Preparing for Sunday, April 2 | The Gospel Changes Lives

Preparing for Sunday, April 2 | The Gospel Changes Lives

“It was light coming out of darkness, like the sun rising out of the sea. It was stillness and unspeakable relief following in the wake of a storm. It was hope rising out of shuddering despair. It was life springing like a lily, like a rose out of death.”

– Frederick Buechner, on the resurrection of Jesus

Sermon Text: Acts 16:16-40

Second Bible Reading: Matthew 20:29-34

A Prayer for Today: “We beseech you, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon your people; that by your great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 1662 – The Fifth Sunday in Lent)

Music: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

This song will take place in the service while the children are still upstairs. We encourage families to practice the hymns together leading up to Sunday.

Reflect:

“How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes / I struggle to find any truth in your lies / And now my heart stumbles on things I don’t know / My weakness I feel I must finally show”

– Mumford & Sons, Awake My Soul

“I know very well when, but hardly how, the final step was taken. I was driven to Whipsnade one sunny morning. When we set out I did not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and when we reached the zoo I did. Yet I had not exactly spent the journey in thought. Nor in great emotion…. It was more like when a man, after long sleep, still lying motionless in bed, becomes aware that he is now awake.”

– C. S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy