The Church in our Hearts - repreach of New Heaven, New Earth 5/26/19

May 25, 2025 Revelation 21:1-10, 22:1-5 The Church in our Hearts 6th Sunday of Easter Year C Prelude Greeting Call to Worship Call to Worship In the beginning, the voice that whispered us into being still whispers, saying… Let there be light! In the wilderness, the voice that fed us from the heavens still feeds us. saying… Let there be light! In the story we share with this God of mystery and amazing love, the voice calls to us each and every morning, saying… Let there be light! Written by Sally Johnson, United Methodist Creation Justice Movement Opening Prayer (keep it bold) God of the stars and galaxies, God of the seed and Earth, we thank you that you continue to come to us, to amaze us, to laugh with us, to cry with us, to comfort us, and to show us that your love shines through us and your creation, bringing light to a darkened world. May this beauty and peace be reflected in this sacred circle. In the name of the Christ-presence, we pray. Amen. Written by Sally Johnson, United Methodist Creation Justice Movement Song Battle Hymn of the Republic UMH 717 A Sermon for all Ages Hello, children of God! You know what I’ve noticed? Life can be tough. It is full of challenges and difficulties. And there are a lot of things that we need in order to face the hardships that come our way. (As you describe, hold up items one by one.) For instance, tissues! Sometimes we feel sad, and need a tissue to dry our tears. Or you might get a cold and need that tissue to blow your nose. You might also feel sick and need medicine to help you get better. Or sometimes you get hurt, and you need a band-aid to patch things up. Or how about this? Flashlights! There are times when things get dark, or perhaps the power goes out. It’s important to have a flashlight ready to guide your way. Oh, and don’t forget about sustenance! We need snacks and plenty of water to keep us going. Phew, this sure is a lot of gear to lug around! Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t need all of this? In fact, wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t face sickness, or sadness, or darkness at all? Well, guess what? I have some great news for you. Someday we won’t need tissues or band-aids or medicine, or even water! We have some beautiful promises from God about how things will be in Heaven. God tells us that He is going to make all things new. When we finish this life on Earth, a new home awaits us, better than anything that we can imagine now. God says that He will wipe away every tear. We won’t need tissues! There will be no more sorrow or sickness. There won’t be pain. We won’t even need the light of flashlights or the sun, because the light of Jesus will shine brightly. We won’t need water, because God will give us living water. All of these things that trouble us now will be gone. No burdens, no hardships at all! Of course, we don’t know all of the details. We don’t know when we will go to Heaven, and we don’t know exactly what it will be like. But we have the hope that it will be wonderful. It’s sort of like when you have a rough week at school, but you know there’s something special or fun waiting for you when you get to the weekend. You can think about that special thing and feel a little better when times get rough. It is the same way in our lives. Yes, we have joyous moments, and we want to make the most of every day. But sometimes things get hard. When those times come, we know that this world is not our home, and difficulties won’t last forever. God promises us eternal life with Him, free from all trials and pain. We can rest assured that something spectacular is waiting for us! So when we feel sad or Copyright © Ministry-To-Children – Permission granted for any non-profit use. Please copy, share, upload this PDF elsewhere. I.E., upload to your church website, Facebook, Pinterest, or anywhere to bless others! Written by Kristin Schmidt . Scripture from ESV®encounter challenges, we remember that there is hope in Heaven. God will make all things new, including our lives! Let’s say a prayer to thank God for the hope of Heaven and a future with Him. Children’s Prayer Moment: (Have kids repeat each line, if desired) Dear God, Thank you for the hope of Heaven We know you will comfort us with your peace And wipe away our tears. Help us to remember that when things are hard. Thank you for loving us We love you, God! Thank you for Jesus (Ministry4children, Kristin Schmidt) Affirmation of Faith UMH 880 Scripture Revelation 21:1-10; 22:1-5 Sermon The Church in our Hearts Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today... Aha-ah... Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too Imagine all the people Living life in peace... You... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world... You... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one I am sure that many of us are familiar with this popular song by John Lennon. I have always been touched by the words – imagine a world with no war, no country, no walls – all of the things that divide us are nonexistent. I can go along with the song well until it says imagine a world with no religion. No religion – what does that mean? Interestingly enough – John Lennon is speaking of the same world that is spoken of in revelation 21 and 22. A new heaven always light. A place where everyone is happy, a place where the gates are open 24 hours a day. A place flowing with peace. But the most noticeable thing about this place - there is no temple, no church, no mosque, no place for people to gather to be in the presence of God – because God is present everywhere. People don’t have to look for God – or go anywhere to seek God – God is present in every moment, every situation every life. John Lennon says that you may say that I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one. The author of Revelation – John says that he was taken to this place in a dream. Many people have seen this place in a dream, this perfect paradise. We see it in images of the wizard of Oz – and the emerald city. In Disney land, that place where we can go where all of our dreams can come true. We speak of this place even in faith – heaven – the place where God lives. The place where there is no sun, no moon – but ever present light. Light is a universal representation of God. That is why we light so many candles in church – to show God’s presence. And where there is light, where there is God’s presence – people are naturally attracted. There is a story of a farmer, whose wife was about to give birth. It was storming outside and they had to summon the doctor to their house. As the doctor arrived, the power went out, but the baby was about to come. So the doctor asked the husband to get a candle and to hold it up, so that he could see to deliver the baby. The husband held the light, as the doctor did his work – and soon after his wife gave birth to a baby boy. They were overjoyed, but the doctor soon said wait a minute – another one is coming – and there was a little girl. And minutes later the doctor said wait – another one is coming. After the third baby was born, the husband stepped away with the candle. The doctor said o wait come back, I can’t see without the light. The husband said no – no more light, the babies are attracted to the light, it’s the light that is making them come out. I gotta stop them from coming. It is the light that attracts us all. When God created the earth, what was the first thing that God did – God said let there be light– where the light is we know that there is healing, there is peace, there is community, there is the ability to live. Heaven is the place where God is always present – a place that needs no sun, no moon, no outside life force – because God is totally present. There are many other great attributes to this city – a river, trees, a city that never sleeps, the gates are always open, there is no need for protection – because it is a place of perfect peace. When we hear of this place – it makes no sense in our world. Many of us shy away from the book of revelation, because it seems to make no sense to us. And it seems like a fantasy land in comparison to the world that we live in. This world makes no sense to us, but to those who John was talking to it made perfect sense. And it wasn’t a fantasy land, it was the promise of God coming in the future. It was a sign of hope that no matter how bad life got – there was something to look forward to. John explaining what heaven looks like was a challenge for the people – to face the present day with fear or with hope. It was a challenge for each of us to choose hope. The hope of Christ in our lives. There is one more interesting feature of heaven. It has a river running through it, but there was no sea surrounding it. The Jews are afraid of water, and think that every evil thing in the world comes out of the sea – the sea was the place of chaos, or evil, even of sin. Heaven has no sea – meaning it has no evil or ill will. Only the healing presence of God. It says that the cowardly, the vile, the murderers, will be thrown into the sea – and there is no sea in heaven. The light of heaven is God, the light of earth is those who hold God in their heart So there is that. But the best part of heaven, is the ability to see God face to face. God will dwell in heaven. Dwell literally means pitch a tent amongst us. When the scriptures speak of Christ coming into the world to be with us – it speaks of Christ being God dwelling amongst us. Not in heaven, but in earth. The scripture speaks of 4 things that will be news: a new heaven a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and new life. This story is intended to give a glimpse of heaven, but a glimpse of heaven on earth. In the challenges of life, we can face life with fear, or with hope of something better. Pastor James Moore of Houston, Texas, tells a story about a young man whose wife had died, leaving him with a small son. Back home from the cemetery, they went to bed early because there was nothing else he could bear to do. As he lay there in the darkness, grief-stricken and heartbroken, the little boy broke the stillness from his little bed with a disturbing question, “Daddy, where is mommy?” The father got up and brought the little boy to bed with him, but the child was still disturbed and restless, occasionally asking questions such as, “Why isn’t she here?” and, “When is she coming back?” Finally the little boy said, “Daddy, if your face is toward me, I think I can go to sleep now.” In a little while, he was quiet. The father lay there in the darkness, and then in childlike faith, prayed this prayer: “O God, I don’t see how I can survive this. The future looks so miserable, but if Your face is toward me, somehow I think I can make it.” That’s what the Messiah came to teach us: that God’s face is always toward us As it is in heaven, so may it be on earth. The vision of heaven in revelation 21 and 22 has been the inspiration for many modern poems, songs and movies. In the 90’s there was a movie that came out, I think it was based on a book. I know the movie was called a River Runs through it. It was an autobiographical story about the family of John McLean in Montana. He had two boys, both who loved to fish. One of the boys went on to become a professor at the University of Chicago. The other was killed in a fight. The movie ends years later with the other son, his family and his mother listening to one of their dad’s sermons. Talking about how all that we have to give to our loved ones and others is unconditional love. The river in the movie represents home, the place of true love, the place of flowing to a new future, a place the reminds us of the river ever flowing through heaven. Today we are sitting here in a temple with open doors, near a river, and trees. The lights are on, and the presence of God is here with us. – All of the symbols of heaven are right here, reminding us that heaven begins right here on earth. Heaven begins right here, with us – the light of God is inside of us. We have the power of Christ. How can we be a beacon of hope for the world today? How do we become the temples of God in the world? How do we bring the peace, hope and light to others who cannot see? By not just imagining, but living in that world today. Let’s Pray. Song Shall We Gather at the Water UMH 723 Pastoral Prayer Empowering Spirit, God of our mothers and fathers, Creator and Redeemer of all life, We pray to you for your love-grounded peace. We ask you to open our minds, free our hearts, bless our bodies, and grace all our relationships. We ask this of you because you have promised to help us, just as you illumine in Revelation's prophetic vision. You come to make a good world, a new creation-place where we can enjoy health, decency, safety, and even joy. We pray to you, O God, to inspire us into this daringly just world. We pray for new creation where love is greater than jewels and more luminous than the sun or moon. Let that love be shared around the tree of life. Bless us again in your image and free our frightened souls. So, shall we gather at the river? Shall we soak in the river of many healings? Shall we make every place where nature communes with humanity a temple for your creation? Yes, O God, we shall gather at your river and your tree of life. We shall bless the tree and the river and all living things. We pray in the name of Jesus, in the way of love-grounded peace. Amen Written by Rev. Cooper Wiggin, United Methodist Creation Justice Movement Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, and in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. God has blessed us abundantly. Now God calls us to be a community that blesses others. Today, through the sharing of our love, our talents and our material possessions, let us rejoice in what we’ve been given and in what is ours to give as we receive our morning offering. Prayer of Thanksgiving We offer our gifts to you, Holy God. Today we offer not only our finances, but our growing community to any who are lonely, our hearts to any who are grieving, our hope to any who have lost their way, our lives to any who are tossed aside by the world. We make our offering because we have first been led, lured, lifted and loved in your Spirit. With gratitude we share our gifts and our lives, Amen (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Let us go forth knowing that our spiritual and religious journey as Christians begins with one word, one name, one person: Jesus. Now let us be an example of what that means so others can witness our compassion and solidarity to the weeping, to the joyful, and to those we don’t share common ideologies so that all might be refreshed in body and in spirit (United Church of Christ, Ellie Hutchinson) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Peace…peace I leave with you. Peace…peace I offer you. Peace…as we walk into the world to be the presence of the Holy to all we meet. Peace…peace…peace…peace. Written by Sally Johnson, United Methodist Creation Justice Movement

Fruit from the Tree of Life

May 22, 2022 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 Fruit from the Tree of Life 6th Sunday of Easter Year C Opening Song Welcome Introit Call to Worship Many: Let the Creator be home among us One: In our hearts, may God be welcome Many: May God’s love shape our every thought One: May our actions lead to God’s justice Many: May our words be words of life One: May God’s Spirit lead us Many: May God’s peace dwell within us All: Amen. ( Michael Anthony Howard – UCC Worship Ways) Song Shall We Gather at the River UMH 723 Spotlight on Volunteers Prayer of Illumination Bountiful God, you gather your people into your realm, and you promise us food from your tree of life. Nourish us with your word, that empowered by your Spirit we may love one another and the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America website) Scripture Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 Sermon Fruit from the Tree of Life A Sunday School teacher asked her students where God lived. After the usual answers of heaven and in my heart, Bobby spoke up and said, “God lives in the bathroom at our house!” “Why the bathroom?” inquired the teacher. “I don’t know,” replied Bobby. “I only know that my Dad gets up every morning and beats on the bathroom door where my sister is taking forever to get ready for school and exclaims, ‘My God, are you still in there?’ God lives in the bathroom at our house.” Where does God live at your house? Is He on the front porch looking in or locked in the bathroom trying to get out? That is a good question for all of us to think about. And of course the easy answer is that God lives in heaven. So we also have to ask ourselves, Where is heaven. Is heaven a place, a time, a feeling? Revelations 21-22 is John’s vision of heaven. We don’t get to read all of his description of a perfect cubed city with 12 gates, three on each sides each door designed with fine jewels. It is a shining light. With a river running through it, no sea – because sea causes trouble and sin, but a tree of life so big that it is on both sides of the river. The doors are open all of the time. The book of revelation is a series of visions designed not to tell the future, but to address the present situation of the people. Chapters 21-22 are the end of the book, with John’s last vision of a new heaven and a new earth. It is not a vision where we are taken up into the sky one person at a time, and all of the bad people are left behind. There is not a judgement day where the good people get to come and all of the bad people are condemned to hell. In John’s heaven the gates are open 24/7 with no need to ever close them. People can come in any time, and there is no St. Peter standing at the pearly gate. John says that those who are sinners have no desire to enter. John was desperately trying to give hope to the present situation. He was trying to point out that our problems will be solved in a time and a place. Not always our time and place, but eventually. He is pointing out that God’s presence will solve all of our problems. In New Jerusalem, there is no church to go to – the whole city is the church. There is no sun, God’s light is our light to see clearly night never comes. The tree of live produces a different crop every month to take care of all of our needs. And it produces leaves to heal the nations – there is no war, no oppressions, on border disputes. In heaven we can all live whole and complete. What is it that we all need to feel whole and complete right now? Many years ago when I was going to prep school in Milwaukee, the students loved to walk past a nearby factory from which often emanated some simply wonderful smells. The factory made a product whose name seemed to perfectly fit the heavenly aromas that would occasionally fill the atmosphere of the neighborhood. The factory made Ambrosia Chocolate! For a chocolate lover like myself, there could be no better name for such a delectable food. You see, in ancient Greek mythology ambrosia was the name of the food of the gods! I remember years ago there was a part of the west side that smelled like chocolate because of the brach factory, and in forest park where the ferrerra candy company there is a pleasant smell all of the time. But how does one know that something is "heavenly"? I don't know of anyone who has been to heaven and come back to tell about it. Yet when we find a food that tantalizes our taste buds, we are not afraid to pretend that we know all about heaven. An exquisite piece of chocolate, a luscious slice of our favorite fruit pie, or a bite of tender steak ... what else could we possible call them? They must be ambrosia, food fit for the gods! We can find a little glimpse of heaven in various places in our lives. Where is heaven? Heaven is where the waters of baptism are poured and the name of God is spoken. Heaven is where the body and blood of Jesus are offered in bread and wine. Heaven is where the guilty are released from their deadly past through the granting of forgiveness. Heaven is where the stranglehold of death and hopelessness is broken. When enemies embrace, when spouses reconcile, when neighbors are neighborly, when victims refuse to get even, when the powerful offer to serve instead of demanding that they be served, there is heaven. There is one more thing that must be noted in the vision in Revelation. John saw “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” This suggests that we can have Heaven on earth to a certain degree when Christ lives and rules in our hearts. It will not be perfect, for there is always sin on earth, but the joys of Heaven can continue to increase on earth among those who hold Christ in their hearts. He keeps changing their lives into more and more of his likeness. This is what the Lord’s Prayer means when we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” When we mean what we pray, something of God’s heaven is let down on earth in our hearts. The Holy Spirit brings this to pass. Paul put it this way in the Bible, “If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” The C.S.S. Publishing Compa, RENEWAL OF THE NEW, by John R. Brokhoff A survivor of the 1989 airplane crash near Sioux City, Iowa, said, surprised that she was still alive, “Here I was, sitting on the edge of eternity.” But aren’t we all sitting on the edge of eternity every day of our lives? I believe that there is a time and a place where we will all see God more clearly. One of the promises of John’s heaven is that we will all see the face of God. The bible gives stories of how no one can see the face of God on earth. What a priviledge. But the journey to heaven begins right here in our hearts. There once was a very unhappy old man. For him, things were never right and, thus, he grumbled quite a bit. He complained that he had to get up in the morning, and when nightfall came it was too soon. He complained when he had to work, but found it boring when he did not work. He talked about how people paid insufficient attention to him, yet when others spoke to him he seemed annoyed or irritated. He hated it when it rained and found the sun too hot when it shined. In winter, he longed for the summer and in summer for the fall. All-in-all the old man was miserable. One day he stopped at a fruit stand, but things there were no better. He found some of the fruit was too ripe and the rest was not ripe enough. He left, disgusted, but as he did, the fruit seller said, "I wish you new eyes, sir, child eyes." "New eyes," thought the old man as he walked away. "I have never used glasses; my vision has never been sharper." A week later, he again stopped at the fruit stand. The fruit seller had the fruit he didn't want and did not have the fruit he wanted. As he was leaving the fruit seller said, "I wish you kingdom eyes, sir." "Kingdom eyes?" This puzzled the old man. But no matter, he was busy, and thus let it pass. Sometime later, the man stopped at the fruit stand once again. It was, however, the same old story. Everything he didn't want and nothing he wanted; some things overripe and others not ripe enough. And as he left the fruit seller told him, "I wish you treasure-hunting eyes, sir." The man was perplexed at the comment, not knowing what the seller was saying. In spite of himself, the old man began to think about what the fruit seller had been saying to him. What did he mean by new eyes, child eyes, kingdom eyes, and treasure-hunting eyes? The next time he went to the stand, he pressed the fruit seller to to explain. "Well, you see," the fruit seller began, "one day there was a stranger in town. He spoke of many things, but a few things really stuck in my head. He spoke of the kingdom of God being within you and that in order to find it one had to become like a child. On another occasion the stranger was present and so, too, was a man blind from birth. He went to the blind man and asked if he wanted to see and, of course, the man said, ‘Yes.' And then the man's eyes were opened and he was delighted in all that he saw. I was confused about all this and thus I spoke to the stranger saying, ‘Please, sir, give me new eyes.' And he responded, ‘I will. I give you child eyes, kingdom eyes, and treasure-hunting eyes.' I thanked him and he left. "That was the last time I saw the man, but from that time forward I saw things differently. Where before I saw only darkness, I now saw stars and fireflies. When before I felt only pain, I now discovered a new door to joy. While before I could see nothing worthwhile, now I found much at which to marvel. Where before I lived in a desert of doubt and despair, now I found a fountain of faith, and where in the past I was irritated at people, now I saw something wonderful in them, something that reminded me of the stranger and I rejoiced." The old man left trying not to think of the fruit seller's story, but no matter how hard he tried he could not shake it off. The more he thought about it the more he wished for new eyes for himself. He began to think about the stranger hoping that he would return. If he did he would ask for new eyes, also. He worried about how he would make his request to the stranger so he practiced. In fact, he found it easy to put his request to music. He sang the refrain all day: "Give me new eyes, sir, child eyes, kingdom eyes, treasure-hunting eyes. Give me new eyes." Then one day he stopped at the fruit stand and saw the fruit seller was very sad. "What has happened?" he asked. The fruit seller replied, "I have just received news that the stranger has been arrested and will be put to death today." The old man went home and cried for his chance for new eyes was now gone. Yet, because the song had become so much a part of his life, he continued to sing it, and to his great surprise, three days after the stranger was put to death, he suddenly felt like scales had fallen from his eyes, and he began to see things differently. Where before he saw only darkness, now he saw light. Where before he saw only the injuries done against him, now he saw how much he was loved and he was able to demonstrate forgiveness that healed his wounds. Where before he had seen nothing of value, now he found many hidden treasures. Where before he experienced only boredom and suspicion, now he lived in wonderment and trust, and where before people had irritated him, he now saw in them something that reminded him of the stranger. And he knew that the stranger lived.1 The old man was bitter, arrogant, and resisted change, but through the persistence and love of the fruit seller he came to realize his need for transformation, conversion, and a new way of thinking. He needed the new eyes which the stranger had given the fruit seller. In the end he found what he needed through the power of the stranger. This fable is clearly an Easter story of the new life that Jesus' resurrection brings, not only to himself, but more importantly to all of God's people, Seeing a new heaven and a new earth, begins with our ability to see the presence of God anywhere that it may be hiding. We see God clearly in the midst of our deepest pain, in the wounds of life, in those things that we are not willing to admit about our lives. When we see God in a certain situation, we can also watch as history unfolds and God reveals Godself even more until we too have our own revelation in the story of God and of heaven and of our place in it. So I will ask again – where does God live in your life? What room in your heart can you find God. Where is heaven on earth for you. Is that not what all of you will get to do through your daily work in the week ahead? As you leave this place, renewed at the Lord's table, refreshed by his promises, strengthened by his Spirit, through your deeds of love and kindness you will give this world all too often suffering in its own kind of hell ... a glimpse of heaven on earth. Because Christ has triumphed, already now a new world is beginning to take shape, a world in which every tear will be wiped away, where death will be no more, where mourning, crying, and pain will be a distant memory, where there will be heaven on earth. Amen. The church can be that place, because it can be the place where we have our own visions of how heaven can come here on earth. The one thing that I like to most about John’s vision is that this amazing and dazzling place that would attract even the darkest soul – has gates that are not guarded and are always open. Anytime you are ready to come in, even it if is 3 in the morning, you can come. Once you get there you have no reason to leave. Heaven is an open invitation to sit in the presence of God and to be whole and complete. The doorway to heaven is right here. Our faith is always an open invitation to find the presence of God right here. Did you know that the word come appears in the bible over 1600 times. In John 14 God says that God will come and make our home with them – God will love them so that they can love others. Where is heaven? Where have you gotten of a glimpse of heaven? And how has it affected your life and the lives of those around you? I leave you with this quote from Wendell Berry – to be healthy is to literally be whole – our sense of completeness is not just about ourselves, but it is also the sense of belonging to others and to our place. Community with its fullest sense of place and all of its creatures is where we find ourselves and God. May we find heaven today in the hopes and dreams of one another and those around us. Amen. Song – For the Healing of the Nations UMH 428 Pastoral Prayer Children’s Time The Last Page in the Book Stewardship Moment John’s Revelation challenges many of us with strange images and what seems like coded messages. The image of the tree of life, however, can be seen as an image blossoming hopeful and full before us: a tree with leaves for the healing of the nations. In our own nation, we know of tree leaves which are healing (witch hazel leaves treat sensitive skin and inflammation; sassafras leaves, crushed for tea, help heal respiratory ailments; hawthorn leaves mixed into medicine respond to help ease cardiac issues.) In John’s vision, this tree, growing in the new Jerusalem, is a gift for all the nations of the world. Its leaves are given for individuals and nations to consume in order to repent of their brokenness, allowing them to be healed and made whole/complete. While we do not have access to this tree or its healing leaves, we do have opportunity to share what God has given us. Our offering this morning is one opportunity for each of us to be a healing agent in a hurting world. Our combined giving allows this congregation to be part of making real God’s intention for a wholly/holy world. Your gift helps! With generous hearts and hands, let us share our morning offering. Prayer of Thanksgiving Good and gracious God, we yearn for a day when the nations of this world are turned to you and your desire for justice and peace. Please use these gifts, and the lives of each of us, to help move us toward the day when your Realm comes on earth, as it is in heaven. AMEN (From the Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook Even as Jesus departs, he promises that we will never be alone. Therefore, we can go out in confidence to love and serve the Lord. And as you go, May the love of God, The peace of the Risen Christ, And the presence of the Holy Spirit Guide you and keep you, this day, and every day. Alleluia, Amen. (Rev. Molly Spangler – Presbyterian Outlook) Community Time Benediction Beloved of God, go to be a blessing. Bring the good news of forgiveness and healing to this hurting, lonely world. Bring hope to all, for God’s love is poured out for all God’s people. AMEN. (Nancy C. Townley – United Methodist Ministry Matters) Additional illustrations OF COURSE, WHAT IS TRUE IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE WE LOVE IS ALSO TRUE OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. Time is precious. It gets away quickly. Today is the appointed hour. If we are going to say yes to Christ, it needs to be this moment. We must seize the day. Eternity awaits. There is no time like the present. An unknown author helps us put it all into perspective. He or she writes: To realize the value of “one month", ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of “one week," ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of “one hour," ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of “one minute," ask the person who missed the train. To realize the value of “one second," ask the person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of “one millisecond," ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. When Thomas Edison lay dying, he could hardly speak, according to his widow. His doctor, who was also a friend of the family, observed that Edison was trying to say something. He bent down very close and heard the inventor whisper, “It’s very beautiful over there.” Those were his last words. Those could be a person’s first words in Heaven: “It’s very beautiful here.” In 1914 Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, an English explorer, led an expedition to the South Pole. As the ice began to close in on his boat, he had to leave some of his men stranded on Elephant Island as he went for help. He secured another ship on South Georgia Island and returned for his men. After several unsuccessful attempts, the weather finally permitted him to sail through to where the men were, pick them up, and then get out before the ice closed up again. Shackleford asked his crew why they had their things packed and standing by when he came back. They said, "Sir, when you left, you said you would come back for us, so we never gave up hope. Whenever the weather looked favorable, we would pack up our things and say, Maybe Shackleford will return for us today.' We were always ready for your coming." (5) We don't know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future. There is One who is returning for us. We are not forgotten. There is one who has gone to prepare a place for us. An African-American poet once put it like this: There's a king and captain high, And He's coming by and by, And He'll find me hoeing cotton when He comes. You can hear His legions charging in the regions of the sky, And He'll find me hoeing cotton when He comes. There's a Man they thrust aside, Who was tortured till He died, And He'll find me hoeing cotton when He comes. He was hated and rejected, He was scorned and crucified, And He'll find me hoeing cotton when He comes. When He comes! When he comes! He'll be crowned by saints and angels when He comes. They'll be shouting out Hosanna! to the Man that men denied, And I'll kneel among my cotton when He comes. (6) The future holds much promise ” but the greatest promise is this: Hope wins because God wins! Evelyn Husband lost her husband Rick when the space shuttle Columbia exploded into pieces upon re-entry to the earth’s atmosphere. Evelyn said “As I stood there in shock with my son Matthew, seven, and my daughter Laura, twelve, deep inside I knew God was going to walk me through this somehow. I knew it because He had walked me through other crises earlier in my life.” To live is to let go. Sometimes life asks us to let go of a lot. A job is lost and family income is drastically reduced. Illness strikes and the whole matrix of family life is rearranged. Death comes; all that has been nailed down for so long is now breaking loose. We raised two boys at our house. They were both high school football players. They consumed gallons of milk and juice a day, not to mention the tons of food. When the last one went away to college, a gallon of milk spoiled in the refrigerator. As Sandy was pouring the spoiled milk down the drain the tears were flowing right along with it. A new era of life had arrived. A high school girl went to a religious gathering at her school and found Christ. She had not been raised in the church, and had no idea how to express her newfound faith to her family, so she decided to live it instead of announce it. A spoiled, selfish, irritable teenager started being kind to her parents. Her attitude changed. She even cleaned up her room. Finally her parents asked, “What has happened to you? You are different.” She replied, “I have become a Christian. I am trying to do what Jesus would do.” Her parents responded, “If Christ can do that for you, we want to know more.” Paul teaches us that, if any one is in Christ they are a new creation. The old is gone and the new has come. Christ is making all things new. May His love abide in your home. May His comfort come to your soul. May He create in you a new heart and a steadfast spirit that His kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven. Into our homes, into our homes, come into our homes, Lord Jesus, Come in today, come in to stay. Come into our homes, Lord Jesus. ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc., Faith Breaks, by J. Howard Olds CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Sermons for Sundays in Lent and Easter: But!, by Steven E. Albertin I recently heard a story about an urban congregation in a changing neighborhood of one of our eastern cities. The congregation had decided not to flee to the suburbs but to stay in the city and serve the needs of its crumbling neighborhood. The congregation had decided that in order to save souls, it had to start by saving its neighborhood. As a result, the church council decided that instead of repairing aging stained-glass windows, it would simply replace them with a more functional clear glass. Repair would not only have been costly but also would have meant repairing the glass of an image of the heavenly Jerusalem. The council felt that such an image was too otherworldly for a congregation committed to justice in the city. Then someone pointed out that when you stood in the sanctuary and looked out through that old stained-glass image of the heavenly Jerusalem and saw the neighborhood surrounding the church, suddenly that decaying neighborhood appeared in a whole new light. That window literally reflected the mission of that congregation. Through their ministry of compassion and to the needs of their neighborhood, they would be a bit of heaven on earth. Through them the people in their neighborhood, struggling to eke out a meager living in a hostile world, could catch a glimpse of the victory already won through the blood of the lamb.

New Heaven, New Earth

May 26, 2019 Revelation 21-22 New Heaven, New Earth Sixth Sunday of Easter Year C And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it,for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the lamb. Object: A night light. Good morning, boys and girls. Today is going to be a special day because we are going to discover something about the world that we are going to live in forever and how it is going to be different from the one that we live in today. Did you know that you were going to live forever? [Let them answer.] Well, you are going to live forever, and that is one of the things that the Christian faith is all about. Jesus promised us that because he died for our sins and we believe in him, that we would live forever with him and his Father in Heaven. What is heaven going to be like? That's what everyone wants to know. Some people wish that God would take a movie of heaven and show it to us, so that we could know how wonderful it is. But God has his own reasons for not taking a movie or showing us in this way. We are going to have to wait until the right time to find out. There was a man named John who thought a lot about heaven, and he prayed and dreamed about it a lot. He even wrote a book in the Bible that talked a lot about heaven and what it would be like. One of the things that he said is what I am going to tell you about right now. I brought along with me something that a lot of you use. [Take out the night light.] Do you know what this is? [Let them answer.] That's right, a night light. Do you know when you use it? [Let them answer.] You're right, again. You use it at night, so that, if you must get up and walk around, you will not trip and fall. Night is very dark, and unless you are outside, and the moon is very bright, it is hard to see. A night light helps keep us from falling in the dark. John discovered that heaven was never going to be dark. There was never anything to be afraid about, like falling in the dark, or not being able to see something and bumping into it. He talked about God's glory as being so bright that we would not even need a sun or a moon. He said the Father would supply more light than we would need during the day, and Jesus would be like a lamp for us at night. What John meant was that there is nothing to fear about the new world that we are going to live in forever. Everything will be light and beautiful and nothing bad will ever happen to us. That is wonderful, and we are glad to know that in heaven Jesus will be with us forever, and that we will never have to worry, for even a moment, about anything. Jesus is like a night light that keeps us from falling, or even having to worry about falling. God bless you. C.S.S. Publishing Co., WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BALLOON?, by Wesley T. Runk Revelation 21:1-10 Common English Bible (CEB) New heaven and new earth 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring. 7 Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters. 8 But for the cowardly, the faithless, the vile, the murderers, those who commit sexual immorality, those who use drugs and cast spells, the idolaters and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” New Jerusalem 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues spoke with me. “Come,” he said, “I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 He took me in a Spirit-inspired trance to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Common English Bible (CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today... Aha-ah... Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too Imagine all the people Living life in peace... You... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world... You... You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one I am sure that many of us are familiar with this popular song by John Lennon. I have always been touched by the words – imagine a world with no war, no country, no walls – all of the things that divide us are nonexistent. I can go along with the song well until it says imagine a world with no religion. No religion – what does that mean? Interestingly enough – John Lennon is speaking of the same world that is spoken of in revelation 21 and 22. A new heaven always light. A place where everone is happy, a place where the gates are open 24 hours a day. A place flowing with peace. But the most noticeable thing about this place - there is no temple, no church, no mosque, no place for people to gather to be in the presence of God – because God is present everywhere. People don’t have to look for God – or go anywhere to seek God – God is present in every moment, every situation every life. John Lennon says that you may say that I am a dreamer, but I an not the only one. The author of Revelation – John says that he was taken to this place in a dream. Many people have seen this place in a dream, this perfect paradise. We see it in images of the wizard of Oz – and the emerald city. In Disney land, that place where we can go where all of our dreams can come true. We speak of this place even in faith – heaven – the place where God lives. The place where there is no sun, no moon – but ever present light. Light is a universal representation of God. That is why we light so many candles in church – to show God’s presence. And where there is light, where there is God’s presence – people are naturally attracted. There is a story of a farmer, whose wife was about to give birth. It was storming outside and they had to summon the doctor to their house. As the doctor arrived, the power went out, but the baby was about to come. So the doctor asked the husband to get a candle and to hold it up, so that he could see to deliver the baby. The husband held the light, as the doctor did his work – and soon after his wife gave birth to a baby boy. They were overjoyed, but the doctor soon said wait a minute – another one is coming – and there was a little girl. And minutes later the doctor said wait – another one is coming. After the third baby was born, the husband stepped away with the candle. The doctor said o wait come back, I can’t see without the light. The husband said no – no more light, the babies are attracted to the light, it’s the light that is making them come out. I gotta stop them from coming. It is the light that attracts us all. When God created the earth, what was the first thing that God did – God said let there be light– where the light is we know that there is healing, there is peace, there is community, there is the ability to live. Heaven is the place where God is always present – a place that needs no sun, no moon, no outside life force – because God is totally present. There are many other great attributes to this city – a river, trees, a city that never sleeps, the gates are always open, there is no need for protection – because it is a place of perfect peace. When we hear of this place – it makes no sense in our world. Many of us shy away from the book of revelation, because it seems to make no sense to us. And it seems like a fantasy land in comparison to the world that we live in. This world makes no sense to us, but to those who John was talking to it made perfect sense. And it wasn’t a fantasy land, it was the promise of God coming in the future. It was a sign of hope that no matter how bad life got – there was something to look forward to. John explaining what heaven looks like was a challenge for the people – to face the present day with fear or with hope. It was a challenge for each of us to choose hope. The hope of Christ in our lives. There is one more interesting feature of heaven. It has a river running throught it, but there was no sea surrounding it. The Jews are afraid of water, and think that every evil thing in the world comes out of the sea – the sea was the place of chaos, or evil, even of sin. Heaven has no sea – meaning it has no evil or ill will. Only the healing presence of God. It says that the cowardly, the vile, the murderes, will be thrown into the sea – and there is no sea in heaven. The light of heaven is God, the light of earth is those who hold God in their heart So there is that. But the best part of heaven, is the ability to see God face to face. God will dwell in heaven. Dwell literally means pitch a tent amongst us. When the scriptures speak of Christ coming into the world to be with us – it speaks of Christ being God dwelling amongst us. Not in heaven, but in earth. The scripture speaks of 4 news a new heaven a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and new life. This story is intended to give a glimpse of heaven, but a glimpse of heaven on earth. In the challenges of life, we can face life with fear, or with hope of something better. Pastor James Moore of Houston, Texas, tells a story about a young man whose wife had died, leaving him with a small son. Back home from the cemetery, they went to bed early because there was nothing else he could bear to do. As he lay there in the darkness, grief-stricken and heartbroken, the little boy broke the stillness from his little bed with a disturbing question, “Daddy, where is mommy?” The father got up and brought the little boy to bed with him, but the child was still disturbed and restless, occasionally asking questions such as, “Why isn’t she here?” and, “When is she coming back?” Finally the little boy said, “Daddy, if your face is toward me, I think I can go to sleep now.” In a little while, he was quiet. The father lay there in the darkness, and then in childlike faith, prayed this prayer: “O God, I don’t see how I can survive this. The future looks so miserable, but if Your face is toward me, somehow I think I can make it.” That’s what the Messiah came to teach us: that God’s face is always toward us As it is in heaven, so may it be on earth. Amen.