Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union

Palm Sunday

April 5, 2020        10:30 am

 
Meditation:
If we take care of the means, we are bound to reach the end sooner or later. When once we have grasped this point, final victory is beyond question. Whatever difficulties we encounter, whatever apparent reverses we sustain, we may not give up the quest for truth.  — Mahatma Ghandi

From there to here: we Gather

Welcome & Announcements
Welcome to this service of worship!  As the Berea community responds to the governor’s suggestion to avoid gathering in large groups, we worship online to limit the risk of exposure to Covid-19. We’re delighted to welcome you into this virtual circle of God’s healing love and light.
Gospel Lesson 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 Call Andrew of Crete, 8th Century Martyr
Let us say to Christ: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel. Let us wave before him like palm branches the words inscribed above him on the cross.
Let us show him honor, not with olive branches, but with the splendor of merciful deeds to one another.
Let us spread the thoughts and desires of our hearts under his feet like garments, so that he may draw the whole of our being into himself and place the whole of his in us.
Palm Processional All Glory, Laud and Honor
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.
Passing of the Peace Shout Hosanna! to one Another!

The Living Word among us

Special Music The Palms Faure. arr. Haddox
Pearl Marshall, handbells, Susan Stephens, piano
Words are printed here for your inspiration and reflection.
O’er all the way green palms and blossoms gay are strewn this day in festive preparation, where Jesus comes, to wipe our tears away, even now the throng to welcome Him prepare.
Join all and sing His name declare, Let every voice resound with acclamation, Hosanna! Praised be the Lord! Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!  His word goes forth, and people by its might once more their freedom gain from degradation, humanity doth give to each his right, while those in darkness find restored the light.
Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem, of all thy sons sing the emancipation, through boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem brings faith and hope to thee forevermore.
Children’s Moment   
Sung Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29          Robert Rorrer, Cantor
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, indicated by the R.
The righteous shall enter the gate of God.

R  O give thanks to God, for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever!
Let Israel say, “God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to God.
This is the gate of God; the righteous shall enter through it.
R  I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the God’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that God has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save us, we beseech you, O God! O God, we beseech you, give us success! R
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God. We bless you from the house of God.
The Sovereign is God, and God has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.
O give thanks to God, for God is good, for God’s steadfast love endures forever. R
Sermon      Crowded No More         Rev. Kent Gilbert

Living Prayer

Ringing of 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.
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
Our gifts help sustain this particular community of caring by sustaining the building, pastors and staff, and all the materials that make our ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need. In addition, a portion of our contributions flows out to aid those in need via many external agencies.
Many friends give online, and you can use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. You don’t have to register to make a contribution, but if you do, it can make future generosity that much easier. You can even give by text! Text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering)
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Center yourself, either now or sometime today, and breathe deeply and peacefully.

• In the Gospels, Palm Sunday is the last joyful time we read until the Resurrection, as Jesus and the disciples move inexorably toward the first communion in the upper room and the crucifixion. Does your heart feel joyful today? If not, what cares are weighing you down? If you can, bring them to your soul’s altar and give them to God.
• This day is a time of both joy and despair as we contemplate the hard work of Holy Week that lies ahead of us. What hard word must you undertake in your life?  What sustains you as you move through this week?

Pastoral Prayer and Our Lord’s Prayer
You are very welcome to email or phone prayer requests to the office for the bulletin. Please do so by 10 am Thursdays, and be sure you have permission to share the information.
¨ 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. Let us hold the people of Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania and our brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church of Berea, in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes, or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Edith Hansen, Joyce Henderson, Nancy Hindman, Loyal Jones, Jennie Kiteck, Mary Miller, Lois Morgan, Barb Smith, Tom Warth.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ George Mountjoy.
¨ Joyce Henderson, under hospice care after suffering a heart attack.
¨ Corban Goble, a long-time member and friend of Union Church, who has died just shy of his 90th birthday.
¨ Ryan Salais, prayer request received online, help with navigating the criminal justice system.
¨ The family, Berea College community, and many friends mourning the death of Rev. Randy Osborne.
¨ Melissa and Susan Doring-Zook, rebuilding and recovering after a house fire. All people and pets are well.
¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living.
One: Echoes of crowds reverberate in our hearts this day, O Lord. We, too, ask you to save us! … heal us! … reform us!, Make the world better. Hear our shouts as we lay them like palms before you.
For all who mourn and grieve; for all who worry and work to keep others safe, may we show forth your love with no less vigor. May you shield and protect them. May you give them peace and ease their burdens.
As we enter the holy ground of this holy week, we confess we would prefer the leap to Easter, rather than the hard work of the cross. But beneath the cross of Jesus is where we stand. And so…
One: Before God, with the people of God, I confess to my brokenness: to the ways I wound my life, the lives of others, and the life of the world.
All: May God forgive you, Christ renew you, and the Spirit enable you to grow in love.
One: Amen.
All: Before God, with the people of God, we confess to our brokenness: to the ways we wound our lives, the lives of others, and the life of the world.
One: May God forgive you, Christ renew you, and the Spirit enable you to grow in love.
All: Amen. In your mercy, help us tend to this holy ground.
We reach to you as our Maker, our Mother, and …
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom 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 kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.   

From Here to There

The Blessing and Sending
Benediction Response Now Is the Cool of the Day Jean Ritchie
Robert Rorrer, singer
Please join in singing the chorus:
Now is the cool of the day. Now is the cool of the day. O the earth is a garden, the garden of my Lord. And he walks….in his garden, in the cool….of the day.
 
Announcements
For the latest information regarding COVID-19 visit Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ website:   https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx (updated daily)  COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725
Union Church Virtual Palm Sunday Potluck/Webinar, 7:00 pm tonight. A chance to ask questions, hear from staff, share a meal from your own home. 🙂 no meal required unless you want to)
 Tune in! Union Church is sponsoring the ringing of 10 am bells for Kentucky on 100.7fm the Coyote and 106.7fm the Pinnacle! #teamkentucky!
 Need some assistance with technology? This might be a good time to explore options of grocery pick-up services, online ordering, e-books, face-to-face video communications, and connecting to Union services remotely. If you are interested in volunteering to help with technology please email Laura Nagle at joyfulsunflower@gmail.com or text at 859-358-0106.
If you need help getting technology set up please contact Sharona Nelson at sharonan@gmail.com or (856) 499-4116 (The 856 area code is correct! Her phone will go right to voicemail, she’ll return your message).
Join Rev. Kent and Rev. Diana on Facebook for a story and song every night. In these hard times, and maybe stuck at home, here’s a chance to gather around a story. They are good for any of us, young or old. So grab your blanket, favorite stuffed animal, and snuggle in!
Use this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UCstorytime/?source_id=105561509581536
Digital Deacons and Tech Operators needed:  Can you help on Sunday mornings? We need folks to help with our online ministry — audio, video, and to serve as “social media host” – to respond online during the service to people who check in. Also needed – a person with video editing skills. Let Rev. Kent know! kgilbert@union-church.org. Also, with fewer announcements the service begins promptly at 10:30. Tune in early so you don’t miss anything!!!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/UnionChurchBerea/  and on twitter: @UnionChurchKY This is a great way to get the latest news and inspiration as we care for one another.
Blood Drive, April 7, 11-4, Community Room. Appointment only: 800-775-2522.
Let’s stay in touch! Do you need a Church Directory? I can email you a pdf or snail-mail you a paper copy. Call or email the office — Joan