March 24, 2024

PALM SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP Rev. Kendra Lovelace Balliet Organist: Jim Ross Prelude -Variations on St. Theodulph- Margaretha de Jong-Jon Spong Welcome *Call to Worship Leader: We come to prepare for the holiest of weeks. People: We will journey through praise, with joy on our lips; we will travel through betrayal and death, cradling hope deep in our hearts. Leader: Jesus leads us through this week, and we will follow, for he is the life we long for, he is the Word who sustains us. People: We wave palm branches in anticipation; we lay our love before him, to cushion his walk. Leader: Setting aside all power, glory, and might, he comes: modeling humility and obedience for all of us. All: Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the One who brings us the kingdom of God. *Opening Hymn " Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" #278 *Prayer of Confession Leader: When we offer God our confession, we join the beautiful work of reconciliation, which begins with our reconciling with God. Trusting in our Partner in grace, let us make our confession, first in silent prayer. Offer prayers of silent confession Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and received hospitality like no one had seen before - generous, loving, whole-hearted, and even a little bit undignified. His disciple Judas could only see the inefficiency of the gift, not the spirit of loving-kindness with which it was offered. We, like Judas, often want to expedite our giving without really engaging with those we are called to serve. Let us consider the depth of our relationships with those we encounter and with the One who calls us to faith, as we confess our sin in silence. [pause for silence] Prayer of Confession (unison) We confess, Anointed One, that we excuse ourselves from reaching out to those who need your care. We take your words – that there will always be unmet needs – as a reason not to try to meet the needs we can. Forgive us and help us to change. Renew our determination to live as faithful followers, faithful disciples, faithful Christians. Help us to work with you for the well-being of your creation, that the fortunes of all your peoples may be restored. Amen. Assurance of God’s Love We, too, are a part of the Way-Maker’s will for restoration. We are called, through Christ Jesus, to strive for restoration, but we are not called to do this work alone. The One who has made a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, will surely equip us for all we are asked to do in Christ’s name. God will empower us to attain all the potential God has placed within us. Thanks be to God! Psalter 118 #839-840 with Sung Response 1 Gloria Patri Children's Chat Music Ministry and Offertory-Largo on All Glory Laud and Honor-Michael Burkhardt Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude Scripture Luke 19:29-40 Sermon Series “Journey of Stones” Sermon: “Crying Stones” Stone - Baptismal Covenant I - p.33-39 ¶1-4, 8-10, 13-16 Laying Stones at the Foot of the Cross Hymn “All Glory, Laud and Honor” #280 Joys/Concerns Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer Closing Hymn "Old Rugged Cross" #504 Action Steps & Benediction Postlude-The Palms-Jean Baptiste Faure Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [email protected]