Who is Right and Does it Matter?

Passion/Palm Sunday

**Please note this service is based on the format of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. Unless otherwise indicated, all prayers come from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW). Hymns and other prayers have been sourced to give appropriate credit.

**NRSV translation used for the readings, unless otherwise stated.

Gathering

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

Hosanna in the highest.

Processional Gospel

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 19:28-40

Glory to you, O Lord.

After he had said this, [Jesus] 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.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Blessing of Palms

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

We praise you, O God,

for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Today he entered the holy city in triumph

and was proclaimed messiah and king

by those who spread garments and branches along his way.

Bless these branches and those who carry them.

Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross,

so that, joined to his death and resurrection,

we enter into life with you;

through the same Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Opening Hymn – All Glory, Laud, and Honor (ELW #344)

                        Listen Here

Prayer of the Day

As we now enter into the contemplation of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and meditate on the salvation of the world through his sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection, let us pray.

Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Readings

A reading from the Book of Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens – wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Psalm 31:9-16

                        Listen Here

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;
  my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing;
  my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
I am the scorn of all my enemies, a disgrace to my neighbors, a dismay to my acquaintances;
  when they see me in the street they avoid me.
Like the dead I am forgotten, out of mind;
  I am as useless as a broken pot. 
For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around;
  they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.
  I have said, “You are my God.
My times are in your hand;
  rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
  save me in your steadfast love.” 

A reading from the Letter from Paul to the Philippians 2:5-11

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 Acclamation

Christ 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. (Phil. 2:8-9)

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 22:14-23:56

Glory to you, O Lord.

            Listen Here

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

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!”

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.

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.

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!”

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.”

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.

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.

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!” But 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.”

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 I commend 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.

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.

On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

May only truth be spoken, and truth received. Amen.
    When it comes to truth, point of view can really matter.
   Thinking on this, I am reminded of a movie from 2008 called Vantage Point. It starred some big names like Dennis Quaid, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, and Matthew Fox. The movie was about the attempted assassination of an American President told and re-told from several different perspectives. Each of them thought they knew the truth about what happened, but it took all the stories to get the full picture. It was a very good movie and I highly recommend it. It really made you think about how different people can see the same event unfolding and have completely different views and opinions about what is and has happened.
    It is not dissimilar to what happens as we read the texts of the bible. Our context, our history, our culture, our beliefs….these are all things that will change how we read the bible. We can never know exactly what happened in Jesus’ time – there is no one to ask for an eye-witness account! Even each Gospel is from a different vantage point, a different perspective.
    The Passion Narrative exists in all four books but there are some very distinct perspectives. Mark and Matthew’s version of the crucifixion is flooded in agony. John tells the story with clearly scripted theological emphasis. And Luke’s telling is almost like a contest of wills – with no clear motive as to the actions of Pilate, Herod, and “the crowds”, Luke’s is a story about whose “will” or intentions will hold sway, and how, a story that insists that, at the end, God’s will is accomplished.
    Over the last few weeks, Pastor Jennifer and I have been reading with you the Passion Narrative, told and re-told from several different perspectives. Each of them thought they knew the truth about what happened, but it took all the stories to get the full picture.
    An ugly and sharp thorn, turned into a crown of pain, who found warmth, love, and peace of mind in the man to whom it was inflicting pain and causing him to bleed. A thorn dumbfounded that this man could be called a criminal.
    A robe, made of the finest materials, destined for royalty, tossed aside into a pile, listening to crowds calling out “crucify him!”. This robe, laid on Jesus’ shoulders and blood dripping onto it from the crown on his head, being cleansed of all its stains and feeling renewed.
    A nail, handled by Jesus long before being thrust through his hands into the cross, finding a warm and inviting hand, giving it strength beyond all measures. A nail being given the opportunity to peacefully return to the dust from which it came.
    A spear, usually used to protect, maim, and kill, looking into the eyes of one who was betrayed as it was tossed aside. A spear, who, while searching for proof of death, discovered the water of life, love, and forgiveness by piercing Jesus’ side.
    A shroud, made from the most beautiful of weeds, spun and woven into linen fit for aristocrats, humiliated at the thought of being a burial shroud for a criminal, only to find humility from the man that it wrapped. A shroud who had the honour of feeling life returning to the Messiah.
    All of these objects came into the narrative from different backgrounds and experienced the event from different vantage points. Each have their own truth about what happened, all of it put together provides an experience to the reader/listener of the events of that day and what it meant to each object.
    The same could be said of all the witnesses of Jesus’ walk to Jerusalem and the events that unfolded before, during, and after.
    Each disciple would have experienced and witnessed the events from their own perspectives and will have their own truths about the events. The people closest to Jesus, especially the women, would have a different story to tell. Those in the crowd who helped Jesus carry his cross. Those who prayed for him. Those who called for his death.
    If asked, each one of these witnesses would have a different way of telling the story, even though it was all the same event.
    Perspective really does make a difference and, as I mentioned, can be influenced by context, history, culture, and beliefs.
    It can also be influenced by others, especially crowds.
    Take Peter for example. Peter would do anything for Jesus. But on that fateful night, when the crowds started questioning him, Peter got scared and denied knowing Jesus. He felt the pressure around him and denied knowing Jesus.
    The crowds in Jerusalem tried to change the perspective. People from all over knew the miracles that Jesus performed and the message that he brought. But on that day, the few supporters were silenced by the growing crowds that were calling for Jesus’ crucifixion.
    I believe that it started out as just a few people trying to sway to mood of the people, trying to persuade them that Jesus was a threat to their way of life.
    The crowd is seductive: it makes and shapes our worldly identities, through violence, casting-out and separation.  It lets us say, as Jesus’ own disciples will soon say: “That man? I don’t know him; he’s not one of us.”
    The crowd helps frightened, isolated individuals identify with the power of Caesar, the power of the temple, the nation, the tribe.
    The crowd allows prideful humans even to attempt to take the place of God: deciding who to judge, who to punish, who to scapegoat, who to allow into our body.
    It happened then. It has happened throughout history. And it happens today. It has certainly happened over the last couple of years.
    The crowd, the small but loud group, changes the story, and sways public opinion. Not always, but when it does, there can be a big impact.
    I’m sure if you took a moment to consider all that has occurred in the last little while, you would be able to come up with examples of these types of situations.
    There is a lot going on in the world right now. These last few weeks have been emotionally, spiritually, and physically exhausting for everyone, in some capacity or another.
    I am not here to debate the rights and the wrongs of it all.
    What I do want you to consider is that the truth of a story tends to lie in the middle of two versions – yours and theirs.
    In a lot of situations, neither side is fully right, and perspective really does matter. It brings to mind the picture of two people standing on either side of a number. One sees a 6 and the other sees a 9. Both are right and neither is wrong. The quote that goes with the picture is “Just because you are right, does not mean I am wrong. You just haven’t seen life from my side.”
    It is important that we learn to be with one another and speak with one another with love, compassion, and empathy.
    Despite our differences, despite our personal truths, we can love one another anyway, to the end.
    Like Jesus, who accepts today’s hosannas knowing that his friends will betray him, the crowd will turn on him, and his only crown will be pain.
    Like Jesus, who does not claim equality with God, but submits to God, emptying his own self so he can be filled with God’s love.
    And from his beautiful, bloody head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Look, Jesus says: this is how you do it.
    Christians may disagree on many issues. But the image of the compassionate Christ is at the heart of the matter for all believers.
    And so, as we head into Holy Week, may we take the time to understand our truth, listen to each other’s truth, and have compassion for one another, just as Jesus did equally for his followers and his betrayers.
    Amen.

Hymn of the Day – My Song Is Love Unknown (ELW #343)

                        Listen Here

Apostles' Creed

Let us confess the faith of our baptism as we say the Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

Drawn close to the heart of God, we offer these prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

We pray for the church, called to follow Jesus in the way of the cross. Make us unflinching servants of the gospel. Deliver us from hardship as we confront the forces of injustice and practice radical compassion.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For the earth and all its inhabitants, created in love: Train us to recognize your divine goodness in the world around us. Rouse in us a reverence for creation, that we take greater care of its resources.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For those in positions of authority called to lead with integrity and compassion: Supply them with courage and vulnerability when challenged with new ideas. Deliver them from fear that limits imagination and impedes justice.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For those who suffer, waiting expectantly for mercy and consolation: Accompany those who feel abandoned or betrayed, defend those who are wrongly accused, and embrace those who are incarcerated or detained. Heal those who are ill.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

For Christians around the world, preparing this week to journey with Jesus to the cross: Reveal to us once again the earthshaking power of humble service, unmerited forgiveness, and sacrificial love. Lead us all from death to life.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

We remember those who have died, who were commended into your hands. Remember us when you come into your kingdom, and prepare a place for each of us with you in paradise.

Merciful God,

receive our prayer.

Accept the prayers we bring, O God, on behalf of a world in need, for the sake of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Offering Hymn – Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! (ELW #346)

                        Listen Here

Offering Prayer

Let us pray.

Extravagant God,

you have blessed us with the fullness of creation.

Now we gather at your feast

where you offer us the food that satisfies.

Take and use what we offer here, come among us,

and feed us with the body and blood of Christ,

in whose name we pray.

Amen.

Great Thanksgiving

Dialogue

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Preface

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,

through our Savior Jesus Christ,

whose suffering and death gave salvation to all.

You gather your people around the tree of the cross,

transforming death into life.

And so, with all the choirs of angels,

with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, Holy, Holy

                        Listen Here

Thanksgiving at the Table

You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God.

You are most holy,

and great is the majesty of your glory.

You so loved the world that you gave your only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not perish

but have eternal life.

We give you thanks for his coming into the world

to fulfill for us your holy will

and to accomplish all things for our salvation.

In the night in which he was betrayed,

our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:

This cup is the new covenant in my blood,

shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup,

we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Remembering, therefore, his salutary command,

his life-giving passion and death, his glorious resurrection and ascension,

and the promise of his coming again,

we give thanks to you, O Lord God Almighty,

not as we ought but as we are able;

we ask you mercifully to accept our praise and thanksgiving

and with your Word and Holy Spirit to bless us, your servants,

and these your own gifts of bread and wine,

so that we and all who share in the body and blood of Christ

may be filled with heavenly blessing and grace,

and, receiving the forgiveness of sin,

may be formed to live as your holy people

and be given our inheritance with all your saints.

To you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

be all honor and glory in your holy church, now and forever.

Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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 trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

Invitation to Communion

This is the table of Christ. It is made ready for those who love him, and for those who want to love him more. Come, whether you have much faith or little, have tried to follow, or are afraid that you have failed. Come. Because it is Christ's will that those who want to meet him, might meet him here. These are the gifts of God for the people of God.

 

Share in the Eucharist.

 

Table Blessing

The body and blood of our Lord

Jesus Christ strengthen you

and keep you in his grace.

Amen.

Prayer after Communion

As we have feasted around the table, let us pray:

Compassionate God,

you have fed us with the bread of heaven.

Sustain us in our Lenten pilgrimage:

may our fasting be hunger for justice;

our alms, a making of peace;

and our prayer, the song of grateful hearts,

through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

Amen.

Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of the holy and Undivided Trinity be with you and remain with you always, in the God, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Sending Hymn – Go to Dark Gethsemane (ELW #347)

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Dismissal

Go in peace. Jesus meets you on the way.

Thanks be to God.