Opening Prayer

During Lent, we remember the events that led up to the crucifixion. Jesus had come to bring hope and light to the world, but at every step there were those who struggled with the consequences of that light. He came as a friend of sinners and many knew him, but even those who were close to him would often fail to be faithful. When he would depend on them the most they rejected him.

Even those who loved him most were unable to support him in his darkest hour. When they could have been there, they went into hiding, allowing Jesus to suffer and die alone. And as his friends abandoned him into the hands of his enemies, a little of the light that had come into the world went out.

(Extinguish the sixth candle)

Children’s Time

Hosanna, Jesus is here!

Confession & Words of Assurance

God of humble journeys,

Today we remember that you came in authority and in silence. You entered Jerusalem much like you enter our lives, showing you belong but still needing us to acknowledge you as the Messiah and Saviour.

We are struggling, Lord. Some of us are worried, others filled with dread. Some of us feel like sitting ducks while others seem to think nothing significant is happening around us and its life as usually. We are hurting, and instead of seeking comfort some of us are lashing out.

Help us to remember that we are all your family, those who we know as well as those we will never meet. Help us remember to share from our abundance, not from our sense of scarcity. Help us to hold up each other even when we feel we have nothing that holds us up throughout the days and weeks of our confinement.

In the deepest darkness, God is there. in our fears and doubts, God is there. Let God ease your concerns and know that each day is new and ready for you to make different choices to give and receive.

Scripture

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Matthew 21 When Jesus and his disciples came near Jerusalem, he went to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives and sent two of them on ahead. ² He told them, “Go into the next village, where you will at once find a donkey and her colt. Untie the two donkeys and bring them to me. ³ If anyone asks why you are doing that, just say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ Right away he will let you have the donkeys.”

⁴ So God’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said,

⁵ “Announce to the people
    of Jerusalem:
‘Your king is coming to you!
He is humble
    and rides on a donkey.
He comes on the colt
    of a donkey.’”

⁶ The disciples left and did what Jesus had told them to do. ⁷ They brought the donkey and its colt and laid some clothes on their backs. Then Jesus got on.

⁸ Many people spread clothes in the road, while others put down branches which they had cut from trees. ⁹ Some people walked ahead of Jesus and others followed behind. They were all shouting,

“Hooray for the Son of David!
God bless the one who comes
    in the name of the Lord.
Hooray for God
    in heaven above!”

¹⁰ When Jesus came to Jerusalem, everyone in the city was excited and asked, “Who can this be?”

¹¹ The crowd answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Sermon

Performed by Margaret Whisselle, Lakeshore Drive United Church, Morrisburg, ON

Prayers of the People

(Please add your prayers aloud and in the comment section below)

Messiah…. the world around us is in chaos and sometimes it’s hard to see all the things we need to do to make it better. For those of us who are people of action, it is extremely hard to sit by and feel like we do nothing. Give us the wisdom to remember our prayers are never nothing, and these we can offer with the shouts of Hosanna, just as people did so long ago.

We pray this morning for all of those working so hard to keep our country and our world healthy. We pray for medical people sometimes brought to tears as they struggle to save lives. Hold them in Your arms, God, help them remember they have the whole world supporting them.

We pray for those deemed ‘essential’, who just a month ago were considered expendable. If nothing else, we thank you for our eyes being opened to the value of others. We pray for cashiers, clerks, internet service technicians, bank tellers, truckers, police, military, inventors, and all other workers stepping up to keep out society running. Strengthen them in the face of abuse and let them feel the gratitude of Your people.

We pray for parent and caregivers stuck at home without their usual systems of support. Help us find ways to reach out and offer them what we can. And when we are not able to help, remind us we can always raise their names in prayer.

We pray for our community, our leaders, our loved ones, and ourselves. We offer their names out loud…

Gathering all these prayers into one, we offer the prayer tradition has taught us:

Our Father, who art in heave, hallowed be Thy name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Benediction & Commission

As you stay in your space

Jesus is with you. As you enter the unknown, Jesus is with you. As you make choices for yourself and others, Jesus is with you. Never fear… Jesus is with you.

In the name of God the Creator, God the Redeemer, and God the Sustainer, remain in peace.