April 17, 2011
10:30 AM
Palm Sunday

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
Welcome
Call to Worship
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Invocation
O Lord Jesus Christ, on this day you received the worship of those who hailed you as their King:
Accept our praise and adoration, our worship and love; and grant that we, who now confess you with our lips, may never fail to give you the service of our lives, for the honor of your holy name.
For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Amen.
*Song of Praise – 370:1,4 “The King of Glory Comes”
*We Greet Others
*Children’s Pageant – “The Time Machine’s Witness”
Song –
Public Profession of Faith – Annette and Roby Ann Vernon
Presentation and Statements of Faith
Congregation’s Promise
People of God at Valley Church, will you welcome Annette and Roby Ann at the table of the Lord and will you continue to support them with your prayers as you help them grow by the example of your discipleship?
We will, God helping us.
Welcome
Prayer
*Song of Commitment – 292:1-3, then refrain “Living for Jesus”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Matthew 21:6-16
Message – “Look at Jesus: The Child-friendly King”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 378:1,2 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Closing Prayer
God and Father of Jesus Christ, we leave this place for a week in which busy activities and worshipful remembrance are intertwined. Teach us, even now, how to make every day a day of prayer, so that each day of our lives is filled with hope because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Through Jesus we pray.  Amen.
*Blessed to Serve
The grace of Christ attend you,
the love of God surround you,
the Holy Spirit keep you now and forevermore.  Amen.
*Parting Song – 378:3 “Hosanna in the Highest!”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Valley’s youth will be prominent in our worship today.  In addition to depicting the Palm Sunday procession as we begin our Palm Sunday worship, they will present the Easter play “The Time Machine’s Witness”, written by Natalie Doller.  We will also hear Annette and Roby Ann Vernon publicly profess their faith.  Refreshments after the service will give us all an opportunity to welcome them into membership and to thank our youth for helping us worship the living Christ.

Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast at the Spot
                   9:30 AM Women’s Bible study at Ruth Giese’s home
                   7:00 PM Council meets
Thursday, 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Communion service
Friday, 7:00 PM Area Good Friday worship, hosted by Valley
If you haven’t yet done so, please get your suggestions for elder and deacon nominations to Beth Cunningham today.  If you need an extra form, there are copies on the table in the entry.
There are several special events planned for Holy Week and Easter and you are encouraged to take part in as many as you can.  The Maundy Thursday evening service is a communion service, recalling Jesus’ time with his friends at Passover.  Friday evening we are hosting a tenebrae service, which involves the dimming of light as we read and reflect on the stories of Jesus suffering and death in our place.  The service ends with the hope of Easter clearly presented.  Easter Sunday includes the early service at 7:30 AM (on the front lawn, weather permitting), followed by breakfast from 8:30 – 10:00 and Easter worship at 10:30 AM.  There are no Sunday School classes on Easter.
Broome Community College is looking for host families for students in the SEED program (formerly CASS).  If you are interested in opening your home to a student from Central America or the Caribbean, more information is found on the information center.
Women’s Retreat:  The annual women’s retreat is hosted this year by the Rochester CRC on Saturday, April 30, 9:30-3:00.  Cost is $10.00, which includes lunch.  The theme is “Love:  It Makes a Difference” based on I John 3:1 and 4:11.  See Ann de Jager for more information and to arrange rides.
The annual Bread for the World Offering of Letters will be Sunday, May 1, following the morning worship.  Sample letters are available from the deacons as you prepare for this.
NEXT SUNDAY, April 24, 2011
EARLY WORSHIP:  7:30 AM  Early Easter worship outside on the front lawn, weather permitting.
EASTER BREAKFAST:  8:30 – 10:00 AM  All are invited to join us for breakfast which will be prepared and served by one of Valley’s small groups.  If you are hoping to attend, please indicate by signing up on the sheet posted on the exit door so they can plan for enough food.
SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  No Sunday School classes this week
EASTER WORSHIP:  10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring us God’s Word as we “Look at Jesus, the Living One” based on John 20:18-23, 31.