Worship for Palm Sunday

Entry of Christ in Jerusalem, Wilhelm Morgner (1912)

GreetingWelcome in the name of Jesus. Peace be with you. Amen, and also with you!

Call to worshipLet us come with enthusiasm to meet the Lord today.Let us pour out our love and our praise and bring the best we can offer to our generous God.

We light a candle

Gathering PrayerLord of all, when Jesus entered into Jerusalem,

the people welcomed him with praise and gave him the best they could offer.As we gather here, we ask you to fill our hearts with joy and love.Help us to understand what it means to give freely and extravagantly of our time, our treasure and our talents.Most of all, inspire us to give you our praise. Amen.

CollectTrue and humble king,hailed by the crowd as Messiah:grant us the faith to know you and love you,that we may be found beside youon the way of the cross,which is the path of glory.Amen.

Song: Give me oil in my lamp

Confession (Saying Sorry to God)Lord Jesus Christ,we confess we have failed you as did your first disciples.We ask for your mercy and your help.

When we take our easerather than watch with you:Lord, forgive us.Christ have mercy.

When we bestow a kiss of peaceyet nurse anger in our hearts:Lord, forgive us.Christ have mercy.

When we strike at those who hurt usrather than stretch out our hands to bless:Lord, forgive us.Christ have mercy.

When we deny that we know youfor fear of the world and its scorn:Lord, forgive us.Christ have mercy.

God’s Forgiveness is DeclaredMay the God of lovebring you back to himself,forgive you your sins,and assure you of his eternal lovein Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading: Mark 11:1-11Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem11 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.”’ 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,‘Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Pause for ThoughtToday we are thinking about how Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and all the people cheered and shouted ‘Hosanna!’ He was a very special king, although not the kind of king people were expecting. He would be a king who showed his power by loving and serving others.

Today’s craft activity is to make a donkey headband as a reminder that Jesus entered the city humbly to bring people God’s peace.

To make a headband, you will need:- Some brown or grey paper (such as construction

paper). You will need a strip long enough to go around the circumference of your head.

- Sellotape or a stapler- Scissors- Glue stick- Some short lengths of brown or black wool

Song: How Deep The Father’s Love

PrayersPraise the Lord:Hosanna.

We praise and thank you for the progress that has been made in the Covid vaccination programme, and we pray for those in our health services who have been put under additional pressure as a result of the pandemic; for those preparing for a third wave; and those working in care homes.Praise the Lord:Hosanna.

We praise and thank you for the creative ways which have been found to unite people in prayer and worship, and especially for our Facebook fellowship. We pray for those who feel isolated; who long to gather with others; who cannot access online worship.Praise the Lord:Hosanna.

We praise and thank you for signs of spring; for crocuses and daffodils, and all the green shoots of growth.We pray for gardeners; for those who look after parks and public verges; for those who keep our streets clean and make our communities more pleasant.Praise the Lord:Hosanna.

We praise and thank you for the message of hope, encouragement and peace that Jesus brings. We pray for those who are fearful for the future, those who have lost direction in life and those whose lives are troubled. Praise the Lord:Hosanna.

Lord Jesus, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – blessed for all you are; blessed for all you do.Receive our prayers and speak to the needs of all your children, we pray.Amen.

Lord’s PrayerBelieving the promises of God,as our Saviour taught us, so we pray:Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sinsas we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yoursnow and for ever. Amen.

Statement of FaithLet us declare our faith in God:

We believe in God the Father,from whom every familyin heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,who lives in our hearts through faith,and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit,who strengthens uswith power from on high.

We believe in one God;Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Amen.

Song: Hosanna!

Final PrayerGracious God,we thank you for bringing us together today.We bless you for being our servant king and the focus of our praise.Send us out from here full of love, joy and hope.Let our enthusiasm be infectious to those we meet,and may others be drawn to you – especially in this most holy of weeks. Amen.

BlessingChrist crucified draw you to himself,to find in him a sure ground for faith,a firm support for hope,and the assurance of sins forgiven;And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. Amen.

EndingWe go into the worldto walk in God’s light,to rejoice in God’s love

and to reflect God’s gloryin the name of Christ, Amen.

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burningGive me oil in my lamp, I prayGive me oil in my lamp, keep me burningKeep me burning till the break of daySing hosanna, sing hosannaSing hosanna to the King of kingsSing hosanna, sing hosannaSing hosanna, to the King.

Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising…Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving…Give me love in my heart, keep me serving…

How deep the Father's love for us,How vast beyond all measure,That He should give His only SonTo make a wretch His treasure.How great the pain of searing loss -The Father turns His face away,As wounds which mar the Chosen OneBring many souls to glory

Behold the man upon a cross,My sin upon His shoulders;Ashamed, I hear my mocking voiceCall out among the scoffers.It was my sin that held Him thereUntil it was accomplished;His dying breath has brought me life -I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,No gifts, no power, no wisdom;But I will boast in Jesus Christ,His death and resurrection.Why should I gain from His reward?I cannot give an answer;But this I know with all my heart -His wounds have paid my ransom.

Hosanna, HosannaHosanna in the highest!Hosanna, Hosanna,Hosanna in the highest!

Lord we lift up Your namewith hearts full of praiseBe exalted, oh Lord my God!Hosanna in the highest!

Glory, GloryGlory to the King of Kings!Glory, Glory,Glory to the King of Kings!

Lord we lift up Your name…