Liturgical Color: Green

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

Theme: (1) Hidden from the wise and (2) Rest for the faithful.

Pastoral Invitation to the Celebration
One pastor began this way: "In the name of God the Holy One and Loving One. We are here to become energized by the Presence and Power of God, to celebrate the resurrection of the living Christ, and to equip ourselves for mission in the world."

He continued with this declaration of joy:
Pastor: "For God so loved the world that (God) gave ..." (John 3:16, R.S.V.)
Ministers: God loves the world.
Pastor: You mean, of course, the good people, the church in the world?
Ministers: No!
Pastor: Are you saying that God loves the proud, self-righteous, cruel, greedy, lustful, lost and lonely, sinful people of the world?
Ministers: Indeed! God gave h…