I’m continuing to narrate the events at our very special Easter Service developed and presented by the Circle Church Arts Module.
As the films ended, footsteps were heard at the back of the auditorium. The same young women dressed in the clothes we had seen, came hurrying breathlessly down the aisles. They huddled in excitement with the staff on the platform before dissembling to spread the word through the audience, “It is true! He has risen! Pass it on! Jesus Christ is alive!” As we whispered to each other, we all shared in the excitement that must have gripped those stunned disciples.
This was followed by a love feast of celebration. (After all, there is such a thing as the “culinary” arts!). Small groups of ten or twelve—formed by turning the chairs of every other row around—were served the contents of large decorated cartons, which had been placed in position earlier that morning. Cheese, grapes, and dates, homemade bread, and juice were shared, as we discussed the reality of what had been presented that morning and how it related to our lives.
Following the feast, the sermon stressed the need not to be just momentarily ecstatic, but to be wholeheartedly committed to do the work of Christ’s kingdom. We were reminded that this was what He himself emphasized in His remaining hours on earth after the resurrection.
Another communion service followed, this one celebrated joyfully. A roll was broken and passed, and juice was poured from a common cup into smaller containers. It was a meaningful morning for all of us. And, just a sample of what creative people can do if given the opportunity.
After brainstorming services for four years, the staff was more than relieved to have these talented and energetic people sharing that burden. They were scripting readings, writing dramatic presentations, and creating visuals. They were working in conjunction with the Music Module and Family Module to provide a summer emphasis for our Christian Education program that stressed music and culminated in a children’s recital. They published a manuscript of Circle Church creations that provided an incentive for our people. They also held a symposium for burgeoning abilities. The ideas were limitless. And, I was greatly encouraged by their enthusiasm.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
