Message: “What Happens When We Die?” Pastor Nick Talbott-Dixson

Sunday Worship October 25th, 2026 “What Happens When We Die?” 4th Sermon of the “God, I’ve Been Wondering” Series It's a question every one of us will eventually face: What happens when we die? Is heaven really a place of golden streets and pearly gates? Will we see the people we love again? And how can we be sure? As we conclude our God, I've Been Wondering... series, we'll explore what Jesus and the Scriptures tell us about death, resurrection, and the promise of new creation. We may not find answers to every question, but we'll discover something even greater: the assurance that God's love reaches beyond the grave. Reflection Questions 1. When you think about heaven or life after death, what images or ideas come to mind? Where do you think those ideas came from? 2. Jesus promises His disciples that He will prepare a place for them. How does knowing that Christ promises to be with us change the way you think about death? 3. Revelation describes God making all things new, rather than simply taking us away from this world. How does that change your understanding of Christian hope? 4. Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew resurrection was possible. What does that teach us about the relationship between grief and faith? 5. If we truly believe death does not get the final word, how should that change the way we live, love, forgive, and serve today? Prelude Welcome & Announcements Call to Worship Leader: We gather today with questions about life, death, and everything in between. People: We come trusting that God welcomes our questions. Leader: We remember those who have gone before us, the lives they lived, and the love they shared. People: We give thanks for the gift of their lives and the memories we carry. Leader: We celebrate the promise that death does not have the final word. People: For Christ is risen, and in Him we have hope! Leader: So come, with your questions, your memories, your grief, and your joy. All: Let us worship the God who makes all things new! Opening Prayer and Invitation of the Holy Spirit Praise Song: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH 89 Children's Church: "The Story Isn't Over" Congregational Joys & Concerns Pastoral Prayer Lord's Prayer Hymn: “Blessed Assurance” UMH 369 Gloria Patri Scripture: Revelation 21:1–5 Message: “What Happens When We Die?” Pastor Nick Talbott-Dixson Closing Prayer Offertory Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” UMH 77 Doxology Affirmation of Faith Leader: Church, in a world filled with questions, what do we believe? People: We believe in God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who made us in love and calls us to live in love. Leader: What do we believe about Jesus Christ? People: We believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, who lived among us, shared in our suffering, died upon the cross, and rose again. Leader: What do we believe about death? People: We believe that death is real, grief is painful, but neither is stronger than the love of God. Leader: What do we believe about the life to come? People: We believe in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of new creation, when God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Leader: And how shall we live until that day? All: We will live with hope, love our neighbors, serve those in need, and trust in the grace of Jesus Christ. For we are an Easter people, and death does not get the final word. Amen. First Responders Recognition and Blessing Blessing of the First Responders Closing Hymn: “Because He Lives” UMH 364 Benediction: God Gets the Final Word Postlude