Note to leader: before the prayer and the beginning of worship, take a moment to encourage God’s people to settle into God’s Spirit, to breath, to be open to Christ’s presence.
Holy God,
you are the source of all life
and the one who leads us in your truth.
When the path before us feels uncertain,
draw us near to Christ,
who is the way.
When we are tempted to rely on our own understanding,
teach us to trust your presence.
Gather us in this time of worship,
that we may hear your voice,
be formed by your Spirit,
and learn again how to walk in your ways.
Through Jesus Christ,
who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Amen.
Call to Worship
Psalm 37 (TSW)
selected verses
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me quickly.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake
lead me and guide me.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me,
O LORD, faithful God.
But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand
of my enemies and persecutors.
Make your face shine on your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
Oh, how great is your goodness,
which you have stored up
for those who fear you,
for those who take refuge in you.
Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones!
The LORD preserves the faithful.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD.
Come, let us walk in the way of the Lord
and worship the living God.
Hymn of Praise
Jesus Calls Us, GTG #720
Assurance of Grace
Hear the good news:
Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
We do not find our way by our own strength—
we are led by the One who knows us and walks with us.
When we have lost our way,
God does not abandon us.
When we have trusted what is false,
Christ leads us back into truth.
When we have chosen paths that do not give life,
the Spirit restores us again.
The psalmist declares,
“Into your hand I commit my spirit…
you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.”
Friends, this is our confidence:
our lives are held in God’s faithful hands.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven,
and we are set again on the way of life.
Thanks be to God.
Trusting in God’s grace and mercy, let us confess our sins and brokenness together.
Responding to God’s Grace
Unison Prayer of Confession
Holy and faithful God,
you call us to walk in your way,
but we confess that we often lose our direction.
We want clarity,
yet we resist trusting you.
We look for certainty,
yet we turn away from your presence.
We follow voices that promise ease
but do not lead to life.
We cling to what is familiar
instead of walking the path you set before us.
At times we wander from you,
and at times we try to go our own way—
forgetting that our lives are in your hands.
Forgive us, O God.
Lead us again in your truth.
Restore us when we stray.
Form us as your people,
that we may walk in the way of Christ—
trusting, following, and living in your grace.
Through Jesus Christ,
who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Amen.
Sharing the Peace of Christ
An Embodied Sign of God’s Grace in Christ Jesus
Friends, we have been reminded that God’s grace extends to all. We have confessed our sins, knowing that we have been forgiven and that God is making us a new creation.
In this spirit, let us share the peace of Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
(Share Christ’s peace in ways fitting to your community.)
The Written Word
A Reading from the Early Church
Acts 7:55–60
The Stoning of Stephen
55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.56And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”57But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.58Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”60And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen's Speach: The God of Glory
1And the high priest said, “Are these things so?”2And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,3and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’4Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living.5Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child.6And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years.7‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
The Patriarchs and Joshep
9“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him10and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.11Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit.13And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh.14And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.15And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers,16and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
Mose and the Deliverance
17“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt18until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.19He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.20At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house,21and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.22And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
23“When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.24And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.25He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.26And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’27But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?28Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’29At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
30“Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.31When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord:32‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.33Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.34I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’
35“This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.36This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.37This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’38This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
Rejection and Idolatry
39“Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt,40saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’41And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.42But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrificesduring the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?43You took up the tent of Molochand the star of your god Rephan,the images that you made to worship;and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
The Tabernacle and the Temple
44“Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.45Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David,46who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.47But it was Solomon who built a house for him.48Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,49‘Heaven is my throne,and the earth is my footstool.What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,or what is the place of my rest?50Did not my hand make all these things?’
Stephen's Accusation
51“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.52Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,53you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
The Stoning of Stephen
54Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.56And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”57But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.58Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”60And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Notes
v55–56Stephen’s vision parallels exaltation language, though presented as immediate perception rather than doctrine.
v58Saul is introduced without explanation, marking a narrative thread that continues beyond the scene.
v59–60Stephen’s final words echo Jesus’ own, linking witness and imitation without explicit commentary.
Notes
v02“The God of glory” introduces the speech with emphasis on divine initiative prior to land or temple.
v05Promise is given before possession; inheritance remains future even within the land.
v09–10“God was with him” reframes Joseph’s suffering as accompanied rather than avoided.
v17–19Growth of the people leads to threat, linking blessing with vulnerability.
v25Moses’ assumption of recognition contrasts with Israel’s misunderstanding.
v30–34Divine revelation occurs outside established sacred space, emphasizing God’s freedom.
v35Rejection and commissioning are held together; the one refused becomes the one sent.
v39–41Idolatry is described as turning “in their hearts,” locating the issue internally before externally.
v44–50The tension between God’s presence and human structures is left unresolved; the temple is both affirmed and relativized.
v51The accusation shifts from narrative to direct address, collapsing past and present resistance.
v55–56Stephen’s vision parallels exaltation language, though presented as immediate perception rather than doctrine.
v58Saul is introduced without explanation, marking a narrative thread that continues beyond the scene.
v59–60Stephen’s final words echo Jesus’ own, linking witness and imitation without explicit commentary.
Vocabulary
v55πνεῦμα ἅγιον (pneuma hagion)
“Holy Spirit.” The active presence of God, here empowering vision.
v56υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου (huios tou anthrōpou)
“Son of Man.” A title with layered meaning, left unexplained within the text.
Vocabulary
v02δόξα (doxa)
“Glory.” Denotes divine presence and radiance; often associated with revelation.
v05κληρονομία (klēronomia)
“Inheritance.” A promised possession, not yet realized.
v09φθόνος (phthonos)
“Jealousy.” A destructive response to another’s favor or status.
v20ἀστεῖος (asteios)
“Beautiful.” Connotes favor or attractiveness, here before God.
v25σωτηρία (sōtēria)
“Salvation.” Deliverance or rescue; here anticipated through Moses.
v35λυτρωτής (lytrōtēs)
“Redeemer.” One who delivers or liberates, often at cost.
v38λόγια ζῶντα (logia zōnta)
“Living oracles.” Words that carry ongoing vitality and authority.
v51σκληροτράχηλος (sklērotrachēlos)
“Stiff-necked.” Resistant, unwilling to yield.
v55πνεῦμα ἅγιον (pneuma hagion)
“Holy Spirit.” The active presence of God, here empowering vision.
v56υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου (huios tou anthrōpou)
“Son of Man.” A title with layered meaning, left unexplained within the text.
Gospel Reading
John 14:1–14
Jesus the Way to the Father
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.2In my Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.4And you know the way to the place where I am going.”5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.7If you have known me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Seeing the Father in the Son
8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak from myself, but the Father who remains in me does his works.11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if not, believe because of the works themselves.
The Promise of Greater Works
12“Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Jesus the Way to the Father
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.2In my Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.4And you know the way to the place where I am going.”5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.7If you have known me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Seeing the Father in the Son
8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak from myself, but the Father who remains in me does his works.11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if not, believe because of the works themselves.
The Promise of Greater Works
12“Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
The Promise of the Advocate
15“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever,17even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he remains with you and will be in you.18I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.19Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.21The one who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”23Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.
Peace Given, Not as the World Gives
25“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
28You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.29And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.30I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no claim on me,31but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”
Notes
v01“Do not let your hearts be troubled” addresses inner disturbance directly without removing its cause.
v02“Many dwelling places” leaves the nature of these spaces undefined, emphasizing presence over structure.
v06“The way, and the truth, and the life” gathers multiple claims without separating them; access to the Father is relationally defined.
v07–11Mutual indwelling between Father and Son is asserted without explanation, inviting recognition rather than analysis.
v12“Greater works” are promised without specification, creating expectation without detail.
v13–14Asking “in my name” ties prayer to alignment rather than formula.
Notes
v01“Do not let your hearts be troubled” addresses inner disturbance directly without removing its cause.
v02“Many dwelling places” leaves the nature of these spaces undefined, emphasizing presence over structure.
v06“The way, and the truth, and the life” gathers multiple claims without separating them; access to the Father is relationally defined.
v07–11Mutual indwelling between Father and Son is asserted without explanation, inviting recognition rather than analysis.
v12“Greater works” are promised without specification, creating expectation without detail.
v13–14Asking “in my name” ties prayer to alignment rather than formula.
v16–17The Advocate is both given and known; presence is described as both with and in.
v18“I will not leave you as orphans” frames departure in relational terms rather than spatial absence.
v20The layered “in” language (Father, Son, disciples) resists simplification.
v23Divine dwelling shifts from place to person; presence becomes internal rather than localized.
v27Peace is distinguished from worldly peace without defining either fully.
v28“The Father is greater than I” stands alongside earlier unity statements without resolution.
v30The “ruler of the world” is introduced without elaboration, functioning as a looming presence rather than a defined figure.
v31Love is expressed through obedience, linking relationship and action.
Vocabulary
v01ταράσσω (tarassō)
“To trouble” or “disturb.” Indicates inner agitation or unrest.
v02μονή (monē)
“Dwelling place.” A place of abiding; relational as much as spatial.
v06ὁδός (hodos)
“Way.” A path or means; here both direction and access.
v06ἀλήθεια (alētheia)
“Truth.” Not merely factual correctness but revealed reality.
v06ζωή (zōē)
“Life.” Participation in divine life rather than mere existence.
Vocabulary
v01ταράσσω (tarassō)
“To trouble” or “disturb.” Indicates inner agitation or unrest.
v02μονή (monē)
“Dwelling place.” A place of abiding; relational as much as spatial.
v06ὁδός (hodos)
“Way.” A path or means; here both direction and access.
v06ἀλήθεια (alētheia)
“Truth.” Not merely factual correctness but revealed reality.
v06ζωή (zōē)
“Life.” Participation in divine life rather than mere existence.
v16παράκλητος (paraklētos)
“Advocate.” One who comes alongside—helper, counselor, or intercessor.
v17πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας (pneuma tēs alētheias)
“Spirit of truth.” Associated with revelation and recognition.
v20ἐν (en)
“In.” A term of relational participation, used repeatedly in layered ways.
v27εἰρήνη (eirēnē)
“Peace.” Wholeness or completeness, distinct from mere absence of conflict.
v30ἄρχων (archōn)
“Ruler.” One who exercises authority; here undefined in scope.
Walking the Way
Sharing God’s Word Together
Where in your life right now does the way forward feel unclear—and what are you relying on to navigate it?
Jesus says, “I am the way.” How is that different from asking God to show us the way? What changes if the way is a person, not a plan?
When you don’t know what comes next, what is your first instinct—control, avoidance, action, waiting? What does that reveal about your trust in God?
Psalm 31 says, “My times are in your hand.” Where is it hardest for you to trust that right now—and why?
Stephen remains faithful even in the face of death (Acts 7). What do you think anchors him—and what might that teach us about following Christ when the cost is real?
1 Peter describes us as “living stones” built together. Where do you experience support for walking the way—and where do you feel alone?
Hymn of Reflection
Take My Life, GTG #697
Affirmation of Faith
Spoken together.
We believe in God,
our refuge and our strength,
whose steadfast love surrounds us
and whose faithfulness holds our lives.
We trust in Jesus Christ,
who is the way, and the truth, and the life,
who calls us to follow him,
and leads us in paths of grace and truth.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who guides us when the way is unclear,
who gives us courage to trust,
and forms us to walk in the way of Christ.
We are the church,
a people being built together,
living stones shaped by God’s mercy,
called to walk this way not alone, but together.
In this faith, we live—
trusting our times into God’s hands,
following where Christ leads,
and walking in the way of life.
Amen.
Prayers of the People
Let us pray for the church, the world, and one another.
Christ our Way,
you call us to follow,
you lead us in truth,
and you draw us into life.
Hear us as we pray.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For this world,
where many feel lost or uncertain—
for those searching for direction,
and those who cannot see a way forward—
Be present among them.
Guide them with your wisdom.
Lead them into paths of life.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For places of conflict and division,
where fear clouds judgment
and violence distorts the path—
Be the way of peace.
Turn hearts from harm,
and lead communities toward reconciliation.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For leaders of nations and communities,
and for all who are entrusted with responsibility—
Grant clarity where there is confusion,
and humility where there is power.
Lead them in ways that give life to all.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For those burdened by uncertainty—
those facing difficult decisions,
those waiting without clear answers—
Give them courage to trust.
Remind them that their times are in your hands,
and that you are near even when the way is not clear.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit—
for those walking through sorrow, illness, or grief—
Be their refuge and strength.
Hold them in your steadfast love,
and lead them gently through the valley.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For those who are rejected or overlooked—
those who feel like they do not belong—
Draw them into your mercy.
Build them into your people,
living stones shaped by your grace.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For this community,
and for the life we share together—
Form us as a people who follow Christ,
not only in word but in life.
Teach us to walk together in faith,
to support one another,
and to reflect your truth in all we do.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
(pause)
Lord, teach us to walk in your way.
For the prayers we carry in silence—
(A time of silent prayer)
Christ our Way,
you are with us in every step—
in our questions and our trust,
in our wandering and our following.
Receive these prayers, spoken and unspoken,
and continue to lead us in your way,
through Jesus Christ,
who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Lead us in your way,
and hold us in your truth.
Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
We pray together, saying:
(The Lord’s Prayer is prayed in the words familiar to the community.)
Hymn of Sending
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee, GTG #738
Sending
Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
Go now,
not with all the answers,
but with trust in the One who leads you.
Walk in the way of Christ—
in truth, in mercy, and in love.
And as you go,
commit your life into God’s hands,
for your times are held in steadfast love.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflections for Later
For Newcomers
It can feel uncertain to step into something new—especially when you’re not sure what you believe or where you fit.
Jesus says, “I am the way.”
Not, “I will give you all the answers,”
but, “Walk with me.”
You do not need to have everything figured out to begin.
You are invited to take a step—to listen, to wonder, to notice where life is being offered.
This community is not a place for perfect faith.
It is a place for people learning how to walk.
So come as you are.
Ask your questions.
Take your time.
And pay attention—
because the way often becomes clear not all at once,
but step by step.
For Those Rooted in This Community
Over time, it is easy to shift from walking the way
to simply knowing about it.
We learn the language.
We recognize the patterns.
We become comfortable.
But Jesus does not say, “Remember the way.”
He says, “Follow me.”
The life of faith is not static.
It is lived in movement—through decisions, relationships, and daily choices.
Where might you be settling into familiarity
instead of continuing to follow?
Where is Christ inviting you now—
to trust more deeply,
to act more faithfully,
to walk more closely?
The way is not behind you.
It is still unfolding ahead.
For Churches Without a Pastor
There are seasons when the path feels uncertain—
when a familiar voice is no longer there to guide.
It can feel like standing at a crossroads,
unsure of what comes next.
But the promise of Christ remains:
“I am the way.”
The life of the church has never depended on one person alone.
Christ is still present—still leading, still forming, still calling.
In this season, you are invited to walk the way together:
To listen more closely.
To care for one another more intentionally.
To trust that God is still at work among you.
You may not see the whole path.
But you are not without direction.
Step by step,
you are being led.
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Written by Rev. Matthew J. Skolnik unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
These materials may be used and adapted for worship and educational purposes within Christian communities. They may not be sold or redistributed for commercial purposes without permission.
Resource Details
Date: May 3, 2026
Scripture: Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 37, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14
Theme: Walking the Way
Lectionary: RCL Year A
Scripture on this page is from The Shared Word Translation (SWT), an ongoing translation project within ChurchCommons.org.
