Palm Sunday

Up Close

By Rev David Bonnema & Rev Dana Seiler, March 24, 2024

Prelude - “Joy in the Morning” Raney - Jeff Perks

Processional Hymn - “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” - #89 -3 Verses

Welcome and Announcements - Rev. David Bonnema

Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler

  • Leader: We come to prepare for the holiest of weeks. We will begin this journey with joy on our lips;
  • People: This week, we will travel through betrayal and death, holding hope deep in our hearts.
  • Leader: We watch the events unfold as we see Jesus enter the city, full of celebration, yet knowing that darkness awaits.
  • People: We wave palm branches in anticipation as we lay our love before him, to cushion his walk.
  • Leader: Setting aside all power and glory, he comes into our hearts, modeling humility and obedience for us all.
  • People: Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

Time of Greeting

Children’s Message (9:30am only)

Song - “Jesus, Messiah” - Makenzie Loudermilt

Reflection on Palm Sunday - Rev. Dana Seiler

Anthem - “All Glory Laud and Honor” Martin - Unity Choir & Bells

Reflection on the Last Supper - Rev. Dana Seiler

Anthem - “Offertory” Beck - Unity Choir

Reflection on the Garden - Rev. David Bonnema

Song - “Thy Will” Scott - Makenzie Loudermilt

Reflection on the Cross - Rev. David Bonnema

Prayer of Confession written by Roddy Hamilton

  • Some shout hosanna, some shout crucify, some shout Jesus, some shout Barabbas, some wave palms, some shake their fists;
  • People: Lord have mercy - Kyrie Eleison
  • Some break bread, some break silence, some proclaim Jesus, some deny Jesus, some carry the cross, some run from the cross;
  • People: Lord have mercy - Kyrie Eleison
  • Some are angry, some rejoice, some anoint with costly perfume, some complain at the waste, some like the light, some prefer the shadows;
  • People: Lord have mercy - Kyrie Eleison
  • Some weep, some conspire, some follow, some hide, some believe, some betray;
  • People: Lord have mercy - Kyrie Eleison
  • We choose to shout for life, to follow the cross, to break bread, to hold belief, to trust love, and tell the world; We choose to follow Jesus.
  • People: Lord have mercy - Kyrie Eleison

Anthem - “Walk Through the Valley” Ingram - Unity Handbells

Offering

Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer

Doxology

Affirmation of Faith - written by Bruce D. Pewter

I believe in Jesus, the best possible shepherd; his wisdom leads me to the best opportunities, his word comforts me when I'm anxious or afraid, his arm steadies me when I feel weary and heavy-laden, his wounded body displays the cost of my rescue.

I believe in Jesus, the best possible shepherd; I believe that I do not find him but he finds me, that I, under his care, by virtue of sheer grace, thrive and grow to the best of my ability.

I believe the love he gives me is to be shared with others, that he treasures my name and prepares a place for me, that all his promises are kept in this realm and the next.

I trust in Jesus, the best possible shepherd. Amen.

Closing Hymn - “What Wondrous Love is This?” - #85 3 verses

Benediction

Postlude - “O God our Help in Ages Past” arr. Perks