PALM SUNDAY 24th MARCH 2024

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GREETING

Blessed be God:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

And blessed be God’s kingdom,

now and for ever. Amen.

Dear friends in Christ, in our observance of Lent we have been preparing, by self-examination and spiritual discipline, to celebrate the mystery of our Lord’s death and resurrection. In baptism we are marked with the cross of Christ. Today we begin the solemn celebration of our salvation through his death on the cross and his resurrection to glory. We now recall our Lord’s entry, as king, into Jerusalem, to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us follow him, that, as we died with Christ in our Baptism, so we may share his risen life.

COLLECT

Assist us mercifully with your help

Lord God of our salvation:

that we may enter with joy

into the celebration of those mighty acts

whereby you give us life and immortality;

through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, world without end. Amen.

GOSPEL OF THE PALMS read by Rev Janice Aiton

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St Mark chapter 11 beginning at verse 1

Glory to Christ our Saviour

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Give thanks to the Lord for his glorious Gospel.

Praise to Christ our Lord.

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BLESSING OF THE PALMS

Almighty and everlasting God,

may these palms be for us

a sign of Christ’s victory over sin and death;

and may we who have been baptised in his name,

worship him as king, obey him as Lord,

and follow him in the way of the Cross,

which leads to eternal life.

We ask this through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

HYMN:

COLLECT FOR PURITY

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SUMMARY OF THE LAW

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: The first commandment is this:

“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.”

The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

There is no other commandment greater than these.

Amen. Lord, have mercy.

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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

God is love and we are God’s children.

There is no room for fear in love.

We love because God loved us first.

Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.

God our Father, we confess to you

and to our fellow members in the Body of Christ

that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,

and in what we have failed to do.

We are truly sorry.

Forgive us our sins,

and deliver us from the power of evil,

for the sake of your Son who died for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God, who is both power and love,

forgive you

and free you from our sins,

heal and strengthen you by the Holy Spirit,

and raise you

to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen

KYRIE sung by Sue St Joseph

COLLECT OF THE PASSION

Almighty God,

who, in your tender love for the human race,

sent your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,

to take our nature upon him,

and to suffer death upon the cross,

giving us the example of his great humility:

mercifully grant,

that we may both follow the example of his passion, and also, be made partakers of his resurrection;

who lives and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, world without end. Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING PSALM 31: 9-16 read by Margaret Morton

Psalm 31: 9-16 – Epworth United Methodist Church

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief,
Yes, my soul and my body!
For my life is spent with grief,
And my years with sighing;
My strength fails because of my iniquity,
And my bones waste away.

I am a reproach among all my enemies,
But especially among my neighbours,
And am repulsive to my acquaintances;
Those who see me outside flee from me.
I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
For I hear the slander of many;
Fear is on every side;
While they take counsel together against me,
They scheme to take away my life.

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
And from those who persecute me.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
Save me for Your mercy’s sake.

SECOND READING PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 read by Kate Lidwell

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Have the Same Attitude as Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) | Christopher L.  ScottHave the Same Attitude as Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) - Christopher L.  Scott

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

GRADUAL HYMN:

PASSION READING MARK 15: 1-39 read by Rev Janice Aiton

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Outer Banks Community Church

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So, the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So, Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

Mark 15:39 - And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that  - Bible Verses - YouTube

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, who followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him, and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

The Burial of Jesus

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead, and summoning the centurion he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth and, taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

THIS IS THE PASSION OF OUR LORD.

SERMON

Palm Sunday Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, with our Palm Sunday Procession. This day has been described by Christians for generations as the “triumphal entry into Jerusalem.”  It is a day of joy, anticipation, and excitement, as people placed palms in front of Jesus as he rode his donkey into Jerusalem. But, have you ever considered that, “If this was a triumphal entry, then why did they crucify Jesus at the end of the week?”

Even the compilers of our revised common lectionary realise that this Sunday is a problem for us because they give us two readings from the Gospels.  One reading is from this passage, and it is called the “palms reading.” The other reading is called the “passion reading” because the suffering of Christ at the end of this week is called “the Passion of Christ.”

So, we have a problem today that we need to address.  If this is such a glorious Sunday for all Christians, what goes wrong by Friday that Jesus will find himself betrayed by one of his own disciples, arrested by the high priest’s guard, accused by a coalition of religious leaders, tried by the Roman governor, and sentenced to die the death of a common criminal—death by crucifixion.

Hopefully as we look more closely at these events, they might shed some light on this problem. The week started off so well. The disciples openly acknowledge their belief and loyalty in Jesus. What made their display of support so praiseworthy was the fact that it was carried out against the bitter opposition of the Pharisees. When some Pharisees came to protest, Jesus said “If they keep silent, the very stones will cry out.”

Hosanna! – Woodmont Christian Church

The disciples were crying out “Hosanna to the Son of David. It is interesting to note that the crowd on that Sunday, proclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  In other words, they were placing their faith in Jesus that he would restore the glory of the nation to its splendour when David and his son, Solomon, ruled a united kingdom. That is what the Jews wanted after all. They wanted to be ruled by a man like David, a man so committed to God that the Old Testament prophets had proclaimed that the coming Messiah would sit on the throne of his father, David. The Messiah would bring back the glory of Israel, would rid the nation of oppressors, would rule benevolently, and would be kind to the common people.

Jesus had challenged the rulers of Judea already. Not the Roman rulers, but the local rulers. He had said to them that the Temple was not the only way to find God’s forgiveness; and further, that the Temple would be destroyed, with not one stone left on another. Of course, those who made their living from the Temple like the scribes; the chief priest and his priests; the ruling council of the Sanhedrin; and, the religious parties, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, would all lose their power and prestige if there was no Temple. 

So, when Jesus miraculously saves the lame -man by first saying, “Your sins are forgiven” and then healing him, he challenged the authority of the Temple system. And when Jesus drove the money-changers from the Temple, proclaiming that the Temple was to be a house of prayer for all nations, but that the religious leaders had made it a den of thieves, Jesus exposed the corruption of the Temple tax, the scandalous monetary exchange rate, and the dishonesty of those who sold animals for sacrifice.

Jesus had disappointed and alienated powerful people. He did so because the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the chief priest, the scribes, many of the Levitical priests, and others who ruled on Rome’s behalf, were caught up in a system of oppression and domination. Jesus spoke out courageously against that system with its cruel laws and taxes. This outrage against those in power resulted in Jesus’ losing all credibility in their sight and kindled in his opponents a desire for his downfall and death.

Good Friday: Interesting facts you shouldn't miss

In addition to alienating the leaders of the day, Jesus alienated the crowds. The crowds believed that Jesus would change their situations for the better. He would deliver them from the oppressive system under which they lived and worked and turn the tables on the Romans. As the week went on the crowds become more restless as what they hoped for, anticipated, and longed had yet to happen, and they began to doubt if it would ever happen. They felt discouraged, let down, and abandoned. In their eyes Jesus had failed them, misled them, and killed their hopes and aspirations. He was supposed to be the Messiah they had expected and longed for. The crowd felt duped and embittered by this Imposter of a Messiah.

So, when Jesus is accused, and brought by Pilate before the angry mobs, it is not so surprising that the crowds want rid of Jesus. Jesus, in their minds, never did what they wanted him to do. He never defeated the Romans, he never dissolved the unfair tax system, he never put common people in charge of the government, and furthermore he never would. So, in their anger and frustration they turn against Jesus. They move from chanting Hosanna to Crucify him.

Crucify: A Short Story for Good Friday by Abigail Young | Goodreads

Like the crowds we wave our palms before Jesus with great expectation and hope. When we wave our palms and boldly cry out, “Hosanna,” what is it that we long to be saved from -saved from debt; saved from depression; saved from bitterness; saved from guilt; saved from loneliness; saved from poverty; saved from cancer and suffering? What is it we expect Jesus the Messiah to do for us?

The Path of Life: Hosanna! Crucify him!

Are we like the crowd? We shout “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday but what about the days that follow the celebration? On those days, what is it that we really want? Is it really Jesus – and everything about Him? Or is it that we only want the portion of Jesus that fits comfortably in our present life situation? How much of Jesus do we really want? And how far are we willing to follow Him? Will we celebrate Him today and scatter when He asks of us hard things that our eyes can’t see, and our finite minds can’t comprehend? Or will we lay down our “need to control” or “need to know” or our selfishness, egos, plans, pride, and go all the way with Jesus to the cross?

Dying to self and living with Jesus is a choice that we all have to make. For many today, the cross is a real stumbling-block, as it was for many in Jesus’ time. Yet, the cross is not the end of all hopes, expectations, and aspirations, rather it is the beginning. A London commuter was hurrying home. As he neared Westminster Abbey, he was drawn to enter it. He could not explain why he had long dismissed religion.

The Catholic Talks: Article: Inside The Passion of the Christ - Part 1/3

Having entered the building, he was startled by a cross hanging from the dome. He was taken aback by the sight of a man on a cross, tortured, abandoned, dead. He had seen terrible images of men, women, and children of the Middle East, they too suffered and were abandoned. The man sat and gazed at the cross for a long time, slowly its inner meaning revealed itself to him. He began to see on the tortured figure on the cross, a mother mourning her dead sons in Palestine, a starving child in Yemen, the grieving parents of loved ones killed in a car accident, and the suffering of the mentally and physically sick. It seemed to him that all human suffering was gathered up by the figure on the cross.

Then he looked around him and saw men and women praying quietly. They seemed to possess a precious secret. They looked at ease with themselves and at home in this vast cathedral. Then he saw an elderly woman approach a cross, and after kissing the cross she moved away comforted and consoled by such great love.

As the man watched, his mind and heart seemed to be carried upwards unto another sphere of reality. For the first time in his life, he was at prayer. The cross was not so much speaking about death as celebrating love, life, and hope. The cross of horror became the cross of hope, the tortured body became the body of new life, the gaping wounds became the source of forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation. When he finally left the cathedral, he felt at peace with himself and the world. The passion of Jesus gives courage, strength and hope to all.

Roman centurion | SeekGrowLove.com

In concluding, how does Palm and Passion Sunday fit together. I believe Palm Sunday questions our expectations in following Jesus and Passion Sunday questions the depth of our commitment and loyalty. As we look more at these stories this Holy Week, may we like the centurion proclaim: “Surely this man is the Son of God”, the promised Messiah. Amen

Christ The Savior Lutheran Church

CREED

We believe in one God,

the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,

of one substance with the Father.

Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven;

by the power of the Holy Spirit

he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living

and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,

the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.

with the Father and the Son,

he is worshipped and glorified.

He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Praying Moms – LRPC HOME

As we recall Jesus entering Jerusalem,

let us gather our thoughts to pray

Jesus the Anointed One,

as the crowds welcomed you and sang your praise,

so today we welcome you more deeply into our hearts and lives,

rejoicing in your unfailing love and kindness.

We do pray that in these days that more people will turn to you,

lean on you and trust in you, and proclaim you as the Messiah,

who brings healing and wholeness.

Lord Jesus, the Anointed One

Hear our prayer.

Palm Branch Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Jesus, humble Servant

who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey,

we pray for that real humility in our hearts,

which treats status and image casually,

and truth and loving service seriously.

Lord Jesus, humble Servant

Hear our prayer.

Leading Your Child to Christ - Focus on the Family

Jesus, gifted Teacher,

who said suffer the little children to come unto me,

reach out in love and care to all our children.

Be especially close to those children

who are fearful and anxious

in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

May you draw close to them,

protect them and keep them safe.

We pray for peace to reign in their hearts

and for peace to be established in their lands.

Lord Jesus, gifted Teacher

Hear our prayer.

Jesus, gentle healer,

we pray today for those in hospital,

who are suffering from all manner of illnesses

bring your gentle healing touch to be upon them.

We pray for places in the world

where hospitals are stretched to capacity

and struggle with underfunding and lack of resources.

Anoint in those places those doctors and nurses

with your healing touch that lives may be cured and saved.

Lord Jesus, gentle healer

Hear our prayer.

Jesus, carer and provider,

we are conscious of many people,

who are struggling for financial survival

for themselves, their families and their businesses.

Hear our cry for them that they might receive,

all the support and help they need.

We think of those needing basic supplies

and ask that the food banks are well resourced

and the needs of the community are met.

Lord Jesus, carer and provider

Hear our prayer.

Following Christ in Nursing | Nurses Christian Fellowship

Jesus, the Prince of Peace

we think of all who are persecuted for their faith.

Bring peace and courage to them in these days

and work in the agencies that

seek to negotiate and work with governments,

so that freedom to worship might be permitted.

We pray for those who are suffering in body mind or spirit

or are anxious and worried for themselves or loved one

In the quiet we pray for….

draw near and give to them your gift of peace and comfort

Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace

Hear our prayer.

Jesus, the Resurrection and life,

you knew that on Palm Sunday,

you were riding to your death.

We pray for all on their last journey,

that though they be physically alone,

that you are with them,

and that you will not leave them nor forsake them.

Lord Jesus, the Resurrection and Life

Hear our prayer.

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Jesus, our guide and our strength,

accompany us as we journey

through the unknown and uncertain,

filling us with your light and hope.

Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together

As our Saviour has taught us, so we pray:

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.

Do not bring us to the time of trial

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

HYMN :

BLESSING

May Christ give you grace to grow in holiness, to deny yourselves, take up your cross, and follow him; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Welcome

St John the Evangelist, Dumfries, is a parish of the Scottish Episcopal Church also serving Methodist parishioners locally.

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Notices

Contemporary Service

Contemporary Service

The Contemporary Service is at 6pm, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, followed by refreshments in the hall.

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Here's some Easter fun for primary-aged children to do this coming Thursday 28th March, 10-30am until 12 O'clock, at St John's Church, Newall Terrace, Dumfries DG1 1LW

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