SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Palm Sunday
April 10, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
In returning to Me and waiting for Me, shall you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But we would trust ourselves and stand in our own strength and we shall be ashamed upon that day.
But the Lord still waits for you to show to you His love as He has said. And He, He will conquer you so that He may bless you with Himself.
Blessed are they who wait upon the Lord, for they shall weep no more, neither be afraid.
O my people in Jerusalem and all of the earth, weep no more, for the Lord shall be gracious unto you, and show to you His love, as He has said. And though He gives to us the bread and water of adversity, with your own eyes, you shall see your King and you shall say:
Blessed is He! Blessed is He! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Blessed is He! Blessed is He!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Tear down your images and the idols that you have made, for the Lord has prepared a fire to cover the earth.
And the glory of the Lord shall descend upon His hill upon that day.
And the law of the Lord shall go out from Zion in His name. And all the nations of the earth shall bow before the One they have pierced. And the poor of the earth shall rejoice:
Messiah Is Come! Jesus! Emmanuel! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Lion of Judah.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the Highest! Amen.
*HYMN #89 (Blue) ‘Hosanna, Loud Hosanna’
Hosanna, loud hosanna
The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple
The lovely anthem rang;
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
Close folded to His breast,
The children sang their praises,
The simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed
‘Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving,
And chanting clear and loud;
The Lord of earth and heaven
Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children
Should on His bidding wait.
"Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer,
The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him
With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence
Eternally rejoice.
CALL TO CONFESSION
We come with our praises, yet we fall short of the glory of God. Sin stains even our best intentions, but God refuses to let sin have the last word. With faith and hope, let us seek God’s forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Triumphant God, we join the crowds of the ages in shouting your praises. While our lips give you glory, our lives seldom reflect your purposes. We sing easily of your greatness, but living faithfully is often beyond us. We hear of your salvation, yet sin is still close and real, daily leading us away from you. Have mercy on us. Ride into our hearts with healing grace. Forgive what we have done and direct who we shall be. Lord, save us. Hosanna! (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
He who rode into Jerusalem, struggled on the cross, and was sealed in a tomb is risen from the dead! Jesus Christ has defeated sin forever. This is good news! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Liturgist
O Lord of light and salvation, let these words of Scripture live not only in our mouths, but in our hearts, that we will embody your truth and confess with our lives that Jesus is Lord. Amen.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (read responsively)
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.
29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Luke 19:28-40
28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38 saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves Us to the Cross’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #76 (Blue) ‘My Song is Love Unknown’
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die?
Christ came from heaven’s throne
Salvation to bestow,
But people scorned and none
The longed-for Christ would know!
But O my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend!
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing,
Resounding all the way
Hosannas to their King.
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
They rise, and needs will have
My dear Lord made a way.
A murderer they save,
The Prince of life they slay.
Yet steadfast He to suffering goes
That He His foes from thence might free.
Here might I stay and sing;
No story so divine,
Never was love, dear King,
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Nicene Creed
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Through the grace of God, we have gifts in abundance and pour them out
like perfume from a flask, and wave our palm branches, not for our sakes, but to worship the One who lavishes love on the world.
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Loving Lord, today we remember Jesus’ triumphant ride from the Mount of Olives. Jesus obediently gave everything so that we could live a life worthy of your calling. Grant us the courage and the determination to be your obedient disciples. Instill within us the desire to proclaim, “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Increase our generosity so that these monetary gifts may be transformed into inspired ministries. In the name of the Sacrificial Lamb, your only son, we pray. Amen.
(Luke 19:28-40 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Elizabeth Fox
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Jerry (Judy S’s friend)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Martin & Sally M, Tom & Jeannie M, Maria M
Those who mourn: We pray for the Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Europe’s Baltic Region. Be with those who are stepping up with compassion to help. Be with those who cannot leave their country. Be with the countless women and children, and the older generations, the innocent victims in all of this crisis. Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to unforeseen circumstances. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss due to war. For those whom this season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
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.
*HYMN #97 (Blue) ‘Go To Dark Gethsemane’ (verses 1 & 2)
Go to dark Gethsemane,
All who feel the tempter's power;
Your Redeemer's conflict see;
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.
Follow to the judgment hall;
View the Lord of life arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the gall!
O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff'ring, shame, or loss;
Learn from Christ to bear the cross.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
No Youth Sunday School meeting on Palm Sunday, April 10th.
SOUP POTLUCK will be held today after worship, April 10th. All are welcome!
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will not meet Tuesday, April 12.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will not meet Thursday, April 14.
BLADE ARTICLES are due Thursday April 14
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION will be held Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom.
EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE will be held on April 17th, 10:30 AM.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING will be held next Monday, April 18 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.
CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Monday, April 18.
SESSION MEETING will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 PM at the church.
SISTERHOOD will meet at the Mission Coffee House, Thursday April 21 at 11:30 AM.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet at the church, Thursday April 21 at 5:30 PM.
THE LENTEN CANDLE: The Seven Last Words of Christ
"It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Jesus we come—to walk the road with you—to follow you to the cross. We prepare ourselves now to follow your footprints in the dust. To understand how you died. To understand how we die. To understand how you lived. To understand how we should live.
You finished the work you came into the world to complete. You completed, and will complete, the world in which you came to work. You have completed and will complete your work in us.
May we, in turn, have the opportunity to join you in this completion. To take up your work, and to pull the yoke with you as our partner.
(extinguish 6th candle)
Let us pray:
Whether we walk with all faith or none, we look towards the cross, knowing it is both the most human and most divine of all journeys. Travel the road with courage, with love, and with the uneasy peace that is the gift of faith into this holiest of weeks. Amen.
BENEDICTION
And now we lay down the palm branches and with them we lay down our belief that there is another way for you to be God.
As the last echo of the final alleluia fades, so our hope that this journey can end in any other way. The week stretches ahead glory-less and pain-full.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; written by Cheryl Lawrie and posted on http://holdthisspace.org.au/
Palm Sunday
April 10, 2022
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
In returning to Me and waiting for Me, shall you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But we would trust ourselves and stand in our own strength and we shall be ashamed upon that day.
But the Lord still waits for you to show to you His love as He has said. And He, He will conquer you so that He may bless you with Himself.
Blessed are they who wait upon the Lord, for they shall weep no more, neither be afraid.
O my people in Jerusalem and all of the earth, weep no more, for the Lord shall be gracious unto you, and show to you His love, as He has said. And though He gives to us the bread and water of adversity, with your own eyes, you shall see your King and you shall say:
Blessed is He! Blessed is He! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Blessed is He! Blessed is He!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Tear down your images and the idols that you have made, for the Lord has prepared a fire to cover the earth.
And the glory of the Lord shall descend upon His hill upon that day.
And the law of the Lord shall go out from Zion in His name. And all the nations of the earth shall bow before the One they have pierced. And the poor of the earth shall rejoice:
Messiah Is Come! Jesus! Emmanuel! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Lion of Judah.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the Highest! Amen.
*HYMN #89 (Blue) ‘Hosanna, Loud Hosanna’
Hosanna, loud hosanna
The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple
The lovely anthem rang;
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
Close folded to His breast,
The children sang their praises,
The simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed
‘Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving,
And chanting clear and loud;
The Lord of earth and heaven
Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children
Should on His bidding wait.
"Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer,
The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him
With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence
Eternally rejoice.
CALL TO CONFESSION
We come with our praises, yet we fall short of the glory of God. Sin stains even our best intentions, but God refuses to let sin have the last word. With faith and hope, let us seek God’s forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Triumphant God, we join the crowds of the ages in shouting your praises. While our lips give you glory, our lives seldom reflect your purposes. We sing easily of your greatness, but living faithfully is often beyond us. We hear of your salvation, yet sin is still close and real, daily leading us away from you. Have mercy on us. Ride into our hearts with healing grace. Forgive what we have done and direct who we shall be. Lord, save us. Hosanna! (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
He who rode into Jerusalem, struggled on the cross, and was sealed in a tomb is risen from the dead! Jesus Christ has defeated sin forever. This is good news! In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Liturgist
O Lord of light and salvation, let these words of Scripture live not only in our mouths, but in our hearts, that we will embody your truth and confess with our lives that Jesus is Lord. Amen.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (read responsively)
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21 I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God, I will extol you.
29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Luke 19:28-40
28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38 saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
We proclaim Christ crucified—the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 1:23–25
REFLECTION: ‘God Moves Us to the Cross’ Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #76 (Blue) ‘My Song is Love Unknown’
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die?
Christ came from heaven’s throne
Salvation to bestow,
But people scorned and none
The longed-for Christ would know!
But O my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend!
Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing,
Resounding all the way
Hosannas to their King.
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.
They rise, and needs will have
My dear Lord made a way.
A murderer they save,
The Prince of life they slay.
Yet steadfast He to suffering goes
That He His foes from thence might free.
Here might I stay and sing;
No story so divine,
Never was love, dear King,
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Nicene Creed
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Through the grace of God, we have gifts in abundance and pour them out
like perfume from a flask, and wave our palm branches, not for our sakes, but to worship the One who lavishes love on the world.
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
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. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Loving Lord, today we remember Jesus’ triumphant ride from the Mount of Olives. Jesus obediently gave everything so that we could live a life worthy of your calling. Grant us the courage and the determination to be your obedient disciples. Instill within us the desire to proclaim, “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Increase our generosity so that these monetary gifts may be transformed into inspired ministries. In the name of the Sacrificial Lamb, your only son, we pray. Amen.
(Luke 19:28-40 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Elizabeth Fox
-Bill D (Ann’s husband)
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Jerry (Judy S’s friend)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Andrew L
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Nadia (Mike & Judy’s granddaughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
Our homebound or in care members: Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Martin & Sally M, Tom & Jeannie M, Maria M
Those who mourn: We pray for the Peterson, Goodale, McCann, Webster, & Salonen families and all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau and Wentworth Presbyterian in Wentworth and their pastor, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; churches searching in pastoral search process, First PC Rapid City, Olive PC in Platte, and Wildflower PC in Sioux Falls; Castlewood and Bemis churches; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For the humanitarian crisis now unfolding in Europe’s Baltic Region. Be with those who are stepping up with compassion to help. Be with those who cannot leave their country. Be with the countless women and children, and the older generations, the innocent victims in all of this crisis. Be with our troops and their families as they serve us with dignity, honor, bravery, and valor.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to unforeseen circumstances. For those in our world that must deal with the pain, sadness, and loss due to war. For those whom this season will be one of struggle, heartache, and/or loneliness.
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.
*HYMN #97 (Blue) ‘Go To Dark Gethsemane’ (verses 1 & 2)
Go to dark Gethsemane,
All who feel the tempter's power;
Your Redeemer's conflict see;
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.
Follow to the judgment hall;
View the Lord of life arraigned;
O the worm-wood and the gall!
O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff'ring, shame, or loss;
Learn from Christ to bear the cross.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
No Youth Sunday School meeting on Palm Sunday, April 10th.
SOUP POTLUCK will be held today after worship, April 10th. All are welcome!
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will not meet Tuesday, April 12.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will not meet Thursday, April 14.
BLADE ARTICLES are due Thursday April 14
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION will be held Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom.
EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE will be held on April 17th, 10:30 AM.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING will be held next Monday, April 18 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.
CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Monday, April 18.
SESSION MEETING will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 PM at the church.
SISTERHOOD will meet at the Mission Coffee House, Thursday April 21 at 11:30 AM.
MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet at the church, Thursday April 21 at 5:30 PM.
THE LENTEN CANDLE: The Seven Last Words of Christ
"It is finished.” (John 19:30)
Jesus we come—to walk the road with you—to follow you to the cross. We prepare ourselves now to follow your footprints in the dust. To understand how you died. To understand how we die. To understand how you lived. To understand how we should live.
You finished the work you came into the world to complete. You completed, and will complete, the world in which you came to work. You have completed and will complete your work in us.
May we, in turn, have the opportunity to join you in this completion. To take up your work, and to pull the yoke with you as our partner.
(extinguish 6th candle)
Let us pray:
Whether we walk with all faith or none, we look towards the cross, knowing it is both the most human and most divine of all journeys. Travel the road with courage, with love, and with the uneasy peace that is the gift of faith into this holiest of weeks. Amen.
BENEDICTION
And now we lay down the palm branches and with them we lay down our belief that there is another way for you to be God.
As the last echo of the final alleluia fades, so our hope that this journey can end in any other way. The week stretches ahead glory-less and pain-full.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; written by Cheryl Lawrie and posted on http://holdthisspace.org.au/