Saturday, April 4, 2020

Palm/Passion Sunday

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY
April 5, 2020


Introduction
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God.  Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life.   We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.
Set out on a table in front of you a green branch, a house plant, or simply a drawing of a leaf or branch.


Click on picture to view video


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

Processional Gospel  Mathew 21:1-11
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.

Prayer of the Day
Let us pray.
O God of mercy and might, in the mystery of the passion of your Son you offer your infinite life to the world. Gather us around the cross of Christ, and preserve us until the resurrection, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 50:4-9a
   The servant of the Lord submits to suffering
Psalm 31:9-16 
  Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)

Philippians 2:5-11
  Humbled to the point of death on a cross

Matthew 27:11-54  The passion of the Lord


Meditation

Prayers of Intercession
In our separate homes but gathered together in the Spirit, we pray for the church, the earth, the world, and all in need.    O holy God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.
A brief silence.

O triune God, God of majesty, mercy and might, hear and heed our fervent prayers:

for the church around the world, that the faithful be nourished by your presence in the word;

for pastors and bishops, that they be strengthened for their tasks of ministry;
for all those who are assisting the digital sharing of worship materials;
for guidance in keeping this Holy Week in devout prayer and praise;
A brief silence.
O holy God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

For the earth, that it be saved from pollution and disregard;

for endangered animals, that they and their habitats be protected;

for scientists, that their knowledge of your earth will direct our society’s choices;
A brief silence.
O creating God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

For peace through the world, especially in Syria and Afghanistan;

for an end to terrorism and religious violence;

for all elected leaders, that they see our crisis rightly and make judgments wisely;
for wisdom in distributing governmental economic aid;
A brief silence.
O mighty God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

For our distraught world facing the coronavirus;

for countries hardest hit, especially China, Italy, Spain, and the United States;

for those who grieve their dead;
for the sick and their families;
for those fearful of an unknown future;
for the millions of unemployed;
for children at home, that they be safe from abuse;
for those who have been led to rely on empty remedies;
for hospitals, in their desperate need for supplies;
A brief silence.
O compassionate God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

For all who are facing the criminal justice system;

for those falsely accused of crime;

for those who are incarcerated, that they be kept safe;
for those who face isolation or execution;
A brief silence.
O righteous God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

For those whose needs we know, for those whose needs are hidden;

for those with prior illnesses whose treatments are now postponed;

for all who today will die;
for those who are homeless;
for all who are sick;
especially for those we name here;
A brief silence.
O benevolent God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

And finally, for ourselves:
A longer period of silence.
O loving God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

With thanks for the technology by which we stay connected;

with thanks for enough food;

with thanks for the support of our community of faith;
with thanks for the saints who struggled through life and died in you,
especially those Christian artists whose work has enriched our faith,
we praise your salvation now and unto our end.
A brief silence.
O eternal God, we pray to you: O Lord, save us.

Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen

Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days.  Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence, and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,


your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil,
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever.
Amen.

May the grace of Christ attend us,
and the love of God surround us,


and the Holy Spirit Keep us,
now and ever.
Amen.
Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God.

+        +        +
A word from Bishop Dunlop regarding Holy Communion.
"Our tradition upholds Eucharist in gathered community and does not allow for “virtual” communion during video worship. I would also discourage churches offering online worship from
communing the few who are gathered for the livestreaming session. Finally, I would also
discourage giving “drive in” communion to people in their cars. I understand the pastoral
instinct for us to feed God’s people with the body and blood of Christ, however it is safest
and best if we fast from Eucharist until this crisis is over."  (from April 3, 2020 Pastoral Letter)

Prayer Requests

Lennon Forrester Piper, daughter of Cristi (Forrester) and Zack Piper was born early Monday morning. 

Sadie and Rich Garner have been disgnosed with COVID-19 and are home.

Pat Midolo is at SpiriTrust Lutheran the Inn at Luther Ridge under the care of hospice. 

Vicki McKee is beginning a new round of cancer treatments at Heshey Medical Center.

For the many individuals that serve as first responders, nurses, and other health-care workers including Cecilia Lehman, Darcie Newcomber, Susan Richards, Vicky Russell, Erin Buck, and Megan Chestnut

Readings for the Week:
Monday (commemoration of Albrecht Dürer, died 1528; Matthias Grünewald, died 1529; Lucas Cranach, died 1553; artists) Psalm 36:5-11. 
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. 
Wednesday Isaiah 50:4-9a. 
Maundy Thursday (commemoration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, died 1945) John 13:1-17, 31b-35. 
Good Friday (commemoration of Mikael Agricola, Bishop of Turku, died 1557) John 18:1—19:42. 
Resurrection of Our Lord/Vigil of Easter Romans 6:3-11.
Resurrection of Our Lord/Easter Day Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 28:1-10 or John 20:1-18.


Reflection material: Gordon Lathrop. Intercessory Prayer: Gail Ramshaw. Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.

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