Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Palm Sunday
April 10, 2022 – 10:30 am
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
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.
Getting Our Hopes Up
Many of us were warned when we were young, “Don’t get your hopes up,” in case the things we were hoping for and working toward didn’t come to fruition. “Why open yourself up to the sting of disappointment?” is the practical wisdom contained in this common aphorism.
When Jesus went into Jerusalem and was greeted by the joyous crowds, he knew it would lead to the cross. It doesn’t take divine omniscience to understand that stirring up populist sentiment and openly confronting political authorities does not often end well. The suffering and death that Jesus was set to experience was the opposite of what the crowd hoped for him, and it may be the opposite of what we think we want in a messiah too. But the hope offered by Jesus in his suffering and death, while different than what we might expect, never disappoints. God’s promise embodies life that is stronger than the shadow of death. Even amid fear and betrayal and torture, God will bring about healing. Even amid the finality of death, God will bring resurrection and new life.
As we come to the close of our Lenten journey, we can confidently keep our hopes up, knowing that the new world being born in God will never disappoint. It may look nothing like we expect or dream about, but we can trust that God’s work will always defy our expectations in ways that are more life-giving and world-transforming than we could ever imagine for ourselves. So, get your hopes up! God’s work will never let you down.
PRELUDE “The Holy City” by Stephen Adams and Frederic Weatherly, Ed Thieman, tenor
GATHERING
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING OF PALMS
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. Bless these branches and those who carry them. 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.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN “All Glory, Laud and Honor”
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.
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
The company of angels
are praising you on high;
creation and all mortals
in chorus make reply.
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
The multitude of pilgrims
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
To you, before your passion,
they sang their hymns of praise.
To you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
Their praises you accepted;
accept the prayers we bring,
great author of all goodness,
O good and gracious King.
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, redeemer, king,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of God, who makes a way in the wilderness, walks with us, and guides us in our pilgrimage.
Amen.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy One,
we confess that we have wandered far from you: we have not trusted your promises, we have ignored your prophets in our own day, we have squandered our inheritance of grace, we have failed to recognize you in our midst. Have mercy on us! Forgive us and turn us again to you. Teach us to follow in your ways, assure us again of your love, and help us to love our neighbor. Amen.
Beloved in Christ, the Word draws near to you, and all who call out to God shall be saved. In Jesus, God comes to you again and again and gathers you under wings of love. In Jesus’ name, your sins are forgiven. God journeys with you and teaches you how to live in love.
Amen.
LITANY FOR PALM SUNDAY
Brothers and sisters:
Be glad and rejoice, for Christ reigns: the King of love, the Lamb of God.
Praise to the King! Praise to the Lamb!
Today, Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, fulfilling the ancient prophesy:
The heir of David will arise to secure the future prosperity of Israel.
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest!”
From David’s lineage, the Lord will anoint his Chosen One.
By his justice and his righteousness, his authority will be made known.
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
His reign will break the rod of every oppressor and restore joy to the land.
He will establish for his nation a peace that never ends.
“Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
Hosanna to the Son of God!
GATHERING HYMN “Hosanna!”
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
King of Israel, welcome to our hearts,
Here to reign in righteousness.
O Ruler of the world, Ruler of our hearts,
Now ascend your throne.
You are the King of kings. Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
To Jerusalem, to the sons of man,
Riding in on in gentle strength,
Oh, come to save your own! Come to give your life!
The Kingdom is at hand.
You are the King of kings. Hosanna!
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
King of Israel, welcome to our hearts,
Here to reign in righteousness.
O Ruler of the world, Ruler of our hearts,
Now ascend your throne.
You are the King of kings. Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna!
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.
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
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Isaiah 50:4-9a
This text, the third of the four Servant Songs in Isaiah, speaks of the servant’s obedience in the midst of persecution. Though the servant has been variously understood as the prophet himself or a remnant of faithful Israel, Christians have often recognized the figure of Christ in these poems.
A reading from Isaiah:
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Philippians 2:5-11
Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn that describes Jesus’ humble obedience in his incar- nation as a human being, even to death, and his exaltation and glory as Lord of all.
A reading from Philippians:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL READING Luke 19:28-40
Entrance into the final days.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
After he had said this, [Jesus] went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “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. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As 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, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE Pastor Jamie Vannoy
ANTHEM “In the Shadow of the Palms”
text by John Parker/music by Lloyd Larson/Chancel Choir
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Drawn close to the heart of God, we offer these prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Merciful God.
Receive our prayer.
Accept the prayers we bring, O God, on behalf of a world in need, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
Lift up your heads;
we lift them up to God.
Lift up your voices;
we lift them up to God.
Lift up your hearts;
we lift them up to God.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
And so we gather at the table. We come from many different places in life. And as we come together around the table we discover that our differences are not something we just tolerate, but that our differences are indeed a blessing. So come, children of God, just as you are. Wherever you are on this journey of life and faith, you are welcome here – here in this place, here in this community, here at this table. Come, children of God, come and remember. Remember the stories that Jesus’ friends tell: Stories of bread broken and shared to feed a multitude; stories of gathering both enemy and friend together around a common table; stories of unlikely guests revealing the face of the sacred.
On a night of both celebration and betrayal Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it; gave it to his disciples and said, “Take and eat, this is my body given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Then Jesus took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples 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.”
And so we pray: Lord, bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine. Bless all of us in our eating and drinking that our eyes might be open, and that we might recognize the risen Christ in our midst, indeed in one another.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Here is food and drink for the journey. Take and be filled.
Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN “The King of Love My Shepherd Is (ELW 502)”
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth
and, where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill,
with thee, dear Lord, beside me,
thy rod and staff my comfort still;
thy cross before to guide me.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Blessed Jesus, in this rich meal of grace, you have fed us with your body, the bread of life. Now send us forth to bear your life-giving hope to a world in need.
Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world
BLESSING
You are children of God, anointed with the oil of gladness and strengthened for the journey. Almighty God, motherly, majestic, and mighty, bless you this day and always.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us”.
How deep the Father’s love for us?
How vast beyond all measure?
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss?
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Jesus meets you on the way.
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.