A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
March 29, 2026 10:30 am Palm Sunday
Meditation
We pray for a time when we are all one—a day when we support one another on the road of life, not tear each other down because of our differences. ~ Marsha McFee
From There to Here: We Gather
Welcome
Welcome to this service of worship! Please sign in using the pew folder, passing it back down the row so all can greet one another by name, and place the sheet in an offering plate. We’re glad you’re here! During the service, you are invited to rise in body or in spirit, standing or sitting, at points in the service marked “<>.”
Gospel 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:
“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.”
¨ Palm Processional
Everyone is invited to join in the Processional. When invited, please move to stand lining the aisles as the pastors, children, and adults process through “the crowd.” Those processing will begin by the door under the Peace Bell. All who would like to do so may gather in that hall, or join as the procession passes your pew.
¨ Hymn #216 All Glory, Laud, and Honor St. Theodulph
1. All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! The people of the Hebrews with palms adorned your way; our praise and prayer and anthems we offer you this day.
2. O Promised One of Israel, of David’s royal line, the one called “God’s beloved,” of flesh and yet divine, to you before your passion they sang their hymns of praise; to you, now high exalted, our melody we raise.
3. As you received their praises, receive our prayers today, whose justice and whose mercy and sovereignty hold sway. All glory, laud and honor to you, O Christ, we sing, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!
Children’s Moment
¨ Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on the journey of faith. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Word and Worship
Special Music Let the Rocks Cry Out Robert Sterling Union Church Choir
Let the rocks cry out, “Hosanna!” Let the people shout for joy! Join the song creation sings, rising to the King of kings.
1. Blessed is He, King Jesus, who comes in the Lord’s holy name. The heavens rejoice. The earth lifts its voice. How can we not do the same?
2. Holy is He, Son of David, the King of all Israel. He makes the blind to see. He sets the captive free, Jesus, Emmanuel.
Scripture Reading Isaiah 35
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.
Strengthen the weak hand and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be opened; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp; the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing;everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness,and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Sung Psalm #118: 1-2, 19-29 p. 701
The psalms were originally musical compositions. During Lent we will pray the psalms in musical form. You are invited to sing the response when invited, at the “R” if using the hymnal.
Sermon Roll Down, Roll Down Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer
Each week, we join millions of Christians who pray for one another through the ecumenical prayer cycle and, locally, the Berea Ministerial Association’s prayer cycle. Next week, let us hold the people of Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia; and our siblings at Calvary Apostolic Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
Ringing the Peace Bell
The Union Church Peace Bell was created by Jeff Enge in honor of Union Church member Carl Eschbach (1904-1998). A twin bell hangs in Berea’s sister province in Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Embodied Prayer
You are invited to reflect and pray at the candle table. You may also choose to source the essential ingredient of solitude and private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts in your pew.
For Reflection The Day is Coming: We Are One
All through Lent we’ve been clenching our fists and then opening our hands and letting go of things that separate us from our ability to bring about justice: Prejudice and privilege, resistance to learning and changing, unwillingness to reach out, fear of those who are different from us or fear of forgiveness for ourselves or those who have hurt us.
Today, open your hands and reach out for the hand of someone else, as Jesus modeled reaching out to right relationship our neighbors. Connection is how we create solidarity in a divided world.
We come before you, One who is Goodness, frustrated and angered by injustice, often feeling helpless and powerless in the struggle. Rather than work at what we can for your reign of love, we just want to throw up our hands in resignation.
Forgive us and remind us of the power you give us to name and resist evil in all its forms. Move us closer to compassion and courage to speak up and stand up for what is right and good. Amen.
Offertory Roll Down, Justice Mark A. Miller Union Church Choir
There’s a voice strong and clear ringing out far and near, “Let justice roll down! Let justice roll down!” Like the rush of a stream comes a powerful dream, let justice roll down, justice rolls down! Let the earth be restored, every soul be reformed; let the healing renew, creation reborn. Here in this sacred space, with the strength of God’s grace, let justice roll down, justice rolls down! Roll down, justice! Roll like an everflowing stream.
Let you heart soar, open doors wide, let your mind be transformed, let it be opened by love. On this glorious day give us courage, we pray, that justice rolls down.
Let the vision take flight and God will delight as the waters roll down, justice abounds!
Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing your grace. Streams of justice, neverceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love!
A Chance for Generosity: easytithe.com/union
A community of caring relies on support. Your recurring or one-time donation will make a ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need.
¨ Use your smart phone or computer and go to easytithe.com/union. No registration required, but registering once makes future generosity simply entering an amount and a click.
¨ Baskets for checks or cash are located at the head of each aisle for those who wish to make an in-person donation.
¨ Give by Text. Text an amount to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”).
¨ Give by Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403.
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ Doxology Kyrie No. 7 Taize
The words “Kyrie Eleison” are Greek for “Lord, Have Mercy.” Often also paired with the words, “Christe Eleison” (“Christ, Have Mercy”), they are some of the oldest known Christian prayers and have been said or sung in worship services of every tradition for nearly 2000 years. There are many musical settings of the Kyrie. This one is from the community of Taizé, France.
Silent Prayer and Prayers of the Community Dr. Pam Chabora, Reader
Lord of our expectations, God of crowns and glory and hope; God of the poor who have heard it all before; Lord of the powerful who clutch their fears… Maker of peace, Mother of justice, Father of mercies: Hear our prayers this day. Tender and sore are the hearts of your people. Long waiting and rough treatment has bruised our souls and hurt ones we love. Our center isn’t holding; our best efforts are dividing not uniting us. And we are all falling further from the kin-dom we know is possible.
Forgive our foolish ways, and help us forget them. What Jesus has need of, help us deliver. Where we have wounded others, show us the steps to reconciliation. As we enter this work there are few of us whole and healthy and many of us ailing, worried and tired. But in this holy hour, and through this holy week, may your holy work roll down, roll down and heal us all. May our love for you become love for one another and roll on and on and on. Lord have mercy. Christ be our mercy. Lord, let us be mercy in your name.
With hosannas ringing loud in our ears, and the cross looming over us all, we pray as Jesus our brother taught: reaching to you as…
Our Lord’s Prayer
Our Maker, Our Mother, and Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kin-dom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
¨ Hymn #202 O God, How We Have Wandered Passion Chorale
1. O God, how we have wandered and hidden from your face;
In foolishness have squandered your legacy of grace.
But how, in exile dwelling, we turn with fear and shame,
As distant but compelling, you call us each by name.
2. And now at length discerning the evil that we do,
By faith we are returning with hope and trust in you.
In haste you come to meet us, and home rejoicing bring,
In gladness there to greet us with calf and robe and ring.
3. O God of all the living, both banished and restored,
Compassionate, forgiving, our peace and hope assured.
Grant now that our transgressing, our faithlessness may cease.
Stretch out your hand in blessing, in pardon, and in peace.
From Here to There
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community events, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Rev. Dr. William Barber II is a prominent American pastor, social justice leader, and public theologian known for his advocacy on issues such as voting rights, poverty, and moral reform in politics. He serves as president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, an organization dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities and addressing systemic injustice.
Rev. Barber gained national recognition as the architect of the “Moral Mondays” movement in North Carolina, where he led weekly protests against policies he viewed as harmful to the poor, minorities, and working-class citizens. His work emphasizes a fusion of faith and activism, arguing that moral values should guide public policy. He later co-chaired the revival of the Poor People’s Campaign, a national effort to confront poverty, racism, militarism, and environmental degradation.
A powerful orator, Barber is known for his passionate speeches and calls for unity across racial and economic lines. His leadership continues to influence contemporary movements for justice and equality in the United States.
¨ Benediction
¨ Benediction Response Hold On Heidi Wilson
Our Prayers for Others
¨ All the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ Those in mortal danger in the war in Iran. For the leaders of nations to set aside assassination and warfare in favor of just, diplomatic solutions to conflict.
¨ We pray for our country, and those who are directly affected by the actions and inaction of our government to address the needs of its people and the world.
¨ Our neighbors experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness and food insecurity.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Diane Bailey, recovering from a recent fall.
¨ Rhonda Edwards, recovering from surgery last week.
¨ Eddie Kennedy, at the recent loss of his sister.
¨ Sandy Bolster’s niece, Tricia’s, husband Rob, diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread outside his colon, facing chemo. They live in Portland, Maine.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Dorie Hubbard, Susan Kramer, Hattie Parks, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Theresa Scherf.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: March 31 – Colin Perman; April 1 – April Nava; 2 – Susan Kramer; 3 – Leslie Berger; 4 – Stanley Kramer
Anniversaries: Today, March 29 – Jerry & Gail Manning; April 1 – Richard & Cheyenne Olson; 5 – Ernie & Leslie Campbell; 6 – Steve & Ann Rhodes
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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