Worship on the Web STARTERS FOR SUNDAY Date Sunday 28th March Palm Sunday/Passion As the years roll on the practice of concentrating on Palm Sunday begins to seem inadequate. In a child rich environment it was a wonderful excuse for a family action packed service – in a rural setting it is an opportunity to bring a donkey into church and rejoice in this welcome of Jesus. Mid week we put substantial effort into Holy Week worship – or Labyrinths – or printed aids. However more will have read the Di Vinci Code than come to a Maundy Thursday service I imagine. How many of our young, our new members or visitors know the full story about to unfold? There is a growing sense that most folk skip straight from this Sunday to the joy of Easter Morning. The numbers that participate or enter the stories of Holy Week itself are few. So perhaps we should be doing both - celebrating the entry to Jerusalem and reflecting on the events of the Passion too. See http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=10565 for one way of doing this. On offer here are some random resources for the Sunday. A t the end I have outlined a possible way of using the long passage from Luke – a service of readings and hymns. It lends itself to being dramatised, having choral contributions, or a processional service. We have a rural congregation with 5 buildings and from time to time we walk from each of them with, or without the donkey, with worship at different points reflecting the parish narrative. Also this year our closing school assembly is on Maundy Thursday and we are arranging a day round a seder meal, outdoor worship and dramatised trial assembly. Prayers are included into the Passion Liturgy at the end. Liturgy of the Palms Comment on Psalm This is an entry liturgy to the Temple – with parts – it in itself to be dramatised as the processional entry of all the constituents of worship this morning. It proclaims God’s deliverance from Egypt and exile. It is a powerful acclamation of our God as we come before his throne of grace and should be used as such. Psalm 118 (New International Version - UK) Comment on Luke  Luke 19:28-40 (New International Version - UK) Jesus intended a demonstration as he approached Jerusalem. This is perhaps more clear in Mark,  but from the elements here we discern the use of the donkey  and the timings provocative acts as we enter this final stage of his redemptive work. The triumphal entry presages the outcome of Easter Morning – the triumph is over the forces of evil and sin with Jerusalem the backdrop rather than the enemy. It is staged brilliantly and Luke draws this out for the readers in echoing Zecheriah 9 9-10 and in his redaction of Psalm 118.26. This is the blessing pronounced on pilgrims coming up to the temple for a festival now changed to King or Lord to highlight the belief that we are to presume the disciples believe themselves to be taking part in a coronation procession for a Messiah – the donkey stressing the non- military – the passive authority that will establish the universal kingdom of peace. The Triumphal Entry Hymns 78 Oh set ye Open unto me (Psalm 118) 364 All Glory Laud and Honour 365/370 Ride On! 367 Hosanna Loud Hosanna 366 Come into the streets with me 362 Heaven Shall Not Wait 277 Hark the Glad Sound Liturgy of the Passion Isaiah 50:4-9 (New International Version - UK)  Psalm 31 (New International Version - UK) Psalm 31 Philippians 2:1-13 (New International Version - UK) Imitating Christ's Humility  Luke 23 1 – 49 only – the trial and crucifixion or the full text as follows Children If there are enough children it is always worth a processional entry of the young waving branches, shouting Hosanna and following the donkey – Minister – with child on shoulders. Health and Safety conscious colleagues may not want to go there. The story tells itself – the welcome – play on the palm of one’s hand - the palm stretched out – open to show nothing in it – old chivalry – or to be shaken in welcome – and if you wish the contrast or to introduce the ‘plotters’ the palm held up as a stop sign – traffic analogy – do not proceed! But he did! (proceed that is) Hymns (Palm Above) 374 From Heaven You came 362 Heaven Shall Not Wait 375 This is the night 376 T’was in that night 377 Go to dark Gethsemane 356 Meekness and Majesty 793 Stay with me 801 Ubi Caritas 380 There is a Green Hill 382 O Sacred Head 383 While Mary was Watching 385 Here Hangs a man Discarded 386 Lifted High And others in section to 404 Here follows a suggestion for a service akin to Lessons and Carols allowing the story to tell itself in scripture;- The Passion of Our Lord in lesson, prayer and praise. (From Eggs and Ashes Wild Goose 2004 Glasgow ) An entrance liturgy – suggest having the leading verses planted round the church and begin as Bible/Minister/participants enter Jesus is coming SHOUT HOSANNAH He’s riding on a donkey SHOUT HOSANNAH Open the Gates SHOUT HOSANNAH Open the ancient doors SHOUT HOSANNAH Don’t be afraid SHOUT HOSANNAH Wave the branches SHOUT HOSANNAH Spread out your coats SHOUT HOSANNAH Peace in Heaven SHOUT HOSANNAH Glory in highest heaven SHOUT HOSANNAH Hymn 367 Hosanna Loud Hosanna We tell your story We follow in your footsteps LEAD US INTO HOLY WEEK We walk towards the city We wait in the garden LEAD US ONTO HOLY GROUND We journey towards death We hope for the resurrection LEAD US INTO HIS PASSION AND HOLY JOY (Ruth Burgess) Prayer Creator God Through the ages we have come to enter this Jerusalem - Children of the world seeking the gate of the heavens. We come hanging on to the cloak of our lord Following him along the path to the city On into the turmoil of his passion Watching betrayal Rejection Trial and Crucifixion Yet hanging on that we might be led through the darkness of noon The silence of death Into the dawn of a new age a new life Into Resurrection. Yet again we enter Holy week Bringing our Lenten sacrifices and searching to lay at your feet Full of wonder and praise that you would do such things for us. As we welcome you onto our hearts and homes on this Palm Sunday May we hear the story of your passion not as a story told but as the living words of your sacrifice for us. And so may we rise from here sion not as a story told but as the living words of our root and journey onwards Resolute and strengthened to follow the way of the cross Through Jesus Christ our Lord who taught us when we pray to say Lord’s Prayer Amen Luke 22:14-23:56 (New International Version - UK) We hear from the Gospel. First Luke 22 14 onward. At table on this the Last Supper we hear the words of the institution of communion and the dissonance of betrayal foretold. 14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God.17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, Take this and divide it among you.18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him. 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.  24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.  25 Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Hymn 376 When on that night when doomed to know We continue Luke’s gospel at the 22nd chapter reading form verse 31. Peter’s denial is foretold and Jesus senses the immanence of the end.. 31. Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers  33 But he replied, Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death. 34 Jesus answered, I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.35 Then Jesus asked them, When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything? Nothing, they answered.36 He said to them, But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.37 It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfilment.38 The disciples said, See, Lord, here are two swords. That is enough, he replied. A Prayer of Confession Lord Jesus as we reflect upon these final days of your life we seek not to remember a story so much as a journey to be made. As we embark upon this journey we seek to lay down all the weakness and sinfulness that burdens our travel – to become other than we are with a purity we do not possess and so march forward in faith your champions. Then we remember Simon Peter and the disciples – and their weaknesses and brokenness – and we remember how you saw them for who they are – yet called them to carry forward your will on earth.So we come as we are and as you see us – seeking forgiveness and healing for the journey ahead. For hardness of heart and hands that are soiled with compromises LORD IN YOUR MERCY, HEAL AND FORGIVE. For our denials of your part in our lives LORD IN YOUR MERCY, HEAL AND FORGIVE. For our intentional or genuine misunderstanding of your will and direction to us LORD IN YOUR MERCY, HEAL AND FORGIVE. For our betrayals of you in our part in the injustice and oppression that so diminish the lives of our brothers and sisters LORD IN YOUR MERCY, HEAL AND FORGIVE For our lack of concentration, our lack of energy, our wanderings from the narrow way, our flitting in and out of doors marked corruption this way, and all that has made a lie of our discipleship LORD IN YOUR MERCY, HEAL AND FORGIVE. Grant to us we plead renewed hearts that we may follow you now with restored zeal in the service of your kingdom – may we be the people you can rely upon to carry your coming cross and enter the suffering of creation with you that we may proclaim the hope of Easter as part of the light and the truth of this world Amen Now from Luke 22 verse 39 let us recall Jesus in prayer to his father agonising over the cup before him – as his disciples sleep Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives  39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.40 On reaching the place, he said to them, Pray that you will not fall into temptation. 41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.  45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.  46 Why are you sleeping? he asked them. Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Hymn 377 Go to dark Gethsemane Let us again hear the word of God from the Gospel as Jesus is arrested Jesus Arrested  47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?49 When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, Lord, should we strike with our swords?  50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, No more of this! And he touched the man's ear and healed him.52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour— when darkness reigns.     (Choral/Music interlude or verses of (375) Abelard’s - This is the night dear friends the night for weeping) (Perhaps the offering taken here, if not before final hymn) We hear the Gospel now from Luke 22 verse 54 as the cock crows and Peter Denies his Lord. Peter Disowns Jesus  54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.  56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, This man was with him. 57 But he denied it. Woman, I don't know him, he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, You also are one of them. Man, I am not! Peter replied.59 About an hour later another asserted, Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.  60 Peter replied, Man, I don't know what you're talking about! Just as he was speaking, the cock crowed.  61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: Before the cock crows today, you will disown me three times. 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.  The Guards Mock Jesus  63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him.     64 They blindfolded him and demanded, Prophesy! Who hit you?     65 And they said many other insulting things to him.     This silence is God’s Word (Silence) (Continue without introduction – this is open to being dramatised here or at least having two voices;-) Jesus Before Pilate and Herod 66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 If you are the Christ, they said, tell us. Jesus answered, If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer.69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God. 70 They all asked, Are you then the Son of God? He replied, You are right in saying I am.   71 Then they said, Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.  Luke 23  1 Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.     2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.3 So Pilate asked Jesus, Are you the king of the Jews? Yes, it is as you say, Jesus replied. 4 Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, I find no basis for a charge against this man.5 But they insisted, He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.  6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.  10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him.11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.  12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends— before this they had been enemies. 13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.     16-17Therefore, I will punish him and then release him. 18 With one voice they cried out, Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us! (19 Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, Crucify him! Crucify him!     22 For the third time he spoke to them: Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.     24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand.     25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.  Hymn   399 My Song is Love unknown Our story now leads us to the crucifixion – to the cross – Luke’s Gospel Chapter 23 from Verse 26 The Crucifixion  26 As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.28 Jesus turned and said to them, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.  29 For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'  30 Then 'they will say to the mountains, Fall on us! and to the hills Cover us!'  31For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?     32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.   33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals— one on his right, the other on his left.     34 Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One. 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar  37 and said, If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.     38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.     39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!40 But the other criminal rebuked him. Don't you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. 42 Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.43 Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Hymn 391 This is your Coronation    Janet Morley’s approach to the Transigion and Reproaches in Bread of Tomorrow would sit well here. (Bread of Tomorrow SPCK/Christian Aid 1992 London) Holy God Holy and Strange Holy and intimate Have mercy on us O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I brooded over the abyss With my words I called forth creation But you have brooded on destruction And manufactured the means of chaos O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I breathed life into your bodies And carried you tenderly in my arms But you have armed yourselves for war Breathing out threats of violence O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I made the desert blossom before you I fed you with an open hand But you have grasped the children’s food And laid waste fertile lands. O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I abandoned my power like a garment Choosing your unprotected flesh But you have robed yourself in priviledge And chosen to despise the abandoned. O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. Holy God Holy and strange Holy and intimate Have mercy on us I would have gathered you to me as a lover And shown you the way of peace But you have desired security And you would not surrender yourself O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I have torn the veil of my glory Transfiguring the earth But you have disfigured my beauty And turned away your face O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I have laboured to deliver you As a woman delights to give life But you have delighted in bloodshed And laboured to bereave the world O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. I have followed you with the power of my spirit To seek truth and heal the oppressed But you have been following a lie And returned to your own comfort O my people what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me. Holy God Holy and strange Holy and intimate Have mercy on us The final reading is from Luke 23 verses 44 to 56 – the death and burial of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus' Death  44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour,45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. When he had said this, he breathed his last.47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, Surely this was a righteous man. 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Jesus' Burial  50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no-one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.  55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Offering if not taken earlier and intercessions if required today here) Intercessions Heavenly Father Help us now to think beyond the doors of our homes and kirk to the need of your world and its people. In our prayers may we remember your search for disciples true to your mission. Father, your Son entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday as a King of Peace, reconciling all people to each other that love may reign and the enmity and divisions that lead to broken relationships be defeated. Hear us as we pray for peace – amongst neighbours, families and communities. Hear us as we pray for peace keepers remembering especially those of our forces working to build stable nations especially in Afghanistan. (Might make more of this) Almighty God your son entered Jerusalem to confront those who had reduced your rich covenant of grace to a work without joy or hope. Hear our prayer for your church throughout the world that she may work not for her own glory but for the nurture of all people in the saving work of the Spirit. Guide our courts and assemblies through the great dilemmas that we face and help us to remain true to the gospel of love and the cross of reconciliation. As we remember our Lord teaching hear us as we pray for Christian Education and those who teach the truths and joys of Christian faith, in Church, in School and in the community. Inspire and affirm all who work for this vital component of the ministry of your son. God of our fathers, we remember in the passion of your Son his presence in an upper room, anointed by love and at table with his betrayer, breaking bread with friend and foe, setting forth the example that gives the church’s chief joy in the sacrament of communion and fundamental call to service in the washing of feet, and ahead lies arrest and trial and the hanging with a thief. What a mixture to come and stand at the foot of the cross and hear your words, – of forgiveness, agony and promise. May we who come to this moment own that we are in the company of the greatest cross section of people ever gathered – yet one in Jesus, may we pray for the criminal and the betrayer – for repentance and reinstatement in the community, may we honour with pride all those who have poured out their oil of service upon our Lord and may we ever be faithful to the keeping of the sacraments in obedience to your call. In many ways, our heavenly father, this week will be remembered for the power of the mob. We pray for the integrity of those who govern us that they may escape prejudicial influences and fearlessly act on the virtues of truths and justice. We remember our Lord comforting and comforted this Holy Week – we pray, in the name of Father Son and Spirit, for the healing power of our Saviour to be with those who are sick, distressed, grieving or in any way suffering. We remember in our hearts those know to us................................. Protect the widows and orphan, guard those exposed to danger, bring peace and companionship to those tired in years and sit alongside the dying brining those wonderful images of your kingdom and those words, today you will be with me in paradise. Answer these our prayers for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ who entered Jerusalem on this day we remember, riding to his week of passion and death carrying our griefs and sorrows. Then, Lord of Heaven and Earth, we pray, may we give thanks for the great company on heaven and on earth who have stood in wonder, pain, doubt or sorrow at the foot of the cross then rejoiced to meet you upon another shore and be numbered with those without number who are before your throne in your kingdom. May that cloud of witnesses be our source of hope and motivation to work too for the day of the lord, by serving him in the other bringing forth his justice and peace to the ends of the earth until he comes again to envelop even us in his glorious kingdom, world without end. Amen  Hymn 380 There is a green hill far away Blessing Rev Robin D McHaffie, Minister, Linton, Morebattle, Hownam and Yetholm