Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Palm Sunday
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Matthew 21:1-11
Call to Worship
One: The Lord of parades be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: People of God, open your hearts
to the One who comes with hope.
Many: We’re eager to receive ALL the prophet from Nazareth brings us.
One: Give thanks to God,
for God’s love endures forever!
Many: Let’s give God our praise,
gratefully proclaiming our joy
for the One who comes to make us whole.
(Adapted from Thom Shuman)
Opening Prayer
Hosanna, Steadfast God, we’re here, both eager and fearful,
yearning for you to save us!
Let our garments of fear, doubt, and faithlessness fall before you.
Joyfully re-clothe us in faith to join with Jesus, the Christ,
marching in the excitement of a parade
and mourning in the excruciating trek to a cross.
Amen.
Moment for Stewardship
Today imagine the joy of those who saw Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. What excitement! Let’s join the parade.
Jesus’ disciples borrowed a donkey. One story tells us people in the crowd cut down branches to line the parade route. Let’s join the parade!
Shouts of “Hosanna!” rang out.
Can you imagine children getting caught up in the excitement?
Come on, let’s join the parade!
If Jesus were coming to OUR town today, what would you bring?
Would you offer your coat? Throw flower petals before him?
Today, as we continue moving toward the end of our Lenten journey,
you’re invited “this day, when Love answers” to respond generously
with your special day offering for our Disciples’ Easter offering.
Also, you’re invited to bring your tithes, gifts, and offerings to help set the stage for our congregation’s Palm Sunday PARTY, gathering resources to support our ministries of care and compassion in Christ’s name.
Joyful stewards of God’s many gifts, let’s share what we’ve brought today.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Humble Savior,
you ride into our lives not with force, but with invitation—
calling us to follow, to risk, and to trust.
As we bring these gifts,
we confess we don’t always understand where the road leads.
But like those who laid down cloaks and waved palms,
we offer what we have with hope and praise.
Use these offerings to proclaim your realm—
where love confronts fear,
and peace dares to speak in the shadow of power.
Save us, Lord! Use us!
Amen.
(Adapted from UMC Discipleship.)
Invitation to Communion
We come to this Table today as we do every week, yet today we find ourselves participating with Jesus in the last week of his earthly life.
Join me as we announce, “All are welcome to participate!”
Here we remember love broken and life poured out,
made clear by these symbols of bread and juice.
Just as Jesus took, blessed, broke, and gave the bread,
so we take this blessed and broken bread,
receiving it and remembering that Upper Room.
Just as Jesus blessed the wine, we bless this cup, poured out for all,
renewing in us the new covenant in Christ.
Come! All is prepared, and there is a place for each and for all.