Hymns, Lessons, and Prayers, The Vigil of Easter, A,  April 4, 2026

The Service of Holy Communion

All: Romans 6:3-11: We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ:

dead now to sin, alive in Christ!

All: John 20:1-18: John and Peter race to the tomb; Mary Magdalene encounters

the risen Jesus

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Hymn of Day: We Know That Christ is Raised and Dies No More: LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603

Communion Hymn: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Closing Hymn: This Joyful Eastertide: WOV #676, ELW #391,LSB #482

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Let us, with joyful confidence, pray to our risen Savior for the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, “thanks” is too small a word, except that your Spirit searches our hearts, and utters what we cannot express for all you have done, and all that you are. We thank and adore you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church with light of your life. Make it resplendent with holiness, charity, and truth. Let it shine the light of your love upon those who dwell in the shadows of sin and death, so with one voice we sing, “Christ is risen, Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Shatter the hateful words and evil acts of all who persecute your followers. Raise up your suffering servants, and grant them courage and joy. By their faithful witness, lead their tormentors to repentance, so together they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Feed the people of this congregation with the milk and honey of sincerity and truth. Make us lovely with your mercy, forgiveness, and goodness. Use us to draw many who are afar off into your welcoming embrace, so together we sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Clothe the newly baptized in robes of faith and innocence. Keep them in faith toward you and fervent love toward others. And teach them to constantly sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let peace and righteousness kiss; let mercy and healing overflow; and let wisdom and faith abound throughout the world. Grant that all people come to saving knowledge of you, their Shepherd, Healer, and Lord, so that with one voice they sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep safe those who risk their lives on behalf of others. Equip them with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. May your will be done in places of danger and injustice, so all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Raise up all who sit in the shadows of pain, despair, grief, and death. Bring comfort and forgiveness to those who cry out for mercy. Bestow your reconciling grace upon all who are estranged from you and from their loved ones. Grant us your perfect peace, so together all may sing: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O risen Lord Jesus, those who died trusting you already experience the Easter morning that knows no end. Wipe away our tears, banish our doubts, and fill us with courage and joy. Give us loving hearts, gracious words, and tireless hands to help one another along the way. Lead us through the waters of death, as if on dry ground. By your grace and favor, let us stand with you and with all whom you have redeemed, in your promised Kingdom that has no end, there to sing for all eternity: “Christ is risen! Alleluia!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to us all that is in accordance with your will, dear Jesus, and accomplish your salvation among us; for you are risen from the dead and dwell in majesty with your Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymns, Lessons, and Prayers, Good Friday, A, April 3, 2026

All: Isaiah 52:13-53:12: The Suffering Servant bears our griefs and carries our sorrows

All: Psalm 22: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All: Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9: Jesus the great high priest learned obedience through

suffering and therefore obtained salvation for all who obey him

OR RCL/ELW: Hebrews 10:16-25: We have confidence to enter the Holy Place through Jesus’ blood; so let us urge one another to love, good deeds.

All: John 18:1-19:42: The Passion of Our Lord according to St. John

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Here are a number of hymns to use whether you use the above texts, have a Tenebrae service with 7 readings, or do the 7 last words of Christ.

Were You There: LBW #92, ELW #353, LSB #456

Ah, Holy Jesus: LBW #123, ELW #349

O Sacred Head: LBW 116, ELW #352, LSB #450 [rhythmic; note 7 verses in LSB makes it useful for separating portions of the Passion reading]

OR LBW #117, ELW #351, LSB #449 [more familiar; note ELW and LSB use Bach harmonization]

Jesus, in Thy/Your Dying Woes LBW #112, 113 {need to use both of these to get all 7 words}; LSB #447

O Darkest Woe: LSB #448 [if you have the old SBH, it’s #87]

Upon the Cross Extended: LSB #453 [Lovely Paul Gerhard tune, heartfelt lyrics, public

domain. If you want to use it, therefore, feel free to copy it!]

Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle: LBW #118, ELW #356, LSB #454

Go to Dark Gethsemane: LBW #109, ELW #347, LSB #436

There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342 (wherever your last hymn appears in the service, and whatever form of Good Friday liturgy you use, I think this is a perfect “capstone” to our worship)

In Christ Alone (Such a powerful hymn! It’s not in any of our hymnals but readily available online. If you have a CCLI license, good!)

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Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

A brief silence

Forgive and save your Church, O God, when it turns away from trusting, proclaiming, and sharing the love of Jesus, its crucified and risen Redeemer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and renew pastors, theologians, and other church leaders, when by treacherous words and shameful deeds they crucify Christ anew, and turn people from his salvation.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and guide each of us in this congregation, when in small and great ways we fail to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and do not love one another as Jesus has loved us.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and challenge everyone who says they believe in you, but make excuses for why they don’t worship, pray, forgive, or serve in your name.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and enlighten all who believe in other gods, or who have limited and distorted notions of who you are.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and rescue all who say they are “spiritual but not religious,” or who are fascinated by the occult or dark spiritual arts.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and teach those who do not believe in you at all, especially those who persecute believers.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and bring to repentance our enemies, personal and communal. Forgive all who slander, lie, and spew hate toward your beloved Son.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and transform all who break promises, break laws, and break hearts, especially when we still struggle to forgive.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and energize all who whine, complain, deny, and shift blame to others.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and reform everyone who seeks to divide, not build up; to sow suspicion, not trust; and who insists on their own way at any cost.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and liberate those who are enslaved by their desires, passions, fears, and addictions, or by their attraction to evil for its own sake.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive and heal all who are bound by illness, pain, depression, anxiety, regret, or shame.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

Forgive, save, transform, and redeem all of us.  If we are honest, we know we are numbered in the great and miserable fellowship of sinners. Dear Lord, forgive us when we despair, seek revenge, are cruel, selfish, bored, or apathetic. Forgive us who are thoughtless, clueless, heedless, merciless, and faithless.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.

By the suffering and passion of your holy and beloved Son, have mercy on us.  By his prayers from the Cross for our sake, have mercy on us.  By his sinless death and his descent into the depths of hell for the sake of sinners, have mercy on us. By his glorious resurrection and ascension, and by his promise to come again as victorious Lord of all, have mercy on us, heavenly Father. Crucify our sins and burn them in hell. But hide us, your poor sinful creatures, in the life-giving wounds of Jesus, and shelter us in his outstretched arms. Anoint us with the same Spirit he committed to you with his dying breath. Raise us, in the power of that Spirit, to share in the glorious resurrection life of Christ. And speed the coming of that great eternal day when all whom you have covered with your mercy are made fit to stand together before your throne, there to praise and adore you in the unity you share with your Son, our Savior and Lord, and with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, April 2, 2026: Maundy Thursday

Sola/LSB: John 13:1-35 (for foot washing): Jesus washes disciples’ feet, explains significance

            RCL/ELW: Same; but this is the only Gospel appointed for Maundy Thursday

Sola/LSB: Exodus 24:3-11: Moses and the elders eat in God’s presence

            RCL/ELW: Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14: The first Passover

Sola/LSB: Psalm 116: What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

Sola/LSB: Hebrews 9:11-22: Christ, the mediator of new covenant, cleanses us by his blood

            RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul’s version of the words of institution

Sola/LSB: Matthew 26:17-30: Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper at his Last Supper

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Opening Hymn, if used: Around You, O Lord Jesus: LBW #496, ELW #468

Foot Washing Hymn: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Jesus, Greatest at the Table: LSB #446

Hymn of the Day: What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

OR Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: LBW #226, LSB #637

OR When You Woke That Thursday Morning: LSB #445 (Jaroslav Vajda’s powerful words pair surprisingly well with Marty Haugen’s tune usually used for “Joyous Light of heavenly Glory”)

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness: LBW #224, ELW #488 (#489 has Hispanic tune, same words), LSB #636 (It has All. Eight. Verses!)

Communion Hymn #2: LBW #225, Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray

OR Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior, Thee: LBW #199, LSB #840

Thee We Adore, O Savior, God Most True: ELW #476 (Gerard Manley Hopkins’ translation)

Closing Hymn: Generally omitted in favor of Psalm 22 while the altar is stripped

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Let us pray to our merciful God on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, we adore you.  We bless you for your love and mercy. Thank you for the Medicine of immortality, given at the Last Supper and extended to us. Thank you for Jesus’ humble washing away of our sins. Thank you because he names as friends those who love him. Number us among them, dear Father! Help us to love one another as he has loved us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill the Church throughout the world with your Spirit, so it more perfectly loves you and the people your Son came to redeem.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide our seminary professors and students, pastors and lay leaders, all missionaries of the Gospel, and everyone walking the path of discipleship. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly proclaim Christ, and him crucified.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen our persecuted sisters and brothers in the faith. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly bear witness to the holiness and love of Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation. Fill us with your Spirit, so we more perfectly reflect Jesus to everyone.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Kindle the faith of all who will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly follow in his footsteps.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bestow wisdom upon all who have authority and power in our world. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly accomplish your will for the good of the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant courage and integrity to all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly establish safety and peace in this troubled world.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who is sick, grieving, estranged, ashamed, addicted, abused, confused, or despairing, including: {List}. Fill them with your Spirit, so they more perfectly cling to Christ, their life, their health, and their salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, this day we share a foretaste of your eternal feast, prepared for all whom you have redeemed through your dear Son. Fill us with your Spirit, so that we more perfectly take up our Cross, follow Jesus wherever he leads, and encourage one another. Bring us, through the merits of Christ, into your Kingdom, where with him and the Holy Spirit, you reign in the glory of heaven’s endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For these things, dear Father, and for whatever else is needful, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lessons, Hymns, and Prayers, March 29, 2026, Palm/Passion Sunday

Sola/LSB: John 12:12-19 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)

            RCL/ELW: Matthew 21:1-11 (Triumphant entry into Jerusalem)

All: Isaiah 50:4-9a (The Lord vindicates his servant)

All: Psalm 31:9-16 (Deliver me from my tormentors!)

All: Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ humbled himself, even to death. Every knee shall bow!)

All: Matthew 26:1-27:66 (The Passion of Our Lord)

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Hymn, Procession With Palms: All Glory, Laud and Honor: LBW #108, ELW #344, LSB #442

OR LSB #443, Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (A familiar tune and words I remember from SBH.)

Hymn prior to and following Passion narrative: O Sacred Head:  LBW #116/117, ELW #351/352,

LSB #449/450 (Note: the former uses the wonderful Bach harmonization, but the latter has more verses and can be used to break up the Passion narrative, if desired)

Hymn of the Day: O God, I Love Thee: LBW #491 (Note: trust me on this. The words are exquisite. You can sing to the tune of LBW #272, Abide With Me.)

OR Were You There:  LBW #92, ELW #353, LSB #456

OR There in God’s Garden: WOV #668, ELW #342

OR No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet: LSB #444 (familiar English folk tune, great words that tie together the entry into Jerusalem and the crucifixion. I heartily recommend you obtain permission to use this!)

OR, if you observe this as Palm Sunday only, Prepare the Royal Highway,

LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

Communion Hymn 1: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You: LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #334

Communion Hymn 2: Beneath the Cross of Jesus: LBW #107, LSB #338

OR Your Only Son, No Sin to Hide: ELW #336, LSB #550

Closing Hymn: Ride On, Ride On in Majesty: LBW #121, ELW #346, LSB #441 ( fairly familiar tune)

OR Lift High the Cross: LBW #377, ELW #660, LSB #837

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Let us pray for the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood you have redeemed the whole world and drawn all people to yourself. We praise and adore you for your great sacrifice and love. We beseech you to bestow these holy gifts to all whom we lift before you now in prayer.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your Church. Through its ministry of Word, Sacrament, fellowship, and service, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who suffer for the sake of your name, and those who risk danger to proclaim the Gospel to those who do not know you. By their faithful witness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem all who seek to walk the hard path of discipleship. Through their willingness to take up their cross and follow you, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem this congregation, especially those seeking baptism. Through our faith toward you, and fervent love for one another, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem our children, especially those enduring illness, poverty, abuse, or violence. Through their innocent praise of your goodness, draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem the people in every land and nation, especially those overwhelmed by warfare and oppression. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, establish your peace in every place; and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem those who stand in harm’s way on our behalf. Establish through their labors places of safety and calm; and there draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, save and redeem your people who walk through dark valleys of suffering, sorrow, and death. Bring healing, rest, and comfort to them and to all who care for them Hide them in the shadow of your wings, and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, by your Cross and precious Blood, you have saved and redeemed those who have died trusting your promises. Now keep us steadfast in faith, patient in suffering, generous in service, and loving in fellowship, until you have drawn all people to yourself and have bestowed upon all the redeemed the fullness of your forgiveness, blessing, and eternal life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and graciously answer our prayers, O blessed Savior, according to the mercy and favor you have for your people. Amen.

“They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”  But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest” (Mark 9:33-34).

Who is the greatest?  God is.  We are the created and our Lord will do with us what He will do.  The Savior laid down His life so that we might have life.  He who created us with purpose knows the plans He has for each one of us.  Why worry about what we shall be?  The Lord is good and all who believe are invited to the eternal feast.  The world wants position.  In the Lord, You have position with Him already.

Lord, I am filled with pride and I want what I want.  Help me to look beyond the sin of this age in order that I may realize that You are the Creator of all things.  I am who I am, placed where You have placed me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to understand that in You alone do I have my being.  I am who You are making me to be.  Help me to rejoice in all that You do, for You are creating me anew each day by grace.

Thank You my Lord and Savior Jesus for dying so that I might have life.  Lead me according to Your purpose in order that I may humbly walk in the way You would have me walk.  Guide me according to Your purpose so that I may now and always live with the goal of being with You forever.  You know all that is needed and what I need to know is to trust You.  Guide me in that trust forever.  Amen.

“For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.”  But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:31-32).

We celebrate the resurrection, but do we really know all that this means?  Probably not.  Allow the mystery of this to dwell richly within you and, Like Mary, the mother of our Lord, ponder these things in your heart.  Do not act as one who understand all things, but as one who trusts in the One who knows all things.  Our Lord is leading and will lead all who believe in order that they may be with Him forever.

Lord, pride does get in the way and I think I know things.  All I need to know is You, the Author and Finisher of my faith.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go and guide me according to Your never-failing precepts which You have established.  You were crucified and on the third day, You rose.  Uniting me with Your death, You have united me with Your resurrection.  You are the Lord of my life.

Lord Jesus, Savior and King, be the One who leads me in all things.  Let me not trust in what I think I know, but in You through whom all things have their being.  Guide me according to the Father’s will to live the life which You have created.  Guide me step by step along the way of living so that I may be conformed to You, the One who saves all who believe.  Guide my footsteps that they may be faithful.  Amen.

“From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it” (Mark 9:30).

Amazing things happen, but the Lord sometimes wants that to be between Him and you.  The more important thing is to learn when to speak and when to be silent.  Let the Lord direct your mouth so that you may speak what is pleasing to the Lord.  Yes, he can and will lead you even to this small detail in Your life.  He desires that You be His child, speaking the things of eternity in all that you say.

Lord, I know that we each have the call You have given us.  The first call is to be obedient to all that You command.  Help me to learn the lessons You teach that I may learn how to be faithful.  Guide me in the upward call You have given me so that as I am conformed to Your image, I learn to look to You for all things.  You are the author of my faith.  Lead me by faith all the days of my life and help me learn how to be obedient.

Thank you Lord Jesus for being with me in my life.  You care enough to deal with all of the issues of my life.  Guide me according to Your purpose so that I humbly submit to Your command.  Keep me as one who is constantly in prayer in order that I may learn from You how to be a willing and obedient servant.  Through all things, may I learn from You what it means to be a child of the Heavenly Father.  Amen.

“But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up.  When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?”  And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer” (Mark 9:27-29).

It is important that we understand that Jesus does not make us free agents.  We, who are lifted out of the mire of sin only know in part.  He who is perfect knows all truth.  Has not Jesus told us to be continuously praying?  Yes, we can do all things with the Lord, but the Lord will or will not have us do certain things.  His is the power and we are the servants.  Serving the Lord, we are to pray, listen, and then do as He says.

Lord, I can drive out no demon, but You can do all things through me.  It is Your power that accomplishes the Father’s will, not mine.  You are the One who must lead me.  Guide me in living so that I am constantly in communion with You.  Teach me so that I never think of these things as mine, but realize all things come from You.  Plant in me faith, even as small as a mustard seed that it may sprout and grow.

Lord Jesus, continue teaching me how to pray.  Guide me to the inner depths of my being and show me where I resist Your presence and the Father’s purpose.  Help me through all things to trust and believe that You will lead me into everlasting life.  Be the One who guides me and help me to hear as the Holy Spirit speaks to me.  Through all things, be the One who finishes my faith according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

“When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.”  After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” (Mark 9:25-26)

How quick we are to react with unbelief.  We often expect the worse.  All things are in the Lord’s hands and He will accomplish what He purposes.  Guard your mind so that You are not led by the doubts and confusions of this world.  Things may not happen the way you expect or in your thinking of what it may look like, but the Lord will accomplish His will on earth as it is done in heaven.

Lord, grant that I would learn to wait upon You and not jump to conclusions.  You resurrect the dead.  Out of nothing, You have created everything.  Lead me to see that in You is all hope and an eternal future.  Guide me to live believing that all things are possible with You.  Lead me out of myself so that I do not live as one who is deaf and dumb, but live looking to You and see things as they are.

Lord Jesus, You speak the word and it is as You say.  Help my unbelief so that I trust that in You I can do all that You ask.  There are those things in my life which would hinder me.  Remove the obstacles that keep me from living the faith You have given me.  Teach me all I need to know in order that I would hold fast to You through all of the mayhem  that comes in this age.  Raise me to be with You after the last day.  Amen.

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Hey, Pastor! Guess what?

Pastor: Oh boy. Here we go.

Sammy: Guess what!

Pastor: What happened, Sammy?

Sammy: There are new babies coming to our farm!

Pastor: There are? That’s great news!

Sammy: I found out from Farmer John that we have lambs, baby goats, chicks, piglets, and foals coming soon.

Pastor: That’s a lot of babies.

Sammy: Yes it is. I am excited but a little nervous, too. It’s been a while since I’ve been around little baby animals. What do you think I could do to help with the new babies? You guys seem like you know how to take care of animal and human babies.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what is it like to have a new baby around? What are some things Sammy can do to help with the new babies on the farm?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: These are great answers. I am going to try my best to help Farmer John with the new animal babies on the farm. I cannot wait to meet them–they are going to be so cute!

Pastor: Sammy, speaking of babies, Jesus is talking in the Gospel today about being born again.

Sammy: That’s silly, Pastor. We can only be born once.

Pastor: Not according to Jesus.

Sammy: He knows better than me, but can you please explain how someone can be born again?

Pastor: Well, first we are born as babies. Our mamas give birth to us. And then we are born again when we are baptized into the family of God.

Sammy: Oh so it’s like we are born two times!

Pastor: Exactly! We are born to our mamas, and then we are born by the Spirit.

Sammy: Why do we need to be born again by the Spirit?

Pastor: God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die for our sins so that we could be saved. We all sin, but Jesus didn’t come to tell us we are bad, he came to earth to rescue us because he loves us. When we say we believe in Jesus and we are baptized into Jesus’s family, we are born again by the Spirit.

Sammy: That’s a gift, Pastor.

Pastor: Yes it is, Sammy. Let’s pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for new life in you. Thank you for rescuing us. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!