31-March-24 (John 20:1-18)

However you consider the events of that "first day of the week" all those years ago, one thing is clear: The event changed the disciples forever. They changed from a ragtag bunch of followers that were hiding in an upper room to a group that changed the world with what they have found. Sharing that message of God's love, given to all people, the message that God's Realm is open to all, is now the work of the Church. We share that message in proclaiming it, but also in living it out by what we do, especially what we do for those usually forgotten and oppressed.
So, consider how you can give of your time, abilities, and financial resources to see this important message continues to be shared with the world as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in prayer.
God, who send Jesus into our world to show us your love, help us to take up the responsibility to share that love with the world. Bless these gifts that they will continue your work. As your presence continued in the lives of the disciples, bless us as well, that we can carry your presence with us, here in our community and in the world.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ, AMEN.