In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 14-20 – from the death of John the Baptist right up to Jesus journey to Jerusalem. Read the chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or story most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this swath of text invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read these chapters, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
Breton Bread, Two Fish, Spoon – Louis Marcoussis
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing Matthew 21-28 – that’s Jesus’ whole Jerusalem experience including the death and resurrection texts; you’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics. Get a cup of coffee and settle in for this time of worship with your community.
Foyer Conversation
Gathering Song FOR KIDS!
Don’t be a spoil sport! Do the actions!
More Kids’ Activities
Here are a few other activities for kids that you can download or access for this morning, including a couple printable coloring and activity pages:
Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, a video chat, an email, etc. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.
Invocation Prayer and Call to Worship
Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem the people waved palms with shouts of acclamation. Grant that when the shouting dies we may still walk beside you, even to a cross. Amen.
Pause for a moment of silence. Be still – as still as you are able. Take a few deep breaths… and then click to play the audio of the call to worship, reading along and joining together in one voice as God’s people.
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!
Songs of Worship – “Let it Rise,” “Your Grace is Enough,” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”
Let It Rise Let the glory of the Lord rise among us Let the glory of the Lord rise among us Let the praises of our King rise among us Let it rise, Oh let it rise
Oh let it rise!
Let the songs of our Lord rise among us Let the songs of our Lord rise among us Let the joy of our King rise among us Let it rise
Oh let it rise
Your Grace is Enough Great is your faithfulness oh God You wrestle with the sinners heart You lead us by still waters and to mercy And nothing can keep us apart
So remember your people Remember your children Remember your promise, oh God
Your grace is enough Your grace is enough Your grace is enough for me
Great is your love and justice God You use the weak to lead the strong You lead us in the song of your salvation And all your people sing along
All Hail the Pow’r of Jesus’ Name All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name let angels prostrate fall Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all Bring forth the royal diadem and crown him Lord of all
Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball To him all majesty ascribe and crown him Lord of all To him all majesty ascribe and crown him Lord of all
O that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take a minute to give thanks. If you are with others, have one person pray a simple prayer of thanksgiving. Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can give to your church now.
We bring what we have, God—our good intentions, our mixed motives, our small gifts. We offer them and we dare to affirm that they are received. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture Readings – Psalm 77:1-2 and 7-9, Isaiah 50:4-5, and Philippians 2:5-8
Play the video, read the scriptures, and allow the questions to prompt some contemplation. Bring those thoughts to God as prayer.
Scripture Reading – Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “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. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
The Entry into Jerusalem – Giotto
Song of Worship – “Hosanna”
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to you We turn to you Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for you We long for you
‘Cause when we see you we find strength to face the day In your presence all our fears are washed away Washed away
Hosanna! Hosanna! You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises Hosanna! Hosanna! Come have your way among us We welcome you here Lord Jesus
Hear the sound of hearts returning to you We turn to you In your kingdom broken lives are made new You make us new
Sermon
Song of Response – “Hosanna to the King”
Hosanna to the King How deep, how wide, is the love of Christ How tender be his mercies His faithfulness with the morning rise In patience He does wait for me How high above is your wisdom Lord How great are thoughts of eternity Wisdom and scorn bore the cross of Christ And on that cross you thought of me On that cross you thought of me
Hosanna, Hosanna Hosanna to the King Hosanna, Hosanna Hosanna to the King
What gracious heart has embraced the earth What splendour robed in majesty The Sacred One ever wrapped in light Whose beacon ever shines on me Whose beacon ever shines on me
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LordAlmighty Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LordAlmighty Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
What vision calls out as deep to deep What sight does the eye ever long to see? What end lays hope for the weary plight A God who will come and will set us free!
Announcements
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If you missed the Bible Convo from this past Wednesday, check it out on this site. Read, Matthew 8-13, listen in to the conversation, and then contribute with your own thoughts in the comments or by engaging a friend. Next Bible Convo is next Wednesday (April 8) on Matthew 14-20.
Zoom Youth on Tuesday, April 7, at 7:00pm. The link will be the same as last week. Contact Erik if you’re having technical difficulties.
This Thursday is Maundy Thursday; there will be a family prayer for dinner and some suggestions for doing communion at home posted to this site. If you’re out to buy grocery supplies, pick up a bottle of wine or some grape juice and bread (or bake some at home – let’s be honest, most of you have the time…) to have communion from home.
There will also be a Good Friday liturgy posted on this site to help walk you through that day of remembering Jesus’ passion.
And Sunday is Easter! There will be a joyful Easter worship experience hosted here, and some downloadable resources for a sunrise service as well. And stay tuned to your church’s email and social media communication for other ways to engage during Holy Week.
Benediction
Doxology
Whether you are alone or with a few others, sing the doxology aloud to conclude your time of worship.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 8-13 – from a collection of healing miracles through a lengthy section of Jesus teaching through parables. Read the chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or story most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this swath of text invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read these chapters, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
The Sower – Jean-Francois Millet
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing Matthew 14-20; you’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
Winnipeg Covenant 