We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality. ~Alfred Painter
True knowledge of who God is is inseparable from worship of God. (Baukham, p. 32 of book on Revelation)

Liturgy means the work of the people.

     This particular Easter Season brings with it a special guest. It's not someone sitting out there in the pews, but rather words that seep into our hearts and minds. You can't share the peace with this guest, but if you listen closely enough, this guest has the power to bring peace to you. This special guest I'm speaking of is the book of Revelation. Readings from it are assigned to every Sunday of Easter this year and through it we are reminded that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. We're reminded of God's power to make all things new and God's promise to wipe away every tear from our eye. We're reminded of the power of worship and the blessing that it is for us. It is this worship piece from Revelation that I would like to focus on this morning.
     I like to keep a journal, but so far I am only disciplined enough to keep one in spurts. Sometimes I find myself writing about my day or a special trip I've taken. Other times, I write thoughts on a book or responses from Biblical readings. One of my favorite kinds of journals I've kept, though, is a gratitude journal. I can't remember who the idea came from, but I remember years ago being given the idea to write down three things that I was grateful for every night before I went to sleep.
     At first, it seemed daunting. My life wasn't really all that exciting, so I didn't know if I could come up with three really great things each day. That, in and of itself, was part of the beauty of this journal because what happened was that I learned to write down and be thankful for the little things in life: a walk by the lake, a call from a friend, the tulips I noticed popping up in my neighbor's yard.
    In some ways, the act of worship is like keeping a gratitude journal because through it we remember or are made aware of all of the blessings with which God is filling our lives. As we share the peace of Christ with each other at the start of worship, we acknowledge that God has filled us with enough peace to give some away. As we pray for the world, the church and each other, we're reminded of God's power to heal even in the most tragic of circumstances. As we approach the table to share in Holy Communion or the Great Thanksgiving as it is sometimes called, we call to mind Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross which has secured for us unending forgiveness and eternal life. In many ways, worship is simply a way that we express our thanks to God for all that God has done, is doing and will do.
     Worship is also a way to get to know God. In one of the women's circles I attended this past week, we each went around and shared a bit about ourselves. This was great for me being new and really in the stage of getting to know people just a little bit, but the other women also commented that they learned new things about each other. Even though they have been gathering together for many years, they didn't know everything about each other. Our relationship with God is no different. Like every other relationship we have, we will never know everything there is to know about God. We learn little by little, experience by experience with worship being one of the tools we have for the deepening of the relationship.
     There is somewhat of a cadence or order to worship that helps us facilitate this relationship. It looks a bit different in various traditions, but at most churches you will notice these four parts: the Gathering, the Word, the Meal and the Sending. At Elim, as we gather, we share the peace, raise our voices together in song and pray. It is a preparation time for the Word and Sacrament that is to come.
     Next, we hear God's word that has been given to us for the day as it is read from the Bible and we also hear that Word preached. As we learn more about God's Word, as we hear it applied to our lives today through a sermon, we get to know God in a deeper way. Next, we ready ourselves to gather around God's table for Holy Communion. We confess our faith by saying the Creed, we pray together and intercess for each other, we give our offerings of money, understanding that all we have is gift from God in the first place, we hear the words of institution and pray the Lord's Prayer and we gather around this table to receive the body and blood of Jesus.
     Finally, we are sent. After being blessed and singing a song of thanksgiving, we hear the words, "Go in peace. Serve the Lord." And we respond, "Thanks be to God." And we understand that this hour has not been just for us. It's not been just to deepen the understanding we have of God, but rather a catalyst for us to take that relationship out into the world so that others will know of Jesus' love. So that others will be made aware of God's blessings in their lives. So that others will trust God's promises are for them as well. We worship as a way to get to know God. As we know him more and more, we are strengthened to be sent to go out and tell others.
    There's one final aspect of worship I'd like to touch on today and it has to do with your part in it. So often, I think people come to worship and think it is something the pastor puts on for everyone else or something the music minister does or something that a few very qualified lay people lead. In fact, worship is meant to be the opposite. The order or cadence to worship that I just talked about is called a liturgy when we get all fancy about it and use church words.
    The word, liturgy, actually means, "the work of the people." Sure, it's a benefit to have a leader or pastor specially trained and called to preach and preside over communion. Yes, it helps to have great musicians to plan and lead praise. But, what we do here together on Sunday mornings has much more to do with what you bring: your energy, your gratitude, your openness to learn, your willingness to take part.
     There are a variety of ways to serve during worship. Many of you take part already, but we need even more people to lend your voices and hands. You could lend your voice to lead as a lay minister like Joel does. He won't mind getting to sit with his family in church once in a while. Or, consider being a reader and reading the first two lessons. If you're not comfortable coming forward, we can give you a mic to read from your seat. Or, how about serving wine to those gathered and giving people the assurance that "This is the blood of Christ shed for you."? Or, what about serving as an usher? You have to get here a bit early, but we promise to have coffee brewing. Today, will you consider how your voice might be added to this congregation's worship?
     Our ability to worship, the freedom we have to worship is in and of itself a gift from God. Through it, we have the opportunity to express our gratitude for all the blessings we've received. Through it, we have the chance to get to know God and to know who we are as God's beloved children. Worship is what we bring together as a community. Our work is what makes it what it is. So thank you for being here, for bringing your voice, your gratitude, your openness, your willingness. Thank you for all you've done to enhance worship in this place. Thank you for all you will do. Amen.

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Children's sermon

 Fill Easter basket with different instruments. Start with just one kid playing. That sounds OK, but it's kind of boring. Let more kids pick out an instrument and notice how it gets better and better as more people join in. Each of us has a different part to play. When we add our voices or our sound, it makes our song or our worship even better.