Sunday Worship Service
April 13, 2025 – 10:30 AM
The worship service begins 15 minutes into the recording.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, a peaceful parade wove its way through the streets, filled with cries of longing and hope. The people called out for a better world, believing in the promise of something greater. Their voices, born from deep hope, could not be silenced. Today, we are called to carry that same hope—to listen to the voices of the oppressed, the marginalized, and the mistreated, and to remain attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. In our songs of praise and in the quiet moments of listening to our neighbors, the Holy Spirit continues to speak. May we listen, pay attention, and proclaim, “Hosanna!”
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
CALL TO GOD’S FORGIVING LOVE
OPENING SONG – Palm Sunday Procession by Michael Helman
OPENING PRAYER
† SONG – Together
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – UM Hymnal (blue book) #278
CHILDREN’S TIME WITH A MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of God
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 19:37-40; Matthew 5:5
GOOD NEWS
Everything in Between Shouting and Silence
† SONG – Together
O God of Every Nation – UM Hymnal (blue book) #435
OPEN HOLY COMMUNION (The Communion bread is gluten, egg, and dairy free)
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE
Pastor: We believe that many years ago, a peaceful parade wove its way through the streets of Jerusalem.
People: We believe that on that day, the people cried out, longing and praying for a better world.
Pastor: We believe that these longings came from a place of deep hope, and we believe that hope cannot be silenced.
People: So we listen to our neighbors who are underprivileged, oppressed, marginalized, and mistreated. Most of all, we listen for the Spirit.
Pastor: We sing Hosanna.
People: We pay attention.
All: For in between the silence and the song, we believe the Spirit is speaking. Amen.
OFFERTORY (Stewardship is about an attitude of gratitude.)
Hosanna by Michael W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna.
King of Israel, welcome to our hearts, Here to reign in righteousness. O Ruler of the world Ruler of our hearts, now ascend your throne. You are the King of kings, Hosanna!
To Jerusalem, to the sons of man. Riding on in gentle strength. O come to save your own. Come to give your life, Your kingdom is at hand. You are the King of kings, Hosanna!
All glory, laud and honor, To you Redeemer King. To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring. Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son.
Who in the Lord’s name comest, The King and blessed One.
PRAYING TOGETHER
THE LORD’S PRAYER – UM Hymnal (blue book) #895
We are SENT by the power of God
LIFE OF ST. MATTHEW’S COMMUNITY
BLESSING
† CALL TO MISSION
They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love (verses 1 & 3) – Faith We Sing #2223
1. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, and we pray that all unity may one day be restored: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
3. We will work with each other, we will work side by side, we will work with each other, we will work side by side, and we’ll guard human dignity and save human pride:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
CLOSING SONG – Festive Recessional by Janet Linker