March 24, 2024 – Palm/Passion Sunday / Sixth Sunday in Lent (2024)

Lectionary Readings

Liturgy of the Palms

Mark 11:1–11
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey; the people shout: Hosanna!

or John 12:12–16
Waving palm branches, a great crowd greets Jesus in Jerusalem.

Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Liturgy of the Passion

Isaiah 50:4–9a
The Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty?

Psalm 31:9–16
Be gracious, Lord; my enemies assail me; my life is in your hand.

Philippians 2:5–11
Seek the mind of Christ, who was humble, but exalted by God.

Mark 14:1—15:47
After the Passover meal, Jesus is betrayed, tried, and crucified.

or Mark 15:1–39 (40–47) [abbreviated reading]
Jesus is tried and crucified.

— Gathering —

Opening Sentences

We claim God’s salvation in Christ our Savior with the word:
Hosanna, hosanna!
An unlikely king, he rides into Jerusalem
on the back of a donkey never before ridden
and still we recognize him:
we find God’s majesty in this humble man
who leads a bunch of ragtag followers!
Let us worship Christ with thanksgiving
for his hope-filled entry into our lives.

Prayer of the Day

Holy One,
we thank you for your promise to provide for us.
You clothe the lilies of the field and feed the sparrow.
We thank you that today hope rolls into town,
a response to all the times
we have looked around and found no answers.
Glory to you for hearing our cries and for saving us.
On this day, remind us that you always extend your grace to us.
May we wave our palm branches
with the assurance that you are with us,
even as you make your way to the cross. Amen.

Proclamation of the Entrance into Jerusalem

Procession into the Church

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Thanksgiving For Baptism

At the baptismal font:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

O Lord our God, we give you thanks
for the mercy you so freely offer us
through the grace of our baptism—
safe passage through the sea,
justice rolling down like water,
deliverance from sin and death forever.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
poured out upon us in baptism,
teach us to love and serve you faithfully
and reconcile us to you and to one another
as members of one, living body;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession and Pardon

At the baptismal font:
In the name of Christ, I urge you:
Be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20

Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.

Lifting water from the font:
Listen, the time has come at last.
Look, now is the day of salvation!
2 Corinthians 6:2

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.

— Word —

Prayer for Illumination

At the lectern or pulpit:
Gracious God, our way in the wilderness,
guide us by your Word through these forty days,
and minister to us with your Holy Spirit,
so that we may reformed,
restored, and renewed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture

Before the readings:
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 51:15

After the readings:
We proclaim Christ crucified—
the wisdom and power of God.
Thanks be to God.
1 Corinthians 1:23–25

Ascription of Praise

After the sermon:
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
we bend our knees
and lift up our hearts,
giving glory to God forever. Amen.
Philippians 2:9–11

Affirmation of Faith

Season of Lent, Palm/Passion Sunday, Good Friday
God’s reconciling act in Jesus Christ is a mystery
which the Scriptures describe in various ways.
It is called the sacrifice of a lamb,
a shepherd’s life given for his sheep,
atonement by a priest;
again it is ransom of a slave, payment of debt,
vicarious satisfaction of a legal penalty,
and victory over the powers of evil.
These are expressions of a truth
which remains beyond the reach of all theory
in the depths of God’s love for humankind.
They reveal the gravity, cost,
and sure achievement of God’s reconciling work.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.09

Prayers of the People

Out of the ashes, up from the dust
we bring our prayers to God, saying:
In your steadfast love, O Lord, have mercy on us.

God of all mercy, we pray for the church . . .
On this day of triumph and tragedy
help us to bear witness
to the saving grace of our suffering Lord.
In your steadfast love, O Lord, have mercy on us.

God of all mercy, we pray for the world . . .
Help the victims of violence in every land.
Give peace to those who live in fear
and dignity to those who are despised.
In your steadfast love, O Lord, have mercy on us.

God of all mercy, we pray for this community . . .
Teach us the self-emptying way of Jesus Christ.
Humble the proud and lift up the lowly
until we know that all are equal in your sight.
In your steadfast love, O Lord, have mercy on us.

God of all mercy, we pray for loved ones . . .
Be gracious to all who are in distress.
Hold their lives in your hand
and look upon them with healing.
In your steadfast love, O Lord, have mercy on us.

Restore in us, O God, the joy of your salvation;
renew and sustain our spirits,
so that we may live according to your will;
through Jesus Christ, our hope and strength. Amen.

— Eucharist —

Invitation to Offering

At the communion table:
Jesus says: Where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.
Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
Matthew 6:21

Prayer of Dedication

At the communion table:
You have shown us, O God,
the sacrifice that you desire.
Now use these gifts—
and use our lives—
to liberate the oppressed,
to break the bonds of injustice,
to feed the hungry,
welcome the poor,
and unite the human family;
all in the name and for the sake
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 58:6–7

Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God:
In our suffering and sorrow, we trust in your saving power,
for you are good and gracious; our lives are in your hands.
With you as our helper, we will not be put to shame.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song
of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
A Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy”) is sung.

Blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior:
Betrayed and denied by those whom he loved,
Jesus surrendered himself to death—death on a cross.
There he gave his life in love for the world.
The words of institution are included here.
Remembering your goodness and grace,
we offer ourselves to you with gratitude
as we share this joyful feast.
A Memorial Acclamation (e.g., “Christ has died”) is sung.

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon this bread and cup;
make us one in the body and blood
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
By your Spirit, let us share the mind of Christ,
who emptied himself, suffering shame and death,
so that all might know the fullness of your glory.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Spirit,
we bless you, God of glory,
now and forever.
An Amen is sung.

Lord’s Prayer

Breaking the Bread

Communion of the People

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Prayer after Communion

At the communion table:
Holy God, we give you thanks
that you have claimed us as your own
and nourished us in this meal
as members of Christ’s body.
By the work of your Spirit within us
give us the grace to glorify you
as one, living body in the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:15–20

— Sending —

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Blessing and Charge

At the doors of the church:
May the steadfast love of God,
the abundant grace of Jesus Christ,
and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit
be with you this day and always. Amen.
Psalm 51:1, 11

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
If any wish to be my disciples
let them take up the cross
and follow me. Amen.
Mark 8:34

Additional Materials

Congregational Song

GATHERING

• All Glory, Laud, and Honor (G) VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN GTG 196
• Filled with Excitement (Mantos y palmas) (G) HOSANNA GTG 199
• Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy (Santo, santo, santo, santo) (G) CUÉLLAR GTG 594
• Hosanna, Loud Hosanna (G) ELLACOMBE GTG 197

WORD

• A Stable Lamp Is Lighted (G) ANDUJAR GTG 160
• Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus (E) ALL SAINTS GTG 262
• To My Precious Lord (G) TO MY PRECIOUS LORD GTG 704
• You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd (E) PICARDY GTG 274

EUCHARIST

• An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare (G) O WALY WALY GTG 202
• Jesus, Remember Me (G) REMEMBER ME GTG 227
• In Remembrance of Me (E) RED GTG 521
• O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (OG) PASSION CHORALE GTG 221

SENDING

• A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd (G) CHRISTIAN LOVE GTG 200
• At the Name of Jesus (E) KING’S WESTON GTG 264
• My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (O) SOLID ROCK GTG 353
• Ride On! Ride On in Majesty! (G) ST. DROSTANE GTG 198

Psalms and Canticles

Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29

Metrical

• Éste es el día / This Is the Day [ESTE ES EL DÍA]; GTG 391, SSS 191
• This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made [NUN DANKET ALL’]; GTG 681, PH 230, PAS 118E
• The Glorious Gates of Righteousness [ZERAH]; PAS 118A
• Give Thanks to God for All His Goodness [RENDEZ À DIEU (GENEVAN 98/118)]; PAS 118H, LUYH 196
• I Thank You, Lord, for You Are Good [8.7.8.7 D with refrain]; SGP 174
• Blessed, Yes, Blessed Is the One [PROMISED ONE]; PP 226

Responsorial

• Hail and Hosanna! PAS 118B, LUYH 147; SSS 147/8 (with Spanish translation)
• This Is the Day the Lord Has Made; PAS 118G
• Hosanna in the Highest [VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN]; HTP1 110
• Fling Wide the Gates; PSA 118
• Blest Is the One Who Comes; SP 52

Psalm 31:9–16

Metrical

• You Are My Refuge, Faithful God [MORNING SONG/CONSOLATION]; GTG 214
• Be Gracious to Me, O My Lord [CMD]; SGP 49, setting 2
• Be Gracious, Lord, for I, in Anguish [WAYFARING STRANGER]; PP 58 (with refrain), PCW 31b (as 9.8.9.8)

Responsorial

• I Give My Spirit; PAS 31A
• Into Your Hands, O Lord; SP 17
• Father, into Your Hands; LP 29
• Haz resplandecer / Make Your Face to Shine upon Your Servant [GLÁUCIA]; GTG 811, PAS 31D, SSS 514/5
• My Times Are in Your Hands [MARGARET]; PAS 31C, LUYH 458
• Have Mercy on Me, O God [HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN]; HTP1 112

Organ Music

• “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna,” The Organist’s Library, vol. 51, Lani Smith, LOR (M)
• “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” Improvisations for the Lenten Season, Paul Manz, MSM (M)
• “Trumpet Tune on ‘St. Theodulph,’” The Organist’s Library, vol. 69, Michael Helman, LOR (ME)
• “The Solid Rock,” Easy Organ Library, vol. 63, Terry Kirkland, LOR (E)
• “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded,” Mark Hayes: Miniatures for Organ, Mark Hayes, LOR (E)

Anthems for Adult Choirs

• “Sanctus,” Requiem, Gabriel Fauré, ed. John Rutter, OUP, SATB, org (M)
• “Ride On in Majesty,” Mark Shepperd, MSM, SATB, pno (E)
• “Hosanna, Hosanna,” Mitchell Covington, MSM, SATB, cong, children’s choir, tpt, org (E)
• “Blessed Be the One,” P. Williams, and S. Williams, Triune Music, SATB, hb, children’s choir, keybd (M)
• “Hosanna, Ride On,” Carolyn Jennings, MSM, SATB, treble choir, hb, perc, org (E)
• “Ride On, Ride On in Majesty,” Richard Gieseke and H. H. Milman, CON, SATB, org (M)

Handbell Music

• “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” Lloyd Larson, 3–5 oct, ALF, 48004, Level 2
• “Fantasy on Hosanna, Loud Hosanna,” Jantz Black, 3 oct, pno, HOPE, 2989, Level 2
• “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” John Behnke, 3–5 oct, CON, 977802, Level 2

Art

Liturgy of the Palms

• Entry Into the City, John August Swanson (VDL)
• Entry Into Jerusalem, Roslin Toros (VDL)
• Hallelujah, Mike Moyers (VDL)
• Palm Sunday II, Jan Richardson (JR)

Liturgy of the Passion

• Garden of Gethsemane, Stephen Sykes (VDL)
• Christ’s Agony in the Garden, Abbey of Gethsemani (VDL)
• What Wondrous Love Is This, Mike Moyers (VDL)
• Christ on the Mount, El Greco (VDL)
• Objects of the Passion, Wayne Forte (EYE)

Nicole Salimbene
we are water, detail
See an image of the full installation.
2022
Dimensions: Table/Bridge: 191″ L x 36″ W x 34″ H
Canoe: 192″ L x 24″ W x 2″ H

Materials: photo negatives, thread, wood, LED lighting, test tubes, wood, receipts, wire, waxed linen thread, chairs, water collected from the Purgatoire River, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Platte River, Susquehanna River, Genesee River, Sligo Creek, Rock Creek, Anacostia River, Potomac River, Shenandoah River, Patuxent River, St. Mary’s River, Choptank River, Monocacy River, Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Colorado River

(continued from The Season of Lent – Music)

Perhaps, too, you will cross this invisible bridge between the seen and unseen. The three openings in the table are crossed by a woven fabric of receipts bound with wire. They reference the complexity of our habits as consumers, provoking questions around how we hold and behold our responsibility and interdependence on this planet.

Floating above the table, the illuminated canoe shape was created by hand-stitching photographic negatives. In juxtaposing the test tubes, signifying science and research, with the photographic negatives, signifying the emotional intimacy of memories, I bring together the ways in which we study our interconnectedness. Both symbolize a way of holding time for examination, a chance to consider and change course before being carried toward our destination.

Nicole Salimbene