Palm Sunday Procession and Holy Communion
Our service begins on the Parish Green. Palm crosses are distributed and informal words of welcome are given. Once the service begins please join in with the words in bold type.
Commemoration of the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem
The Greeting
In my head
In my heart
And all around me
Jesus is here
In my head
In my heart
And all around me
Jesus is here
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, during Lent we have been preparing by works of love and self-sacrifice for the celebration of our Lord’s death and resurrection. Today we come together to begin this solemn celebration in union with the Church throughout the world. Christ enters his own city to complete his work as our Saviour, to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us go with him in faith and love, so that, united with him in his sufferings, we may share his risen life.
The people hold up palms or branches while the prayer of blessing is said
God our Saviour,
whose Son Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as Messiah to suffer and to die;
let these palms be for us signs of his victory
and grant that we who bear them in his name
may ever hail him as our King,
and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Palm Gospel Hymn
There’s a man riding in on a donkey,
there’s a man and they say he’s king!
And the palm leaves are waving a welcome
and the voices of the people sing:
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King!
Why a king riding in on a donkey?
Why a king wearing no fine crown?
Where the drums, where the high-sounding cymbals
if a king is riding into town?
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King!
Hear the voice of the King on a donkey!
Hear the joy of the news he brings!
He is Jesus, the Son of the Highest.
He is Jesus and the King of kings.
Sing Hosana (AM163)
P.Wigmore (1925-2014)
Music arranged by J.Barnard (b.1948)
The Palm Gospel Story is told.
The Palm Procession
We process across the Parish Green to the west door of the church singing as we go. The servers will lead the way followed by the choir.
Processional Hymn
Make way, make way, for Christ the King
in splendour arrives.
Fling wide the gates and welcome him
into your lives.
Make way! Make way for the King of kings!
Make way! Make way and let his kingdom in!
He comes the broken hearts to heal,
the prisoners to free.
The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance,
the blind shall see.
And those who mourn with heavy hearts,
who weep and sigh,
with laughter, joy and royal crown
he'll beautify.
We call you now to worship him
as Lord of all,
to have no other gods but him:
their thrones must fall!
(AM160)
G.Kendrick (b.1950)
Music: G.Kendrick (b.1950)
We gather by the West Door for this Palm Sunday acclamation
Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest
Processional Hymn
During the hymn we process into the main body of the church to our seats and you are invited to remain standing if you feel able to do so.
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David's royal Son,
who in the Lord's name comest,
the King and blessèd one:
The company of angels
are praising thee on high,
and mortal men and all things
created make reply:
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went:
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present:
To thee before thy passion
they sang their hymns of praise:
to thee now high exalted
our melody we raise:
Thou didst accept their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King:
Thy sorrow and thy triumph
grant us, O Christ, to share,
that to the holy city
Together we may fare:
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
For homage may we bring thee
our victory o’er the foe,
that in the Conqueror’s triumph
this strain may ever flow:
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
For homage may we bring thee
our victory o’er the foe,
that in the Conqueror’s triumph
this strain may ever flow:
St Theodulph (AM159)
St Theodulph of Orleans (c.750-821)
translated by J.M.Neale (1818-1866)
Music: Melody by M.Teschner (1584-1635) later form, c.1613
Harmonised by J.S.Bach (1685-1750)
The Collect
Let us pray for a closer union with Christ in his suffering and in his glory.
Silence is kept
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The Liturgy of the Passion
Reading from Philippians 2.5-11
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Here ends the reading
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 31.9-16
The choir sing the verses and we all join in the sung refrain below.
Into your hands I commend my spirit
for you have redeemed me, Lord God of Truth
The Passion Reading
The Passion Reading from St. Luke’s Gospel
At the end
This is the Passion of the Lord
We sit quietly to reflect as music is played.
Prayers of Intercession
For forgiveness for the many times we have denied Jesus,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For the grace to seek out those habits of sin which mean spiritual death,
and by prayer and self-discipline to overcome them,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For Christian people,
that through the suffering of disunity
there may grow a rich union in Christ,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them,
that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who still make Jerusalem a battleground,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who have the courage and honesty to work openly for
justice and peace,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those in the darkness and agony of isolation,
that they may find support and encouragement,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who, weighed down with hardship, failure, or sorrow,
feel that God is far from them,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
For those who are tempted to give up the way of the cross,
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
That we, with those who have died in faith,
may find mercy in the day of Christ
let us pray to the Lord,
Lord have mercy.
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us
Amen.
The Liturgy of the Sacrament
The Peace
Once we were far off, but now in union with Christ Jesus we have been brought near through the shedding of Christ’s blood, for he is our peace.
The peace of the Lord be always with you
and also with you.
Let us offer one another a sign of peace.
We offer a sign of peace to one another from our seats.
Offertory Hymn
During this hymn bread and wine are brought forward and the altar-table is prepared. A symbol of gifts of the people are presented and the president gives thanks for the money that is offered.
My song is love unknown,
my Saviour's love to me,
love to the loveless shown,
that they might lovely be.
O who am I,
that for my sake
my Lord should take
frail flesh, and die?
He came from his blest throne,
salvation to bestow;
but men made strange, and none
the longed-for Christ would know.
But O, my Friend,
my Friend indeed,
who at my need
his life did spend!
Sometimes they strew his way,
and his sweet praises sing;
resounding all the day
hosannas to their King.
Then 'Crucify!'
is all their breath,
and for his death
they thirst and cry.
They rise, and needs will have
my dear Lord made away;
a murderer they save,
the Prince of Life they slay.
Yet cheerful he
to suffering goes,
that he his foes
from thence might free.
Here might I stay and sing:
no story so divine;
never was love, dear King,
never was grief like thine!
This is my Friend,
in whose sweet praise
I all my days
could gladly spend.
Love Unknown (AM147)
S.Crossman (c.1624-1683)
Music: J.N. Ireland (1879-1962)
Taking of the Bread and Wine
Jesus, true vine and bread of life,
ever giving yourself that the world might live,
let us share your death and passion:
make us perfect in your love.
Amen.
The priest washes their hands symbolising our desire to come together at the Lord’s table with pure hearts and minds.
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
The priest praises God for His mighty acts and all respond
Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, Holy Lord God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed, blessed, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
The priest recalls the Last Supper and then this acclamation is used
Jesus Christ is Lord:
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.
You are the Saviour of the world.
The prayer continues leading into the final words of praise
. . . for ever and ever. Amen.
We kneel or sit and observe a period of silence
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us so we pray
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
Every time we eat this bread and drink this cup,
we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
The communion assistants come to the front as the Agnus Dei is sung by the choir.
Giving of Communion
The priest gives an invitation to communion.
Jesus is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
Please come forward when directed by the stewards. Christians of any church tradition are welcome to receive the bread and wine. Please do not dip your wafer in to the chalice, it is fine to just take the bread if you prefer. Alternatively you can come forward for a prayer of blessing, please fold your arms across your chest if this is your wish. As we share communion, the choir sings the anthem and then we all join in the hymn that follows.
How deep the Father's love for us?
How vast beyond all measure?
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss?
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many souls to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there,
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life —
I know that ‘it is finished.’
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.
(AM144)
S.Townend (b.1963)
Music: S.Townend (b.1963)
Prayer after Communion
A brief silence is kept.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant,
and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation:
give us the mind to follow you
and to proclaim you as Lord and King,
to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
Faithful God,
may we who share this banquet
glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
our salvation, life and hope,
who reigns as Lord now and for ever. Amen.
The Dismissal
Notices
The Blessing
May the Father, who so loved the world that he gave his only Son, bring you by faith to his eternal life.
Amen.
May Christ who accepted the cup of sacrifice in obedience to the Father’s will, keep you steadfast as you walk with him the way of his cross.
Amen.
May the Spirit, who strengthens us to suffer with Christ that we may share his glory, set your minds on life and peace.
Amen.
And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
Recessional Hymn
As we sing our final hymn the servers and ministers process to the west door for the final part of the service. Children are welcome to join in if they wish. Please turn to face them as the procession passes by.
The royal banners forward go,
the cross shines forth in mystic glow;
where he in flesh, our flesh who made,
our sentence bore, our ransom paid.
There whilst he hung, his sacred side
by soldier’s spear was opened wide,
to cleanse us in the precious flood
of water mingled with his blood.
Fulfilled is now what David told
in true prophetic song of old,
how God the nations’ King should be;
for God is reigning from the tree.
O tree of glory, tree most fair,
ordained those holy limbs to bear,
how bright in purple robe it stood,
the purple of a Saviour’s blood!
Upon its arms, like balance true,
he weighed the price for sinners due,
the price which none but he could pay,
and spoiled the spoiler of his prey.
To thee, eternal Three in One,
let homage meet by all be done:
as by the cross thou dost restore,
so rule and guide us evermore. Amen.
AM 257
Latin, Vanantius Fortunatus (530-609) tr.
Music: P.C. Buck (1871-1947)
J.M.Neale (1818-1866)
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord
In the name of Christ. Amen.
Organ voluntary Prelude in A minor (BWV 543i) - J.S. Bach (1685-1750)