"It's Going To Be Ok"
John 20:1 - 8
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The Resurrection of Jesus
20
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.
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So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”
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Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb.
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The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.
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He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in.
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Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there,
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and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself.
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Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;
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Questions to stir thought and conversation...
The author of John relies heavily on light metaphors throughout the entire gospel. Read the first sentence of our passage. What is the author communicating to the reader using these metaphors?
If you had been one of the disciples who had gone to the tomb that morning, would your reaction have been belief or unbelief?
How does the significance of the resurrection influence your understanding of death?
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Have you ever heard of the word rejoice?
Rejoice means
to show great joy or delight
! In what ways do you show great joy or delight?
Today is Easter, the day we show great joy and delight in knowing that Jesus is alive and in heaven watching over us! In what way do you and your family rejoice on Easter? One way we show great joy and delight on Easter at church is through song! Below is a link to a fun song that celebrates Easter! Search through your house for an instrument or even a makeshift one, like a box of rice, and have a family dance party,
REJOICING
in the good news that Jesus is
ALIVE
!
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When Mary, Jesus' mother, approached the tomb where His body was laid, she discovered the large rock blocking the opening had been rolled away and that Jesus was no longer there. She became very sad. Soon, Jesus came to her saying that he was alive and would soon be in heaven with His Father! Mary was very happy and rejoiced by spreading the good news! This week, while outside playing or walking, find a rock that you can decorate and write on it "He is risen!" as a reminder of Easter! You may keep this rock or spread the good news by leaving it on someone's door step!
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for this glorious Easter day! Let us rejoice and share in the good news! Amen.
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Flowering of the Cross
Today, all are invited to bring flowers and/or greenery from home for the flowering of the Cross. There will also be flowers available. Come to the Sacred Garden anytime prior to 4 PM. After that, you will find the cross in front of Avondale along Park Road.
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Easter Gifts
Given to the Glory of God!
You may view the 2020 Easter gifts in honor and memory of those we love and hold dear using the link below!
Thank you for these thoughtful and meaningful gifts to the ministries of the church!
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Member Care Corner
"Show You Care - Task of the week"
Are you feeling creative? Draw or trace a cross and decorate it using paint, markers or even flowers from your yard! Write a message, rejoicing in the Easter miracle and send it to a member of the church!
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If you know of any member concerns or needs, please
email Jim
or call the church office and leave a message. We will do our best to ensure all needs are met!
Online Directory Password: 1944A
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Mission Corner
How is Avondale responding during this time of need?
The Bethlehem Center continues to use space at Avondale to host children whose parents are working in essential jobs, ensuring that the children can continue to learn while school is being conducted online. The program has had between 4 and 6 kids in recent weeks. Each week, Avondale's ABC team has put together non-perishable meal bags for each child's family for the weekend to ensure the children and their families are receiving nutritious meals. In this time when it is difficult for so many to feed themselves, Avondale is able to help those with whom we are engaged in mission year-round thanks to your faithful giving!
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Stewardship
A Moment of Grace!
When have you experienced
a moment of grace?
These are the moments that God lights you up, awakens your heart and touches you. These can be fleeting moments when you become intensely aware that Christ is working in the world, in you, through you and around you. These Moments of Grace can be a conversation, an act of sharing, an act of silence, a mere moment or a long story. Stewardship comes from the reality of awareness of our own moments of grace and highlights the responsibility to nurture our giving. We are called to share what is needed and to be conscious of the moments when we are called upon.
Enjoy this
Moment of Grace
, as told by Richard Worf, where he explains Avondale’s role in helping the Bethlehem Center during this time of uncertainty.
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One Great Hour of Sharing
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The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
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Your Avondale Pledge
For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check,
PayPal
or a
one-time or reoccurring bank draft
. Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please
contact Jacqueline
for more information.
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The Labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for you to reflect, pray, and worship God. The rhythm of walking empties the mind, relaxes the body and refreshes the spirit.
The Labyrinth can be walked in four stages, allowing you to walk with your body and rest your mind.
Remember:
Before walking the labyrinth take time in gratitude to be thankful for your life. Bless the people in your life. If there is a specific event or situation troubling you (like the coronavirus) bring it to mind and form a healing question if possible (such as why am I anxious about …).
Release:
Walking into the labyrinth quiet the mind, let go of the chatter and release any tension. Open your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Become aware of your breathing making sure you are taking slow deep breaths. Relax and move at your own pace.
Receive:
While standing or sitting in the center, use this space as a place of reflection. Pause and stay as long as you like. Open yourself to God. Listen to God’s small, inner voice. Use this time to pray and be honest with God about the things you need to say.
Return:
While walking out of the labyrinth, take the same path you followed to go in. Walking out experience the sense of well-being, healing, energy, and peace.
Prayers You Might Choose to Offer
"I place myself in your presence O God."
"Thank you God for ______. I praise your name because you _______."
"Lord search me and know me for you have created me. Give me the strength to serve you and to _____."
While exiting, offer words of praise and thanksgiving!
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