Order of Service – Sunday 2 April 2023 – PALM SUNDAY

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CALL TO WORSHIP

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

This is the day that the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

HYMN:       353       “The Glory of Our King Was Seen”

DECLARATION

It was on this day that the Christ entered the holy city to shouts of ‘Hosanna!’ It was in this week that He entered the Temple, the place of worship, and cleansed it; it was in this week that He gave the meal of thanksgiving to His disciples; it was on the Friday of this week that he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.                           (Philippians 2:8)

HYMN:       724       “Hosanna, Hosanna”  

PRAYER

God of new beginnings, help us hear the good news that in Christ the old has passed away and the new has come. Help us know that even the darkest wilderness gives way to light and life. We thank You that even when the wilderness is of our own making, and we have purposely turned away from You; You wait our return as a loving father awaits the return of a lost child. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Hear the good news: Our gracious God forgives all your iniquity and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy; God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love; God does not deal with us according to our sins or repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is the steadfast love of God; as far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our transgressions from us.

Thanks be to God! Amen!

HYMN:       271       “The Advent of Our God”

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

I ask you to pray for the peace of the world, and for all the nations of the world. Pray for enemies to be reconciled and for justice to be done. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to pray for our church and for Christians everywhere. Pray for courage and integrity in following the way of the cross. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to pray for all who offer their gifts to Christ, and for those who have betrayed His trust in them. Pray for love and loyalty in all our relationships. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to pray for the sick and all prisoners, and for people preparing to die. Pray for healing, freedom, and hope. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to pray for the lonely, for those who are in pain and those who have lost hope. Pray for patience and courage. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to pray for the victims of mass shootings, earthquakes, people of Ukraine and Artsakh. Pray for comfort and strength. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to pray for the forgiveness of our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for pardon and peace.  Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

I ask you to give thanks for all the saints, and for the resurrection light that shines on them. Remember those who have died. Lord, hear us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Holy God, hear the prayers of your Church. Forgive our sins, and send us the grace we need to be faithful followers of our crucified and risen Lord,

for we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

Holy One, speak to us again as we read of the suffering and death of Jesus. May we hear Your word above the shouts of the crowd, and hearing, may we follow faithfully, even to the cross. We pray in the name of Jesus, who died for us. Amen!

CHOIR:                “God’s Law is Perfect” (Psalm 19:7-11)

PRAYER

Father, anoint us with Your Holy Spirit, so that as we read Your eternal word, Your word may penetrate our whole being and transform us. Grant us the blessing to be faithful disciples in believing the Word of God and that we may be a light shining upon all who are in darkness. Amen!

BIBLE READINGS –                                                                     Ruth West

Psalm 118:1- 2, 19-29 (Pages 606-607)                     Matthew 21:1-11 (Pages 977-978)

MUSICAL REFLECTION

SERMON:                  “Who is this?”                               Krikor Youmshajekian

NOTICES –

  • Movie/Pizza Night – 6:30 pm Tuesday 4 April 2023
  • Good Friday Service – Friday 7 April 9:30 am.
  • Easter Sunday Service – Sunday 9 April 9:30 am.
  • Elders’ & Council Meeting – Wednesday 12 April 12:30 pm
  • Mother’s Day Lunch – Sunday 7 May 12:00 noon.
  • Trip to Narrabri – 22-30 May. If interested, register!

OFFERING  –  God gave His best, He gave His Son. What about Us?

HYMN:       348       “Ride on! Ride on in Majesty!”

THE LORD’S PRAYER

BLESSING

May Christ our crucified Saviour draw you to Himself, that you may find in Him a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope, and the assurance of sins forgiven; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

May the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.

Go in peace. Know that He is the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords. Amen!

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To contact Krikor call   0418 417 411

Church Website:  http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au

Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au

Church Office phone: 9427 4740