* Denotes all are invited to stand.
Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.

March 22nd, 2026 – PALM SUNDAY

 

Music for Gathering:
“Concerto del Signor Taglietti”
Brian Jay, Organist

 

Call to Worship:
What will we lay down as Christ passes by?
We have no cloaks today, but we will lay down our hearts, our hopes, and our lives.
As the crowds in Jerusalem cried out long ago, we echo,
Hosanna! Save us! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

 

* Hymn #196 “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Accompanied by Brian Jay & PCM Bell Choir

 

Welcome & Announcements:
Rev. Aaron J. White
Again I say: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!

 

Minute for Mission:
Welcome Table
Kristen Oertell

 

Introit:
“Prepare the Way of the Lord”
PCM Chancel & Bell Choir

 

* Confession of Sin
Diane Frans, Worship Leader
Christ our Redeemer, try as we might, we do not follow your example. We do not empty ourselves, we do not humble ourselves, we are not obedient. You simply ask us to care about this world you created, but we fail to do even that. Forgive us. You have given us the greatest, clearest example of love. Heal us, and help us to follow.

 

* Assurance of Pardon
Rev. Aaron J. White
Even in the face of hatred and violence, we know that Christ loves us. Even when enduring death, Christ cares for us; Christ forgives us.
Thanks be to God of mercy.

 

* Song of Praise #695  “Change My Heart, O God”

 

* Passing of the Peace

 

Prayer for Illumination
Diane Frans, Worship Leader

 

First Reading
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

1 I thank you, [Adonai], for your goodness! Your love is everlasting!
2 Let Israel say it: “Your love is everlasting!”
19 open the gates of justice for me, let me come in and thank you, [Adonai]!
20 This is the gate of [Adonai], and only the upright can enter!
21 thank you for hearing me, for saving me.
22 it was the stone which the builders rejected that became the keystone;
23 this is [Adonai’s] doing, and it is wonderful to see.
24 this is the day [Adonai] has made— let us celebrate with joy!
25 Please, [Adonai], please save us! Please, [Adonai], give us prosperity now!
26 Blessings on the one who comes in the name of [Adonai]! we bless you from [Adonai’s] temple!
27 [Adonai] is God and God has enlightened us. Join the festal procession! with palm fronds in hand, go up to the horns of the altar!
28 You are my God, and I thank you; you are my God, and I exalt you. thank you for hearing me,
for saving me.
29 thank you, [Adonai], for your goodness! Your love is everlasting!

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Anthem
“Shout Out the Glory of the Lord”
PCM Chancel & Bell Choir, Brian Jay

 

Second Scripture
Matthew 21:1-11

Narrator: As they approached Jerusalem, entering Beth-Phage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent off two disciples with [these instructions…]

Jesus: “Go into the village straight ahead of you, and immediately you will find a tethered donkey with her colt standing beside her. Untie them and lead them back to me. If anyone questions you, say, ‘The Rabbi needs them.’ Then they will let them go at once.”

Narrator: This came about to fulfill what was said through the prophet:
 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Your Sovereign comes to you without display, riding on a donkey, on a colt— the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”

So the disciples went off and did what Jesus had ordered. They brought the donkey and her colt, and after they laid their cloaks on the animals, Jesus mounted and rode toward the city.

Great crowds of people spread their cloaks on the road, while some began to cut branches from the trees and lay them along the path. The crowds—those who went in front of Jesus and those who followed—were all shouting…

Crowd: “Hosanna to the Heir to the House of David!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Most High! Hosanna in the highest!”

Narrator: As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred to its depths, demanding, “Who is this?”

And the crowd kept answering…

Crowd: “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee!”

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

 

 

Time for the Children
Hymn #466 “Come and Fill Our Hearts”
Rev. Aaron J. White

 

Sermon
“From Parading to Marching”
Rev. Aaron J. White

 

* Hymn #197 “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” 

 

Pastoral Prayer
Congregational Response:  Hear our prayer

 

Invitation to Discipleship
Bill Norton Testimonial

 

* Hymn #198  “Ride On!  Ride On in Majesty!”