PALM
/ PASSION SUNDAY
Notes
1
The main act of worship on this day should have two distinctive features; a
celebration of Christ's
triumphal entry into Jerusalem (traditionally by means of a procession)
and, more importantly, an extended
proclamation and meditation on the Passion story (traditionally by the reading
of the Passion from one of the synoptic gospels or John’s Gospel - see the
passion narrative provided).
2
The congregation assembles in a suitable place away from the church building,
and goes in procession to the
church building. Where this is not possible, all is done inside the church
building, and if possible some or all of the congregation take part in the
procession.
3
The people bring palm or other branches, palm crosses, or else they are given
them as they arrive.
4
The Passion narrative may be read by three, four, or more people. When it is
read in full, the sermon is normally be
omitted.
5.
For more details of this service see, “Book of Common Worship”
Presbyterian Church USA, Westminister/John Knox Press, 1993 or “Handbook of
the Christian Year”, Hickman, Saliers, Stookey, White, Abingdon Press
Call
to Worship
Prayer
Proclamation
of the Entrance Into Jerusalem
Here is read the Psalm for Palm Sunday (Same each year)
PSALM
118:1-2,19-29
This is followed by the Gospel for Palm Sunday for the year of the
lectionary:
or John 12:12-16
The readings may conclude with the following response:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of
the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!
Procession
Into the Church [Hymn or Psalm]
Suggested Hymns : TIS 333, 346, 348, 353, 244
AHB - 250; 264;187 As the
congregation processes into the Church.
Prayer
of the Day
[Prayer
for Illumination]
First Reading Isaiah 50:4-9a (All Years)
Psalm Psalm 31:9-16 (All Years)
Second Reading Philippians 2:5-11 (All Years)
Gospel Reading Matthew 26:14-27:66 or 27:11-54 (Year A)
Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39 (47) (Year B)
Luke : 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49 (Year C)
Click on any of the above Gospel lessons for dramatic layout. These may be copied and
used in worship for Palm-Passion Sunday.
Silent
Reflection and/or Sermon
Hymn
or Taizé song may be used
Offering
Prayers
of the People
The Taizé song ‘Stay with me, remain with me, watching and praying’
may be sung
before these prayers and again at the conclusion of the prayer.
(See Uniting in Worship)
The
Peace
Invitation
to the Lord's Table
Great
Thanksgiving & Lord’s Prayer
Breaking
of the Bread
The
Lamb of God
The
Communion
Prayer
After Communion
If the Lord’s supper is not celebrated the services concludes:
Hymn,
Song
Word
of Mission
Blessing