Leading Us in Worship Today
Minister of Word and Sacrament Rev. Jaci Smith Patman
Liturgist Donna Jordon
Organist/Director of Music Dr. Heather Ankerbrand
Prelude Processional in G David N Johnson
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer & Gathering #829 My Faith Looks Up to Thee, vs. 1
My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray; take all my guilt away; O let me from this day be wholly thine!
Call to Worship
What will we lay down as Christ passes by?
We have no cloaks today, but we will lay down our hearts,
our hopes, and our lives.
As the crowds in Jerusalem cried out long ago, we echo,
Hosanna! Save us! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
Opening Hymn #196 All Glory, Laud, and Honor
(Please remain standing through the sung response)
Call to Confession
Christ comes to the center of our busy, conflicted lives. He comes in triumph and humility. He comes in glory and in mercy. He comes knowing the best of who we are, and he comes knowing our worst. Trusting in God’s grace, let us make our confession.
Prayer of Confession
Christ our Redeemer, try as we might, we do not follow your example. We do not empty ourselves; we do not humble ourselves, we are not obedient. You simply ask us to care about this world you created, but we fail to do even that. Forgive us. You have given us the greatest, clearest examples of humility and love. Heal us and help us to follow.
Assurance of Forgiveness and Exchange of Peace
Even in the face of hatred and violence, we know that Christ loves us. Even when enduring death, Christ cares for us; Christ forgives us. Thanks be to the God of mercy.
May the peace of Christ be with you; And also with you.
Please exchange the peace of Christ with your neighbors.
Sung Response #438 Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me, vs. 2
Not the labors of my hands can fulfill thy law's demands. Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone. Thou must save, and thou alone.
Sermon for Faith Builders
Children are invited to go to Children’s Worship with our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Ms. Marisa. They will return during the final hymn.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
Call to Offering
Offertory Interlude JH Knecht
Sung Response #612 We Praise You, O God, vs. 3
With voices united our praises we offer and gladly our songs of thanksgiving we raise. With you, Lord, beside us, your strong arm will guide us. To you, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!
Prayer of Dedication
Hymn #200 A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd
Scripture Reading Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Anthem Lift Up Your Head, Ye Mighty Gates Trad. Irish/Mark Schweizer (All sing refrain)
Sermon The Lavish Embrace of Christ: Who Is This?
Affirmation of Faith (from Philippians 2:5-11)
Let the same mind be in you that was in 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, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 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 every 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.
Closing Hymn #197 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Benediction
Postlude Largo from Concerto in D Minor Antonio Vivaldi/JS Bach
