Call to Worship (from
back of the church)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout
aloud. O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your King comes to you; triumphant and
victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt,
the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9 (Minister and children enter
with palm branches and place them at the front of the church while the
congregation sings)
Hymn TIS 724 “Hosanna, hosanna,
hosanna in the highest! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest! Lord, we lift
up your name with hearts full of praise. Be exalted, O Lord my God! Hosanna in
the highest! Glory, glory, glory to the King of Kings! Glory, glory, glory to
the King of Kings! Lord, we lift up your name with hearts full of praise. Be
exalted, O Lord my God. Glory to the King of Kings!
Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving Jan
joined us with all of creation as we thanked God for Christ's commitment to
this world. She prayed that our words, expressing our hope, would be heard even
though we find it hard to believe God trusts us to be his hands and voice in
this world. Jan addressed God as our Blessed Hosanna, who saved us with his
love, asking that we would be drawn near.
Prayer of Confession Jan,
confessed, for us that we find it so difficult to be the reflection of God's
love; to stand firm in times of unloveliness and struggle; to be the people of
shalom, making room for all in God's kingdom.
Words of Assurance Jesus
hears us when we fail and acknowledge our human stumbling. We are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
Hymn TIS 333 “All glory, praise
and honour” A declaration with praise that Jesus Christ is our
redeemer King. We suffer needlessly when we forget that. This service and this
hymn give us time to focus our attention on the centre of all life.
Bible Readings- Val read to us from Isaiah
50:4-9 - God has made us for peace with our neighbour and service to them. Mark 11:1-11 Jesus rides on a
colt into Jerusalem. Not the usual conquering hero. How it could all change so
quickly seems impossible but it was this exuberant reception which threatened
the existing rulers and brought their wrath down upon him. Sometimes all of
this happens within us - we hear the call and respond with such enthusiasm but
then some other part of us resists: our autonomy is threatened and we pull
back.
Sermon- “Bless the one who
comes in God’s name” Jan invited us to
remember parades we had experienced and what we had remembered about them,
comparing them with this very different type of parade we were thinking about
today. Triumphal entries like Jesus' ride into Jerusalem were usually reserved for
war heroes. This was different. He was a prophet, teacher, worker of miracles
and he came, not on a steed, but on a donkey.
On his journey, he was
accompanied, not only by his disciples but by many who had been witness to his
miracles and teaching, both of which inspired hundreds of people. What an
event.
Some recognized him as the Messiah but most
were still trying to understand who he was. He came humbly and in peace, as the
Servant King. This was not what was expected, either by the people or their leaders.
Acclaimed as prophet, a week later the population would be calling for his
crucifixion.
Jesus knew what he was doing and where it
would lead but he deliberately kept going and that is what is celebrated on
Palm Sunday.
Jesus still challenges our ideas about
power. It's not according to the way of the world- it's by serving others. The
forgiveness of sins and the release from the forces opposed to God came through
the self giving love of Christ. (From Jan's sermon).
May
this Holy Week be a time of spiritual significance as you journey with Jesus.
Hymn- TIS 348 “Ride on, ride on in
majesty” The pairing of
the words "lowly pomp" remind us that Jesus came to turn the world on
its ear, showing us that the world's values are all wrong and lead nowhere.
Prayers of Intercession- Noelene
prayed, praising Jesus for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, knowing
the end was near. She prayed that when we are facing hard times that we will
look to God, learning to rest in him. Noelene directed our thoughts to the
people in the recent plane crash, at the same time praying for others hurt or
killed in accidents. Noelene then turned our attention to those suffering in
war-torn countries and refugees trying to find a new place to live. She asked
for wisdom for those in authority that they will deal more compassionately with
refugees.
She prayed for our government leaders and
the leaders of the Uniting Church that God will guide them in all they do.
She then prayed for the needs of our
congregation and family and friends in need, focusing particularly Jan as she
leads us through the coming Holy time. We then prayed The Lord's Prayer together.
Hymn TIS 665 ‘Jesus Christ is
waiting’ A strong message to
remember the Jesus didn't come to those who think they are safe but to those
who are lost. He didn't come to speak only in churches but to all who are in
any need. That is where our ministry
should lead us.
Blessing The Lord
bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be
gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you
peace.
Blessing Song – TIS 778 Shalom. If
only this could be our prayer to all those around us minute by minute. What a
world it would be!
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