PALM SUNDAY Sunday of the Passion March 25, 2018 9:00 am WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD Today we celebrate Jesus entrance into the city of Jerusalem and then hear of how he emptied himself for us and our salvation. The praises of Palm Sunday seem to be in contrast to the story of Jesus Passion, but it is by his suffering and death that he became the King worthy of eternal praise! Hosanna! Small children are welcome in worship Busy bags for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room also has a speaker to hear the worship service. GATHERING We will gather today outside the worship space to begin with the procession of palms. Procession of Palms In the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! Let us pray. Most merciful God, as the people of Jerusalem, with palms in their hands, gathered to greet your Son when he came into the Holy City of Jerusalem, grant that we may always hail him as our King. When he comes again, may we greet him with faithful hearts and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Processional Gospel Mark 11:1-11 1
The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark the 11 th chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? tell him, The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly. 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, What are you doing, untying that colt? 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest! This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Let us go forth in peace. In the name of the Lord. (All are invited to follow the children in the procession. Please remain standing.) Processional Hymn "All Glory, Laud and Honor" 1. You are the king of Israel, And David's royal Son, Now in the Lord's name coming, Our King and Blessed One. refrain 2. The multitudes of pilgrims, With palms before you went, Our praise and prayer and anthems, Before you we present. refrain 3. To you, before your Passion, They sang their hymns of praise. To you now high exalted, Our melody we raise. refrain 4. Their praises you accepted; Accept the prayers we bring, Great author of all goodness, O good and gracious King. refrain Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! 2
Prayer of the Day Let us pray. Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen SERVICE OF THE WORD New Testament Reading Philippians 2:5-11 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. Mark (Mark 14 and 15) Choir What Wondrous Love Is This? (Cantate Choir) What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul that caused the Lord of life to bear the heavy cross What wondrous love is this, O my soul What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul that Christ should lay aside his crown for my soul. What wondrous love is this, O my soul Homily 3
Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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, and the life everlasting. Amen Prayers (Response to each petition) Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Sharing of the Peace The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. Offering Offertory Prayer Let us pray. God, our provider, you have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these your gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT Great Thanksgiving 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. It is good and right for us to praise you, O God, at all times and in all places. In mercy for our fallen world you sent your Son, Jesus Christ who emptied himself for us, taking the form of a servant and became obedient unto death. Therefore, with saints and angels we praise your name as you come to us now in your body and blood. (sing) Hosanna in the highest! that ancient song we sing, For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav n our King. Your glory fills the earth and heav n And holy is your name Oh blest is he that comes to us in God the Father s name. Words of Institution 4
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 COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION Scripture says, Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26. Martin Luther s Small Catechism says, Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink. All baptized Christians who have been instructed in this confession of faith and who share our belief in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins are invited to the Lord s Table today. Children who have not received their first communion are invited to come to the table and receive a blessing. As you approach the table down the aisles, receive an empty cup from the cart. Proceed to the left or the right and gather around the altar. After each gathered group has communed, they are dismissed in peace. As you return to your seat down the side aisles, place your cup in the racks on the tables to your left or right. Non-alcoholic wine is offered in pre-filled cups for those who cannot drink alcohol. These cups are marked in the rack. Gluten-free (and dairy-free and nut-free) wafers are offered in the small white bowl on the communion cart for those who prefer this option. 5
Communion Songs Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley Verse one: solo Verses 2-5: ALL 2. Jesus prayed for His disciples; He prayed alone for you and me. O, nobody else could bear such sorrow; He prayed alone for you and me. 3. Jesus died on Calvary's mountain; He died alone for you and me. O, nobody else could die for sinners; He had to die for you and me. 4. Jesus rose from death's dark prison; He lives again for you and me. O, nobody else could bring us victory; He is alive to set us free. 5. When I walk death's lonesome valley, I will not walk it by myself, But Jesus the Lord will walk it with me, For He has walked it by Himself. 6
My Song Is Love Unknown 7
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross SENDING Dismissal The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep us in the true faith to life everlasting. Amen Thanksgiving Prayer Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen Benediction The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen Go in peace. Christ lives in you. Thanks be to God. 8
Closing Hymn The Lamb SERVING IN WORSHIP TODAY Worship leader and Preacher Jon Marxhausen Elder Errol Bartz Piano Jill Olfoson Cantate Choir Director Mary Dinesen Passion Readers Dan Evenson, Chris Fallert, Pam Fallert, Jeff Olofson Allen Warren, Sally Warren Lector Marilynn Epland Ushers Becky Vigstol / Jenny Hanson Greeter Jeff & Jill Olofson Acolyte/Crucifer Cherish Frelix DON T FORGET YOUR 3-MINUTE MINISTRY Palms welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. Who will you welcome today? 9
WELCOME TO GRACE OF GOD Thank you for worshipping with us today. Please fill out a welcome card and place it in the basket on the table in the entryway. Help yourself to a welcome packet that will tell you more about the ministry at Grace of God. You are always welcome at Grace of God. GRACE OF GOD MISSION STATEMENT Grace of God is a Christ-centered community gathered around Word and Sacrament, preaching Christ crucified, serving our neighbor and discovering what it means to live under the grace of God. SMALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT GRACE OF GOD Busy bags for young children are available in the classroom adjacent to the worship space near the doors. That room X also has a speaker to hear the worship service. March 25 April 1, 2018 Sunday, March 25 9:00 am WORSHIP LENT 5 Fellowship time after worship 10:15 am Sunday School Tuesday, March 20 9:30 am Women s Bible Study 7:30 pm Cantate Choir Wednesday, March 28 4-7 pm Pizza Ranch Youth Fundraiser Thursday, March 29 5:00 pm Passover Seder Dinner 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Worship Friday, March 30 7:00 pm Good Friday Worship Sunday, April 1 9:00 am EASTER WORSHIP Fellowship time after worship 10
SERVING IN WORSHIP DATE ELDER ACOLYTE LECTOR USHERS GREETERS 3/25/18 Errol Bartz Cherish Frelix Marilyn Epland Becky Vigstol / Jenny Hanson Jeff & Jill Olofson 3/29/19 Maundy Thursday 3/30/19 Good Friday Paul Hartleben Ella Fahey Matt Onken Allen & Sally Warren Ken & Doreen Rubbert Paul Hartleben Kiernan Benson Bruce Gilman Bruce Gilman/ Jerry Corson Allen & Sally Warren 4/01/18 Paul Hartleben TJ Richter Pam Fallert Sun Franklin & Sue Hotzel Lori Ruppel 4/08/18 Paul Hartleben John Frelix Chris Fallert Jim & Jan Roth Errol & Cindy Bartz March 29-31 April 5-7 April 12-14 CLEANING CREW SCHEDULE TEAM 6 Paul & Cami Hartleben/ Tom & Karen Schoenberg TEAM 7 Byron and Marilynn Epland/ Onken Family TEAM 8 Evenson Family/Dinesen Family Wondering if any Grace of God adults are interested in a mission trip? If you are, please contact Audrey Gilman. 651-352-2888 or aggilman@comcast.net. PIZZA RANCH YOUTH FUNDRAISER THIS Wednesday, March 28 4-8 pm At the MAPLEWOOD PIZZA RANCH (just north of Maplewood Mall near 694 and White Bear Ave) Come support our youth mission trip to ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS in NEW YORK! Passover Seder Dinner Maundy Thursday, March 29 5:00 pm The celebration of the Lord s Supper has its roots in the Old Testament commemoration of God s great deliverance from slavery to freedom marked by the blood of the lamb. Our Passover Seder is a Christian observance of this Old Testament festival that shows the fulfillment that Christ brings by being the Passover Lamb who was slain for us. All are invited to participate in this special dinner experience. The cost is $11 a person or $45 for immediate family (parents and children). Sign up at the bulletin board by the kitchen door. 11
GRACE OF GOD LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 Hayward Avenue North Oakdale, Minnesota 55128 651.730.4900 www.graceofgodlutheran.com Jon Marxhausen, pastor 12