Palm / Passion Sunday
The Lihu’e Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hawai’i Ka Hale Pule 'O Na Lahui Apau . . . Church Of All Peoples ...... Hele Pu Makou me Iesu Kristo . . .Walking Together With Christ March 28, 2021
The Lihu’e Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hawai’i 4602 Ho’omana Road, Lihue, HI 96766 The Rev. Dr. JP Paxton Cheryl Claypoole, Lector Rhonda Pabo & Jane Albrecht, Organists Church: (808) 245-2145 Fax: (808) 246-8626 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: lihuelutheranchurch.com
Prayer Concerns Please remember these people in your prayers during the week: Ronnie Pacheco, Pagatpatan ohana, Villanueva ohana, Geronimo ohana, David Gragg, Joe Morgan, Zosimo and Virginia Austria, Karen Kinoshita, Jake Whisenhunt, Rick Rentz, Stan Weeks, Judy Hoffman, Norman Dibble, Kazue Zaima, Virginia Hines-Aflague, John Mattek, Girald II (Bobby Girald’s son), Kristie Schmid (Tony’s sister), Lolli Hagen, Abraham Torres, Sr., Kristy Kahananui, Sonny Koerte, Mal- lory Rodriguez, Steve Schantz, Peter Alisna, Tirzah Pope, Pastor Matthew Weber, Joyce Angle- myer, Stephen Shioi, Peggy Hood, Jason Shimono, Richard Rasay, Nancy Nelson (formely Mandell), Karen & Patrick Pavao, Edward Rasay, Karen Richards (friend of Nancy Mandell), Marcos Larson (Liedeke’s son), Dora Jane Rowell, Franklin Parraga, Penny Parraga, Leticia Ancog (Kurt Javinar’s sister), Yvonne Shinseki, Al Dressler (Larry’s Father), Shirley Hallman (Denese Alcott’s Mother), Mercy Ballesteros, Mike LaBerge, Anna Marie & Phil Croghan, Judy Carlson, Caroline Johnson, Sheila Belarmino, Ray Roderick, The Church Council, and leaders in the ELCA. If you have additional prayer requests, please let the church office know. “Ask it in my name . . .” Mahalo for your love.
Remembering Our Military As we gather for worship, please remember those serving us in the military, and the families of our Hawai’i National Guard. These names have been given by loved ones and family members: Navy – TJ, Javinar, Kristian Matsumoto, Coast Guard - Brian Rodriguez, Navy - Kiana Alisna, Coast Guard - Ke’ale Renta Army - Jason Lumacad, Levi Fajardo: Air Force - Steven Javinar, Ikaika Fajardo, Army - Brandon Perkinson, Drew Cox, Tony Garton: National Guard - Benji Mac- Kenzie, Eddie Resinto, Fred Casticimo, Philip Kamakea, Anthony Y. Torres, Master Sgt. If you know of someone you would like added to our prayer list, please advise the church office.
Worship Theme for Today With Christ we lament his suffering and all human suffering, but expect God's final vindication. Mark's passion story begins with an unnamed woman anointing his head, perhaps to proclaim him Messiah, and Jesus saying she has anointed him beforehand for burial. Mark's Easter story will begin with women going to anoint Jesus for burial, only to find that he has been raised, God's living Anointed One.
Welcome to Our Guests It is always a joy to share our faith and worship with people visiting from around the world. Please know your presence and participation in our service is most appreciated. At Lihue Lutheran we celebrate Holy Communion at every service. You are certainly welcome in joining us as our Lord comes to us in this holy meal.
Introduction This week, the center of the church’s year, is one of striking contrasts: Jesus rides into Jerusa- lem surrounded by shouts of glory, only to be left alone to die on the cross, abandoned by even his closest friends. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus in his complete human vulnerability: agitated, grieved, scared, forsaken. Though we lament Christ’s suffering and all human suffering, we also expect God’s salvation: in the wine and bread, Jesus promises that his death will mark a new covenant with all people. We enter this holy week thirsty for the completion of God’s astonishing work.
Overview A Different Kind of Bloodline Combining into one liturgy the “Hosanna!” of the triumphal palm procession and the “Crucify him!” of the passion drama—especially as filtered through Paul’s image of the “exalted” slave— invites a meditation on the mystery of Jesus’ sovereignty.
How can we Americans or Canadians grasp what it means to have or want a king when we re- ject the notion that bloodline conveys the right to rule? And yet, thanks to fairy tales, the Arthuri- an legends, and Shakespeare we have some inkling of the power, privilege, and even “divine rights” of royalty. We can use our imaginations to muster up a rousing “Ride on, King Jesus!” Then we can appreciate the incongruity: this king has to borrow a donkey, a room, and a tomb. Then, even more confounding, is that this king, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited” and even borrows our human likeness— including our death (Phil. 2:6).
Judas and Pilate are symbols of all humanity—including the church, to its shame—in their de- sire for a grand royal gesture: start a revolution, call in your army, dazzle us with eloquent testi- mony. Jesus resists every such temptation and embraces the mortal human scale of his limited earthly reign. Jesus prophesied that when he was lifted up all the world would be drawn to him; Philippians proclaims that “every knee should bend” and “every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” So, whose knee will bow at the name of Jesus? All those who, following Jesus and trust- ing the faithfulness of God, are drawn to attend fully to human life, need, and mortality.
In monarchy, leaders lead by virtue of divine sanction of a particular bloodline. Our fond hope is that leadership is bestowed on the basis of merit, hard work, and authentic charisma. Our cyni- cal fear is that it is bestowed on the basis of money, influence, and cronyism. The witness of Passion Sunday is that Jesus’ credential is innocent blood shed in obedience to God for the sake of the broken.
Theological Reflection
In readers theater-style readings of the passion narrative, the assembly is often assigned the role of the crowd that shouts “Crucify him!” The crowd shouts this line more than once. Some in your assembly may find it both haunting and powerful to hear fellow worshipers shout these words. Others may not like thinking about Jesus being put to death, preferring instead to focus on his resurrection. It is our duty as ministers to help people live into that discomfort, and to help people embody our theology that Jesus was not put to death on a cross two thousand years ago by a small group of people, but that his death (and resurrection) transcend all time, and we are part of that crowd as well, even though it feels uncomfortable.
Palm / Passion Sunday Order of Worship Procession of Palm P Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. C Hosanna to the Son of David. P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us pray. Mercifully assist us, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may en- ter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts whereby you have giv- en us life everlasting; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. C Amen Processional Gospel Mark 11:1-11 A The holy gospel according to Mark, the eleventh chapter. C Glory to you, O Lord.
When they were approaching Jerusalem, spread their cloaks on the road, and oth- at Bethphage and Bethany, near the ers spread leafy branches that they had Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his cut in the fields. Then those who went disciples and said to them, "Go into the ahead and those who followed were village ahead of you, and immediately as shouting, you enter it, you will find tied there a colt "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who that has never been ridden; untie it and comes in the name of the Lord! bring it. If anyone says to you, 'Why are Blessed is the coming kingdom of our you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord ancestor David! Hosanna in the high- needs it and will send it back here imme- est heaven!" diately.' " They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are around at everything, as it was already you doing, untying the colt?" They told late, he went out to Bethany with the them what Jesus had said; and they al- twelve. lowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people
A The gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.
P The Lord be with you. C And also with you. P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give him thanks and praise. P We praise and thank you, O God, for the great 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 ac- claimed Son of David and King of kings by those who scattered their garments and branches of palm in his path. We ask that you bless these branches and those who bear them, and grant that we may ever hail him as our Lord and King and follow him with perfect confidence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen P Let us go forth in peace, C in the name of the Lord. (The procession into the church begins, the congregation following the minister, as the following hymn is sung.) Processional Hymn All Glory, Laud, and Honor
P Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. C Hosanna in the highest. P Let us pray. Everlasting God, in your endless love for the hu- man 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. C Amen
Children’s Sermon Sermon Hymn of the Day Prepare the Royal Highway
*The Prayers of the Church P The Lenten journey leads us to repentance and new life. Let us turn our hearts to God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. A For all Christians who today raise palms and hear the story of your passion; for humility as we confess you as Lord; for our Jewish brothers and sisters who will soon celebrate Passover. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer. A For the leaders of nations and tribes around the globe; for all who enact laws; for all who sit in judgment over others. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer. A Let us pray for those who are degraded or persecuted because of race, political association, or religious conviction, that they may be supported by God's abun- dant grace. Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer. A Let us pray for those who are hungry or in danger, and all who suffer illness or disease, that God would cover them with protection and fill them with whole- ness. Listen to the names we bring before you . . . Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer. A For a spirit of welcome, as our congregation enters this Holy Week. May the presence of your Son, seen most clearly on the cross, continue to shape and enliven our life together. Lord, in your mercy. C hear our prayer. P Merciful and gracious God, hear our prayers, restore us to the joy of your salva- tion, and uphold us with your Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C Amen
*The Queen’s Prayer
P
English Translation 3. For thy grace I beseech thee. 1. O Lord thy Loving Mercy, Bring us ‘neath thy protection. Is high as the Heavens. And peace will be thy portion It tells us of thy truth. Now and forever more. Amen And ‘tis filled with holiness The Sharing of the Peace P The peace of the Lord be with you always. C And also with you. P Let us share the peace of the Lord.
Offertory Word Lent invites us to grow in our worship in three key areas: fasting, prayer, and alms giv- ing. We do not give to God because God needs anything. Everything belongs to the Lord. What, then, can we give to God that God could not obtain on their own? Giving is for us. It forms us. What we choose to hold on to or what we choose to give affects us, it changes us. In this season of Lent, allow God to change you in not just what you give (up) but in the giving of your prayers and the giving of your service. If God puts it on your heart to give, donations can be given here today, mailed in, or given online our website here or you can copy and paste the weblink below @ https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps? appver3=tYgT1GfNxRUldiimjHMvORYXmm3bazY6GfrmTtVDZydskSODEa- Up5lt373GHnco2evTpo0mld6BrVzd2nG0p8xSFKZ9u6c4AzLo4CjNx7k=&ver=3
Offering & Offertory Response Lord of Aloha
*Offertory Prayer P Let us pray. God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praises. As we share this meal, fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and continue in lives that worship you in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C Amen.
Distribution (All are welcome to share in this meal with us. The sacraments are provided in accord- ance to synodical guidelines in collaboration with CDC, state, and local precautions. If you do not have sacraments, please raise your hand and an usher will bring them to you.)
*The 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.
*The Benediction P 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 in the name of Makua, Keiki Kane, and Uhane Hemolele. C Amen.
The Reading of the Passion
*Processional Hymn Were You There
P Go in peace, Serve the Lord! C Thanks be to God!
Reprinted from Words for Worship and Hymns for Worship, copyright 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted from Tales of Wonder, copyright 1989, Used by permission, G.I.A. Publications, Inc.
The procession... of people back to Kauai
Are you ready? Back in 2011, the city of Los Angeles braced itself for the partial closure of about 10-miles of the 405 in downtown LA. News anchors were encour- aging people to stay-inside and discouraging travel for the weekend unless it was absolutely necessary. April 5 carries a similar feel the carmageddon of the 2011 LA traffic crises. It’s an event you look to with a little bit, or a lot-a-bit, of anxiety and anticipation. Al- ready, I’ve heard stories from locals about entitled tourists and Karen’s and Chad’s. But there’s a whole other level: COVID-19. Individuals are concerned not just about misbehaving’ tourists but tourists who refuse to wear a mask, anti- Asian sentiment coming from the mainland, and the spread of COVID. I find comfort in today’s lectionary because when I look at how the disciples reacted to the events as they unfolded, we’ll find a group of people who were scared and anxious, too. In addition, we find comfort in seeing that the disciples didn’t respond in either the best-way or the right-way when it came to conflict, difficulty, and tiredness. I think in some ways we’re going to face conflict, difficul- ty, and tiredness. Yes, it would be ideal to talk about the myriad of religious ways we can respond with Christian virtues of grace, patience, compassion, and kind- ness. But I would argue against that. I’m getting increasingly sick of idealistic Christianity, where we try to live as we ought to instead of just living as we are, and allowing God’s grace to fill in the gaps of our shortcomings. I’ve spent most of my life striving towards Christian perfectionism,constantly trying to learn and grow and become more self-aware and more compassionate, more kind, more gracious, more patient, more generous. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t strive for these things. But I want to create more space for us to simply be who we are: human. We’re sinners. And this is not to say that we should just be sinners but there is a beauty and a value and a paradox to surrender and ac- ceptance. Sometimes we try too hard to be Christian. We put on the happy face, we talk only about the good things that are going on in our lives, and we attempt to erase, minimize, or uproot any trace of weakness or vulnerability from our lives. Ultimately, what we sometimes erase is the need for a savior because we have become our own. We no longer need grace because we performed so well out of self-sufficiency. I do think we need to prepare our minds for action (1 Peter 1:13). People are returning and we need to decide how we will respond. And also, we need to real- istically accept the fact that we are not the best versions of ourselves right now. It’s been a long year and we’ve been through a lot. Make way for Jesus; make way