The Lutheran Church of Madison, Connecticut
9 Britton Lane, Madison, CT 06443; 203-245-4145
A congregation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Pastor Volker Heide
LCofMadison@aol.com
OUR SCHEDULE:
SUNDAY WORSHIP, 10:00 AM.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE STUDY, 9:00 AM.
SATURDAY WORSHIP, 5:00 PM. (No Service on August 2.)
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY ON THE PSALMS, 10:00 AM.
ASCENSION DAY EVE WORSHIP, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 7:00 PM.
OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS ON JUNE 1:
9:00 AM SUNDAY SERVICE & 8:00 AM BIBLE STUDY.
TAG, PLANT & BAKE SALE: SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 8:30-1:00 PM.
Join us for our Special Sunday Bible Study on the Book of Revelation at 9:00 AM. We are currently up to Chapter 10. Newcomers welcome!
9 Britton Lane, Madison, CT 06443; 203-245-4145
A congregation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Pastor Volker Heide
LCofMadison@aol.com
OUR SCHEDULE:
SUNDAY WORSHIP, 10:00 AM.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE STUDY, 9:00 AM.
SATURDAY WORSHIP, 5:00 PM. (No Service on August 2.)
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY ON THE PSALMS, 10:00 AM.
ASCENSION DAY EVE WORSHIP, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 7:00 PM.
OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS ON JUNE 1:
9:00 AM SUNDAY SERVICE & 8:00 AM BIBLE STUDY.
TAG, PLANT & BAKE SALE: SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 8:30-1:00 PM.
Join us for our Special Sunday Bible Study on the Book of Revelation at 9:00 AM. We are currently up to Chapter 10. Newcomers welcome!
“A Sermon with No Ending” An Easter Sermon on Luke 24:1-12
This is a sermon with no ending. I had a tough time coming up with a good way to conclude today’s message. To be honest, most preachers have a hard time writing a good ending. The beginning of a sermon is easy. You can start with a funny joke.
For example, a Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest were best friends. At a picnic one day, the priest was eating a ham sandwich. He said, “You know, this ham sandwich is absolutely delicious. I know you’re not supposed to eat ham, but I don’t understand why such a good thing would be forbidden. When will you break down and try it?” The rabbi replied, “When? At your wedding, that’s when!”
The beginning of a sermon is easy. The middle part is also no problem. You just take a closer look at the text. Luke tells us that on Easter morning the women came to the tomb very early. They brought their spices, expecting to care for a dead body. They came prepared for death, but were surprised by life. You see, the resurrection doesn’t play by the rules. The resurrection turns everything upside down. This was God’s doing, God’s work.
Luke says the women found the stone rolled away. They didn’t move it. God did. And the stone wasn’t rolled away, so Jesus could get out. It was rolled away so that we could look inside. God still rolls away stones today. He rolls away those stones we can’t handle. Stones of doubt. Stones of fear. Stones of sadness and grief. Stones of shame and addiction. Stones of loneliness and isolation. And we now discover what those women discovered. Jesus is not where you left him.
That is why the women are puzzled by the empty tomb. On Friday afternoon, they had carefully watched how Jesus was placed in the tomb. But now, they can’t find his body. The tomb is empty. And so the angels appear to the women and say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” That question still echoes today. Why do we look for life in things that can’t give it? Why do we seek purpose and security in stuff that never lasts? Why do we feel lost and without direction?
The resurrection redirects us. It tells us that we are looking in the wrong places. Life isn’t to be found in things and stuff. Life is found in Jesus. Life is found in the crucified and risen Lord. Purpose and security are found in what happened on that first Easter morning. The angels say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
Now, let’s step back and reconsider this incredible turn of events. Take a step back to Good Friday and remember the crucifixion. That’s what the angels tell the women: “Remember how he told you that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”
Consider the cross of Jesus. It wasn’t a mistake. It was the mission of our Lord. Jesus didn’t end up on the cross by accident. He went there on purpose, in our place. Isaiah says, “He was pierced for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was laid upon him. We all, like sheep, have gone astray. But the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrow. He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. By his wounds, we are healed.”
Jesus bore our sin. That’s what the cross is all about. Here is a divine exchange. The Son of God took our guilt, and in return, we receive his forgiveness. He took our death, and in return, we receive his resurrection. Easter is the proof that the cross worked. Good Friday wasn’t a tragedy - it was a triumph. The empty tomb is God’s receipt. Our debt has been paid. The resurrection is God’s way of stamping “PAID IN FULL” across all of human history. The resurrection declares your sins are truly forgiven.
The resurrection shows that sin has been dealt with. Death has been defeated. The devil really did lose. His game is over. Never forget that Jesus didn’t come into this world to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive. He came to conquer sin, death, and the grave. He came to defeat the devil and break the power of evil. Through Christ, you have the resurrection and the life everlasting. His victory is yours!
Notice how when the angels mentioned the cross, Luke says, “Then the women remembered the words of Jesus.” Sometimes the power of Easter is simply remembering the words of Jesus. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” “Because I live, you also will live.” “Surely, I am with you always.” “Your sins are forgiven. Go now in peace.” Remember the words of Jesus! Remember, your stones are being rolled away today.
The women remembered. Then they ran. They told the others. And that’s where the story should end. Except - it doesn’t. There is no “The End” in Luke’s account. We are left with Peter running himself to check things out. He finds the empty tomb and the strips of linen lying on the bench. He departs wondering to himself what on earth has happened. You see, our story is open-ended – it is unfinished. And so is today’s sermon.
Our sermon has no ending because the power of the resurrection doesn’t end. Easter isn’t just a one-time event – it is a new reality we experience every moment of our life. From now on, death is not the end. That stone has been rolled away forever. The tomb remains empty for all eternity. The strife is over and the battle is done. Death has been vanquished forever. Life is all that remains.
This new life you have in Christ is at work right now, in your heart and soul. Eternal life is not just a static fixed point somewhere in the distant future. It is a present reality. You are alive in Christ, right now! You see, this sermon has no end because your life will never end.
Pretty cool, right? I told you the resurrection doesn’t play by the rules. The resurrection turns everything upside down, it totally surprises us. This is God’s doing, God’s work. The Father has given you a brand new life that will stretch out into all eternity - a life that will never end – no ending!
And the heavenly Father is now at work every day, rolling away all of those stones that trouble you so. God is at work, changing things for the better, changing those things that you are unable to handle by yourself.
Today, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die – no, never, not ever, not at all, not a chance – no ending for you!” Amen!
This is a sermon with no ending. I had a tough time coming up with a good way to conclude today’s message. To be honest, most preachers have a hard time writing a good ending. The beginning of a sermon is easy. You can start with a funny joke.
For example, a Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest were best friends. At a picnic one day, the priest was eating a ham sandwich. He said, “You know, this ham sandwich is absolutely delicious. I know you’re not supposed to eat ham, but I don’t understand why such a good thing would be forbidden. When will you break down and try it?” The rabbi replied, “When? At your wedding, that’s when!”
The beginning of a sermon is easy. The middle part is also no problem. You just take a closer look at the text. Luke tells us that on Easter morning the women came to the tomb very early. They brought their spices, expecting to care for a dead body. They came prepared for death, but were surprised by life. You see, the resurrection doesn’t play by the rules. The resurrection turns everything upside down. This was God’s doing, God’s work.
Luke says the women found the stone rolled away. They didn’t move it. God did. And the stone wasn’t rolled away, so Jesus could get out. It was rolled away so that we could look inside. God still rolls away stones today. He rolls away those stones we can’t handle. Stones of doubt. Stones of fear. Stones of sadness and grief. Stones of shame and addiction. Stones of loneliness and isolation. And we now discover what those women discovered. Jesus is not where you left him.
That is why the women are puzzled by the empty tomb. On Friday afternoon, they had carefully watched how Jesus was placed in the tomb. But now, they can’t find his body. The tomb is empty. And so the angels appear to the women and say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” That question still echoes today. Why do we look for life in things that can’t give it? Why do we seek purpose and security in stuff that never lasts? Why do we feel lost and without direction?
The resurrection redirects us. It tells us that we are looking in the wrong places. Life isn’t to be found in things and stuff. Life is found in Jesus. Life is found in the crucified and risen Lord. Purpose and security are found in what happened on that first Easter morning. The angels say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
Now, let’s step back and reconsider this incredible turn of events. Take a step back to Good Friday and remember the crucifixion. That’s what the angels tell the women: “Remember how he told you that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”
Consider the cross of Jesus. It wasn’t a mistake. It was the mission of our Lord. Jesus didn’t end up on the cross by accident. He went there on purpose, in our place. Isaiah says, “He was pierced for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was laid upon him. We all, like sheep, have gone astray. But the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrow. He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. By his wounds, we are healed.”
Jesus bore our sin. That’s what the cross is all about. Here is a divine exchange. The Son of God took our guilt, and in return, we receive his forgiveness. He took our death, and in return, we receive his resurrection. Easter is the proof that the cross worked. Good Friday wasn’t a tragedy - it was a triumph. The empty tomb is God’s receipt. Our debt has been paid. The resurrection is God’s way of stamping “PAID IN FULL” across all of human history. The resurrection declares your sins are truly forgiven.
The resurrection shows that sin has been dealt with. Death has been defeated. The devil really did lose. His game is over. Never forget that Jesus didn’t come into this world to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive. He came to conquer sin, death, and the grave. He came to defeat the devil and break the power of evil. Through Christ, you have the resurrection and the life everlasting. His victory is yours!
Notice how when the angels mentioned the cross, Luke says, “Then the women remembered the words of Jesus.” Sometimes the power of Easter is simply remembering the words of Jesus. He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” “Because I live, you also will live.” “Surely, I am with you always.” “Your sins are forgiven. Go now in peace.” Remember the words of Jesus! Remember, your stones are being rolled away today.
The women remembered. Then they ran. They told the others. And that’s where the story should end. Except - it doesn’t. There is no “The End” in Luke’s account. We are left with Peter running himself to check things out. He finds the empty tomb and the strips of linen lying on the bench. He departs wondering to himself what on earth has happened. You see, our story is open-ended – it is unfinished. And so is today’s sermon.
Our sermon has no ending because the power of the resurrection doesn’t end. Easter isn’t just a one-time event – it is a new reality we experience every moment of our life. From now on, death is not the end. That stone has been rolled away forever. The tomb remains empty for all eternity. The strife is over and the battle is done. Death has been vanquished forever. Life is all that remains.
This new life you have in Christ is at work right now, in your heart and soul. Eternal life is not just a static fixed point somewhere in the distant future. It is a present reality. You are alive in Christ, right now! You see, this sermon has no end because your life will never end.
Pretty cool, right? I told you the resurrection doesn’t play by the rules. The resurrection turns everything upside down, it totally surprises us. This is God’s doing, God’s work. The Father has given you a brand new life that will stretch out into all eternity - a life that will never end – no ending!
And the heavenly Father is now at work every day, rolling away all of those stones that trouble you so. God is at work, changing things for the better, changing those things that you are unable to handle by yourself.
Today, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die – no, never, not ever, not at all, not a chance – no ending for you!” Amen!
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the First, Third, & Fifth Sundays of the month, and also on Festivals. Please note:
(1) With deep thanksgiving for God’s gift of forgiveness, we receive the true body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The risen Lord is truly present in his Supper.
(2) Before we partake of the Sacrament, we should spiritually examine ourselves. This means we repent of our sins and trust our Lord’s promise that his body and blood are truly present in this Sacrament.
(3) If you have never been instructed in the Lutheran faith concerning Holy Communion, please consult with the Pastor before partaking of the Sacrament. Feel free to call him at 203-245-4145 or by email.
(4) Grape juice is available for those who cannot partake of regular wine for health reasons (see the center individual cups with the light-colored grape juice).
(5) To partake of the Common Cup, come forward with the last group of Communicants. Hold the bottom of the cup, as it is tilted towards you.
(6) If you are not ready to partake of Communion presently, but would like to receive a blessing, come forward and cross your arms over your chest. Pastor will bless you.
If you have a question about our church or our schedule, please email us.
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OUR CHURCH HOME IS:
- A PLACE FOR WORSHIP: We meet together to worship Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We joyfully give Christ our praise, adoration and thanksgiving. We come to receive his blessing and gifts. Worship is a special time of spiritual refreshment and renewal. Join us this weekend! Receive God's peace in Christ.
- A PLACE FOR LEARNING: Studying the Bible is vital. We believe its message and accept it as God’s Word. The Bible is truthful, alive and relevant to life today. Learning the Scriptures together is a thrilling adventure. We offer several different Bible Studies every week to strengthen your spiritual life.
- A PLACE FOR ENRICHMENT: For every person at every age level, we offer a wealth of opportunities – special programs, service projects and events for children, youth and adults. You can be sure that in this kaleidoscope of activities there’s more than one place where you can be personally enriched.
- A PLACE FOR FRIENDSHIP: Nothing quite compares to the joy of Christian friendship. That’s why we make it a priority to build lasting bonds between the members of our church family – bonds of concern and genuine commitment to one another. Best of all, this circle of care is ever widening. We’d love for it to include you, too!
- A PLACE FOR SERVICE: Just as our Lord Jesus Christ came "not to be served, but to serve," we accept our calling to reach out to others in mercy and compassion. We seek to serve our Lord and our community. We are called to serve all people with love, mercy, and compassion. Join us as we work together to glorify God's name!
Pastor Heide posts Sermons and Bible Studies regularly on his Substack.
Click the link below to check it out.
His blog is called, "Jesus Christ Is Alive."
Click the link below to check it out.
His blog is called, "Jesus Christ Is Alive."
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