"Moved by the Cross"

Call to Worship

L: Sing for joy! The Master comes! P: Riding on a colt, he enters in victory! L: If all shouting stopped, the rocks would ring with joy. P: But there will be some who will not sing or shout. L: There will be some who will cling to their fear. P: Be ready, O Jerusalem, for your king truly is coming! All: Hosanna in the highest! AMEN.

Opening Prayer

With great joy we welcome you, Lord Jesus! The journey has been long and we have longed to enter theHolyCity. You come into our hearts and our lives, humbly, patiently, encouraging us to learn and grow, to embark on journeys of hope and healing. Open our hearts today to hear your words, as we sing praise to you. Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the Lord’s Name.

Moment for Stewardship

Luke’s description of that long-ago procession includes so many gifts!  The owners of the colt, willing to let the disciples take it for Jesus. The people spreading their cloaks on the road. Those singing out their praise, “Blessed in the king who comes…”

In this time of worship, what gifts have you brought to offer? Something you treasure? Something personal? Something from deep within? When we recognize how God continues to abundantly provide for us, and what amazing grace it is for Jesus to have shared his very life blood, let us offer the best of our lives!

Opening Prayer

Holy God, your love goes beyond all limits.  Thank you for giving us your beloved, Jesus, whom we claim as the Christ, to lead us ever closer to your glory and your shalom…your peace that passes understanding.

As we worship you this day, give us the desire and the will to follow Jesus, that we may be led into that peace that holds in time of trouble.  May your solid peace and your deep love persist in us, in your church, and in our world far beyond today’s parade, so we might shout our praise! In the name of Christ Jesus our Savior    Amen!

John 12:27-36 New International Version 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. 34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” 35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Benediction

Go now in joy! Remember the day of celebration when Jesus boldly and humbly rode into the city of fear and anger. Do not fear. Do not be afraid. Go in peace.“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Amen