From triumphant entry to death on a cross – What love!
This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusalem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: in the wine and bread, Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.
Worship Liturgy
WORSHIP VIDEO
Learning Resources
Watch the worship service for this week or go to YouTube channel Here
Worship Liturgy
GATHERING
Call to Worship and Welcome
Opening Song
Greeting
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you
Prayer of the Day
O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen
WORD
First Reading:
Epistle:
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel:
Message through the Reader’s Theater style Passion Readings
Message Hymn – interspersed between readings
Apostles Creed
Prayers of the Faithful Pr D+ and/or Reader lighting candles ??
Sharing Christ’s Peace Pr D+
Offering
Offering Prayer
Announcements Pr D+
SENDING
Blessing
Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude Sunghee
Readings & Psalm
Mark 11:1-11
Jesus enters Jerusalem
John 12:12-16 (alternate)
Jesus enters Jerusalem
Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 50:4-9a
The servant of the Lord submits to suffering
Psalm 31:9-16
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)
Philippians 2:5-11
Humbled to the point of death on a cross
Mark 14:1–15:47
The passion of the Lord
Mark 15:1-39 (alternate)
The passion of the Lord
Celebrate Holy Communion together “virtually”.
Please join with other worshipers and the pastors for this Sunday’s Communion service at 11:00 on ZOOM via computer, tablet or smart phone.
You simply need to have ready your own wine, grape juice, or apple juice as you choose, in a separate glass for each person. And have a piece of bread of your choice, or wafer, or cracker as you choose. If you didn’t receive an email to join us this Sunday, you may find the ZOOM login information to login by entering your name and email in the green form.
Learning Resources
Learn more with the additional resources in this post. Click through this post to find the materials.
Nativity Event 2021
Drive-through Nativity Story Saturday, December 18, 5:00pm - 8:30 pm This year we will again tell the story of Jesus' birth outside in lights, art, music, and a living creche scene. Come enjoy a colorful lighted series of signs and characters that show and tell the Biblical Nativity story with classical Christmas carols as you pass slowly through the parking lot. The story of Christ's birth will be told in lighted signs and figures lining the path from the entry of the Grace...
Offerings of Thanksgiving
While we are keeping physical social distance, there are still options for you to continue bringing your offerings to God and support the ministries of Grace.
Giving Options:
- Mail a check to church address below
- Online bill pay through your bank
- Online giving – Orange button