Palm-Passion Sunday

Poured Out: Elements of Holy Week

Palms + Oil + Wheat + Wine + Water + Blood + Linen + Tears

Advent Lutheran Church 8840 University City Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28213 Phone: 704-549-1555 Website: www.adventlu.org

Gathering for Worship

Pastoral Welcome

Blessing the Palms L: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. C: Hosanna to the son of David! L: The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. L: The Gospel of our Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

L: Jesus is coming. C: Shout Hosanna! L: He is riding on a donkey. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Open the gates. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Open the ancient doors. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Don’t be afraid. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Wave the branches. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Spread out your coats. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Peace in heaven. C: Shout Hosanna! L: Glory in the highest heaven. C: Shout Hosanna!

“All Glory, Laud, and Honor” Traven Harrington, soloist

Proclaiming the Word

Greeting L: Blessed be the name of the Lord. C: Hosanna! Blessed be his glorious name!

A Prayer for Palm-Passion Sunday L: Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, you called your disciples to go forward with you on the way to the cross. Since you first walked that road countless millions have followed you. In all that we do as your disciples, save us from false familiarity with your journey. May we never presume to step into your shoes, but make us small enough to fit our own, and to walk in love and wonder behind you. C: Amen.

Poured Out: Elements of Holy Week

A Prayer of Confession for Holy Week A: Let us pray. Loving God, at this time, we remember that going up to Jerusalem cost Jesus his very life. So, we come before you, conscious of the way religious words and holy phrases can slip so easily from our lazy lips and our hardened hearts. What do we really know of your incomprehensible truth, your unwavering integrity, your unimaginable suffering for the love of the world? Forgive us for the shallowness of our faith and the timidity of our following: forgive us for the ready excuses we make for going our own way and then claiming it as yours. Turn us around again by your Holy Spirit, who is active within us and among us. Show us how to be open again to your faithfulness and to your freedom, that we may live new lives and be again bearers of the seeds of the Kingdom of Jesus. C: Amen.

“Lead Me to the Cross” Laura Torrence, soloist

Prayers of the People of God

L: Christ, we pray that you would hear our prayers, and graft in our minds the same mind that is in you, that we might be vessels of your humility and grace. A brief silence.

L: Lord Jesus, you emptied yourself, trading in the form of God for the form of a slave; we pray for the Church, and all her people and ministers. Form us into a Church that empties itself for others and for you. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

L: Lord Jesus, you were given the name that is above every name, and so it is your name that we pray for all countries who have been impacted by the coronavirus. We ask for a sense of your Spirit’s presence in the midst of these days when we feel disconnected, fearful, and anxious. Finally, inspire all with a spirit of camaraderie as the entire world works to meet the health needs and safety of all communities and peoples. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

L: Lord Jesus, we pray for those in need, for those who are tired and weary, for those who are anxious and facing difficult decisions, for those who have health concerns and for those who are in the midst of a new grief, especially for . . . Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

L: Lord Jesus, your humility and your love for us was so broad and deep, it cost you your life. We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially . . . By your Holy Spirit, comfort their families, and all who grieve, give peace to all who mourn, strengthen all through the promise of your eternal life. Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

L: You humbled yourself in the manger and you humbled yourself on the cross; and to you Lord Jesus Christ, we bend our knee with those above and those below, to the glory of God the Father. C: Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (spoken)

C: 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.

Sending God’s People

“Were You There” Arlene Cash soloist

The Call to Holy Week L: Lord, we tell your story. We follow your footsteps. C: Lead us into Holy Week.

L: Lord, we walk towards Jerusalem. We wait in the Garden of Gethsemane. C: Lead us onto Holy Ground.

L: Lord, we journey towards death. We hope for resurrection. C: Lead us into Holy Joy.