Sunday 1st April 2012 Palm Sunday

READING: Mark 11: 1-6 Judith Mackay

THE GATHERING
Reader 1: We join with the crowd that eagerly awaited
the coming of Jesus.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest!
Reader 2: Fulfilling prophecy, Jesus entered the city
riding humbly on a donkey.
(louder) Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest!
Reader 3: Jesus’ followers were excited, filled with anticipation.
Yet, within a few short days ,they were scattered, disillusioned,
and frightened, unwilling to follow as far as Christ would have them go.
(softer) Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest!
Reader 1: We, too, long to join the triumphal procession,
only to find ourselves burdened by the past, fearful of the future,
reluctant to accept the way of the cross.
(softer) Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest!
Reader 2: Yet this Palm Sunday, we receive palm branches,
a reminder of the welcome offered to Jesus
as he travelled toward the cross.
(louder) Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest!
Reader 3: Like the crowd in Jerusalem 2000 years ago,
we take our palm branches and greet Jesus, shouting:
(very loud) Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
Hosanna in the highest!

HYMN: 250 All Glory, Praise and Honour (omit verse 4)
OPENING PRAYER

WELCOME AND NOTICES

TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SONG: Come, Children, Join to Sing (Tune: WOV 162)
Come, children, join to sing: Hallelujah! Amen!
Praise to our Servant King: Hallelujah! Amen!
Let all with heart and voice, saved by God’s gracious choice,
now in this place rejoice: Hallelujah! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high: Hallelujah! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky: Hallelujah! Amen!
Christ calls his people friends, the helpless he defends,
a love that never ends: Hallelujah! Amen! (C/A)

WE GREET ONE ANOTHER

INTRODUCTION

FILM CLIP: JESUS BEFORE PILATE

READING: Philippians 2: 5-11 Joan Scott

REFLECTION: Which is it? Palm or Passion?

A TIME OF QUIET

HYMN: 261 Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
(omit final verse)
THE OFFERING
Holy God, you come to us in Jesus,
a poor man, riding a donkey;
we thank you for this witness of the power of love,
despite the powers of this world.
We thank you for all who have withstood evil,
who have suffered the jeers, and worse, of the crowds,
who have been tormented, even put to death,
and still refused to use the weapons of hatred.
We thank you for the times we have been able
to let go our defences, give up control,
and live with open hands and hearts.
We bring these offerings with hosannas! and joy in our hearts,
in the name of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN: Ride On, Ride On (Tune: Winchester New WOV 264)
Ride on, ride on, the time is right:
the roadside crowds scream with delight;
palm branches mark the pilgrim way
where beggars sit and children play.

Ride on, ride on, your critics wait,
intrigue and rumour circulate;
new lies abound in word and jest,
and truth becomes a suspect guest.

Ride on, ride on, while well aware
that those who shout and wave and stare
are mortals who, with common breath,
can crave for life, and lust for death.

Ride on, ride on, though blind with tears,
though dumb to speak and deaf to jeers.
Your path is clear, though few can tell
their garments pave the road to hell.

Ride on, ride on, God’s love demands;
justice and peace lie in your hands.
Evil and angel voices rhyme;
this is the man and this the time. ? John Bell and Graham Maule (CH4)

CLOSING PRAYER

THE BLESSING

NOTICES
A very warm welcome to you all as you worship with us this morning. Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee in the lounge after the service.

A Congregational Meeting will be held this morning regarding insurance matters. Bruce Hudson, Session Clerk.

CUPPA & CHAT Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. Do pop in! For details, please contact Aubrey 930 2525.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS 4th April: Meet 9.30am outside The Brewery Café, Garlands Rd (eastern end). Rosalie 332 5489.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Thursdays 10am until 12 noon. Newcomers welcome. Please contact Beverley 332 7786 for more information.

FOOTCARE CLINIC: Seeking volunteers please to train up to cut nails, assist with the footspas and massage. This clinic happens every six weeks. The next session is on Thursday 10th May. Offers of help to Lyndsey please 388 1264.

MARMALADE FOR MISSIONS ~ please support this fundraiser!

Pioneers Bible Study Group is seeking more participants. Please contact Bruce or Beverley Hudson 332 7786.

ST MARTINS THEATRE GROUP: Lyn Madgwick is organising a group Monday May 7, 11am to Operatunity’s The Best of British at the La Vida Centre. $30, $27 for a group of 10+, $26 if 20 or more. Have a look at the programme on internet – it includes lunch with the artists.
Much Ado About Nothing: Monday May 21, 6.30 pm, Court. Please let Lyn know by mid-April. $41. l.mck@xtra.co.nz, ph 338 0840.

CELEBRATION OF AUTUMN Sunday 15th April
We would ask that the congregation please bring a tin or a packet for us to stock up the Waltham Community Cottage pantry. This will take the place of our normal Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Worship Committee.

TAX RECEIPTS and new giving envelopes are now available. If you would like to join the envelope scheme please contact Lyn Steele 332 0865. To set up an automatic payment, please contact Joan Macdonald 337 1648.

The new readers’ roster is available – please check for your copy TODAY.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Sun 1st Aileen, Grace; Wed 4th Rosalie; Sat 7th Rosemary