WORSHIP RESOURCES
Palm Sunday
Mark 11:1-11 (A, B, C)
Join the Humble Procession
Additional Scripture
Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29
Preparation
Provide palm fronds or paper cutouts of a palm frond for children, or those who wish to participate, to wave during the processional. You could also use colorful pieces of cloth to simulate the cloaks laid on the pathway. If you wish to add a visual element, look for free images of art that reflect palm branches. Project them and share on screen if you also offer online connections.
Gathering of the Crowd
Prelude
Gathering for Worship
“God of Grace and God of Glory"
CCS 624
OR “All Creatures of Our God and King"
CCS 98
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
OR “Now in This Moment"
CCS 96
Welcome Jesus—Procession of Palms
Welcome
Call to Worship Responsive Reading
Leader: As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany
at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to
them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you
will find a colt tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and
bring it here.”
Reader 1: If anyone asks you, “Why are you doing this?” tell them, “The Lord
needs it and will send it back here shortly.”
Leader: They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway
just as Jesus had told them. As they untied the colt, its owners
asked them, “What are you doing untying that colt?”
ALL: They answered as Jesus had told them. “The Lord needs it.”
Reader 2: When they brought the colt to Jesus, they threw their cloaks on it
and Jesus sat on it.
Reader 1: As Jesus went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
Leader: Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread
branches they had cut in the fields.
Reader 2: Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted…
Leader and Readers 1 and 2: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
ALL: To be read in loud voices as the crowd welcoming Jesus would have done.
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David.
Hosanna in the highest!
—Mark 11:1-10, adapted
Procession Hymn of Praise
Have those with palm leaves and cloaks come down the center of the worship space, waving the palms, as the song is introduced.
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!"
CCS 105
OR “Crown Him with Many Crowns"
CCS 39
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
OR “Siyahamb’ Ekukhanyen’ Kwenkhos’/We Are Marching in the Light of God"
CCS 95
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Prayer of Welcome
Reflections as Witnesses
Guided Meditation
You are invited now to close your eyes and briefly rest in the light of the spirit. Picture yourself present at this parade. Are you a bystander, maybe a disciple, or one of the participants waving a palm branch? What is resting on your heart right now as you watch the arrival of Jesus riding on the back of the colt? What are you feeling…excitement, uncertainty, maybe a little fearful? What are you seeing in the face of Jesus? What do you see in the face of each disciple? Briefly rest for a moment in this space of uncertainty just like the disciples.
Hymn of Witness
“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” Stanzas 1 and 2
CCS 623
OR “You Are Called to Tell the Story"
CCS 625
Select 1 or 2 stanzas meaningful to you.
OR “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love"
CCS 367
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Courage for the Journey Ahead
Prayer for Peace
Light the Peace Candle.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
As we lay palms at your feet we pray for peace. Peace that triumphs over darkness. Peace that ebbs and flows in the lives of all those who see and receive it.
Peace that makes all people shout in jubilation, like the people who saw you on a donkey and shouted, “Hosanna!”
Peace that rests in stones that would shout if the people did not. Let that peace spread as people hear our shouts and see our reactions to you. As we enter Holy Week, walk with us, God, so that we may take time this week to share peace with the world. Amen.
Scripture Story
Share the story from Mark 11:1-11 from a children’s story Bible.
Hymn of Quiet Reflection
“My Peace” Sing twice.
CCS 149
OR “Come and Find the Quiet Center"
CCS 151
OR “Lead Me, Lord” Sing twice.
CCS 450
Message
Based on Mark 11:1-11
Disciples’ Generous Response
Statement
As we reflect on the crowds that greeted Jesus on Palm Sunday with branches to create a pathway entrance through the gates of Jerusalem, we are also reminded that in just a few days another crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” How do we respond to Jesus’s presence? Which crowd are we a part of?
Whole-life stewardship is not about fleeting moments of praise, but rather a lifelong response of gratitude for the grace and generosity of God as expressed through the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and continuing life of Jesus Christ. How will we respond, not just today, but every day to the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ?
During this time of Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.
As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.
If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Go as Living Witnesses
Hymn of Witness
"O Young and Fearless Prophet"
CCS 36
OR “Fairest Lord Jesus"
CCS 33
Benediction
Sending Forth: Psalm 118:1, 27-29
Postlude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passion Sunday
Philippians 2:5-11
Let This Mind Be in You
Additional Scriptures
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Mark 14:1—15:47
Preparation
The scripture from Mark traces the events of Passion Week from the time the chief priests and scribes determined to pursue a course to have Jesus arrested and killed to Jesus’s crucifixion. Major parts of that story will be told in readings with congregational or solo responses in song or the hymn text being read while a musician quietly plays the music.
Use readers of all ages, in person and online, and give them their particular scripture passages and if needed, the hymn text, ahead of time to practice. If the congregation is not familiar with the suggested hymns that are recommended in between scripture passages and you want them to sing, use the gathering time to teach them.
If you wish to add a visual element, look for royalty-free images of Christian art that depict some of the key scenes as related in the scriptures below. Project them and screen share if you also offer online connections.
Gathering Time
If desired, introduce and practice, “Holy Woman, Graceful Giver,” CCS 464, and “Shadows Lengthen into Night,” CCS 470, which will be used later in the service.
Prelude
Welcome
Invitation to Worship: Psalm 31:14-16
Hymn
"Fairest Lord Jesus"
CCS 33
OR “Of the Father’s Love Begotten"
CCS 27
Invocation
The Passion Story: Jesus’s Journey to the Cross
Hymn
“Filled with Excitement/Mantos y palmas”
CCS 465
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
OR “All Glory, Laud, and Honor"
CCS 467
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:1-3
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Holy Woman, Graceful Giver” Stanza 1
CCS 464
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:10, 12-15, 17-18
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanza 1
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:26-30
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanza 2
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:32-36
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanzas 3 and 4
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:42-46
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanza 5
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:50
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanza 6
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 14:53, 55-56, 60-61a, 66-72
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanza 7
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 15:1, 9b-15, 21-24, 33
Ministry of Music OR Congregational Hymn
“Shadows Lengthen into Night” Stanza 8
CCS 470
Scripture Lesson: Mark 15:34-39, 42-46
Congregation or Solo:
“Were You There” Stanzas 3 and 4
CCS 458
Reflection
Invite people to close their eyes and imagine themselves present at one event in the narrative story just read. What might they have felt, believed, or feared? Invite them to rest in the unknowing as the disciples had to do. Spend several minutes in silence.
Prayer for Peace
Statement
Just as the disciples of old were disheartened and fearful after Jesus was crucified, we often feel the same emotions during our own journeys. And not only us, but far too many in our world are still living with similar fears about the potential of being falsely accused, tortured, and put to death. There often seems to be no reason for hope.
Unlike the early disciples, we know that the story we heard today isn’t the end of the saga. What comes next offers hope for all people. Our mission as disciples of Jesus Christ is to be bearers of that good news.
Light the Peace Candle.
Prayer
Eternal One, we have grieved anew as we have remembered the sacred story that led Jesus to the cross. We also grieve the injustices others face in our own time. We seek your holy impression on our hearts and minds that will spur us to action to help advocate for the oppressed and mitigate the conditions that deny others their humanity. We offer this petition in the name of the one who lived and died that we might live. Amen.
Homily
Based on Philippians 2:5-11
This quote, with Sermon Helps, ideas can develop the homily.
The appearance of this text among the readings for Palm/Passion Sunday in all three lectionary years underscores not only the sobriety with which it anticipates the suffering just ahead, but also the consolation and compassion and community that Jesus‘ followers will need in order to make the journey of the coming week with him. Indeed, they-we– have it among us, abundantly, even now.
—Richard E. Spalding in Feasting on the Word, Year B Volume 2, Westminster John Knox Press, page 174.
Disciples’ Generous Response
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:4
Statement
This verse reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus Christ means caring for others, and that encompasses not only humans but all creatures and indeed our beautiful planet too. Our response involves using our giftedness, our time, talents, and treasure.
We have the opportunity to focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.
As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.
If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes
Hymn of Hope
“O Young and Fearless Prophet"
CCS 36
OR “When We Are Living/Pues si vivimos"
CCS 242/243
Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.
Benediction
Sending Forth
Let us walk the painful journey from the tomb to the cross this week in a spirit of remembrance and gratitude. Go with God.
Postlude Somber and serious.
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Year B—Letters
Passion Sunday
Philippians 2:5–11
Exploring the Scripture
This text gives an excellent model for talking about the need to mirror Christ’s attitude and about our interactions with one another. This Philippian hymn helps us see the events of Holy Week as part of Christ’s humility and surrender to God’s will. It talks about Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, and surrender.
This letter of Paul was written to the church in Philippi, which was one of the first known churches in Europe. Paul is saying to the Philippian church, look at the Son of God. He was equal to God, yet he emptied himself of all ambitions and desires and became one of us. Jesus surrendered his will to that of God. Because of this, he was victorious.
Today as we focus on Passion Sunday, we see the attitude of Christ in these verses, as he enters Jerusalem and eventually to the cross. Paul quotes this hymn as a pattern for us to live by and consider. Christ calls us to a life of self-surrender.
The church at Philippi struggled with people putting their interests before others. There was a danger of the church being divided. Paul was in prison, and he had seen how the example of Christ had helped him overcome his inabilities. Therefore, Paul looked at Christ and urged the church to consider his example. Paul wanted the church in Philippi to surrender personal interest for the church’s good.
There are times when our interests can come before the interests of God and Christ’s mission. Also, there are times when we prefer our interest to that of another. We need to heed the lesson to the Philippian church, to surrender our interests for the good of Christ and his mission. If such an attitude is adopted, then a spirit of unity will prevail. When there is unity, the Holy Spirit is present. Then, the mission of the church can be carried out more effectively. God’s will is done in us.
Also, we hear the words, “that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6). God will finish the work with or without us. The work of God will go on. We are not indispensable, and we can either yield ourselves to God or not. To be part of God’s work, we need to empty ourselves of our motives and ambitions so the Divine’s will is done in us, like in Christ.
We need to put aside our personal agendas to enable God’s work to be done in and through us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, worked for the good of all. When we empty ourselves and follow Christ, God is glorified. The task is not beyond us, for we have the strength of Christ to fall on. You can depend on Christ’s power to help. God is at work in us, enabling us to do God’s will.
Central Ideas
- Paul uses a hymn that celebrates the self-emptying of Christ. He took on himself the form of a servant, even to death on a cross, to encourage the church to empty themselves of their opinions and yearnings
- Describing Christ as a servant to be mirrored is a message that has spoken to the church through the centuries.
- Christ calls us to a life of self-surrender.
- We see the story of Passion Sunday through the lens of Christ’s humility and surrender to God’s will
- We need to put aside our agendas so the work of God can be done in and through us.
Questions for the Speaker
- In what ways would our response to Christ’s mission change if we could focus our minds on the example of Christ?
- What agendas do people have in your congregation? How do these need to be dealt with? Of what do we need to let go?
- How does the example of a life of self-surrender speak to your community, neighborhood, or city?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year B Letters
Palm Sunday
*Mark 11:1–11 NRSVUE
Gathering
Welcome
On Palm Sunday we focus on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus enters the city astride a donkey as a symbol of the unexpected nature of God’s reign.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Gracious and loving God, as we lay palms at your feet we pray for peace. Peace that triumphs over darkness. Peace that ebbs and flows in the lives of all those who see and receive it. Peace that makes all people shout in jubilation, like the people who saw you on a donkey and shouted, “Hosanna!” Peace that rests in stones that would shout if the people did not. Let that peace spread as people hear our shouts and see our reactions to you. As we enter Holy Week, walk with us, God, so that we may take time this week to share peace with the world. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Body Prayer
Say: Today our spiritual practice will be a body prayer.
Show the group members three postures they will experience for this spiritual exercise.
First posture: Head bowed with hands folded.
Second posture: Sitting or standing with arms stretched outward.
Third posture: Hands clasped over the heart.
Say: “A chime will signal when to move into the next posture. You will not be offering any words of prayer but instead will focus on sensing what type of prayer wants to emerge from you as you hold each posture.”
Lead the group in three deep cleansing breaths as preparation. Ring a chime.
First posture: Head bowed with hands folded (one minute). Ring a chime.
Second posture: Sitting or standing with arms stretched outward (one minute). Ring a chime.
Third posture: Hands clasped over the heart (one minute). Ring a chime.
Close with a spoken “Amen.”
Invite participants to share what they experienced during the body prayer.
Sharing Around the Table
*Mark 11:1–11 NRSVUE
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Today’s passage is Mark’s account of Jesus’s arrival and entry into Jerusalem.
The people had varying expectations of the Messiah, and all were a threat to power. If the Messiah came as a warrior king, like David, it would threaten the Roman authorities. If the Messiah were an ancient prophet, like Elijah, it would threaten the power of the temple authorities to speak for God. If the Messiah were a great priest, who would cleanse the religion and set new standards of righteousness, it would threaten the temple authorities and Pharisees.
But Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem to send a message of humility and peace. He did not ride a horse, symbol of war, privilege, and power. He gave the Romans no excuse to arrest him. He was displaying a peaceable kingdom, in solidarity with the weak and oppressed.
The disciples finally understood that Jesus was the Messiah, but it looked so different from their expectations. They put cloaks and fresh branches on the road, a custom reserved for royalty (2 Kings 9:13). They shouted, “Hosanna!” which meant “O save!” and was used to express hope for deliverance in battle. The people sought war, not peace—judgment, not grace. They announced the coming of the reign of David, not God.
Jesus presented the people with a choice. Would they support an alternate peaceable kingdom of God? Or would they reject his message of peace and transformation?
Questions
- When have your expectations of Jesus Christ been misplaced or unfulfilled?
- How can people today mirror the humility and peace Jesus intended for his entry into Jerusalem?
- Where do you see God working to bring the kingdom?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.
—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.
The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
Ever-present God, forgive us when we are less than loving, less than hope-filled, less than you have created us to be. Your mercy and grace are always with us. May we find strength in your presence, and may we respond to your love with generous spirits. Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
Community of Christ Sings 465 “Filled with Excitement”
Closing Prayer
Optional Additions Depending on Group
- Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
- Thoughts for Children
*The Revised Common Lectionary does not include a scripture from Year B Letters for Palm Sunday. The gospel text is used in its place.
Thoughts for Children
You will need:
- Popsicle sticks
- Construction paper
Say: Today is Palm Sunday. This is the day when we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem. In some Gospel stories we are told he was welcomed by people waving palms and yelling, “Hosanna!”
Today, we are going to make palm leaves from construction paper and Popsicle sticks. On each leaf, write a characteristic of Jesus that you like or are grateful for. These are reasons why you would come to see Jesus if he came to your town.
Once everyone has made their palms, take turns yelling a characteristic of Jesus (peacemaker, loving, helper, healer). Start by yelling, “Hosanna!” After everyone has taken a turn, yell, “Hosanna!” Then go around the circle again. Go until all leaves have been shared or there’s been enough yelling!
Adapted from “Walking with Jesus”