April 19, 2026 – Third Sunday of Easter
Psalm: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “Undeserving in Michigan”
It’s then work of the church to nurture and evoke such practices of thanks that will problem in lives of gratitude. In a lifetime of gratitude, the measure of “deserving” or “undeserving” merely turns into irrelevant. The middle of our lives is reconfigured round generosity that want by no means be coerced, however is all the time glad and past restrict or calculation.
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Rev. Dr. Eric Barreto, “A Desk and a Promise”
Round that desk would have been every kind of various chairs, area for every kind of individuals. And piled on that desk could be mounds of scrumptious meals, meals we ate at our grandmother’s desk, that meals you imagined only a second in the past. However there would even be some unusual meals, meals you don’t acknowledge. Meals with smells that you could’t account for. Meals you possibly can’t start to think about how you’ll start to eat. However at that desk such unusual meals is a pleasant curiosity, a dish that makes you marvel who else is sitting at this desk. Whenever you look to your left and to your proper, you see individuals you’ve cherished and misplaced, individuals you’ve by no means seen earlier than however love at first sight, individuals you wouldn’t have thought would make it via the pearly gates. And that desk, that desk rings with delight and laughter and pleasure.
Rev. Paul Lutter, “Hope Has You”
May it’s, as a former seminary professor as soon as mentioned, that the absence of a reputation on this story is so we are able to discover ourselves in what unfolds there. You are also on the street. You’ve borne witness to a horrible disaster. You don’t know what to make of it. All you flip can do is flip towards Emmaus.
April 26, 2026 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
First Studying: Acts 2:42-47
Rev. Miguel Escobar, “Past Stewardship II: Exploring Options”
In Acts, we hear of believers promoting possessions and holding all issues in widespread (Acts 2:44–45). To talk of the price of discipleship throughout fundraising is to underscore that God needs the transformation of our complete lives.
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “What Naboth Teaches Us Immediately Half II”
The church in fact affirms non-public property; on the similar time, nonetheless, the church acknowledges that there’s additionally a “social mortgage” on non-public property in order that the sources of creation are to serve the widespread good, and subsequently the great of those that are excluded from the safety and well-being of personal property.
Psalm: Psalm 23
Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “Insatiable!”
We’re invited to thoughts a sheep who doesn’t overeat, who doesn’t retailer up or hoard meals, however who in profound confidence trusts the provisions of the shepherd who offers meals, water, and security. Such a sheep, in readiness to rely on the items of the shepherd, eats solely what’s required for the day—no extras, no surplus, no extreme luxuries.
Rev. Jenny Sung, “The Lord is My Shepherd”
Nothing is hidden, no branches to wrap round ourselves. We’re simply left to take a seat within the reality of who we’re… human. Our nice Shepherd doesn’t go away us or abandon us there. As an alternative Christ guarantees to result in one thing stunning and holy from all the great intentions and damaged guarantees. In all of God’s divine royalty, via humility and nice love our Shepherd leads us beside nonetheless waters and inexperienced pastures.
