SUNDAY OF THE PASSIONPALM SUNDAYAPRIL 5, 2020

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GATHERING

WelcomeBlessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.The Holy Gospel according to St. LukeGlory to you, O Lord Processional Gospel: Luke 19:28-4028After he had said this, [Jesus] went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.  29When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying,  “Blessed is the king  who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven,  and glory in the highest heaven!”39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ

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Blessing of the PalmsThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray. (A brief silence is kept.)We praise you, Merciful God, for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city in triumph and was proclaimed messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Bless these branches and those who carry them. Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross, so that, joined to his death and resurrection, we enter into life with you; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.AmenProcessionLet us go forth in peace,in the name of Christ.The procession into the church begins. The congregation follows the processional cross and sings the following hymn.

Gathering Hymn All Glory, Laud, and Honor (next page)

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The Prayer of the Day Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

WORDFirst Reading Isaiah 50:4-9a 4The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.Morning by morning he wakens — wakens my earto listen as those who are taught.5The Lord GOD has opened my ear,and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.6I gave my back to those who struck me,and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.7The Lord GOD helps me;therefore I have not been disgraced;therefore I have set my face like flint,and I know that I shall not be put to shame;8he who vindicates me is near.Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.9It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty?

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Psalm 31:9-16Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble;my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.10For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing;my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.11I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,a dismay to those of my acquaintance;when they see me in the street they avoid me.12I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;I am as useless as a broken pot. 13For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around;they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.14But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD.I have said, "You are my God.15My times are in your hand;rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.16Make your face to shine upon your servant,and in your lovingkindness save me."

Second Reading Philippians 2:5-11 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,6who, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.And being found in human form, 8he humbled himselfand became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross.9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the namethat is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesusevery knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

Prayers of Intercession Turning our hearts to God who is gracious and merciful, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

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A brief silence.

God of mercy, awaken your church to new proclamations of your faithfulness. By your Spirit, give us bold and joyful words to speak, that we sustain the weary with the message of your redemption. Bless the ministry of Agustinian Lutheran School, Guatemala and St. Johannes, Bavaria. We pray for Grace Missions and Chez Moi Orphanage, Haiti. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, drive away fear and anger that cause us to turn against one another. Give courage to leaders who seek liberation for the oppressed. Bring peace and hope to those who are in prison and those who face execution. Protect those serving in the military, especially Sequoya, Chris, and Chantz.Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, send your saving help to all who suffer abuse, insult, discrimination, or contempt. Heal the wounded. Comfort the dying. Bring peace to those suffering chronic or terminal illness. Tend to all who cry out for relief especially, Cathleen Dahl, Terry McCormick, Charlie Parks, William Panick, Bob Keener, Karen and Alvin Gruenewald, Susan and David Friend, Brandon, Stephanie and Kimber Roberts, Maureen Caldwell, Bill and Cherie Tidwell, April Kennedy, John Roy, June Harnack, Debbie Sakmar, Pete and Marilyn Droegmiller, Myrna Schultz, John Bennett, Micah Stansell, Whitney O’Connor Hawk, Larry Stoermer, Sarah Lanier, Connie Klopfenstein and Charlie Norman, Bobbi Windsor, Larry Schultz, Jr., Jennifer, Dan, Rebekah, and Forrest Durham, Mary Johnson, Terry Emlet, Carol Tackett. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, we pray for all who will prepare and lead worship in this Holy Week. In all things, show us the ways that you call us to die to self, to live for you, and to give of ourselves for the sake of others. Bless those who have and are celebrating birthdays, Christy Smith, Marcus Loner, Ben Venus, Charlie Parks, Maureen Caldwell; those celebrating baptisms, Kimberley Roche, Walt McDowell, Roger Mayo, Connie Klopfenstein, Kathy Bernhardt, Laura Chatmon, Peter Droegmiller, April Kennedy, Donna Milam, Sarah Sanders, Mary Johnson, Christy Smith, Bailey Harvil, Aaliya McLendon, Sequoya McLendon, Ben Venus, Jade Roche, Jason Tuffarella. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We lift up all others we name in our hearts or on our lips….. (Pause). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

According to your steadfast love, O God, hear these and all our prayers as we commend them to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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MEAL

We Share the Peace of the LordThanksgiving for the WordSend your Spirit of truth, O God; rekindle your gifts within us: renew our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love, for the sake of a world in need. Faithful to your Word, O God, draw near to all who call on you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever.

Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heavenGive 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 and ever. Amen

SENDING

BenedictionAnnouncementsDismissal As we go on our way, let us remember…We are an equipping and responding churchThat continues to grow, impact, and transform lives.Go in Peace, May the Holy Spirit guide youThanks be to God!

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IN OUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK – APRIL 5, 2020Cathleen Dahl, Terry McCormick, Charlie Parks, William Panick, Bob Keener, Karen and Alvin Gruenewald, Susan and David Friend, Brandon, Stephanie and Kimber Roberts, Maureen Caldwell, Bill and Cherie Tidwell, April Kennedy, John Roy, June Harnack, Debbie Sakmar, Pete and Marilyn Droegmiller, Myrna Schultz, John Bennett, Micah Stansell, Lynn Baade, Whitney O’Connor Hawk, Larry Stoermer, Sarah Lanier, Connie Klopfenstein and Charlie Norman, Bobbi Windsor, Larry Schultz, Jr., Jennifer, Dan, Rebekah, and Forrest Durham, Mary Johnson, Terry Emlet, Carol Tackett.

BIRTHDAYS BAPTISMS3/28 Christy Smith 3/26 Kimberley Roche4/8 Marcus Loner 3/27 Walt McDowell4/9 Ben Venus 3/29 Roger Mayo4/10 Charlie Parks 3/30 Connie Klopfenstein4/11 Maureen Caldwell 3/31 Laura ChatmonEXPECTANT PARENTS 4/1 Peter Droegmiller, April Kennedy,Katie and Jonathon McDaniel Donna Milam, Sarah SandersStephanie and Alan Scott 4/6 Mary Johnson, Christy SmithMILITARY 4/7 Bailey HarvilSequoya McLendon 4/8 Aaliya McLendon, Sequoya McLendonChantz Roche Ben VenusChris Perrault 4/9 Jason Tuffarella

4/10 Jade Roche

FAMILY AND FRIENDS : Liz and Bob Sherliza, Deb Tutson, James and Ellen Granum, Brooke Davis (Friends of Saint John); Ruby Reid (family of Gwen Flowers-Taylor); Doug and Pat Sederquist (brother and Sister-in-law of Kathy and Bill Gates); Charles Harper, Tim Kennedy (family and friends of April Kennedy); Anne Watt, Rick Schnaible, Alexis Anthrop, Phyllis Kesler (family of Lyle and Cheryl Kesler); Mary Locke (mother of Janet Kindred); Kim Lothrop, (family of Connie Klopfenstein); John Bechtel, Peggy Ussery, (family and friends of Sarah Lanier); Isaac Russell (family of Marcus Loner); Jim & Emma Shoup, Chuck and Bunny Blume, (friends of Tish Martin); Melissa Roy, Mary Donna Harris (family of Jill Roy); Doug Maxwell, Max Maxwell (Brother and Father of Debbie Sakmar); Jack Bauser (family of Marvin and Carol Tackett), Anneka Swann, Anna Baron, Tina Sprouse, Amanda Doyle, Ted Helms, Herbert Rogers (family and friends of Bill, Cherie, and Mandy Tidwell).

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PASTOR HOURS: Pastor Mary’s schedule may change the next couple of weeks due to Covid-19. If you need her, please feel free to call or text her at: (309)-212-0888.

EASTER SERVICE AND FLOWER DEDICATIONS Due to the Covid-19 virus, we will postpone our Easter Vigil/Festival until we are all cleared to go back to our normal schedules. We will have the Easter Flower dedications at that time. So, if you would like to donate to the flowers for the cross or purchase flowers for the sanctuary, please email the office as soon as possible. We are unsure as to what plants will be available at that time, but, we will call you and discuss it before any plants are ordered. No money is due right now.

REPAIRSSaint John needs to do some repairs to the trailer as well as the main building. The trailer needs the roof sealed and repairs to the flooring due to leaks. The trailer is an important part of our ministry as it houses Primary Purpose AA’s group. They meet six times a week with attendance between 25-60 each meeting. The total costs for repairs to the trailer will be approximately $3,000.The main building will undergo exterior painting. The total cost will be approximately $4,600.00. We currently have $2,300 that is designated for those repairs, but, we still need approximately $5,300 to complete these repairs. These are much needed projects that is not in our budget, so we are asking for donations (above and beyond your pledge) to help offset the cost. Thank you for your generous giving!

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A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Dear friends in Christ,Last week at church, I shared some precautions that we are taking at worship to help prevent any illness from affecting someone else. I shared that I am encouraging people not to shake hands or hug at the peace but to elbow bump, share the peace sign, slightly bow to one another, or say the words peace.

I also shared information that we have from the CDC concerning things that we can do to help prevent spreading illness during this time, and we are encouraging using the hand sanitizer placed outside the sanctuary doors, to be sure to wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds or long enough to sing, “Happy Birthday,’ to use a paper towel before turning off the water faucet any place that you wash your hands, and to stay home if you are either ill, starting to feel under the weather, or have possibly come into contact with someone else who has been sick recently. The CDC is most concerned for those people over 70 years of age, and/ or with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.

As the week has gone on, there has been more spread of the illness in America, and in Georgia. The numbers doubled in 3 days recently this week in GA from 11 to 22. While that is a small number, it can grow exponentially in the days and weeks to come. One person can spread it to literally hundreds of people. As our faith tells us to be not afraid, and to trust in God. But we also use the brains given to us by God to do our best to make wise decisions, and to work to protect everyone in this time.

If you are at church this week, or in the coming weeks, you will experience that we have changed a few things for now. We will no longer pass the offering plate but will have it out on a small table in front of the font. We will ask you to deposit your giving in there sometime during the service. We will ask you not to be so close to one another at the Communion rail. Leave a little more space between you and the next person as you come for communion. Our Communion wine/grape juice will now be individual cups that you will take from the tray yourself, and then put into a basket as you leave the altar. We will have the altar guild wear gloves to put the cups in the trays and fill the cups. After you leave the communion rail, please put your plastic cup in the basket on a table on your side.

Also, there are notes in the bathrooms of things that we ask you to do to help us with keeping things clean between the cleanings each week. We appreciate everyone working together for the sake of others. We are called to love one another as God as loved us, so let us be looking out for each other. If you are concerned about coming to church, or you are sick, please stay home. We want everyone to be safe and healthy.

If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to seek me out.

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Blessings, Pastor Mary Armstrong-ReinerSaint John Lutheran Church

1689 Martin Luther King Jr. ParkwayGriffin, GA 30224

Church Phone: 770-228-0662Email: stjohnelca@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.stjohngriffin.org

Facebook: Saint John Evangelical Lutheran ChurchPastor Mary Armstrong-Reiner

Pastor_st.john@yahoo.comCell 309-212-0888

Support StaffLynn Jones, Administrative Assistant Amy Droegmiller, Youth LeadersMarilyn Droegmiller, Organist Gayle Harvil, Praise Team DirectorJoan Thomas, Choir Director Heather Loner, Nursery AttendantJennifer Durham, Choir Accompanist

Congregation CouncilMark Miller, President Donna MilamDon Taylor, Vice-President Phyllis HutchingsEnid Mswia, Secretary Liesl KompelienButch Armistead, Financial Secretary Tyler SwensonTish Martin, Treasurer Rita Johnson

Ministry ContactsAltar Guild: Sandra Harwood Member Care: Sarah Lanier, Cherie TidwellEducation: Phyllis Hutchings Property: John Sanders, Matt BaadeFellowship: Laura Miller, Martha Dansby Social Ministry: Jill Gates, Don TaylorFinance: Tish Martin, Butch Armistead Stewardship: Mark Miller Gifts and Memorials: Tish Martin Worship: Sandra Harwood Glocal Mission: Andy Harnack, Larry Schultz Youth Ministry: Amy Droegmiller

All liturgies, prayers, Bible passages and music are reprinted with permission from the following resources.Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License 23384;

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OneLicense.net. License #A-701923; CCLI License # 2725291.

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