John 15:1-8 | Vines. Here in Iowa, some vines are invasive, taking over everything in their path. But other vines – like grapevines or clematis bushes – have a purpose. Their purpose is to bear fruit – whether that’s an edible fruit or something that adds beauty to creation. But for vines to bear fruit, they need to be connected to their base. In the same way, as disciples of Jesus, and also as the church, our purpose is to bear fruit. But without first abiding in our vine – Jesus Christ – and without allowing the Holy Spirit to prune and shape us, we cannot live out our purpose in God’s Kingdom. So as we continue through the Easter season, join us for worship, as we once again are given the invitation to abide in Christ as he abides in us, and as we are sent forth to live out our purpose in God’s garden.
Sunday, April 28, 2024, Fifth Sunday of Easter 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. Prelude: There is a Fountain. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2014 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: Now the Green Blade Rises. Text and Music: John MacLeod Campell Crum, NOEL NOUVELET, French Carol. Text and Music: © 1928 Oxford University Press. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: O Blessed Spring. Text and Music: Susan Palo Cherwien, Robert Buckley Farlee. Text and Music: © 1993 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Offering Song: Just As I Am. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2022 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Vine and Branches. Text and Music: Trevor Thomson. Text and Music: © 2012 spiritandsong.com. Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! Text and Music: Herbert F. Brokering, David N. Johnson. Text and Music: © 1968, 1995 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.