Avent Ferry United Methodist Church is a Christ centered community of faith that is committed to reaching out to and embracing all individuals. With open hearts, open minds, and open doors, we are making intentional efforts toward celebrating diversity and being genuinely welcoming and inclusive of all individuals. As a Reconciling United Methodist Church, we follow Jesus Christ by loving and accepting: All Ages, All Races, All Abilities, All Cultures, All Ethnicities, All National Origins, All Education Levels, All Gender Identities, All Sexual Orientations, All Socio-Economic Statuses, All Family or Marital Statuses.
The worship video will be available live at 11:00 am
Prelude:………….“The Palms”………..Greg D. Jean-Baptiste Faure
Coming of the Light:
Procession: ……….“Hosanna”……………………..Kids Roc
Greetings:…………………………………………….Pastor Steven
Announcements:………………………………………..Lorri B.
Call to Worship:…………………………………………..Ian D.
Today, we join Jesus in the final ascent to Jerusalem, knowing the depths we will descend on our journey through Holy Week. Open the gates of righteousness, that we may come worship God!
We join the disciples in declaring that Jesus, riding on a donkey, is our Ruler, the One who will bring peace and salvation for all. Open the gates of peace, that we may come worship God!
We join with the bystanders who questioned and wondered who this Jesus really is, who feared the consequences of angering the powers that be. Open the gates of truth, that we may come worship God!
The journey through Holy Week brings us face-to-face with the stark reality of sin and God’s faithfulness to save. Open the gates of salvation, that we may come worship God whose steadfast love never fails! Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, September 2024.
Opening Prayer:…………………………………………. Ian D.
God, we gather on this day to begin a week of contrasts. From hope to despair to hope again. As we begin the week, as we join with the crowd, help us cut through the noise to see what is happening, to see what is at stake. As the story unfolds, open us to both the hope and the pain. In this time of worship, prepare us to celebrate, to weep, and to wait. Amen. Adapted from Rev Gord on his blog, Worship Offerings, http://worshipofferings.blogspot.ca/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/03/opening-prayer-palm-sunday.html.
1. Hosanna, loud hosanna the little children sang; through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang. To Jesus, who had blessed them, close folded to his breast, the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.
2. From Olivet they followed mid an exultant crowd, the victory palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud. The Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state, nor scorned that little children should on his bidding wait.
3. “Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing, for Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven, our King. O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice, and in his blissful presence eternally rejoice.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer After Receiving:………………………Pastor Steven
Prayers of the People…………………………Pastor Steven
Anthem……..“Fairest Lord Jesus”…………..Handbell Choir Arr. by Robert Ivey, Used by Permission
1. Oh, to see the dawn Of the darkest day: Christ on the road to Calvary. Tried by sinful men, Torn and beaten, then Nailed to a cross of wood. This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us, Took the blame, bore the wrath: We stand forgiven at the cross.
2. Oh, to see the pain Written on Your face Bearing the awesome weight of sin; Every bitter thought, Every evil deed Crowning Your bloodstained brow. This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us, Took the blame, bore the wrath: We stand forgiven at the cross.
3. Now the daylight flees, Now the ground beneath Quakes as its Maker bows His head. Curtain torn in two, Dead are raised to life; ‘Finished!’ the victory cry. This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us, Took the blame, bore the wrath: We stand forgiven at the cross.
4. Oh, to see my name Written in the wounds, For through Your suffering I am free. Death is crushed to death, Life is mine to live, Won through Your selfless love. This, the power of the cross: Son of God, slain for us. What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross.
Gospel Lesson:…………….Luke 19: 28 – 40………Ian D.
After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Sermon:………..“Where Them Palms At?”………………..Pastor Steven
Closing Hymn:………“Who Is He”……….W&S #3082
Who is He who comes in triumph? Who is He who comes to die, Comes in peace and comes in power, Hidden One now lifted high? Jesus, Jesus, Lord, Messiah, Mighty master of the grave! See Him ride, the King of Glory! God Himself has come to save!
See Him there in humble splendor. Hear them shouting all around. Joy explodes in wild procession. Praise is now the victor’s crown. “Glory, glory in the highest!” Like the angels hear them sing, Dancing round the Long-awaited – Once their hope, and now their King.
Rise and join the glad procession! Hear them passing by again – All the ransomed, all His children, Marching to Jerusalem! Look ahead?the gates of splendor! Hear the everlasting hymn! Open wide Your hearts in worship! Let the King of Glory in!
Dismissal with Blessing:……………Pastor Steven
Postlude:……………………………………………….Greg D.
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