A Parade Of Passion
Worship
Services For Special Days
Hymn Services And Readings For Special Times Of The Year
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
In our rush-and-hurry world, we often move directly from Palm Sunday's triumphal entry to Easter's resurrection. The result is forgotten suffering. Thus, Palm Sunday has become a combination of triumph and suffering so there will be something to celebrate on Easter. This service is especially important if there are no other times of remembrance and worship during Holy Week. If there are other services, Easter becomes more meaningful because we have suffered the agony of death with our Lord.
A Parade of Palms can be done in a variety of ways. Palm branches can be brought to the altar and offered in praise and thanksgiving by the children, or by all -- adults and children. As an alternative to bringing them to the altar, the congregation may walk to the altar during the singing of the opening hymn and receive a palm branch or cross made from a palm branch. Another alternative would be for the choir members to process and carry palm branches.
The choral reading is paraphrased from several scriptures. Those scriptures which are quoted are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
The choir works very well for a choral reading since they are already used to working together with a variety of voices.
Another way of choral reading is to choose five to ten folks who read well and ask them to be the choral choir.
Another possibility is to distribute copies of the reading to the congregation, letting them be participants. This involves everyone in the reading of the scriptures.
Participants:
Pastor
Liturgist
Narrator
Jesus
Thomas
James
Prophet
Man
Pharisees
Choir or Congregation
The service of Holy Communion is optional. If not using it, delete the section after the hymn, "Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow," to the fourth choral scripture reading.
Bulletin
A Parade Of Passion
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Psalm 118:26, 29
Leader:
Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
People:
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Leader:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
People:
For his steadfast love endures forever.
Invocation (In Unison)
Most Holy God, we come in expectation. The children lead, we follow. We open our hearts to your Word. We listen. We praise. Hear us this day as we celebrate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amen.
Hymn Of Praise
"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
(During the singing of the hymn, the children may lead the congregation in the Parade of the Palms.)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Anthem
"Fanfare For Palm Sunday"
(or other suitable choir anthem)
First Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 19:28-34;
Matthew 21:1-6
Hymn
"Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"
Story
The Parable Of The Palm Branch
Hymn
"All Glory, Laud, And Honor"
Second Choral Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:7;
Luke 19:35-40
Hymn
"Ride On, Ride On In Majesty"
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Doxology (In Unison)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
Hymn
"Come Every Soul By Sin Oppressed" (v. 1)
Third Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:1-23
Hymn
"Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow"
Prayer Of Consecration (Pastor and Choir)
Invitation To The Lord's Table (Pastor)
Giving And Receiving Of Elements (Pastor)
Fourth Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:39-54
Hymn
"Go To Dark Gethsemane"
Benediction (Pastor)
Postlude
Service
A Parade Of Passion
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Psalm 118:26, 29
Leader:
Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
People:
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Leader:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
People:
For his steadfast love endures forever.
Invocation (In Unison)
Most Holy God, we come in expectation. The children lead, we follow. We open our hearts to your Word. We listen. We praise. Hear us this day as we celebrate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amen.
Hymn Of Praise
"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
(During the singing of the hymn, the children may lead the congregation in the Parade of the Palms.)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Anthem
First Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 19:28-34;
Matthew 21:1-6
Narrator: After telling the people a parable, Jesus went on ahead. He was on his way to Jerusalem. Coming near to the mount called Olivet, he called two of his disciples to him and said,
Jesus: Go into village over there. As you enter, you will find an unbroken colt tied to a tree. Untie it and bring it to me. My time has come.
Thomas: But, surely someone will try to stop us!
James: We can't just take someone's animal without asking.
Jesus: If anyone asks you why you are untying it, just tell them that the Lord has need of it. They will understand.
Narrator: This took place to fulfill what the prophet Zechariah said,
Prophet: Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Narrator: And they went into the village and found the colt tied outside the door of a house in the open street. As they untied it, the owner came out and said to them:
Man: Stop! What are you doing? Where are you going with my colt?
Narrator: And they said:
Choir: The Master sent us for it. Jesus has need of it.
Man: Well, why didn't you say so? Of course, Jesus may use it. I will even go with you. I've been reading the prophets. Do you suppose it is time?
Thomas: I don't know, but it might be possible that the Messiah will now take up his throne. He has been steadfast in setting his face toward Jerusalem these many weeks.
James: Yes, even when he knows the danger of going there, he is sure he must go. This must be the time.
Hymn
"Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"
Story
The Parable Of The Palm Branch
Once a long, long time ago, a tiny sapling popped out of the ground. He wasn't much bigger than a weed and just as ugly and so the tall palm trees, which surrounded him, called him "Ugly Weed."
Ugly Weed looked all around, but could see nothing but dirt, rocks, and a few scrappy looking weeds. Leaning way, way back, he looked up and saw tall palm trees pushing toward the sky. At their very tops were beautiful, full leaves swaying in the breeze.
"Oh, how beautiful," said Ugly Weed. "I wish I were that beautiful."
The bigger trees looked down on the little sapling and laughed and laughed and laughed.
"Did you hear that?" asked one.
"He wants to be beautiful," said another.
"Puny little sprout," said a third. "You will never be as tall and beautiful as we are. Our leaves will keep you from getting sun and water. You will always be puny and ugly."
Ugly Weed hung his one little leaf and sighed. Of course they are right, he thought. They are big trees and big trees know everything!
One day some travelers rode by on beautifully decorated camels. They talked about a baby born in Bethlehem who would be king.
"What did they say?" asked one of the big trees. He was too tall to hear.
"They're going to see a baby king born in a stable,"�said Ugly Weed, who was much closer to the ground and could hear them very clearly.
"King? Born in a stable?" asked the tallest, wisest tree. "That's nonsense. Kings are born in palaces. My great-grandfather Palm used his leaves to fan one. Ugly Weed is speaking nonsense again."
The big palms all laughed and Ugly Weed hung his now two little leaves in shame. Later, a caravan passed by on their way to Jerusalem. Some children stopped to play under the palms. Samuel accidentally stepped on Ugly Weed.
"Oh, you poor little tree," cried Miriam. "We're sorry. We didn't mean to hurt you. We'll fix you up in a hurry."
They ran to get help and the bigger trees laughed in the breeze. "Tree? They called that runt a tree? He'll never amount to anything!"
The children ran back with a couple of hard, straight sticks, some pieces of cloth, and a little shovel. With gentleness and care they straightened the little tree, placed the sticks on opposite sides of it, and tied the strips of cloth around it. Then they dug around its roots, being careful not to damage them. Next, they lifted it from the ground and wrapped its roots in a large piece of cloth.
"We'll have to take you with us. You can't get enough light and water here. We'll take care of you."
Ugly Weed's two leaves drooped, then curved into a big smile.
The big palm trees' leaves drooped and fell into a big frown.
Soon they were in Jerusalem. Ugly Weed felt much stronger. The children planted him and watered him. He grew large, beautiful leaves, but did not grow big and tall like other palm trees.
The children grew into adults and other children came to sit under his shade because he had the largest, bushiest leaves of any tree. He was close to the ground where the children could enjoy his shade.
But Ugly Weed still felt sad because his ancestors got to wave for kings and he was too small and ugly for anything.
Then one day, he heard a crowd approaching Jerusalem. The children under the tree cried, "It's Jesus! They're calling him king -- Messiah. Let's wave palm branches like they do for real kings,"�said one of the children.
"But we can't reach any," said another. "The trees are too tall."
"This one isn't," said another. "And this one has the most beautiful leaves of any palm tree. I bet he won't mind if we take his leaves to wave at the king!"
And Ugly Weed bent himself over as far as possible, his leaves curling into a big, big smile. "They called me beautiful and I'm going to wave for the king," he thought to himself.
The children took all his beautiful leaves, leaving him bare in the sunshine, but Ugly Weed didn't mind. Soon a little donkey carrying a man on his back paused by the little tree. The man called Jesus smiled and winked at the little tree who had given all he had.
Ugly Weed straightened his trunk and began to grow taller. A beautiful head of fronds swayed in the breeze, which played a little tune through them. The children danced and waved the branches and Ugly Weed knew he was no longer an ugly weed. He was a beautiful, stately, tall palm tree and his leaves had waved for the King of all kings.
Hymn
"All Glory, Laud, And Honor"
Second Choral Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:7;
Luke 19:35-40
Narrator: And they returned to Jesus and the rest of the disciples. An atmosphere of excitement began to spread.
Thomas: Here's the donkey. Come and help me. Give me your coats. Let the children bring palm branches.
Narrator: And they spread their garments on the donkey's back. And Jesus let them lead him to the animal and help him to sit upon it. They began leading the colt toward Jerusalem with Jesus on his back.
Thomas: Look how the people gather! Spread the word. The Messiah is coming! The Messiah is coming!
James: Spread your garments before him. Wave the palm branches in his honor. Shout and sing, "Hosanna! The Lord is coming."
Narrator: And the people shouted and the children sang.
Choir: Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Narrator: And they continued to cry out:
Choir: Blessed is the kingdom of David that is coming. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Narrator: The parade continued toward Jerusalem. Everyone was excited and waved palm branches and shouted -- well, almost everyone. Some of the Pharisees approached him and said:
Pharisees: Teacher, rebuke your disciples. They are causing a lot of commotion. They will bring the Roman government down on us.
Narrator: But Jesus said:
Jesus: If these were all silent the very stones would cry out. This is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad.
Hymn
"Ride On, Ride On In Majesty"
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
We have come to worship. We have come to share. Come bring your tithes and offerings to the Lord.
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Doxology (In Unison)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
We come lifting our gifts before you, O Lord, even as the children lifted their palm branches. May our gifts be as pure and excellent as were the gifts of the children. Use our gifts and us for your service. Amen.
Hymn
"Come Every Soul By Sin Oppressed" (v. 1)
Third Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:1-23
Narrator: Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them when no crowd was present.
Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying:
Jesus: Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.
Narrator: They asked him,
Choir: Where do you want us to make preparations for it?
Jesus: When you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, "The teacher asks you, 'Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' " He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.
Narrator: So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them,
Jesus: I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Narrator: Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he said:
Jesus: Take this and divide it among yourselves, for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
Narrator: Then he took a loaf of bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying:
Jesus: This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
Narrator: And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying:
Jesus: This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed.
Narrator: Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
Hymn
"Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow"
Prayer Of Consecration (Pastor and Choir)
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: (Tune --�verse of "Take Our Bread")
Father, Creator, you have given all things good,1
Breathed the breath of life into our very souls
You delivered us from bondage
Made us free in your love
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: Jesus you laid aside all that you owned
Took a robe of flesh and suffered on the cross
You became our salvation
Called us your very own
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: On that very night when they betrayed him so clear
Jesus took the bread and cup and made it his gift
"Take and eat and drink this
In remembrance of me"
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: Lord bless these gifts as we bring them to you
Make them be the body and blood for us now
Fill us with your Spirit,
Cleanse our souls as we come
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Verse 1 and Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Invitation To The Lord's Table (Pastor)
Giving And Receiving Of Elements (Pastor)
Fourth Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:39-54
Narrator: He came out and went as was his custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them,
Jesus: Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.
Narrator: Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed,
Jesus: Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.
Narrator: Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to them,
Jesus: Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.
Narrator: While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him,
Jesus: Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?
Narrator: When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked,
Choir: Lord, should we strike with the sword?
Narrator: Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said,
Jesus: No more of this!
Narrator: And he touched the ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him,
Jesus: Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness.
Narrator: Then they seized him and led him away.
Hymn
"Go To Dark Gethsemane"
Benediction (Pastor)
Within a week, the cry of "Hosanna" turned to "Crucify him." May we leave this time of worship refreshed by the Sacrament, but knowing that we are human and will fail again. May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit go with you and give you courage in time of temptation. Amen.
Postlude
In our rush-and-hurry world, we often move directly from Palm Sunday's triumphal entry to Easter's resurrection. The result is forgotten suffering. Thus, Palm Sunday has become a combination of triumph and suffering so there will be something to celebrate on Easter. This service is especially important if there are no other times of remembrance and worship during Holy Week. If there are other services, Easter becomes more meaningful because we have suffered the agony of death with our Lord.
A Parade of Palms can be done in a variety of ways. Palm branches can be brought to the altar and offered in praise and thanksgiving by the children, or by all -- adults and children. As an alternative to bringing them to the altar, the congregation may walk to the altar during the singing of the opening hymn and receive a palm branch or cross made from a palm branch. Another alternative would be for the choir members to process and carry palm branches.
The choral reading is paraphrased from several scriptures. Those scriptures which are quoted are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
The choir works very well for a choral reading since they are already used to working together with a variety of voices.
Another way of choral reading is to choose five to ten folks who read well and ask them to be the choral choir.
Another possibility is to distribute copies of the reading to the congregation, letting them be participants. This involves everyone in the reading of the scriptures.
Participants:
Pastor
Liturgist
Narrator
Jesus
Thomas
James
Prophet
Man
Pharisees
Choir or Congregation
The service of Holy Communion is optional. If not using it, delete the section after the hymn, "Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow," to the fourth choral scripture reading.
Bulletin
A Parade Of Passion
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Psalm 118:26, 29
Leader:
Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
People:
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Leader:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
People:
For his steadfast love endures forever.
Invocation (In Unison)
Most Holy God, we come in expectation. The children lead, we follow. We open our hearts to your Word. We listen. We praise. Hear us this day as we celebrate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amen.
Hymn Of Praise
"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
(During the singing of the hymn, the children may lead the congregation in the Parade of the Palms.)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Anthem
"Fanfare For Palm Sunday"
(or other suitable choir anthem)
First Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 19:28-34;
Matthew 21:1-6
Hymn
"Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"
Story
The Parable Of The Palm Branch
Hymn
"All Glory, Laud, And Honor"
Second Choral Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:7;
Luke 19:35-40
Hymn
"Ride On, Ride On In Majesty"
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Doxology (In Unison)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
Hymn
"Come Every Soul By Sin Oppressed" (v. 1)
Third Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:1-23
Hymn
"Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow"
Prayer Of Consecration (Pastor and Choir)
Invitation To The Lord's Table (Pastor)
Giving And Receiving Of Elements (Pastor)
Fourth Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:39-54
Hymn
"Go To Dark Gethsemane"
Benediction (Pastor)
Postlude
Service
A Parade Of Passion
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Palm/Passion Sunday
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Psalm 118:26, 29
Leader:
Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
People:
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
Leader:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
People:
For his steadfast love endures forever.
Invocation (In Unison)
Most Holy God, we come in expectation. The children lead, we follow. We open our hearts to your Word. We listen. We praise. Hear us this day as we celebrate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amen.
Hymn Of Praise
"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
(During the singing of the hymn, the children may lead the congregation in the Parade of the Palms.)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Anthem
First Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 19:28-34;
Matthew 21:1-6
Narrator: After telling the people a parable, Jesus went on ahead. He was on his way to Jerusalem. Coming near to the mount called Olivet, he called two of his disciples to him and said,
Jesus: Go into village over there. As you enter, you will find an unbroken colt tied to a tree. Untie it and bring it to me. My time has come.
Thomas: But, surely someone will try to stop us!
James: We can't just take someone's animal without asking.
Jesus: If anyone asks you why you are untying it, just tell them that the Lord has need of it. They will understand.
Narrator: This took place to fulfill what the prophet Zechariah said,
Prophet: Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Narrator: And they went into the village and found the colt tied outside the door of a house in the open street. As they untied it, the owner came out and said to them:
Man: Stop! What are you doing? Where are you going with my colt?
Narrator: And they said:
Choir: The Master sent us for it. Jesus has need of it.
Man: Well, why didn't you say so? Of course, Jesus may use it. I will even go with you. I've been reading the prophets. Do you suppose it is time?
Thomas: I don't know, but it might be possible that the Messiah will now take up his throne. He has been steadfast in setting his face toward Jerusalem these many weeks.
James: Yes, even when he knows the danger of going there, he is sure he must go. This must be the time.
Hymn
"Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"
Story
The Parable Of The Palm Branch
Once a long, long time ago, a tiny sapling popped out of the ground. He wasn't much bigger than a weed and just as ugly and so the tall palm trees, which surrounded him, called him "Ugly Weed."
Ugly Weed looked all around, but could see nothing but dirt, rocks, and a few scrappy looking weeds. Leaning way, way back, he looked up and saw tall palm trees pushing toward the sky. At their very tops were beautiful, full leaves swaying in the breeze.
"Oh, how beautiful," said Ugly Weed. "I wish I were that beautiful."
The bigger trees looked down on the little sapling and laughed and laughed and laughed.
"Did you hear that?" asked one.
"He wants to be beautiful," said another.
"Puny little sprout," said a third. "You will never be as tall and beautiful as we are. Our leaves will keep you from getting sun and water. You will always be puny and ugly."
Ugly Weed hung his one little leaf and sighed. Of course they are right, he thought. They are big trees and big trees know everything!
One day some travelers rode by on beautifully decorated camels. They talked about a baby born in Bethlehem who would be king.
"What did they say?" asked one of the big trees. He was too tall to hear.
"They're going to see a baby king born in a stable,"�said Ugly Weed, who was much closer to the ground and could hear them very clearly.
"King? Born in a stable?" asked the tallest, wisest tree. "That's nonsense. Kings are born in palaces. My great-grandfather Palm used his leaves to fan one. Ugly Weed is speaking nonsense again."
The big palms all laughed and Ugly Weed hung his now two little leaves in shame. Later, a caravan passed by on their way to Jerusalem. Some children stopped to play under the palms. Samuel accidentally stepped on Ugly Weed.
"Oh, you poor little tree," cried Miriam. "We're sorry. We didn't mean to hurt you. We'll fix you up in a hurry."
They ran to get help and the bigger trees laughed in the breeze. "Tree? They called that runt a tree? He'll never amount to anything!"
The children ran back with a couple of hard, straight sticks, some pieces of cloth, and a little shovel. With gentleness and care they straightened the little tree, placed the sticks on opposite sides of it, and tied the strips of cloth around it. Then they dug around its roots, being careful not to damage them. Next, they lifted it from the ground and wrapped its roots in a large piece of cloth.
"We'll have to take you with us. You can't get enough light and water here. We'll take care of you."
Ugly Weed's two leaves drooped, then curved into a big smile.
The big palm trees' leaves drooped and fell into a big frown.
Soon they were in Jerusalem. Ugly Weed felt much stronger. The children planted him and watered him. He grew large, beautiful leaves, but did not grow big and tall like other palm trees.
The children grew into adults and other children came to sit under his shade because he had the largest, bushiest leaves of any tree. He was close to the ground where the children could enjoy his shade.
But Ugly Weed still felt sad because his ancestors got to wave for kings and he was too small and ugly for anything.
Then one day, he heard a crowd approaching Jerusalem. The children under the tree cried, "It's Jesus! They're calling him king -- Messiah. Let's wave palm branches like they do for real kings,"�said one of the children.
"But we can't reach any," said another. "The trees are too tall."
"This one isn't," said another. "And this one has the most beautiful leaves of any palm tree. I bet he won't mind if we take his leaves to wave at the king!"
And Ugly Weed bent himself over as far as possible, his leaves curling into a big, big smile. "They called me beautiful and I'm going to wave for the king," he thought to himself.
The children took all his beautiful leaves, leaving him bare in the sunshine, but Ugly Weed didn't mind. Soon a little donkey carrying a man on his back paused by the little tree. The man called Jesus smiled and winked at the little tree who had given all he had.
Ugly Weed straightened his trunk and began to grow taller. A beautiful head of fronds swayed in the breeze, which played a little tune through them. The children danced and waved the branches and Ugly Weed knew he was no longer an ugly weed. He was a beautiful, stately, tall palm tree and his leaves had waved for the King of all kings.
Hymn
"All Glory, Laud, And Honor"
Second Choral Scripture Reading
Matthew 21:7;
Luke 19:35-40
Narrator: And they returned to Jesus and the rest of the disciples. An atmosphere of excitement began to spread.
Thomas: Here's the donkey. Come and help me. Give me your coats. Let the children bring palm branches.
Narrator: And they spread their garments on the donkey's back. And Jesus let them lead him to the animal and help him to sit upon it. They began leading the colt toward Jerusalem with Jesus on his back.
Thomas: Look how the people gather! Spread the word. The Messiah is coming! The Messiah is coming!
James: Spread your garments before him. Wave the palm branches in his honor. Shout and sing, "Hosanna! The Lord is coming."
Narrator: And the people shouted and the children sang.
Choir: Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Narrator: And they continued to cry out:
Choir: Blessed is the kingdom of David that is coming. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Narrator: The parade continued toward Jerusalem. Everyone was excited and waved palm branches and shouted -- well, almost everyone. Some of the Pharisees approached him and said:
Pharisees: Teacher, rebuke your disciples. They are causing a lot of commotion. They will bring the Roman government down on us.
Narrator: But Jesus said:
Jesus: If these were all silent the very stones would cry out. This is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad.
Hymn
"Ride On, Ride On In Majesty"
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
We have come to worship. We have come to share. Come bring your tithes and offerings to the Lord.
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Doxology (In Unison)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
We come lifting our gifts before you, O Lord, even as the children lifted their palm branches. May our gifts be as pure and excellent as were the gifts of the children. Use our gifts and us for your service. Amen.
Hymn
"Come Every Soul By Sin Oppressed" (v. 1)
Third Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:1-23
Narrator: Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them when no crowd was present.
Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying:
Jesus: Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.
Narrator: They asked him,
Choir: Where do you want us to make preparations for it?
Jesus: When you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, "The teacher asks you, 'Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' " He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.
Narrator: So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them,
Jesus: I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Narrator: Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he said:
Jesus: Take this and divide it among yourselves, for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.
Narrator: Then he took a loaf of bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying:
Jesus: This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
Narrator: And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying:
Jesus: This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed.
Narrator: Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
Hymn
"Cross Of Jesus, Cross Of Sorrow"
Prayer Of Consecration (Pastor and Choir)
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: (Tune --�verse of "Take Our Bread")
Father, Creator, you have given all things good,1
Breathed the breath of life into our very souls
You delivered us from bondage
Made us free in your love
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: Jesus you laid aside all that you owned
Took a robe of flesh and suffered on the cross
You became our salvation
Called us your very own
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: On that very night when they betrayed him so clear
Jesus took the bread and cup and made it his gift
"Take and eat and drink this
In remembrance of me"
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Pastor: Lord bless these gifts as we bring them to you
Make them be the body and blood for us now
Fill us with your Spirit,
Cleanse our souls as we come
We are yours, we are yours.
Choir
Verse 1 and Chorus of "Take Our Bread"
Invitation To The Lord's Table (Pastor)
Giving And Receiving Of Elements (Pastor)
Fourth Choral Scripture Reading
Luke 22:39-54
Narrator: He came out and went as was his custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them,
Jesus: Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.
Narrator: Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed,
Jesus: Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.
Narrator: Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He said to them,
Jesus: Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.
Narrator: While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him,
Jesus: Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?
Narrator: When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked,
Choir: Lord, should we strike with the sword?
Narrator: Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said,
Jesus: No more of this!
Narrator: And he touched the ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him,
Jesus: Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness.
Narrator: Then they seized him and led him away.
Hymn
"Go To Dark Gethsemane"
Benediction (Pastor)
Within a week, the cry of "Hosanna" turned to "Crucify him." May we leave this time of worship refreshed by the Sacrament, but knowing that we are human and will fail again. May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit go with you and give you courage in time of temptation. Amen.
Postlude
