The Passion of our Lord
Palm Sunday
April 10, 2022
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Folcroft
stjohns1500@gmail.com
https://stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsLutheranFolcroft/
Reflection for Palm Sunday: A Place with Jesus
The movement of this day—from shouts of praise to words of denial and cries for crucifixion—mirrors the path of discipleship. The lives of Jesus' followers hang in the balance between faithfulness and betrayal. For Peter, the act of denial is subtle and insidious. He claims not to know Jesus; he claims to have no place as his disciple. On the surface it is seemingly harmless. It happens, and then is over in a moment. In reality, the harm is deep and lasting. Subtle but harmful denial happens in a split second as disciples compromise faith for the sake of self-protection—as they're too embarrassed to give thanks; as someone knows how to help but fails to do so because it's inconvenient; as resources are hoarded. While Peter withholds everything for his own sake, Jesus, for the sake of others, withholds nothing. As disciples fail to claim their place with Jesus, Jesus' embrace claims them. From the cross, Jesus offers mercy wide enough to claim even those who do not know what they do.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
You will need to use your ELW for the Hymn of the Day (ELW 343)
Events for this week are:
Thursday 7PM Maundy Thursday Worship
Friday 7PM Good Friday Worship
PRELUDE The Palms Faure
P: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
C: Hosanna in the highest
P: Let us pray.
Mercifully assist us, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy
upon the contemplation of those mighty acts whereby you have given us life
everlasting; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen
P: The holy gospel according to St. John the 12th chapter
C: Glory to you, O Lord.
JOHN 12:12-16
12The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord — the King of Israel!" 14Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: 15"Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" 16His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.
P: The gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.
P: Let us pray.
We praise you, O God, for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus
Christ. Today Jesus entered the holy city in triumph and was proclaimed messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross, so that, joined to his death and resurrection, we enter into life with you; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
GATHERING HYMN: All Glory Laud and Honor ELW 344 VS 1 & 4
* PRAYER OF THE DAY
As we now enter into the contemplation of the passion of our Lord Jesus
Christ and meditate on the salvation of the world through his sufferings,
death, burial, and resurrection, let us pray:
Sovereign God, you have established your rule in the human heart through
the servanthood of Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, keep us in the joyful
procession of those who with their tongues confess Jesus as Lord and with
their lives praise him as Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
THE READING OF THE PASSION ACCORDING TO LUKE
In fulfillment of scripture and obedience to God's will, Jesus goes to the cross so that a new covenant in his blood may bring forgiveness of sins. Even the soldiers who crucify him recognize him to be the Son of God.
* HYMN OF THE DAY: My Song Is Love Unknown (ELW 343)
* THE APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
OFFERING
Offerings may be placed in the tray as you leave the sanctuary, or on line using the donate button on our website, or mailed to the church. All gifts are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for supporting our ministry as we bring God’s Word to people and help provide for their needs.
A: Let us Pray:
Merciful God,
receive the sacrifice of our praise and thanksgiving and the offering of our lives,
that following in the way of the cross, we may know the joy of the resurrection;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Drawn close to the heart of God, we offer these prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
We pray for the church, called to follow Jesus in the way of the cross. Make us unflinching servants of the gospel. Deliver us from hardship as we confront the forces of injustice and practice radical compassion. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the earth and all its inhabitants, created in love: Train us to recognize your divine goodness in the world around us. Rouse in us a reverence for creation, that we take greater care of its resources. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For those in positions of authority called to lead with integrity and compassion: Supply them with courage and vulnerability when challenged with new ideas. Deliver them from fear that limits imagination and impedes justice. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
For those who suffer, waiting expectantly for mercy and consolation: Accompany those who feel abandoned or betrayed, defend those who are wrongly accused, and embrace those who are incarcerated or detained. Heal those who are ill. We pray especially for Ana, Lillian, The Walsh family, Helen, Arlene, Jose, Hoon, the Melendez family, Connie, Pat, Hazel, Deb, Joe, Ruth, Lisa, Bill, Rick, Dick, Alisia, Jacklyn, Lillian, Alexis, Jim and those we now raise before you in our hearts. We pray for those affected by the Covid virus in mind, body or spirit. Grant them healing and wholeness. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For the people of the Ukraine, may peace return to their country, may the attacks cease, may those who are injured be granted healing and those mourn the loss of family and friends be comforted. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
For Christians around the world, preparing this week to journey with Jesus to the cross: Reveal to us once again the earthshaking power of humble service, unmerited forgiveness, and sacrificial love. Lead us all from death to life. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We remember those who have died, who were commended into your hands. Remember us when you come into your kingdom, and prepare a place for each of us with you in paradise. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Accept the prayers we bring, O God, on behalf of a world in need, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
* DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Lift up your hearts
We lift them to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
* PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; whose suffering and death gave salvation to all. You gather your people around the tree of the cross, transforming death into life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
* THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
* INVITATION TO COMMUNION
This is the gift of God for the people of God, the body and blood of our Lord Jesus.
COMMUNION SONG
COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Blessed Jesus,
in this rich meal of grace, you have fed us with your body, the bread of life.
Now send us forth to bear your life-giving hope to a world in need.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
+ God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world +
* BLESSING
You are children of God, anointed with the oil of gladness and strengthened for the journey. Almighty God, motherly, majestic, and mighty, bless you this day and always. Amen.
* SENDING HYMN: There in God’s Garden (ELW 342) VS 1 & 4
* DISMISSAL Go in peace. Jesus meets you on the way.
Thanks be to God.
A: We hope this service was meaningful for you and brought the love of God and peace of Jesus into your homes. Pray, trust, believe and wait. Remember to join us for Thursday evening at 7 for Maundy Thursday service.
POSTLUDE: Ride On, Ride On In Majesty George
The ETERNAL CANDLE is sponsored for the month of April by MaryAnne Rossi in loving memory of her Mom, Virginia Clipp, and sister, Linda Fries.
Easter flowers are beautiful, and this year, especially, we would love to see them back in our sanctuary. Make your check payable to St. John’s and send to the church office along with the Easter Flower tear-off included at the end of this bulletin. You may also call the office and leave a message with your specific wishes, or send an email to the office , stjohns1500@gmail.com. Be sure to specify your wishes on the tear-off, and if you are giving in honor or in memory of someone. In the Easter bulletin we will list all who have made flower dedications.
This year we are offering Lilies ($9), Mums ($8) and Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacinths ($7). Because of the short notice, we need to know by Sunday, April 10.
There are extra forms available on the hallway table to sponsor Easter flowers.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, Holy Communion
and the Stripping of the Altar,
April 14, at 7:00 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY, Tenabrae,
a service of Lights and Shadows,
April 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate the
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD ON EASTER SUNDAY, April 17th,
a service with Holy Communion at 10:15 a.m.
We recently received a large oil drop with a steep increase in the oil price. After requesting a payment plan from the oil company to pay this bill of over $5,500 in several smaller payments, we will be paying $1,375 in four payments. While we know everyone is dealing with price increases in all aspects of our lives, at this time, it will still be tough to meet these payments within the budget. We prayerfully ask all members to dig deeper and if you are able to help in some small way, please contribute to this fund along with your regular offering, You can use any envelope and just mark as Heating Fund. Thank you for your consideration.
Included with your yearly contribution statement for 2021, we included a new pledge card to offer your tithes to St, Johns. If you have not returned your pledge card, please do so at your earliest convenience. The cards can be dropped in the offering basket, or mailed to the office. If you are in need of a replacement card, additional pledge cards can be found on the hallway table. Your pledges are important for the continuation of our ministry here at St. John's as well as globally.
A sign-up sheet is available on the hallway bulletin board. Sign up for the Eternal Candle is available for the year 2022. The cost is now $20.
Each week, we collect food for our hungry neighbors in need in our SHARING GOD'S BOUNTY WAGON. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Please consider making a donation of a food item each week.
During the SEASON OF LENT, we are also collecting food donations for CME Mt. Zion Church in Sharon Hill. Suggestions are as follows:
April 10 - Healthy snacks – canned fruit, applesauce, pretzels, crackers,
rice cakes, popcorn
Also, there is a sign-up sheet for Coffee Talk. Please note: If you sign up for Coffee Talk, as well as providing the drink and snack, you are also responsible for putting everything in the trash and cleaning the kitchen.
YOU CAN HELP! You can be a good steward AND get your grocery shopping done. Did you know that if you purchase a grocery food gift card from St. John’s, our congregation will receive 5% of all sales of gift cards. Please see Ruth Weaver if you wish to purchase and gift cards. Thank you for helping us raise that 5% for
Are you on FACEBOOK Do you ever like or share the church's posts We hope you do. Every little activity on our page is a good thing. More eyes to see what we're about and what we have going on is helpful. And if you leave a comment, even better. Others that may check our Facebook page out see that we're a busy, happening church. If you need our social media addresses on Facebook or Instagram, see Elaine Fisher or check out the hashtag on the bulletin board in the hallway for information.
We are registered as Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church for Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to the charities selected by customers. To register your charity designation, you will need to go to Smile.amazon.com. Then you select our name as your charity. Again, the name is registered as Saint Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church. You will only have to register once. Next time you plan to shop online, go first to smile.amazon.com and you will be redirected to your own Amazon account. Your charity designation will be listed on the top left. So far, we have received over $135, just by doing your shopping through Smile.amazon.
The Finance Committee is looking for a member or two to join us in managing the finances of the church. This committee should have at least five members to be able to function correctly. Currently, committee consists of Chairperson, Barb Lynn, Financial Secretary, MaryAnne Rossi and Treasurer, Sherrie Modge. Pastor Wende is also a member of this committee. Ideally during the formation of the budget, we would be able to rely on the voices of a few other members. You do not need any degree or accounting classes to join. As Barb says, if you can balance your checkbook, you can be a member! Please consider joining!
Our Financial Response (March)
CURRENT
Budgeted costs per month $ 9,048.05
Offering last month $ 5,747.54
Budget required to date (3 months) $ 27,144.15
Total received to date $ 16,224.12
MISSION SUPPORT
Budget required to date (3 months) $ 1,500.00
Total received to date $ 1,474.33
Please continue to support St. John's. Our expenses continue each month
even if we are not all worshipping together inside our building.
Your offering and tithes may be made on line through our website: stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org or sent by mail to
St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032.
You are welcome to watch the live service at 10:15 am at https://www.facebook.com/stjohnslutheranfolcroft
Or you can watch live streaming on the St. John's website: https://stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
If you are having trouble accessing, please let us know.
Easter Flowers
Choose from:
Lilies ($9) Mums ($8)
Daffodils Hyacinths Tulips (all $7)
Given by _________________________________________________________
In memory of ______________________________________________________
In honor of ________________________________________________________
Make checks payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Place this envelope in the offering or return to the Church Office.
Deadline for ordering: Sunday, April 10
