March 28, 2010
10:30 AM
Palm Sunday
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
King Jesus comes, King Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah.Hail! King Jesus, King of all!Recall the words of the Scriptures:“A great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’”
In praise we adore you, King Jesus. Enter our hearts today as you entered Jerusalem long ago, and lead us by faith in the way everlasting. Amen.
*Opening Praise – 375 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
Children’s Pageant
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 12:12-19
Message – “Symbols of Suffering: Palm Branches”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Thanksgiving- 370:1,3,4 “The King of Glory Comes”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Call to Service
Go into the world:
dance, laugh, sing, and create.
We go with the assurance of God’s blessing.Go into the world:risk, explore, discover, and love.We go with the assurance of God’s grace.Go into the world:believe, hope, struggle, and remember.We go with the assurance of God’s love.Thanks be to God!*God Blesses Us
The grace of Christ attend you,the love of God surround you,the Holy Spirit keep you now and forevermore.And all God’s people said,Amen!*Parting Song – 197 “The Trees of the Field”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our worship today is a celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem accompanied by the shouts of children and the waving of palm branches. The Valley Church children are going to enact some of this and also present an Easter pageant, retelling the story of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection as only children can do it. Thanks to Ron Crawford for writing and directing the program, with assistance from Erin Peterson and others. Be sure to thank a child for their meaningful involvement in our worship today.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
Wednesday, 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study meets at Ruth Giese’s home
Thursday, 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Communion worship
Friday, 7:00 PM Chenango Valley area Good Friday worship
There will be a celebration of the Lord’s Supper this Thursday at 7:00 PM. Plan to worship with us and receive this precious gift Jesus left for all who love him and who have received in faith his gift of salvation. You will have the opportunity to come forward to receive the bread and cup. If that’s difficult for you, an elder will be available to bring the elements to you where you are seated.
Plan to join others of Christ’s family in the Chenango/Hillcrest area this Friday at 7:00 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on River Rd. in Chenango Bridge. We will be observing the suffering of our Lord using the liturgy of the Stations of the Cross. You are all encouraged to share this expression of Christian unity at the foot of the cross.
Easter Sunday will be celebrated here at Valley Church with an early service at 7:30 AM (on the front lawn, weather permitting), followed by a breakfast upstairs from 8:30 – 10:00 AM. We will also celebrate Easter at 10:30 AM as usual. Join us in celebrating the victory of our Lord over death and the grave.
It’s not too late to become part of a Valley Church co-ed, slo-pitch softball team that hopes to play in a church league this summer. For more information and to express your intention, talk with Adam De Voe today. We need to have a commitment by of enough players by April 4 in order to field a team.
Joel, Robin and Jenny Vermaat have set up a memorial website for Peter. They want their Valley Church friends to share their memories. You can access the site at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/petervermaatmemorial/homepage.aspx?cid=direct.
Pastor Gelder will be offering two classes for people interested in becoming members of Valley Church, either as adults reaffirming faith and/or being baptized or as youth who wish to affirm their baptism by publicly professing their faith. The class for children will be held during Sunday School time (9:15 – 10:15 AM) starting April 11. The class for adults will be held in May. If you are interested in being in a class or if you have questions about the classes, talk with the pastor.
Please remember to complete and return your Talents and Abilities Survey. The deacons are using this to develop a data bank of the abilities and interests of Valley members which can be used to help others in times of need. Extra copies of the form are on the table in the narthex.
Council notes:
NEXT SUNDAY, April 4, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:15 AM Classes will not meet this week but will resume as usual on April 11.
EASTER WORSHIP: 7:30 AM Early Easter worship on the front lawn. If it is raining, we will meet inside.
EASTER BREAKFAST: 8:30-10:00 AM All are welcome
EASTER WORSHIP: 10:30 AM Pastor Gelder will lead our Easter celebration as we view the empty tomb as a picture of the victory of Jesus over death.
