Week 1 - April 27, 2025 - Peace for the Doubting
(Second Sunday of Easter, Year C)
Main Scripture: John 20:19-31
Other Lectionary Texts: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8
Main Point: Faith is not the absence of doubt but the willingness to show up in our uncertainty. Jesus meets us behind locked doors and breathes peace into the places we hide.
Liturgical Color: White
Liturgy:
Introduction to Centering Prayer
As we begin our Easter season journey, we remember that the risen Christ meets us in our uncertainty, our locked doors, and our deepest doubts. Let us center ourselves now in that peace as we pray together. The words will be on the screen.
Centering Prayer
Risen Christ, we come with our questions, our fears, and our hopes. You meet us not with judgment, but with peace. Open our hearts to your presence among us, even in our uncertainty. Breathe your Spirit into the places we have locked away. Help us trust that you are always near.
Call to Worship
Leader: In locked rooms and uncertain hearts, the risen Christ appears.
People: In fear and in faith, Christ is with us.
Leader: We come bringing our doubts, our hopes, and our longing for peace.
People: We come to meet the One who breathes life into fear.
All (Unison): We worship the risen Christ, who meets us where we are and offers us peace.
Prayer of Confession
Risen Christ, you come to us with peace, yet we are often locked behind fear and doubt. We struggle to trust what we cannot see and resist the vulnerability of faith. Forgive us when we hold back our hearts or withhold our questions. Breathe your Spirit into us again, and help us open the doors we have closed. May we believe, not because we have no doubt, but because you have never left us.
Spoken Word: "Peace in the Midst"
They gathered behind locked doors,
fear heavy in their lungs,
grief sitting where hope used to be.
The tomb was empty,
but so were they.
Then suddenly,Jesus.
Not knocking, not waiting,
but standing in the middle,
offering peace, not proof,
presence, not punishment.
He showed them his wounds,
not to prove a point,
but to offer healing.
He met their fear with breath,
his Spirit, soft and steady.
He didn’t wait for faith
before speaking peace.
He didn’t demand answers
before extending grace.
He simply came closer.
That’s the Christ we worship,
not one who waits outside our doubt,
but one who walks through walls,
through fear, through silence,
to stand with us.
So if you came here unsure,
if your faith feels locked away,
hear this:
Peace is already in your midst.
And Christ is already here.
Benediction
And now as we depart this sacred space, may the peace of the risen Christ go with you,into your questions, your doubts, and your daily living. May you find comfort in knowing that you are not alone, and strength in the One who walks through walls to reach you. Go in courage, with hearts open to grace.
Music Suggestions:
UMC Hymnal
It Is Well with My Soul (#377)
Spirit of the Living God (#393)
Be Still, My Soul (#534)
My Hope Is Built (#368)
In the Garden (#314)
TFWS
God Is So Good (#2056)
Living for Jesus (#2149)
You Are Mine (#2218)
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying (#2193)
Come Away with Me (#2202)
Contemporary Christian
Peace Be Still – The Belonging Co & Lauren Daigle
Do It Again – Elevation Worship
Way Maker – Leeland
Fear Is Not My Future – Maverick City Music & Brandon Lake
Battle Belongs – Phil Wickham
Still – Amanda Lindsey Cook
You Say – Lauren Daigle
Christ Be Magnified – Cody Carnes
Nothing Else – Cody Carnes
Trust in You – Lauren Daigle
Visual Aids:
A closed door or gate near the altar or worship space (symbolizing fear and locked hearts)
A candlelit table or grouping representing the peace of Christ entering the room
Interactive Elements:
Small key-shaped paper cutouts for people to write where they need peace and leave at the altar
Invite the congregation to pass the peace with intention after the sermon
Sensory Elements:
Burning incense or essential oil diffuser with lavender (a calming scent)
Soft instrumental music playing during silent reflection (e.g., strings or piano)
Worship Series Worksheet - Week 1
The "Opened Eyes, Empowered People" Worship Series Worksheet, already detailed in this blog post, is also available for download. This printable version makes it easy for church teams to access and utilize the information for collaborative worship planning. Simply download and print the worksheet to facilitate the organization and execution of each week's service.
Opened Eyes, Empowered People - Week 1 Worksheet