Sunday, April 7, 2024

Theme:

Preston has been away this week on vacation. We wish him safe travels, enjoyment, and rest. In his place this week, our guest minister will be Landon Hammond.

Landon is a graduate of Clemson University with a BS in Packaging Science and works for TricorBraun as a Director of Global Supply Chain. He completed studies for an MBA at Southern Wesleyan University and received his M. Div from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte. He has completed all his ordination requirements and currently is under the care of the Foothills Presbytery. Landon lives in Boiling Springs, SC with his wife Elizabeth and three children Braeden, Addyson and Kylie. When not playing taxi dad he sing and plays in the contemporary service at First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg and sings in the chamber choir. In his spare time he enjoys photography, reading a good book, and relaxing anywhere there is water. His family are active members at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg.

“Here’s Your Sign” will be his sermon, coming from our scripture in John, the story traditionally referred to as ‘Doubting Thomas’.

Reflections:

Second Sunday of Easter

Introit: Read through the verses of  “These Things Did Thomas Count as Real”; this 20th century text is a correction to the history of negativity towards Thomas. His “sceptic mind” sounds very modern and more sympathetic. We will sing the fourth verse as our introit.

Opening Hymn: An Easter hymn; the text of “Thine Is the Glory” was written specifically for this music from one Handel’s oratorios.

Transition Hymn: For the month of April, “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” will be our transition hymn.

Special Music: “Let the Redeemed of the Lord”, by Michael Bennett.

Responsive Hymn: I really like using “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight” with today’s scripture. It open with a quotation from 2 Corinthians 5:7, but is essentially a retelling of Jesus’ appearance to Thomas.

Sending Hymn: Another hymn centered around Jesus’ appearances to the disciples. “The first three verses are shaped by the wounded body parts: feet, side, hand; the fourth prays for such woundedness in the witness of Christ’s body, the church.”

Benediction: Throughout the Easter season, we will sing the first verse of “Christ Is Alive!” as our benediction.