Call to Worship - Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
(for four voices scattered around the sanctuary)

1 - O give thanks to the LORD,

3,4 - for he is good,

1,3,4 - for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 - Let everyone say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
                (motions to congregation, they say: )
                          "His steadfast love endures forever."

3 - Open to me the gates of righteousness,
                that I may enter through them
                          and give thanks to the LORD.

1 - This is the gate of the LORD;
                the righteous shall enter through it.

4 - I thank you that you have answered me
                and have become my salvation.

1 - The stone that the builders rejected
                has become the chief cornerstone.
                          This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

2 - This is the day that the LORD has made;
                let us rejoice and be glad in it.

3,4 - Save us, we beseech you, O LORD!
                O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!

1,2,3,4 - Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD.
                     We bless you from the house of the LORD.

1 - The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
               Bind the festal procession with branches,
                          up to the horns of the altar.

3 - You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;

4 - you are my God, I will extol you.

1 - O give thanks to the LORD,

3,4 - for he is good,

1,3,4 - for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 - Let everyone say, "His steadfast love endures forever."
                (motions to congregation, they say: )
                             "His steadfast love endures forever."

1 - Please stand and sing.....

         Welcome, Lord Jesus. You are the reason we are gathered here. As you entered Jerusalem long ago, come into the temple of our hearts and minds just now. If need be, turn a few tables upside down to bring us right-side up.
         Welcome, Holy Spirit. You are the power behind this hour. As you strengthened believers long ago, come among us just now. If need be, blow away the dust and cobwebs to spring clean this home.
         Welcome, God. You are who you are! We don’t really need to welcome you here, for you are with us always. Even so, we open the gates and cry, "Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!" Amen.

         Okay! Now it’s our turn. What offering would you bring to the Lord? Think of it as your "cloak" laid upon the ground before him, as he humbly enters. Will the ushers come forward to receive our gifts?!

"Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

He was the Son of God.
         He was the Son of Man.
He came down from heaven.
         He was born in a stable.
Kings came to his cradle.
         His first home was a cave.
He was born to be a king.
         He was a child of Mary.
He was the greatest among rulers.
         He was the least among servants.
He was loved and honored.
         He was despised and rejected.
He was gentle and loving.
         He made many enemies.
He counseled perfection.
         He was a friend of sinners.
He was a joyful companion.
         He was a man of sorrows.
He said, "Rejoice."
         He said, "Repent."
"Love God with all your heart."
         "Love your neighbor as yourself."
"Don t be anxious."
         "Count the cost."
"Deny yourself."
         "Ask and receive."
In him was life.
         He died on a cross.
He was a historic person.
         He lives today.
He was Jesus of Nazareth.
         He is Christ the Lord.

(Hymnal #714, written by Kenneth I. Morse,
from We Gather Together, ©1979, Brethren Press)