Palm Sunday
Grace Presbyterian Church
Meeting in the chapel at Union Congregational, 76 Cooper Avenue, Upper Montclair.
Serving people, through Christ, to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the community and the world around us.
Welcome
Prelude “Sonata in A Major, K. 331 W.A. Mozart
Andante Grazioso; Var. I, III, IV”
*Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 118: 1-4; 25-29
One: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
All: Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: His loveendures forever.”
One: Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.” The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
All: From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made hislight shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are our God, and we will praise you; you are our God, and we will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 196 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Matthew 21:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Waving of the Peace (Due to flu and other illnesses we are going to “wave” to each other vs. hugging and shaking hands.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Lord we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength, and we have not loved our neighbor as ourself. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. Silent Confession.
Assurance of Forgiveness
*Glory Be to God in Song 582 “Glory to God”
Scripture Lesson Matthew 21:12-17
Sermon Wanted: New Campaign Strategist The Rev. Cindy Wilcox
Choral Anthem “Jerusalem, My Destiny” Rory Cooney ll
*Affirmation of Faith (in unison) The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Introduction to the Offering
Offertory
*Doxology Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Prayer of Dedication
Pastoral Prayers
Announcements
*Hymn 198 “Ride on! Ride on in Majesty”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
The flowers in the chapel today were donated by Norma Prescott in memory of her parents’ anniversary.
Happening this Week:
Sunday, March 29, 12 Noon-1:30 PM, Confirmation Class meeting at the Manse.
Sunday, March 29, 3-4:30 PM, The Ecumenical Youth Group is meeting at Glen Ridge Congregational.
Tuesday, March 31, 8:00 AM, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at Paul Leggett’s. Contact Pat Walsh clerk@gracemontclair.org for more information.
Tuesday, March 31, 1 PM or 7 PM, Big Picture Bible Study at the Manse.
Wednesday, April 1, 10:30 AM, Caregiver’s Group in the Learning Center at Union Congregational.
Maundy Thursday, April 2, Sweet Hour of Prayer, 1:30 PM, at the Manse.
Maundy Thursday, April 2, Choir Rehearsal in the Chapel.
Good Friday, April 3, 11 AM, Cross Walk; 12 Noon Good Friday Worship Service in the Chapel..
Holy Week:
Friday, April 3, Good Friday, Meet at the Chapel at Union Congregational at 11:00 AM for Cross Walk to Anderson Park.
Good Friday worship service in the Chapel at Union Congregational at Noon.
Easter Sunday, April 5, Sunrise Worship service at 6:15 AM at Eagle Rock Reservation with UCC. Meet at the 9/11 Memorial.
10:00 AM Easter Worship Service in the Chapel followed by Easter Egg hunt on the front lawn.
Favorite Hymn? If you have a favorite hymn that you would like to hear as part of the worship service, please let Pastor Cindy know.
Easter Lily Dedication forms can be found at the back of the chapel. Please return by March 29 with a check to the church office or in the offering plate. Flowers will be in the chapel on Easter Sunday.
Anyone interested in attending a dinner party at the manse or hosting a dinner party at your own home? Please Contact Pastor Cindy pastorcindy@gracemontclair.org
The flowers on the chancel table will be distributed to congregants who can’t get to church. If you would like to donate flowers in celebration or in memory of anyone please contact Ruth Liang rrliang76@gmail.com. Also, if you have any spare vases you would like to donate, please bring them to church or drop them off at the Manse.
Food Pantry Supplies are desperately needed! We are in need of: Pasta, Rice, Cereal (hot or cold), Peanut butter, Tuna fish, Spam, Spaghettios (or similar canned pastas), Canned chili, Soup. Please bring items to church on Sunday or leave in the bin on the Manse driveway!
The Next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is April 12. If you can help by providing an appetizer or salad to feed 30 guests please let the office know.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
