Here is a link to the audio of the complete service, including music and children’s and adult messages:
Fifth Sunday in Lent
The Presbyterian Church
142 N. 4th Street, Coshocton, OH 43812
Pastor Karen Crawford
Caroline Heading, Pianist
Prelude “In the Garden”
Greeting/Announcements
Opening Sentences
Thus says the Lord: “I will put my breath within you, and you shall live.”
In gratitude, we praise the Giver of Life.
Jesus says: “I am the resurrection and the life.
In gratitude, we praise the Source of our Being.
We gather to worship the One who frees us from the grave and stirs dry bones to life.
Spirit, come and enliven our worship!
Call to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Holy One, we have set our minds on wrong things—on selfish gain, not generous service; on pursuits that distract, not inspire; on tasks that diminish, rather than give, life. We long to set our minds on eternal things—on your way of mercy and compassion; on paths that lead to justice and peace; on living as people of hope. Spirit of God, dwell in us. Give us grace when we fall short, transform our hearts and renew our minds, and set us free to follow you faithfully.
Assurance of Pardon
Hymn
Time with Children and Youth: The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture John 11:1-45
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ!
Message “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” Pastor Karen
Devotion from All God’s Creatures: Daily Devotion for Animal Lovers 2020
Written by Amy Lively
Read by Pastor Karen Crawford, The Presbyterian Church, Coshocton, OH
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings, like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31).
Jesus, please grow my faith and teach me to trust you during my wilderness seasons. As I wander and wonder, I am safe in your care. Bring me closer to you with each step. Amen.
Music: “It Is Well With My Soul,” sung by Audrey Assad
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believein God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will knowmy Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
15 “If you love me, you will keepmy commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be inyou.
18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.
—John 14: 1-7, 15-18
John William Baird was born in Coshocton to Margaret and Maurice Baird on January 14, 1937. Imagine the world into which he arrived—a week before FDR is sworn in for his second presidential term and six days before Howard Hughes establishes a record by flying from L.A. to New York City in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds. He was born the day after record-breaking rain begins to fall across Ohio for 12 days, triggering a natural disaster. The Ohio River floods and leaves millions without homes and many more without electricity or fresh water to drink for weeks.
John was just a little boy when he first started visiting The Presbyterian Church of Coshocton with his Grandma and Grandpa Page, his mother’s parents. Lester and Laura Page were longtime members here. John was baptized at Central Christian, where he attended regularly with his parents and would later worship with Margie, whom he married at Adams Mills Presbyterian Church in 1957. They would raise up their two children, Cyndi and Bobby, in the faith at Central Christian. Later, John and Margie would follow Cyndi and her husband, Tom, to join the Presbyterian Church of Coshocton in the early 1990s. They were welcomed as members in this chapel at the same worship service in which their granddaughters, Tiffany and Ashley, were baptized.
It is possible that JW, nicknamed by Ashley, caught the entrepreneurial bug from either or both sides of his family. It could have been in his DNA. Grandpa Page was a pharmacist who partnered with Clyde Lorenz in 1909 to open the Page & Lorenz Drug Store at 545 Main Street, Coshocton. John learned about customer service and supply and demand through hanging out at Grandpa’s store, doing his homework and sipping soda at the soda fountain. At the same time, he became intimately involved with his father’s feed and grain business, Baird Supply Company, formerly J.A. Baird and Son, founded by his grandfather in 1904.
JW never did anything half way and was a lifelong learner, a reader, a self-taught, self-made man. In his teens, when he wasn’t drinking soda at Grandpa’s store, he hung around car repair garages, developing his mechanical skills and knowledge. He worked hard, but also knew the importance of play and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, sports and dressing up as the school’s Indian mascot to lead the football team onto the field.
In spite of his lifelong passion for Ohio State and especially the Buckeyes, JW never attended college. He went right to work full time in the family business after graduating from high school. At 20, he expanded his family’s feed and grain company to include ready-mix concrete and the production of metallurgical briquettes. His continued innovation allowed the business to serve his hometown and partner with industrial foundries with a global impact.
But no other passion came close to his love and appreciation for his family.
The greatest sorrow of his life was the loss of their son, Bobby, killed in a car crash in 1990, coming home from a movie in Zanesville. He was only 23. The loss brought the close-knit family even closer. The community mourned with them. Expressions of love and sympathy poured out from all over, like a healing balm. Even the Amish community, served by John’s business, shared in their grief.
***
Jesus tells his disciples about His Spirit, the Advocate, Helper or Comforter, that he would ask the Father to send to them when he was no longer with them. The Spirit would help them in their time of grief—after Jesus had gone home to his Father’s house.
Hear the many promises of this passage—that Christ is going to Heaven, not for his sake, but for ours! To prepare a place for us, to make a way for us, so that we may live with him for all eternity.
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you,” he assures those who are already mourning his loss, and expressing their distress and doubts. “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
They DID know, for Jesus had been telling them, if only they would listen and believe. But what Thomas was really saying was, “Lord, we don’t want you to go! This is not the way it is supposed to be! We love you and we don’t want to live and do your work without you!”
Jesus responds by promising that they will never bewithout him. He will give them—and us—all that we need to carry on. After the cross takes him from this world, his Spirit will return and help them continue to do all that Christ had showed them to do—calling the world to repentance, forgiving people their sins, healing the sick and brokenhearted, casting out demons, feeding and caring for the poor, setting the captives free, and leading us all to new life through faith in Him.
Don’t miss the hope of our resurrection in this passage that begins, “Do not let your hearts be troubled!” He is going to prepare a place in the Father’s House for us and come again and bring us to himself, so that where he is, we will also be. The grave is not the end. For on the third day, Mary sees the empty tomb, the angels, and then the risen Lord. Hear the promise in this scripture that we will see him, too.
And we who have died with him in our baptisms will be clothed in glory with him, in the everlasting. Our Savior says in verse 19, “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.”
***
I met JW only about a year ago, after he had become seriously ill. He wasn’t walking 2 miles on the treadmill before work anymore or getting up at 4 a.m. as he used to do. He couldn’t attend church because of his fragile health and vulnerability to infection. Much of his life, in these last few years, was taken up by medical treatments and procedures, doctor visits, and too many hospital stays. But it was also spent with his family. He never gave up hope that he would get better and had made numerous comebacks after numerous health setbacks.
I saw the handsome, gentle man, with sparkling eyes and clean-shaven face, who was interested in meeting me and wanted to share his story, even though he wasn’t feeling well. I remember talking about his business and how the company had changed over the years, under his leadership. He was so proud of his family, still in love with Margie, and grateful to his daughter, Cyndi, his business partner, best friend, and tireless caregiver.
Ashley, his youngest granddaughter, says that everything she is—the choices she has made in life, what she has become, is because of his advice, teaching, encouragement, and example. He was the rock of the family. He was tough and stubborn, but also gentle and patient. He was the calming presence with her; the reassuring voice that is still in her head. He was he best friend, the one she called every day, just to talk. A compassionate listener, who understood and cared about the things that mattered to her and all the family.
In his last months, weeks, and days, he wanted just a few things out of life. He wanted to attend Ashley’s wedding, which was scheduled for June but is now delayed till next year. He wanted to take his great-grandson, Tanner, fishing. And he wanted to get better and repay Cyndi for her kindness, he said. Holding Tom and Cyndi’s hands in his last moments on Monday morning, passing from this world into the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, those unfulfilled longings hung in the air.
When we lose someone we love, someone so close to us that it seemed like they were part of us, we can’t help but wonder how we can we carry on. Even Christ’s followers, who believe in the resurrection and eternal life with Him, struggle with grief and loneliness, just as Christ’s first disciples missed the one they called Rabbi, their teacher, their friend.
The answer is only with God’s help. We rely on the Advocate, the Helper or Comforter that Christ sent, as he promised, to His followers on Pentecost, when he was no longer with them in the flesh. The Holy Spirit lives and breathes in the community of believers, not just to make us feel better and cope with difficulties and loss, but helping us to do what Christ has commanded—and continue on, serving others with the gifts and talents God has given us, ministering in His name. This is how we show Christ our love.
Let the Spirit help you carry this burden. Let the community pour out God’s love onto you through words and acts of kindness and be a healing balm for you. And may the prayers of all the saints, the great cloud of witnesses in every time and place, lift you and strengthen you, day by day.
You do know the way, the truth, and the life. You know Him—Jesus Christ.
You can trust in the One who will abide in and with you, forever.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
(Ephesians 6:10-18)
I pulled into my driveway, waving at my neighbor Myriam and her little girl Elizabeth. Over the years, Elizabeth had grown accustomed to our spontaneous chats lasting longer than the promised “few minutes” and morphing into prayer meetings. She climbed the tree planted in the center of their front yard, dangled her legs over a branch, and busied herself while her mother and I spoke. After a while, Elizabeth hopped down from her roost and ran to where we stood. Grabbing our hands, she smiled and almost sang, “It’s time to pray . . . again.” Even at an early age, Elizabeth seemed to understand how important prayer was in our friendship.
After encouraging believers to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10), the apostle Paul offered special insight on the crucial role of continual prayer. He described the necessary armor God’s people would need during their spiritual walk with the Lord, who provides protection, discernment, and confidence in His truth (vv. 11-17). However, the apostle emphasized this God-given strength grew from deliberate immersion in the life-giving gift of prayer (vv. 18-20).
God hears and cares about our concerns, whether they’re spoken boldly, sobbed silently, or secured deep in a hurting heart. He’s always ready to make us strong in His power, as He invites us to pray again and again and again.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of coming to You in prayer and that you never grow weary of hearing our voices and answering our prayers. Stir us to pray every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Spectacle of Glory: God’s Light Shining Through Me Every day.
Read by Pastor Karen Crawford
The Presbyterian Church, Coshocton, Ohio
“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant, who walks in darkness and has no light, yet trusts in the name of the Lord and relies upon his God?”
(Isaiah 50:10)
“even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
(Psalm 139:12)
Your Heavenly Father will never lose you in the dark.
Praise you, Father. You have been with me in many places that have been so very dark. I have cried out to You and reached for Your hand, and You have always been there. As David prayed, “Darkness is as light to you.” I won’t even fear the valley of the shadow of death, because You are with me. Amen.
Tonight, our presbytery is hosting a time of prayer. We have more than a dozen pastors who helped put the evening together. Eight pastors will be on the live stream at 7:30, and more will welcome you and encourage you through dialogue in the comment window. Please invite your loved ones, and friends to join us at http://www.facebook.com/mvpjourney/. It is going to be a special time together. As a reminder, this is a public page, so you do not need a Facebook account to join us.
From Joni Eareckson Tada’s A Spectacle of Glory, God’s Light Shining Through Me Every Day
Read by Pastor Karen Crawford
The Presbyterian Church of Coshocton
After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. (Luke 4:38)
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, today help my friends or family members who are dealing with illness and other distressing situations. I don’t know all the details, and I’m not sure even how to form my prayers for them. But You know their difficulties right now, every one of them. Shower them with Your help and hope today. Amen.
I give thanks to God for you daily! I am grateful for my flock, who has shown patience and grace as we respond to the health crisis caused by the Coronavirus. Recommendations from the CDC, the governor of Ohio, and our presbytery have led us to cancel programs and groups for at least the next few weeks, including AA. The staff is working from home when possible, and the building is closed. Session, Deacons, Trustees, and committees are in communication through email and phone to care for the congregation.
With the Lord’s help, we will remain faithful to love and serve God and neighbor in creative ways and not become discouraged about things we cannot control or change. For WE are the Church—not the building, amen? We held our first “virtual only” worship on Facebook and YouTube on March 15, but then decided it might be too dangerous to meet in groups of any size. I am recording my messages and prayers these next few Sundays and posting, as usual, at my blog: pastorkaren.org, Facebook, YouTube, and our Website. Because the situation may change at any time, we invite you to listen and watch for announcements on local media and Facebook, and if you have questions, contact a Session member or me at 321-634-4870 or karenpts@gmail.com.
We have canceled the Lenten Cantata and don’t know, yet, if we will be able to gather in person for Holy Week. If the Coronavirus is still a serious threat, we will host only virtual worship. We will honor the Easter flower orders that we have received, but we hope you understand that we cannot accept orders for any more. We will postpone the egg hunt, Easter breakfast, candy-making, and bake sale until May.
Thank you to all who have sent offerings by mail or given online. We invite our congregation to continue to give as the Spirit leads, as we have all our usual ministry expenses while the building is closed, including paying our staff.
How are you feeling, friends? If you are anxious, fearful or lonely, struggling with a health concern, need prayer or other help, I would like to hear from you. Please know that we are praying for you and your families and I am just a phone call away.
We are still the Body, united by the head of the Church—Jesus Christ. Nothing will ever change that. Thank you for your prayers for our congregation and for the healing of the world God so loves. Thank you for showing God’s love by checking on members and neighbors and offering help to people in need.
In his letter to the believers in Rome, Paul expressed complete confidence in the reality of God’s love, regardless of circumstances. He asked with boldness, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). If God gave His very own Son, Jesus, to save us, then He will provide everything we need to finish this life well. He lists seven seemingly unbearable situations that he himself faced: trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and the sword (v. 35). He didn’t imply that Christ’s love would stop bad things from happening. But Paul said that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (v. 37).
Through the uncertainty of this world, God can be trusted completely, knowing that nothing, absolutely nothing, “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39). So, don’t listen to anyone who says God has sent this virus as a punishment for sin or that this is a sign of the end of the age. Jesus tells us that the Son of Man will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. But do continue believing in the One who is always for us and never against us. The One who, in Revelation 22, says, “Surely I am coming soon.”
We look forward to the time when we worship and fellowship, once again, without fear of sickness and when we may see one another face to face, shake hands and offer hugs, break bread, drink the cup, share stories and minister together as the congregation has done for more than two centuries in the City of Coshocton.
May God bless you with peace, joy, and good health as you cling to the love of Jesus and the God who is always for us and never against us.
Pastor Karen and the Session of The Presbyterian Church
Sharing God's Love and Grace 