* — All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: O Holy One, our Sovereign God, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Many: We admire the work of your hands, with awe and
thanksgiving!
One: O Holy One, our Redeemer, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Many: Who are we that you come to us, empower us, and give us
peace?
One: O Holy One, our Companion, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Many: Let us worship the Triune God with honor and glory! How
majestic are your many names in all the earth!

Opening Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” FOG 323

Opening Prayer
God of grace and glory, make your presence known to us as we worship this morning. Jesus our Christ, may your name be praised from the rising of the sun to the midnight hour, may your name always be honored among us. Spirit of holiness, breathe on us all and bind us in Christian love and servanthood. O God, Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit, be known to us today. Transform our lives and our community into the image of Jesus
Christ, in whose name we pray. AMEN.

Affirmation
One: By God’s grace, our chaotic choices become creative grace for
others; our foolishness can be transformed by God’s goodness; our lives can become new by the Spirit of our God.
Many: The good news is as true as it was on creation’s first morning: the Creator God is the redeeming Word who is the Breath of life for all people. Thanks be to God for forgiveness and grace in our lives. Amen.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Psalm 8 Martha May
Matthew 28:16-20 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Awe-filled and Glorious

Hymn: “Come Thou Almighty King” FOG 341

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Like the gifts of creation, we are but stewards of all we possess. And like the gifts of creation, they are not to be hoarded, but shared with the hungry, the lonely, the lost, the struggling. As we offer our gifts, receive our thanks and praise in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “O God in Heaven” NCH 279

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (from the UCC Book of Worship)
Leader: The Spirit descends like a dove bringing peace to unite the world in a just and caring community.
People: The Spirit comes like a breath bringing life to renew the people of God.
Leader: The Spirit spreads like a fire, bringing energy for witnessing to the love of God.
ALL: Spirit of the living God, come to us and transform our lives by your power.

*Opening Hymn “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” NCH 290

Opening Prayer: (from the UCC Book of Worship)
Leader: We thank you, compassionate God, that you sent your Spirit to encourage those whom Jesus left behind that they might not be alone. Through the comfort of your presence, you empowered them to witness to your love.
All: Today, we also seek the encouragement of your presence. Do not leave us alone, O God, but send your Spirit to us that we may worship and serve you with joy; through Jesus our crucified and risen Savior. Amen.

Affirmation
The Spirit is here in healing power. Like a breath of fresh air our hopes are renewed. Let us worship God with joy and follow Christ’s light with courage.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading Acts 2: 1-21 Paula & Rev. Barb

Sermon Title: The Power of Pentecost

Hymn:  “On Pentecost They Gathered” NCH 272

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” FOG 159

Benediction
Leader: Go out into the world energized with the spark of the Holy Spirit.
People: May love guide our actions as we follow the way of Christ.
Leader: Listen for the Spirit of Truth. Spread the peace of Christ.
All: May we rejoice in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen,

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 68)
One: Let God rise up! Sing to God; lift up a song to the One who rides upon the clouds–the Holy One–be exultant before God.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them be jubilant with joy!
One: Let God rise up! Ascribe power to God, full of majesty and power.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them be jubilant with joy!
One: Let God rise up! Awesome is God in the sanctuary, who gives power and strength to the people.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them be jubilant with joy! Blessed be God!

Opening Hymn: “A Hymn of Glory Let us Sing”

Opening Prayer
Holy God, our Companion and Source, shower us with your presence, shelter us in your sanctuary, shield us with your peace. Open our eyes and ears and hearts to your Word and Way. May our worship draw us nearer to you and to our neighbors. Be glorified in our midst as we lift up our joyful voices. Amen.

Affirmation
In Jesus Christ, the resurrected life is yours. In Christ all things are made new. Change is possible. Dog has given us grace and authority as well as a Companion to make a difference in the world. Receive these gifts as freely as they are given.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35  Robert Grammo
Acts 1:6-14     Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Now What?

Hymn: “Christ for the World We Sing”

Sharing Time — Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taize Song “In God Alone”

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Rebekah’s Closet

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, may these gifts we bring be used to bless, to build, and to beautify through generous and faithful care. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “God Our Author and Creator”

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
Leader: On this day of celebrating mothers,
We remember and lift up our mothers to the Lord.
Mothers of young children, first-time mothers,
Working mothers, and single mothers
People of God: We see you and honor you today.
Leader: Grieving mothers who have lost a child too soon,
And those who desire to be mothers
People of God: We see you and honor you today.
Leader: All those who are missing their mothers,
And mothers who are missing their children
People of God: We see you and honor you today.
Leader: Mothers who did not give birth to us biologically,
But have raised us and brought life to us in countless other ways
People of God: We see you and honor you today.
Leader: In times of full joy and abundance,
In times of empty nests and empty cradles,
In all these God tends his flock like a shepherd
And carries the lambs close to his heart.
People of God: As a mother comforts her child, so will God comfort us.

Opening Hymn: “For The Beauty of The Earth” NCH 28

Opening Prayer:
Holy and Present God, hear the sound of praise as we share this space and time gathered among you. May our hearts be opened and our minds engaged. Let the Spirit of Truth live in our songs of adoration, prayers of intercession, and words of pondering. In your name, glory and honor. Amen.

Affirmation
Beloved, you are known by God and received as you are—wonderfully and beautifully, but not perfectly made. Draw near to God who knows your limitations and loves you. Seek the Holy One who recognizes your faults and finds the good in you. Search for the Spirit who discovers you on wayward paths and redirects you. Receive the God who comes to you with peace, grace, mercy, and joy. Come to the One who will not reject or rebuff you but will renew and restore you in hope and love.

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

Psalm 66:8-20 Sharon Midyette
John 14:15-21 Sharon Midyette

Sermon

Hymn: “Faith of our Mothers” (to the tune of Faith of our fathers)
Special lyrics:
1. Faith of our mothers, living still
In cradle song and bedtime prayer;
In nursery lore and fireside love,
Thy presence still pervades the air.
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
2. Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
Fount of our childhood’s trust and grace,
Oh, may thy consecration prove
Source of a finer, nobler race;
Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
3. Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
For youthful longing, youthful doubt,
How blurred our vision, blind our way,
Thy providential care without.
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
We will be true to thee till death.
4. Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
In truth beyond our stumbling creeds,
Still serve the home and save the Church,
And breathe thy spirit through our deeds;
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
We will be true to thee till death.

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory
As we gather in the presence of God, let us acknowledge and act upon the blessings we receive and the gifts bestowed upon us. Let us give generously, as we are able, to fund the ministry of this gathered body and the work of Christ’s church in the world.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Righteous God, receive these gifts we offer from our hearts and hands that they and we might be of service in your kingdom and for your glory. AMEN.

Closing Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”

Benediction

Postlude

All who are able, please stand

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship
One: You are a chosen race,
Many: A royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,
One: In order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness
Many: Into his marvelous light.
One: Once you were not a people,
Many: But now we are God’s people;
One: Once you had not received mercy,
Many: But now we have received mercy. Let us worship God.

Opening Hymn:  “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” FOG 557

Opening Prayer:
Gracious God, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we pray that we may be bound together in Christian love. May our faith and fellowship may be a witness for others. We ask that we may learn how to truly be Easter people, to remember that we are celebrating Resurrection Day every day. In Christ’s name we pray, AMEN.

Affirmation:
When we call, God inclines an ear to us and comes quickly to help us. God’s love is steadfast to rescue us and redeem us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are loved and forgiven!

Children’s Time

Scripture Reading(s)

1 Peter 2: 2-10 Tim Damon
John 14: 1-14 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Building with Living Stones

Hymn:  “We are Not Our Own” NCH 564

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer (Debts & Debtors)

Taizé Song “In God Alone”

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Communion Hymn: “Let Us Break Bread Together” FOG 564

Dedication
Service of Communion
Introduction
God be with you..
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God Most High
It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Communion Prayer.
We give you thanks, God of majesty and mercy, for calling forth Creation and raising us from dust by the breath of your being. We bless you for the beauty and bounty of the earth, and for the vision of the day when sharing by all will mean scarcity for none. We remember the covenant you made with your people and we give thanks for all our ancestors in faith. We come in remembrance and celebration of the gift of Jesus Christ, whom you sent in the fullness of time to be the Good News. Christ lived among us
to reveal the mystery of your Word, to suffer and die on the cross for us, and to be raised from death to then live in glory.

Words of Institution
Blessing the Wine and Bread
Sharing of the Elements
Unison Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious God, we give thanks that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Closing Hymn: “Built On the Rock” Verses 1-3 FOG 555

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour
Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God
Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Call to Worship
One: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Many: He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
One: He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Many: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me.
One: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Many: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.
Opening Hymn: “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

Opening Prayer
O God who is our loving Shepherd, the One who provides for us daily, we join together as a community this morning in your presence and in your protection. Keep us from being isolated or apathetic. Strengthen us against resignation and despair. Move us toward justice and abundance in your name. As we gather to worship you, may we be transformed by your love, strengthened in grace, and rooted in faith for your glory. Amen.

Affirmation
Beloved, the Shepherd cares for your and rejoices whenever you turn back to follow God’s holy way. Live into the promise of glorious, flourishing life and the kingdom of God manifest on earth There is no detour you may take where the Shepherd cannot find you and urge you back into a loving embrace. You are redeemed and restored in Christ.

Scriptures
Acts 2: 42-47      Carrie Naatz
John 10: 1-10     Rev Carrie Bail

Children’s Moment

Sermon Title: Abundantly

Baptism Hymn: “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise” (verse one only)

The Sacrament of Baptism
Invitation to the Family
Child to be baptized: Ella Louise Keith
Parents: Allyson Christine Grammo and Paul Raymond Keith

Welcome (responsively):
Rev Bail: Members and friends in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism.
All: There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us.
Rev Bail: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and creator of us all.

Address:
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water and heaven was opened to him. The Spirit of God came down like a dove on him. The sacrament of baptism is an outward, visible sign of the grace and love of God. The promise of the gospel is not only to us but also to our children. Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of being accepted into Christ’s church, the sign of their participation in God’s forgiveness, and the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith and discipleship.

Questions of the Parents
Will you encourage this child to renounce the powers of evil and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ?
We will, with the help of God.
Will you teach this child that she may be led to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?
We will, with the help of God
Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best as you are able?
We do, with the help of God
Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with this child in the Christian faith, to help her be a faithful member of the church of Jesus Christ, by celebrating Christ’s presence, by furthering Christ’s mission in all the world, and by offering the nurture of the Christian Church so that she may affirm her baptism as an adult?
We do, with the help of God.
Assent of the Congregation
Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care, to the one about to be baptized as she lives and grows in Christ?
Congregation: We promise our love, support and care.

Prayer of Baptism
Bless by your Holy Spirit, gracious God, this water. Save those who profess the name of Jesus Christ that sin may have no power over them. Create new life in the one baptized this day that she may rise in Christ. Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was and is and shall always be, world without end. AMEN.

Act of Baptism By what name shall this child be called?
I baptize you in the name of the Creator, and of the Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit be upon you, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the church.

Prayer for the Baptized and the Parents and Grandparents
Let us pray for the child baptized today.
Gracious God, you have filled the world with joy by giving us the gift of Jesus. Bless this newly baptized baby. May she be filled with joy; may she never be ashamed to confess personal faith in you. Bless her parents and grandparents. May they always show her their gratitude for the life you have given them by loving and caring for her. Bless all your faithful people and unite them in the peace of Christ. AMEN.

Hymn: “Wonderful Words of Life”

Sharing Time — Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

Taize Song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” Repeat 4x
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
Come listen to me.

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the ministry of the United Congregational Church of Holyoke.

Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “O Master Let Walk With You”

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand.

Call to Worship
Leader: O give thanks to the Holy One whose love endures forever.
People: Out of my distress I called on the Lord who answered me. With the Lord on my side I do not fear.
Leader: O give thanks to the Holy One who answers and delivers and whose steadfast love endures forever.
People: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Prayer of Invocation
Caring and Compassionate Creator, wee enter this place of worship seeking your love and your light. Yet you are always with us. We are often distracted by the news of the day, the worries, the losses , the fears, and yet in faith we seek you In these moments together, draw us close so that we recognize you in this place in our daily lives. By your Spirit open our eyes to see you in everyone we meet and to welcome you in our midst. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Opening Hymn: “Thine is the Glory”

Words of Assurance
This is the Good News! By God’s great mercy, we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our sins are forgiven. All things are made new. Christ is with us always. Alleluia! Amen.

Scripture Reading
Luke 24: 13-35 Ed Lynch & Rev. Barbara Kershner

Sermon Title: Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life

Hymn: “Jesus, Sovereign, Savior”

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Offertory Message and Second Offering for Rebekah’s Closet
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Taize Song: “O Lord Hear My Prayer” Repeat 4X
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
Come listen to me.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, accept our gifts, and follow them with you blessing. We pray that they will help to further your work of peace and healing, goodwill and justice among all people. Help us to love as you love. Teach us to be faithful stewards of all you have entrusted to our care. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Closing Hymn: “He Lives”

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Unison Prayer of Invocation:
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Let us pray together.
We begin our worship by confessing our sins and asking your
forgiveness for the ways we have compromised our trust in you. We occupy this holy space and approach your presence with contrite hearts.
We come before you now with sincerity, hope and faith. May this room and the people in it be a sign that your Kingdom is real. Let us worship in the light of your love. Amen.

Opening Hymn: “O Grant Us, God, a Little Space” NCH 516

Scripture Reading(s)
Hebrew Scripture Genesis 28: 10-17 Paula Thouin
Gospel Reading Matthew 1: 1-17 (excerpts) Rev. Randy Purinton

Sermon Title: Swimming in Your Gene Pool

Hymn: “God, We Thank You for Our People” NCH 376

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer

Musical Interlude

Offertory

Taizé Song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” Repeat 4X
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
Come listen to me.

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

Closing Hymn: “Be Still My Soul” NCH 488

Benediction

Postlude

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 118)
One: O give thanks to the Holy One, for God is good;
God’s love abides, endures, and prevails forever!
Many: Alleluia! The resurrection life comes to us. Christ is risen!
One: In distress, I call. In grief, I cry. In despair, I come.
The Holy One answers. The Holy One comforts. The Holy One comes.
Many: Alleluia! The resurrection life comes to us. Christ is risen!
One: God, my refuge and confidence, surrounds me with strength and victory! Exalt God’s holy name!
Many: Alleluia! The resurrection life comes to us. Christ is risen!

Opening Hymn: “ Christ the Lord is Risen Today “ FOG 289

Opening Prayer:
Holy One, just as they came to the tomb to honor you on that early Easter morning, we gather to praise you this day. May our alleluias resound in adoration and shared joy: You are risen and we share in the promise of new life. May we encounter your glory in this assembled community as we follow you from the empty tomb into the possibilities that await. Amen.
 
Affirmation:
Beloved, Jesus is risen. The Holy One is yet alive, and always doing a new thing. Receive the grace of God that rises up to meet us in our weakness. Embrace the grace of God to move forward boldly in new life. Hold fast to the grace of God to guide you in living the resurrected life.

Soloist Charlie Berrios “The Holy City” By Steven Adams

Scripture Reading(s)
Colossians 3: 1-4 Tim Damon
John 20: 1-18 Rev. Carrie Bail

Sermon Title: Called by name

Hymn: “Now the Green Blade Rises” NCH 238

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Time of Silent Reflection & Lord’s Prayer
All: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory, forever. Amen.

Taizé Song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” (Repeat 4 x)
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer.
Come and listen to me.

Offertory and 2nd Offering for Margaret’s Pantry

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Dedication

Service of Communion

Invitation
One: On the night of betrayal, denial, and desertion, Jesus prepared his disciples for life beyond the tomb. He demonstrated with wine and bread what he would later perform in his flesh and blood.
Many: Jesus wanted them to remember and to understand his
solidarity and his sacrifice.
One: Jesus still prepares a place for each and all of us at this table. Will you come?
Many: In awe and wonder, humility and thanksgiving, we come to the table to feast with the Risen One.

Words of Institution

Blessing the Wine and Bread

Distribution

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy One, thank you for this feast at your table. As we receive bread and cup, may we encounter your grace and be filled with your love. May we go forward from this table with great joy, ever seeking your resurrecting presence among us and discerning your call for us to be present for our neighbors in the world. By your spirit, we pray. AMEN

Closing Hymn: “The Day of Resurrection” NCH 245

Responsive Benediction
One: May the tomb be just a stop reminding us that God’s reign knows no bounds, the realm of God’s possible knows no limits!
Many: God’s presence always remains.
One: God’s protection endures and God’s glory radiates the day and the night and the power of Christ lives in us!
Many: May we go forth from the tomb renewed and rededicated to witness to this good news.
One: Let us go forth to live the resurrected life in spirit and in truth, and to be the good news in the world God loves. AMEN.

Ringing of the Hour

Prelude & Bringing in the Light of God

Welcoming

All who are able, please stand

Call to Worship
One: O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; God’s steadfast love
endures forever!
Many: The people say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
One: Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
Many: This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
One: The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief
cornerstone.
Many: This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Unison: This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Scripture
Matthew 21: 1-11 Myra Cardona-Grammo

Opening Prayer
God of grace and God of glory, we pray that we will come into your
presence this day with the same mind, the same attitude, that was in Christ Jesus as he entered into the gates of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. Although Jesus knew himself to be divine, he did not grasp at power or glory; instead, like a servant, he poured himself out for others. As we gather in your name this day, may we also be humble and obedient to your will. For it is because of your grace that we live and die. Amen.

Opening Hymn:  “All Glory Laud and Honor” NCH 216
(as you are moved, wave your palms as you sing)

Affirmation
One: Hear and receive the good news. God has not abandoned us to the violence of this world. The Prince of Peace has come, with grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory be to God, AMEN.

Scripture Philippians 2: 5-11 Myra Cardona-Grammo

Scripture and Sermon: Mt 26:14-27:66 “Passion Walk”

Hymn: “My song is Love Unknown NCH 222

Sharing Time – Our Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

Taizé Song “O Lord Hear My Prayer” (Repeat 4 x)
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer. When I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.

Offertory Message
Thank you for sharing your gifts for the ministry with
The United Congregational Church of Holyoke

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn: “What Wondrous Love is This” NCH 223

Benediction

Postlude