The worship service will stream live at First Mennonite’s youtube channel beginning at 9:15 on Sunday, April 5th.
ORDER OF SERVICE
CENTERING CHIMES
LIGHTING THE SOLIDARITY CANDLE
–Symbolic of our Sister Church relationship with El Divino Redentor
GATHERING
Prelude
Purple songbook #73 “Jesus is coming”
Welcome & prayer (prayer by Bruce D. Prewer)
Call to worship (by Sam Cox)
In sunshine and shadow, joy or grief,
this is the day which the Lord has made,
We will rejoice and be glad in it.Look ! Your Messiah comes to you;
Humble and seated on an ass, he arrives.Hosanna! Wonderful is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
If we should keep quiet the very stones would cry aloud!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Hymnal #238 “Hosanna, loud hosanna”
Passing the peace (break-out groups for Zoom participants)
CHILDREN’S STORY
– The current children’s offering benefits Randolph Street Community Gardens
– All households are invited to set out a basket and gather an offering weekly
– Click to download this week’s Palm Sunday children’s pages.
– Click to download a Palm Sunday doodle page for older children and adults.
SCRIPTURE, POETRY & HYMNS: JESUS’ ENTRY TO JERUSALEM
Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV)
The Donkey’s Owner by Clive Samson
What Kind of King (part 1) by Michael Gehrling
Hymnal #237 “All glory, laud and honor”
SCRIPTURE, POETRY & HYMNS: OUR RESPONSE TO JESUS’ ENTRY
What Have We Learned by Loyd C Taylor Sr.
Coming to the City Nearest You by Carole Penner*
Black binder #39 “Sanna, sannanina”
SCRIPTURE, POETRY & HYMNS: CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE & OUR RESPONSE
Matthew 21:12-17 (NRSV)
Cleansing of the Temple by Marianne Dorman
Drama
Cleansing the Temple by Malcolm Guite**
SCRIPTURE, POETRY & HYMNS: FORESHADOWING JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION & OUR RESPONSE
Hymnal # 239 “RIde on, ride on in majesty”
Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46
Confession & Assurance (based on Philippians 2:12-13)
Voice 1
“Therefore, my beloved…it is God who is at work in you,
enabling you both to will and to work for God’s good pleasure.”Voice 2
Lord, we tenants in your vineyard want to produce your fruit of the
kingdom of God. Yet in our inmost hearts we deceive ourselves that we
are more than tenants, that we are due to be owners.In your presence we confess our sinfulness and shortcomings,
our offenses against you. You alone know how often we have wandered
from your ways, in wasting your gifts, in forgetting your love.Voices 1 & 2
Merciful God, we return to you. Help us stand to follow your example –
the example of the one who in love set his face steadfastly toward
Jerusalem, even though he knew it would bring pain and suffering.
You are the way and the truth and the life.
You restore us and free us for joyful obedience.
What Kind of King (part 2) by Michael Gehrling
OFFERING
– PALM SUNDAY SPECIAL OFFERING: FMC’s Mutual Aid Fund, a designated fund for assisting congregants with financial needs. If FMCers have unexpected needs related to the effects of coronavirus — like healthcare, income loss, etc. — Spiritual Leadership Team will draw on this fund. Give by mailing a check to FMC with “Mutual Aid Fund” in the memo line, or donate online and select “To: Mutual Aid.”
– In the absence of a weekly offering collection, reflect on how you are practicing and receiving generosity. Give your offerings to First Mennonite Church by mailing a check, giving through your bank, or giving online.
MEDITATIVE MUSIC (John Trimmer)
CONGREGATIONAL SHARING & PRAYER
WORK OF THE CHURCH
BENEDICTION (p. 143 from Eggs and Ashes by Burgess & Polhill)
*copyright by Carol Penner at www.leadinginworship.com
**Cleansing the Temple, from Sounding the Seasons, Canterbury Press