April 15, 2007

Second Sunday of Easter

Preparation for Worship

Peace be with you.

As the Father has sent me,

so I send you.

John 20:21

"Doubt is the ants in the pants of faith."

Frederich Beuchner

"There lives more faith in honest doubt,

Believe me, than in half the creeds."

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Today is the Second Sunday of Easter. This liturgical season begins on Easter Sunday and concludes 50 days later on Pentecost. The liturgical color for the Easter season is white, which is used on the communion table, the bible markers, the choir stoles, and in the drape on the cross.  Our Easter services begin from the rear of the sanctuary, as worship leaders enter the Chancel during the processional hymn to symbolize the gathering of Christ's followers around the Word of God.  Our youth will once again serve as acolytes to bring the light and cross of Christ into the worship service.

     During the Easter season, our liturgy changes noticeably from the penitential approach employed during the Lenten season to a greater reflection of the spirit of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For example, during these weeks, our worship services will include a Prayer of Examen, which is a form of silent prayer and reflection through which we seek to identify the presence of God's grace in our lives.  During the Easter season, the Prayer of Examen will be used in place of a Prayer of Confession/Declaration of Forgiveness and it will be followed by an "Alleluia!" acclamation as an energetic and affirming response to God's grace.

     On this Second Sunday of Easter, our scripture texts are taken from the revised common lectionary and speak about "Doubting Thomas."  His story is proclaimed in our processional hymn, while the response of our faith to Christ's resurrection is best articulated by our response hymn, "We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight."  The Psalm 150 is the Psalm of the Day, the theme of which is reflected in both the choir's anthem, "Sing and Shout Praises," and in the postlude, "Praise the Lord With Drums and Cymbals," by German organist and composer Sigfried Karg-Elert (1877-1933).

     As we offer our utmost praise to God in worship this morning, may His word speak to us and strengthen our faith.

Soli Deo Gloria - To God Alone Be the Glory!