Worship Notes for April 1, 2012
On this Palm Sunday we are focusing on the majesty and kingly authority of Christ both of which are in full view in our passage from Luke—healing diseases, forgiving sin, bringing redemption and restoration. Our service starts with the Children’s Choir singing “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Many thanks go to Katy Snow, Susan Steffens, and others who prepared the choir for our worship this morning. We continue by singing All Glory Laud and Honor even as we hear the sweet hosannas from the lips of the children.The New Testament Reading is from Luke 19 and presents the narrative of the Triumphal Entry of Christ in which he is recognize as the King who deserves praise and honor. The Prayer of Confession from Philippians 1 draws our attention to the secure hope of the Gospel and to strive in faith.
The first Communion Hymn is Jesus, Lover of My Soul that clearly portrays our only comfort and healing is the redemption for sin that Christ brings. The second Communion Hymn is Come Ye Disconsolate that reminds us that heaven ultimately heals the wounded heart. The final hymn is Lift Up Your Heads which is a traditional Psalm associated with Palm Sunday as we “throw wide the portals of our heart” in response to the kingly reign of Christ. We finish with a Benediction from Revelation 7—Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!
