Simply the Sermon for May 3, 2026: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Our Bible texts for May 3, 2026, the 5th Sunday in Easter are: Acts 7:55-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; and John 14:1-14.

As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise, especially to the ones who disappoint him, that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.

May 3, 2026: Fifth Sunday of Easter

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Samuel Quek on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for April 26, 2026: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Our readings for Sunday April 26, the 4th Sunday in Easter are: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10.

Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday” but we at Bethel focused on the Acts reading where we hear the stories of the earliest Christians. Amazing as it might sound, the Jewish Christ followers shared all that they had and all that they were as they learned about the Way of Christ and the love that is given to all who believe.

We, as Christians, are still called to, freely and without qualifications, share the gifts that God has given us.

April 26, 2026: Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Nico Ruge on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for April 19, 2026: Third Sunday of Easter

Our readings for April 19, the 3rd Sunday in Easter are: Acts 2:14a, 36-41;1 Peter 1:17-23; and Luke 24:13-35

Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.

April 19, 2026: Third Sunday of Easter

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Katya Azimova on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for April 12, 2026: Second Sunday of Easter "Holy Humor Sunday"

Our readings for April 12, the second Sunday in Easter, are: Acts 2:14a, 22-32;
Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31. It was Holy Humor Sunday so our liturgy was a bit wackier than usual. You might enjoy reading through the bulletin to experience it. We used noise makers and percussion instruments to share our joy at God's incredible gifts of love and laughter. Our sermon was shared by video by Bishop Brenda Bos. We hope you enjoy it.

In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be from the Acts of the Apostles and the first letter of Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in baptism.

Simply the Sermon for April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday

Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! 

Our readings for this glorious Easter day are: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash

Simply the Sermon for April 3, 2026: Good Friday

Our readings for Good Friday are Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; and John 18:1—19:42. 

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

April 3, 2026: Good Friday

The Bethel Worship Team

Photo by Alex Noriega on Unsplash