For Reflection: “If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Don’s favorite Tweets of the Week:
- I swear we are fighting two pandemics. COVID-19 and Stupidity.
- Now I know why dogs get so excited for walks.
- Eighth day of self-isolation and it’s like Vegas in my house. We are losing money by the minute, cocktails are acceptable at any hour, and no one knows what time it is.
Music Prelude: “Hosanna to the son of David” by Allan Cote (Hope Publishing 2017)
Call to Worship: “Into the Wilderness,” Sara Moores Campbell
In fear, we isolate ourselves. // In love, we connect with others.
In fear, we become immobilized. // In love, we are empowered to act.
In fear, we judge others. // In love, we seek justice.
In fear, we distrust. // In love, we trust.
In fear, we retreat. // In love, we reach out.
Friends we gather together, now, in one strong, virtual, community.
We gather in search of courage
We gather in search of hope.
We gather, now more than ever, grounded in love.
Come, now, and let us worship together.
Opening Hymn: There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying (tune: Hereford)
Passing of the Peace
Pastor Don: May the Peace of Christ be with you. Congregation at Home: And also with you. Pastor Don: Consider three ways that you can extend peace to one another this week through a phone call, text or email.
Hebrew Reading: Isaiah 56:7-8
These I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
The Sovereign Lord declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered.
Theme Music Video (View & Listen): Pentatonix – Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen Cover)
Christian Reading: Mark 11:15 and Luke 4:18-19
Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. (Mark 11:15)
And Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
SERMON
An Upside-Down World: Hallelujah!
Rev. Don Ludwig
If you prefer to read the sermon text, click here.
Responsive Video & Music: “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen (Virtual Edition)
Take a moment to listen to the music, perhaps close your eyes, breathe deeply, and simply be in this moment!
Pastoral Prayer: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalms 46:1-2).
Spirit of life, we give thanks this day for all that is our life. We give thanks for those who have gone before us, those who, with courage, have worked for freedom, for justice, for love in the world. Help us to not be afraid. May we, in all the days of our lives, live not with fear, but open to the ever abundant source of love and grace in the world.
We pray for family and friends and those who are dear to us. We remember Ron and Pam, Donna and Rodger, for health and healing. We continue to pray for Peg, Allen, Dave, Michael and Bob, may they experience wholeness and the comfort of community…..(take a moment to pray for each of them as well as others who are your heart)….. Grant each of them the compassion and courage to face their challenges with grace and purpose.
May each of us answer that call to act. Life asks much of us, sometimes more than it seems we can bear. We are asked to stay in that conversation, to stay open, to keep our hearts open, to live in faith that what we’ll need will be there, that what we’ll bring will be enough. That love, in the end, will show us the way.
Even though we are physically apart, bind us together by your every present grace – help us to serve, and love, and grow together in hope – this day and forevermore. A-men.
Time for Offering:
As we reflect on all of our blessings, individually and as a community, may we consider how we may give of ourselves so that the work of Christ’s love and peace may continue throughout our world. (Please contact staff@southmin.org, or one of our Trustees to discover simple ways you may give electronically or via mail. Thank you for supporting the staff and on-going ministries of Southminster Presbyterian Church).
Offertory Music Music Recorded by Matt Thompson-Aue
Final Blessing and Benediction:
Friends, We are resilient people. WE GOT THIS! Please let me know if there is anything that you need as we continue to imagine a world of health, hope, peace and solidarity.
Now, as you enter a new week, have hope, good people of Southminster.
Have hope that the way will emerge. Have hope that we will move forward.
Have hope in a new day that is coming. A day of peace and love for all... Amen.
Inspirational Hymn/Video (join in the singing): Hallelujah Chorus (the soulful version)
You and your family are encouraged to celebrate Holy week with us.. Here’s how:
- “Flowering of the Cross” Virtual Slideshow: All members are asked to “virtually” decorate the “cross” by sending in one or two pictures of flowers and yourselves. Pull out your baskets, vases, and bowls and fill them with the greenery, buds, and blossoms from your gardens. Whether your inspiration is a single tulip or a bodacious bouquet, take out your cell phone or digital camera and capture an image of your Easter floral arrangement with you and/or your family as a backdrop. You are welcome to send in an image of past “flowering of the cross” worship services too. All are welcome. All invited. Send your images to staff@southmin.org before Friday at noon. We will then take all of these images and create a slideshow with music and send it out to everyone on Easter morning along with the virtual Easter Sunrise service.
- Good Friday Prayer Vigil: Pastor Don and 2-3 rotating individuals will be in the Sanctuary for prayer between the hours of 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday. Please email your prayers to Don at ludwigpdx@gmail.com. If you are interested in signing up for a timeslot to pray, we will ensure social distancing in our rotation of individuals.
- Easter Sunrise Service: Rev. Don Ludwig will provide an Easter Sunrise prayer and meditation that will be delivered to your Email by 6:30 a.m. on Easter. The Southminster “Flowering of the Cross” slideshow will also be sent to you.
- Easter Worship service: Everyone is encouraged to join the LIVE STREAMING of the National Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) worship service. You will be sent a link to the service on Thursday and the link will also be in the “virtual” Easter Sunrise service sent out on Sunday morning.
