04/19/2026
Friday email, April 17, 2026
Now on that same (Easter) day two of (the disciples) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still looking sad.
As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?"
Luke 24.13-17, 28-32
To the saints engaged in God's mission within the world through the Bedford First Presbyterian Church, greetings;
Another Easter story in this Season of Easter, a story that Luke shares in the wake of the discovery of the empty tomb and before Jesus appears to the disciples "and their companions". The selections above introduce the story and share how the community that Luke wrote to came to an understanding of Jesus' presence and presents post-resurrection. Acts 1 tells us that Jesus remained present to the disciples in a visible way for forty days after the resurrection, at which point his ascension took place. These Easter stories continue the theme of how God came to persons in the person of Jesus.
One of the disciples is named (Cleopas), the other not (his spouse?), and they are returning home after the Passover celebration that concluded with Jesus' crucifixion. They encounter a stranger as they, full of grief, make their way along the seven miles home to Emmaus. The stranger (to them, the reader is told that it is Jesus) asks them a question, a reminder of how frequently Jesus used questions as a way to engage conversation. The two disciples are shocked that apparently he is "the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?", making reference to Jesus' crucifixion. And Jesus once again asks a question: "What things?" They express their grief and disappointment and then Jesus shares how the scriptures, "beginning with Moses and all the prophets", had prepared the people of God to believe how God's Messiah would appear.
The story now shifts back to a dialogue when the two disciples invite the stranger to stay with them rather than going on, given the late hour of the day. The stranger agrees to stay and during dinner becomes the Host as he blessed and broke bread and "then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight." The two make their way back to Jerusalem, find the disciples and testify how Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
The story is told to share how Jesus was sent from God to come to persons, and how one way was in the midst of what we call Communion. While this is not the first Sunday of the month, the text affirms that it is within Communion that Jesus comes to us and reveals himself to us. What if we were to offer communion more often than the first Sunday of each month as a reminder of how God comes to us?
In the spirit of Jesus' frequent asking of questions, questions to ponder this week: Have you ever been taught about Jesus by a stranger? When Jesus encounters you along "the road" of any kind, how do you experience his presents and presence through the Holy Spirit? What question(s) would Jesus have for you when you were encountered by him? What question would you like to ask Jesus and/or Luke regarding this story?
We'll gather at 10.30am again on Sunday, either in person or online (www.youtube.com/) to worship God in the person of Jesus through the passion and purpose of the Holy Spirit, joining together to sing, pray, and listen to God's Word to and for us. A time of fellowship is held weekly in the Fellowship Hall following worship.
Two upcoming events in May:
The Session has called a congregational gathering for Sunday, May 3rd immediately
following worship in the Fellowship Hall for the purpose of listening to concerns of
members and friends of the congregation. This will be a congregational gathering, not a
congregational meeting, as there will be no motions made or votes taken. A form for you
to share your thoughts ahead of the meeting will be included weekly in the worship bulletin.
The Session has identified Sunday, May 17th, as a Sunday of Thanksgiving and
Celebration, honoring those who helped lead worship and provide support within the
congregation during the years 2020-2025. Persons who provided pulpit supply, served as
moderators of the Session, and members and friends of the congregation will be honored
and celebrated during Worship and the Fellowship hour.
Congregational Choice Hymns
You are encouraged to share your favorite hymns (whether in the Glory To God hymnal or
not), as we will begin using a Congregational Favorite hymn weekly in worship beginning
May 31st. The collection of these hymns will begin April 26th.
THIS WEEK AT FPC AND BEYOND:
Sunday, April 19
Spiritual Formation at 9.30am in the Library
Worship in the Sanctuary at 10.30am
Fellowship at 11.30 in the Fellowship Hall
Monday, April 20th the Mariners will meet at 6pm at the Golden Corral
Thursday, April 23rd, 1pm Worship Committee Meeting
Saturday, April 25, Community Free Pancake Breakfast 8-10am, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 3, Congregational Gathering following Worship for conversation and discussion.
Sunday, May 17, Celebration of Thanksgiving to God, honoring those who helped sustain
BFPC between 2020 and 2005 in Worship and during the Fellowship time.
Timm has de-enrolled from the stained glass class on Thursdays. Timm will begin to facilitate a gathering for conversation and community with our neighbors who live in the Hauck House, the home of the Housing Authority of Bedford in K Street on Tuesday afternoons at 2pm.
Thank you to everyone who supported my purchase of a home and assisted in any way with the moving process last weekend. Thank you especially to Betsey and Vic Makximenko for hosting Mercy and me for the first 100 days. Timm
Timm's contact information: [email protected]; 814.873.1910; home address, 812 24th Street, Bedford, IN 47421. If/when you have a question, please ask!
May these days of Spring and the Season of Easter find you doing the best you can in all that you do with all that you have, given God's help, amidst the challenges and comforts that come your way. Thank you for your participation in the life of the Bedford First Presbyterian Church faith community.
