HUC (3) march 28 2021 palm sunday.docx

HOPE UNITED CHURCH

March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday 11:00am

Worship Leadership –Rev. Brian Stevens MDiv

OPEN DOORS. OPEN MINDS. OPEN HEARTS.

PRELUDE – “Are You Waiting for a Miracle” (Sandy)

WELCOME

Welcome everyone to our Sunday on-line Service of Worship from Hope on the Danforth, a United Church of Canada congregation. My name is Gavin Penny We are so glad you could be with us this morning for our Palm Sunday Celebration. You can type greetings and comments at any time in the chat. The order of service will appear on your screen and is also available on our Facebook page and at HopeUnited.ca. Our musicians this morning are Sandy, Suzanne, and Rev. Brian.

Voice United # 123 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” (Sandy)

Hosanna, loud hosanna,

the little children sang;

through pillared court and temple

the joyful anthem rang.

To Jesus, who had held them close

folded to his breast,

the children sang their praises,

the simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed

Mid an exultant crowd

The victory palm branch waving

And chanting clear and loud.

The lord of earth and heaven

Rode on in lowly state.

Nor scorned that little children

Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!”

That ancient song we sing,

For Christ is our Redeemer

The Lord of heaven, our King.

O may we ever praise Him

With heart and life and voice,

And in his blissful presence

Eternally rejoice!

JESUS’ ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM

(Bruce)

After he had said this, he 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.”

PALM PARADE (Rev. Brian)

Imagine yourself in Jerusalem…There is a rumour that Jesus, a healer, who has been teaching and performing healing miracles around the countryside, is actually on his way to Jerusalem...You walk around the corner and you see people waving palm branches, throwing them down on the street, there is such excitement… you join in!

More Voices # 8 “And On This Path” (Sandy)

And on this path, the gates of holiness are open wide (3X)

Open wide, open wide, open wide, the gates are open wide!

So, enter in, the gates of holiness are open wide (3X)

Open wide, open wide, open wide, the gates are open wide!

OPENING PRAYER

(Marion)

Humble and riding on a donkey, we greet you;
Acclaimed by crowds and caroled by children, we cheer you;
moving from the peace of the countryside to the corridors of power,
We salute you: Christ our Lord.

You are giving the beast of burden a new dignity;
you are giving majesty a new face;
you are giving those who long for redemption A new song to sing.
With them, with heart and voice, we shout:
Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

(Sandra Cox)

We light this candle to remind us that Jesus is our beacon of light. Even as he joyously enters the city of Jerusalem, knowing that he will never again make this particular journey, he inspires and fills hearts with joy. As healer, as Saviour; Jesus is our guiding light. Amen.

Voices United #209 “ Fire of God, Undying Flame” (Sandy)

Fire of God undying flame

Spirit who in splendour came,

Let your heat my soul refine,

Till it glows with love divine.

Love of God, your grace profound

Knows not either age or bound:

Come my heart’s own guest to be,

Dwell forevermore in me.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Rev. Brian)

(from Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church)

Loving God, on this day, Your Son entered the rebellious city that later rejected Him: we confess that our wills are as rebellious as Jerusalem’s. Our faith is often more show than substance. Our hearts are in need of cleansing. Have mercy on us, Son of David, Savior of our lives. Help us to lay at Your feet all we have and all we are, trusting You to forgive, to heal, and to receive us as Your own. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE (Rev. Brian)

God’s grace is always with us…each moment of our journey. Ready to embrace and hold us when we call out. The invitation is ours to make; an invitation that will always be accepted when we open our hearts to Christ. Amen

FIRST READING Isaiah 50: 4-9 (Mahroo)

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, waken my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced.

Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

RESPONSIVE PSALM Voices United # 738 - Psalm 31 (Mp3)

(Suzanne and Rev. Brian)

Refrain: I trust in you, you are my God!

In you, O GOD I have taken refuge, let me never be put to shame.

Deliver me in your righteousness;

Incline your ear, come quickly to my rescue.

Refrain: I trust in you, you are my God!

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to keep me safe.

You are indeed my rock and fortress;

Lead me and guide me for your own name’s sake.

Release me from the net that they hid for me, for you are my protector.

Into your hands I commend my spirit,

For you have released me, O God of truth.

Refrain: I trust in you, you are my God!

Have mercy on me, God, for I am in trouble;

My eyes are wasted with grief, my soul and my body also.

My life is work out with sorrow,

and my years with sighing;

My strength fails me in my misery,

my bones are wasted away.

I am the scorn of my enemies, yes, even of my neighbours.

My acquaintances shudder at the sight of me.

When they see me in the street, they shrink away.

I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;

I have become like a broken vessel.

I hear the whispering of many; fear is on every side,

While they conspire against me, and plot to take my life.

Refrain: I trust in you; you are my God.

My times are in your hands;

Deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

Let your face shine on your servant,

And save me, for your mercy’s sake.

Refrain: I trust in you, you are my God.

Philippians 2: 5-11 (Sandra Cox)

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.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God!

GOSPEL Luke 22: 14-23: 49

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

(Rev. Brian)

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!”

Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.

Family of Friends “Rev. Brian” (Mp3)

Gathered at the table…

Gathered with his friends.

Celebrating Passover.

friends and family all as one.

Now as one at table

We gather in his name…

To celebrate as Jesus did…

With family and friends.

We lift a cup of blessing,

We break that loaf of bread...

That we might share as Jesus shared

With family and friends.

We lift a cup of blessing,

We break that loaf of bread...

That we might share as Jesus shared

With family and friends.

That we might share with all who are in need…

Our family of friends!

THE DISPUTE ABOUT GREATNESS (Marion)

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors.

But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

“You are those who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

JESUS PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL

(Mahroo)

“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!”

Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.”

PURSE, BAG, AND SWORD

(Bruce)

He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”

JESUS PRAYS ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

(Janice)

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”

MUSIC MINISTRY- “Jesus Tempted in the Desert”

Suzanne Oryschak accompanied by Rev. Brian

THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST OF JESUS

(Gavin)

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?”

When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

Voices United #134 “Shadows Gather, Deep and Cold” (Sandy)

(Verses 1 & 2)

Shadows gather, deep and cold.

lamplight flickers, fades and fails.

Lord, you know what daybreak holds:

thorns and beatings, cross and nails.

You will be denied, betrayed,

when the rooster wakes the sun.

Yet you kneel alone and pray,

“Not my will, but thine be done.”

PETER DENIES JESUS

(Suzanne)

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.

Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!”

At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

THE MOCKING AND BEATING OF JESUS

(Gavin)

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” They kept heaping many other insults on him.

JESUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL

(Gavin)

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!”

JESUS BEFORE PILATE

(Rebekah)

Then the assembly rose as a body and

brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where

he began even to this place.”

JESUS BEFORE HEROD

(Sandy)

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

JESUS SENTENCED TO DEATH

(Marion)

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and, said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.”

Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!”

A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.”

But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So, Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS

(Rev. Brian)

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.

And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 4But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Voices United # 148 “Jesus, Remember Me” (Sandy)

Jesus, remember me…

When you come int your kingdom.

Jesus, remember me…

When you come into your kingdom.

THE DEATH OF JESUS

(Janice)

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands Icommend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last.

When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON: “Judas: the Word and Person”

MUSIC MINISTRY- “You are Loved.”

Arrangement and vocals by Sandy

OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND WORK

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

(Bruce)

Lord, we offer these gifts, that we might serve and care for those around us. Inspire us, nudge us, remind us, that we are stewards of creation. For the abundance you provide, we are ever thankful.

Let us share all that we can, so that all might have a safe place to sleep,

a meal to nourish body and soul, and great teachers to guide us on our way. Amen.

Our doxology is “For the Gift of Creation” # 538 in Voice United (Sandy)

For the gift of creation, the gift of your love,

And the gift of the Spirit by which we live,

We thank you and give you the fruit of our hands,

May your grace be proclaimed,by the gifts…

That we give.

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD

(Marion)

We pray for the Christian church throughout the world. Almighty God, during this Holy Week, we ask you to encourage all Christians to draw close to you for their strength and comfort. We particularly remember those Christians who suffer persecution as a result of their faith.

God of mercy and love…