Order of Worship
Palm / Passion Sunday
April 13, 2025
Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross, each waypoint of the journey marked by Jesus’ compassion for those who would betray, mock, accuse, or do violence to him. Though persecuted and beaten, Jesus the Son of God is not disgraced; instead, he asks forgiveness for those who put him to death. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
The Lamb
Gerald Coleman
DIALOGUE
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest
PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL Luke 19:28-40
The holy gospel according to Luke
Glory to you, O Lord.
28After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34They said, "The Lord needs it." 35Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying,
"Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!"
39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." 40He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray. We praise you, O God, for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city in triumph and was proclaimed messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross, so that, joined to his death and resurrection, we enter into life with you; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Let us go forth in peace,
in the name of Christ. Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
All Glory, Laud, and Honor
ELW 344
Refrain
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the king of Israel
and David's royal Son,
now in the Lord's name coming,
our King and Blessed One. Refrain
The company of angels
are praising you on high;
creation and all mortals
in chorus make reply. Refrain
The multitude of pilgrims
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present. Refrain
To you, before your passion,
they sang their hymns of praise.
To you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise. Refrain
Their praises you accepted;
accept the prayers we bring,
great author of all goodness,
O good and gracious King. Refrain
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE ELW 155
Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison. Christe eleison. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human 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.
Amen.
+ WORD +
Psalm 31:9-16 (sung responsively by full verse)
Refrain:
My times are in your hands.
You strengthen me in strife.
My hope is in your Word.
Your love presenrves my life.
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:5-11
Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn that describes Jesus’ humble obedience in his incarnation as a human being, even to death, and his exaltation and glory as Lord of all.
5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord.
Save us as you promised, we will trust your word.
GOSPEL: The Passion of Our Lord according to St. John
(you may be seated for the passion reading)
HYMN OF THE DAY
God Loved the World
LSB 571
The glory of these forty days
we celebrate with songs of praise;
for Christ, through whom all things were made,
himself has fasted and has prayed.
Alone and fasting Moses saw
the loving God who gave the law;
and to Elijah, fasting, came
the steeds and chariots of flame.
So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
delivered from the lions' might;
and John, the Bridegroom's friend, became
the herald of Messiah's name.
Then grant, O God, that we may, too,
return in fast and prayer to you.
Our spirits strengthen with your grace,
and give us joy to see your face.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Led by the Spirit, let us turn to God in prayer for the church, the world, and all those in need.
Hear Our Prayer
ELW 178
Hear our prayer, hear our prayer,
Lord make us whole:
peace to all people,
hope for each soul.
God of grace, in this place,
hear now our prayer.
Guide your church this Holy Week as we follow in the servant way of Jesus. Protect those who face hostility or oppression for their faith. Humble those who would use faith to dominate others and reinforce their own power. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
Make your creation a living witness to Christ’s passion and resurrection: in waving palms, shouting stones, fragrant vineyards, murmuring wheat, and revealing fire. Make us attentive to your holy presence in the world, that we may care for the earth you love. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
Let your face shine upon the leaders of nations and let the same mind be in them as was in Christ Jesus, so that those with the most power may humble themselves to serve the most vulnerable. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
Sustain the weary with a word. Grant perseverance to political prisoners and to any who are exploited, unjustly accused, or wrongly convicted. Abide with all who are in jails, detention centers, or prisons. Console all who experience times of trial or suffering especially Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Barbara, Ann, Julie, Sydney, Brooklyn, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Scott, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Tom & Leona, Avery, Doris, Natalie, John, Tim, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
Give strength to those who will lead worship during Holy Week: pastors and deacons, altar guilds and sacristans, musicians and assisting ministers, ushers, and office staff. Instill in them awe and joy, that their service may reflect the love of Jesus. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
God be with Grace’s Call Committee, for their diligence and faithfulness as servants of Christ. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them. Blessing, strengthening and empowering them for the task of calling a new pastor. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
We give thanks to you for our beloved dead, trusting that as the cross of Jesus led to the empty tomb, so you welcome those who have died into the paradise of your presence. God, in your mercy,
receive our prayer.
Receive the prayers of your people and draw all things together in your love, in the name of Jesus, who leads us from death to life.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
MUSICAL OFFERING
Worthy Is The Lamb
Darlene Zschech
OFFERTORY
Create in Me a Clean Heart
ELW 188
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
OFFERING PRAYER
Gracious Provider,
you set your immense treasures among us,
opening your heart to the world.
As we prepare to feast on your bountiful love,
deepen our commitment to sharing those
treasures with others,
through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ, whose suffering and death gave salvation to all. You gather your people around the tree of the cross, transforming death into life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of Sabaoth, adored;
Heav'n and earth with full acclaim
shout the glory of Your name.
Sing hosanna in the highest,
sing hosanna to the Lord;
Oh, how blest is he who comes
in the name of the Lord!
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us;
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the pow'r,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquest, for all is now ready.
DISTRIBUTION
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
Lamb of God, Your Only Son
ELW 336
Your only Son no sin to hide
But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God
Refrain
Oh Lamb of God sweet Lamb of God
I love the holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God
I was so lost I should have died
But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be called a lamb of God Refrain
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
ELW 324
In the cross of Christ I glory,
tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time.
All the light of sacred story
gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o'ertake me,
hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
never shall the cross forsake me;
lo, it glows with peace and joy.
When the sun of bliss is beaming
light and love upon my way,
from the cross the radiance streaming
adds more luster to the day.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
by the cross are sanctified;
peace is there that knows no measure,
joys that through all time abide.
Oh, Love, How Deep
ELW 322
Oh, love, how deep, how broad, how high,
beyond all thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals' sake!
For us by wickedness betrayed,
for us, in crown of thorns arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death;
for us he gave his dying breath.
All glory to our Lord and God
for love so deep, so high, so broad;
the Trinity whom we adore
forever and forevermore.
TABLE BLESSING
God our tender parent,
God the crucified one,
God the reconciling Spirit,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Generous Host,
you have shared your feast with us and made us new.
Send us now to set tables of love and grace in our communities,
that your liberating love might nourish the world into freedom,
in the name of the crucified one, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Christ, the Life of All the Living
ELW 339
Christ, the life of all the living,
Christ, the death of death, our foe,
Christ, yourself for me once giving
to the darkest depths of woe:
through your suff'ring, death, and merit
life eternal I inherit.
Thousand, thousand thanks are due,
dearest Jesus, unto you.
You have suffered great affliction
and have borne it patiently,
even death by crucifixion,
fully to atone for me;
for you chose to be tormented
that my doom should be prevented.
Thousand, thousand thanks are due,
dearest Jesus, unto you.
Then, for all that bought my pardon,
for the sorrows deep and sore,
for the anguish in the garden,
I will thank you evermore;
thank you for the groaning, sighing,
for the bleeding and the dying,
for that last triumphant cry,
praise you evermore on high.
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord's face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord lookupon you with favor and + give you peace.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
My Savior My God
Shust/Greenwell
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
The Lamb, Text and music: Gerald P. Coleman, 1953-2023, Text and music © 1987 MorningStar Music Publishers, Setting © 1997 MorningStar Music Publishers. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved
All Glory Laud and Honor, Text: Theodulph of Orleans, 760-821; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Public domain. Music: Melchior Teschner, 1584-1635; arr. hymnal version. Arr © 2007 Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Kyrie, Music: Russian Orthodox traditional, Public domain.
Psalm 31, Refrain Text: AnnaMae Meyer Bush, b. 1947, © 1982 AnnaMae Meyer Bush; Refrain Music: AnnaMae Meyer Bush, arr Kathleen Brummhart, b. 1958, Refrain Music © 2000 Brummhart Publishing. Refrain text and music used by permission. All rights reserved. Psalm text © 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Psalm Tone: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishing. Psalm text and tone reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.
Lenten Acclamation, Text from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Music: Robert Buckley Farlee, b. 1950. Text and music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
God Loved the World, Text: Gesangbuch, Bollhagen, 1791; tr. August Crull, 1846-1923, alt.. Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893, setting The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941. Public domain.
Hear Our Prayer, Text and music: Paul Andress, b. 1956. Text and music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Worthy Is the Lamb, Words and Music: Darlene Zschech, © 2000 Wondrous Worship. Words and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Create in Me a Clean Heart, Music: J. A. Freylinghausen, 1670-1739. Public domain.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Text: Stephen P. Starke,, b. 1955. Text © 1998 Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House. Music: Carl Schalk, 1929-1921. Music © 1983 Augsburg Publishing House. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Lord's Prayer (minor key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, Used by permission.
Lamb of God, Words and Music: Twila Paris, b. 1958. Words and music © 1985 Mountain Spring Music | Straightway Music. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
In the Cross of Christ I Glory, Text: John Bowring, 1792–1872. Music: Ithamar Conkey, 1815–1867. Public domain.
Oh, Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High, Text: Thomas á Kempis, 1380–1471; tr. Benjamin Webb, 1819–1885, alt. Music: English ballad, 15th cent. Public domain.
Christ the Life of All the Living, Text: Ernst Christoph Homburg, 1605-1681; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt. Music: Das grosse Cantional, Darmstadt, 1687. Public domain.
My Savior, My God, Text and Music: Aaron Shust and Dorothy Greenwell, Text and music © 2005 Bridge Building Music, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
