Dear friends,
My warmest greetings to you as we prepare to celebrate the events of Easter. It is perhaps the first time in church history when Christians globally have not been able to meet in person. To help us celebrate this year:
On Maundy Thursday I plan to send some resources for use at home.
On Good Friday, I'll send resources too, but I hope you can join us on a live video service too (I'll send details nearer the time).
And on Easter day, we'll celebrate in our homes like this with some videoed sections.
Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions, please just get in touch to let me know how I can help. Remember that if you have children in your household there are also suggested lighthouse resources here.
(My apologies in advance that you might be shown adverts on some of the videos below, they are sometimes automatically generated by YouTube.)
I hope you find this service an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Preparation
“O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.” Psalm 130:7
Confession
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners. Spare those who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
This hymn calls us to join in to celebrate Christ as our conquering king:
Word of God
Our first reading for Palm Sunday is Matthew 21:1-11. Please read this, then join with Christians through the ages in declaring these truths:
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
The King’s Testimony
Alan from St Mary's is reading Psalm 118 for us today. If you have a Bible you might like to turn to it. The video below includes the reading and sermon.
Song
You may want to listen to or sing along with this song of Christ's victory and good rule in our lives.
Prayers
Today's prayers are led by Thomas from All Saints' by video.
Today's Collect
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.
Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
Say out loud for all to hear:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.”
(Psalms 118:1–4)
Hymn
Our closing hymn is a modern setting of 'All creatures of our God and king' reminding us of his care for us in his good kingdom and rule.