Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday
10:00 am, April 17, 2011
A Time of Centering: Welcome! It was the children on Palm Sunday who cheered the loudest. They loved Him simply, because they knew how much He loved them. If, by chance, your faith has lost its childlike simplicity, we hope that this hour of worship will restore it to you. And we offer our friendship to help in the restoration.
PRELUDE Worship begins as the music is played
*PALM SUNDAY PROCESSIONAL
*RESPONSIVE INVOCATION
LEADER: We gather together
PEOPLE: Waving palms of joy,
LEADER: Waving branches of peace.
PEOPLE: Eager to see Jesus, anxious for his healing touch, hoping to receive a blessing.
LEADER: We gather together,
PEOPLE: Waving palms of joy,
LEADER: Waving branches of praise,
PEOPLE: Longing to know abiding peace in the midst of pressing worry and hurry, longing to be accepted for who we are instead of being judged for not being or doing enough.
LEADER: We gather together,
PEOPLE: Waving palms of joy,
LEADER: Waving branches of hope,
PEOPLE: Hoping to walk with Jesus through the night of anguish, the morning of accusations, the noon of despair, the hours of darkness.
LEADER: We gather together,
PEOPLE: Waving palms of joy,
LEADER: Waving branches of prayer,
ALL: Walking toward Easter.
WELCOME
HYMN OF CELEBRATION "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" 278
CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: The streets were crowded.
PEOPLE: A parade mood filled the air.
LEADER: Yet the shouts were from deep in the heart.
PEOPLE: Hosanna. Save us.
LEADER: Save us from lukewarm faith.
PEOPLE: Hosanna. Save us.
LEADER: Save us from lazy habits and weak commitments.
PEOPLE: Hosanna. Save us.
LEADER: Save us from limited dreams and narrow vision.
PEOPLE: Hosanna. Save us.
LEADER: Save us from trembling fear and draining resentments.
PEOPLE: Hosanna. Save us.
LEADER: We cry from the heart, from our soul.
ALL: Hosanna. Hosanna. Save us. Save us now. Amen
CHOIR ANTHEM "Hosanna, Sing a Loud Hosanna!" CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering
*Doxology
*Prayer of Dedication
*HYMN OF PREPARATION "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" 280
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 27:11-25
SERMON Blessings along the Journey: Perseverance
Unison Prayer
Hosanna, O God in the highest! You come among us in unexpected ways. Who ever heard of a king on a donkey, a Savior on a cross? How do we know it is you? How shall we recognize your presence? Will we see you when you stand among us? Will we hear your voice, understand your message? Will we wave the palms in enthusiasm today, but drop our arms in confusion tomorrow? With your help today, we will be strong tomorrow, and with you beside us, we will persevere and be triumphant. Amen.
*HYMN FOR GOING FORTH Verse 1-3 " Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart" 160
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
May God grant you grace to follow in faith where Christ has led the way that you may live each day with courage and perseverance as you walk in His light. Amen
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
Please pray for: Sandy Littrell family, Lou Petersen, Carol White, Barb Kravec, Marilyn Phopheter, Marie Allard and for all the people that are having medical or surgical worries.
The memorial book is opened in loving memory of Marin Aker Scott
Altar flowers in honor of Rachel Hunold's birthday by Lee & Cindy Hunold
Ushers for today, April 10th are: Mike and Amy Tjelle, David Cline and Tommy Mast.
PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Small Steps Preschool still has grocery coupon books for sale. There are 7 Big V Country Mart books. Please see Ron Mast or Roberta Sanderson if you wish to purchase one. The money will go towards new playground equipment.
"JOURNEY BLESSINGS"
Wednesday, 5:45 to 7:00 pm
April 20th - Perseverance
Come enjoy a meal, fellowship and study
Soup providers will be:
April 20th - UMM
EASTER FLOWERS
There is a sign-up sheet for Easter Lilies on the "Opportunities to Serve" bulletin board. Sign-up soon because there have only been 12 lilies ordered. The cost is $10.00. Please make your check out to SUMC, put Easter flowers in the memo and either put your check in the collection or in the office the day you sign-up. Please remember to put who the flowers are in honor of or in memory of.
April 21st
Service – 7:00 pm
Cantata – performed by the SUMC choir
"Shadows of Sacrifice"
April 24th
Sunrise Service – 7:00 am
Led by the Drama Group
EASTER MORNING BREAKFAST
The United Methodist Men will be serving a continental breakfast on Easter morning at 8:30 am. They would like to know how many of you will be attending. There is a sign-up sheet at the back of the great room for you to sign if you are planning on attending.
Sunday, April 24th
9:00 am - during Sunday School
Easter Service – 10:00 am
ATTENTION ALL GRADUATES
SUMC will be honoring all of the graduates from our church on Graduation Sunday, May 15th at the 10 am service. Please contact the office and let us know who you are and where you are graduating from (high school, college, trade school, etc.)
SUMC has two Sunday school classes in need of a teacher Curriculum is provided. Average time commitment every week is two hours, one hour to prepare and one hour to teach. Need is immediate Classes will cease for the summer May 22nd. Please contact Ramona Emery if you can help.
