April 9, 2017
Palm Sunday
Prelude: Marche Religieuse Alexandre Guilmant
Chiming of the Hour
Procession of the Palms – The Palms Jean Faure
The Congregation is invited to join in the chorus:
Praise ye, Praise ye the Lord!
Let every voice resound with joyous acclamation!
Hosanna!
Praise ye the Lord, Hosanna!
Bless him who cometh to bring us salvation.
*Hymn: #196 All Glory, Laud and Honor
Welcome
Joys and Concerns
Choral Introit: Glory,Glory,Glory
Call to Worship
One: We gather together in this place.
All: Raising our branches in joy!
One: Joining all who wish to see Jesus
All: Eager for a healing touch,
a blessing received.
One: We gather together in this place.
All: Raising our branches in hope!
One: Joining all who wish to hear Jesus
All: Longing for a message of welcome
and acceptance on our journey.
One: We gather together in this place.
All: Laying down our branches in fear.
One: Wondering if we are able to walk with Jesus
All: Through the week ahead, through anguish, accusations, despair.
One: We gather together in this place.
All: Waving branches of prayer.
Walking toward the Cross, and the empty tomb.
One: Come, let us worship God together!
Prayer of Invocation (in unison)
Hosanna, O God in the highest!
How you come to us in ways we never expect.
A king on a donkey?
A Savior on a cross?
How can we recognize you, with us, among us?
Will your message come through?
Will the palms we wave with joy today
be thrown down tomorrow with doubt?
May your Spirit guide us through this Holiest of Weeks,
beside us, around us, before and behind us, within us. It is in Christ’s name that we pray. Amen.
Call to Confession
We share our confessions acknowledging that we can get swept up in a crowd allowing fear to overcome our trust.
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
Loving God, we confess that the streets of our lives
are often crowded with a parade mood filling the air
masking a callous indifference and lukewarm faith.
Save us from thin hopes and small dreams. Hear us now as we turn to you with our silent confessions, seeking your mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Moment of silent prayer
Assurance of God’s Love
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Responsive Reading – Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
(Page 695 HS in the pew bible)
Hebrew Scripture Reading – Isaiah 50: 4-9a
(Page 833 HS in the pew bible)
Children’s Message and Lord’s Prayer
(Children leave for Sunday School and Youth Discussion Group)
*Hymn: # 197 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Offering of our Gifts
Anthem: Hosanna! Blessed Is He That Comes Gregor-Mueller
Christiane Olson, soprano soloist
*Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Gospel Reading – Matthew 21: 1-11
(Page 27 in the pew bible)
Sermon: “Swept up in the Crowd”
Reverend Diane Monti-Catania
Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer
Choral Response: Amen
*Hymn: #198 Ride On! Ride On in Majesty
Benediction
Response: (to be sung by all) #198 Ride On! (verse 1)
Postlude: Toccata Jacques Lemmens
(* Please stand if able.)
If you are visiting us today, Welcome! Please sign the guestbook at the front door and introduce yourself to our Pastor or to one of the Deacons.
Please join us in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship following worship. All are welcome. Our host today is Cynthia LaPier.
Please see an usher:
If you would like to use a hearing device;
If you would like to bring your child to the Nursery
Many thanks to:
Karin Noyes for serving as lay reader
Bob Weber & John Arnold for ushering
Prayer List
Hatsie Baltus, Emma Mae, Leonard Kaufman, Laura Flores, Gordon Weekly, Paul McAbee, Shirley Rogers, Jane Fitting, Nancy Tuckerman, Barbara Jacquette, Gloria Buckley, Petie Robinson, Gay Ayers, The Sosnoff Family, Wilma Tillerman, Will, Schaper family; family and friends of Walter Crain
CALL TO THE ANNUAL MEETING
The 270th Annual Meeting, Part II, of the Congregational Church of Salisbury will be held following the worship service on Sunday, April 23, 2017 for the purpose of:
- Presentation of Reports from the Boards and
Committees including an update on the 2016 Epiphany Fund
- The Nominating Committee’s Report
- The Election of Officers and Committees
- Vote on Trustee’s recommendation to sell the parsonage.
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
Today: 3 pm Oratorio Concert
Monday: 6 pm AA Meeting
Tuesday: 5:30 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday: 9 am Music Committee Meeting
7:15 am Choir Rehearsal
Thursday: 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service with Communion
Friday: Good Friday ~ Office Closed
Saturday: Holy Saturday
Sunday: 6 am Easter Sunrise Service at the Town Grove
9:45 am Bell Choir
10 am Worship in the Meeting House
2:00 pm Worship at Noble Horizons