A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Sunday, April 19, 2020

Online Worship Service (April 19/Growing Tree Preschool Sunday) Athens First UMC

Welcome to our (April 19/Growing Tree Preschool Sunday) online worship @ Athens First UMC!
2 S. College St., Athens, OH 45701



Greeting From Kathy Mangen, Director of Growing Tree Preschool




Growing Tree Preschool Highlights



Call to Worship


L: Bartholomew, Simon, James the Lesser, Thaddeus, Andrew, Phillip, James the Greater, Judas, Peter, John, Matthew, and Thomas, these are the first disciples of Jesus.

P: Lord, we want to be your disciples, too!

L: Like those first disciples, we struggle with doubts and questions about our faith.

P: Lord, we want to be your disciples, too!

L: Take heart! The Risen Christ is with us!

P: The Risen Christ is with us, indeed! 



Hymn          Easter People Raise Your Voices




Welcome & Passing the Peace
[On this Growing Tree Preschool Sunday, Rooney who belongs to Mrs. Strycker and Daisy, Roxy, & Sassy who belong to Mrs. Drake offer a special welcome to our preschool families who are joining our online worship service today. They invite you to greet one another in your homes, not by rubbing noses, but by simply barking out, “The peace of Christ be with you!”]

 
                           Rooney                Daisy, Roxy, Lucy, & Sassy

Prayer of Confession & Words of Assurance


Our Lord and our God, like the disciple Thomas so long ago, it is sometimes difficult for us to believe in new life and resurrection. Even though we were not present at the empty tomb on that first Easter morning, help us to believe. Turn our doubts into vibrant faith and empower us to be your faithful disciples. In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray. Amen.
L: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
P: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God!

New Testament Lesson - Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Kaitlyn Drake, Growing Tree Pre-school Teacher

[After Jesus’ resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, the disciples wasted no time in proclaiming the good news of Christ’s resurrection.]



Gospel Lesson - John 20:19-31
 Angela Stryker, Growing Tree Preschool Teacher

[This scripture is usually read on this 2nd Sunday of Easter because it was on this day that the disciple, Thomas was able to see Jesus’ in his resurrected body for the first time. Upon seeing Jesus, Thomas offers one of the most profound statements of faith in all of the Bible by exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!”]



Skit   Easter Surprises   Holy Hands Puppeteers 


Special Music       O SONS AND DAUGHTERS, LET US SING

 Arranged by Robert Shaw & Alice Parker



O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of Heav’n, the glorious King
O’er death today rose triumphing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

“My pierced side, O Thomas, see:
My hands, my feet, I show to Thee;
Not faithless, but believing be.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied,
He saw the feet, the hands, the side:
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sermon  The Twelve Disciples: Thomas
                Rev. Robert McDowell




Sermon Discussion Questions

When has a time of doubt led you to a deeper faith? What are some doubts that you have about your faith now?

Share where you have seen God’s kingdom being built in our community and world?

We concluded our series on the twelve disciples of Jesus by focusing on four things that the disciples teach us about being followers of Jesus today: These include 1) Jesus calls each of us by name. 2) We need each other as we live out our discipleship. 3) We are never done growing in our faith. 4) We are each called to share the good news of Jesus in our own unique ways.

Which of these four aspects of being a disciple of Jesus stands out for you? 

Hymn                Spirit Song


Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer





Church News















Offering Our Gifts


Thank you for your gifts!!!
“Riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to all.”  1 Chronicles 29:12

Closing Hymn                     I Sing a Song of the Saints of God



Benediction



[We appreciate the Lee family for serving as puppeteers for our puppet skit today! They also wrote the script. Alex and MacKenzie are Growing Tree Preschool alum. Thank you, Lee family!]

Join us back here next week (April 26/Music Sunday) for our online worship!

[For previous online worship services, click here]

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