As we’ve been going through Lent with our God on the Move series, we’ve come to the place of God moving toward the cross. So for our service on Palm/Passion Sunday, we read through a number of Scriptures taking us from Jesus’ predictions of what was to come straight up to the cusp of Maundy Thursday with the preparations for the Passover meal. And we paired those readings with hymns. So instead of a sermon, here’s our service:

GATHERING IN GOD’S WORD

Letting God In
                During this time, we invite you to prepare your heart and your mind for worship. We want you to be able to use this quiet time to settle your thoughts, set aside any distractions that may be troubling you, and focus your whole self on God. Open your heart, your mind, and your spirit, and let God into your life.

Centering Prayer: We walk with you, Crucified Christ.
As you breathe in, pray, “We walk with you.”
As you breathe out, pray, “Crucified Christ.”

* Gathering Hymn – Come into God’s Presence (verses 2-4)

* Opening Praise
One: This is the day that the Lord has made.
Many: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
One: The day is filled with God’s presence.
Many: The Holy Spirit’s breath permeates every moment.
One: God’s grace fills each experience.
Many: God’s promises move us toward hope.
One: Through Christ’s faithfulness, we know God’s great faithfulness.
Many: Through Christ’s grace, we know God’s unending grace.
ALL: Through Christ’s love, we know God’s deep love.

Lenten Reading

* Opening Hymn – Be Still and Know That I Am God (sing through 3 times)

* Joining in Prayer
                 Have mercy on us, O God. Where despair lingers, grant us hope. Where fear threatens, grant us comfort. Where strength fails, give us courage. Where faithfulness wanes, grant us endurance. Where sin invades, grant us forgiveness. Shine upon us with your love and grace, O God. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit, that we may be ever wakeful, ever alert – as we worship, as we live, and as we follow where you lead. (Please take a moment for personal reflection and confession.)
In Christ’s blessed name, we pray.
                 Amen.

* God’s Promise of Grace

Passing of the Peace

* Song of Peace: Come and Fill Our Hearts with Your Peace (sing through 3 times)

JOURNEYING TO THE CROSS

Jerusalem is Coming
                Scripture readings
Luke 9:18-22
Luke 9:44-45
Luke 18:31-33
Hymn – Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley

Coming into Jerusalem
                Scripture reading – Luke 19:28-40
Hymn – Prepare the Way, O Zion

Lesson from the Fig Tree
                Scripture – Luke 21:29-38
Hymn – Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

Prayers of the People
Sharing our lives in prayer
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Plotting to Kill Christ
                Scripture – Luke 22:1-6
Hymn – O How He Loves You and Me

Preparing for the Passover
                Scripture – Luke 22:7-13
Hymn – An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

Offering
* Hymn of Response – Praise to God the Father
* Prayer of Dedication

Announcements

BEING SENT OUT IN GOD’S WORD

* Charge & Benediction

* Sending Hymn – Go with Us, Lord