Wesley United Church– Year A
April 19, 2026, 11:00 am
3rd Sunday of Easter
Worship Leader: Evelyn MacDonald

Readers: Bev Bragg
Music:  Bev Bragg
Greeter:  Elsie Organ
Bell Ringer: Ross Cooper
  

 

Gathering in the Spirit

 

 

Welcome to our worship service either online or in printed form.  

 

Life and Work of the Church may be found at the end of the service.

 

Our Blessings & Birthdays for this week are:

Lighting of the Christ Candle  

O Sacred Fire, be our light and our way.  Illumine the path of hope and wholeness that we might venture forth with courage and confidence.  Point us toward the One whom the faithful call the Light of the World.  It is in his name that we light this candle.  Amen.

 

*Introit:  VU # 167 Christ Is Risen From the Dead

 

Christ is risen from the dead, glory, hallelujah!
Christ is risen from the dead, glory, hallelujah!
Jesus Christ is risen, glory, hallelujah!
Jesus Christ is risen, glory, hallelujah!

 

*Call to Worship 

 

L:  Christ is risen!

P:  He is risen, indeed!

L:  The risen one came to the disciples on the Emmaus road and turned their despair into hope.

P:  With joy in their hearts, they returned to Jerusalem with the words: “Christ is risen!  He is risen, indeed.”

L:  As we gather in this house of prayer, we bring our troubles and our fears.  May this time of worship be our Emmaus road, the place where we meet the risen one and hope is born anew.  In faith, let us proclaim that Christ is risen.

 

P:  He is risen, indeed.  Hallelujah!

*Opening Hymn VU # 179  Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Give Thanks

 

Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Give thanks to the risen Christ:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Give praise to God’s name

1  Jesus is Lord of all the earth,
firstborn of all creation. 
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Give thanks to the risen Christ:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Give praise to God’s name

 

2  Spread the good news o’er all the earth:
Jesus has died and is risen.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Give thanks to the risen Christ:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Give praise to God’s name

 

3  We have been crucified with Christ,
now we shall live for ever.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Give thanks to the risen Christ:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Give praise to God’s name

 

4  Come, let us praise the living God,
joyfully sing to our Saviour.
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Give thanks to the risen Christ:
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Give praise to God’s name

 

Opening Prayer 

On Easter morning, the disciples observed nothing when they peered into the empty tomb.  On the road to Emmaus, the disciples heard your voice, but were unable to perceive that it was you.  When you ascended to heaven, they were bereft, unaware that your Holy Spirit would fill their lives.  Grant us your grace, we pray, so that we can notice and perceive, and be filled with your Holy Spirit during this time of worship and always.  Amen.

 

Invitation to Confession  

Let us bring our confessions to God, as we pray together first, and then silently.

Prayer of Confession  

The tomb is empty, and we meet you, O Risen Christ, unexpectedly in the ordinariness of our daily lives.  You are with us in sadness and heartbreak, as you were with Mary on her way to the tomb and as you were with the two travellers to Emmaus.  It is in these times of trouble, difficulty, and sorrow, when you reveal yourself to us in your risen glory, that we confess, “Did not our hearts burn within us?”  We pray for forgiveness when we do not recognize you in the faces of those around us, in our neighbourhood, or in our own faith community.  Help us to trust that you will be with us on our road to Emmaus.  Now, make yourself known to us by your presence and through your holy scriptures as you did to your disciples, as we open our hearts in confession:  (a time of silent prayer)

 

Words of Assurance

 

L. Emmaus is any place, any time, when Christ appears to us, is present with us, and travels with us in undeniable reality.  Emmaus, the experience of the risen Christ, keeps on happening.  Christ joins us on all our journeys!  Easter is ours!  Amen

 

 P.   Thanks be to God.

*Hymn: VU #182 Stay With Us through the Night

 

1  Stay with us through the night.
Stay with us through the pain.
Stay with us, blessed stranger
till the morning breaks again.

2  Stay with us through the night.
Stay with us through the grief.
Stay with us, blessed stranger
till the morning brings relief.

 

3  Stay with us through the night.
Stay with us through the dread.
Stay with us, blessed stranger
till the morning breaks new bread.

 

Listening for the Spirit

 

Scripture Readings:

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

 

This reading continues from last week’s lesson which introduced Peter where he was standing with the eleven apostles, addressing the crowd in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.  This moment follows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which empowered the apostles to speak in various languages.  
In verses 36-41, Peter declares to all Israel that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Messiah.  This statement affirms Jesus’ divine authority and fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, while also confronting the crowd with their role in his death, evoking conviction and repentance.  The phrase “cut to the heart” describes the deep emotional and spiritual impact of Peter’s words, prompting the listeners to ask, “What shall we do?”

 

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

 

Peter Addresses the Crowd

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.
Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with cer-tainty that God has made him both Lord and Messi-ah,* this Jesus whom you crucified.’

The First Converts
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Broth-ers,* what should we do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt gener-ation.’ So those who welcomed his message were bap-tized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
The Word of the Lord 
Thanks be to God 

 

Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19  

This psalm expresses a deep gratitude and trust in God during times of distress.  The psalmist declares love for God because He hears their cries for help and delivers them from their troubles. The psalm highlights the cords of death and anguish of the grave that surrounded the psalmist, illustrating their dire situation.  Despite these challenges, they remain steadfast in their faith, calling upon God as their refuge and protector.  This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s compassionate response to those in need, emphasizing the importance of faith and reliance on divine intervention in difficult times.

 

Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19  

 

L.  I love you, God, because you heard my voice when I made supplication,

 

 P.  because you turned your ear to me, when I called upon your name.

 

 L.  The cords of death entangled me, and the pangs of the Grave laid hold on me;
 
P.  I suffered distress and anguish.

 

L.  Then I called upon the name of God:

 

P.  “O God, I pray, save my life”

Refrain:
How can I repay you, God, for all the goodness you show to me?

 L.  How can I repay you, God, for all the good things you have done for me?

 

 P.  I will take up the cup of salvation and call up-on the name of God.  I will pay my vows in the presence of all God’s people.

 

Refrain:
How can I repay you, God, for all the goodness you show to me?

L.  Precious in the sight of God is the death of the saints.

 

P.  O God, I am your servant:

 

L. I am your servant, the child of your maidservant.

 

P.  You have freed me from my bonds.

 

 

L.  I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

P.  and will call upon the name of God.

 

L.  I will pay my vows to God in the presence of all God’s people,

 

P.  in the courts of the house of God, in your midst, O Jerusalem.

 

Refrain:
How can I repay you, God, for all the goodness you show to me?

 
Response to Psalm

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 24: 13-35

This verse highlights a powerful moment in the Gospel where Jesus reveals Himself to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  It speaks to the profound significance of recognizing the presence of Jesus in ordinary, everyday moments.  The breaking of bread symbolizes the act of sharing a meal, a simple and communal practice. Jesus also signifies the intimate connection and revelation to His disciples. This verse challenges us to be attentive to the presence of Jesus even in the mundane and routine aspects of our daily lives.

 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 24: 13-35

 

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusa-lem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and dis-cussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have tak-en place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astound-ed us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of an-gels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have de-clared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glo-ry?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen in-deed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread

.

The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

 

 

 

Message:  Emmaus Road (Monologue)

By: Cathy Gradante, Bridgenorth U.C., Fraserville, Ontario

 

(kneading dough)
It's like we woke up from a nightmare and found ourselves in a dream.
It's been a couple of weeks now and I still can't believe what we experienced.  Now, my brother Cleopas and I – my name is Sarah, by the way – we had followed Jesus into the city for the festival.  Cleopas was so excited.  He had become more and more passionate about Jesus' message and wanted to be part of the cheering crowd.  So, we travelled to Jerusalem and waved our palm branches at the parade and shouted “Hosanna!”  with the others inside the city gates.
We were staying with our aunt and uncle for the festival, and I was helping my aunt prepare food for all the guests who were coming for the meal.  Everyone loves my bread!  So, I was up to my elbows in yeast and flour for two days straight!
But pretty quickly our celebration turned to a wake when we learned about Jesus' arrest and that sham of a trial – (punches bread dough)
It truly was like a nightmare we couldn't wake up from!
And then, on that terrible day, we were helplessly rooted in place as we witnessed the crucifixion – waiting, holding our breath, hoping for some miracle to change the outcome – but Jesus died!
We saw him die!  And with him, our hope died, too, our hope for ourselves and for our people, our hope for the Messiah that we were so sure would save us.  We were heartbroken and confused and numb with grief as we made our preparations to return home following the day of rest.
And just as we were getting ready to start the long walk back to Emmaus, news started rippling out into the community that a woman had gone to the tomb and found it empty!
We didn't understand how this was possible after what we'd witnessed.  We wondered if it was simply unimaginable grief that caused the rumour to spread.  And so, we set out for home.  What a change from how we'd left there only days before, full of excitement and hope and possibility.
I'm not sure Cleopas and I exchanged more than a few words as we started out along the road.  We were just too confused and heartsick to do more than put one foot in front of the other.
But, before long, the grief and anger started to pour out of me.  I cried out to my brother – and really, to God - “Why?”
Why did the cries of hosanna turn so quickly into shouts of crucify?
Why did the crowds become so angry and lose sight of everything he taught us?
And why was the tomb empty?  How could Jesus be alive?  It just didn't make sense – (slams dough down angrily)
We had so much hope heading into Jerusalem, and now we were heading home with so many questions.
And then, when we were just a few miles from home, suddenly there was a stranger walking alongside us.  I hadn't heard any footsteps coming closer; he was just suddenly there!  Maybe I was too lost in my own thoughts to pay attention, but it was shocking to have him just show up out of nowhere like that!
And then he wanted to know what we were talking about.  Cleopas just looked at him in shock and asked, “Are you the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's been going on the last few days?”
When the stranger still looked puzzled, Cleopas explained what had happened and how our friend and teacher, Jesus, had been killed.  He shared that now there were rumours that he was somehow alive and we just didn't understand any of it!
Then this stranger told us about how this was the fulfillment of scripture.  He knew all the verses and all the stories that spoke of the Messiah, and we were enthralled by everything he shared.  
When we finally arrived home, I quickly invited the stranger to stay, as is our custom of hospitality.  If I didn't invite him, my mother would be mortified thinking that she didn't raise me properly.  But it was more than that.  I just couldn't bear to have him go.  There was something so compelling about him.  My heart had beaten faster when he'd explained the scriptures and their powerful meaning.  
When I opened the door, the smell of supper cooking blessed us as we entered and I rushed to the kitchen, leaving my brother to make our guest welcome.
Hannah, our kitchen helper, was there, clearing up the dishes from my parents' meal, but fortunately, there was still plenty of food left and there was a whole loaf of bread.  Not quite as good as mine, of course, but it was still warm from the oven.

After I explained that we had an unexpected guest, Hannah and I worked quickly to put the food out since it was a long road from Jerusalem and we were all hungry.
Hannah placed the bread on the table and filled the cups with wine as I filled the bowls with vegetables and meat from the pot simmering by the fire.  In no time, supper was on the table, and then, as I watched to find out if he needed anything else, the stranger picked up the bread, blessed it, and broke it.  Suddenly the room was filled with light, and shadows that had covered our eyes as we journeyed home were lifted, and we knew!  We knew it was Jesus!
Cleopas glanced up at me in amazement – and in that moment, Jesus was gone!  Simply vanished from right before us!
Cleopas asked, “What do we do now?”
And I said, “We go back to Jerusalem!  We have to tell the others what we've experienced!  Jesus is alive!  Mary was telling the truth!  Get your cloak!  There's no time to waste!”
We rushed, with much lighter feet, back down that road because Jesus had risen from the dead.  We had received our miracle, not in the way we'd initially hoped, but we'd received it just the same!
And isn't that how God works, in wondrous, mysterious ways that we aren't meant to fully understand?
It's a little like baking bread, with simple ingredients of flour, water, salt, and some yeast.  It magically becomes something wonderful, especially when I make it. (She winks, then gently lifts up the bread and breaks it.)
And in the breaking and sharing of that bread, we are nourished, strengthened, and loved into being by the One who calls us beloved!  And isn't that miraculous!

 

  *Hymn: VU # 575 I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

 

1  I’m gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna live so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!

 

2  I’m gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna work so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!

 

3  I’m gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!

 

4  I’m gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime!

 

Responding to the Spirit

 

Prayers of the People 

O God, we pray that we may never forsake the means of grace you have granted us.  Keep us true to the way of prayer, the reading of scripture and the practice of gathering in your name and of welcoming both friends and strangers into our homes and hearts.  We pray that, as Christ appeared on the road to Emmaus, so he might appear to us, and through us, to others, as we share our joys and concerns, as we hear and speak your word, as we break bread and pray together.  Lord, today we pray for those in our church and our community who are troubled and upset as were the disciples on the first Easter day.  We hold before you those who are grieving a loss, be it a job, a home, a way of life, or a loved one.  May they encounter the Risen Christ and know that the future is safe in His hands. ____________
We pray for those who reach out in our church and community to minister to others your healing presence.  We give you thanks for those who listen, counsel, and share your word, and all who break bread with us.  Bless them in their love that they may more fully experience the love they share.  We give you our deepest thanks for being with us, listening to us and granting us peace through Jesus Christ, our Risen Saviour, who taught us to pray, saying, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen

M & S Story

Flowing Beyond the Banks

In Chipman, New Brunswick, along the Salmon River, community isn’t just an idea—it’s how life flows. For over 126 years, Chipman United Church has been wo-ven into the heart of the town.
The congregation is small—mostly seniors with a handful of youth, four of whom now help lead wor-ship—and the choir is modest. But the impact is any-thing but small. Each month, about sixty meals are prepared and delivered through the LIFT program, feeding children, seniors, and neighbours who can’t leave home. The church hall hosts community groups and sports programs, and members pour hot chocolate at the Christmas parade. Service here isn’t occasional; it’s a habit.
When some members could no longer attend in per-son, the church brought worship online. What was ex-pected to reach twenty people drew thousands. Prayer requests now arrive by email, and a painting of the sanctuary is being turned into cards to remind those who feel alone that they belong.
This is rural ministry: rooted, connected, and alive. Mission and Service helps sustain communities like Chipman, keeping churches at the centre of town life.
We can make a difference together. When we give to Mission and Service, we help ensure that churches like Chipman continue to feed, care for, and connect their communities. Donate today and be part of keeping this heart of the town alive.

Offering Invitation 

Having heard the word in the Emmaus story that Jesus' presence can transform downcast lives to lives of joy and hope, we give so that other people's lives can be transformed as well.  We will now present our morning offering.

 

 

*Offertory Hymn MV # 191  What Can I Do?

What can I do?  What can I bring?
What can I say?  What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy.  I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love.  I’ll do my share.  (twice)

*Offertory Prayer 

Gracious God, as we go about our daily tasks, as we share the story of our faith, as we share our bread with the stranger, may we know the presence of the Risen One, and by this presence, may our hearts burn with love within us, so that we may share all of our gifts in gratitude and praise.  Amen.

 

*Closing Hymn:  VU #595 We Are Pilgrims

 

1  We are pilgrims on a journey,
fellow travellers on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.

 

2  Sister, let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.

 

3  I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.

 

4  I will weep when you are weeping,
when you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow,
till we’ve seen this journey through.

 

5  When we sing to God in heaven,
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we’ve known together,
of Christ’s love and agony.

 

6  Brother, let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.

*Benediction & Commissioning 

 

L:  Our hearts burn within us;

 

P:  let us go and bring the good news to all who will believe.

 

L:  Jesus has revealed himself to us in the breaking of bread;

 

P:  let us go and share communion with all people.

 

L:  Jesus was with us, and we did not know it;

 

P:  let us go, remembering that we are not alone.

 

L:  Jesus has prepared us for the journey of faith,

 

P:  let us go and fulfill our call to discipleship.

 

May the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you now and forevermore.  Amen.

 

*Sung Benediction  VU # 224 Sing a Happy Hallelujah vs 1

 

1  Sing a happy hallelujah,
sing it out with heart and style,
we’re the echo of God’s laughter,
we’re the image of God’s smile.

 

Hallelujah, all creation,
hallelujah everyone!
Hallelujah, all creation,
hallelujah everyone!
 

 

Life and Work of the Church

 

Today, on our Memory Board, we remember Vera Forsey (June 21, 1927-January 7, 2014), Irene Billard (May 1, 1934-September 14, 2019) and Rita Billard (December 26, 1921 – March 31, 2006)

 

Donations received in memory of

George & Shirley Osmond and Robert & Irene Billard by Keith & Marg Billard

Shirley, Jack & Ruby by Bob Bragg

Albert Lomond by wife, Barb

UCW thanks everyone who helped out at the Market Fair on Saturday, April 18.  

 

UCW Soup Luncheon on Friday, April 24 in our hall 11:30am-1:00pm.

 

Ministerial Spring Service to raise funds for the Christmas Hampers will be on Friday, May 8 starting at 7:00pm at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic church in the Codroy Valley.  Thank you to Ray Bown and Leo Coffin, as well as Dr. Doug & Carol Cote for representing St. Michael’s and Wesley United at this service.

 

Volunteer Thank You Service and Luncheon will be held on Sunday, May 10.  A luncheon will be prepared for you after the service.

Digital Memorial Fund Update- We are very happy to report that due to all the individual donations and a donation from the family of Sharon Sheaves, our digital is now paid in full.  

Recovery Is Possible Support Group meetings are held in our church hall on Sunday nights at 7:00 pm.  The coordinator for this group is Andrea Feaver. 

 

Wesley United Library- in our former Choir Room. Please take time before or after our services to borrow, exchange or donate books.

 

Walking Group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 am.  Dinah Carter is the coordinator for this group.  

Darts – The group meets at 1:00pm on Tuesdays.  The Coordinators are David Davis and Debbie Moss.

AIM’s Empower Rangers Group meet each Tuesday 4:00-6:00 in our church hall.  This is a social club aimed toward empowering neurodivergent youth in everyday life here in town. It is open to youth from grade 6 onwards. Coordinator is Reed Bartlett.

 

Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Crafts and Social get-togethers are held on Thursdays, at 1:00 pm.  Evelyn MacDonald and Ruth Deveaux are coordinators for these groups.

Previous bulletins have been placed on the Information Table in case anyone would like one.  These are nice to give out to people who are unable to attend.  

 

New Copies of “Our Daily Bread” are available on the Information Table.

 

Food Bank –The Food Bank needs sugar, can milk, tea bags, butter or any nonperishable item. You may bring your items to church or drop them off at the Thrift Store. 

 

Recycling Depot Thank you to those who have been donating their recyclables to our account. Our account total is now $21.65.  You may donate by using the pin number 6953434 when you drop off your recyclables. 

 

Sunday Morning services on our web site. You are able to read our worship service by clicking on the following link: www.wesleyunitedchurch.sitew.ca Once you are on the site, click Sunday Worship which will take you to the service.

           

Offerings Needed to Meet 2026 Budget
Local: $5000.00 Monthly
M & S: $200.00 Monthly

 

Date                           Local Account             M & S
January                          3739.00                     127.00
February                         2513.00                    258.00
March                             3644.63                     150.00
April 5                              1080.10                       67.00
April 12                              883.00                       33.00

 

Many blessing for this new week and let us feel Jesus’ miracles by nourishing, strengthening and loving others as we walk our own Emmaus Road.