John August Swanson, "Entry into the City"

Welcome and Call to Worship

Whether together or apart, 

We are still the church.

In sacred sanctuaries or humble homes,

We are still the church.

In times of calm or distress,

We are still the church.

In sickness and in health,

We are still the church.

Forever bound together by the Holy Spirit,

We will always be the church.

As we begin Holy Week, we know the only way out is through. In this most important week of the Christian year, we ask for stamina and wisdom and grace. We want to experience the agony of Good Friday and the jubilitation of Easter Sunday. But we begin today with Palm Sunday, with Jesus entering Jerusalem some two thousand years ago. We picture the palm branches, the colt, the shouts of "hosanna." Understanding who Jesus is and knowing who we are, let us confess our sins together  to our gracious and merciful God.

Friends, our God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The first and last word with God is grace-grace to heal and make new, grace to propel us forward. This is  the good news of the gospel-we are loved, forgiven and set free to transform the world.

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you!

Affirmation of Faith (The Apostles' Creed)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Prayers of the People and 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 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.

 

Call to Offering

In this week ahead we will be asked to walk the hard road of faith and face the full cost of discipleship. The sacrifice we are called to share involves true commitment and devotion.  In that Spirit, may we share freely offer our gifts, tithes and offerings. Since we can't pass the offering plate in person this morning, we invite you to give online through our website or smartphone app or send a check in the mail. As we gather our gifts together and offer them to God, may we do so in gratitude and praise.