The Walk to Emmaus (Mk 16:12–13) 13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them,…

Jesus visits the disciples and shares with them the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit. Even through Thomas' doubts, we find a resurrection life that is filled with more from God than we could ever need -- an abundance of peace, presence, and wonder.

How remarkable that the women find the empty tomb and run to tell the good news to the rest of the disciples? As we find our churches empty, may we be people who celebrate resurrection as the Body of Christ who have been sent out of our gathering places to proclaim the good life for all, wherever we are! The Resurrection Life!

Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna", but this King does not ride in for his own glory. He journeys deeper into being the suffering servant, the Lamb of God, coming more initmately acquainted with our suffering and entering into death itself as a protest to its power.

When God's people worship and praise with open hearts and joy, it is a taste of God's Reign among us on earth. We can embrace joy and wonder even as we face heartache and longing for redemption amidst disease, war, hunger, and pandemic.

Jesus sees the great need for leaders to share the good news with those who long for it and empowers disciples to go out and change lives in his name. This is not simply the role of the Good Shepherd or elders or pastors, to lead this coming of the Kingdom. As a vital church, we are called to empower servant leaders to go out and proclaim the good news, giving each other the tools necessary to change lives in Jesus' name as well.

A vital congregation turns its focus outwards, out into the neighborhood and to the needs of the community. This is mission, to love and support the shalom of the world. And it is in these places, out and involved with the lives of others, that we encounter Jesus himself.

Jesus invites the Samaritan woman to worship and be a part of a whole new way of living, drinking from the fount of living water. Our evangelism is about sharing in the good life we have found.

The life of the early church was filled with simple practices that formed them, together, unto the way of Jesus in their new community. We are invited to the same life of discipleship, praying, breaking bread, sharing in common, and caring for those in need.

Intro Good morning. Each week, we affirm that God has called us together as one body to worship, to fellowship, and to proclaim the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We do this through the way we extend Loving Welcome to all who enter, in the handshakes and hugs, the friendly faces and conversations about…