Palm Sunday / Sunday Of The Passion
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook, Series IV, Cycle C
Soul Motion
Object:
Call To Worship
Leader: Six weeks of Lent are almost finished. Our smudges of Ash Wednesday -- signs of discipleship on our heads and hands -- are invisible. Today we mix the excitement of the parade of palms with the dread of passion.
(The candles can be lighted.)
People: We are glad to be here to consider the stories of Jesus and how they impact our living.
Leader: Our days are longer and we have "anticipatory anxiety" as we watch spring burst out. For the past weeks, we have read the biblical accounts of Jesus teaching along the east end of the Mediterranean. Now we move to Passover week and the murder of Jesus. As we have explored his life and teachings, we have accentuated the goodness that lies within us. We have become aware of the Holy Presence modifying our goals and values.
People: In the spring light, we will let go of old guilt and as Easter comes, we will relish new energies in nature and in our own psyches.
Leader: A Divine Message comes to us in the ancient story of Jesus of Nazareth: God is One who blesses everyone who seeks.
People: We are seeking to live in ways that satisfy, in ways that illustrate neighborliness and justice. Here we receive encouragement and strength to embody the goodness of Jesus.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Holy One -- "Find a donkey," Jesus said. "Book a room; set the table...." We have seen what can happen when Jesus speaks. We also feel anxious as we think about what happened after the palm parade and after the dinner with his friends. We are glad we know the whole story! Thank you for your presence inspiring and caressing us. We open our minds so that new ideas can lead us to fresh experiences with you. We are ready to praise and wait. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
It's fun to be part of a parade. It's so nice to sit down to a meal with friends. It's not so nice when we notice that our attitudes are exclusive and that we have internal conflicts. It's not comfortable when we recognize that our soul values are not in sync with our external behaviors. In these moments of silence, welcome the Spirit to harmonize your inner- and outer-self.
Community Confession (Unison)
Holy One -- our minds are open before you.
When temptations come -- for they surely will -- give us clarity about your hopes for our lives.
When idols sneak into our thoughts and activities, remind us not to play games with your grace and power.
Nurture our souls with words and silences, with relationships and fresh opportunities.
We walk the human path Jesus walked; grant us insight to be faithful. Amen.
Sermon Idea
The comparison between a spouse sent away and God's distance from the people is powerful (Isaiah), yet, for us, God does seem "mostly absent," hidden; and it's difficult to identify what constitutes "crimes" (Isaiah) in terms of the inner self/soul/psyche. Our emotions change with events and environments so it is not strange to think that at one moment we say, "Hosanna" and the next, "Away with him!" Our souls exist within a continuum: "Thanks be to God" at one end and "to hell with it" at the other, "God's love is eternal" (Psalm 118) to "there is no God" at the other.
Contemporary Affirmation (Unison)
The Holy comes to us in many different ways. God continues to create in and around us, leading us to food for our souls and our bodies.
We find courage in Jesus of Nazareth who resisted the temptations that come to humankind: power over others, material wealth that obscures divine goodness, and arrogance that resists attention to divine presence.
With the Holy Spirit enthusing us, we choose to live in ways that are hospitable and gracious, insightful and generous in kind deeds.
Together, we have a significant voice in our culture to demand justice for all.
In our living and in our dying, we are not alone. God is with us. Amen.
Offertory Statement (Leader)
We parade our resources in the clothes we wear;
We parade our compassion with the money we share.
Doxology
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (v. 5, modified)
tune: DEO GRACIAS
All glory to the living God for love so deep, so high, so broad;
The Trinity whom we adore forever and forever more.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader or Responsive)
Creating Presence -- thank you for living through us to love the earth;
Thank you for beauty and hospitality that inspires us who are rich and us who are poor.
We are grateful for time and resources enough to share,
Glad we can pay our bills, care for our bodies, and minister to people in need. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
God of Palms -- we get excited when a crowd gathers. Even here, we feel elated when the seats are full and the space is filled with music! We pray for keen awareness of your closeness on Sundays and in our attitudes and decisions the rest of the week. Help us move with the crowd that consistently honors you. We know the whole story of Jesus the Christ and pray that our twenty-first-century understanding of discipleship be continually expanding. In the ways we decorate ourselves, in our conversations, and in our entertainment, we want to enjoy you.
God of Passion -- we know Jesus walked on this earth feeding and healing, teaching and learning. So many people need food for their bodies; so many people need soul food; so many people need shelter and health care. Prisons are full, bombs explode, and drugs destroy. Walk on this earth again and bring hope to all creation. As we remember Jesus' last days on earth, we pray for courage to take sides against injustice and grandiosity, against a wealthy few for the common good of the global village.
God of Possibilities -- we pray for peace and honest compromises in families and among nations. Let peace rain on all peoples. Jesus died a violent death, and we see that sort of violence throughout this world. Transform the human heart, we pray.
God of Today and Tomorrow -- as we reflect on the last week of Jesus' life, we are conscious of our own sufferings. Sometimes like Jesus, we say, "Why do you forsake me?" Sustain us and let us be content with your love -- your intangible love. Blow among us like the wind and let us feel divine refreshment. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
(The candles can be extinguished, except the Christ candle, if one has been used.)
May the road continue smooth before you;
May there be enough light along the way;
May peace greet you at every crossroad
And joy accompany you to the end.
Through whatever pain and suffering is yours to endure
Know that God is in it with you.
Amid every temptation that comes to you
Be aware that wisdom is yours for the asking.
Music
All Glory, Laud, And Honor
Words: Theodulph of Orleans, c. 821; tr. John Mason Neale, 1854, alt.
Music: Melchior Teschner, 1615; harm. William Henry Monk, 1861
ST. THEODULPH
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Words: Jeannette Threlfall, 1873
Music: Gesangbuch der Herzogl Wirtembergischen Katholischen Hofkapelle, 1784, alt. 1868
ELLACOMBE
Mantos Y Palmas (Filled With Excitement)
Words: Ruben Ruiz Avila, 1972; trans. Gertrude C. Suppe, 1979, 1987
Music: Ruben Ruiz Avila, 1972; arr. Alvin Schutmaat
HOSANNA
Ride On! Ride On In Majesty!
Words: Henry Hart Milman, 1827
Music: Graham George
THE KING'S MAJESTY
or
ST. DROSTANE
Leader: Six weeks of Lent are almost finished. Our smudges of Ash Wednesday -- signs of discipleship on our heads and hands -- are invisible. Today we mix the excitement of the parade of palms with the dread of passion.
(The candles can be lighted.)
People: We are glad to be here to consider the stories of Jesus and how they impact our living.
Leader: Our days are longer and we have "anticipatory anxiety" as we watch spring burst out. For the past weeks, we have read the biblical accounts of Jesus teaching along the east end of the Mediterranean. Now we move to Passover week and the murder of Jesus. As we have explored his life and teachings, we have accentuated the goodness that lies within us. We have become aware of the Holy Presence modifying our goals and values.
People: In the spring light, we will let go of old guilt and as Easter comes, we will relish new energies in nature and in our own psyches.
Leader: A Divine Message comes to us in the ancient story of Jesus of Nazareth: God is One who blesses everyone who seeks.
People: We are seeking to live in ways that satisfy, in ways that illustrate neighborliness and justice. Here we receive encouragement and strength to embody the goodness of Jesus.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader)
Holy One -- "Find a donkey," Jesus said. "Book a room; set the table...." We have seen what can happen when Jesus speaks. We also feel anxious as we think about what happened after the palm parade and after the dinner with his friends. We are glad we know the whole story! Thank you for your presence inspiring and caressing us. We open our minds so that new ideas can lead us to fresh experiences with you. We are ready to praise and wait. Amen.
Call To Confession (Leader)
It's fun to be part of a parade. It's so nice to sit down to a meal with friends. It's not so nice when we notice that our attitudes are exclusive and that we have internal conflicts. It's not comfortable when we recognize that our soul values are not in sync with our external behaviors. In these moments of silence, welcome the Spirit to harmonize your inner- and outer-self.
Community Confession (Unison)
Holy One -- our minds are open before you.
When temptations come -- for they surely will -- give us clarity about your hopes for our lives.
When idols sneak into our thoughts and activities, remind us not to play games with your grace and power.
Nurture our souls with words and silences, with relationships and fresh opportunities.
We walk the human path Jesus walked; grant us insight to be faithful. Amen.
Sermon Idea
The comparison between a spouse sent away and God's distance from the people is powerful (Isaiah), yet, for us, God does seem "mostly absent," hidden; and it's difficult to identify what constitutes "crimes" (Isaiah) in terms of the inner self/soul/psyche. Our emotions change with events and environments so it is not strange to think that at one moment we say, "Hosanna" and the next, "Away with him!" Our souls exist within a continuum: "Thanks be to God" at one end and "to hell with it" at the other, "God's love is eternal" (Psalm 118) to "there is no God" at the other.
Contemporary Affirmation (Unison)
The Holy comes to us in many different ways. God continues to create in and around us, leading us to food for our souls and our bodies.
We find courage in Jesus of Nazareth who resisted the temptations that come to humankind: power over others, material wealth that obscures divine goodness, and arrogance that resists attention to divine presence.
With the Holy Spirit enthusing us, we choose to live in ways that are hospitable and gracious, insightful and generous in kind deeds.
Together, we have a significant voice in our culture to demand justice for all.
In our living and in our dying, we are not alone. God is with us. Amen.
Offertory Statement (Leader)
We parade our resources in the clothes we wear;
We parade our compassion with the money we share.
Doxology
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (v. 5, modified)
tune: DEO GRACIAS
All glory to the living God for love so deep, so high, so broad;
The Trinity whom we adore forever and forever more.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving (Leader or Responsive)
Creating Presence -- thank you for living through us to love the earth;
Thank you for beauty and hospitality that inspires us who are rich and us who are poor.
We are grateful for time and resources enough to share,
Glad we can pay our bills, care for our bodies, and minister to people in need. Amen.
Intercessory Prayers (Leader or Readers)
God of Palms -- we get excited when a crowd gathers. Even here, we feel elated when the seats are full and the space is filled with music! We pray for keen awareness of your closeness on Sundays and in our attitudes and decisions the rest of the week. Help us move with the crowd that consistently honors you. We know the whole story of Jesus the Christ and pray that our twenty-first-century understanding of discipleship be continually expanding. In the ways we decorate ourselves, in our conversations, and in our entertainment, we want to enjoy you.
God of Passion -- we know Jesus walked on this earth feeding and healing, teaching and learning. So many people need food for their bodies; so many people need soul food; so many people need shelter and health care. Prisons are full, bombs explode, and drugs destroy. Walk on this earth again and bring hope to all creation. As we remember Jesus' last days on earth, we pray for courage to take sides against injustice and grandiosity, against a wealthy few for the common good of the global village.
God of Possibilities -- we pray for peace and honest compromises in families and among nations. Let peace rain on all peoples. Jesus died a violent death, and we see that sort of violence throughout this world. Transform the human heart, we pray.
God of Today and Tomorrow -- as we reflect on the last week of Jesus' life, we are conscious of our own sufferings. Sometimes like Jesus, we say, "Why do you forsake me?" Sustain us and let us be content with your love -- your intangible love. Blow among us like the wind and let us feel divine refreshment. Amen.
Benediction (Leader)
(The candles can be extinguished, except the Christ candle, if one has been used.)
May the road continue smooth before you;
May there be enough light along the way;
May peace greet you at every crossroad
And joy accompany you to the end.
Through whatever pain and suffering is yours to endure
Know that God is in it with you.
Amid every temptation that comes to you
Be aware that wisdom is yours for the asking.
Music
All Glory, Laud, And Honor
Words: Theodulph of Orleans, c. 821; tr. John Mason Neale, 1854, alt.
Music: Melchior Teschner, 1615; harm. William Henry Monk, 1861
ST. THEODULPH
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Words: Jeannette Threlfall, 1873
Music: Gesangbuch der Herzogl Wirtembergischen Katholischen Hofkapelle, 1784, alt. 1868
ELLACOMBE
Mantos Y Palmas (Filled With Excitement)
Words: Ruben Ruiz Avila, 1972; trans. Gertrude C. Suppe, 1979, 1987
Music: Ruben Ruiz Avila, 1972; arr. Alvin Schutmaat
HOSANNA
Ride On! Ride On In Majesty!
Words: Henry Hart Milman, 1827
Music: Graham George
THE KING'S MAJESTY
or
ST. DROSTANE
