Peace Lutheran Church Holy Week at Home, April 5-12, 2020 Dear Peace Lutheran, This will be an Easter we will not soon forget. Like the first resurrection morning, there will be no trumpets, no beautifully decorated sanctuary, and no congregational fellowship. Instead, this Holy Week, we have the opportunity to experience the story of our salvation in a quieter, more intimate way. This is a resource for you to learn and worship through Holy Week in your home, with your family or by yourself. For each service, I have outlined the scripture reference and the Spark Bible story as a starting point. To enrich your reading, I am including a Home Ritual Suggestion for your household to make your own if you choose. Finally, there will be online worship opportunities on the Peace Lutheran Church- Barrett, MN Facebook page, I hope to see you there. As you participate in these ritual and worship experiences this week- please take a moment to snap a photo and share it with our Peace community! You can post it on our Facebook page, share on your own social media and tag Peace Lutheran, or text it to me. This is a small thing, but has a big impact on how connected we feel during these weeks of separation. As a congregation, we thank you for your faithful and continued financial support of our ministry at Peace and our Lenten hunger offering. We know that the work we are doing as leaders and as a congregation is bringing comfort and connection during this uncertain time. We know that we sharing the love and hope that we find in Jesus. I ask that you prayerfully consider giving a Holy Week offering as you worship this week ~ either to our general operating fund or to the hunger offering — or both! There are still matching dollars available for our hunger offering. Offerings can be mailed directly to the church (PO Box 206, Barrett, MN 56311) or given online using the Give+ Mobile App. If you have any questions regarding either of these options, please call the office. Tend this letter with a word about Holy Communion. At the beginning of these weeks of separation, I had chosen that we, as a congregation, would fast from Holy Communion since we could not be physically gathered together. However, as the recommendation for separation extends out further and with the knowledge of how important Holy Communion is to the life of faith, I offer to youa resource given to us by our synod and Bishop Bill Tesch. If you wish to include communion in your home worship practice during Holy Week or throughout the spring, I encourage you to do so, using the enclosed resource. If you have specific questions about communion practice during this time, please call me directly, You are in my prayers daily and I appreciate the ways in which you are all connecting with our church and with one another during this season. The resurrection is coming soon. You are not alone. In Peace, Pastor Eliza Palm Sunday (April 5*") Mark 11: 1-11 (Spark Bible, "Palm Sunday" p. 454) Home Ritual Suggestion: Print off and color the enclosed Palm Branch. Have your own palm parade or post these in your window to share with your neighborhood. Use the word "Hosanna" to create an art project for your home or neighborhood. Marker & Crayon? Great! Sidewalk Chalk? Awesome! Get creative with your art installation and be sure to share a photo. Virtual Worship: Posted 9am on Facebook. By Monday for website and Runestone All Access. Maundy Thursday (April 9'") Mark 14:12-42 (Spark Bible, “The Last Supper” p. 462 & "Jesus is Betrayed” p. 468) Home Ritual Suggestion: Table Worship and Holy Home Communion ~ As you sit down for your evening meal, read this bible story (in a standard or Spark Bible). Talk or think about what it must have been like at the Last Supper- when Jesus gathered with this friends for dinner and the gathering ended with him being betrayed. Use the God's Story Devotion sheet to guide your meal time discussion Virtual Worship: Brief ecumenical video of the ritual of stripping the altar will post on Facebook at 7pm. Good Friday (April 10") Mark 15:1-47 (Spark Bible, “Christ the King” p. 474 & “The Day Jesus Died” p. 476) Home Ritual Suggestion: On Good Friday, Christians pay special attention to the Cross. This tool that was used to kill Jesus, became the location of our salvation. We know that our sin, shame, and mistakes are no match for Christ's saving power. Tonight, take 6 post-it notes and stick them in the shape of a cross. On these notes write your laments - what you are grieving, what you are missing out ‘on. Through this action you are leaving those laments at the feet of Jesus. -OR- do you have a cross. displayed in your home? Find a scarf or piece of fabric to cover the cross until it is declared empty on Easter morning! Virtual Worship: Good Friday devotion service, in partnership with Baudette Lutheran Parish, will post on Facebook at 7pm. This services from John 18-19.Easter Sunday (April 12") Mark 16:1-8 (Spark Bible, "The Empty Tomb" p. 482) Home Ritual Suggestion: Consider waking up for a Sunrise Easter Breakfast! (6:33am in Minnesota). Set your table the night before, if possible set up outside on a balcony or deck, or near a window to see the sunrise. Prepare as much of your meal ahead of time the night before. Begin with a prayer of your own or use the God's Story, Our Story resource to guide your time. As you eat breakfast, read the Easter story. Enjoy breakfast as it gets brighter and day breaks. Jesus is risen! Virtual Worship: Posted 9am on Facebook. By Monday for website and Runestone All Access. Enclosed List: * Palm Branch Coloring Sheet * "God's Story, Our Story" Devotionals ‘* “Holy Home Communion” Booklet Artist: Paul Oman * Based on a ritual from the book “Faithful Families” by Traci Smith(© 2020 lustrated Ministry, LLO. All rights reserve. ilstratedminsty.comTriumphal Entry April 5, 2020 (Palm Sunday) 1 [Mark 14:3-9] Use this resource at home to guide your household's daily devotions. Br Pray: Light a candle. Open your devotion with prayer. 0 God, you give us the king we need. May we follow where he leads, even when it is not where we want to go. For the sake of Jesus we pray, amen. {_[S]} Read: read the key verses from Sunday's reading. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 1:9-10) CL Reflect: etlect onthe seriptre summary ‘When the people of Israel called for Jesus to save them, they could not have imagined that Jesus would save them from sin and death. Jesus was not only king over Israel, but king over all. < Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your household. ‘What was a high point of your day? What was a low point? ‘Who was the last world leader you hoped would bring huge change? Were you disappointed by what happened in their time in office? Why or why not? Have you ever needed something but weren't able to understand or admit it? Who or what helped you realize the truth? What did you do when you realized it? For the littles: Do you like to celebrate? Celebrate Jesus’ love for you! f+ Bless: close your devotion witha blessing. ‘May the Lord who we celebrate fill you with hope and light in the days to come. Amen. § Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God's word come alive. Do the following activity this week. Celebrate that Jesus came to save the people from so much more than they could have expected! Bake a cake and wear hats. Talk about what your faith means to you and celebrate! Oe, Go Deeper: Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings. Monday, Mark 14:3-9, Woman Anoints Jesus Tuesday, Mark 14:43-65, The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus Wednesday, Mark 14:66-72, Peter Denies Jesus Thursday, Mark 14:12-42, Lord’s Supper Friday, Mark 15:16-g9, Crucifixion Saturday, Mark 15:40-47, The Death and Burial of Jesus oprLord’s Supper (Maundy Thursday) April 9, 2020 Mark 14:22-42 Use this resource at home to guide your household’ daily devotions, Ee Pray: Light a candle. Open your devotion with prayer. © Lord, your disciples were not prepared for the events of your final days. Give us the perspective which they lacked, that we might stay present during this week of sorrows, knowing that you are leading us down the right path. In Jesus’ name, amen. Read: Read the key verses from Sunday's reading. While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.”* Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. (Mark 14:22-23) LUE Reflect: Reflect on the scripture summary. ‘The disciples were ready for a battle. But on the night of Jesus’ arrest, they were unprepared to surrender to truth and love. household. ‘What was a high point of your day? What was a low point? Does your worship community practice open communion? Have you been toa church that doesn't allow all to partake? How does that impact the people of that community? What does it say about faith? What does communion mean to you? Is it a symbol? Something more? What do you think or feel when you take communion? For the littles: What is your favorite food? All food is a blessing! of Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing. May our God of community meals and spiritual food fill your heart and soul. Amen. & Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week. ‘Try finding a recipe for communion bread and baking it. You can share with the community or just eat as a tasty treat! Bonus points if you can find a gluten-free recipe! Qe: Go Deeper: Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings. Friday, Mark 15:16-39, Crucifixion Saturday, Mark 15:40-47, The Death and Burial of JesusCrucifixion (Good Friday) Use this resource at home to guide your househol devotions. a Pray: Light a candle. Open your devotion with prayer. Eternal God, your son lost everything when he gave himself up tobe killed. May we remember his final hour with compassion and gratitude for all that we have received as a result of his selfless act. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. _18]| Read: Read the key verses from Sunday’s reading. Then Jesus gave a loud ery and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Mark 15:37-38) LO Reflect: nettect on the sripture summary. Jesus’ final moments were frightening and isolating. People mocked him, and he felt utterly alone. << Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your household. What was a high point of your day? What was a low point? Has your community experienced a tragic loss? What was the impact? Did anything positive come from the experience? ‘When have you felt lost and alone? Jesus has felt all the human emotions and pain possible. How does knowing God understands your feelings impact your faith? For the littles: Have you ever gotten an owie? Jesus understands your pain. + Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing. May the God who led a human life surround you in comfort and hope. Amen. § Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God's word come alive. Do the following activity this week. Many people avoid talking about death, but it is important to have things set in place for the inevitable. Make time this week to talk to loved ones about your plans for end of life— and find out their plans. I), Go Deeper: Go to clergystuffcom/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings. Saturday, Mark 15:40-47, The Death and Burial of JesusOur Story Resurrection April 12, 2020 (Easter) Mark 16:1-8 Use this resource at home to guide your household’ daily devotions, ra, Pray: Light a candle. Open your devotion with prayer. Holy God, the news of your resurrection was shocking and surprising when it was first heard. May our joy at these glad tidings give voice to our witness and hope to our hearts. In the name of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, amen. $]] Read: Read the key verse from Sunday's reading, But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he isnot here. Look, there is the place they laid him. (Mark 16:6) 2 Reflect: Reflect on the seripture summary. Early in the morning, the women fled Jesus’ tomb, their voices silenced by fear. But their voices would be heard, and all would know that Jesus is alive! < Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your househol ‘What was ‘igh point of your day? What was a low point? Does good news have more credibility when coming from a particular source? Who would be the most believable? Has there ever been good news you were too afraid to share? ‘What was it? Why were you afraid? When did you eventually share the news? For the littles: What is better when it’s empty? The tomb was ‘empty, and that meant Jesus had been raised from the dead! +f Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing. May the God who rose from the dead lift your spirit and enliven your heart, Amen. & Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God's word come alive. Do the foll activity this week. Bring the promise of new life to others. Bring spring potted plants to the home bound of your community, to share the gift of life with them! Qi, Go Deeper: Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings. Monday, Psalm 118:21-27, Psalm ‘Tuesday, Mark 16:8, The Shorter Ending of Mark Wednesday, Mark 16:9-11, Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Thursday, Mark 16:12-13, Jesus Appears to Two Disciples Friday, Mark 16:14-18, Jesus Commissions the Di Saturday, Mark 16:19-20, The Ascension of Jesus les opr © 2019 Cag Sat UeHoly Home Communion The church is anywhere people gather in Jesus’ name. Even though we may not physically gather in a church building, we continue to gather as the Christian ‘church. When you gather in Jesus’ name, your home is church, too. Holy Communion is a special meal we celebrate when we worship. The bread and wine are mysteriously the real presence of Jesus Christ. Because mysteries are, well, mysterious, we trust that, Jesus is really with us in this meal When we cannot gather physically for worship due to an emergency such as COVID-19, itis acceptable to fast from Holy Communion until we can worship together once again or use the liturgy below which can be led by someone in your family to celebrate Holy Communion in the home. We believe the meal is celebrated after God's Word is heard, so you might read a passage of scripture together and discuss how God is speaking to you in the biblical story, listen to a recorded sermon or tune into a livestream or radio service, before leading this liturgy. You can find a list of radio broadcasts, television worship, online worship services and other resources at: wndsynod.org/alternat -worship-opportuni Setting the Table Prepare a space for the meal of Holy Communion. Just as we do at church, consider setting out your best dishes because this is the most special meal we share. Churches often use unleavened bread to recall the Israelites hurried exodus from Egypt, however any bread will do. You may set out a small cup of wine or grape juice. Light a candle or two, and you have an altar. Holy Communion Liturgy *if you live alone and wish to participate in the sacrament, read this entire liturgy as a prayer and remember you are united with God and the communion of saints at this table. Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you. ‘And also with you. When our congregation gathered for Holy Communion with all the saints from every time and place, we heard again the story of God’s mighty acts and the love shown us in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The holy meal of the Lord's supper was shared. Now we share this word of life, and this bread and cup of blessing, that we may share in these same gifts and be strengthened by the Christian community, even though we gather separately for now. Let us confess our sins, all that we have done to hurt each other and ourselves, in the presence of God and of one another. (Pause for a moment of reflection.) Most merciful God, We confess that we have messed up. With our words and our hands, we have not been kind to others or to our own selves. We are hopeless without your love. We are afraid ofrunning out of toilet paper, so we take more than we need. We are afraid of what could happen, so we forget that you are with us all the time to give us peace. We spend the night with worry instead of prayer. Forgive us again and fill us up with your abundant mercy. God is rich in mercy and love. No matter how much you mess up every day, God's love never runs out. Just as God’s love is for you, so is the meal set before us. You are forgiven and ready to feast at the table, in the name of the one who died to set you free from the power of your sin, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Words of Institution In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it forall to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Lord's Prayer ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as itis in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, ‘as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Communion Distribution Share the bread with each person, saying, “The body of Christ, given for you.” Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. 1 of trial and deliver Then share the wine or grape juice with each person, saying, “The blood of Christ, shed for you.” Prayer After Communion Life-giving God, in the mystery of Christ’s resurrection you send light to conquer darkness, water to give new life, and the bread of life to nourish your people and free us from fear. Send us forth as witnesses to your Son’s resurrection, that we may show your glory to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen lord. Amen.Communion Bread Recipe From Luther Seminary to your table (This recipe is yields 4 loaves. The bread freezes well.) Sift dry ingredients together three times: (important!) 2.cwhole wheat flour ewhite flour 18 1/4 tsp baking powder 1& 1/4 tsp salt Stir in 4 tsp oll. Set aside. Mix wet ingredients together until dissolved 3/4 cup +2 Tbsp very hot water (minimum of 180 degrees F) 3 Tbsp honey 3 Tbsp molasses ‘Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix well. Dough should be slightly sticky. Do not knead, Divide into four balls and flatten each into a 1/4 inch thick disk. With a knife, score the top of each loaf into eight pie-shaped sections, so that the sections can be more easily broken off while serving. Alternatively, you could score a cross onto the loaf. Lay the loaves on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and brush the tops of the loaves with oil. Bake an additional 5-8 minutes. Let cool