Tonight we gather together on the eve of a national election to carry out the Spirit’s words to us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer before Worship: Heavenly Father, we gather together this evening to call on your name. You establish every earthly authority. You are in control of all things. We ask you to bless our country through the officials who will be elected. We also implore you to bless us with your Spirit as we worship so that we remember that in all things you are the ultimate source of all good things. Amen.

A platitude is a statement aimed at helping sooth some sort of emotional unease. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Or “Life is a mystery.” Or “Good things come to those who wait.” While platitudes may be well-intentioned, at best they come off as trite. And since platitudes provide no real help, they can actually make a situation worse. Tell the one whose heart is shattering, “Life is a mystery.” They won’t appreciate your platitude or you.

The resurrection gives believers the ability to offer more than platitudes. We have a meaningful message to share—of repentance, of forgiveness, of peace, of power. The reality is we have something important to say to every single person that God brings into our sphere of influence. And our risen Savior gives us the courage and power to share that meaningful message.

In the early church the Easter Vigil was when the catechumens were baptized and received their first Communion. Baptism remains a central focus in the Vigil today. Even when there are no baptisms the congregation takes the time to remember their own baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. The service traditionally was held late at night so that the pastor’s statement, “Alleluia! Christ is Risen” and the people’s response would be at midnight.

The Triduum (TRID-oo-um, “three days”) refers to the time from worship on Maundy Thursday until the final worship of Easter Day. The “Three Holy Days” of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culmination of the entire church year. It is over these days – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter – that we celebrate God’s redeeming love in the dying and rising of His Son, Jesus, and still see that love today. The Triduum is a single celebration. Once we have begun the Triduum on Maundy Thursday, we do not “leave” it until Easter Sunday. It is one continuous celebration of dying and rising, with Christ.

Good News of Great Joy! The King shall come–just as promised.

This life-changing story tells us that you are loved and you are forgiven.  No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, through faith in Christ, we have forgiveness.  When you know that truth but you kind of ignore it, it’s like driving outside at night without lights.  You are ignoring the truth and it is dangerous.  Even when it’s foggy, life gets hard.  We need help.  We need the Light.  We need the truth.  That’s what Christ is.

As you hear this story today, don’t just think “Do I like this?”  Think about how we worshipped and what our Savior means to us–that He has come to be one of us, to live for us, to die for us, and that He rose again to show that our sins are forgiven.  Take to heart this true, life-changing message as you hear what a wonderful story this is. 

This life-changing story tells us that you are loved and you are forgiven.  No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, through faith in Christ, we have forgiveness.  When you know that truth but you kind of ignore it, it’s like driving outside at night without lights.  You are ignoring the truth and it is dangerous.  Even when it’s foggy, life gets hard.  We need help.  We need the Light.  We need the truth.  That’s what Christ is.

As you hear this story today, don’t just think “Do I like this?”  Think about how we worshipped and what our Savior means to us–that He has come to be one of us, to live for us, to die for us, and that He rose again to show that our sins are forgiven.  Take to heart this true, life-changing message as you hear what a wonderful story this is. 

In the early church, the Easter Vigil was when the catechumens were baptized and received their first Communion. Baptism remains a central focus in the Vigil today. Even when there are no baptisms, the congregation takes the time to remember their own baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. The service traditionally was held late at night so that the pastor’s statement, “Alleluia! Christ is Risen” and the people’s response would be at midnight.

_____________ leads to ________ __________ ______________ of being ____________ __________ ___________ on you You are… read more

Welcome to worship today at Morrison Zion Lutheran Church.  We exist to glorify God.  We… read more