This bulletin includes the order of service for Palm Sunday. The items in bold italics are intended for audience response.
The Liturgy of the Palms
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Gospel of the Palm
Please hold up your palms.
A reading from the gospel according to Luke.
28-31 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’”
32-33 The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?”
34 They said, “His Master needs him.”
35-36 They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.
37-38 Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:
Blessed is he who comes,
the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
Glory in the high places!
39 Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”
40 But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
The Processional
Let us go forth in peace.
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Hymn H-154 “All glory, laud, and honor:
1: Thou art the King of Is-ra-el, thou Da-vid’s royal Son, who in the Lord’s Name com-est, the King and Bless-ed One. (Refrain)
2: The com-pa-ny of an-gels is prais-ing thee on high; and we with all cre–a-tion in cho-rus make re-ply. (Refrain)
3: The peo-ple of the He-brews With palms be-fore thee went Our praise and prayers and an-thems Be-fore thee we pre-sent. (Refrain)
Text: Theodulph of Orleans (d. 821); tr. John Mason Neale (1818-1866), alt.; Music: Melchior Teschner (1584-1635), alt. This selection is in the public domain. Copyright Holder (Arrangement): William Henry Monk (1823-1889) Licenses for Use: Copyright CCLI #20716203; CCLI Streaming # 20716210
The Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lessons
Old Testament
Isaiah 50:4-9a
A reading from the book of Isaiah
The Master, God, has given me a well-taught tongue,
So I know how to encourage tired people.
He wakes me up in the morning,
Wakes me up, opens my ears
to listen as one ready to take orders.
The Master, God, opened my ears,
and I didn’t go back to sleep,
didn’t pull the covers back over my head.
I followed orders,
stood there and took it while they beat me,
held steady while they pulled out my beard,
Didn’t dodge their insults,
faced them as they spit in my face.
And the Master, God, stays right there and helps me,
so I’m not disgraced.
Therefore I set my face like flint,
confident that I’ll never regret this.
My champion is right here.
Let’s take our stand together!
Who dares bring suit against me?
Let him try!
Look! the Master, God, is right here.
Who would dare call me guilty?
Look! My accusers are a clothes bin of threadbare
socks and shirts, fodder for moths!
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 31:9-16
We follow the responsive recitation method for the Psalm, where the leader alternates verses with the congregation. In reading, a distinct pause should be made at the asterisk. The items in bold italics are intended for audience response.
9Be kind to me, God – I’m in deep, deep trouble again. I’ve cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside.
10 My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs. My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder.
11 To my enemies I’m a monster; I’m ridiculed by the neighbors. My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me.
12 They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave, discard me like a broken dish in the trash.
13 The street-talk gossip has me “criminally insane”! Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good.
14 Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!
15 Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.
16 Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me.
Epistle
Philippians 2:5-11
A reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians
5-8 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11 Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
The Passion Gospel
The Passion Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
(You may remain seated until the arrival at Golgotha – the congregation reads the bold italic parts)
THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST
A Contemporary Telling from the Gospel According to Luke
Participants: Narrator, Jesus, Judas, Peter, Disciples, Chief Priest, Servant Girl, Crowd, Pilate, Soldiers, Criminal #1, Criminal #2, Centurion, Women
SCENE ONE: THE LAST SUPPER
NARRATOR: It was the week of Passover. Jerusalem was tense. Soldiers in the streets. Rumors in the air. People watching their words. Watching their backs. Jesus sat at the table with his friends.
JESUS: I’ve wanted to share this meal with you. I won’t eat it again until God’s new world breaks through.
NARRATOR: He took bread, gave thanks, broke it.
JESUS: This is my body. Given for you.
NARRATOR: He took the cup.
JESUS: This cup is the new covenant—written in my blood.
NARRATOR: They didn’t understand. They argued about rank. About power.
JESUS: The powerful make people serve them. That’s not the way. You lead by serving.
NARRATOR: He turned to Peter.
JESUS: You’ll deny me. Three times. Before morning.
SCENE TWO: THE GARDEN AND THE ARREST
NARRATOR: They went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus prayed alone.
JESUS: If there’s another way… But your will, not mine.
NARRATOR: He was in agony. His sweat fell like blood. A crowd arrived. Judas was with them.
JESUS: Judas, you betray me with a kiss?
NARRATOR: They arrested him. No charges. No hearing.
SCENE THREE: PETER’S DENIAL
NARRATOR: Peter followed from a distance. At a fire, a servant girl looked at him.
SERVANT GIRL: Weren’t you with him?
PETER: I don’t know him.
NARRATOR: Two more times. Two more denials. Then the rooster crowed. Jesus turned. Looked at him. Peter left. And wept.
SCENE FOUR: JESUS ON TRIAL
NARRATOR: The guards played games. Hit him. Blindfolded him.
SOLDIERS: Prophesy! Who hit you?
NARRATOR: At dawn, the leaders gathered.
CHIEF PRIEST: Are you the Son of God?
JESUS: You’re the ones saying it.
NARRATOR: That was enough for them. They brought him to Pilate, the Roman governor.
CROWD: He’s misleading the people. Telling them not to pay taxes. Calling himself King.
PILATE: Are you King of the Jews?
JESUS: You say that I am.
NARRATOR: Pilate saw it. This wasn’t justice. But the crowd was loud. He sent Jesus to Herod. Herod mocked him. Sent him back.
PILATE: He’s done nothing that deserves the death penalty. I’ll have him beaten. Then let him go.
CROWD: No. Kill him. Crucify him. Give us Barabbas.
NARRATOR: Barabbas had led a riot. He was already on death row. Pilate gave in.
SCENE FIVE: THE WAY TO THE CROSS
NARRATOR: They forced a man named Simon to carry the cross. Women cried as Jesus passed.
JESUS: Don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves. For what’s coming.
SCENE SIX: THE EXECUTION
NARRATOR: They executed him with two others.
JESUS: Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.
NARRATOR: Soldiers gambled for his clothes. People watched. Silent. Stunned. The leaders sneered.
SOLDIERS: If you’re God’s chosen one, prove it.
CRIMINAL #1: Aren’t you the Messiah? Get us out of this.
CRIMINAL #2: We’re guilty. He’s not. Jesus, remember me.
JESUS: Today, you’ll be with me—in paradise.
SCENE SEVEN: DEATH AND BURIAL
NARRATOR: At noon, the sky went dark. At three, Jesus spoke.
JESUS: Father, into your hands I give my spirit.
NARRATOR: He exhaled. And was gone.
CENTURION: This man was innocent.
NARRATOR: The crowd left in silence. The women stayed. A man named Joseph asked for the body. Wrapped it in cloth. Placed it in a tomb. Cut from stone. The women followed.
They saw where he was laid.
Then they went home.
It was almost Sabbath.
And everything stopped.
Sermon
The Prayers of the People (Form VI)
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Carlye our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence. The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
The Peace
The peace of our Savior be always with you.
And also with you.
Announcements
The Holy Communion
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
During the Offertory, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
Doxology
(Words: Isaac Watts (1674-1748), para. of Psalm 117; Music: Old 100th, melody from Pseaumes octante trois de David, 1551, alt.; harm. after Louis Bourgeois (1510?-1561?); Licensed for Use: CCLI Copyright License 20716203; CCLI Streaming License 20716210
Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the Altar. The people stand while the offerings are presented.
At the Presentation
All things come of you, O Lord;
And of your own have we given you.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Now let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
How good it is to give thanks and praise.
I invite all here who long for the grace and blessing of God through our Savior Jesus Christ, to join together in this Prayer for Communion.
Blessed Jesus, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I offer my praise and thanksgiving. I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
And now, in the words that Jesus taught us, we pray:
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
These are the gifts of God for you, the people of God.
(AT THE COMMUNION: We encounter the Real Presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this Sacrament of Holy Communion. All who desire a closer relationship with God are encouraged to come forward: for a Blessing or, if you are baptized, for the Bread and Wine. NOTE: Until all restrictions have been lifted, only the bread is offered for communion.)
(Please wait for an usher until forming a distanced line in the aisle and come forward to receive from the priest.)
Post-Communion Prayer
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor everyone; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of God Almighty, (+) the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen
The Recessional
Hymn H-154 “All glory, laud, and honor:
4: To thee be-fore thy pas-sion they sang their hymns of praise; to thee, now high ex-alt-ed, our mel-o-dy we raise. (Refrain)
5: Thou didst ac-cept their prais-es ac-cept the prayers we bring who in all good de-light-est thou good and gra-cious King. (Refrain)
The Dismissal
Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.