PALM SUNDAY
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SERVICE
GATHERING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
MUSIC FOR GATHERING AND CENTERING
Allow the music being offered to help you find your center, to acknowledge God’s presence, and to allow yourself time and space to open your mind and heart to the Spirit of God moving among us this day.
OPENING MUSIC
David Herberg, Director
The Worship Team
“Hosanna”
WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team
“King of Kings” ~ TFWS #2075
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
*WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team
“King of Kings” ~ TFWS #2075 (reprise)
OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Daniel F. Diss
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Daniel
TIME FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel at the front for a time of learning together. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom and to pick-up their children following the service. Please sign your children in and out. Thank you.
LISTENING FOR THE WORD
SCRIPTURE READING
Penny Herman
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good,
because his faithful love lasts forever.
Let Israel say it:
“God’s faithful love lasts forever!”
Open the gates of righteousness for me
so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord!
This is the Lord’s gate;
those who are righteous enter through it.
I thank you because you answered me,
because you were my saving help.
The stone rejected by the builders
is now the main foundation stone!
This has happened because of the Lord;
it is astounding in our sight!
This is the day the Lord acted;
we will rejoice and celebrate in it!
Lord, please save us!
Lord, please let us succeed!
The one who enters in the Lord’s name is blessed;
we bless all of you from the Lord’s house.
The Lord is God!
He has shined a light on us!
So lead the festival offering with ropes
all the way to the horns of the altar.[a]
You are my God—I will give thanks to you!
You are my God—I will lift you up high!
Give thanks to the Lord because he is good,
because his faithful love lasts forever.
Reader: This is the Word of God for you people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team
“Today Is The Day”
SCRIPTURE READING
Penny Herman
Mark 11:1-11
When Jesus and his followers approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives. Jesus gave two disciples a task, saying to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘Its master needs it, and he will send it back right away.’”
They went and found a colt tied to a gate outside on the street, and they untied it. Some people standing around said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them just what Jesus said, and they left them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes upon it, and he sat on it. Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields. Those in front of him and those following were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After he looked around at everything, because it was already late in the evening, he returned to Bethany with the Twelve.
Reader: This is the Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
Pastor Daniel
More than Meets the Eye
*WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team
“Jesus Messiah”
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
CELEBRATION OF GIFTS
This morning we return to the practice of passing the alms basins through the congregation as we did before the pandemic. If you have a prayer concern or joy, please write it on a “Connections” card and place it in the basin as it is passed. They will be shared with the pastor during the service. As we receive and offer this gift of music to the honor and glory of God this morning, let us recall how God has been present in our lives. Let us return our thanks with humble gratitude for all God’s blessings.
OFFERTORY MUSIC
The Worship Team
“He Is Exalted” ~ TFWS #2070
*WE ARE AN OFFERING
We lift our voices, we lift our hands; we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. Lord, use our voices, Lord, use our hands, Lord, use our lives, they are yours: we are an offering. All that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be, we give to you, we give to you. We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. We are an offering.
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*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with others near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact and closeness as we carefully bring this practice back to our worship service.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The pastor will offer the joy or concern on the cards shared during the offering as well as any shared with him during the previous week. After each petition, the pastor will conclude, “Lord, in your mercy… ” The congregation is invited to respond, “Hear our prayer.” The entire time will conclude with a short pastoral prayer and the Lord’s Prayer which can be found at 895 in “The United Methodist Hymnal.”
SENDING FOR SERVICE
WORSHIP IN SONG
The Worship Team
“Forever”
BENEDICTION
Pastor Daniel
We United Methodists are guided by three simple principles:
Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.
POSTLUDE / INSTRUMENTAL CLOSING
“Today Is the Day” (reprise)
*Please stand as you are able.