Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. May 3-9

A Liturgy (i.e. Work of the People) for Eastertide During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Week of May 3-9 in Worcester, Massachusetts 

Below is a "liturgy or work of the people for the second week of Eastertide 2020" (here are links to weeks March 8-14, March 15-21, March 22-28, March 29-April 4, Holy Week April 5-11, Eastertide Week 1 April 12-18, Eastertide Week 2 April 19-25, and Eastertide Week 3 April 26-May 2) including encouragement, connection points, prayer focuses, discipleship practices, articles, videos, quotes, and more. 

We can't overcome this desert of disease on our own. We can't overcome the distress on our own. But we can die with Christ to our fears, and by His Spirit, surrender to the Deliverer who overcomes and resurrects.

+ ECC Facebook Live 4th Eastertide Weekend Message + Liturgy: Power, Participation, Pressing On that's Only Possible w/ the Person of Jesus Christ

Mass featured call to worship from Psalm 139:7-8, song suggestions including Living Hope, The Anthem, Abide in Me, and Resurrecting, confession and assurance prayers based on Romans 5:20-6:7 + ECC Facebook Live 4:30 p.m. message on Philippians 3:10-14: Power, Participation, and Pressing On that's Only Possible w/ the Person of Jesus Christ, Lament + Passing the Peace, Eucharist, and Benediction

+ Blessings Sung Over Us by Jesus' Church

" ... May the Lord bless you and protect you. May He smile on you and be gracious to you. May He show you His favor and give you His peace. ... " I pray this for you all this week, and I join the chorus of Jesus' family in the UK in singing this over you all today:

+ The UK Blessing Video + Song (6:46 minutes)

+ The Biblically Quarantined Life + The Great Physician for COVID-19

" ... In this pandemic, rather than jumping to Revelation 13 conclusions, consider Leviticus 13 obligations prompted by a 1 Corinthians 13 motivation. ... " :) Intriguing quote. Thoughtful article.

+ CT: The Biblically Quarantined Life

Also, this other article is from one of my favorite authors, Joshua Ryan Butler (The Skeletons in God's Closet, The Pursuing God) features the story of the bleeding woman (this passage also featured in the last sermon I preached in public on Sunday, March 15 w/ Pleasant Street CRC: "Joining with Jesus to Welcome Unexpected Interruptions"). " ... Jesus knew how contagious our condition was, yet came knowing that absorbing our affliction was actually the only cure. ... "

+ TGC: The Great Physician for COVID-19

+ Helpful Book Readings + Potential Discussions

There have been five books that have helped shape my passions, prayers, perspective, and practices during this pandemic.

+ A Beautiful Disaster: Finding Hope in the Midst of Brokenness by Marlena Graves 

+ Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack by Alia Joy  

+ The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel Earley  

+ Reappearing Church: The Hope for Renewal by Mark Sayers  

+ Longing for Revival: From Holy Discontent to Breakthrough Faith by James Choung & Ryan Pfeiffer

+ Grieving the Murder of Ahmaud Arbery & Singing Through the Tears

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. How long, Lord?! Not again. Mourning with all our beloved sisters and brothers of color, particularly the mothers on this Mother's Day weekend who have already shed so many tears and suffered excruciating loss, who are crying out, "Why?!" again. " ... Let justice roll like a river, like a river let it roll (to the pavement where the blood of Ahmaud Arbery cries out from the concrete) ... " I encourage you to listen to and sing "Rose Petals" with all those who are grieving over the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and longing for justice ... " ... I'm asking you to look at all these roses with petals on the ground, they call this one Ahmaud Arbery. ... " And as a question and a cry for justice, consider the words and passion of "How Much Longer?" alongside the beloved Ike Ndolo and Common Hymnal to complement "Rose Petals" as a cry through the tears.

+ A Mother's Day Weekend Lament for Ahmaud Arbery Saturday, May 9, 2020

Many of you all will recognize this lament from previous times when we have cried out to God in the face of murder and injustice among those who are prejudiced againt and/or marginalized with destructive violence. I will be leading us and any who join us through this lament again before the passing of the peace on Facebook Live this afternoon near the beginning of the video message.

+ A Mother's Day Weekend Lament for Ahmaud Arbery along with Remembering the Murders of Mother Emanuel A.M.E., Pulse Club, and Philando Castile

+ Promises + Take Me Back + Communion Songs of Reconciliation + Restoration by Maverick City Music | TRBL

I also needed to listen to and be led in these songs yesterday by our sisters and brothers of color in the midst of the tears to remind me of how God is and will continue to keep His promises. He loves us, is with us, and is for us, and He is still faithfully bringing His Gospel ministry of reconciliation and restoration to bear in our broken world. May the lyrics and harmonies encourage you today in your walk with Jesus as well.

+ Promises: " ... God from age to age, though the earth may pass away, Your Word remains the same. Your history can prove there’s nothing You can’t do, You’re faithful and true. Though the storms may come and the winds may blow, I’ll remain steadfast. And let my heart learn when You speak a word it will come to pass ... Great is Your faithfulness to me! Great is Your faithfulness to me! From the rising sun, to the setting same, I will praise Your name. Great is Your faithfulness to me! I put my faith in Jesus, my anchor to the ground. He's my hope and firm foundation, He’ll never let me down! ... " 

+ Take Me Back: " ... I remember when I was afraid, Oh, the hand I felt lead the way. For the first time in my life, I felt safe. Now that I’m older, would You lead me again? When the storm is out on the ocean and the violent wind get’s to blowing, Oh, take me back, back, all the way back. Oh, take me back to my first love. ... You are near to me. I’ve never been too far. And in the in between, You brought Heaven to my heart. ... "  

+ Communion: " ... You are closer, closer than my skin. You are in the air I'm breathing in. Here's where the dead things come back to living! I feel my heart beating again, feels so good to know You are my Friend. This is the garden here in the place I find You close. This is communion here in the place I'm fully known. ... "

+ Persevering in Step w/ the Spirit and the Great Cloud of Witnesses as We Look to Jesus Again

A U.S. story: Imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends when you are 18. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39, World War II starts, and on your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII until you are 45. At 50, the Korean War starts. At 55 the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War both reveal devastating and destructive broken systems alive and well in the nation. Then, when you are 62 the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens to end life on our planet as we know it. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. Faithful and intentional Kingdom citizen responsibility with Jesus continues to be needed by you and the next generation as selfish individualism and indifference; personal, political, and corporate greed; systemic racism, injustice, and abuses of power; abortion on demand; potential nuclear war, etc., continue to impact vulnerable people here and around the world ... the proclamation and invitation to believe that Jesus has risen holds fast, and the next generation is invited to be born again to a living hope through the power of His resurrection ...

As we walk in step with the Spirit, let's give glory to Jesus for how He has not only been faithful in the previous century's generations of people in our city, state, and nation, but that the Father of our Lord Jesus who held them and carried them is the same God who is with us, holding us, leading us and never forsaking us in the face of unknowns, injustices, laments, as well as in His promise of renewal ... Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? ... Start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—He could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame ... And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He persevered through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! + Hebrews 12:1-3 paraphrase by Eugene Peterson

+ Mother's Day Reminder from a Mother
Happy Mother's Day weekend to all our beloved mothers near and far! We are celebrating mothers of the born and unborn, as well as humbly offering compassion for the mothers of those who have lost their children as well as for those who have felt forced to abort their children. We love you. Here is a brief quote from a mother to help disciple us in looking to Jesus this weekend ...

... I’m no longer the little girl who loved to sing about her light. I’m a woman who follows Jesus, the Light of the world (John 8:12), and I’m gonna let my light shine. Yes, darkness abounds. But even the tiniest flickering dispels the dark. And we don’t just flicker, we shine Christ’s light into the dark and behold His mercy toward sinners. Do you see the effect your local church can have by letting your light shine brightly? And how church-planting churches can further spread the light? Let’s courageously shine forth gospel grace, remembering that the darkness can never overcome the light (John 1:5). 

+ Christy Britton, content editor of Acts 29, discipleship coordinator of Imago Dei Church, from "This Little Church of Mine, I'm Going to Let it Shine"

+ Prayer: A Liturgy for Those Who Feel Stuck

King Jesus, we have placed the weight of the world’s suffering upon our shoulders instead of Yours, O Deliverer. We are mired in hesitation, overwhelmed by stagnancy. Our city groans with need, suffering multiplies by the hour, and it is not the call of your children to ignore our neighbors’ cries. 

But, O Savior, how do we wash another’s feet when we cannot touch? Where our understanding falters, where our knowledge dwindles, where our expertise ends, O Lord, You meet us there. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path when we cannot see the next right step. O Loving God, You have said this is Your will: to be joyful always, to pray continually, to give thanks, to do justice, to love kindness, to walk humbly with You. Our portion is You and Your redemptive work.  

Show us how to be Your ambassadors to this hurting world. Teach us how to use our hands and resources when words fall short. Define your ministry of reconciliation for each of us, Jesus. Bless those who have not the time or privilege of feeling stuck: those on medical frontlines, those stocking shelves, those teaching their children, those caring for the vulnerable, those turning the gears of our beloved city.  

O Author and Perfecter of our faith, You use us to write a beautiful story amid crisis. As parts of Your body, appointed by the same Spirit, we do not receive Your grace in vain, and trust we have everything we need to abound in every good work.  

Amen.

Next post: Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. May 10-May 16

Christ is all,

Rev. Mike "Sully" Sullivan

Email Pastor Mike | Website | Visit Us | Support Us | Facebook Us

Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 26-May 2

A Liturgy (i.e. Work of the People) for Eastertide During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Week of April 26-May2 in Worcester, Massachusetts 

Below is a "liturgy or work of the people for the second week of Eastertide 2020" (here are links to weeks March 8-14, March 15-21, March 22-28, March 29-April 4, Holy Week April 5-11, Eastertide Week 1 April 12-18, and Eastertide Week 2 April 19-25) including encouragement, connection points, prayer focuses, discipleship practices, articles, videos, quotes, and more. 

We can't overcome this desert of disease on our own. We can't overcome the distress on our own. But we can die with Christ to our fears, and by His Spirit, surrender to the Deliverer who overcomes and resurrects.

For those who put their trust in God's love, the cross neither condemns nor condones, it only ever covers us with Jesus. This kind of truth is intrusive but it is also redemptive. It both unmasks and covers. It's the most beautiful truth I know. We are claimed by the devastating love of God's grace. I am claimed by a greater love. The nature of gospel truth is to confront, but its purpose is to set us free. + Alia Joy, Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack

+ ECC Facebook Live 3rd Eastertide Weekend Message + Liturgy: Unembarrassed + Extravagant Poured Out Sacrificial Love

Mass featured call to worship from Psalm 27:4, song suggestions including The Cross Made the Change, Nothing I Hold Onto, Man of Sorrows, Break Every Chain + Fill Me Up, confession and assurance prayers based on Romans 5:20-6:7 + ECC Facebook Live 4:30 p.m. message on Matthew 26:6-13: Unembarrassed & Overly Extravagant Poured-Out Sacrificial Love, A Liturgy for Those Looking for Joy, Passing the Peace, Eucharist, and Benediction

+ Choosing joy. During Eastertide

"Lately, I've been reading, watching the nightly news. Can't seem to find the rhythm, just want to sing the blues. Feels like a song that never stops. Feels like it's never going to ... Got to get that fire, fire, back in my bones before my heart, heart, turns into stone. So somebody please pass the megaphone. I'll shout it on the count of three ... Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I'm singing to the sky, give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify. Oh, hear my prayer tonight 'cause this is do or die. The time has come to make a choice. And I choose joy! Let it move you ... Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night, oh, with You by my side, I'm stepping into the light. I choose joy! ... " 

+ "joy." by For King & Country 

This song was prayed during our weekly ECC Friday evening prayer meeting, and, joy. helped shape our prayers together. We invite you to watch this video, sing the lyrics, and let the Spirit move you. During Eastertide's 50 days of joy, join with ECC and all of Jesus' Church and sing, "We choose joy!"

+ The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction Communal Prayer

One: Father in heaven, who made us, who came to find us, who is redeeming us, we praise You! You took on the limitations of being human that we might become the children of God. 

All: May we see that our freedom comes only in service to You.   

One: So Lord bless our days.  

All: May our prayers be good work, and may our work become good prayers. May our tables be full for giving to others ... may we embrace good limits with technology and may we discover the beauty of being present with each other. May we frame our days in the love letter of the Scriptures.  

One: And Lord bless our week.  

All: May our friendships be a fire around which all the lonely can gather. May we choose stories that form us into people who seek beauty, who love justice, and who find each other. May we discover in fasting that our emptiness is where we find Your fullness. May we sabbath in the soul rest of knowing that, in Jesus, "It is finished." 

One: Lord, give us strength for all of this. We love only because You first loved us. When we stumble on our failure, may we fall into Your grace.  

All: May our lives become lights in the darkness, so that all may see Your beauty. Amen. 

+ Foo Fighters' Call for Times Like These While You Embrace Jesus' Best of You (i.e. Who You Are Becoming in Christ) as You Live + Love Again

The beginning of Foo Fighters' "Best of You" starts with the lyrics "I've got another confession to make ... " For our Emmaus City Church officers candidates equipping, we are reading through and learning from the Belgic Confession (1561 A.D., communal), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563 A.D., personal), and Our World Belongs to God (2008 A.D., contemporary) right now, so one of our candidates shared a revised Foo lyrics for our review "I've got another confession to read ... " Also, if you haven't seen it yet, the communal video version of the Foo's "Times Like These" on the BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge is awesome and apropos for your pandemic playlist: " ... It's times like these you learn to live again! It's times like these we give and give again. It's times like these you learn to love again! ... "

+ What People with Different Perspectives on COVID-19 Considerations Can Understand + Honor About Each Other

As you continue to reflect on and articulate your humble and gentle responses with family, neighbors, and others about sheltering in place, mask wearing, pandemic precautions, closing and re-opening of businesses, schools, church buildings, etc., here are two articles to help consider a perspective different than your own (even if you don't have a "side"):

+ FTC: Navigating Different COVID-19 Recovery Convictions 

+ R: The war between Openers and Closers shouldn't be seen as a fight between idiot death-worshippers and unnecessarily frightened tyrants

+ Soma Kids Songs Album That's Fun for Anyone

If any kids or adults are game for introducing a new worship-in-song album into the liturgy of your days this week, Soma Kids by Soma Collective is a great option. To hear how funky and fantastic this album is in singing the Gospel of Jesus in the midst of our stories as part of the grand Story of God, here are two favorites:

+ Cosmic Celebration (4:33 minutes) 

+ Blessed to Be a Blessing (4:13 minutes)

+ Be Still & Behold a Beautiful Painting

After absorbing another work of art for in light of our message this weekend (see "Jesus Anointed at Bethany" by Anthony Falbo), we invite you to spend a little time reflecting on another work of art that bares our local church's namesake:

+ Christ Over the Coronavirus Eastertide Painting | "Kitchen Maid with the Supper of Emmaus," by Diego Velazquez, 1618 A.D.

+ Praying "A Liturgy for Those Looking for Joy" for ECC and Worcester During the 3rd Week of Eastertide

When the world expects sadness, help us, Creator of Light, to look for pockets of joy. When the world is overwhelmed by darkness, give us eyes to see little delights. When the world is caught up in sensationalism, help us speak of the hidden wonders we’ve discovered, holding them up for others to see.

The sacred stillness of the early morning, a quiet moment in the sun, small children laughing on scooters, trees bursting into bloom and lillies opening ... These small joys reveal the truth of the world we live in. 

No, there is not peace everywhere and all pain has not been removed. But there are still people returning home, voices that pray, moments of forgiveness, signs of hope. We don’t have to wait until all is well to celebrate the glimpses of Your Kingdom at hand. 

Let us not deny sadness, but transform it into fertile soil for more joy. Let us not deny the darkness, but choose to live in the light. Cynics seek darkness wherever they go, but joy is the mark of the people of God. 

Help us discipline ourselves to choose joy for the reward is joy itself. Help us renew our minds until they default to joy and not fear, for there is so much to frighten us. Help us believe that the Light can be trusted, for there is so much darkness to mislead us. 

Jesus, you are both the Man of Sorrows and the Man of Complete Joy, help us to hold both sorrow and joy in the ways you’ve shown us. Help us to remain in Your love so that Your joy may be in us and our joy may be complete.
Amen. 

Note: This liturgy is inspired by Henri Nouwen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son. Each of these liturgies was prayerfully written based on the promises of God in Scripture. We’ve listed them with links, for those who wish to study further: Philippians 4:4–9 + Psalm 22 + Psalm 19:1–2 + John 14:27 + 2 Corinthians 6:4–10 + Ephesians 5:8–14 + Romans 12:1–2 + John 1:5 + Isaiah 53:3–5 + John 15:9–11

Next post: Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. May 3-May 9

Christ is all,

Rev. Mike "Sully" Sullivan

Email Pastor Mike | Website | Visit Us | Support Us | Facebook Us

Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 19-25

A Liturgy (i.e. Work of the People) for Eastertide During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Week of April 19-25 in Worcester, Massachusetts 

Below is a "liturgy or work of the people for the second week of Eastertide 2020" (here are links to weeks March 8-14, March 15-21, March 22-28, March 29-April 4, Holy Week April 5-11, and April 12-18) including encouragement, connection points, prayer focuses, discipleship practices, articles, videos, quotes, and more. 

We can't overcome this desert of disease on our own. We can't overcome the distress on our own. But we can die with Christ to our fears, and by His Spirit, surrender to the Deliverer who overcomes and resurrects.

+ ECC Facebook Live 2nd Eastertide Weekend Message + Liturgy: Wise and Wild with Christ and the Cross (or 'How Does the Cross Make the Change?')

Mass featured call to worship from Psalm 118:19-25a, song suggestions including In Christ Alone, Chain Breaker, The Cross Made the Change, and Cornerstone, confession and assurance prayers based on Proverbs 10:8-12 + ECC Facebook Live at 4:30 p.m. message on 1 Corinthians 1:18-25: Wise and Wild with Christ and the Cross, Passing the Peace, Eucharist, and Benediction

+ Celebrating Earth Day through the Lens of the Tree of Life in the Story of God

In preparation to celebrate Earth Day tomorrow on Wednesday, April 22, I encourage you to read this post featuring excerpts from Dr. Matthew Sleeth's work on how the Tree of Life is displayed in the work of Christ from the garden to the cross and beyond, and coming fully in the new creation when King Jesus reconciles heaven and earth. And, as a bonus, the Bible Project has produced a new video with similar themes released two months ago just in time. :)

+ Christ Over the Coronavirus on Earth Day | The Story of God in Nature During Eastertide 

+ BP Video: Tree of Life (4:51 minutes)

+ Serving and Leading through Phases of Being w/ Jesus, His Church, and Our Neighbors in a Prolonged Crisis

ECC's Servant Leadership Team shared about how helpful the article below was to many of us, and I think our micro City Group leaders, as well as anyone who is in a position to serve and lead others in their vocation, neighborhood, etc., will benefit from reading this to help process the pandemic with Christ in the midst of our grief, apathy, depression, fear, hope, and mission:

+ Leading in a Prolonged Crisis (4 Phases: Building, Breaking, Baptizing, Budding)

+ Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection Quotes + Documentary Videos and Resurrection Q&A Post

As we continue to consider the mystery, wonder, and power of the resurrection, and embrace more of the joy of Eastertide, here are some posts featuring quotes from and links to a 30+-minute story via video in 4 parts (8-10 minutes each) of a couple who went through their own death and resurrection of faith in Jesus that can help us ponder our story and witness:

+ Eastertide Story Doc Videos | Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection: Doubt & Cycle (Video Part 1: Doubt + Video Part 2: Cycle) 

+ Eastertide Story Doc Videos | Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection: Faith & Life (Video Part 3: Faith + Video Part 4: Life) 

+ Why Is Jesus Resurrecting? + Why Should It Matter to Me Today?

+ COVID-19 Response via Viking Translation

Instead of thinking, "I'm choosing to shelter-in-place for the protection of others because of the coronavirus," declare, "I've sworn an oath of solitude until the pestilence is purged from the lands." Say this with eyes to the sky and an instrument of valor (ex. the pen is mightier than the sword) in hand when possible. :) Then, on a more serious note, pray the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God would shape Emmaus City Church and bring salvation to people you love.

+ 5 Ways to Love Your Neighbors in the Spring Weeks to Come

1. Chalk art on sidewalks and driveways: Write words of encouragement, Scripture passages, prayers, and things you are thankful for. 

2. Prayer walk: Schedule coordinated prayer walks (ex. same day, same time) with people in your micro City Group (MCG) or another MCG, and conside scheduling a Zoom meeting to share what you saw, heard, prayed, etc. 

3. Set aside some or all of stimulus check to give away: Pray about and consider setting aside some of your stimulus check for neighbors in need and/or MCG communities to serve and bless.  

4. Be present in a common space 1-2x each week: For those with a front yard or a common space in an apartment complex, spend 30-45 minutes there 1-2x each week. Eat outside your residence, sit in a chair near a neighbors fence, relax in the front yard instead of the back, etc., and say hello to anyone who comes by. 

5. Set up socially responsible beer or coffee hangout: Consider a Friday night (beer) or Saturday morning (coffee) sociallly responsible hang out when the weather is good. Invite others to come. See each other, smile, and share peaks and pits from the week. Ask if anyone would like prayer, and as the Spirit leads, follow up again with people based on what they shared. 

Bonus: Write notes to essential workers and first responders (nurses, doctors, firewomen & men, grocery store empolyees, etc.) and deliver in person or through others. 

For even more possibilities and opportunities, check out Mike Frost's 35 Ways to Love Your Neighbors Right Now

+ Brene Brown's Vision Meets Jesus' Everlasting Answer

We will not go back to normal ... Our pre-corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, depletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate, and lack. We should not long to return, my friends. We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment. + Brene Brown 

Considering Brene's compelling thoughts, let's remember and look to the One who offers us His true and new garment that He has stiched for us to cover our guilt and shame and welcome us as friends: 

You say, "I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!" And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from Me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from Me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. + King Jesus  

from Revelation 3:17-20; cross reference Isaiah 55:1 remembering that when we "buy" from the Lord Jesus, He provides the means by the riches of His grace so that we buy without cost to ourselves, only through cost to Himself

+ Revel in Dr. Seuss' Fox in Socks via Rap

Old or young, this is for you to share with someone. Set aside 5+ minutes to enjoy this with a friend online or in the same room with a loved one. Watch. Smile. Rinse. Repeat with another Dr. Seuss' rap (ex. Green Eggs and Ham and The Lorax also available). 

+ FOX IN SOX | Dr. Seuss Raps over Dr. Dre Beats (5:44 minutes) 

After watching, you may consider this to be the new "illest" thing. 

+ Get Contemplative w/ Christ & COVID-19 via Daily Examen 

1. Be Still and Invite the Holy Spirit's Guidance (1 Sam. 3:10; Rom. 8:14) 

2. Review the Day w/ Jesus w/ Honesty & Thanksgiving, Asking 3 Questions (2 Cor. 13:4-5; Phil. 4:4-7): 

+ What am I grieving today with Christ in light of the coronavirus (i.e. what did COVID-19 take away from me)?  

+ What does Christ hold onto for me that the coronavirus can't take away (i.e. what am I appreciating right now)?  

+ What was an unexpected gift to me today (i.e. what did Christ offer me over the coronavirus)?  

3. Reflect + Notice What Surfaces (i.e. Thoughts, Feelings, Images), Observe them with Our Father, and Pray in the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13-15; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:25; Phil. 1:9-10; Eph. 6:18)  

4. Confess Any Sin & Receive Forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9; Ja. 5:16) 

5. Look Forward to Tomorrow with Father, Son, and Spirit w/ Hope (Rom. 5:1-5; 15:13; 2 Cor. 13:14) 

+ Praying Psalm 118:19-25a for ECC During the 2nd Week of Eastertide

King Jesus, as You have opened the gates of righteousness for us, we ask that You would do so for our friends and neighbors we are praying will hear Your Good News, repent, believe in You, and enter Your Kingdom during Eastertide 2020. Thank You for opening the Way for us to follow You from a life running from You and ending in isolation and death into an abundant life with You and others now that is just the beginning of everlasting life. The hellish stone that kept us in our sin and death was rolled away from the tomb to fulfill all the Father's promises as the Spirit vindicated You! Thank You, Jesus! You are the Gate, our Death-Conquering Deliverer, Hell-Overcoming Christ, Master, Savior, Liberator, and Friend, and we want more of our loved ones in Worcester to know You and be made righteous by You for their salvation and for the life of the world. We give thanks to You because You are our salvation; You are our Rock, the cornerstone we can build our lives on in any season. For those who have ignored or belittled You thus far, may they be surprised to discover that the stone that was rejected has surprisingly become the cornerstone. Align us all with Your gracious will and Your plan of peace as living stones connected to the Church You are building that the gates of hell will not prevail against! May we not build our lives on anything less than You during this coronavirus pandemic. The Good News came from You, LORD; You are wondrous in our sight. Increase our witness, wonder, and worship in the days to come. This is the day that You have made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. LORD, save us! We pray all these things in confidence because we are praying in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Next post: Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 26-May 2

Christ is all,

Rev. Mike "Sully" Sullivan

Email Pastor Mike | Website | Visit Us | Support Us | Facebook Us

Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 12-18

A Liturgy (i.e. Work of the People) for Eastertide During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Week of April 12-18 in Worcester, Massachusetts 

Below is a "liturgy or work of the people for the first week of Eastertide 2020" (here are links to weeks March 8-14, March 15-21, March 22-28, March 29-April 4, and Holy Week April 5-11) including encouragement, connection points, prayer focuses, discipleship practices, articles, songs, quotes, a special series, and more. 

We can't overcome this desert of disease on our own. We can't overcome the distress on our own. But we can die with Christ to our fears, and by His Spirit, surrender to the Deliverer who overcomes and resurrects.

+ ECC Facebook Live 1st Eastertide Weekend Message + Liturgy: It's Settled So You Can Be All Set (Special Spring Snow Edition)

Mass featured call to worship from Psalm 46:10, Facebook Live message, "It's Settled So You Can Be All Set," based on Isaiah 1:18, Eucharist, Benediction, and songs recommended including Christ is Risen, Chain Breaker, White As Snow, and In Christ Alone

+ Story of God Themes + Applications During Coronavirus Pandemic

If we don't remember the story we get to live in with Christ during the coronavirus, we'll settle for a lesser one to shape our hearts and minds. I encourage you to check out these wicked short-and-sweet 2-minute videos from Missio Dei Mesa, one of the church plants we pray for and financially support, that feature the 6-act Story of God. These videos with Rev. Kevin Platt have been helpful for me to remember again the true story of the whole world found in Genesis-Revelation. So good that we get to live out this gift of J-curve, resurrection story while we're socially responsible, yet communally connected, still seeking first the Kingdom coming as Jesus' family of servants and witnesses during this pandemic.

+ Act 1: Creation 

+ Act 2: Crisis (Rebellion) + Act 3: Covenant (The Promise) 

+ Act 4: Christ (Redemption) + Act 5: Church 

+ Act 6: (New) Creation (Restoration)  

For a written version of this true story with a bit more details and verses included, check out ECC: Story of God | Creation, Crisis, Covenant, Christ, Church, (New) Creation

+ 1st Eastertide Wednesday Facebook Live Devotional Video | Who Appears Like the Dawn? Jesus for You.

+ "A Conference Call in Real Life" Parody Video

Have you experienced communication that's a bit awkward, frustrating, and/or slightly funny on a virtual call with a group of people recently? If not, don't worry. Most likely, you will at some point, and we can all continue to laugh about. :)

+ A Conference Call in Real Life (3+ minutes)

+ "Rachel Wilson: The Goodness of God in the Land of the Living" Mini-Doc Video

Greatly appreciate this family (some will recognize Rachel's husband, Andrew, as the author of Spirit and Sacrament: An Invitation of Eucharismatic Worship, Unbreakable: What the Son of God Said About the Word of God, etc.) and their faith journey voiced through Rachel's honest reflections. Some of the potency of their family's story is glimpsed in this video.

+ Rachel Wilson: The Goodness of God in the Land of the Living (5+ minutes)

+ 2 Stories of God's Providence During Pandemic from 2 ECC Church Planting Partners

+ God is our Provider: John's Story Video (53 seconds) from Missio Dei Mesa community in Mesa, Arizona 

+ Called into Other's Stories: Jesus Sees All of Us from Cassie Langford, Matthew's Table Church in Cleveland, Tenessee

+ Eastertide Prayer for ECC + Jesus' Church in Worcester

Holy, good, beautiful, and true King Jesus, this is Eastertide, 50 days of joy in light of the resurrection! Hallelujah! You are risen; You have won the victory! Death could not hold You down, and the coronavirus cannot hold You back. Lord Jesus, we believe. Help our unbelief. Fill us with Your Spirit as we embrace and participate in this season between Easter to Pentecost with You and Your Church. Release us now for joyful witness in the midst of the good questions and healthy tears. Be the Christ over the coronavirus in our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. We want to see Your reign among our families, friends, neighbors, and enemies. Thank You that You continue to move in Your redemptive rule and reign even when we have less than a mustard seed of faith. But, oh God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in Your name, let us plant some mustard seeds to see mountains move. You are with us to the end, Jesus, and we want to run this race with You. You are our resurrecting Savior, our Master over the mundane, our Leader in the fields ready to be labored for harvest. In whatever ways Emmaus City Church and our micro City Groups throughout Worcester need to repent, believe, and resurrect during Eastertide, please, Father, give from Your abundant overflow and fill us now with Your Holy Spirit. When You come in wind and fire, may we not hesitate to move, because Mighty God, we need a move! Move in us and on behalf of all of Your Church in Worcester. Jesus, You are our High Priest, our Immanuel, God with us. Your intercession sets us free again from fear, and sets us loose with Your Spirit's power, love, and vision. You are our Death-conquering Deliverer in this desert space. Be the Rock again that ever flows with living water. We don't have to go thirsty. We can drink! And You're ever-flowing so we don't have to hoard. We've got plenty of You to share. May we overflow from Your overflow. We pray all these things in humble and hopeful confidence because we are praying in Your mighty name. Amen.

Next post: Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 19-25

Christ is all,

Rev. Mike "Sully" Sullivan

Email Pastor Mike | Website | Visit Us | Support Us | Facebook Us

Practicing Christ's Compassion During Holy Week in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 5-11

A Liturgy (i.e. Work of the People) for Holy Week During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic Week of April 4-11 in Worcester, Massachusetts 

Below is a "liturgy for Holy Week 2020" (here are links to weeks March 8-14, March 15-21, March 22-28, and March 29-April 4) including encouragement, connection points, prayer focuses, discipleship practices, articles, songs, quotes, a special series, and more. 

We can't overcome this desert of disease on our own. We can't overcome the distress on our own. But we can die with Christ to our fears, and by His Spirit, surrender to the Deliverer who overcomes and resurrects.

+ ECC Facebook Live Easter Weekend Message + Liturgy: Jesus, the Death-Conquering Deliverer, Knows Your Name

Mass featured call to worship from Psalm 105:1-4, Facebook Live message, "Jesus, the Death-Conquering Deliverer, Knows Your Name," based on John 20:11-18; Luke 23:42; Isaiah 43:1, Eucharist, Benediction, and songs recommended including Look and See, Christ is Risen, The Anthem, and Death Was Arrested

+ "Cry Out" Powerful Spoken Word Video + Lyrics from Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston, Mass.

So, so good. The post below not only features a link to the video of the song for this moment we are living in, but all of the words of the song. Whew. Wow. Mercy. My, my. Well ...  

+ Holy Week Poetry + Power | "Cry Out" by Caleb McCoy + Jaronzie Harris from EGC Boston, Mass.

+ Palm Sunday Weekend Facebook Live Video + Liturgy | Jesus, Our Deliverer Who Provides What We Need Even When It Looks Like Defeat

+ Prayer Walk w/ 1 of Jesus' 7 Last Words During COVID-19 Holy Week

Plan on taking a walk one day this week. If you're interested in a short reflection + a song for your walk, take a look at 1 of Jesus' 7 last words from the cross in one of the posts below and vaya con Dios with the "last word" that is resonating most with you right now:  

1) Father, Forgive Them 

2) Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise 

3) Woman, Behold Your Son 

4) My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? 

5) I Thirst 

6) It Is Finished 

7) Father, Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

+ Holy Saturday's Relevance to the COVID-19 Pandemic as We Wait & Long for Deliverance Reflection 

+ Modern Hymn to Sing Over Someone

Christ Our Hope in Life and Death, 2020 A.D.: " ... Who holds our days within His hand? What comes, apart from His command? And what will keep us to the end? The love of Christ, in which we stand! ... O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal! O sing hallelujah! Now and ever we confess, Christ our hope in life and death! ... " 

I encourage you to check out the Behind the Song: "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death" video as it includes the testimony of this being written in the midst of one family's trials with a child who had leukemia return. Also, continue to reflect on what Jesus is inviting you to sing to Him and others (i.e. Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19), and text a message featuring a hymn, psalm, or spiritual song to someone this week.

+ 3 Holy Week Treasures to Hang Onto into Eastertide

In case Holy Week went by in a blur, but you sense Jesus inviting you to sit with Him a little while longer in the Good Friday-Holy Saturday-Easter Sunday space as Eastertide gets rolling, here are 3 resources that helped me during Holy Week 2020 as we step into what's next: 

1: Jesus' Good Friday Coronation: The Deliverer Who Overcomes Death by His Death + Video w/ help from J. Cook, N.T. Wright, & F. Rutledge 

" ... The darkness that loomed over the first Good Friday seems to be seeping into the nations of our world and into our very own souls in this historic moment. Yet Holy Week invites us again to wholly embrace a spark of courageous curiosity. Will we consider the crazy story of the thorn-crowned Christ again? Will we sit in the darkness and listen, asking for ears to hear, to catch a grand irony of an ancient story of seemingly terrible defeat? Will we open our eyes and pause, waiting for them to adjust (or to be adjusted by Another), to see a glimmer of light from the Christ on the cross, considering holy and wholly anew that perhaps the hope we need is beyond what is first perceived, that a greater story of deliverance is being revealed ... "  

2: R: The Deeper Message of Holy Week by A.J. Swoboda  

" ... For some, and probably for more than are ready to admit it, faith can at times appear like the dead surface of a frozen river. But below the dead-looking surface is a living river too—a glorious dark. What appears as dead is really alive like the wind. Faith, as I’ve been told, is the story of things unseen. That’s the story of the frozen river. Underneath every story of death and darkness and doubt is a hidden flow of God’s resurrection and power and glory, which almost nobody chooses to see. I think we need to learn how to see below the surface. I’ve come to believe that Christian faith is embodied in three days—a long weekend Christians call Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. In those three days, we experience a holistic expression of what Jesus wants us to live. We must remember that Christian faith is the whole weekend and that we must enter all three days—we must embrace the pain of Friday’s sunset, the awkwardness of Saturday’s silence and the hopeful sunrise of Sunday morning. ... " 

3: CT: If Easter Is Only a Symbol, Then To Hell with It by T.H. Warren  

" ... The actualities that we now face in a global pandemic—the overwhelmed hospitals and morgues, the collapsing global economy, and the terrifying fragility of our lives—ought to put an end to any sentimentality about the Resurrection. To borrow the words of Flannery O’Connor, 'If it’s a symbol, to hell with it.' The stakes could not be higher. As a deadly virus speeds its way around the world bringing chaos, destruction, and death, it’s painfully clear that the Resurrection is either the whole hope of the world—the very center of reality—or Christianity is not worth our time. 'Let us not mock God with metaphor, analogy, sidestepping, transcendence; making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the faded credulity of earlier ages,' writes John Updike in his poem 'Seven Stanzas at Easter.' If Jesus’ 'cells’ dissolution did not reverse, the molecules reknit, the amino acids rekindle, the Church will fall.' ... "

+ 4 "Christ Over the Coronavirus" Choices Available to All of Us by the Spirit During Eastertide

1: Faith in Jesus with Us Over Fear of Being Left to Solve Everything Ourselves 

2: More Time in Remembering God's Word of Ancient & Everlasting Good News Over Time Watching Our Current and Rapidly Changing Local or Global News 

3: More Time in Praying Socially Together Over Time Engaging Social Media Alone 

4: Taking Every Thought Captive + Living in the Peace of Christ That Guards Our Hearts and Minds Over Living in Panic w/ Thoughts Run Amok  

Next post: Practicing Christ's Compassion During Eastertide in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic in Worcester, Mass. April 12-18

Christ is all,

Rev. Mike "Sully" Sullivan

Email Pastor Mike | Website | Visit Us | Support Us | Facebook Us