Worship Planning Template (1)

Worship Planning April - 2009 April 5 – Communion – Palm Sunday Scripture: Mark 11:1-11 (NRSV version please) Sermon: “One Step Closer” Theme: Having waited his whole ministry for this moment, Jesus takes one step closer to the death and resurrection that he knows are his purpose. We take steps as well – kids with palm branches, adults toward communion – but we remember that Jesus calls us to take one step closer as we journey through this week. Video: Bill Shaw – palms, images of the Palm Sunday parade, leading to images of Holy Week later in the service Note: Print Mary Oliver poem “The Poet Thinks about the Donkey” in the bulletin April 10 – Good Friday Scripture: John 18:1-19:47 Readings: 18:1-11, 18:12-27, 18:27-19:16, 19:17-37, 19:37-47 Sermon: “Into the Silence” Theme: We will focus on Jesus’ words from his betrayal in the Garden to his death on the cross. At first he explains again who he is, and tells people the truths he has been sharing. After he is condemned, his words become fewer – until he dies and is silenced. Jesus enters into the silences of our lives – the places where we are misunderstood, where we have no words, where we thirst and fear being alone. Video: Bill – start with spare and simple images of the passion (from the garden to the cross) – end with images of emptiness, silence - the feeling after the crucifixion. April 12 – Easter Sunday – Baptisms at both services Scripture: John 20:1-18 Sermon: “First Things First” Theme: Keying in on Jesus words to Mary – “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Prior to Jesus being going to the Father, even before the resurrection was complete in some sense– he went to tell Mary what had happened! Such is his love for us. The first thing for Jesus is those who need to know of his victory. Those being baptized this Sunday are the first thing this Easter – as are those who have not yet come to believe. Video: Bill – The visual focus of the sermon will be Jesus and Mary’s interaction in the garden…particularly the moment where Mary rejoices in Jesus without “holding onto him”. The feel of the presentation should be victorious. I will speak of Jesus’ power over death and its hold on our lives. Note: Flower Cross, Butterfly Release April 19 – Bright Sunday Scripture: Acts 4:32-35 I John 1:1-2:2 Sermon: “No Kidding”

Theme: One week after Easter, it can be hard to believe that the world has changed. The proof is in the way we live, the “impossible” things we do in Jesus name, and the power of our testimony. I will go back and forth between jokes and stories about the power of the resurrection. Video: Lani, with an assist from Bill. Humor is key – have great fun this day. April 26 – Day Care Sunday Scripture: Luke 24:36-48 I John 3:1-7 Sermon: “Faith Like a Child” Theme: Jesus instructions on appearing to his disciples after the resurrection are striking. He proves he is alive in bodily form and then gives them a simple message. What would it mean to live out his words with a child-like faith? Video: Randy – images of the risen Christ, images of children practicing the faith