{"id":1433,"date":"2020-04-04T01:01:39","date_gmt":"2020-04-04T01:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/?p=1433"},"modified":"2020-04-04T01:51:46","modified_gmt":"2020-04-04T01:51:46","slug":"worship-for-palm-sunday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/2020\/04\/04\/worship-for-palm-sunday\/","title":{"rendered":"Worship for Palm Sunday"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>First United Methodist Church of Schenectady<br \/>\nWorship for Palm Sunday<\/h1>\n<h2>April 5, 2020<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image-000.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Getting Centered<\/h2>\n<p>It may help to center yourself into worship by lighting a candle, as a symbol of God&#8217;s presence with you during the time of worship.<\/p>\n<h3>Breath prayer<\/h3>\n<p>King of Kings, lead us now.<br \/>\nOR<br \/>\nLeader of all, lead us now.<br \/>\n<em>Breath prayers involve breathing in the first phrase, and breathing out the second.You may wish to simply pray for a moment before starting,<br \/>\nor you may wish to pray while listening to the prelude.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prelude: All Glory, Laud and Honor<\/h3>\n<p>Chris Stroh &#8211; Organist<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"All Glory, Laud and Honor\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fQsF1Lm-KkA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Call to Worship<\/h3>\n<p><em>If you are with another person, you may wish to read this out-loud. Otherwise, you can read it as a reminder that this is communal worship done in a large geographical area.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>One: We remember the crowds lifting high the palm branches,<br \/>\n<strong>Many: But sometimes we shudder thinking of the danger of crowds.<\/strong><br \/>\nOne: We hear of the shouts of Hosanna, and the hope in the air,<br \/>\n<strong>Many: But Hosanna and hope aren&#8217;t feeling entirely natural.<\/strong><br \/>\nOne: We imagine Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey,<br \/>\n<strong>Many: And we remember how radical that was,<\/strong><br \/>\nOne: How Jesus stood up for the people, even to the powers of empire,<br \/>\n<strong>Many: And God&#8217;s hope returns.<br \/>\nHosanna!<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Hymn #280: <em>All Glory, Laud and Honor<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><em>If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: <a href=\"https:\/\/hymnary.org\/hymn\/UMH\/278\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hosanna, Loud Hosanna<\/a><\/em><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"All Glory, Laud and Honor\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aRXGJVr8mYc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>A Time for Prayer<\/h2>\n<h3>Morning Prayer<\/h3>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Source of our Salvation,<br \/>\nHealer of our Brokenness,<br \/>\nAs ancient people shouted \u201csave us, we pray\u201d<br \/>\nwe join in their chorus,<br \/>\nasking for your help in the world today,<br \/>\nyour guidance in our day to day lives,<br \/>\nand your wisdom when it becomes time to rebuild.<br \/>\nWe know you are with us,<br \/>\nand with all.<br \/>\nMay we find the moments to breath deeply,<br \/>\nsee beauty,<br \/>\nsavor goodness,<br \/>\nand connect with you.<br \/>\nAmen<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><em>We will share joys and concerns during the Second Hour Zoom conversation.<br \/>\nIf you have joys or concerns to add, please send them to the office.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Silent Prayer<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image-001.jpg\"><br \/>\nPhoto credit to Sue Learner<\/p>\n<h3>Pastoral Prayer<\/h3>\n<p><em>You are welcome to read this out-loud or silently.<br \/>\nNormally the pastoral prayer is in response to the prayers of the body,<br \/>\nthis one is written hoping to respond to the prayers of the body<br \/>\nwithout hearing them first.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Source of our Salvation,<br \/>\nHealer of our Brokenness,<br \/>\nWe bring to you our gratitude for all that help us to connect and to survive:<br \/>\nfor the people whose work cares for us,<br \/>\nfor the signs of springs,<br \/>\nfor flowers and buds,<br \/>\nfor this faith community,<br \/>\nfor generosity and courage being expressed by so many people,<br \/>\nfor times when the whole world works together.<br \/>\nWe thank you for loving relationships, safe homes, and good health.<br \/>\nWhich all serve to remind us of the struggles of those who don&#8217;t have such<br \/>\ngifts.<br \/>\nWe bring our attention to those in broken or abusive relationships, who live in inadequate or unsafe homes, for those who are ill and those who are<br \/>\ngrieving.<br \/>\nWe continue to offer gratitude for frontline workers and essential workers,<br \/>\nwhose work cares for us all, but comes with risk. We seek to keep them<br \/>\nsafe and support in all the ways we can, and ask you to surround them with<br \/>\nour love.<br \/>\nWe bring our attention to those living with cancer and other illnesses, many of whom are even more isolated right now, and without their communities of support.<br \/>\nWe bring our attention to those who live with addiction, and are struggling<br \/>\nwithout the forms of support that usually sustain them.<br \/>\nWe bring our attention to all those struggling with mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and addiction, knowing that the very real stresses of day to day life right now are overwhelming for many.<br \/>\nWe are deeply aware of the many who have lost jobs and are worried about<br \/>\nhaving enough resources to survive. May we become a society that cares<br \/>\nfor its people, and supports those who are unable to access enough<br \/>\notherwise.<br \/>\nWe are aware, as well, of the record number of migrants and refugees<br \/>\naround the world right now who are not in safe places, or getting access to<br \/>\ncare. With them, we name all those who are homeless, and exposed. May<br \/>\nmercy surround them, and may we find ways to care for them well.<br \/>\nIn particular, we name together Zach, who has been sick; Matt who has<br \/>\ncancer but can&#8217;t get chemo; Mary who lost her son at age 36; Lynn who is<br \/>\nstruggling in isolation in a nursing home; Otto in whose nursing home there<br \/>\nis now great danger; the residents of Glen Eddy and other facilities where<br \/>\nthe virus has been found; and those grieving for Marylois.<br \/>\nIn all that we name together, we trust that you are already present, Holy<br \/>\nOne. In all that we name together, we seek goodness, love, light, and<br \/>\npeace for those who need blessings.<br \/>\nAmen<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>The Lord&#8217;s Prayer<\/h3>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our Father who art in heaven,<br \/>\nHallowed be thy name.<br \/>\nThy kingdom come.<br \/>\nThy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.<br \/>\nGive us this day our daily bread.<br \/>\nAnd forgive us our trespasses,<br \/>\nas we forgive those who trespass against us.<br \/>\nAnd lead us not into temptation,<br \/>\nbut deliver us from evil:<br \/>\nFor thine is the kingdom, and the power,<br \/>\nand the glory, for ever. Amen.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Word and Reflection<\/h2>\n<h3>Choir Anthem<\/h3>\n<p><em>Hosanna! Blessed Is He<\/em> &#8211; Hal H. Hopson<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hosanna! Blessed Is He!\" width=\"1140\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZnpEJdb3dLw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><br \/>\n<strong>Scripture<\/strong> <strong>Psalm 118:1-2,19-29<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.<br \/>\nBelow is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.<br \/>\nYou are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to \u201cwonder\u201d about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>118:1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!<br \/>\n118:2 Let Israel say, &#8220;His steadfast love endures forever.&#8221;<br \/>\n118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them<br \/>\nand give thanks to the LORD.<br \/>\n118:20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.<br \/>\n118:21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.<br \/>\n118:22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief  cornerstone.<br \/>\n118:23 This is the Lord&#8217;s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.<br \/>\n118:24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.<br \/>\n118:25 Save us, we beseech you, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!<br \/>\n118:26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you<br \/>\nfrom the house of the LORD.<br \/>\n118:27 The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.<br \/>\n118:28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.<br \/>\n118:29 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures<br \/>\nforever.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Mission Moment: Food pantries and food banks during the coronavirus pandemic &#8211; Jan Huston<\/h3>\n<p>Food pantries and food banks are among the many organizations struggling<br \/>\nduring the current crisis. They need our help!<br \/>\n<strong>Food Pantries<\/strong><br \/>\nRecently WAMC interviewed Natasha Pernicka, executive director of The Food<br \/>\nPantries for the Capital District. Their <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thefoodpantries.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website<\/a> states, \u201cGiven unprecedented times The Food Pantries for the Capital District is working to ensure that our local food pantries are prepared in the face of circumstances that are devastating to the most vulnerable community members.\u201d<br \/>\nMs. Pernicka coordinates the 68 food pantries in this area. Four were closed at the time of the interview. The rest continue to try to fill the need for food for local families.<br \/>\nThe pantries are facing several difficulties:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>They are short-staffed. Many of their usual volunteers are older people who need to stay home. Other volunteers are unable to serve because their children are home from school.<\/li>\n<li>Schools are closed. Many workers are losing income. Businesses are hurting. Seniors are isolated. The need for food has increased greatly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Food pantries are considered an essential service and remain open. There is no income requirement for being eligible to receive food \u2013 just a need. <strong>People needing food can call the food access referral line \u2013 518-458-1167 ext. 108<\/strong><br \/>\nSome of the ways they are working to maintain safe conditions as they work are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Clients are asked to make appointments so that they can be physically distant from each other and from volunteers.<\/li>\n<li>Bags of food are pre-packed instead of having clients browse and choose their foods.<\/li>\n<li>They are working on being able to deliver food when needed.<\/li>\n<li>Volunteers who might have ridden in the truck in the past now drive their own vehicles and follow the delivery trucks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Ways to help during the current crisis are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Donate money. Donating money is more effective than having a food drive. Food pantries are able to purchase food from the food banks at a reduced price. $1.00 can buy 6.25 pounds of food. <strong>The best way to donate is by using the website listed above.<\/strong> Also at this time grocery stores are often low on stock so it is not beneficial to reduce their inventory.<\/li>\n<li>Volunteer if possible. The primary need is for volunteers who are able to lift heavy boxes. <strong>Volunteer by calling the above number<br \/>\nor by going to the website.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Food Banks<\/strong><br \/>\nMs. Pernicka stressed the difference between food pantries and food banks. Pantries are where the food is distributed. Food banks are warehouses where large amounts of food are stored and are available for purchase by pantries and similar organizations. FUMC\u2019s Community Breakfast program buys food from the Regional Food Bank in Latham. At this time food banks are well stocked, although they are also in need of volunteers to sort through what they have. The pantries need financial donations so that they can access the food for distribution.<\/p>\n<h3>Children&#8217;s Time<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Palm Sunday Children&#039;s Time\" width=\"1140\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bp7QRUZx6oE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Passing the Peace<\/h3>\n<p><em>If you are worshiping with others, please pass the Peace of Christ.<br \/>\nWhether you are alone or with others, please take a moment to find God&#8217;s peace within, and then to share it with the world. This may take several breaths or moments. Sometimes sharing works best this way: to think of a dearly beloved with whom to share the peace, then to think of other beloveds, then of friends, then acquaintances, then those who frustrate you, then those you don&#8217;t really know, then those you don&#8217;t known at all.<br \/>\nGod&#8217;s peace is spread to all.<\/em><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image-002.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3>Hymn #278: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna<\/h3>\n<p><em>If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: <a href=\"https:\/\/hymnary.org\/hymn\/UMH\/278\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hosanna, Loud Hosanna<\/a><\/em><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"&quot;Hosanna, Loud Hosanna&quot; (ELLACOMBE)\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dEPSQyVgXhw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11<\/h3>\n<p><em>Scripture is meant to be read out-loud.<br \/>\nBelow is the version from the New Revised Standard Version.<br \/>\nYou are more than welcome to read it in other versions if you wish.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>If you are worshiping with children, please take some time to \u201cwonder\u201d about this passage and what it means. (The pastor happily takes questions.) Adults may also enjoy this.<\/em><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image-003.jpg\"><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>21:1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,<br \/>\n21:2 saying to them, &#8220;Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.<br \/>\n21:3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, &#8216;The Lord needs them.&#8217; And he will send them immediately.&#8221;<br \/>\n21:4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,<br \/>\n21:5 &#8220;Tell the daughter of Zion, .ook, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.&#8221;<br \/>\n21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;<br \/>\n21:7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.<br \/>\n21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.<br \/>\n21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,<br \/>\n&#8220;Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!&#8221;<br \/>\n21:10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, &#8220;Who is this?&#8221;<br \/>\n21:11 The crowds were saying, &#8220;This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in<br \/>\nGalilee.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Sermon: &#8220;Dry Bones Live&#8221;<\/strong><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Save Us, We Pray\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cdKpMmW_acM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Responding<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image-004.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h3>Offering<\/h3>\n<p>If you wish, you are welcome to use this time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eservicepayments.com\/cgi-bin\/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=3_CMn6vY3gbXWj2GvkW32xVh5LubqSJdgKX6KHFre1VuMdS3Q8kj_eIJXGJN8RG-0gmHZvX_Lw1ha8ZXgn-54Krv7ImQMfM68o70RRXIZtDlvXRu7Icp8meYpri-7vHbdSHJK5fST8PKv5rD7H0pV4u2FYADh6CtWzBcTpjLo9qDxBXK0S3J8MPHZwZCFVXkDJkCUTrur4Wm694FEfvylg==&amp;ver=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">make a donation to the church online<\/a>, or to put a check in the mail. <strong>The banking team is going to be in the<br \/>\noffice on Wednesday of this week \u2013 so if<br \/>\nyou are mailing a check, you might actually<br \/>\nwant to stop now, write it out, and put it out<br \/>\nfor the postal service. Thanks!!<\/strong> This is also a particularly good time to reflect on how you are giving of yourself to God \u2013 using your time, your talents, and your treasure towards the building of the kindom. It may even be a good time to consider a deeper commitment.<\/p>\n<h3>Offertory Anthem<\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;To the King of Glory&#8221; &#8211; Katherine K. Davis and the Choir of the Second Reformed Church of Hackensack, New Jersey<br \/>\nListen here to <em>To the King of Glory<\/em><br \/>\n<audio id=\"htmlplayer\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/0366CC0C-7FBA-4AED-BD8F-63DBBAEEA56A.mp3\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" controls=\"controls\"><br \/>\n<\/audio><\/p>\n<h3>Prayer of Presentation<\/h3>\n<blockquote><p>Source of our Salvation,<br \/>\nHealer of our Brokenness,<br \/>\nWith these gifts we offer to you our gratitude and our hope.<br \/>\nMay they be used for the building of your kindom and the lessening of suffering.<br \/>\nAmen<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Hymn #277: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus<\/h3>\n<p><em>If you wish to sing along, the sheet music is here: <a href=\"https:\/\/hymnary.org\/hymn\/UMH\/277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Healer of our Every Ill<\/a><\/em><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tell Me the Stories of Jesus\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QRHltbRz7mI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><br \/>\n<em>The hymnal lyrics and the video lyrics do not match<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Benediction<\/h3>\n<p>It is God who saves us, may we be ready to receive God&#8217;s acts! Amen<\/p>\n<h3>Postlude<\/h3>\n<p><em>Toccata on &#8220;All Glory, Laud and Honor&#8221;<\/em> &#8211; Michael Burkhardt<br \/>\nTom Leonard &#8211; Organist<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Organ Postlude: Toccata on All Glory Laud And Honor\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/39799495?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/image-006.jpg\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>First United Methodist Church of Schenectady Worship for Palm Sunday April 5, 2020 Getting Centered It may help to center &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/2020\/04\/04\/worship-for-palm-sunday\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Worship for Palm Sunday<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1438,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1255],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-online-worship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1433"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1433\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1450,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1433\/revisions\/1450"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fumcschenectady.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}