There are two complete services offered for this Sunday each highlighting a different aspect and view of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The first is the video link below which contains the entire closing worship service from the 2020 Next Church gathering that took place in early March. It features Brian Blount, president of Union Theological seminary in Richmond VA, providing an insightful and challenging message based on Luke's account. The second service follows the format of the past few weeks with a sermon from MaryAnn McKibben Dana based on Matthew's account.
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Liturgy provided from Feasting on the Word-
Reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word Lenten Companion.
Copyright 2014.
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Awake to the day of triumph for our Savior!
Come with branches, hosannas, and songs!
Fill the air with welcome to the Lord!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
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HYMN
All Glory Laud and Honor
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Lord Jesus Christ, how well you know our hearts,
and still you love us--you have loved us to the end.
We have denied you,
and we have denied our calling to serve one another.
We have betrayed you,
and we have betrayed your commandment to love one another.
Pour out your Spirit of grace upon us.
Teach us to love and serve you faithfully
and to love one and serve another
by the example you have set for us;
in your holy name we pray. Amen.
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Declaration of Forgiveness
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INow the Lord Jesus Christ has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. Now the promise is fulfilled, and love's redeeming work is done: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
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God's Word Read and Proclaimed
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When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task.
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He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me.
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If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away.
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Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said,
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Say to Daughter Zion,
“
Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.
”
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The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them.
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They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them.
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Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road.
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The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “
Hosanna
to the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna
in the highest!”
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And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked.
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The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
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Message:
Most of us like the comfortable and the familiar. Jesus, however, sometimes sends us ahead of him to places we have never been before. MaryAnn McKibben Dana, popular speaker, preacher, conference leader, and writer, preaches from
Matthew 21:1-11
.
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Prayer of Intercession
God our Provider, out of your fullness you cause life to spring up in barren landscapes; you have power to control troubled waters, making a path to safety; you hear our cries and receive our tears; you restore us to joy and laughter. You have done great things for us, O God, and are continually making all things new.
We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose life and ministry has guided us through this Lenten season and guides us in every season of life. In his suffering and death, he knows full well the troubles we face. In his resurrection is the hope of our own. Surrounded by your overflowing love, we are not alone.
We pray for the people who wait in difficult places. For those who are suffering and at life's end; for people struggling with unemployment and financial worries; for those separated from loved ones; for those trapped in the grip of addiction; for people enduring emotional or spiritual turmoil. Because you are able to may a way in the wilderness, we thank you, O God.
We pray for the needs of the world. Bless the leaders of communities, states and nations that they may work together for the good of all. Pour out healing on the earth itself, depleted and injured by our careless consumption and intentional greed. Comfort those devastated by disease, war, and natural disasters, strengthen those supply care, food, shelter and aid to all in need. Amid the chaos of our world, your Spirit prays with sighs too deep for words.
Lead us by the power of your Spirit to witness to your truth, remembering and proclaiming that death does not have the last word and that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the power fo your unfailing love. Amen.
Lord's Prayer
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Hymn
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Blessing
Go in peace assured of God's presence with you,
with the mind of Christ Jesus as your path and guide, and the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit.
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