This Sunday’s Worship: April 4
(Sunday, April 4 At 11 AM, Easter Sunday, Communion, Live-Streamed On Zoom)
Scripture:
Colossians 3:12-17, Mark 16:1-8
Hymns:
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
The Day of Resurrection
The Strife Is O’er
Service Preview (Online):
Sermon: “Is That It?” by Rev. Jim Reisner
The conclusion of Mark’s Gospel is startling and abrupt. It seems to cut off in mid-sentence. We are left with the women at the tomb running away and remaining silent because they are afraid. Is this any way to end a Gospel?
Early Christians didn’t think. There are three different augmented endings to Mark found in early manuscripts that add to the story and make for a happier ending.
Barbara Lundblad writes that the silence of the women at the end of the Gospel is an invitation for the reader to join the narrative.
Of all the Easter Gospels, Mark’s story invites us to stand where those first trembling witnesses stood. Those three women didn’t see Jesus. Neither do we. They didn’t hear Jesus call their names. Neither have we. They weren’t invited to touch his wounded hands. We haven’t touched Jesus’ hands either. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome are our silent sisters. The narrative is left for us … to complete. … How will we tell this story? Will we leave space for those whose stories are different from ours? Will we insist that we alone are right and others are wrong? Will we invite them or coerce them? … The silence at the end of Mark’s gospel is always waiting to be filled in by people of every generation, waiting now for you and for me.
We invite you to prepare your own table for communion. Find a piece of bread, fill your cup, and join in the celebration of the sacrament.
About Online Worship
We will gather by ZOOM (feed available starting about 10:45 AM). At the moment, Pastor Reisner and a few others broadcast from the church sanctuary while worshipers will be invited to sign on ZOOM.
Directions on how to connect and participate in virtual worship will be sent via a group.io e-mail. If you are unfamiliar with ZOOM we recommend you read up a little before the service. We will set an informal and experimental mood, ask forgiveness as we stumble along our way in a new medium. It will be fun.
We will set an informal and experimental mood, ask forgiveness as we stumble along our way in a new medium. It will be fun.
For more information on TPPC's coronavirus response, access the TPCC Coronavirus Update page.
