Worship and Devotions

Sunday of Passion/Palm Sunday

March 29, 2026

Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world! (Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)

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. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work. (From Sundays and Seasons © 2023 Augsburg Fortress)

Processional Gospel - Matthew 21:1-11

Music

Processional Hymn - All Glory, Laud, & Honor

ELW 344 "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" Virtual Hymn Lutheran Hymn - Samm Hills Worship - YouTube

Prayer of the Day

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

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11

Gospel - Matthew 26:14-27:66

Sermon

https://youtu.be/J3Pp0N3MlFw

Music

My Song Is Love Unknown

My Song Is Love Unknown|Most Beautiful Version - YouTube

Prayers of Intercession

Reconciled by God's mercy and sustained by God's presence, let us pray for the world and its needs.

A brief silence.

O God, you announce words of grace and truth. Give wisdom to all leaders in your church both globally and locally, lay and ordained. Open our hearts to encounter the infinite life you offer in Jesus. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You hold the whole universe. Gather sun and moon, clouds and stars, land and sea, and plants and animals around the cross, so that all creation bears witness to your saving love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Your power is sure. Destroy inequity and division in every place and build your beloved community among all people. Guide judges, juries, attorneys, and government leaders so that they act with justice and fairness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Your heart breaks open at our pain. Send healing and vindication to all who, like Jesus, know the sting of betrayal, denial, abuse and false accusations. Be with and grant healing and comfort to those experiencing pain or loss this day. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Your ways show compassion. Let this same mind be in us as we enter Holy Week. Bless those here who will lead worship and tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

O God, your embrace is eternal. Praise and thanks to you for all the faithful departed who rest in your mercy. Deliver us all from death’s power and raise us to life in you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Receive our prayers, O God, through Jesus Christ, our strength and salvation.

Amen.

Music

Go Now In Peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjI