March 24, 2013 10:30 AM
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship – a time of music and meditation
*Opening Praise - “Hosanna” and “King of Kings”
Welcome
*Call to Worship
Leader: Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,that the King of glory may come in.People: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader: Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,the Lord, mighty in battle!People: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader: Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,that the King of glory may come in.People: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader: Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,he is the King of glory!People: Hosanna in the highest!
Leader: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
People: Hosanna in the highest!
*Hymn – 378 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“Let it Rise”“Glory to the Lamb”WE CONFESS OUR SINS
Call to Confession –
Leader: Like the people who greeted Jesus as he entered Jerusalem
and then later pronounced “Crucify him,”we are fickle people who often deny Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Remembering the events of Jesus’ last week helps us see ourselves for what we are: sinners in need of a Savior, a Savior—praise God—we have in Christ. In honesty and hope, we confess now our sins to God.
Prayer of Confession –
Leader: Loving God, you rode a donkey and came in peace,
humbled yourself and gave yourself for us.People: We confess our lack of humility.
Leader: As you entered Jerusalem, the crowds shouted “Hosanna:
‘Save us now!’” On Good Friday they shouted “Crucify!”People: We confess our praise is often empty.
We sing “Hosanna,” but cry “Crucify.”Leader: As the crowd laid their palms in front of you,
you took no glory for yourself.People: We confess that we want to be accepted
and take the easy way. We do not stay true to your will.Leader: Forgive us, Lord,
and help us to follow in the way of obedience.People: Amen.
Assurance of Pardon –
Pastor: Hear the Word of the Lord from Psalm 118:
Let those who fear the Lord say,“His steadfast love endures for ever.”
Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
In Christ, God answers us and sets us free!
In Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God.
Song of Assurance – “Lamb of God”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer for Preparation
Scripture Reading – Romans 8:18-25
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.Message: “Surprised by Hope, Part VI: Creation's Liberation and Hope”
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Thanksgiving - “He Shall Reign”
The Offering
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Benediction
*Parting Song – 370 “The King of Glory Comes”
Postlude
* * * * *
*All those who are able to are requested to stand
