to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!

1 Thou art the King of Israel, thou David’s royal Son,

who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One. [Refrain]

2 The people of the Hebrews with palms before thee went;

our praise and prayers and anthems before thee we present. [Refrain]

3 To thee, before thy passion, they sang their hymns of praise;

to thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. [Refrain]

4 Thou didst accept their praises;

accept the prayers we bring,

who in all good delightest, thou good and gracious King! [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 118:26

ONE: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.

MANY: Hosanna in the highest!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Hosanna! King of all, you reign over all. Reign in our lives, triumph over evil and teach us to follow in your footsteps. Amen.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN       

 CONFESSION 

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, and ignored your truth. 

Have mercy, O God, and forgive our sins. Return us to paths of righteousness through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen. 

KYRIE [GTG#577]

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                   

PROCLAMATION

FIRST LESSON                                                Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

CANTATA “The Passion Song”      by Lloyd Larson

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Lila Crotty, Sharon Fortin, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Linda Lowry, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Renna Shows, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins

Conductor: Kelly Cuppett Pianist: Tom Petterson

Movement I – Hosanna Intrada

Tune: ST. THEODULPH by Melchior Teschner (1584-1635)

arranged by Lloyd Larson

Narrator 1: The shouts of “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” seemed to echo in the streets of Jerusalem for days as people prepared for the Passover Feast. It was now the first day of the Feast and Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover meal?”

Narrator 2: Jesus said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there. 

Narrator 1: The disciples left, went into the city, and found everything just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared for the feast of the Passover Lamb.

Narrator 2: As evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve and they shared a feast of love. 

Narrator 1: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. Giving it to His disciples, He said, “Take it; this is my body broken for you.”

Narrator 2: Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

Movement II – Feast of Love

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the Servant who has gently led, 

who humbly shares the broken bread

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Praise the One who by His love divine 

shares the cup of grace, the sacred wine,

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

“Remember me when you eat the bread, 

Remember me and the things I’ve said.

Remember me when you drink the cup.

Remember when I am lifted up 

I will draw the world unto me!

O children remember me.”

At the Lamb’s high feast of love, 

we praise our God who reigns above!

Praise the righteous One whom angels greet;

the King who kneels and washes feet 

at the Lamb’s high feast of love. 

Narrator 2: Following the meal, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Narrator 1: Having already told them that one of the Twelve would betray Him, Jesus now told them that they would all fall away. “For it is written,” He said, “I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.”

Narrator 2: The prophecies of Jesus were to soon become reality as Judas, the betrayer, and a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the elders surrounded him. They seized and arrested Jesus. 

Narrator 1: They took him to a place where the religious leaders were gathered. Several of them made false accusations against Jesus. They condemned Him, saying He was worthy of death. 

Narrator 2: The religious leaders eventually reached a consensus. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate, the local Roman governor. As was customary at the Feast, the people were demanding the release of an imprisoned criminal named Barabbas. 

Narrator 1: Pilate asked the enraged crowd, “What shall I do, then, with the one you call King of the Jews?” “Crucify Him!” they shouted. “Crucify Him!”

Narrator 2: So Pilate had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. IN those few hours, the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled. 

Narrator 1: He was despised and rejected: a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. He was oppressed and afflicted; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. 

Movement III – Song of Golgotha

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating Tunes PASSION CHORALE and HERZLIEBSTER JESU

He was despised and rejected, scorned by His very own.

Yet He bore the cross of shame willingly.

He was pierced for our transgressions, broken and alone. 

Still, He chose to bear the cross for you and me. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has born all our grief. 

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not say a word. 

And He bore the lowly cross to Calvary.

Like a lamb led to slaughter, He was crushed and suffered.

See the sacrificial Lamb upon the tree. 

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows. 

Surely, surely He has borne all our grief. 

Ah, holy Jesus, how have You offended,

that the mortal judgment has on You descended?

By foes derided, by Your own rejected, O most afflicted!

Surely, surely He has carried all our sorrows,

and borne all our grief. 

Narrator 1: Jesus was led away. Roman soldiers put a purple robe on Him and then twisted together a crown of thorns which they placed upon His head. In mockery they called out to Him, “Hail King of the Jews!”

Narrator 2: They struck Jesus on the head with a staff, spat upon Him, and continued to mock Him by falling on their knees in fake homage to the holy Lamb of God. 

Narrator 1: Then they put His own clothes back on Him and led Jesus out to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There He was crucified. 

Narrator 2: Those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus. Even those crucified with Him heaped insults on Him. 

Narrator 1: After several agonizing hours on the cross, with a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last. The Roman centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry, and saw how He died. In awe and wonder he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

Movement IV – Behold the Lamb

Words and music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tunes NEAR THE CROSS and WONDROUS LOVE

Behold the Lamb, behold the Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss 

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul? 

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing

to God and to the Lamb I will sing!

To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I AM,”

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing. 

Behold the Lamb of God, behold the Lamb of God! 

Behold the Lamb, the holy Lamb of God!

Behold the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. 

Behold the Lamb! Behold the Lamb!

Narrator 2: Very early on the first day of the week following the Sabbath, just after sunrise, the women were on their way to the tomb. They asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? 

Narrator 1: But as they looked up, they saw that the large stone had already been rolled away. They entered the tomb, and there they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side. They were very alarmed. 

 Narrator 2: But he said to them, “Do not be afraid! You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen! See the place where they laid Him. Now go and tell His disciples! Jesus is risen!”

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Narrator 2: He is worthy to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength. He is worthy to receive honor glory and praise!

Narrator 1: Worthy is the Lamb!

Movement V – Resurrection Canticle

Words and Music by Lloyd Larson

Incorporating tune DIADEMATA

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy is the Lamb!

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, the living Lamb of God. 

He’s worthy to receive power and wealth. 

He’s worthy of all wisdom and strength. 

He’s worthy of our honor and glory and praise!

Worthy is the Lamb! 

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own. 

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

and hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life, 

who triumphed o’er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save. 

His glories now we sing, who died and rose on high,

who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Risen now, forever to reign!

Worthy is the living Lamb of God!

 RESPONSE     

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORDS’ PRAYER

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*HYMN [BLUE#85] [GTG#215]  What Wondrous Love is This

1 What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,

what wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2 When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!

3 To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;

to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM,

while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;

while millions join the theme, I will sing!

4 And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;

and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,

and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

and through eternity I’ll sing on.

*PARTING PRAYER

Gracious God, our way in the wilderness, guide us, by your Word, through these forty days, and minister to us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may be reformed, restored, and renewed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [BLUE#599] [GTG#227]  Jesus, Remember Me,

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. 

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.

POSTLUDE         I Want Jesus to Walk with Me       arr. Jason Krug

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; and Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF