*THE PSALM LESSON Psalm 24 Hymn 177 "Lift Up the Gates Eternal"
THE FIRST LESSON Phillipians 2:5-11
THE SECOND LESSON Mark 11:1-11
SERMON "Parades, Kings, and the Problem of Power"
WORSHIP NOTES
Today we celebrate Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four canonical gospels. The Palm branch is a symbol of triumph and victory in the Jewish tradition, and our children enact for us the sense of joy the people felt as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Our worship this morning is centered on Mark's account of this story.
We begin with words from Psalm 118 where the psalmist uses the metaphor of entering through the gates and giving thanks for God's salvation. Our choir and children process into the sanctuary singing the traditional Palm Sunday hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." Our confession reminds us of our inability to fully understand the nature of Christ's kingship. In the Philippians text, we read an ancient church hymn affirming how Jesus emptied himself taking the form of a servant. The hymn following the sermon expresses how "Sometimes they strew His way, And his sweet praises sing, Resounding all the way Hosannas to their King. Then Crucify! Is all their breath, and for his death They thirst and cry." We also welcome a new member to our congregation.
We will be serving communion in the regular fashion this morning. In the Presbyterian Church, we believe in an "open table" where all are invited to participate in these gifts of grace no matter their denomination or age. It is our practice to hold the bread until we all partake together symbolizing our sense of community in faith. The wine may be taken as we receive it indicating our own personal discipleship.
