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Easter 3

Just like yesterday’s song, today’s song, Body of Christ, is taken from John 20:19-23.  It was written by Sarah Kivell, the music director at University Community Church in Windsor, ON.  The songwriter chose this same Caravaggio painting as I used in Sunday’s sermon.  Take a few moments and sit with the picture now, as you listen to the song. Say a prayer of awe and thanks to Jesus. 

This song takes us beyond the painting. The painting is of the literal, physical body of Christ; the song picks up from there and refers as well to the spiritual body of Christ. These disciples would have not yet comprehended this mystery of Christ and his body.  Sometimes, we are able to begin to understand it. This song reminds us that as we, his body, experiences brokenness, we identify with our Saviour Jesus.

  • In what ways is Jesus showing us (you) his love right now?
  • In what ways to do you perceive/experience the body of Christ (us) right now?
  • In what ways is the body of Christ wounded right now?
  • In what ways can you (we) be the living, healing, body of Christ  to others, even in our present situation?

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Thank you all for joining us for online Good Friday and Easter worship.   Wasn’t it good to experience this together, from our own homes?  Many of you came out as well for virtual coffee hour, and we had a great time sharing together. Irene reports that about 50 people enjoyed the flowers from the cross on the church’s front lawn, which is great. While you are thinking of it, take a moment and thank the folks that made all of this possible.  We thank God for their work. We especially thank Jesus for his work!

Today I am launching “online office hours.”   It’s very simple:  every Tuesday – Friday I will open up two Zoom sessions at pre-determined times.  If you want to connect with me for any reason, just join the session by computer or phone.  Who’s welcome to drop in during online office hours? You, of course!  For now, unless there are scheduling conflicts, office hours will be Tue-Fri, 11-noon, and 1-2pm.   Click this link to join by computer. 

Let’s remember again in our prayers today our members and loved ones in Holland Christian Homes and Sunrise, that God would keep the virus far from them, as well as residents of other care homes especially those who have become sick.

In closing, let’s pray together as Jesus taught us to pray:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

Your blessing today comes in song in this video from my alma mater, another example of what this pandemic is pushing us to accomplish, uniting even while separated.  Be blessed, Fellowship! 

Pastor Mark

PS – for Brian Doerkson fans, Jane shared the link to his Easter concert, which is based on his new album, Grateful. Enjoy!

  

                                  

 

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