For whom are you looking? The Good Shepherd who came riding on a colt.
OPENING PRAYER
(in unison)
Loving God, on this Palm Sunday we remember the crowds who shouted "Hosanna
to the Son of David!" We remember those who declared with joy, "This is the
prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee." And yet we know that the road to
Jerusalem is the way to the cross, to Golgotha and death. Be with us now,
as we journey with the Christ, through his Passion, knowing that it is you
who defends both Christ and us. Amen.
We continue to pray with the words that Jesus taught us to pray,
singing together:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HYMN:
"This is the Day" V.U. 412
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
Parade of the Palms
SERVICE OF LIGHTING THE CANDLE:
(in unison)
Almighty God, we are looking for you. May this candlelight remind us that
you are here with us, as we worship you this day, and may we remember that
you are always near, just a prayer away. Amen.
ANTHEM: "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
WE HEAR GOD'S LOVING WORD FOR US
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
: O God, we seek you in the temples of power, but you are found on the
margins, humbly riding a donkey. Broaden our vision, widen our
understanding that we may hear your liberating Word with open hearts. Amen.
RESPONSIVE PSALM:
Psalm 118 (V.U. 837)
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 21: 1-11
This is the Good News of the Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN:
"Ride on, ride on" V.U. 127 (melody #100)
MESSAGE BY DRAMA: "Who Do You Say That I am?"
RESPONSE: V.U. 400
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace.
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION
PASTORAL PRAYER:
OFFERING INVITATION:
OFFERTORY RESPONSE:
For the gift of creation, the gift of your love, and the gift of the Spirit
by which we live, we thank you and give you the fruit of our hands. May
your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give. V.U. 538
OFFERTORY PRAYER:
Creator God, in Jesus Christ you came, showing us that we achieve our
greatest worth through service. Bless us and these offerings, symbols of
our service, that your goodness may be more fully known through us and
through them. May the service of all your people, including us, make the
abundance of your love fully known. May the food you provide be fully
shared, that the earth and its Creator may be universally recognized,
adored, and praised. Amen.
HYMN:
"I Come with Joy" V.U. 477
COMMISSIONING: O God, in Jesus Christ you triumphantly entered Jerusalem,
thus beginning a week of pain and sorrow. In these days of defeat and
victory, you have brought together humiliation and exaltation, death and
resurrection. Be with us now, as we follow in joy and in sorrow the way of
the cross, in the footsteps of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
