The Passion of our Lord
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 28, 2021
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
Events for this week are:
Tuesday 7PM Zoom Finance Meeting
Thursday 7PM Facebook & Website Maundy Thursday Worship
Friday 7PM Facebook & Website 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 MARK
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: What Wondrous Love Is This (ELW 666) VS 1 & 2
* 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 made on line through our website:
stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
or sent by mail to:
St. John’s Lutheran church, 1500 Glen Avenue, Folcroft, PA 19032
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
Relying on the promises of God, we pray boldly for the church, the world, and all in need.
In Jesus you came among us as a suffering servant. Give your church humility. Redeem your people from pride and the certainty that we always know your will. Heal us and empower us to confess Christ crucified. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
In creation, life springs from death. Redeem your creation awaiting resurrection: restore lost habitats and endangered species. Create new possibilities for areas affected by climate change, grant relief from natural disasters, and nurture new growth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Jesus was handed over to the powers of this world. In all nations, instruct the powerful, that they would not exploit their power but maintain justice. Sustain soldiers, and guide those who command them, that they serve those in greatest need. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
On the cross Jesus joined all who feel forsaken. Abide with those who are condemned to death. Defend those who are falsely accused. Console and strengthen those who are mocked or bullied. Accompany all who suffer, especially those affected by the covid virus in mind, body or spirit, for Derek, Morgan, the, Ash, Sue, Gavin, Donna, Robert, Alannah, Lillian, Alexis, Sharon, family of Priscilla Brown, Connie, Pat, Hazel, Bill, Jacklyn, Addison, Joe, Deb, Tim Shane, Tom, Carl, Monica, Tucker, Marc, Alisia, Helen, Lucas, Laura,
the Folcroft Police, Michael, Kelly, Rick, Dick, Ruth, the Link family, and those we now raise before you in our hearts, let us pray. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You called followers to tend Jesus’ body in death. Sustain hospice workers and funeral directors. Bless this congregation’s ministries at times of death: those who plan and lead funerals, those who prepare meals, all who offer support in grief. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great
You inspired the centurion to confess Jesus as your Son. We praise you for the faith you have given to people of all places and times. Give us also such faith to trust the promises of baptism and, with them, to look for the resurrection of the dead. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We entrust ourselves and all our prayers to you, O faithful God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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
Compassionate God,
you have fed us with the bread of heaven. Sustain us in our Lenten pilgrimage:
may our fasting be hunger for justice, our alms, a making of peace, and our prayer, the song of grateful hearts; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
+ God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world +
* BLESSING
May God who has called us forth from the dust of the earth,
and claimed us as children of the light,
strengthen you on your journey into life renewed.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor
and give you ? peace.
Amen.
* SENDING HYMN: There in God’s Garden (ELW 342) VS 1 & 6
SENDING IN MISSION / DISMISSAL
A: Marked with the cross of Christ, go forth to love and serve the Lord.
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
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://sthohnslutheranfolcroft.org https://stjohnslutheranfolcroft.org
If you are having trouble accessing, please let us know.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #44714. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Our Financial Response (February)
CURRENT
Budgeted costs per month $ 9,041.09
Offering last month $ 5,766.00
Budget required to date (2 months) $ 18,082.18
Total received to date $ 10,702.00
MISSION SUPPORT
Budget required to date (2 months) $ 1,000.00
Total received to date $ 1,098.00
Please continue to support St. John's.
Our expenses continue each month even if we are
not worshipping together inside our building.
