Sunday, March 29, 2026

'Click' above to read the Sunday Bulletin (N.B. Page 1 is in error!).

- Introit -

Who Is This Stranger (Joseph M. Martin)

Who is this stranger walking Judea Walking Judea? Who is the one who is helng the poor? Surely he's the Son of God. Who is this stranger in the temple? Who is this teacher reading the Word? Who is this man who is preacing the gospel? Surely he's the son of God...

Welcome

Tessa Ann

Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the One Who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (VU 123) Hosanna, loud hosanna the happy children sang; Through pillared court and temple the joyful anthem rang; To Jes us, who had blessed them close folded to his breast, The children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed 'mid an exultant crowd, The victory palm-branch waving, And singing clear and loud; The Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state, Content that little children should on his bidding wait. "Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing, For Christ is our Redeemer; Earth, let your anthems ring. O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice, And in his humble presence eternally rejoice!

An Opening Prayer

God of majesty and mercy, we worship today, as the Cross looms larger on the horizon. We praise you for Jesus, the Ruler who came in humility to free us from captivity. He came in mercy to free us from the sins we recognize in ourselves, and the sins we easily overlook. He came to show us the full extent of your mercy, love, and justice. So, we praise you for your kindness and the strength you show to lift our burdens and shoulder them for us in Christ Jesus. We come in humility, knowing you have given us your all, to worship you as Creator, Christ, and Spirit. Amen.

- Prayer of Confession - God of mystery and mercy, your mercy and forgiveness are a mystery to us. We fail to show mercy to others when they fall short of our expectations. We keep silent rather than speak up when others are in trouble. We prefer what is easy to what is right, even though your Spirit draws our attention. We seek your forgiveness, O God, and ask that you make us more forgiving. Inspire us with costly choices Jesus made as he moved toward the Cross and give us the courage to follow him. Amen. And Words of Assursnce "In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen."

He Came Riding on a Donkey (VU 124) He came riding on a donkey, He came riding into town; Slow and easy kind of lowly He came riding with the dawn. His disciples walked beside him, Staying close, a little shy; Not too sure where he would guide them, On to live or on to die. But all the morning sang his praises; Waking birds and dancing wind; Here he is, the Son of David; Riding on to take his throne.

Then the children gathered, singing shouts of laughter, bursting cheer; In the streets their song was ringing, "Hosannas" filled the morning air. Timid adults strained to see him, Caught the Spirit, joined the song; Spread their cloaks along before him, Branches flashing in the sun. So all the city sang his praises; Waking streets and dancing crowd; Here he is, the Son of David; Our Messiah, Son of God.

In our fasting, and our feasting, Called to follow in his way; Called to walk his road to Easter, Called to live his cross today. Hosanna to the Son of David, Hosanna in the heavens above; Blessed is he who comes to save us, Blessed is he who brings his love. Let us join to sing his praises; Open hearts and souls to God; He is with us, Son of David; God's Messiah, Christ the Lord.

Philippians 2:3-11 The written text is HERE.

Scripture this week is read by Nancy M.

Matthew 21:1-11 The text is HERE.

Ride On! Ride On in Majesty! (VU 127) Ride on, ride on in majesty! Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry. O Savior meek, pursue your road, With palms and scattered garments strowed.	Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die. O Christ, your triumphs now begin O'er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty! The winged squadron of the sky Look down with sad and wondering eyes To see the approaching sacrifice.	Ride on, ride on in majesty! In lowly pomp ride on to die. Bow thy meek head to mortal pain, Then take, O God, thy power and reign.

Tessa Ann's Palm Sunday Message.

Prayer for Palm Sunday (VU 125) We praise you, O God, for your redemption of the world through Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph and was proclaimed Messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Let these branches be signs of his victory, and grant that we who carry them may follow him in the way of the cross, that, dying and rising with him, we may enter into your kingdom; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

- The Anthem -

Sing Hosannna in the Highest (Joseph M. Martin)

Sing hosanna in the highest Sing hosanna to the king. Alleluia, sing evermore. Lift hearts of praise to the Lord. Sing hosanna in the highest, Sing hosanna to the king. Praise the Lord! Lay your hearts before the coming kng. Come and celebrate his throne...

Invitation to the Offering Music for the Offering

Offertory Prayer The crowds offered you their coats to walk on, they waved palm branches, honouring your presence. Today we honour you, Lord, with our faithful tithes and offerings. We lay these gifts before you, humble tokens of our love, a public display of affection for our King of kings. Amen.

Prayers of the People

All Glory, Laud and Honour (VU 122) R: All glory, laud and honour To you, Redeemer, King, To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring. You are the King of Israel, And David's royal son, Now in the Lord's name coming, Our King and blessed one. R.

The multitude of pilgrims With palms before you went; Our praise and prayer and anthems Before you we present. R. To you, before your passion, They sang their hymns of praise; To you, now high exalted, Our melody we raise. R.

Their praises you accepted; Accept the prayers we bring, Great author of all goodness, O good and gracious king. R.

Commissioning & Benediction Amen

Somehow, I missed getting a pic of Lucia at the organ. So her she is at the "not-organ!" Postlude And managing to play beautifully with a badly injured finger!!