Call to worship
Just as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey so long ago
Jesus enters our hearts this day
Let us join in worship: Hosanna
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
 
Opening prayer of confession
Gracious God, our hearts are heavy this morning. As we enter into Holy Week, we long to be together. We miss our neighbors, we miss our community. We mourn for the sick, we mourn for the whole world. Merciful God, forgive us when we forget about our neighbor. Forgive us when we stew in anger. Remain with us in our grief and remind us that we are not alone. (Silent confession) Amen.
 
Assurance of Pardon
Though we remain distant, we are one in Christ Jesus. Through the grace of Jesus, know that you are forgive and be at peace.
Thanks be to God.
 
Hymn 552 Holy Holy Holy
 
Scripture reading
Matthew 21:1-11
 
Reflection

Apostle’s creed
 
Prayers of the people and the Lord's Prayer

​Offering
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Benediction

Hymn 227 Jesus Remember Me

Call to worship
Lord, we come crying to you from the depths. We come bearing our souls and awaiting your response.
We wait in hope, knowing that you promise to hear and provide.
 
Opening prayer of confession
Friends, today is a Sunday for refreshment, a time of Sabbath relief in the midst of this challenging Lent. Believing God’s promise of forgiveness, let us rejoice in the gift of confession. Let us pray together:
 
God of all that is, seen and unseen, when you ask us if dry bones can live, we are skeptical, wary of looking foolish preaching to the long-dead and unsure that your Spirit is really enough to bring sinew and breath to places of loss and desolation. Forgive our lack of trust and help us to proclaim your life-giving power with courage, no matter the circumstances. Silence in us any voice but yours until that time when Christ returns and death and crying and mourning are no more.
(Silent prayer)
Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
Hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem. It is the Lord who will redeem us from all its iniquities.
Friends, believe the Good News, through Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Thanks be to God! Amen!
 
Scripture reading
1 Kings 19:7-13
 
Reflection: "Elijah on Mount Horeb"
 
Apostle’s creed
 
Offering
​
Benediction

Liturgy of Worshio
This is the day that the Lord has made
Let us rejoice and be glad in it
 Opening prayer of confession
Gracious and merciful God, again we are gathered in your name. Even when we are far in distance, we are close in Spirit, and in your presence always. We confess that we have fallen short of what you call us to be. You know what is in our hearts. You know our tendency to isolate for our neighbors and from you. Forgive us. Help us to live as your people even in the midst of great change. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
In Christ we are made new creations. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
 Scripture reading
1 Samuel 17 (Children of God Storybook Bible)
Call and response
Pastor: I will call upon the Lord
Congregation: Who is worthy to be praised
Pastor: So shall I be saved from my enemies
Congregation: I will call upon the Lord
 Reflection - Giants Before Us
Apostle’s Creed
 Offering
 Benediction