John 12:1-8; Isaiah 43:16-21 | Ever try to cover up an unpleasant smell with a candle? Or Lysol spray? (or anything else?!) Many of us have done it. And, from time to time, it works. But sometimes, rather than covering up a smell, all the smells mesh together. In our Gospel reading this weekend, Mary pours out a pound of perfume on Jesus’ feet, filling the room with a distinct smell. But wrapped up in this scent is also the scent of devotion, mixed with the scent of death, and the scent of betrayal. All of these smells fill the room, intermingling one with the other, leading us to the story of Christ’s passion. So, as we near the end of the Lenten season, looking toward the dawn of Easter, join us as we embrace the juxtaposition of death and life, as we are encapsulated in the scent of grace, and as we’re offered the opportunity to give ourselves in devotion to Christ.
Sunday, April 6, 2025, Fifth Sunday in Lent Bulletin
Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Gathering Hymn: In the Cross of Christ I Glory. Text: John Bowring, 1792-1872. Music: Ithamar Conkey, 1815-1867. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: O Jesus, I Have Promised. Text: John E. Bode, 1816-1874, alt. Music: Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch, Meiningen, 1693. Text and Music: Public Domain. Offering: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: We Fall Down. Text & Music: Chris Tomlin. Text and Music: © 1998 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Wonderful Cross. Text and Music: Chris Tomlin, Isaac Watts, J. D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, Lowell Mason. Text and Music: © 2000 Rising Springs Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). Covered under CCLI subscription.