Order of Worship –
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
March 29, 2026 Palm Sunday
Kendall-Whittier Park
Prelude
Opening Hymn and Palm Processional
Hymn: Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Verse 1
Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang:
To Jesus, who had blessed them, close folded to his breast,
The children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.
Verse 2
From Olivet they followed ’mid an exultant crowd,
The victory palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud:
The Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state;
Nor scorned that little children should on his bidding wait.
Verse 3
“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven our King.
O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice,
And in his blissful presence eternally rejoice.
Rev. Amy Venable:
Beloved in Christ, we gather today in a place different from our usual sanctuary, yet we are reminded that the Church is not a building, but the people of God. Though our hearts are heavy from the damage to our sacred space, we come together to worship the One who makes all things new.
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Amy: God is our refuge and strength,
People: A very present help in trouble.
Amy: When the earth shakes and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
People: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Amy: Come, let us worship the God who never leaves us.
All: We will lift our voices in praise and trust.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer Rev. Meg Alison
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.
Children’s Moment
Scripture Reading Isaiah 43:1-3a; 5
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. These are the words of life; THANKS BE TO GOD.
PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST:
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church welcomes, affirms, and extends our love to allpersons regardless of age, ethnicity, race, income, life experiences, abilities, sexualorientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All are welcome into our family.You are invited to stand and greet one another with signs of God’s peace. Peace be with you. And also with you.
Hymn: Seek Ye First
Verse 1
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And its righteousness,
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
Verse 2
Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find;
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia!
Verse 3
You shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia!
Sermon Rev. Amy Venable
Hymn: What Wonderous Love
Verse 1
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!
Verse 2
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down;
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul!
Verse 3
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing!
Verse 4
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on!
Benediction
