Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Loving Lord, at the beginning of this Lenten season, we are met with the challenge of handing over every bit of our lives that do not come from you. To rid ourselves of what clutters our lives, and all that distracts us from the simple truth of your love for us. If we don't give anything up for Lent, then let us at least give up this: that we might live cease living in ways that disconnect us from you. Help us to be mindful of your presence in new ways. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Blessed Jesus At Thy Word     Johann Ahle, Arr. EJH

Call To Worship 2

ONE: As darkness gives way to light and winter sleep to fresh beginnings,

ALL: We come today to be reminded of God's love for us.

ONE: Like the green shoots of renewed life, stirring beneath the soil,

ALL: We welcome an awakening of God's word in our lives.

ONE: In this time of reflection and repentance,

ALL: We affirm our identity, we claim our security, as children of God.

Hymn 386    Come, Worship God

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention.

We believe in God the Son, Savior of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper.

We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.  

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Luke 4:1-13

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    How Can It Be     Jeff Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Paul Mabury

Sermon     Rev. Debra McGuire

Hymn 618   O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

Invitation to the Offering

Generous God, you hold nothing back when we call to you. You offer us every good gift for our lives. Let us gather our gifts together and offer them to God in gratitude, heartfelt commitment, and praise.

Offertory   Be Thou My Vision     Trad. Irish, Arr. Mauldin

Prayer of Dedication  

Loving God, these offerings we receive today are both material and non-material. Some of our offerings are promises from us to you. Take our offerings in whatever form they are, and turn them into something beautiful for someone in need. Take our offerings and turn them into examples of your love. In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 547   Go, My Children, with My Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        You Are My King     Billy Foote

1 Patrick Ryan, Pastor at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church Barboursville, West Virginia (adapted)

2 Gill Le Fevre

3 © Dave Hopwood Area 52/Engage Worship

Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer 1

In this Lenten season, O God, we come before you, asking for courage to open our eyes We want to see ourselves as you see us: the empty and barren places, the halfhearted struggles, the faint stirrings of new life. We come, trusting your grace, waiting for your illuminating word, longing for your healing light. Do not let us be blind to your presence Shine upon us, O God, and make our paths clear, for we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  

Welcome

Introit     Come, Now Is The Time To Worship     Brian Doerksen

Call To Worship 2

ONE: God is our light and our salvation; whom shall we fear?

ALL: God is our shelter and refuge on the days of trouble, and our hope and joy on the days of celebration!

ONE: Day after day, we seek God's face and the assurance of God's holy love:

ALL: O God, do not turn from us or hide your face from us! Be our guide and our light instead!

ONE: One thing we ask of God:

ALL: That we may live in God's dwelling place all the days of our life, and never cease to behold the beauty of God's home.

ONE: Beloved of God, enter this worship in thanksgiving, for God is among and within us!

ALL: Thanks be to God!  Let us worship together!

Hymn 35    Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention.

We believe in God the Son, Savior of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper.

We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.  

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Psalm 27, Luke 13:31-35

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Jesus, Priceless Treasure     J.S. Bach

Sermon     Rev. Debra McGuire

Hymn 282   Come Down, O Love Divine

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things come from God, and so with gratitude we return to God what is God's. God created all that is, and with love formed us in God's image. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from God. And so, in gratitude for all of God's gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ's offering for us. By the Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. You may bring your offerings here to the basket on the table now, or later, and as always you may continue to mail your offerings to the church.

Offertory   You Have Been A Shelter, Lord      Taize

Prayer of Dedication 5

Giver of all gifts, O God, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to use these gifts to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. Bless the givers with joy and the receivers with gratitude, so that your name may be blessed. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 320   The Church of Christ in Every Age

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        Jesus, Refuge of the Weary     J.S. Bach

1 Words for Worship, Marlene Kropf

2 Rev. Elizabeth Dilley United Church of Christ's Worship Ways

3 © Dave Hopwood Area 52/Engage Worship

4 Words for Worship, 223, Hoyt L. Hickman

  5 Words for Worship, 225, Arlene Mark

Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer 1

O God, you are our God. We seek you. Our souls thirst for you, our bodies long for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. We have met you in the sanctuary, and beheld your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, our lips will praise you. We will bless you as long as we live; we will lift up our hands, and call upon your name. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     

Call To Worship 2

ONE: The season of Lent can be barren and lonely

ALL: but God goes with us through the wild wilderness.

ONE: Our lives are lived in seasons of transitions and transformations.

ALL: Lent is a time to ponder God's providence and persistence.

ONE: Together, we seek fruitfulness, for it has been promised to us;

ALL: the barrenness of Lent will give way to the fruitfulness of Easter.

ONE: In this season of penitence and pondering, let us gather before God.

ALL: We come, as a family, to wait for the Lord with strength and courage.

ONE: Come, let us worship God!  

Hymn 307    God of Grace and God of Glory

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention.

We believe in God the Son, Savior of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper.

We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.  

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Psalm 63: 1-8, Luke 13:1-9

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon     "Third Base" Reverend Don Mulford

Hymn 766   The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things come from God, and so with gratitude we return to God what is God's. God created all that is, and with love formed us in God's image. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from God. And so, in gratitude for all of God's gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ's offering for us. By the Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world. You may bring your offerings here to the basket on the table now, or later, and as always you may continue to mail your offerings to the church.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

Giver of all gifts, O God, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to use these gifts to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. Bless the givers with joy and the receivers with gratitude, so that your name may be blessed. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 757   Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        

1 re:worship

2 Stephen Fearing, Liturgy & Hymns

3 © Dave Hopwood Area 52/Engage Worship

4 Words for Worship, 223, Hoyt L. Hickman

  5 Words for Worship, 225, Arlene Mark

Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer 1

We ask O God, that you let this be the welcoming place – the place of return, and let it be built by a love that bends towards those who return here. For your love is a love that has been waiting like a candle in the window ever lighting the way back and never willing to let go of the hope that each child will return home. Let this be the place where the only appropriate response to love that has come to the end of its longing, is to kill the fatted calf, feast and celebrate, and prepare the party for that which has been lost has returned to be among us once more. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Lenten Meditation     Jay Althouse

Call To Worship 2

Come, let us celebrate the forgiving, reconciling love of God. For once we were lost and felt so far away; now we have been found and welcomed home. Know that God's love is lavished upon you forever. We rejoice at the news of forgiveness and hope! Come, let us celebrate and praise the God of Love. Let us worship together!

Hymn 649    Amazing Grace

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Father, creator of heaven and earth. The one who is full of patience, who is not afraid of silence, who does not need to fill each moment with activity and noise. The one who is beyond bluster and flurry, and who does not jostle for attention.

We believe in God the Son, Savior of creation, who slipped into Bethlehem one night, mostly unnoticed, who lived thirty years without headlines or hurry, who frequently took time alone with his patient Father, who waited for the right time to become the suffering servant, who stood quietly before the noise of his accusers, whose silence overpowered their words, who died, then rose again on a quiet Sunday morning.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens, empowers, renews and refreshes, sometimes arriving with obvious power, sometimes with the quiet breath of a whisper.

We believe in one God who patiently waits for us, and who longs for us to do the same.  

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12, Luke 15:1-3;11b-32

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    You Welcome Us All     Craig Bray

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 435   There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things come from God, and so with gratitude we return to God what is God's. God created all that is, and with love formed us in God's image. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from God. And so, in gratitude for all of God's gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ's offering for us. By the Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.

Offertory   All Who Are Thirsty     Brenton Brown and Glenn Roberts

Prayer of Dedication 5

Giver of all gifts, O God, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to use these gifts to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. Bless the givers with joy and the receivers with gratitude, so that your name may be blessed. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 366   Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        Is He Worthy?     Petersen & Shive, Arr. Hayes

1 Roddy Hamilton Mucky Paws

2 Nancy Townley Ministry Matters

3 © Dave Hopwood Area 52/Engage Worship

4 Words for Worship, 223, Hoyt L. Hickman

  5 Words for Worship, 225, Arlene Mark

Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Lent's days are winding down, Merciful God, and we are no closer to having contrite hearts. Our small complaints still loom large, and we don't hurry to show mercy, or rush to be kind. The old habits of Fat Tuesday are still alluring, and we resist the emptiness of the desert that reveals you – the places where you make yourself known to us, where you wait in the quiet for us to be ready, still feel alien. Yet, Loving God, we come to you, trying to lose our lives for the life you offer, seeking the wisdom of Jesus, hoping to be blown open by the Spirit. Bring us fully into your Lenten gifts, we pray. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     How Beautiful     Twila Paris, Arr. Larson

Call To Worship 2

ONE: God is making all things new.

ALL: A new heaven, a new earth, a new way of thinking, a new way of being.

ONE: God is making all things new.

ALL: No more Death, no more mourning, no more crying, no more pain.

ONE: God is making all things new.

ALL: Renew our minds O God, to renew the world by living out your commandment of love. God is making all things new. Let us worship God together.

Hymn 645    Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in the debonaire God who clothes the wild flowers dressing them so superbly that they outdo Solomon in all his glory; who is the true Friend of all creatures great and small who feeds all creatures.

We believe in the God of Christ Jesus the Source of abundance, full of grace and truth. We believe in the extravagant God who turns the other cheek, goes the second mile, turns water into the best wine, brings healing with his every touch, and who welcomes a woman's of love as she fills the house with unforgettable fragrance.

We believe in the faith-full God of Jesus Christ, who sweated blood in an Olive Grove, and kept the faith to the very end. We believe in the redeeming God who spared no cost, forgave even his brutal crucifiers, had time for a dying thief at his side, and who on the third day did a thing so prodigious that even his friends were dismayed with joy. We believe in the God of Jesus Christ, the Source of abundance wherever we turn and no matter what we do. Amen.

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, John 12:1-8

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Desert Song     Brooke Fraser

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 201   A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our extravagant God is lavishing love on our poverty of heart: we hope to be inspired to give with generosity, to love life so that we may find it again, and thus the world will be filled with the fragrance of God's love.

Offertory     Behold the Lamb     Getty & Townsend, Arr. Hayes

Prayer of Dedication 5

Giver of all gifts, O God, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to use these gifts to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. Bless the givers with joy and the receivers with gratitude, so that your name may be blessed. Amen.

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving 7

Welcome to the delight that is this table. Our Lord's table. Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity. We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood. Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him. Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected. Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: We give you thanks, O God, for making your love evident since the very beginning of time when you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light which also revealed the fear and powerlessness caused by corrupt and evil actions. And so you spoke the Word which would once and for all dispel the darkness of chaotic lives. Through your love for the world the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. The angels caroled glory to you in the highest heavens and peace to all people on earth, and we join with them and with all people to praise your holy name saying together:

ALL:  Holy Lord, God of endless love, heaven and earth are surely full of your glory. The angels sang of it - we have been lavished with it. Blessed is he who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people.

ONE:  Holy God, as the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on finding out the depth of his love for us. For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, O God, that we may experience the presence of the Word-made-flesh - Jesus Christ. Breathe your Spirit in us that we may be one body with him - living out his ministry in the world today and every day. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, You are the source of all life, creating and sustaining every living thing. You are the source of all food, material and spiritual, nourishing us in both body and soul. You are the light that goes before us, shining into the darkness. May we be filled with your breath, nourished by your food, renewed by your living water, and sustained by your love.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 547   Go, My Children, with My Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        Remind Me Who I Am     Jason Ingram and Jason Gray

1 Rev. Mary Austin, re:Worship

2 Weekly Worship, Christian Aid

3 Bruce Prewer

4 Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009, alt.  The Anglican Church of Canada

  5 Words for Worship, 225, Arlene Mark

5 Rev. Bob Gibson London Conference of the United Church of Canada

Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer

As we journey through this Holy Week, may we reflect on the humility of your Son, riding on a donkey, a sign of peace and the fulfillment of prophecy. May we, like the crowds, sing Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Hosanna, Loud Hosanna     Jeanette Threlfall, Arr. Mark Edwards

Call To Worship 1

ONE: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good

ALL: God's steadfast love endures forever!

ONE: The stone that the builders rejected

ALL: Has become the chief cornerstone.

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made;

ALL: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

ONE: Save us, we beseech you, O Lord

ALL: Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

ONE: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good;

ALL: God's steadfast love endures forever! Let us worship God.

Hymn 198   Ride On! Ride on in Majesty!

Affirmation of Faith

We trust in God, the source of all hope, even as we call on God to meet us in places of hopelessness. We commit to be disciples of Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself and was born in human likeness. He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – Even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus ever knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, To the glory of God the father. Amen.

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Luke 19:28-40

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)      Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 196  All Glory, Laud and Honor

Invitation to the Offering 2

Our extravagant God is lavishing love on our poverty of heart: we hope to be inspired to give with generosity, to love life so that we may find it again, and thus the world will be filled with the fragrance of God's love.

Offertory     Blessed Be Your Name      Matt Redman and Beth Redman

Prayer of Dedication

God, giver of all good gifts, we thank you for all that you have graciously poured out on us. Giver of all gifts, O God, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to use these gifts to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. Bless the givers with joy and the receivers with gratitude, so that your name may be blessed. As we begin Holy Week and walk the final steps to the cross, we give you thanks for the greatest of all gifts — the gift of yourself to your people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 192   Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        Ubi Caritas      Victor Johnson

1 Order of Worship for Palm Sunday, Presbyterian Outlook

2 Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009, alt.  The Anglican Church of Canada

Lenten Bells

Opening Prayer

As we journey through this Holy Week, may we reflect on the humility of your Son, riding on a donkey, a sign of peace and the fulfillment of prophecy. May we, like the crowds, sing Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Hosanna, Loud Hosanna     Jeanette Threlfall, Arr. Mark Edwards

Call To Worship 1

ONE: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good

ALL: God's steadfast love endures forever!

ONE: The stone that the builders rejected

ALL: Has become the chief cornerstone.

ONE: This is the day that the Lord has made;

ALL: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

ONE: Save us, we beseech you, O Lord

ALL: Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

ONE: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good;

ALL: God's steadfast love endures forever! Let us worship God.

Hymn 198   Ride On! Ride on in Majesty!

Affirmation of Faith

We trust in God, the source of all hope, even as we call on God to meet us in places of hopelessness. We commit to be disciples of Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself and was born in human likeness. He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – Even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus ever knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, To the glory of God the father. Amen.

Response Hymn 227

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom,

Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 482

Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit,

Marked with the sign of Christ, God's Son

Born of the Spirit, we are God's children;

Joyfully now God's praises we sing.

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Luke 19:28-40

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)      Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 196  All Glory, Laud and Honor

Invitation to the Offering 2

Our extravagant God is lavishing love on our poverty of heart: we hope to be inspired to give with generosity, to love life so that we may find it again, and thus the world will be filled with the fragrance of God's love.

Offertory     Blessed Be Your Name      Matt Redman and Beth Redman

Prayer of Dedication

God, giver of all good gifts, we thank you for all that you have graciously poured out on us. Giver of all gifts, O God, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to use these gifts to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. Bless the givers with joy and the receivers with gratitude, so that your name may be blessed. As we begin Holy Week and walk the final steps to the cross, we give you thanks for the greatest of all gifts — the gift of yourself to your people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 192   Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude        Ubi Caritas      Victor Johnson

1 Order of Worship for Palm Sunday, Presbyterian Outlook

2 Prayers for an Inclusive Church 2009, alt.  The Anglican Church of Canada