"Shouting Rocks?"

By Pastor Helen Oates , April 13, 2025

Order of Worship

Palm /Passion Sunday

“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Welcome and Announcements Pastor Helen Oates

Prelude Bonnie Leonhart

Choral Introit “How Excellent Is Thy Name” Chancel Choir Dick & Melodie Tunney and Paul Smith Arranged by Fred Bock

Call to Worship
Jayne Whitlow

We come to this day full of hope and promise. Our ancestors waved palms in praise of Christ. We bring our praises that God will transform us into the people we can be. Hosanna! Hear us say Hosanna! Save us today. Hosanna!

Hymn “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” UMH278

Opening Prayer Jayne Whitlow
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.

Palm Sunday Story Luke 19:28-40 Jayne Whitlow

Words for the Young at Heart

Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Anthem “A New Hosanna” Chancel Choir words and music adapted by John Purifoy

The Holy Week Story Luke 22:14-23:56 Choir Members

Sermon “Shouting Rocks?” Pastor Helen

Offertory Bonnie Leonhart

Thank you for continuing to support the ministries of Stout Memorial.Those joining us online can take time to give as well. Giving can be done on our website at www.stoutmemorial.org/give.

Doxology UMH 94

Prayer of Dedication

O God, just as the crowd welcomed Jesus with shouts of praise, we offer our lives in service to your kingdom. Use these gifts to bring hope, healing, and love to a world longing for your peace. Guide us to give generously with joyful hearts, knowing that in our giving, we proclaim your reign of grace. Bless these offerings and all who give in the name of Christ, our Savior. Amen. 

Hymn “I Stand Amazed in the Presence” (v. 1-4) UMH 371

Benediction

Postlude Bonnie Leonhart

Remember our Potluck Dinner on Thursday. The choir will sing, then we will eat. Bring a dish to share. We will have Communion at our tables and then watch a 15 minute telling of the Stations of the Cross. All of this begins at 6:00 p.m.

Easter Sunrise in the Gathering Space at 6:30 a.m. on Easter morning with joyful morning worship at 10:45 a.m. The choir will be singing three selections.

Congregational Appreciation

The flowers on the altar this morning are given to the glory of God and placed by Les Rothwell in memory of his wife, “Dottie”.

If you would like to help place flowers on the Altar, consider a donation to the flower fund. The altar guild would like to invite you to sponsor the altar flowers. Each vase costs $25. We give God thanks to the Altar Guild for the flowers this morning. When you sponsor the altar flowers, you may do so in memory or in honor of someone or a special event or anniversary. Go to stoutmemorial.org/altarflowers for more information.

The Stout Memorial Altar Flower ministry needs smiling faces to deliver Sunday flowers. A sign-up sheet is on the welcome desk in the Gathering space along with directions for delivery. Present flowers to create smiles. Questions, contact Donna Gault

Our Mission: We exist to see all people find Hope, Healing, and Wholeness through Jesus Christ.

The reality is on this day, those who lined the street and laid down their garments and waved their branches and shouted, got it right. They shouted, “Hosanna.” That had become, as Luke claims, a statement of praise, a celebration of the one who comes. But it also has a translation: “Save us.” That’s what the word “Hosanna” means. “Save us.” So, on that day, the crowd got it right. But they probably didn’t even know it from Discipleship Resources UMC