For this week’s worship we gather for a retelling of the story of Holy Week, using music, readings, and participation of everyone.
Worship this week: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. – Sharing of the Palm Sunday/Passion Story
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. “Cry of the Whole Congregation”
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and Fellowship
10:30 a.m. “Cry of the Whole Congregation”
Devotions for this week:
Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-17
Pray: Light a candle. Open your devotion with prayer.
Holy Jesus, you came to Jerusalem seeking not empty worship but faithfulness to your commandments. Guide us now as we begin this week of contemplation and keep us close to your side as we retrace the steps of your final earthly journey. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Read: Read the key verses from Sunday’s reading.
Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:12-13)
Go Deeper: Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings.
Monday, Psalm 118:26-29, Psalm
Tuesday, Matthew 26:31-75, Betrayal of Jesus
Wednesday, Matthew 27:1-26, Passion
Thursday, Matthew 26:17-30, Words of Institution
Friday, Matthew 27:27-61, Crucifixion
Saturday, Matthew 27:62-66, The Guard at the Tomb
Reflect: Reflect on the scripture summary.
Jesus’ final visit to Jerusalem is not to be missed. Arriving in spontaneous fanfare and then confronting the temple merchants over their exploitation of others. The week of reckoning has only begun.
Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your household.
What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
Where do you see the presence of a dying Jesus in the world today? Where do you see the presence of a resurrected Jesus?
What are you most afraid of? How can Jesus’ presence in your life help you overcome your fear?
For the littles: Jesus had a grand parade in Jerusalem. Describe the parade you would host if Jesus rode into your town.
Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week.
Attend Holy Week worship services this week. Write down one thing you get from each service. Carry it with you and reflect on it throughout the weekend.Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing.
May God dance in your parade. Amen.
