Palm Sunday
Today’s service may be viewed on Facebook Live Stream at this link in the comfort of your own home or in person in the sanctuary. Join us!
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Gathering Music Polly Dunford
Welcome and Announcements Rosie Thompson
Anthem “Antiphonal Hosanna” by G. Alan Smith
Call to Worship
Leader: People of God, do not be afraid, for the presence of the Divine is coming,
All: riding on a donkey, daring to raise the branches of liberation.
Leader: Shout your hosannas in the street and in the sanctuary.
All: Hosanna in the highest! Jesus has come to set us free from greed, oppression, and hatred!
Leader: Palm branches and praise mark this day with hope.
All: Hosanna, come and renew us and our world!
Opening Hymn “Filled with Excitement” Hymnal #199
Wave your palm branches during the singing of this hymn.
1) Filled with excitement, all the happy throng spread cloaks and branches on the city streets.
There in the distance they begin to see, there on a donkey comes the Savior Christ.
Refrain: From every corner a thousand voices sing praise to the One
who comes in the name of God.
Our acclamation breaks forth in shouts of praise, our triumphant song of joy:
“Hosanna, hosanna to Christ! Hosanna, hosanna to Christ!”
2) As in that entrance to Jerusalem, hosannas we will sing to Jesus Christ,
to our Redeemer who still calls today, asks us to follow with our love and faith.
Refrain
Scripture Lesson Mark 11:1-11
Sermon “The Radical Parade of Seemingly Powerless Activism” Dr. Keith Ray
Thoughts to consider: Today we read Mark’s version of the story of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, where “[m]any people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields” (verse 8). But what does this triumphant entrance teach us about our own sense of purpose and calling, especially when Jesus’ entrance is contrasted with the mighty power demonstrated by Pilate who, according to some scholars, marched into Jerusalem days before the Passover celebration each year to remind the people who was in charge (Rome)?
Let us consider which of these marches speak to our own purpose and calling in our context and circumstances. What does it mean for us to learn from a marginal Jewish teacher?
Prayers of the People
Closing Hymn and Offertory “A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd” Hymnal #200
Wave your palm branches during the singing of this hymn.
1) A cheering, chanting, dizzy crowd had stripped the green trees bare,
and hailing Christ as king aloud, waved branches in the air.
2) They laid their garments in the road and spread his path with palms
and vows of lasting love bestowed with royal hymns and psalms.
3) When day dimmed down to deepening dark the crowd began to fade
till only trampled leaves and bark were left from the parade.
4) Lest we be fooled because our hearts have surged with passing praise,
remind us, God, as this week starts where Christ has fixed his gaze.
5) Instead of palms, a winding sheet will have to be unrolled,
a carpet much more fit to greet the king a cross will hold.
Benediction
Discussion
Shalom (“May you be well and whole and in communion with all creation.”)
Shalom, my friends, Shalom, my friends, Shalom, Shalom.
Till we meet again, Till we meet again, Shalom, Shalom.
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Calendar of Service -
March 24 - Maundy Tuesday dress rehearsal after worship service.
March 26 - Maundy Thursday Tableau (On Tuesday!) 7:00 pm
March 31 - Dr. Keith Ray - Easter - In Labyrinth (weather permitting)
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Choir practice meets Sunday at 9:25 AM in the choir room for our final practice, and we will sing during service that day. Please come a little early so that you are ready to start on time. See you all then! Polly 864- 940-0640
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“Is it I, Lord?”, a Maundy Thursday Tableau, will be presented to NACCP on Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 pm. This is a short drama that tells the story of the disciples and Jesus during the last supper.
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Sharon reminds us that the “One Great Hour of Sharing” special collections continue through Lent season. You may write “OGHS” on the memo line of your check or use the designated envelopes for cash donations.
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Market Theatre presents “Jersey Boys”. Drew Whitley is directing, Thor Raines is choreographing the show, and Rosie Thompson is understudying the role that Joe Pesci had in the movie.
The group from church will see the show on Sunday, March 24; plan for lunch on your own.
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The Kudzu Krew is now the “Kudzu Killers” who are set to take out the kudzu that has invaded our labyrinth. New members are welcome! If you have the energy and/or interest in joining, please let Cynthia know via email (cynthiakwarner@mac.com)
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If you are interested in volunteering at the Anderson Soiree children’s games on April 26-27, please let Vicki know. 585-781-4620
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PAWS is currently in need of blankets. Please bring them to church if you have donations.
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The Bible Study Group (BSG) meets Mondays at 6:30 pm via Zoom. If you’d like to be added to the Zoom invite list then contact Cynthia at cynthiakwarner@mac.com. We’d love to have newcomers!
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Joanne reminds us all to keep up the food donations for AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries)! Bring your non-perishable items to the church. This is an on-going need that should become part of everyone’s shopping routine.
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Are you interested in becoming a member of NACCP? Would you like to make this community your spiritual home? Please contact Keith at keithdray@gmail.com or at 864-508-1530.
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Remember in prayer: Michael Little’s friend Becky; Shea Marsden; Linda McFall; Bonnie Marsden and son Michael; Jackie Moore; Glennie Burns; Mary Alice Mundy; Jason Harding; Madison Bishop (Whitney’s niece); Latha and Cheryl Semones; Immigrant families; Victims of all violence, oppression, and injustice; People of Ukraine; People of Israel and Palestine.
NACCP is an inclusive Faith Community that values questions and the journey to the answers.
Ministry Leader: Dr. Keith Ray keithdray@gmail.com
Pianist and Choir Director: Polly Dunford
Mailing address: P.O. Box 4346, Anderson, SC 29622
Phone: 864-225-3575
Website: naccpchurch.org
Church News: naccpnews@yahoo.com
Instagram: northandersonccp
Facebook: NorthAndersonCommunityChurchPresbyterian