Palm Sunday. Sunday of the Passion March 25,

Transcription

1 Palm Sunday Sunday of the Passion March 25, Celebration of Holy Eucharist 10:00 AM Christ Episcopal Church Montpelier, VT Christ Church is a Christian faith community that welcomes all, worships together, transforms lives, and engages in God s work in greater Montpelier and beyond.

2 The Holy Eucharist Rite II 10:00 am We invite you to observe silence before the service begins. Choral Introit: Hosanna to the Son of David Arthur Hutchings The Liturgy of the Palms BCP 270 Let us pray. Assist us mercifully with your help, 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 and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Holy Gospel according to Mark 11:1-11 The Blessing of the Palms It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

3 Let us pray. Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Procession Hymn 154 All glory, laud and honor (words and music from the 1873 hymnal) The Collect Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Please be seated. The Word of God A reading from the Prophet Isaiah 50:4-9a 3

4 Psalm 31:9-16 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly. For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed. Antiphon I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am as useless as a broken pot. Antiphon For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life. But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. I have said, "You are my God. Antiphon My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me." Antiphon A reading from the letter of Paul to the Philippians 2:5-11 Sequence Hymn #170 Go to dark Gethsemane Verse 1 (words and music from the 1873 hymnal) The Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark 14:1-15:47 Sequence Hymn #170 Go to dark Gethsemane Verses 2&3 4

5 South African Affirmation of Faith It is not true that this world and its inhabitants are doomed to die and be lost; This is true: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him shall not die but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction; This is true; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) It is not true that violence and hatred shall have the last word, and that war and destruction have come to stay forever; This is true; For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given in whom authority will rest and whose name will be Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil that seek to rule the world; This is true: To Me is given all authority in Heaven and on Earth, and lo, I am with you always to the end of the world. (Matthew 28:18) It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the church, before we can do anything; This is true: I will pour out My Spirit on all people, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young people shall see visions, and your old folk shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17) It is not true that our dreams for the liberation of humankind, our dreams of justice, of human dignity, of peace, are not meant for this earth and this history; This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that true worshippers shall worship God in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23) Prayers of the People: A short pause is given after each prayer for you to offer your own prayer either silently or aloud. Lord Jesus, we hold up the pieces of our lives for healing and renewal. We remember your church, the church you died to save. Renew it with your Spirit that it may fulfill its mission to be salt and light in a troubled world. Bless the leaders of this church, and inspire your people to do your holy work of love and transformation. Loving Lord, Heal and strengthen us, we pray. 5

6 We pray for our state and national leaders, that a spirit of service, cooperation and humility may enter our life together in this land and everywhere across the world. Heal our community life with your truth and grace. Loving Lord, Heal and strengthen us, we pray. We remember all that which gives us joy and inspiration. We rejoice in the families with which you surround us, both of birth and of choice. We rejoice in this beautiful planet you have given us to cherish and protect. Give us eyes, Lord, to see not only the lovely and inspiring, but also the lonely and broken, and a heart to love them all. Loving Lord, Heal and strengthen us, we pray. We remember those in need. Heal and restore them, O Lord. Today we pray for Ida, Ernest, Charlotte, Mary Helen, Bob, Evan, Maria, Mary Irish, Dodge, Harry, Dottie, Debbie Sabens, Ken, Craig, Aaron and for those whom you wish to name either silently or aloud. Loving Lord, Heal and strengthen us, we pray. We remember your world, the world you loved so much. As the darkness threatens everywhere, remind us to pray that your light would shine forth even more brightly. We send out our prayers of hope and faith to cover the world in your grace. Loving Lord, Heal and strengthen us, we pray. We remember all those who have died especially Sarah (Sally) Ann Thompson. Gather them into your loving arms and give them rest and enrobe them in life and light. Are there persons you wish to remember today? Loving Lord, Heal and strengthen us, we pray. And in conclusion, let us together pray the prayer to end homelessness. An open door, A roof above, Safe homes for all, In the power of love. The Concluding Collect 6

7 The Peace The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. We encourage you to offer your neighbor a sign of peace. The Holy Communion All are welcome to receive communion at our Lord s table! In addition to traditional consecrated bread and wine, consecrated gluten free hosts and grape juice are available upon request. The Offertory Offertory Anthem: Pange Lingua Anton Bruckner (translation: Tell, O my tongue, of the glorious body and blood, which the world s eternal King shed for our ransoming.) Offertory Hymn: See pew card The Great Thanksgiving BCP 361 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 him thanks and praise. It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. For our sins he was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself; and, by his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: 7

8 Sanctus: See pew card Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me." Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen. The Lord s Prayer The Breaking of the Bread BCP 364 8

9 Agnus Dei: See pew card Communion Anthem: Look Down, O Lord Communion Hymns: #685, Rock of ages William Byrd The Postcommunion Prayer BCP 365 Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Recessional Hymn: #441, In the cross of Christ I glory There is no blessing or dismissal. The ministers of the service and the choir recess in silence. The congregation may remain for silent prayer and reflection. Thank you for worshipping with us today! Welcome! Elizabeth Parker is the Lay Eucharistic Minister this morning. Christ Episcopal Church s team of preachers reflects a variety of styles by bringing the Word of God to life in unique and relevant ways. Your direct feedback is always welcomed and appreciated. Christ Church Staff and Leadership Paul Habersang, Priest-in-Partnership Beth Ann Maier, Regional Deacon Lynnette Combs, Organist and Choirmaster Bruce Story, Senior Warden Ted Long, Junior Warden Denise Womer, Youth and Families Director Kathy Preis, Administrator 9

10 ANNOUNCEMENTS & COMMUNITY EVENTS 2018 Holy Week and Easter Services Maundy Thursday Eucharist & Foot Washing Thursday, March 29, 2018 Service at 7:00PM Good Friday Friday, March 30, 2018 Liturgy for Good Friday at 12:00PM Service of Tenebrae with Choir at 7:00PM The Great Vigil of Easter Church of the Good Shepherd, Barre, VT Saturday, March 31, 2018 Service at 7:00PM Easter Day Festive Eucharist with Full Choir Sunday, April 1, 2018 Services at 8:00AM & 10:00AM Join the Choir! Do you want to sing in the choir? The choir always warmly welcomes new members. We rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7:00PM to 8:30PM (except during the summer) and sing most Sundays. You can make a seasonal commitment, if you are unable to sing year-round. Please speak to Lynnette Combs, choirmaster. Bach Organ Marathon: On Sunday, March 25, 2018 starting at 1:30PM, the fourth annual Bach Marathon will fill the sanctuary with the glorious music of J.S. Bach. Five organists, plus some piano students, will perform. All donations will benefit the music scholarship program in the Montpelier Public Schools. Come and go as you please; there will be refreshments; tell your friends! Thursday Noon Concerts in the Sanctuary: The Thursday noon concerts return, starting April 5th. The concerts are free and begin at noon, ending about 45 minutes later. Tea and coffee are provided; bring your own lunch. Donations this year will benefit the building restoration fund, as we celebrate 150 years in this historic church building. There are five concerts: all four Thursdays in April, and the first Thursday in May. 10

11 Youth & Family Ministry Coming Events Heifer International Program: On April 8, 2018, we will have the ingathering of the Heifer International coin boxes that have been collected throughout the season of Lent. The children of our Youth & Families Ministry will help to decide what animal(s) these funds will support. Thank you so much for your generosity! Time Capsule! Again, as we celebrate our 150 th year in Christ Church, the Youth & Family Ministry is preparing to bury a time capsule on the morning of June 3, 2018 when we will officially celebrate our sesquicentennial anniversary. If you have suggestions as to what might be included in this time capsule, please see Denise Womer, Director of Youth & Family Ministry at Christ Church. You ve Been Egged! Youth and Family Ministries will host an Easter Egg Hunt following the 10:00AM service on Easter Sunday, April 1 st. Our Vermont weather, will decide if our egg hunt happens inside the church or in the courtyard. Whatever the case, don t be surprised to find an empty egg! It s a reminder that the tomb is empty and that Jesus has risen! Easter Sunday Community Dinner: Please join us in celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord! Youth and Family Ministries will sponsor the 4 th Annual Easter Sunday Dinner on April 1 st at 5:00PM. We will be serving, ham, potatoes, macaroni & cheese, greens, salad and dessert. Volunteers are needed to bring desserts and other incidentals, like milk, ice, and soda. Set up for the dinner will take place on Saturday, March 31 st at 3:00PM. We will also be seeking volunteers for Sunday afternoon preparation and cleanup. Anyone interested in helping, please contact Denise Thank you and God Bless. Other Ministry News and Community Events The Sudan Communion is asking for prayerful support: Members of the Sudan Communion prayer group are planning a return trip to Akobo, S. Sudan in April. As we discern God's call, we invite you to pray for us and with us. We'll be in the Chapel shortly after the 10 o'clock service throughout Lent, and you will be very welcome to join us. Christ Church Connections (CCC) Christ Church Connections is a new ministry of mutual caring within this faith community. We promote connections by helping members in health or other personal crises (e.g., visits, meals, cards, prayers, home Eucharist). For the month of March, if your family or someone you know could use a visit or other help, please contact Sarah Hofmann. Sarah may be reached via phone at: or via shofmann32@gmail.com 11

12 The Missions & Ministries of Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier Altar Guild Liz Slayton ( ) Choir/Music Lynnette Combs ( ) Communications Team Kathy Preis ( ) Diocesan Representatives Maggie Thompson ( ) Deb Barnwell ( ) Discretionary Fund for Community Outreach Virginia Catone ( ) Fellowship Ministry Stephen Dale ( Finance Committee John Jaworski ( ) Food Shelf Sharon Wilson ( ) Full Ladle Soup Kitchen Sharon Wilson ( ) Hospitality Committee Aldora Chamberlin ( ) Lay Eucharistic Ministers/Chalice Bearers/Lectors Steamer Walke ( ) Lay Eucharistic Visitor/Home Communion Rev. Beth Ann Maier ( ) Pastoral Care Committee Rev. Beth Ann Maier ( ) Kathy Preis ( ) Prayer Chain Rev. Beth Ann Maier ( ) Prayer Shawl Ministry Maggie Thompson ( ) Rilla Murray ( ) Stewardship Committee Bruce Story ( ) Sudan Communion Deb Jerard ( ) Martha Holden ) Youth and Families Ministry Denise Womer ( ) Vestry (elected leadership team) Bruce Story ( ) Usher/Greeter Ministry Jody Pettersen ( ) Worship Committee Rev. Paul Habersang ( ) Would you like to get involved or learn more about these ministries? If so, please contact the persons listed so you can become active in our ministries. 12