May 4, 2025
Third Sunday of Easter, Year C
+ Star Wars Sunday (May the Fourth)
+ First Sunday in Asian American, Native Hawaiian 
and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
+ Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries Sunday

May the Fourth Be With You: 
A New Net Work
(rev. 4/08/25)
Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19
for use by any UCC churches on May 4, 2025

“Star Wars Sunday” Meets Asian Pacific Heritage Month
A reflection by Rev. Mitchell Young

Rev. Mitchell Young “witnessing to a Stormtrooper” after officiating a Star Wars themed wedding. 

While there's no universal Christian tradition for celebrating Star Wars Day (May 4th), some Christians find resonance in the themes of redemption, hope, and the struggle between shadow and light, drawing parallels between the Force and the Christian concept of God. Others see Star Wars as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and the struggle between good and evil found in Christian theology. However, as for dualism in Christianity, we find two fundamental, opposing forces or principles, whether good and evil, or spirit and matter, which is a concept that has been debated and interpreted differently within Christian traditions. Could George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, having been raised in a Methodist family, have been influenced by his own Christian traditions?  

Kurosawa Film Fest Poster

And what about celebrating Star Wars Day as Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM) Sunday in the United Church of Christ? Now that PAAM Sunday in the UCC has been officially moved the first Sunday in May, we have opportunity celebrate Asian Pacific diversity, equity, and inclusion along with the broader scope of American culture. Let’s be honest, if you are a Star Wars fan, you likely already know that Star Wars creator, George Lucas was inspirited by Japanese samurai film epics directed by Akira Kurosawa, especially the 1958 epic jidaigeki (period film) The Hidden Fortress (隠し砦の三悪人, Kakushi Toride no San Akunin, lit. 'The Three Villains of the Hidden Fortress'). Even the esthetics carry Asian influence: from Darth Vader’s helmet and armor heavily inspired by samurai warlord armor to Padme’s wardrobe resembling Mongolian royal attire, Asian art and fashion influence in the stylization of Star Wars is undeniable. Thus, to celebrate “Star Wars” Day is in part, a celebration of multi-cultural film, inspired by the diversity of adventure film genres including jidaigeki samurai film, martial arts film, old fashioned American Westerns, war dramas, and sci-fi fantasy, to become all these genres…“in space”! 
In Star Wars, the concept of "balance in the Force" is central to the Jedi Order's philosophy, with the Jedi believing that the Force is naturally in a state of balance, and the dark side is a corruption that disrupts this natural order. Compare the Jedi philosophy of balance with Taoist philosophy here on “Urthha” which emphasizes balance and harmony with the natural world, achieved through understanding and aligning with the cyclical, interconnected nature of the universe, as represented by the concept of yin and yang. As much as many fans have made this morally neutral Eastern connection, when George Lucas says that true balance in the Force is the absence of the dark side, not a balance between light and dark, our Christian sensibilities for racial justice should be concerned for any problematic cultural expressions that may be equating darkness (or dark skin) with evil. If you choose to incorporate Star Wars themes or metaphors into your worship services, I invite you to consider substituting other terms for dark/darkness that more directly convey the spiritual dualism we face: shadow, misery, hopelessness, fear, etc. in contrast with enlightenment, joy, hope, love, etc.
Nevertheless, in efforts for the Star Wars universe to be more inclusive, Lucas confirmed that "everyone has the Force", since every single living organism has midi-chlorians inside their cells. Despite this, according to Lucas, only those with enough midi-chlorians in their body could "have a certain amount of control over our Personal Force and learn how to use it, like the Buddhist practice of being able to walk on hot coals.” 
May the Force be with you as you celebrate both Star Wars and Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministry in the United Church of Christ! 
 
Possible/Suggested Worship Elements
Minister or Liturgist Welcome 
Welcome to the worship service of  ___________ United Church of Christ. Today is the first Sunday in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. And in the United Church of Christ, the first Sunday in May is the newly designated date for the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM) Sunday in the UCC.  [It was formerly the last Sunday of April.] Coincidentally, in global popular culture, today being May the Fourth is also known as “Star Wars” Day, as in “May the Fourth be with you”. So this morning, in the spirit of both PAAM Sunday and Star Wars Day, we extend to you a modified version of our UCC words of welcome: “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey; no matter your ancestry or immigration status or what kind of car you drive or whether you drive at all; no matter from which star system you may be visiting us or whether the Force is strong or weak in you…YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!”  

Passing of the Peace 
Customary greetings in Christian liturgy for the passing of the peace include "Peace be with you," and "May the peace of Christ be with you." With a very similar sentiment, you may opt to use the famous greeting in the Star Wars universe that has become part of sci-fi pop culture: “May the Force be with you.”
The reply to any of these phrases may be “And also with you.”

For morning worship services, you may even consider using this Star Wars greeting: “Bright Suns”; for evening worship services consider using the greeting “Rising Moons”. 

In celebrating PAAM Sunday you may consider greeting one another with “Peace be with you” in various Pacific Asian languages. [See Appendix for responsive signs of peace in other languages.] 

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 30)
[Congregation response in bold print. Please edit as is useful for your congregation.]

O God, you have lifted us up,  
So empires of this galaxy will not enjoy our defeat. 
In our most desperate hour we cried to you: 
“Help us, O God! You are our only hope!”
Hearing our cries for help, you healed us; 
Bringing us from Chaos, you restored our lives. 
May we be as Jedi trained to feel emotions, understand them, and then let them go.
For your anger, O God, lasts but a moment, while your graciousness lasts a lifetime. 
Weeping lingers for a night, 
But joy comes with the morning. 
With Hula from Hawai‘i, Siva from Samoa, 
Our spirits dance like Ewoks on Endor.
You have transformed our lives from mourning to joy. 
May we give thanks, and praise God for ever and ever. 

Invocation [Note: Kami is the most common Japanese name for God.]
The following prayer is called the Divine Reminder (Tenchi Kakitsuke) from Konkokyo Church tradition. To worship at a Konko church, visitors would first sit and face the main altar and bow their head as a sign of reverence. Clap hands four times sincerely, representing the unity of Kami’s heart and the visitor’s heart. The number “four” symbolizes happiness (shiawase) and goodness. Visitors can then direct their messages directly to Kami.
Tenchi Kane No Kami ~ Divine Parent of the Universe ~
Ikigami Konko Daijin ~ Divine Mediator ~
Pray sincerely,
With all your heart.
Be one with Kami.

Kami’s blessings begin within
Hearts grateful and caring,
In harmony and joy.

Look to Kami always,
Now and forever,
On this very day, pray.

Pastoral Prayer (John 21)
Gracious God, creator of islands and oceans, continents and rivers, we gather today, remembering the fishers of Lake Galilee who, after a period of doubt and despair, were called back to your service by the Risen Christ. Like Peter, we too can feel the weight of our past, the emptiness of our efforts, and the distance from your presence. We confess our times of wandering and ask for your grace to see us back on the path of discipleship. 

God, we pray for the courage to leave behind the nets of our old lives and to follow your call, to join Holy Hukilau* to become "fishers of people". May we, like Peter, be restored to a place of purpose and service, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of others. Help us to embrace your forgiveness and to be instruments of your love and healing in this world. 

On this PAAM Sunday, we give you thanks and pray for the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries of our United Church of Christ: for 51 years strengthening the voices of the Pacific Islander and Asian American churches, taking seriously God’s call to bind in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues and races. And now, as our world struggles with forming new alliances and forsaking old ones, we especially pray for immigrants and their families who are particularly vulnerable in this era of demonizing those who are “other”. Guard all your children from the harm of bigotry and white supremacy. Continue to give us all courage in the struggle for justice and peace as we welcome the stranger into conversation along our mutual journeys. 

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you, forever and ever, O God, as we offer all our prayers to you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Leader and Savior. Amen.
 
*Hukilau:  a traditional Hawaiian communal fishing event where a large group of people, often entire families or communities, work together to catch fish. The word hukilau comes from the Hawaiian words huki (meaning "to pull") and lau (meaning "leaves" or "net"). 

Prayer of Confession (John 21)
Almighty God, we confess that we have strayed from your path and your ways. You invite us to cast our nets, but we fall short of the trust you expect of us. Do you find our lack of faith disturbing? We acknowledge our shortcomings, our doubts, and the times we have failed to love you and our neighbor as ourselves. 
Like Peter, who denied you, we have also fallen short of your expectations, and we are deeply sorry for our sins. We ask for your forgiveness, your grace, and your healing. 
Help us to hear your voice, to follow your leading, and to live lives that are pleasing to you. 
We commit ourselves to a life of service and discipleship, to feed your sheep, and to follow you wherever you lead. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. 

Assurance of Forgiveness (Revelation 5, John 21)
Dear children of our Heavenly God and all the tribes of the earth: judge you by the size of your faith, God does not. God hears our prayers, both spoken and those we are too ashamed to pass through our lips. Just as Jesus restored Peter, know that God restores you so that you might have a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Join with the celestial beings who offer a chorus of praise to honor Jesus, Lamb of God, who redeems humanity through self-giving love. Receive the assurance of forgiveness and pardon, for Christ’s sacrifice has redeemed you. Be faithful, be strong, and be a light in this world. Amen.     

Sermon Introduction (Acts 9:1-20)
[Music suggestion: Invite your musician to play ominous militaristic march music in the style of Star Wars’ “The Imperial March” during this introduction to set the tone and context of the message.]

On this May the Fourth, let us recount. A long time ago in a land far, far away… It is a dark time for the new rebellion. A young disciple now himself a master, has become an influential and powerful citizen. Using his dual identity to his advantage, he is now authorized to patrol the Empire and use whatever means necessary, even violent, deadly force, to choke the life out of those zealous rebels. 

Such a promising student, he was; but now to the dark side, he has turned. What brought about this change? Why such anger? Was it lost love? Was it a lust for power and control? Was he seeking revenge for his physical ailment that has become the “thorn in his side”? What would his old master say about this dark change in direction? Will he ever see the light? Or is he beyond redemption? Only a new hope and a new name could bring about his conversion. 

Can he let go of his hate as Luke suggests? And by Luke, I refer to The Gospel of Luke, Part 2, also known as The Acts of the Apostles, and this morning’s focus lectionary reading. Oh? Did you think I was talking about Anakin Skywalker or perhaps his alter ego, Darth Vader? This morning’s Easter reading from Acts picks up in telling the story of Saul of Tarsus, a promising Pharisee, who becomes the Apostle Paul after this light-from-heaven, fall-to-the-ground encounter with the Risen Christ. Imagine that! An archenemy of followers of the Way ends up becoming a follower of the way himself as well as writing much of our Christian Scripture (i.e. New Testament). And with imagery the “fishing tales” of John’s Gospel, we may say that Paul transitions from “catch and kill” to “catch and release”… to the freedom found in the Chosen One, Paul has moved from hater to lover, from persecutor to preacher, as the Chosen One chooses him for a whole new kind of “net work”.

What once seemed impossible became possible through the grace of God. Like Saul becoming Paul, or even Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader, we too, may find ourselves on journeys between darkness and light. So, even as teachers like Obi-wan Kenobi or Yoda might direct young Luke to let go of fear and trust the Force, we too, may listen to the teachers in our faith to let go of fear and trust God. Let us trust God’s ability to use our own talents, that we can all be used as “Force” for good!  

[In your sermon reflection, consider highlighting examples of faith journeys that taken extraordinary changes in direction, including dramatic events that demonstrated God’s transforming power toward new life and identity.]

Holy Communion 
Introduction
By participating in communion, we symbolically join in Jesus' death and resurrection; we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and look forward to his return. As the Church of Christ, we become the hands and the feet of Chosen One, we are united with Master Jesus in life, in death, in resurrection, and the Netherworld of the Force. 

Invitation to Communion
At the Master’s Table in this season of resurrection, we look not to Luke Skywalker, but to Luke, the Evangelist, who wrote of our Savior, not only the night of the first Communion, but later wrote of the Risen Christ who appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, but they didn’t recognize him. Later, at the table, with two of the disciples, he broke the bread and blessed it, and then their eyes were opened. That was when they recognized the Risen Christ in the breaking of the bread. So, now, we come to this table, in company with all believers, not just a long time ago, but also today, and a long time from now: this ritual serves as witness to our unity with all believers in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth and galaxies far, far away. 

Pastor:	May the Force be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: 	Lift up your hearts. 
People:	We lift them up to the Force.
Pastor:	Let us give thanks to God Most High. 
People: 	It is right to give God our thanks and praise.
All:	So be it! 

Pastor: Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread 
People: And many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, 
Pastor: And just as billions of stars populate each galaxy
People: we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ.

Words of Institution
Let us remember that on the night when one of his own disciples turned the dark side, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Master’s death until he returns even more glorious and powerful than you can possibly imagine. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving after Communion
Gracious God, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Savior, the one who walks with us, talks with us, eats with us. We thank you for this holy meal which we have shared among humble and grateful hearts: we have broken bread together; we have shared the same pot of rice; one taro root has fed us all. Sustain us also with your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Call to Offering (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37) 
[Optional “pre-invitation” to offering: An imperial representative (storm trooper or someone dressed as your favorite Sith Lord) enters the sanctuary. Minister or liturgist says “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” The Imperial representative takes a microphone and issues the following decree: “Now is the time in your little celebration when we will levy Empire taxes among all subjects. All wage-earning beings are required to pay income tax. There is a 15% transit tax levied on tickets sold to raise emergency funds for the Galactic Republic. Also, any citizen of Tatooine who has committed murder is required to pay the “murder tax” imposed by Jabba the Hut. Furthermore, the Republic Senate has passed tariffs on your trade zones after you complained about piracy in outlying star systems…” A liturgist (or minister) dressed in Jedi robes interrupts, slowly waving their hand: “These aren’t the beings you’re looking to tax…”  Imperial representative mechanically repeats: “These aren’t the beings we’re looking to tax…”  If using this sketch, the Jedi continues; if not using this sketch, the liturgist starts here:] 

In the community of the Chosen One, we do not tax our members. We look to our communal origins in which sharing possessions and resources, was a core practice reflecting unity, generosity, and a belief in communal living. Believers sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to those in need. In that tradition, let us now gather our offerings toward brining balance to the universe, seeking care for all creatures of the Creator. 

Prayer of Dedication (John 21) 
E ke Akua o ka lani, O God of heaven, with joy, we witness the miracles that you continue to perform through the power of your Holy Spirit. As the Risen Christ calls us to feed his lambs and tend his sheep, may we be a faithful congregation sent to feed people who are hungry and show kindness to those in need. Use our tithes and gifts in miraculous ways for the sake of Master Jesus. Amen.

Benediction (Revelation5, John 21, Acts 9)
Do you love the Worthy Lamb of God?
Yes, you know we love Jesus.
Do you love Haku Iesu, Lord Jesus, Risen Christ?
Yes, you know we love Jesus.
Do you love the Son of God, proclaimed by Apostles?
Yes, you know we love Jesus.
Then follow the Chosen One, tend and feed all living creatures, both great and small.
Serve as witness to everlasting Aloha o ke Akua,* Amen.  

* Love of God

You may include this brief description of PAAM in your worship materials space providing:

Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries

 Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries (PAAM) was organized in 1974 at a gathering in San Francisco, California, of representatives from different regions throughout the United States. The vision was to unite and move forward at the national, regional, and local levels as Pacific Islanders & Asian Americans in the United Church of Christ, sharing our unique gifts with one another.

PAAM was voted into existence at the 10th General Synod, in 1975, as a recognized Special Interest Group within the UCC.  The 17th General Synod adopted the pronouncement, “A United Church of Christ ministry with Pacific Islanders & Asian Americans” calling to establish an implementation committee to make requests about the ministries of the PAAM churches.  The 18th General Synod passed a resolution designating the last Sunday of April as PAAM Sunday when all UCC churches recognize and celebrate the gifts and contribution of Pacific Islanders & Asian Americans in the life of the UCC. In 2024, the UCC Board of Directors approved PAAM’s request to change PAAM Sunday to the first Sunday of May to coincide with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the United States. 

PAAM has initiated, sponsored, supported and participated in many activities at all levels of the UCC, worked for greater PAAM representation on all levels of the conference boards, committees, and staff. PAAM continues to address institutional racism within the church and society, is concerned with issues of human rights and justice, and helps to support and strengthen clergy and lay leadership at the local level. 

Appendix 1: Multilingual Sign of Peace (John 20:19, 21, 26)
Hawaiian
Aloha ‘oukou.             	Peace be with you. (Love to you.) 
Me ‘oe pu.          		And also with you. 
 
Japanese 
平安があなたにあるように。 (Heian ga anata ni aru yō ni.) 	
Peace be with you. 
そしてあなたと共に。	     (Soshite anata to tomoni.)  	
And also with you.

Korean
에게 평화가 있을지어다. 	(Ae-kae pyung-hwa-ka ee-sool-jee-aw-da.) Peace be with you. 
너와도. 		(Naw-wha-do.) 	And also with you.

Chinese (Cantonese)
祝福您平安   		(zook fook nei peng on)
Peace be with you (Bless you with peace)
也祝福您平安		(yaa zook fook nei peng on)
And also with you (Also bless you with peace)

Marshallese
Aenoman nan kom.	Peace be with you. (John 20:26)
Bar einwot kwe.	And also with you.

Samoan 
Ia outou manuia!           	Peace be with you. (John 20:26)
Ia fa'apea ia te oe!          	And also with you.

Spanish
La paz sea con ustedes.         	Peace be with you. (John 20:26)
Y tambien contigo.    		And also with you.

Tagalog
Kapayapaan ay sumainyo.		Peace be with you. 
Gayon din sa inyo.			And also with you.	

Tamil
சமாதானம் உங்களோடூ இரூப்பதாக 
(Samaadhanam ungalodu iruppadhaaga)
Peace be with you.

உங்களோடூம் இரூப்பாதாக  
(Ungalodum iruppadhaaga) 
And also with you.

Need help with pronunciation? Ask a native speaker of those languages or try cut and paste phrases into Google Translate. 

Possible/Suggested music selections
Asian Pacific Heritage
Iesu No Ke Kahuhipa   TNCH 252
Praise to God   TNCH 5
Lei Mekia  Sing! 64 
He Is God (Wes Terasaki)
The Hukilau Song 

Stars and Star Wars
Stars and Planets Flung in Orbit TNCH 567
God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens TNCH 556	
Star Wars Theme as Prelude (John Williams)
Imperial March aka “Darth Vader’s Theme” during sermon introduction (John Williams) 
Victory Celebration as Recessional or Postlude (John Williams)
Indescribable (Chris Tomlin)

Montebello Plymouth Congregational Church (MPCC) multilingual wishes for “A Just World for All” in languages of MPCC and Jesus Reigns Victoriously Church (JRVC): https://youtu.be/2Duyeq1bdkk 

Consider enhancing your “Star Wars” themed worship atmosphere before (not during) your worship broadcast by creating and showing your own title crawl sequence using the free Star Wars Intro Generator: https://starwarsintrogenerator.com 

Artwork for slides:

Border strip: 

A PAAM Sea Honu (Sea Turtle): 

May the Fourth Be With You: A New Net Work, Liturgical Resources for PAAM Sunday, Star Wars Sunday, the Third Sunday of Easter Year C, was written by the Rev. Mitchell Young, pastor of Montebello Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC in Montebello, CA with gratitude to Michelle Kuruma, minister’s assistant of Konkokyo Church of San Francisco for supplying the invocation.  See how God is still speaking in Montebello at www.montebelloucc.org . Pastor Mitchell currently serves as vice-moderator of PAAM. If you need an Asian/Pacific or Star Wars themed clergy stole, contact Rev. Mitchell Young at mpccucc@yahoo.com .