John 11:32-44

Thoughts:            
Mary (reproachfully):  Lord, couldn’t you have come sooner?
Jesus:         I came as soon as I could, Mary.
Mary:        But if you had been here, my brother Lazarus would not have died.
Jesus:        Mary, I am so sorry.  But I am here now.  Please – show me where you have laid Lazarus.
Aaron:       I’ll show you.
Gershom (muttering):  If he’d been here, he’d know where they laid him.
Malachi:    Why couldn’t he have come sooner?
Josiah:       Exactly.  He always acted like such a great friend of Lazarus.
Laban:       Martha told me that she and Mary sent for Jesus three days ago.
Naphtali (sniffing):  Some friend!
                  (Jesus weeps.)
Aaron:       Well, maybe Jesus did care, after all.
Gershom:  I’ve heard he can make blind people see again.
Malachi:    But can he bring dead people back to life?
                  (They come to the cave in which Lazarus is interred.)
Jesus:        Take away the stone.
Martha:     Lord, Lazarus has been dead for four days now.  There will be a terrible odor.
Jesus:        Martha, haven’t I told you before that if you believe, you shall see the glory of God?
Martha:     All I know is that my brother was terribly sick, and we sent for you, and you didn’t come.
Jesus (praying):  Father, I know that you always listen when I talk to you.  But the people here need to       understand that you sent me.  (Pause)  Lazarus, come forth!
                  (Lazarus emerges from the burial place in the cave.  He is covered with graveclothes.)
Jesus:        Take off his graveclothes!
                  (Lazarus is restored to Martha and Mary.)
Josiah:       We should go tell the Pharisees.
Laban:       They’ll never believe us!
 
Discussion:          When are we apt to question Jesus?

 
Activity:               Try to give special care to someone who has lost a family member.

Remember in prayer this week Vivian Hansard, Martha Meyer, Wanda Payne and Sylvia and Wallace Peacock. 
Remember to set your clocks BACK one hour this Saturday night.
This Sunday is Communion and All Saints’ Sunday.  We will be remembering our Saints and celebrating our Memorial Gifts.
The UMW Book Sale is in Mercer Hall this Sunday.
Advent booklet articles are due this Sunday.  Email to Saraleematthews@aol.com.  This is a special memory or thoughts about the Christmas season in your personal or church family.
Remember to help our youth with Operation Christmas Child by bringing shoeboxes and assorted children’s items as listed in the Tidings article or by the donation box on the Welcome Center. (Due by November 8)
If you have candy left over after Halloween, would you please bring it to the church on Sundays, November 1, 8 and 15.  The youth will be preparing care packages to be sent to the college students.​