April 17, 2011
Palm/Passion Sunday
GREETING and ANNOUNCEMENTS
O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good;
God’s steadfast love endures forever!
Let all creation say,
God’s steadfast love endures forever.
PRELUDE Patty Bell
PRAISE HYMN: “Hosanna to the Living King!” Renew 72
LITANY: Palm Sunday
Leader: The arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem was a celebrated event!
People: People gathered and shouted and waved palm branches.
Leader: Jesus entered town riding a donkey.
People: He was hailed as a hero, worshipped and adored.
Leader: This Jesus gave up his seat in heaven to become one of us.
People: He emptied himself of his status as God and took the humble form of a man.
Leader: Jesus was obedient to the will of his Father, even though it led him to the cross.
People: He willingly offered his life so we might be reconciled to God.
Leader: Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, God lifted him high and honored him far above anyone or anything.
People: Every knee shall bow in worship to this obedient Son.
Leader: Every tongue will shout his praises and tell of his greatness.
People: That is how God will be honored and glorified.
INVOCATION:
Merciful Savior it is our privilege and delight to be in your presence and to bring our praises and worship to you. You are our teacher and our friend;
our rock and our hope; our strength and our light. We celebrate your
arrival in Jerusalem; we anticipate the agony that is before you; we await your victory over death. Grant that we might walk this journey alongside you as faithful disciples, rather than as participants of the fickle crowd.
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
HYMN: “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross “ UMH 301
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PASTORAL PRAYER: We bring to you , Great God, The people of Jerome…
Those ill or in hospice…Those who hunger and want…Those caught in the midst of war…Children whose innocence has been stolen…Elderly whose hope is gone…Youth with no place to turn…Those who feel unloved, unwanted… Those in power, who make decisions…Those with money and medicine to help…Those with gifts to share…Those who need to know your mercy…
O Lord do not be far away, come quickly to the aid of the world.
Help us move toward you to open our hearts and minds to your will. Amen.
CONFESSION
In light of your commandment to love one another as you have loved us, we see our failures to love, Holy Jesus: We have not remembered or even grasped how much you love us. We have not given that love away, that you might fill us anew. We have neglected each other and argued so much that the world does not see that we are your disciples.
Silence for reflection
Holy God, forgive us we pray. Free us to know that we are loved, and to love one another. Grant us your Spirit of forgiveness.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
By the power and work of the Holy Trinity, we are loved and forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
OFFERING
*RECEIVING THE OFFERING
He is Lord, He is Lord! He is risen from the dead and He is Lord! Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
GOSPEL: Matthew 26:30 thru 27:54 PB, pg. 28
REFLECTION
HYMN: “In the Garden” UMH 314
COMMUNION and SENDING FORTH
COMMUNION PRAYER: Jesus spoke words that, no matter how many times we hear them, have more meaning than we can fully grasp. This is my body broken for you for the forgiveness of sins. Let us receive all that Christ offers to us and be thankful. Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING: Matthew 26:17-29 Pastor Vicki
RECEIVING COMMUNION
COMMUNION and CIRCLE SONG: “Were you There?” UMH 288
Repeat verse 2 times then the refrain
1. When they Crucified my Lord? 2. Nailed him to the Tree?
3. Pierced him in the side? 4. When the sun refused to shine?
5. Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Refrain: OH!———Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Repeat verse 1 time
BLESSING
———————————————————————————————–*Stand as you are able.
Easter Sunrise Service will be held on the 300 mine level, out Perkinsville Rd., past the Fire Station. A Brunch will be served immediately following at Haven’s Fellowship Hall. Please bring a Brunch dish to share. Also needed early this coming week, are candy or filled eggs to send to the Four Corners area. See Ronnie or leave items at the church.