During these challenging days when we are at our homes and not able to attend Church, we have a wonderful opportunity to be the “Domestic Church” that we are called to be.  We would like to provide you with simple ways you and your family can celebrate the Sabbath.  One suggestion would be to celebrate a Sabbath Meal either on Saturday evening when the Sabbath begins or on Sunday Morning.
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Gather your family around the table.  Have a candle, a bible, a loaf of bread and a tiny glass of wine (or grape juice) for each person.  Usually there would be one cup but given Coronavirus everyone should have their own.  Once you have all seated you can begin.

Sabbath Meal

As you sit around the table, pick one person to light the candle and say...

 “As we light this candle may we reminded of Jesus’ presence among us”

Leader:

“Loving God, thank you for this week.  Please bless all of us gathered around this table as we begin our celebration of the Sabbath.  May we experience your presence as we break bread together and share our lives”.

Scripture Reading (Pick someone to read the Scripture)

Fifth Sunday of Lent: March 29: John 11: 1-45
Click here to find the readings for each day.
After the reading, give everyone a few minutes to silently reflect on what was read.  Then you can use the question below for a little faith-sharing.

Faith-Sharing Questions (Leader will read the questions below and then facilitate people sharing their thoughts)

When you have been faced with a touch situation that end up stretching your faith?
What would have been different for you if that struggle had simply been avoided?
How does Jesus’ response to Lazarus’ death and Mary’s weeping help you to trust him more?

Blessing of the Bread The leader takes the bread and says:

“Blessed art You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has given us food for our journey.  Bless this bread that we will now share with thanksgiving for all you have given us!"
The leader breaks off a piece of the bread and then takes a moment to share something that happened in the past week that he/she is thankful for.  The ritual continues around the table until the cup returns to the leader.   

Blessing of the Wine The leaders takes his/her cup and says:

“Blessed art you, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who created the fruit of the vine”
The leaders takes a sip from their cup and names someone or something they would like to pray for.  The ritual continues around the table until everyone has had a turn to drink from their cup and has prayed for someone.
The leader asks if anyone has any additional prayers.  When all the prayers are done the leader will say:
“God we thank you that you hear our prayers.  We lift up all the prayers of those gathered here as well as those in our Church community and around the world as we say…

Our Father everyone prays together

Leader:  Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has given us this Sabbath of rest and joy.  May we go forth from our Sabbath meal ready being renewed and ready to share the Lord’s love with those we meet.