Church of the Servant CRC Palm Sunday March 24, 2013
For worship today, follow the worship order in this printed liturgy. Some songs may be sung from the grey Psalter Hymnal or the blue Joyful Noises at your seat.
Come (Seated) Call to Worship Leader: This is the day the Lord has made; People: let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(A time of reflection and meditation) Prelude
Youth Choir: Sing glad hosannas to welcome the King of kings. Sing glad hosannas, rejoice, let your praises ring! Blessed is he who comes this day, who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is he who comes this day, his glory shall be restored. Hosanna, hosanna, exalt him forever more. Sing glad hosannas to welcome the King of kings. Sing glad hosannas, rejoice, let your praises ring! Wave your palm branches high to welcome the King of glory. Lift your praise to the skies. This is the day of triumph and praise. This is the day we rejoice. Sing glad hosannas…..Rejoice, let your praises ring!
Greeting Leader: Today we join Jesus in his final week of earthly ministry, from his triumphal entry to the last supper, crucifixion, and resurrection. The journey begins as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The Gospel of Matthew tells us Jesus’ disciples brought a donkey and a colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, People: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
2 (Please stand if able) Processional Hymns People sing:
“All Glory, Laud and Honor” Psalter Hymnal 376
3 (Please be seated) Confession and Assurance Leader: Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” Let us confess the ways we’ve defiled our church, lives and hearts with our sin. People: Lord, like the temple you cleared, our faith has become cluttered with the things of this world; we have become like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. Jesus, forgive our sins. Drive out all unrighteousness from the temples of our hearts. (silence for confession and remembering of our baptism) Leader: Hear the words of Jesus: “How often have I desired to gather you as a hen gathers her brood under her wings!” “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.”
(Please stand if able) Gloria Leader sings: Glory to God on high; glory to God on high!
People sing:
Leader sings: On earth be peace to all God’s people, goodwill from God on high.
People sing:
4 Proclamation of the Law Leader: Jesus Christ forgives our sins and calls us to new life. The law of the Lord guides us in this new life. When Jesus was asked, “which commandment in the law is the greatest?” he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” This is the law of our God. People: Write your law upon our hearts, O God.
(Please be seated) Children’s Processional
Children 2½ years old through second grade are invited to come forward. Leader: People of God, what is our prayer for these children? People: May the Lord be with you. Children: And also with you. People: May the Word of the Lord grow in your hearts. Children: Thanks be to God! People: Go in peace.
Psalm 31 Leader sings: Abba, Abba, I put my life in your hands. (2x)
People sing:
Leader sings: 1. In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, in your hands I commend my spirit. Refrain 2. For all my foes reproach me; all my friends are now put to flight. I am forgotten like the dead, like a dish that now is broken. Refrain 3. I place my trust in you; in your hands is my destiny. Let your face shine on your servant, in your hands I will place my life. Refrain
5 Listen Prayer for Illumination Leader: The word of God is like seed sown upon the ground. People: Lord, let our hearts be like good soil, hearing your Word, understanding it, and bearing fruit. Leader: Whoever has ears, let them hear!
The Plot to Kill Jesus / Anointing at Bethany 1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” 3Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5But they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.” 6Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. 8But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste? 9For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.” 10But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. 11For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. 13Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
People sing: “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” Psalter Hymnal 572
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus / Peter’s Denial Foretold 14Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
6 31Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.” 34Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” 35Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
People sing:
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane 36Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. 38Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” 40Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is
7 weak.” 42Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
People sing: Go to dark Gethsemane, all who feel the tempter’s power; your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour: turn not from his griefs away— teach us, Lord, how we should pray.
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. 51Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” 55At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
People sing: Follow to the judgment hall, view the Lord of life arraigned. Oh, the wormwood and the gall! Oh, the pangs his soul sustained! Shun not suffering, shame, or loss— help us, Lord, to bear our cross.
8 Jesus before the High Priest 57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. 59Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, 60but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” 62The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 63But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, 68saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?”
People sing: “Ah, Holy Jesus” Psalter Hymnal 386, v. 1-2
Peter’s Denial of Jesus 69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73After a little while the bystanders came up and said 9 to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. 75Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Leader sings: 1. Bitter was the night, thought the cock would crow forever. Bitter was the night before the break of day. 2. Saw you passing by, told them all I didn’t know you. Bitter was the night before the break of day. 3. Told them all a lie, and I told it three times over. Bitter was the night before the break of day. 6. Bitter was the night, thought there’d never be a morning. Bitter was the night before the break of day.
Jesus Brought before Pilate / Pilate Questions Jesus 1When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. 2They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. 3When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. 6But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.” 7After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. 8For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, 10and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
10 11Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” 12But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. 13Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” 14But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. 15Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. 17So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. 19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” 20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. 21The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” 23Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” 24So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” 25Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
People sing: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” Psalter Hymnal 383
Intercessory Prayer
11 (Please stand if able) Affirmation of Faith Leader: Let us together affirm the faith of the church at all times and in all places. People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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, and the life everlasting. Amen. Communion Preparing the Table Leader: As the woman at Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet with costly oil to prepare his body for burial, so let us bring our best gifts and offer them at the table of our risen Lord. People come forward and place their offerings in the baskets at the communion table. A church member brings forward the bread and wine for the communion.
Offertory Hymn People sing: Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
Prayer of Great Thanksgiving… Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right for us to give you thanks and praise.
…to God the Father Leader: We thank you, O God, for your good creation. We thank you that, when our sin broke the communion of your creation, you pursued us nonetheless. You sent prophets to call us back. You established priests to offer sacrifices for us. You
12 appointed kings to rule us. And then, in fulfillment of the prophets’ words, you sent Jesus, our High Priest and King of Kings, to offer the sacrifice of his own body, destroying the rule of sin and death. Therefore, we join the voices of saints and angels, proclaiming the glory of your name:
People sing: Holy, most holy Lord, Lord God of pow’r and might. Heaven and earth are filled, filled with your holy light. O blessed is the one, the one who comes, comes in the name of God. Hosanna to the Lord Almighty, hosanna to the Lord.
(Please be seated) …to Jesus Christ Leader: We thank you, O God, that in the quiet of the upper room, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” We thank you, O God, that Jesus’ words are fulfilled, and that today we join Christ at the table to celebrate the Kingdom of God. People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
…to the Holy Spirit Leader: We thank you, O God, for the Holy Spirit, working in bread and wine to become Christ to us, working through your Word to enlighten us, working in the Church to become one in us. In unity we pray: People: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
13 People sing:
Preparation of the Elements Leader: The bread which we break is our sharing in the body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share the same loaf. Leader: The cup for which we give thanks is our sharing in the blood of Christ. People: The cup which we all share is our fellowship in the blood of Christ.
(Please stand if able) Peace Leader: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Let us share Christ’s peace with all of God’s children.
The Invitation to the Table Leader: You are now invited to come to the table of the Lord. All baptized Christians who are sorry for their sin, look to Jesus as their Savior, and desire to serve him, are invited to come to the table of the Lord. People: I shall receive the bread of heaven. I shall drink the cup of salvation. Leader: The gifts of God for the people of God.
Communion
Children may join their parents in the communion circle for a spoken blessing; this is facilitated if the child stands in front of his/her parent. Process forward using the center aisles, join the communion circle at the front of the church, then recess down the outside aisles. Grape juice is served in the 2nd and 3rd circles. Please make yourself known to the pastor if you have gluten allergies; gluten-free bread is available on the table for you.
14 “What Wondrous Love” Psalter Hymnal 379
People sing:
15 “There Is a Redeemer”
“Let Us Break Bread Together” Psalter Hymnal 304 1. Let us break bread together on our knees. (2x) When I fall on my knees, with my face to the Lord of life, O Lord, have mercy on me.
2. Let us drink wine together on our knees… 3. Let us praise God together on our knees… 16 “Holy Gift of Love”
17 “Mantos y Palmas”
18 The Thanksgiving Leader: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, People: to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
People sing:
Send Benediction Leader: As we journey from the joy of the palms to the pain of the cross, know that Jesus Christ always goes before us, leading us into life. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. People: Amen.
Please be seated for brief announcements.
19 Today’s music was planned by Greg Scheer and led “Were the Whole Realm” (Psalter Hymnal 384, v. 4) by the BES combined music team with Joel Text: Isaac Watts; music: Lowell Mason. Navarro at the piano. The Passion readings were “Holy, Most Holy Lord” Text: from the Sanctus, taken from Matthew 26-27. adapt. Greg Scheer; music: anonymous, from “Sanna, Sannanina” (World Praise 2:80), arr. “Sing Glad Hosannas” Text and music: Mark ©1993 Geoff Weaver / Jubilate Hymns. Patterson, ©2009 Choristers Guild. Sung by the “O Christ, the Lamb of God” Text: Agnus Dei, based COS Youth Choir, AnnaMae Bush, director. on John 1:29; tune: Kirchenordnung, “Sanna, Sannanina” (World Praise 2:80), arr. ©1993 Braunschweig, 1528; harm.: various sources. Geoff Weaver / Jubilate Hymns. “What Wondrous Love” Text: S. Mead’s A General “All Glory, Laud and Honor” (Psalter Hymnal 376) Selection, 1811; tune: W. Walker’s Southern Text: Theodulph of Orleans; tr. John Mason Neale, Harmony, 1835, arr. ©2010 Greg Scheer. alt.; tune: Melchior Teschner, harm. Johann “There Is a Redeemer” (Sing! a New Creation 145) Sebastian Bach, alt.; descant Randall De Bruyn, Text and music: Melody Green; ©1982 Birdwing ©1982 OCP Publications. Music / BMG Songs, Inc. / Ears to Hear Music, “Glory to God on High” Text: from the Gloria in admin. EMI Christian Music Publishing. excelsis; music: adapted from “Sanna, Sannanina” “Let Us Break Bread Together” (Psalter Hymnal 304) (above). Text: and music: Afro-American spiritual; harm. “I Put My Life in Your Hands” (Gather Dale Grotenhuis, harm. ©1987 CRC Publications. Comprehensive 2, #31) Text: Psalm 31:2, 6, 12- “Holy Gift of Love” (Global Songs for Worship 22) 13, 15-17; para. David Haas; music: David Haas; Text: Munkherdene Banzrageh, adapt. ©2008 ©1993 GIA Publications, Inc. Greg Scheer; music: Munkherdene Banzrageh, arr. “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” (Psalter Hymnal 572) ©2008 Greg Scheer. Text: Johann Franck, tr. Catherine Winkworth, “Mantos y Palmas / Filled with Excitement” (Sing! a alt.; music: Johann Crüger. New Creation 133) Text: Rubén Ruíz Avila, “Stay with Me” (Songs and Prayers from Taizé, 8) English tr. Gertrude C. Suppe; music: Rubén Ruíz Text: adapted from Matthew 26: 38, 41; music: Avila, arr. Alvin Schutmaat; ©1972, 1979, 1989 Jacques Berthier, ©1991 Ateliers et Presses de The United Methodist Publishing House, admin. Taizé. The Copyright Company. “Go to Dark Gethsemane” (Psalter Hymnal 381) “Lift High the Cross” (Psalter Hymnal 373, v. 4 and Text: James Montgomery, alt.; music: Richard 6) Text: George W. Kitchin; rev. Michael Redhead. Newbolt, alt.; tune: Sydney H. Nicholson; desc. “Ah, Holy Jesus, How Have You Offended” (Psalter Richard Proulx; text and music ©Hymns Ancient Hymnal 386) Text: Johann Heerman, tr. Robert and Modern, Ltd; descant ©1985 GIA Bridges, alt.; music: Johann Crüger. Publications, Inc. “Bitter Was the Night” (Singing the New Testament 101) Text and music: Sydney Carter; ©1964 Song permissions: CCLI License #292288, One Stainer & Bell, Ltd., admin. Hope Publishing Co. License.net #A703305, and LicenSing #612859. “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” (Psalter Hymnal The cover art is by Flint Sackett. 383) Text: medieval Latin; German para. Paul The Passion art is by Paul Stoub. Gerhardt, tr. James W. Alexander, alt.; music: Hans Leo Hassler, adapt. and harm. Johann Sebastian Bach in the St. Matthew Passion.