Her Legacy Lives On

May 11, 2025 Acts 9: 36-43 Mother’s Day Year C Her Legacy lives on Prelude Greetings Call to Worship One: Today we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all the women who have loved us. Many: Thank you God for giving us mothers. One: We remember with deep gratitude all the ways they demonstrated their love for us. Many: Sometimes we did not understand them, but we know that God understood. One: We take time to remember our mothers because a mother's love is most like God's love. All: For their tears, for their hugs, for their wisdom, for their unfailing trust in our abilities, we give thanks today. (United Methodist Board of Discipleship, LaGretta Bjorn) Opening Prayer (Do not Print) Loving God, we know your love because we have mothers. We thank you for the mothers who carried us in their wombs, nourishing, protecting, and bringing us into the world. We thank you for the mothers who did not give birth to us, yet loved us just the same. With gratitude we remember their words of encouragement when we have felt unsure or afraid; we thank you for their kindness when the world has treated us unkindly; we thank you for their soft, comforting arms and the gentle way they kissed away our tears; we thank you that they protected us with the fierceness of a lioness protecting her cubs; we thank you for the times when they corrected us rather than letting us continue down wrong paths. Help us to live so that their investment in us might not be in vain. We honor our mothers with lives of service to you in the name of the Risen Christ, for it is in his Name we pray. Amen. (United Methodist Board of Discipleship, LaGretta Bjorn) Song Easter People Raise your Voices UMH 304 A Sermon for all Ages Hello, children of God! Hmm…wow. So much for my great plans. I have some special tools and equipment here, but I don’t think I have the skills to use them correctly. I thought I would try my hand at sewing, because it sounds like fun, and it would be pretty impressive to be able to create things like clothing and blankets and gifts for people. I gathered all of these items that should go with sewing. (Hold up items as described) I have some needles, and some scissors, and fabric, and thread, and string…I thought it should be simple enough. I should be able to just put these fabric pieces together. But…I think I messed up a little (exhibit attempted, but obviously failed craft). In fact, I’m not even sure I used the right kind of tools here. This looks a bit like a big mistake. I guess I’m not cut out to be a seamstress. But you know what? I know some people who are excellent at making things using sewing. I have some friends who love to create beautiful clothing and quilts. I’ll bet if I take these tools to them, they might be able to fix my mess-up and make something new and useful! In the hands of people who know what they’re doing, things will be done right. This sort of reminds me of what God can do in our lives. He creates each of us with special skills and abilities that we can use for Him. But sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes things get messed up and seem bleak and even hopeless. But God can turn our lives around and use even hardships for His glory. He can and will take all of our abilities and use them for His purposes. There’s a wonderful story in the Bible about a time that something that looked sorrowful turned joyful. In fact, this story features a lady who liked to sew. Her name was Tabitha. She’s also called Dorcas, but I kind of prefer the Tabitha name. Anyway, Tabitha made clothing for people, and she did a lot of great charitable things for people. Sadly, Tabitha got sick and died. Those around her were very sad, and they mourned as they remembered all of the wonderful things she made and did. They sent for Peter, that good old disciple of Christ, and he came to the house where Tabitha’s body was. As everyone was weeping, Peter knelt and prayed. Then he called to her and said, “Tabitha, get up!” And you know what? She did! It was like she’d just been taking a nap. Tabitha got up after being completely dead, and she was alive and well again! Naturally, word spread about this event, and it caused many people to believe in Jesus. A sad event was turned around and used for God’s glory and purposes. And I’ll bet Tabitha went back to making things for people, so that God could use her gifts for His purposes. The same thing can happen with us. God gives all of us special talents and ways to serve Him. You might feel that you are not enough for the task. Maybe you don’t know how to best live for the Lord. Maybe you’ve made mistakes and feel like things are hopeless. On your own, it might be tough to do, well, anything. But in the hands of the Master, anything is possible. God wants to use you, and will make it happen! God also wants to use all things for His purposes. Place your life and all things in His hands. No matter who you are, He can and will use you! And no matter what happens in your life, He will use that, too. Let’s say a prayer to thank God for the opportunity to use all gifts for His glory: (MinistrytoChildren.com, Kristin Highley) Prayer of Blessing for Mother’s Day (and other days): Holy One, today we pray for all who share in your creative power, your nurturing energy, your fierce protection, your unconditional love. Whatever titles they carry, Whatever genders they are, We offer this prayer for all who bear your Mothering Spirit: Protect the protectors; Comfort the comforters. Nourish those who provide nourishment for others. Grant your holy energy to those birthing new life in this world. Provide sacred rest for the weary, Divine wisdom for the bewildered, Grace upon grace for the brokenhearted. For all who gasp and pant with you in life-giving labor, Grant your blessing, Grant your peace. Amen. (From Expecting Emmanuel, Joanna Harader) Scripture Acts 9:36-43 Sermon Her Legacy Lives on May is the month of teacher appreciation, nurses appreciation, and even bus driver appreciation. In the midst of all of these appreciation days, I saw a Facebook post that said if there if your profession has to have an special appreciation day, then you are not getting paid enough for what you do for the world. I thought that sounds about right. May is also the month of rebirth. It is the month that we celebrate the gift of resurrection. – so our scripture for this morning is perfect for the fourth Sunday of Easter. It is the story of Dorcas, a woman who dedicated her life to serving those who were not celebrated, appreciated, or even acknowledged. Her mission was to make clothes for the widows. In those days, widows were a hidden part of society. They could not work, they had no means of support, they could not be seen, they were totally dependent on the kindness of others to survive. The old testament states that these are the people who we all have an obligation to take care. That was Jesus ministry – to take collect money to support the widows. That was Peter and the disciples ministry after the resurrection. That was Paul’s ministry to the gentiles – to raise money for the widows of Israel. Dorcas is the only woman in the bible who has earned the title of female disciple, because she diligently continued the mission of Jesus. You can’t tell the gospel story without acknowledging the contributions of women. In the midst of doing their work, women were the first to witness the resurrection. They were not named as disciples, and yet they were the backbone of the early church. Often times, they were behind the scenes cooking and taking care of practical things, so that the twelve disciples could be out in front telling the story and raising money for Jesus’ charity. Also they were the ones who financially supported the early church. So it is fitting that when one of these important benefactors dies, that they would call Peter to come and to do the funeral and to comfort the community. Dorcas was one of those important women. Everyone loved her, because not only did she support Jesus ministry to the widows. But she also held everyone thing together. She was known for helping the widows and for that matter anyone. She inspired others to believe and to help with the mission. When she died, the community lost a shining light that could not be replaced. Peter, not only comes to see her, he is able to put life into her body, and to bring her back to life. We never know if she returns to her ministry, or if she is as active in her new life as she was before, or if the community is just grateful to have her presence. What we do know, if that her gifts for ministry are present. At her wake, not only do the people gather to tell stories of how she helped them, they bring all of the clothes that she made for them as they honor her life and her ministry with them. This is a very fitting story for Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is one of the most emotional Sunday’s of the year. Because it is a day that can trigger so many different emotions. There are so many things going on in our heads about mothers. But this morning, we seek to honor our mothers. And while this a happy day for most, we need to realize that, for some women, Mother’s Day feels more like a day of mourning than a day of celebration. It stands as a reminder of what some have lost. Perhaps it’s a woman who lost her child through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness, or tragedy. Perhaps it’s someone who recently lost or who is estranged from his or her mother. Perhaps it’s a mother who is challenged by a rebellious child. Or perhaps, it’s an infertile woman who is pleading and praying for the gift of motherhood. Perhaps it’s a woman who had an abortion before she came to Christ. We all have different experiences that color our view of things, and so there may be some here this morning with pain and suffering that makes it difficult to celebrate. Meredith Hodge was a woman like that. She was infertile and unable to have a child. Regarding Mother’s Day, she has written, “Infertility had darkened my heart and tempted me to despair. Anticipating [Mother’s] day in fear, internally I wished over and over: ‘Please don’t make the moms stand up. Please don’t hand out flowers to moms. Please, no one wish me a happy Mother’s Day.’” She went on to say, “It wasn’t anger or jealousy, but my attention was more focused on my isolation and brokenness. I was grieving the loss of my longtime dream to be a mother. I felt as though all eyes were on me: the barren, childless woman in the congregation, the one who ‘wasn’t blessed.’ I assumed people were staring at me thinking, ‘I wonder what’s wrong with her and why she doesn’t have kids yet.’ “It wasn’t until I applied the gospel to my circumstance, prayed for guidance, and allowed the Spirit to take over my heart that I began to see heart transformation and change in my response to Mother’s Day.” As we honor the mothers in our lives, as we honor the experience of mothering and nurturing that we have received. I think that it is important for us to remember the themes of our scripture – the power of the resurrection, the gifts of the spirit, the mission to help those who can’t help themselves and the contributions of women. Mother’s Day is a chance to acknowledge all of the women in our lives, and their faithful service. Who are the women in our lives who have contributed to the tapestry of our lives, of our church. How do we say thank you for all that they have done for us. This story in Acts 9 says that Peter was here and there. In other words Peter couldn’t sit still, he needed to go out and tell everyone the story of Jesus resurrection. Everywhere the he went, he was able to who others how the spirit was alive and at work in the world. When he is called to do Dorcas’ funeral – he asks everyone to leave and then he puts the spirit back into her body. He is able to do the same things that Jesus did – and bring her back to life. That was his way of acknowledging her part in Jesus ministry, it was his way of saying thank you. Wouldn’t we love to have the power to bring back those important women of faith, who showed us what love is, who supported us and who invested in us. On this mother’s day, all that we can do is remember them in or hearts. In the midst of their grief, those who loved Dorcas, not only used words, but they also used actions to who their appreciation for all that she had done for them. They bought her work in order to spread the good news of her faithfulness. They showed all of the clothes that she had made as a testament to her character and good works. Her good works spoke far louder then her words. We are the results of all of the Dorcas in our lives, their work lives on in us. We are living sermons of those who came before us. I read of a father who often reminds his children: “Your life is God’s gift to you. What you do with your life is your gift back to God. So do something great for God with your life.”[5] That’s good advice. So do something great for God. Make a difference to others by lifting them into life. For when you do, you too will be lifted up from your problems and brought back to life. You will experience the ecstasy of generosity because you will feel a little like how God feels when we allow him to love us. And when these sacred moments of generosity occur, I believe God smiles, for he sees the world the way he created it to be. As Peter is here and there and out and about, he shares the story of Dorcas to tell the power of the holy spirit working within us. The holy spirit worked within Dorcas life in order to make a difference to others. Her life spread love to the whole community. Her life was love in action. The Apostle Paul says that none of us live to ourselves and none of us die to ourselves. There is a link, a tie that binds us together, and although it is a matter of faith, something that is unseen, that cannot be weighed or measured, it becomes visible in the ways we practice mutual aid. There's a song that says, "They'll know we are Christians by our love." Let's hope so. Let's hope they know us by the mutual aid that we practice, by the caring we display for each other, by the words that we share and the lives that we live. And our living faith. Amen. CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Sermons for Sundays in Lent and Easter: The City of Justice, by Frank Ramirez I heard about a kindergartener who was asked to define love and he responded by giving the teacher a big hug and he said, “That’s the way we define love at my house.” And that’s why motherhood is such a beautiful model for Christian love – because mothers translate love into action every day. But, as much as your mother loves you, there’s only so much she can do for you. Someone has written a piece called “Reflections of a Mother”, and in it, says such things as: I gave you life, but cannot live it for you. I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn. I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe. I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you. I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God’s family. I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God. I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord. And it’s true. As much as your mother may love you, she can’t follow God for you. And that’s true of our love for one another here this morning. As much as we may love one another, we can’t obey the gospel for one another. That’s something we’ve all got to do as individuals. In the midst of all of the pain and the pitfalls of Mother’s Day, it is important to honor this day. It gives us a chance To honor the love in action that we have received from so many women in our lives. But it also reminds us – to be love in action in the lives of others. We all get the chance to participate in the continued work of the spirit. Let’s pray….. Song All Hail the Power of Jesus Name UMH 155 Prayers of the People (Do not Print) On this fourth Sunday of Easter, with the scent of lilies from the flower- ing cross not yet a distant memory, hold your resurrection glory before us as our guide and hope, O God. May this season plant seeds of new life and yield growth and maturity in Christ. May the gift of your Spirit be our steady leader and faithful friend. We praise you, Savior God. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! (Revelation 7:12) For mothers around the world today, we give you thanks, O God. We give thanks for the countless ways mothers and mother-figures nurture, educate and inspire. Bless the women who hold and heal, who shelter and protect, who liberate themselves and others from that which dis- courages and curbs potential. Within our varied roles and with our differ- ing gifts, help us recognize the Divine’s image in all her people. We praise you, Savior God. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! (Revelation 7:12) Righteous God, in a world torn by war, keep us from hate that hardens and scorekeeping with human lives. When our world is troubled and vi- olence the chosen path, draw near to judge and save. Guide our leaders with your wisdom. Help us walk with humility as our constant compan- ion. Move our hearts with compassion, justice and love. p2We praise you, Savior God. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! (Revelation 7:12) As the Body of Christ, hear us now as we pray as Christ taught us, (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment In the book of Acts, Luke tells about the beginning of the life of the church. The disciples keep finding ways to share the Good News Jesus had taught. In Acts 9, we hear of Peter coming to Joppa, where Tabitha had died. Peter heard others tell how Tabitha shared her talents with the widows, providing clothing for them. Then Peter prayed and gave what he could, bringing Tabitha back to life. In our life together, what can you give to build up the community? Some of us can create, some can provide compassion and care, some can bring new life to those drowning in despair or depression. Most of us can share financially, letting our checkbooks and wallets attest to the faith we claim. This is a time to offer your gifts. With joy-full hearts, let us present signs of our own identity as disciples of Christ. Prayer of Thanksgiving God, we offer these gifts to you. Please receive them. Help us translate this offering back into ways of building up these people and the ministries to which you call us. Use us. Use our talents and our treasure. Help us each, and all, proclaim the Good News of your love, which we know best in Jesus the Living Christ. AMEN (Disciples of Christ, Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Live into the hope of Christ’s resurrection! Honor the God who calls you to new life! May the grace, hope, peace and love of God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer be with you now and always. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction God’s hand holds us fast and will never let us go. Let us leave this place in sure and certain faith that we swim in the love of our Creator, to the east, the west, above us, below us, and within us. Written by Sally Johnson, United Methodist Creation Justice Movement Additional Illustrations She Knew the Good Shepherd Missionary Herb Schaefer tells about a thirteen-year-old Chinese girl who continued with her family to worship God secretly in their home during the Cultural Revolution in China, that time when religion was forbidden and worship was banned by the Chinese rulers. One evening the Red Guards burst into their small home and threatened them for worshiping Jesus. A small altar with a crude cross stood in one corner of the room. Determined to put a stop to their worship and command complete allegiance to the Communist state, the Red Guard lieutenant demanded they spit on the cross. They refused. The lieutenant became indignant and shouted at them that unless they spat on the cross they would be killed. Finally the elder in the group came forward, spat on the cross and left. One by one they followed, doing the same disgusting thing until only the thirteen-year-old remained. She refused to do what the others had done. "I cannot and I will not," she replied. Then she told the lieutenant the depth of her faith and said that she was willing to die for it. Remarkably the Lieutenant seemed pleased. "This is the kind of devotion we want for the new China: people who will commit themselves so totally that they are willing to die for what they believe." But he wanted that devotion directed toward Chairman Mao. "We will change you," he promised and left. She was spared, but she never saw the rest of her family again. The story doesn't end there, however. For shortly thereafter, that little girl fled to Hong Kong and was taken in. Later she entered the Lutheran seminary there and today she is a pastor of the Hong Kong Lutheran Church, serving the needs of countless souls. She prays for the day when she will be allowed to return to her village and minister to her people there and perhaps even to that Red Guard lieutenant who spared her but murdered her family. She was able to endure, to overcome that tragedy in her life, because she knew the Good Shepherd. Lee Griess, Taking The Risk Out Of Dying, CSS Publishing Company How many times have we heard, “Sorry, too late, or “The deadline has passed, or “Time has expired.” Life does not always give us a timeout to tend to urgent matters. Life does not always grant us double and triple overtime. Some things we must do now because the circumstances require immediate action. Time is the most important of all of our resources. It’s the only thing we can give to others and never get back. The clock is ticking down on all of us. We must find ways of giving our immediate attention to priorities that require our utmost urgency. Peter went with the disciples immediately and Tabitha was brought back to life. The people who loved Tabitha did not delay notifying Peter of the problem and Peter did not delay addressing the problem. They both were concerned about time. They both acted with the utmost expediency. They all had a sense of urgency in a matter of critical importance. The slightest delay could end in disaster. We feel like we know Tabitha because we all have been blessed to know someone like her somewhere along the way. Perhaps it was our grandmother, an aunt, or a neighbor lady. Perhaps it was an older gentleman from church, a customer on the paper route we carried as a youngster, or a former teacher. Some saintly soul whose skillful hands and generous spirit combined to leave behind a lovely legacy of good works. Personally, I know that all of Gladys' adult grandchildren still have Christmas stockings that she sewed for each of them when she was alive. Elizabeth's crocheted afghans are still gracing count¬less homes so many years after her death. Jack's carefully crafted stained-glass art hangs now in the windows of the homes of family and friends all over the country. And William built more book¬cases, picture frames, cabinets, and shelves than he could remem¬ber before he died, but those of us who have pieces of his crafts-manship all remember him. So it was with Tabitha. The family members, friends, and neigh¬bors gathered together in her home, clothed and armed with the good works that she had left behind. Together they admired her loving handiwork. Together they fondly remembered her. Together they showed the symbols of her goodness to the apostle. Why? Because that's what he had seen Jesus do. Years before, when Peter and the rest of the twelve had accom¬panied Jesus all along the dusty roads of Galilee, Peter had been in a similar bedroom. The twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus had died, and the house was full of mourners. But Jesus sent them away. Or at least out of the room. And then, accompanied only by a select few disciples and the grieving parents themselves, Jesus spoke to the little girl. And in speaking to her, he raised her to life. So, now, the disciple followed the example that he had seen set by the Master. He sent the mourners out of the room, and then he spoke to the corpse. "Tabitha, get up," Peter said, and the dead woman opened her eyes. Then she sat up. And then, next thing you know, Peter is leading her out to present her to her astonished friends and loved ones. Where Tabitha had been, she left behind symbols of love and generosity, tokens of thoughtfulness and sweetness. Where Peter had been, he left behind life and health, gladness and rejoicing. We consider the example of Tabitha, and we observe that the good works she left behind remind us of her Lord. For he is the original artisan, after all, and he has generously shared his handi¬work with us. We see both his skill and his sweetness in what he has made. The works of his hands inspire our praise and adoration. Likewise, we consider the example of Peter, and we see that the works he left behind also remind us of his Lord. We follow Peter, and we remember the one who sent his followers out "to proclaim the good news ... Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment" (Matthew 10:7-8). We remember the one who went about doing good (Acts 10:38) and then told Peter and the rest that they would do the works he had done and even greater works (John 14:12). The deeds and lives of his people, you see, remind us of him. For in the end, they are — we are — the good works that he leaves behind. Amen. CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Sermons on the First Readings, by David J. Kalas Now we are introduced to another woman. A woman role model? What? Right. A woman role model. She must have been a special lady, this Tabitha — Dorcas. I am not even sure if either of those was actually her given name, because both, in Aramaic or Greek, mean "Gazelle." A nickname? Was she swift? Fleet of foot? We have no idea. Perhaps the "gazelle" moniker applied because she was so quick to respond when someone needed help. "Always doing good and helping the poor" (Acts 9:36), says scripture. Good for her. A role model — a woman! Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple. Have there been any women important in your Christian experience? What's that? Foolish question, you say. I guess, but I can think of some. Mom — it was at her urging that I knelt down by my bed one night at the age of seven and asked Jesus to be my Savior. There was Iris — Iris was our youth leader, always there, dependable as the day is long. There is my wife, Christie, of course. Her love over this past quarter-century-plus has taught me what grace is all about — she loves me no matter what. No, I cannot explain it, but no one can explain grace. There was Naomi in Fort Myers, Florida, a feisty eighty-year-old redhead who offered her preacher unfailing encouragement through difficult days. Speaking of feisty, I could never forget Mildred in Greensboro, North Carolina, who lived and breathed her church and would have eviscerated anyone who would do it harm. I also remember Judy, whose wonderful faith through some tough times was a beacon of inspiration to me. I could go on and on and on. So could you. Needless to say, no one is especially startled at such statements these days, but they would have been almost scandalous in New Testament times. Women's place in society was not much more than property, and Jesus' willingness to speak to women in public and even include women in his entourage was just a bit outrageous. Beneath the surface of this text lies several hidden treasures. Among these are service and witness, faith and resurrection, testimony and promise. Tabitha, or Dorcas as translated in the Greek, holds the distinction of being the only woman in the New Testament who is specifically referred to as a disciple. Dr. William H. Willimon writes in The Interpretation Bible Commentary, "She merits the only use of the feminine form of the Greek word for 'disciple' in the New Testament." There is also in this text a sub-theme of faith and resurrection. Faith in the promise of God to raise those who died in Christ to new life again, and faith in the power of resurrection in life's everyday disappointments. While our text tells of the personal resurrection of Tabitha, it also reveals the communal resurrections for the widows, once the down-trodden of the community. The resurrection of Tabitha represented hope in the midst of despair, faith in the midst of failure, victory in the midst of defeat. When will the breakthroughs occur -- when will we become living sermons? It must begin at the household of faith, with the people of God. During this Easter season we have an opportunity to break down barriers that separate us from one another, and demonstrate that which we say we are about. Women in ministry, pulpit exchanges, ministry in cross racial settings, ministry to persons who are homeless, ministry to persons living with AIDS, persons from different cultural groups, persons from different religious expressions, and people who need to know that God cares for them regardless of who they are, where they've been, or where they are now. God's redemptive grace is for all people. Our challenge in today's world is overcoming the temptation to follow the crowd. The desire to be among the in-crowd often damages our witness. It's so easy to discriminate against others when we have the support of the crowd. It takes real courage to confront injustice and stand for what models Christ's example. A living witness must look beyond the status quo and seek to reach people at their point of need. Taking the gospel where people are will sometimes take me into places that are unfamiliar. When we commit to "walk the walk" and not just "talk the talk," then we're released to share the good news with integrity, compassion, and love. CSS Publishing Company, TURNING OBSTACLES INTO O, by Rodney Thomas Smothe A minister recently shared with me an experience of one of his friends. His friend had cancer. He was undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and the prognosis was not very good. Then, at Christmas, he received a special treat from his nine-year-old granddaughter. His granddaughter made a Christmas stoc_esermonsking for him and she sent it to him along with this letter. Dear Granddaddy, Here is a stoc_esermonsking for you. This year the only thing I'm asking for for Christmas is for my grandfather (you!) to get better. I wanted some other stuff, but I can have that anytime I want. But there's only one of you. You're the best! Maybe Santa will come to your house and put magic stuff in your stoc_esermonsking that will make you all better. Love - Laura Just as you and I feel the pain of our loved ones, God feels our pain. Just as we reach out in tenderness to those who need it most, God reaches out to us. In our times of pain, we must continue to trust in God's loving presence in our lives. Trust In God's Power In April of 1995, our country experienced the worst act of terrorism ever exacted on U.S. soil -- the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City. Don Hull of the Oklahoma City Police Department was one of the first to arrive on the scene. As he crawled through the debris and smoke, he saw a baby that looked to be dead. The baby had a gash on the side of its face but no blood was flowing from the wound. The baby's arm was also severely twisted. Even though he was looking for possible survivors and even though he knew the baby was dead, Hull felt compelled to pick him up. As he did so, he could hear the baby gasp for air. Suddenly blood burst forth from the baby's wounds. It was as if picking the baby up had jump-started his heart. Holding the baby tightly against his chest, Hull crawled out of the wreckage of the building. Twice on the way out he had to administer CPR to keep the baby alive. The baby turned out to be Joseph Webber. Joseph's dad says that his son would not be alive today if not for the efforts of Don Hull. He goes on to say, "It is nothing less than a series of miracles that Don Hull saw Joseph, that he picked him up, that he felt hope, that he breathed life into him and carried him out. It is truly miraculous. The work of God."2 Even in the face of great adversity, God can do miraculous things through those who respond faithfully to his call. If we will follow the compelling heart and the gentle nudgings of God's spirit, we can be effective servants for the kingdom of God. We are unlimited in what we can accomplish for God, but we must seek God's empowerment of us. It is that power that enabled Peter to raise up Tabitha and it is that power that will enable us to rise above the constraints and the trauma of life in this world. Testify To God's Faithfulness When God empowers us to overcome the difficulties of life, our call is to bear witness to others. We must share the message of the good God has wrought in our lives. In this way our times of difficulty can be opportunities for bringing glory to God. A fifteen-year-old boy was taken in for open-heart surgery. His heart lacked the oxygen necessary to live an active life. The surgery would last for several hours. The boy's parents anxiously sat alone in the surgical waiting room, wondering how they would pass the time and hoping that all would be all right. After sitting alone for a few minutes, they saw a familiar form walking down the long hospital corridor toward where they sat. It was a man who was a good friend of theirs. He was also an active deacon in their church. As he got closer to them, they could see he was carrying something under his arm. He sat down with the boy's parents and he showed them that he had brought his checkerboard and checkers with him to help them pass the time. So, for the next three hours, they played checkers together. Before they knew it, the time had passed. The surgery was over and all was well. When we have experienced God's presence and God's power in our lives, we are changed. We are left wanting to witness to others about this glorious transformation in our lives. The things we do and the things we say reflect our new master. And when we encounter people in need, we can carry Christ's gracious and compassionate presence to them. Similar to Tabitha, they too may be raised from death to life." CSS Publishing, Lima, Ohio, Returning To God, by Douglas J. Deuel Dorcas, in our text, falls ill and dies, leaving behind her a whole group of poor widows to whom she has ministered and for whom she has provided clothing and support. Widows in Israel were among the destitute, having no one to protect them or to furnish them the necessities of life. Thus, there are repeated admonitions in the Old Testament to show mercy toward widows, orphans, and strangers, and Dorcas is an example of that mercy. But now Dorcas is dead, and the poor widows, whom she has helped, weep in grief, not knowing what will become of them or to whom to turn. Their grief is overcome with joy when Peter raises Dorcas from the dead and presents her alive to the bystanders and church in Joppa. The result is that many in Joppa, who do not belong to the church there, are converted to faith in the Lord. Once again, Luke, the writer of Acts, is presenting us with the on-going power of the Spirit that is rapidly converting the Mediterranean world. No one deserves a special day all to herself more than today's Mom. A cartoon showed a psychologist talking to his patient: "Let's see," he said, "You spend 50 percent of your energy on your job, 50 percent on your husband and 50 percent on your children. I think I see your problem." Source Unknown. A Sermon Opener: This is a Mothers’ Day sermon. I’m preaching without apology and with appreciation for that time—honored institution without the benefit of which we wouldn’t be here! Every Mother’s Day sermon I’ve run across starts with an explanation —— this one’s no exception. As ministers, we’re reminded not to get too sentimental about motherhood because: (a) for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one; (b) for some, biological motherhood isn’t possible; (c) for some, mothers weren’t all that nice; (d) for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is still less than abed of roses and a primrose path. If I can take some liberties with poet Wilhelm Busch’s words, I’d have to say: “(Mutter) werden ist nitch schwer; (Mutter) sein dagegen sehr.” (To become a (mother) is not so difficult; on the other hand, be-ing a (mother) is very much so!) So, with all those qualifications, why bother with Mothers’ Day at all? I’ll tell you why —— because for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we’re talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God’s creative plan to bring love and caring to light. Motherhood is a constant demand for the gift of love and caring. Proclaim, “A Mother’s Day Sermon,” May 14, 1989. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the loving God, who was born of the promise to a virgin named Mary.. I believe in the love Mary gave her son, that caused her to follow him in his ministry and stand by his cross as he died. I believe in the love of all mothers, and its importance in the lives of the children, they bear. It is stronger than steel, softer than down, and more resilient than a green sapling on the hillside. It closes wounds, melts disappointments, and enables the weakest child to stand tall and straight in the fields of adversity. I believe that this love, even at its best, is only a shadow of the love of God, a dark reflection of all that we can expect of him, both in this life and the next. And I believe that one of the most beautiful sights in the world is a mother who lets this greater love flow through her to her child, blessing the world with the tenderness of her touch and the tears of of her joy. An Affirmation from John Killinger's, Lost in Wonder, Love, and Praise. Illustration: "As we began to pastor our first church, my wife, Lori, and I found we were going to have a third child," Bill wrote. "Several weeks later, Lori was going through her clothes, which no longer fit. Watching her, our 5-year-old son asked, ‘Mom, now that you're going to have a baby, are you going to have to wear 'eternity' clothes?'" (Source: Bill McKibben, Woodlake, California) Eternity clothes? Yes, it seemed that way at the time!

The Perfect Church

Acts 2:42-47 The Perfect Church 4th Sunday of Easter Year A Prelude Welcome Call to Prayer (Based on John 10:1-10) Our Good Shepherd calls. He knows us each by our name. Our Good Shepherd leads. We are here to listen and to follow. Our Good Shepherd protects and provides. We give thanks and praise for our Good Shepherd. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Opening Prayer Caring God, we’re nurtured by you in every place, but today we give you thanks for this particular place where we gather. As we worship you, we’re filled with gratitude for your protective embrace. Encourage us, enable us, and then send us out with confidence, eager to do your will with our words and our deeds. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Song Precious Lord UMH 474 Children’s Sermon Title: Giving Together- Stewardship Lesson Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 Target Age Group: 3rd-5th grade Main Point: God (point upwards) uses his church (point at yourself and the kids) to spread blessings (spread arms in front of you.) Supplies: Bibles, paper and markers, giving coloring page Lesson Opening Ask: What are some ways that you care for your friends? How do your friends care for you? Ask: If you were in need, how do you think a good friend might help you? Say: In today’s story we’re going to hear about how the early church cared for each other during times of need. Pray that God would open their hearts to his word today and thank Him for the truth of our resurrected Savior! Tell the Story Ask: Have you ever experienced something so awesome that you just couldn’t wait to tell someone else about it? Say: That’s exactly what our story is about today! Our main point today is: God uses His church to spread blessings. Say: After Jesus rose from the dead and was taken up into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples. For the first time, God’s spirit actually dwelt within people! How amazing is that?! Say: The disciples were so excited about Jesus that they couldn’t wait to start sharing the good news. Ask: Have you ever gotten good news that you wanted to share with others? Ask: What good news did the disciples want to share? Say: They wanted to tell people about how Jesus died and rose from the dead to be the payment for sin. The disciples also wanted to share how Jesus wanted to welcome others into God’s Kingdom so they could experience a real relationship with God. That’s definitely good news! Say: In the Bible, God’s Word to us, we can read about the early church. It didn’t look much like our church building today. Let’s read from God’s Word together, and as I read, listen for the description of the early church. Read Acts 2: 42-47: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” Ask: What did you hear about the church? Say: The early church wasn’t about a building! It was all about a community of people who believed in and were following Jesus. The people loved God and they loved each other. Ask: What are some ways that the people took care of one another? Ask: What were some things that they did together when they gathered? Say: That reminds me of our main point: God uses His church to spread blessings. Say: God used the early church to spread blessings to others, so the church could continue to grow. The Bible tell us that more and more people were believing in Jesus everyday! God uses the church today for the same purpose! God wants His people to love Him and share His love with other people. Ask: What are some ways that we might spread blessings to other people? Say: Let’s pray together now and ask God to show us ways each day to love others and spread blessings to them! Pray Review Questions • What was the main point from our lesson? • What was our story about? • What do we learn about God from this story? • What do we learn about how God wants us to live as followers of Jesus? • How can we practice generosity this week? (Ministry to Children.com, Beth Steward) Affirmation of Faith UMH 885 Scripture Acts 2:42-47 Sermon The Perfect Church If we were to associate the church with a color, what color would it be? There are a lot of colors, but there is only one that fits the church. It is a grand color – not my favorite color, but the color that I have a lot of respect for because of what it represents. Purple! Purple is the perfect color to represent the church. Purple represents royalty. Historically it has always been very costly to produce. One of the first Christans, Lydia, was a dealer in purple dye – she became an example to many generations. It is also the color that we associate with the crucifiction of Jesus. Purple is the color that you get when you combine red and blue – two respectable colors within themselves, but when they are mixed together they make an even deeper color. Purple is the color of sacrifice, it is the color of compassion, it is the color of love for one another. On my fitbit, when it wants to show that I am calm and at peace – it shows me the color purple. All that the church represents is present in the color purple. Our scripture this morning is all about the church and what the church represents in the world. The lectionary has had us looking at Acts chapter 2 for three weeks now. These verses are so important to what the church is, that Willow Creek uses the first verse as their mission statement. The beleivers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. As the church we should devote ourselves, share everything but especially a meal, pray. Our scripture also says that we should be united and share everything, help those in need, meet together, eat together praise God and most importantly – demonstrate God’s goodness to every one. “ Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. ” — John Wesley During lent, we had John wesley’s Love Feast – which I explained was a reenactment of the early church’s agape meal. They would gather together often in order to express their faith. They would share a meal with one another, but make sure that the whole community knew that they were free to attend and get something to eat if they needed it. During that meal, they would sing, pray, give testimonies of how God was working in their lives. And the most important part of the meal was collecting an offering in order to help those in need. In many ways the agape meal is still a part of our faith. There are many churches that still have a large meal after church. Many of our gatherings are around a common table. Every Sunday, we and many churches gather together in community in order to sing, pray and realize how God is working amongst us. The final verse says that as they had these fellowships meals amongst the community that more and more people came. Last week I talked about how 3000 people joined the church after listening to Peter’s Sermon. Sometimes when we read the story of the early church in the book of acts, we start to compare ourelves and we start to think that the spirit does not work in the same way today. We can never compare ourselves with what the early church did- because God works in each time and space in a different way. We start to think that perhaps we are doing something wrong – because we don’t see that kind of numbers in our church. So it was interesting when doing my research this week. That many people agree that Acts is an account of what happened in the early church. But not everyone agree’s whether it is true or not. Some people say that Luke was being idealistic – that he was giving an exaggerated view of the power of the church in order to tell a story. Some people say that Luke gives a view of all of the wonderful things that the early church did to get people to join. Everything was perfect for awhile, but eventually things fell apart. Others say that what we read in Acts did not happen at all. The book of Act is not a story of the early church, it is a story of how God used their actions to touch the lives of people. I think that it is important for us to read what the early church did, and to see the power of the church and to take account of how the Holy Spirit moves in our fellowship to make a difference in the world. It helps us to see how God is working today – Let's try an experiment. Look around you and find five things that have blue in them. Go ahead. It didn't take long did it. With a 'blue' mindset, you find that blue jumps out at you: a blue dress, a blue book, blue in the stained glass, and so on. Have you ever noticed how after you buy a new car, you start see that make and color everywhere. That's because people find what they are looking for. At times in our lives, God seems strangely absent or very distant, but the problem isn't that God has disappeared. The problem is that we simply lack a 'God' mindset. When we develop a "God" mindset through prayer, we begin to see God's work everywhere. The only church that ever matters is the church of here and now in the present. We don’t have to look back and compare ourselves with the past. But to see how God is working. Instead of looking for blue – look for purple. Where is the sacrifice, the compassion, the love today. We don’t have to be the perfect church, just strive to be the purple church. So earlier I said that the early church they devoted themselves to God, they shared meals, they prayed, they met together, they ate together, they praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to every one. There is one more thing that they did that I left for last – They were in awe of God. Instead of talking about what the church did verse 45 says what God did to and for them – it says that a sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. When was the last time that you were in a sense of awe at what God has done in our lives? The world encourages us to look for what is not happening. To look for what we don’t see. The book of Acts encourages us to look for what is happening. It took me a while to choose my final story – but I think this one shows the meaning of what it means to demonstrate God’s goodness to everyone. It happened a few years ago at a high school football game between the Lions and the Tornadoes. The Lions belonged to a Christian school with supportive and involved parents, up-to-date equipment, and a 7-1 record. The Tornadoes were from a state juvenile correctional facility. Many of the players had convictions for drugs and assault. Many had been disowned by their families. Their equipment was old and worn. Their record was 0-8. Kris, the head coach of the Lions, decided that this game was an opportunity to show what the love of Jesus might look like. He sent letters and emails to Lion parents and fans asking for volunteers to cheer for the Tornadoes. In his mes¬sage, Kris said, “Imagine if you don’t have a home life; if everyone had given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean if hundreds of people believed in you and even cheered for you by name.” At game time, the Tornadoes took the field running through a 40-yard double line of screaming fans and cheerleaders yelling, “Go, Tornadoes!” During the game Tornado players heard hundreds of fans behind their team bench cheering for them by their first names. When both teams gathered on the fifty-yard line for the customary post-game prayer, one of the Tornadoes players asked to lead. Coach Kris still remembers it word for word: “Lord I don’t know how this happened and I don’t know how to say thank you. I would never have thought there were so many people in this world who cared about us.” As the Tornadoes got back on their bus, they were each handed a bag containing a fast food meal, a Bible, and a letter of encouragement from one of the Lion players. Before the bus left, the tornado coach hugged Coach Kris, thanked him and said, “You’ll never be able to know what your folks did for these kids tonight. Thank you.” But who won the game? Jesus of course. He has framed, changed, and challenged us to show the same compassion to others. If we just keep being faithful, remembering the lessons of the bible, and sharing and caring – God will do the rest. Amen. Song They’ll Know we are Christians by our Love TFWS 2223 Prayer of Intercession Jesus, you are the shepherd of us all. I pray that those who need you in this moment would not be found lacking. You lead them to calm waters, infusing them with new strength. You guide them on the path of justice for the sake of your name. Although they pass through difficult and dark trials caused by evil forces, may they not be afraid because you are at their side and with them. It is you who supplies all their needs, laying out a banquet for them, even when surrounded by their enemies, anointing them, continuing to fill them with your Holy Spirit so that they can know that your kindness and love follow them all the days of their lives, and in the house of Jehovah the Lord, they will live every day now and forever. Amen. Written by Cláudio Carvalhaes, Liturgies from Below: Praying with People at the Ends of the World,” (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2020), 154. Stewardship Moment Moment for Stewardship Most of us have little connection to sheep, open pastures, or sheepfolds. So rather than ask you to think about the Good Shepherd, let me as you to think about the Good Teacher. Do you know what often happens in a classroom of young students? Of course, if you’ve been, or are, an elementary teacher, you know. If you’re an elementary school child, an engaged parent, or active grand-parent, you know, as well. What’s the contrast between a classroom with a regular teacher, and that same classroom when the teacher is away? (tell a short memory of a moment you’ve experienced, or use the following description) A volunteer in a third grade classroom agreed to be the adult presence when the teacher left to pick up items at the school library. However, when the students realized their teacher was gone, the volume level of conversation escalated. Several students got up to get a drink, sharpen a pencil, retrieve something from their cubby…until the room was a loud, chaotic scene! Not a positive learning environment in that moment! So, imagine Jesus identifying the difference between a teacher and a volunteer. The volunteer finds the classroom descending into mayhem, until the teacher returns. The teacher flicks the lights, stands in the front, and declares “everyone in your seats NOW!” The teacher brings order and a return to a productive classroom. Jesus, the true teacher (the good shepherd), came so we all may receive what God intends for each one: abundant life! In gratitude for the abundant life we receive as followers of Jesus, let us offer our gifts! Prayer of Thanksgiving Holy God, you’ve provided for us with the wonders of creation, the blessing of community, and the covenant bonds of baptism. With thanksgiving, we return a portion of what we’ve received. Please accept these gifts as signs of our love and our desire to spread the Good News to all we encounter. May we put them to full use as we experience and share “Abundant Life”. AMEN Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook We stand in awe of our amazing God. We live guided by our Good Shepherd. We are commissioned for service by the breath of the Holy Spirit. We are a blessed people. Let us go and be a blessing to others. May the grace, hope, peace and love of God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer be with us all, now and forever. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Terri McDowell Ott) Community Time Benediction We have been refreshed and restored. We have been called and guided. Let us go forth knowing who our true shepherd is, following his path, secure in the knowledge that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life. Amen. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Joanne Carlson Brown) Additional Illustrations The week before classes began, Harold, a high school history teacher, fell off a step ladder and injured his back. For the next three months he was forced to wear a plaster cast around the entire upper part of his body. The cast fit so well underneath his shirt and sport coat that it was not at all noticeable. On the first day of class, with the cast under his shirt, Harold discovered that he had been assigned the rowdiest and most rebellious students in the whole school. Walking confidently into his boisterous and disorderly classroom, Harold opened the windows and then busied himself at his desk until the bell rang to indicate the beginning of what looked like a very long history class. When a strong breeze started Harold’s necktie flapping in his face, Harold calmly picked up his desk stapler and stapled the unruly tie to his chest. That little demonstration got everybody’s attention. Harold had no discipline problems that semester. During the next few weeks, students began to look at Harold with new respect. Their grades improved, their attendance increased, and their number of detentions declined. Soon other teachers and even the school principal began to notice the changes in Harold’s students. One afternoon after students had gone home, some of Harold’s peers asked him how he had accomplished the impossible. Harold replied, “Well, I just did something ridiculous and humiliating that got their attention.” Then Harold described the tie stapling incident. Continuing on, Harold explained, “Well, you might have guessed that after a week or so, students began to realize that I was not a full-contact boxing champion and that I was actually wearing a cast. I was afraid that their old rowdy, disrespectful behavior would come back worse than ever. Fortunately, it did not. They had begun to appreciate the new respect from other teachers and students. Every day we challenged each other. It’s surprising, but we actually seem to like each other… most of the time anyway.” Hmmm… something ridiculous, humiliating, and impossible that changes everything. Sounds a lot like the crucified and risen Jesus, doesn’t it? On the cross Jesus framed us in the center of his love. Through his resurrection Jesus changed us from a people with little meaning and purpose into a new fellowship with mission and focus. Here is just one actual example of what that faithfulness looks like. Some of you may have heard about this. What was the secret of that magnetism? I believe it was that those early Christians saw their lives and their church, not as possessions to defend, but as gifts to be shared. Did you get that? They saw themselves and their church not as possessions to defend, but as gifts to be shared. Dr. Harrell Beck, professor of Old Testament at Boston University, tells a story that illustrates this point. He met a student one day in the halls of the university who seemed to be very sad. Dr. Beck asked the student what was wrong. “Oh, not much.” But when pressed, the student told his story. “My parents are both blind; have been since they were born. My father has had four seeing-eye dogs, the fourth one for ten years. His name was Scooter. “So?” “We lost Scooter yesterday. My father was going down town in Boston on the subway. When they came to the stop, Scooter, so anxious, wanting to help my father, didn’t wait quite long enough for the subway door to open, and his leg got caught and it ripped him from his thigh to his knee. Scooter didn’t even cry or whimper, so my father didn’t even know. They walked up the subway platform, and Scooter was bleeding profusely. A Boston socialite, you know they don’t care, she took off a white mohair sweater, wrapped it around the dog, and said “Sir, do you know you dog is bleeding profusely?” The young man continued. “A college student you know they don’t care came up and said, ‘Can I help?’ He went and got a taxi. A taxi driver you know they don’t care came rushing do a picked up the bleeding dog, gave his arm to the blind man and they went to the animal hospital. There the doctor said, “Your dog has lost so much blood, that I think he should be destroyed, but I cannot take his life without your permission.” The student said to Dr. Beck, “Do you know what it’s like to take the life of a loyal member of your family?” Then the student concluded - “That dog was more in the Spirit of Jesus Christ than I am.” You see that’s what was bothering the young man. He had seen a vision of selfless love which challenged him. That was the magnetisism of the Church of Pentecost: a people saw themselves and their church, not as possessions to defend, but as gifts to be shared; and I’ll tell you, when our church becomes that kind of church when that sort of Spirit permeates everything that we are - people will be drawn to us. We’ll keep praising God and having favor with the people who need us, who are looking for a fellowship in which they can find their life. A little boy came home after his very first Sunday School class; Mom asked who his teacher was. Little boy answered, "She was a real nice lady. I don't remember her name, but she must've been Jesus' grandma or something, because she didn't talk about anybody else all morning." (1) It's obvious this woman was a devoted teacher and a devoted Christian. The question this story and this passage asks us is: "Are we as devoted?" Do our actions and our conversation reflect our love for Jesus? Do our words and actions give away our relationship with the Savior? This passage is a living snapshot of the life of the early church. It reveals their devotion and faith. It reveals what was central to their lives and the character of their discipleship. The passage says they were devoted. But to what?

The Resurrection of Tabitha

May 4, 2022 Acts 9:36-43 Mother’s Day Fourth Sunday of Easter Tabitha’s Resurrection Year C Opening Song Welcome Call to Worship (from Revelation 7) One: ALL, and that means ALL (here, on-line and in spirit), come to worship God! Many: With the multitude from all ages, we cry out with a LOUD voice, “Holy victory belongs to God and to the Lamb!” One: Together, we are ready to worship the God who shelters us. Many: Together, we claim the Lamb as our shepherd. One: Together, we sing praise to God, who guides all to the water of life. Many: With grateful hearts, let us worship God. (Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer God of the ages, we offer you our praise this day, for the ways you continue to make your presence known to believers in every age. Thank you for the Lamb, who is our shepherd. Thank you for your tender care for each and for all. Thank you for welcoming those who come with joy, and those yearning for you to wipe away every tear from our eyes. We offer you our hearts, our hands and our voices. AMEN (Center for Faith and Giving) Song Great is Thy Faithfulness UMH 140 Candle Lighting for Mothers (Just print the bold responses and the line before) Leader: We gather this day in worship esteeming the Light of Jesus Christ—-who is both God and human, born of his mother Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is from God, the source of all light, that every good and perfect gift has come, including the gift of Mothers. May we thank God for this good gift, today and always. All: We light the candle of memory. (gold) Leader: We remember the light of the women in our lives who birthed us, adopted us, fostered us, nurtured us, cared for us, shaped us and disciplined us who are no longer beside us. May God’s light shine upon each one and may God’s comfort embrace each grieving family. All: We light the candle of honor. (pink) Leader: We honor the women in our lives who bring forth new beginnings, embrace us as their own, foster our growth, nurture us, care for us and help form us into better people by the power of their love which comes from God. May God’s blessings be upon each one. All: We light the candle of peace. (blue) Leader: We pray for the mothers who have buried children. We pray for the women who long to be mothers, but are not. We also pray for each mother-child relationship that has been strained or broken by action, in-action, distance or illness. May God grant peace to each one who finds this day difficult. All: We light the candle of hope. (green) Leader: We encourage the many mothers are overwhelmed trying to make ends meet who while exhausted love anyway. We encourage parents who must raise their children alone, grandparents and other guardians who nurture children in their parent’s stead. May God empower each one with hope. All: God, teach us to recognize Your light in all of its many forms as we remember, honor and reflect on especially the gift of Motherhood this day. Fill us with your hope that we might shine your light to the generations after us. Amen. Scripture Acts 9:36-43 Sermon Tabitha’s Resurrection So here we are at the fourth Sunday of Easter – we are looking at the resurrection stories – the stories of Jesus appearing to his disciples after the crucifixion and before the ascension. In these stories, the disciples are grappling with a new sense of faith, all the while grieving the loss of the times of teaching from Their Lord and Savior. They too are trying to understand the significance of the resurrection. Our scripture for today is one of several stories in the new testament about a faithful person being brought back to life. First there is the story of Lazurus, there is the story of the young daughter of a centurion, and we have this story, the story of Tabitha/Dorcas. I wonder if other than in the bible, whether you have a story of experiencing a resurrection for yourself. I do, I was about 4 or 5 years old. My grandmother took me with her to spend a few days with one of her nephews and his family. I think it was a significant birthday for him, and he had invited all of our pretty large family to join him. We travelled a few hours to get to their farm. I remember him talking about how excited he was that his daughter and her boyfriend were driving home from college to be there. So it seemed surreal when we woke up the next morning to be told that she has died in a carwreck. Everyone was already coming for a joyful celebration, the nephew decided that the gathering would go on, but for a different reason. This was the first person that I knew that died, and I spent a lot of time trying to process what this meant. The funeral was packed, I remember her in a pink open casket. Everybody, including me had to pass by the casket. After the funeral I lost it, I cried the whole day because I could not understand why she was not coming back. I was sitting on the bed crying when she came to me to tell me that everything was going to be okay, and that she would always be with me. At least that is what my 4 year old mind heard her say. It was many years later that I realized that she had two younger sisters that looked just like her. I just assumed that she came back alive and spoke to me twice. In my first experienced of death, I was relieved that it didn’t last forever, because they really do come back alive just like the preacher said about Jesus. That is my resurrection story – even today, 50 years later, the baby sister still keeps in touch with me. She has been a real comfort, especially after my mother died. She kept her promise to always be with me. The true significance of the resurrection is in the hope and peace that it gave to those who followed Jesus. Jesus promised to be with us even to the end of the age. Now this woman Dorcas must have been a very special person. She is the only person in the bible with he title mathitrea – or female disciple. We don’t know a lot about her life, but we do know that she served the widows and the poor just as Jesus told her to. Crowds had gathered at her house mourn her and to bathe her body. She died way too soon – if anyone could bring her back to life, it would be one of Jesus disciple. They send for Peter, who is 25 miles away. When he arrives at the house, everyone shows all of the garments Dorcas had made just for them. Funerals are an opportunity for the living to remember the ways that they have been touched and changed by this person. It a chance to gather in community and to share our grief. Jesus has told the disciples that a faith of a mustard seed can move mountains. He also demonstrated the power of resurrection and bringing people to life. Peter sends everyone out of the room and repeats Jesus miracle – she has come back. This resurrection story has a happy ending- Dorcas gets to continue to serve. Unfortunately, not all resurrection stories have a happy ending. In 1977, Dr. Martha Myers moved to Yemen to serve as a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology. Her target audience was Yemeni women who often lack medical care and, because of their religion, were prohibited from seeing a male doctor. Myers worked at a Yemeni hospital founded by American Baptists. But she also traveled into the most remote areas around the hospital to make house calls for her patients. Her love and commitment earned her both admiration and enemies. One day, a patient of Dr. Myers told her husband that she had never experienced such love and compassion in her life as she did at Dr. Myers’ hospital. That was the wrong thing to say to her husband. Concerned that his wife might be influenced by the doctor’s Christian faith, her husband promptly went to the hospital and gunned down Dr. Myers and two of her colleagues. At the time of her death, Dr. Martha Myers had served the women of Yemen for more than 25 years. The result? Over 40,000 Yemeni people attended Dr. Myers’ funeral. The former president of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, Jerry Rankin, said, “Martha’s colleagues said the gunman did not take her life. She lost her life to Christ years ago when she trusted him. Martha was not living for herself, but to serve others.” (7) For one moment, I want you to listen to this quote and put your name in it: “She lost her life to Jesus Christ years ago when she trusted him. Martha was not living for herself, but to serve others.” Does that describe your life right now? Is it how people will describe you after you are gone? You and I were made to be Jesus in the world. That means living with a sense of purpose and translating our compassion into action. And if we commit to living this way, then our lives will have an eternal impact too. Resurrection is not just about immortality, but also about new life especially within the community. The message is in how it changes lives and situations. Even in Dorcas story, we never hear about how she is affected. But the story ends by saying that those in mourning, saw the change and not only came to believe themselves, but they brought others to the miracle of resurrection. So let me ask you, how many Dorcas’ do you know. I only know one, and I just remember that she always felt that she had to live up to the reputation of her name. And the only Tabitha that I know is the little girl character in Bewitched. But the good news is that I know countless women with he title Matritea. – female disciple. There are countless women who have been an example for me, who want to make a difference, who are always in service, who opened the doors of life for me and for others. This Mother’s day let us honor those female and male disciples who have made a difference. Just as the resurrection of Dorcas was a bittersweet moment – this day can be bittersweet for so many. Resurrection is always the story of death and life. And yet resurrection shows us how Christ is present with us in the community around us, and the disciples who lead us. Let us pray…. Song Awesome God TFWS 2040 Prayer Help us to move beyond the “sampler” prayer so often found printed on pillows, on wall hangings: "The Lord is my Shepherd." Help us to understand what those words truly mean, O Lord. We can count on you. You are the one who holds our lives, guides our steps, comforts and sustains us. You want for us the lush greenness of verdant pastures and the alluring draw of still waters; yet you know that our lives will not be smooth; there will be rough times. We can count on you, Lord. We can place our trust in you. Help us to feel the power of the Psalmist’s words: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Nothing can trouble, nothing can threaten. You are with us. As we reach out in love and service to others, remind us that the work we do in your name, with love and compassion, is an echo of your tender mercy and loving care. Strengthen us and give us enthusiasm to follow the Shepherd all the days of our lives. AMEN. (Nancy C. Townley) Offering Moment for Stewardship (from Psalm 23) Perhaps the most well-known of all 150 Psalms is one you may have memorized as a child. The 23rd Psalm sometimes is a night-time prayer, sometimes recited at funerals, and often is sung in our own time of worship (CH 78 and 79; either of which could be sung during this service, by the congregation, as an offertory, or by the choir). Have you ever thought about this familiar Psalm as a report of what God gives us? Like a shepherd caring for sheep, God gives us abundant nourishment, safe water, and leads us toward peace in life. With God’s leading , we need not fear, knowing God is with us. Our cup overflows! We may not have everything we desire. We may live with challenges and difficulties. But this Psalm speaks to each of us, reminding us we’re followed by goodness and kindness, everywhere we go. What better response could we make to God-the-Giver than to offer back our lives! Offering our time, our abilities, and our finances (which can all work together), becomes a regular and life-long “thank you”. Today, I invite you to be a grateful lamb, filled with all the gifts offered by the Shepherd…and eager to offer more than our words. Let us share our gifts, our tithes and our offerings! Prayer of Thanksgiving Shepherd God, We offer these gifts to you, filled with gratitude for all you offer us. Receive what we’ve presented, and inspire us to use these resources to help create a world in which each person knows abundance, safety, and security. AMEN (Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Facebook Closing Prayer Let us go forth knowing that we are led by God, that we are sheltered by God, that God never leaves nor forsakes us even in the bleakest valley. In God, may we hunger and thirst no more, and may a peace that surpasses all understanding abide with us, now and forever more. Amen. (Rev. Mia M McClain – UCC Worship Ways) Community Time Benediction Go forth in peace and hope this day, for God is your guardian and guide. Bring news of God’s love to all whom you meet. AMEN. (Nancy C. Townley – Ministry Matters) Childrens Sermon Tell kids: Gifts don’t always come in boxes, especially gifts from God. The gifts God gives are often in the shape of people. He gives us special people, like Moms, to love us and raise us with kindness. (Show kids a gift box with a lid. Place a picture of a Mom in the box.) Do you see this box? Inside it is a gift more valuable than gold and silver. More expensive than jewels or a fast car. No gift is better than this gift. (Open the box and show the picture.) This is my Mom! She’s a nice lady who loves God and taught me all about Him. She is more precious than any gift I have ever received. Additional Illustrations He Knows Our Names There is an old story of a census taker who was making his rounds in the lower East side of New York, who interviewed an Irish woman bending over her washtub. “Lady, I am taking the census. What’s your name? How many children have you?” She replied, “Well, let me see. My name is Mary. And then there’s Marcia, and Duggie, and Amy, and Patrick, and...” “Never mind the names,” he broke in, “just give me the numbers.” She straightened up, hands on hips, and with a twinkle in her eye, said, “I’ll have ye know, sir, we ain’t got into numberin’ them yet. We ain’t run out of names!” The image of God as the Good Shepherd tells us that is the way it is with God. He knows us by name. Donald B. Strobe, Collected Words, www.Sermons.com Numbers. Our lives are filled with numbers. Each year we file our income taxes. Now that's an exercise in numbers to end all numbers games. Pages upon pages of numbers: earned numbers, spent numbers, invested numbers, and saved numbers. When it is finally prepared, we send it off to the Internal Revenue Service with our Social Security number on it. And the IRS takes all those numbers and puts them into a computer, along with the numbers of thousands and thousands of other people. And to them, we become a number. The government knows us by our tax number. The state knows us by our driver's license number. The bank knows us by our account number. And when we retire, we'll be remembered by our Social Security number. And it goes on and on. In fact, sometimes I wonder if anybody knows us at all without a number! And that's why this morning's Gospel reading is so significant, because it tells us that God knows us. He knows us intimately, in fact, better than we know ourselves. And that's important to remember. In spite of the fact that the image of sheep and shepherd is foreign to our experience, the words of the Gospel this morning hearken for us a truth that our human hearts long to hear. The Old Testament writer put it even more clearly when he wrote, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Jesus says it this morning, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me, and I give them eternal life." Lee Griess, Taking The Risk Out Of Dying, CSS Publishing Company Missionary Herb Schaefer tells about a thirteen-year-old Chinese girl who continued with her family to worship God secretly in their home during the Cultural Revolution in China, that time when religion was forbidden and worship was banned by the Chinese rulers. One evening the Red Guards burst into their small home and threatened them for worshiping Jesus. A small altar with a crude cross stood in one corner of the room. Determined to put a stop to their worship and command complete allegiance to the Communist state, the Red Guard lieutenant demanded they spit on the cross. They refused. The lieutenant became indignant and shouted at them that unless they spat on the cross they would be killed. Finally the elder in the group came forward, spat on the cross and left. One by one they followed, doing the same disgusting thing until only the thirteen-year-old remained. She refused to do what the others had done. "I cannot and I will not," she replied. Then she told the lieutenant the depth of her faith and said that she was willing to die for it. Remarkably the Lieutenant seemed pleased. "This is the kind of devotion we want for the new China: people who will commit themselves so totally that they are willing to die for what they believe." But he wanted that devotion directed toward Chairman Mao. "We will change you," he promised and left. She was spared, but she never saw the rest of her family again. The story doesn't end there, however. For shortly thereafter, that little girl fled to Hong Kong and was taken in. Later she entered the Lutheran seminary there and today she is a pastor of the Hong Kong Lutheran Church, serving the needs of countless souls. She prays for the day when she will be allowed to return to her village and minister to her people there and perhaps even to that Red Guard lieutenant who spared her but murdered her family. She was able to endure, to overcome that tragedy in her life, because she knew the Good Shepherd. Lee Griess, Taking The Risk Out Of Dying, CSS Publishing Company

Sheep and Shepherds

April 25, 2010
John 10:22-30
Psalm 23
Sheep and Shepherds
The Fourth Sunday Of Easter
Good Shepherd Sunday
Year C

It was winter-- the festival of Dedication is what we call Hanukkah.

"Hey Jesus! Come on now. We want a straight answer, not just
hearsay, not just 'signs.' We don't want to take therisk that your
actions may be our answer. We don't like ambiguity. We want a
notarized, authorized, sworn and signed statement that you are the
Messiah. Tell it to us straight, Jesus of Nazareth."

"I did tell you. I told you very clearly by changing water into wine,
by healing a blind man, by walking on water, and by saying 'I am' 6 or
8 times in all kinds of different ways. But y'all want it straight?
Okay, here it is. You're not called by me. Yeah, I AM the Messiah,
but obviously, if you don't get it by now, you're not going to. You
don't want my kind of Messiah. Because I'm the shepherd who will
actually feed the sheep, not just feed myself on the sheep. I'm the
real shepherd who is going to expose your hypocrisy and overrule your
injustices. See all these people following me? The ones you ignored,
ridiculed, and mistreated? They're following me, because they can
hear God through me. They are the sheep of shepherd. And just
wait til you see how I treat them. No more trampled down fields for
them to graze in, no more dirty water for them to drink. I know each
and every one of them, and they're listening to what I'm telling them.
And you can't take them away from me, no matter what you try. This
is what God is doing through me, because the Shepherd and the shepherd
do the same thing-- we are the same thing."
This is an important story because it speaks of an endearing question for all of us – who is Jesus Christ for us and exactly what kind of relationship should we have to this man who calls himself the son of God anyway?
This is an important story because it speaks of an endearing answer – Jesus Christ is the messiah – the one who comes to bring health, wholeness and happiness to us all. He is like a shepherd who cares for us and we are like sheep – in need of someone to look over us and to take care of us. He is the head of Christ and we are the body of Christ. He leads, we follow.
And yet that endearing questions remains – why a shepherd, and why are we sheep. The easy answer is that is the culture that the Hebrews would have understood. They were a nomadic people, traveling from place to place with their animals. It was so ingrained into their way of life was that was all that they understood – caring for sheep. That was how they understood any relationship – that was the language that they spook. The language of sheep.
The harder answer perhaps is that we are reminded that in the midst of all of our sophisticated thinking as people- our ability to think for ourselves, our ability to know right from wrong, our ability to take care of ourselves – that God is reminding us that we are still just as helpless and dependent on God as the sheep. That in spite of all of our knowledge and abilty to learn new things – that what we know is nothing compared to what God knows. That we are to remember that life is not about us and what we want, it is about god and what God wills.
The language of shepherd and sheep is the language of faith in God. It is a language that goes beyond our relationship with God and is present all throughout the church. Whenever the bishop is present and presiding- he or she brings in their shepherds crook and puts it in stand to remind us that He or she is the shepherd and we as the community of believers are the shepherd. In an individual congregation – the pastor is the shepherd and the congregation are the sheep. The pastors job is to lead and the congregations job is to trust, listen, and follow.
It is a relationship much like the one in our scripture, where the question is asked – how do we know that you are the one to lead us? When a pastor comes into a congregation how do you know that pastor is the one to lead? How do you know whether that pastor is knows what they are doing? In my interview with my new church – that was the first and most significant question that I was asked of me – how do we know that you are a leader who even believes in Jesus.
In my interview with my new church – that was the first and most significant question that I was asked of me – how do we know that you are a leader who even believes in Jesus.
I wont go into my answer – because in many ways those are questions that cannot be answered in words. Jesus himself says that it is not about knowledge, or data or proof – it is about belief. You have to believe within your spirit that this is the pastor called by God to lead in this particular place. It can be easy for us to get caught up into the humanness of the church, the personal flaws, the judgements and agendas of individuals. And to forget that underneath all of that is god’s saving acts in the world. Why should we follow a certain leader – because that is the person that God sent into the situation, to do a certain task. Whether we are in the role of shepherd or sheep – our role is not to know. Our role is to listen, trust and follow. Follow not man, but to follow god. And yet Jesus in his own words reminds us that God came to us in the flesh of a human being, to guide us, to take care of us and to save us from ourselves. Jesus himself says that his work and God’s work are one in the same for those who believe and follow his voice.
How do we know that we are doing the right thing? How do we know when we are trusting the right person, how do we know if a certain person is of God?
We have to be clear in our own faith, determined in our own spirits to follow God, and commited to following our own path. It is not always our job to judge another’s call or relationship with God – it is our job to know our job and our relationship with God.
Barbara Brown taylor writes – to be where God is - to follow Jesus – means going beyond the limits of our own comfort and safety. It means sharing the life we have been given.
Being a sheep means to be where God is – follow Jesus. To find God in all things. To be faithful in our own lives. To hear the voice of Jesus guiding us, and forsaking all other voices. We find that voice in song, in art, in beauty, and most importantly in other people. The good news is that when we listen for that voice – we hear it in some way.