April 4, 2004

When we see Jesus
ride to his destiny in suffering love,
God calls us to arise and go to Jesus,
who will not silence his disciples,
but encourages us to proclaim,
"God's steadfast love endures forever."

April 4, 2004
Palm Sunday

Gathering in Christ's name

Leader: This is the day the Lord has made.
People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Leader: The gates of righteousness are open. Enter and give thanks!
People: We give you thanks, O God. You alone are good!
Leader: The Lord has become our salvation.
Receive this astonishing gift!
People: We give you thanks, O God.
Your steadfast love endures forever!
Leader: Join in the festive procession! Exalt the name of theLord!
All: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

Prayer of Invocation
Hymns
Scripture Reading Psalm 118: 1, 21-29
Children's story
Hymn

Confession/reconciling prayer of confession

Leader: God of steadfast love,
you call us to follow the One who comes in your name.
You call us to enter the gates of righteousness
and proclaim your praise.
Yet like the crowds who followed Jesus into Jerusalem,
we are sometimes indecisive in our loyalty.
Forgive us when our tongues are silent.
Forgive us when we forget the ways of peace.
Forgive us when we turn away from you in times of suffering.
Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.

Assurance of God's grace

Leader: The God whose steadfast love endures forever hears our prayers. Today God answers us and offers salvation to all.
Today God's peace is promised to all who will follow.

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 19:28-44
Sermon "How to enter a city"
Hymn

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering
Announcements
Hymn
Benediction

Today

Worship Leader - Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music - Jeff Myers, Charis Franz
Sermon - Roy Hange
Nursery - Massie family

Announcements

Everyone is invited to join us for our Maundy Thursday meal
and communion at 6:30 pm and for the Easter breakfast next
Sunday at church at 9am instead of Sunday School. Please bring
some food to share.

Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School on June 20-24, 2004 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Church of the Brethren. Our theme this year is "Along the road with Jesus".

Anyone interested in leading the Adventure Club meeting on April 16 or May 21 please contact Elaine Shinsky.

There will be a Commissioning Service for Jean Shumate and the upcoming Partners In Mission Work Group to Nazareth and Bethlehem on Sunday, April 18 at 7:00 PM at Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Everyone is welcome. The Nazareth/ Bethlehem Work Group will spend one week working at Nazareth Village in Israel and one week working at the International Center of Bethlehem in Palestine. The group will leave for the Middle East on Friday, April 30, and return to the US on Monday, May 17.

A Harmonia Sacra Singing will be held today, April 4, 7:00 p.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, 1552 S. High St., Harrisonburg, Va. All are welcome! (Please note: this is a change from the usual singing held on Easter Sunday evening.)

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: Giorgio and Valeria Moncelli, whose daughter Andrea was born in January, invited friends and family to celebrate a baby
dedication with them last month. The gospel message was presented
in a non-threatening way, and many of the guests commented about being touched by the service. The meal afterwards provided another opportunity to share God's love with the Italian people.

Mennonite Mission Network: Pray for Alan and Eleanor Kreider, mission educators for Mennonite Mission Network, as they minister in Mennonite churches and seminaries of several denominations April 8-26 in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank and the Salvation Army.