*Call to Worship
Lent
began in the wilderness; it concludes in Jerusalem.
We now come near to the end of one story. Another will soon
begin. We have followed Jesus this
far;
today we remember how he faced betrayal, falseness,
rejection, and torment.
And we witness, once more, that he
taught and walked in love
through every step of the journey.
Prayer of Confession
O God, you know us well. We are quick to speak of faith,
but slow to live it fully. We shout “hosanna” as Jesus approaches,
as did the people of Jerusalem many years ago; but we do not want
him to come too close — not close enough to really see…
Let us come together to a moment of confession.
Silent Reflection
Assurance of Pardon
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
We believe and although we fall short, we must persevere to the end.
Hold tight to His Word.
Scripture Readings
Psalter Lesson: Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 21: 1-11
*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 Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hades;
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 Spirit, the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*Benediction
We have gathered with the crowds crying Hosanna!
Because even if we were silent the stones themselves would have called out.
We have shared the hope for a world about to be changed,
and then it changed.
We have walked with another crowd.
One that called words of scorn and condemnation.
And now we follow the crowd as it leads out to the cross,
and yet even as the world grows dark, we cannot lose hope.
Because God is with us. God will be with us.
Whatever happens. We are not alone.
And so we watch the crowd and we follow…
If you would like to sponsor flowers for the Altar, please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex and see Chris D with payment. They are $14 for 1 vase or $24 for 2 vases.
We remember in prayer all who struggle with illness or recovery, including Alice Kender; Anna Mae Koons; Mary Horwath.
We also pray for those who grieve the death of loved ones, all active military personnel and all veterans.