May 5, 2023 COMMUNION SUNDAY

Dear Road Church Friends,

This coming Sunday is the first one in May which means it will be a Communion service. I hope you can be with us in person as we gather around the Table of the Lord in a spirit of remembrance and thanksgiving. On Easter evening in the village of Emmaus two disciples were unknowingly entertaining the risen Jesus. As he blessed the bread to begin the meal, they recognized that their guest was Jesus! Their sadness and doubts were replaced by the joy of Easter faith. We have this story as an assurance that whenever two or more of us are gathered in his name, Jesus’ presence is real among us. Sunday we will partake of the Bread of His Presence.

   SCRIPTURE READINGS:                              SERMON: Holy Hospitality

Matthew 14:13-20

Now when Jesus heard this he went away from there privately in a boat to an isolated place. But when the crowd heard about it, they followed him on foot from the towns. As he got out he saw the large crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. When evening arrived, his disciples came to him saying, “This is an isolated place and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But he replied, “They don’t need to go. You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” “Bring them here to me,” he replied. Then he instructed the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke the loaves. He gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, twelve baskets full.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

ONE IN CHRIST

by Henry van Dyke

The mind that is in Jesus will guide us into truth,

The humble, open joyful mind of ever-learning youth,

The heart that is in Jesus will lead us out of strife,

The giving and forgiving heart that follows love in life.

Wherever men adore Thee, our souls with them would kneel,

Wherever men implore Thy help, their trouble we would feel,

And where men do Thy service, though knowing not Thy sign,

Our hand is with them in good work, for they are also Thine.

Forgive us Lord, the folly that quarrels with Thy friends,

And draws us nearer to Thy heart where every discord ends,

Thou art the crown of manhood, and Thou of God the Son,

O Master of our many lives, in Thee our life is one.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

Our YouTube service: https://www.youtube.com/live/C_XXPCyNonE?feature=share