Worship Guide - 2nd Sunday of Easter

The story of Thomas is the centerpiece of our worship today. He's often called "doubter" which is a bit unfair for one who comes to such courageous belief and conviction amidst death and isolation: “My Lord and my God!”  Perhaps we can relate to him and the others, huddled, quarantined as they are. Locked away for fear and safety. And yet, what happens? Jesus comes to them. It's as if he's affirming, “I will walk through walls if that's what it takes for you to find hope.” Could he come to us as well where we are?

Christ with Thomas - Rowan and Irene LeCompte, Washington Cathedral, DC

If it helps you, set your space for worship. What elements do you find essential, evocative for this particular Sunday? Take yourself seriously. Give yourself and your spirit space to engage and encounter what is surely a mystery, and one that knows healing and new life.

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Connections with Andrea

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Prelude

As we gather, we remember that in our Sunday worship this is a time to also gather our joys and concerns. If you have a prayers you would like to share, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form.

Gathering Song - ​Be Not Afraid”

Gathering Prayer

Eternal and Now God,
the strength of those who believe
and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen,
have faith and receive
the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

Resurrection - Perical Fazzini, Vatican Museum, Vatican City

Praise - “Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbered” 

As you join in the hymn, take a moment to give thanks for this time—for the earth and its gifts to us, for shelter, for human caring and contact, for our life together as a church and as a human family. Through all this, we have and are becoming community in new ways. New life! New possibilities! As we look forward to the day when we can physically see and hug each other, let us grant each other this blessing: The peace of Christ be with you!

And why not actually do it? Send a text to a couple of people. Make a call. Who comes to mind for you? Wish them well. More than that, wish them peace. Then click below.

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Reflect on the Word

Living God,
with joy we celebrate the presence of your risen Word.
Enliven our hearts by your Holy Spirit
so that we may proclaim the good news
of eternal and abundant life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
​
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 † Psalm 16 † 1 Peter 1:3-9 † John 20:19-31

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Gospel Acclamation

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Meditation

For a text version of this week's reflection, follow this link. Otherwise, watch below:

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 Hymn Response - ​“How Firm a Foundation” 

Give Thanks!

As we move to the table to celebrate Christ's presence among us in the most common of daily actions, perhaps we will find a new and more intimate connection to this ancient practice as we engage across time and space, and yet, together, at the Lord's table. Gather the elements you need—some bread, a cracker and some juice, a glass of wine—whatever is common in your household, and then join us in giving thanks.

​If you have a joy or concern you would like to share, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form.

As we respond to God's grace and new life, consider those ways you can express gratitude and thanksgiving even, and especially, where you are! And remember that we continue to keep our financial commitments to our mission partners and staff. Please remember to send in your financial pledges and offerings.

Sending Song

Blessing and Charge

Trust and love the Christ you cannot see
and let that bring you joy,
for that faith will bring the salvation of your soul.

May you find Jesus standing beside you.
May he be close enough to touch.
May he breathe on all your living,
and speak peace into your lives.