Prelude Voluntary on Ellacombe J. Wayne Kerr
Welcome And Opening Prayer
Hymn All Glory Laud and Honor
All glory, laud and honor
to thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David’s royal Son,
who in the Lord’s name comest,
the King and blessed One!
The company of angels
are praising thee on high,
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply:
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present:
To thee, before thy passion,
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise:
Thou didst accept their praises–
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King!
Confession of Sin/Assurance of Pardon
God of palm branches and hallelujahs:
We confess—we love a good Palm Sunday celebration.
We love the sound of a joyful parade.
We love shouting, “Hallelujah!”
We love that Palm Sunday means Easter is just around the corner.
We love good news.
However, if we slow down and pay attention,
We know that Palm Sunday was not a walk in the park for you.
There was risk. There was fear. There was the threat of violence.
You were leading a peaceful protest against an unjust empire,
And the whole world knew it.
Forgive us for glossing over the courage this day took.
Remind us that the story of faith is a story of courage,
And even we can do hard things.
With hope we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading Mark 11:1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Sermon “Everyone Loves a Parade” Pastor Margo Walter
Offertory There’s a wideness in God’s mercy Maurice Bevan
Affirmation of Faith
I refuse to believe that I am powerless.
I refuse to believe that injustice and hatred are simply the way it has to be.
I refuse to believe that I am better or more deserving than my neighbor.
I refuse to believe that my self-worth is rooted in my accomplishments or appearance.
I refuse to believe that the Church is dying, because I see God all around me.
I refuse to believe that the traditions of old are the only path for moving forward.
I refuse to believe that I cannot make a difference.
So with hope in my heart, I will strive to live a life of courage, conviction, and compassion,
Just as Jesus taught us. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer/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.
Song Ride on, Ride on in Majesty
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hear all the tribes hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue your road
with palms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
O Christ, your triumphs now begin
o’er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The host of angels in the sky
look down with sad and wondering eyes
to see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Your last and fiercest strife is nigh.
The Father on his sapphire throne
awaits his own anointed Son.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die,
bow your meek head to mortal pain,
then take, O Christ, your power and reign
Benediction
Virtual Coffee Hour
Join Us on Zoom