesson: John 20:19–31

Ministry of Music:

“I Need Thee Every Hour” HS 129
OR Music Video: “Everywhere” from Igniter Videos, Vol. 2, music by Rich Mullins. Available at http://www.ignitermedia.com/ products/iv or by contacting Igniter Media Group, 9330 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75243; phone: (214 )340-1826; toll-free: 866-340-1826; fax: (214) 341-7081.

The Message of Peace

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. Offertory 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/offertory to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: Psalm 16

Blessing and Offering of Mission Tithes

*Hymn

“Canto de Esperanza” SP 25
OR “Weave” NS 51

*Benediction

*Postlude

The Handyman’s Philosophy

My workshop is my temple.
My tools are like chapters in a bible.
It is here where I can restore something old, but precious.
It is here where I can create something unique.
It is here where I can I can be at peace with myself.

Each tool teaches me about improving my character.
Each tool shows me a guideline to life.
Each tool tells me how to conduct myself with others.
Each tool has a purpose.

When I caringly pack all my tools in my toolbox, it reminds of the following story:

A well-loved farmer in a country community died suddenly one dark and rainy night. Everyone came to pay their respects and offer their prayers. They had to negotiate past the buckets and containers that were scattered around the living room to catch the leaking rainwater. The minister arrived and they all started praying.
Suddenly there was a noise at the front door and an old farmer arrived with his toolbox and a wheelbarrow full of groceries. When everyone asked him what he was doing, he politely replied,

“Well, I figure that God is pretty busy right now, listening to each and everyone’s prayers and deciding on some divine plan, so I’ll just get on with the small job of bringing food into this home and start repairing the leaks in the roof. Tomorrow I’ll fix the water pump, repair the tractor, mend the fence, and make sure that this farm carries right on where my good friend left off.”

Where we choose to bring peace is a matter of our calling from God. Some are called to be a handyman, others farmers, others managers…whatever our calling is, we are called to be instruments of peace to all of God’s people.—Copyright © 2000 Brian Ewen White. Used with permission from http://www.MotivateUs.com

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Acts 2:14a, 22–32; Psalm 16; I Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31; I Nephi 5:103–112; Doctrine and Covenants 157:11–12

Exploring the Scriptures

John’s story of Jesus’ appearance on the evening of that first Easter Day marks the beginning of the church inspired by the Spirit of the living Christ and commissioned to spread the gospel. It is similar to Luke’s story found in Luke 24:36–43 and takes place in Jerusalem.

John says that the doors were locked because the disciples were afraid of the Jews. Perhaps they were fearful that they would be caught and crucified like Jesus, although there was no evidence that they were in real danger. Or perhaps they were afraid that the Jewish authorities would think they had stolen the body of Jesus. Whatever the reason, we know those gathered were afraid of the unknown, of the future.

Those gathered were Jesus’ disciples, a general description for those who followed Jesus. Even with the doors locked, Jesus appeared and “stood among them,” saying, “Peace be with you.” Jesus was aware of their mental and emotional state, and so he shared his peace with them, a peace that filled them with the assurance that his Spirit was always with them—no matter what happened.

Not only did he assure them with his words, but he showed them his body, marked by the suffering of the Crucifixion. How could they now doubt that he lived?

The disciples rejoiced, their trusted friend had returned. But even more remarkable, his presence was proof that their beloved leader had been resurrected! With the knowledge of his life, death, and resurrection, they became true believers ready to go forth in passionate witness, mission, and effective Christian service.

Jesus commissioned them and empowered them for service, saying, “Just as the Father has sent me, so I send you.” It was the crucified and risen Lord who sent them forth for God’s purpose to bring the good news of salvation to sinners everywhere.

To equip them in this mission, Jesus did a peculiar thing: “He breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The Greek word we translate as Spirit also means breath or wind. Jesus was telling his disciples that his Spirit would always be there for them and that Spirit was as common as the air they breathed or the wind that blew through the trees.

Just as Jesus breathed on his disciples, reminding them that his Spirit would always be with them, so this day the same Spirit blows in our midst, equipping us and sending us forth to witness of the risen Lord who calls all people to follow him.

Central Ideas

1. The peace of Jesus Christ is offered to all people.

2. Jesus stands among those who believe in him as a reminder that he lived, died, and rose again.

3. Just as God sent Jesus, so Jesus commissions us to go and witness in his name.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you felt the breath of the Holy Spirit in your life?

2. How did that assurance of God’s presence commission you in mission?

3. Remember a time when you’ve testified of the risen Christ. What effect did the witness have on you and those who heard?

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