# 🌿 St. John’s United Church of Christ *Chambersburg, PA* **April 13, 2025** ## PALM SUNDAY: BREAD FOR THE ROAD https://www.youtube.com/live/YZvLf_ZACtY?si=eBZaPr3L9RqQCg9b --- > **\*Please stand in body or in spirit\*** --- ### 🎶 GATHERING SONG **“This is the Day”** --- ### 🤝 UNISON WELCOME > “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” --- ### 📣 ANNOUNCEMENTS — *News in the Pews* **Week of April 13, 2025** --- ### 🏠 TODAY — April 13 #### 3:00 PM Hope House Dedication @ Menno Haven Life Center #### 8:00 PM Bible Study on Daniel (Zoom) --- ### 🧘 Monday, April 14 #### 10:00 AM Meditation Class — Parlor Room 104 #### 1:30 PM *Jesus is the Question* Book Study (Chapter 13) — Conference Room 111 #### 6:00 PM Sun Catcher Craft Night — Room 202 #### 7:00 PM Boy Scouts — Fellowship Hall #### 7:30 PM Community Engagement Committee — Zoom --- ### 🧘‍♀️ Tuesday, April 15 #### 5:30 PM Yoga — Room 202 #### 6:00 PM Ladies Bible Study — Zoom #### 6:45 PM Amistad Praise Band Rehearsal — Fellowship Hall --- ### 🍽️ Wednesday, April 16 #### 11:30 AM Ladies’ Luncheon — Fiesta Maya --- ### 🎶 Thursday, April 17 #### 6:00 PM Bell Choir Practice — Choir Room 103 #### 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service — Fellowship Hall #### 7:15 PM Choir Rehearsal — Choir Room 103 --- ### ✝️ Friday, April 18 #### 12:00 PM Good Friday Worship Service — Central Presbyterian Church --- ### 🐣 Saturday, April 19 #### 9:00–11:00 AM Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser — Fellowship Hall 💵 Suggested donation: $8 #### 10:00 AM Community Easter Egg Hunt — Church Lawn --- ### 🌄 Easter Sunday, April 20 #### No Sunday School No children’s or adult classes #### 9:15 AM Easter Egg Hunt — Playground Entrance #### 10:00 AM Easter Sunday Service — Sanctuary & Livestream --- ### 🛑 Monday, April 21 — Easter Monday - Church Office Closed - Pastor Caroline available via phone/text for pastoral emergencies #### 6:30 PM Bible and a Beer — Trojan Diner --- ### 🎉 Sunday, April 27 #### Holy Humor Sunday Bring your clean, church-appropriate jokes #### 1:30 PM Book Study resumes (new selection TBA) #### Birthday Balloons Coffee Hour Celebrating all April birthdays --- ### 📖 Recurring & Ongoing #### Sunday Night Bible Study 8:00 PM via Zoom Focus: *Book of Daniel* — Common English Bible - Zoom Meeting ID: `836 0593 5961` - Passcode: `277938` - Zoom link in Friday e-blast #### Life Talk (Sundays after Worship) - 15–20 min casual convo in the Parlor - Bring coffee & a snack - Great space to process, vent, or connect quietly --- ### ✨ Sign-Up Opportunity #### Sun Catcher Craft Night — April 14 @ 6 PM (Room 202) - $15/person (no pre-pay required) - Sign up at Welcome Center or call office - Questions? Contact Susan Collier, Chani Wolfe, or Tena Keeney --- ### ❤️ Special Notes #### Lenten Project Donations Will be dedicated on Palm Sunday — April 13 --- ### 🎹 PRELUDE --- ### 🙌 *CALL TO WORSHIP* *from Bread of Life* **Leader:** People of St. John’s, Chambersburg, bring your garments and branches — Jesus is coming into town! Shout Hosanna! **People:** Hosanna! Our deliverer has come! Let all the hungry be fed! Jesus, the servant king, has come to show us a new kind of power. **Leader:** Hosanna! Our liberator will set the prisoners free! Let us worship the one who will save us from corruption. Shout Hosanna to the King of Kings! **People:** Hosanna! Hosanna! The bread of life has come to sustain us. **Leader:** Believing this promise, let us worship together! --- ### 🎵 *HYMN #176* **“With Waving Palms and Shouts of Praise”** *Words: Jan McGuire, 2008 (John 12:12–13)* *Music: English folk song; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906* *© 2010 Celebrating Grace, Inc.* --- 1. With waving palms and shouts of praise  they greeted Christ the Lord.  Hosannas rang out bright and clear  and to the heavens soared.  The people welcomed Christ as King  and followed Him that day.  May we learn to be welcoming,  and follow in His way. --- 2. The children came to see the Lord  and lined His path with song.  Their perfect praises filled the air  as Jesus rode along.  Such simple faith and innocence  reflected in each smile!  May we aim to be pure in heart  and faithful as a child. --- 3. Hosanna, blest is He who comes,  the Son of David’s tree,  the promised One who came to save  and set His people free.  The crowd that followed sang His praise  as they proclaimed Him King.  May we, with spirit and with mind,  our anthems gladly sing. --- ### 🙏 *OPENING PRAYER* *from Bread of Life* Holy God, we gather on this Palm Sunday and find ourselves in solidarity with the crowds who shouted for salvation. We know our needs, both individually and collectively. Our hunger for righteousness and justice compels us to proclaim, “Hosanna! Save us!” two thousand years later. As we begin this journey toward the cross, from admiration to despair, we know we are well-nourished for the path ahead. You have prepared us, fed us with love and truth, and refreshed our spirits throughout the Lenten season. Let us carry the spirit of Hosanna in our hearts, ready to serve and love, knowing the journey continues toward resurrection and renewal. May the bread we break, both physical and spiritual, remind us of your presence in every step. Guide us on this path and sustain us for the work ahead. **Amen.** --- ### 🤗 *PASSING OF THE PEACE* Beneath the mantle of peace, Jesus, the bread of life, provides a bounty of fellowship, care, and connection. > **Leader:** May the peace of Christ be with you. > **People:** And also with you. Take a moment to greet others with the peace of Christ, which inspires us to care for the needs of our community. --- ### 🌾 *PRAYER OF THE DAY* *from Bread of Life* God who provides, we give thanks for those who labor in the fields to provide the food that sustains us. We lift up farmers and agricultural workers, praying for their strength and safety as they work long hours in challenging conditions. We ask for your protection and wisdom for those facing unpredictable weather, climate change, and economic hardship. May they find support and resources to continue their essential work. May we all recognize the interconnectedness of our world and the need for justice in the ways we care for the earth. We commit to honoring the labor of those who grow our food and advocate for policies that ensure all people have access to what they need to thrive. **In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.** --- ### 📖 SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29 (NRSVue) 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;   his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say,   “His steadfast love endures forever.” 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,   that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord;   the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me   and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected   has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord’s doing;   it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the Lord has made;   let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!   O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! 26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.   We bless you from the house of the Lord. 27 The Lord is God,   and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches,   up to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;   you are my God; I will extol you. 29 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,   for his steadfast love endures forever! --- ### 📜 RESPONSIVE READING **“Palm Sunday” by Malcolm Guite** Now to the gate of my Jerusalem, The seething holy city of my heart, The Saviour comes. But will I welcome him? **Oh, crowds of...** **...They raise their hands, get caught** **up in the singing,** **And think the battle won.** Too soon they'll find The challenge, the reversal he is bringing **Changes their tune.** **I know what lies behind** **The surface flourish that so quickly fades;** **Self-interest and fearful guardedness,** **The hardness of the heart, its barricades,** And at the core, the dreadful emptiness Of a perverted temple. **Jesus, come** **Break my resistance and make me your home.** --- ### 🎼 ANTHEM **“Hosanna, Hosanna!” — Martin/Williams** --- **Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King!** Jesus entered into Jerusalem, People spread their garments on the road. Blessed is the seed of Abraham, Blessed is the King foretold. The multitudes all praised Him, They waved the palms in praise. They welcomed the Messiah As He came through the gates. **Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King!** Thousands came to see Him, To cheer as He rode by. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna was their cry. **Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King! Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to the King!** --- ### 🧒 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE **Roxanne Davenport** *Children’s Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message* --- ### 📖 SCRIPTURE READING #### 📘 John 12:12–16 (NRSVue) 12 The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,   **“Hosanna!   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—   the King of Israel!”** 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 **“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.  Look, your king is coming,  sitting on a donkey’s colt!”** 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. --- #### 📘 Luke 19:28–40 (NRSVue) 28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “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. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 As 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, 38 saying,   **“Blessed is the king   who comes in the name of the Lord!   Peace in heaven,   and glory in the highest heaven!”** 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” --- ### 🗣️ SERMON **Rev. Caroline E. Saxton** 📖 Quick Summary | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---| |Word|Meaning|Language Origin|Tone|When It’s Used| |Hosanna|“Save us!” or “Save now!”|Hebrew/Aramaic (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא)|Pleading, urgent praise|Palm Sunday, suffering, hope| |Alleluia / Hallelujah|“Praise the Lord!”|Hebrew (הַלְלוּ יָהּ)|Triumphant praise|Easter, Revelation, celebration| 🙌 Hosanna: A Cry for Salvation - Origin: Hebrew phrase hoshia na — “save us, we pray” (Psalm 118:25). - New Testament Use: The crowd shouted Hosanna! when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9–10; John 12:13). - Tone: Originally a plea for rescue, it evolved into a shout of hopeful praise, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah who saves. - Liturgical Use: Often associated with Palm Sunday and the Sanctus in Communion liturgies (“Hosanna in the highest”). Key Verse: “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!” – Psalm 118:25 🎉 Alleluia / Hallelujah: A Declaration of Praise - Origin: Hebrew phrase Hallelu Yah — “Praise Yahweh!” - Old Testament Use: Prominent in the Psalms (esp. Psalms 146–150). - New Testament Use: Found in Revelation 19, where heaven rejoices over God’s judgment and salvation. - Tone: A victory cry — celebration, joy, exultation. - Liturgical Use: Prominent in Easter, Christmas, and anytime of triumphant joy. Often omitted during Lent in some traditions. Key Verse: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” – Revelation 19:6 ⚖️ Summary of the Difference - Hosanna is a prayerful cry — like “Help me!” with the faith that help is near. - Alleluia is a proclamation of victory — like “We’ve been helped!” or “Praise God, it is finished!” #### 🍏 Sermon Summary - **Central Message/Takeaway:** - The sermon centers on the idea that true salvation does not come from quiet, complacent acceptance but through active, even desperate, cries against oppressive structures. - It emphasizes that the crowd’s shout of “Hosanna” was not a simple chorus of praise but a plea for liberation from an oppressive empire. - **Connection to Liturgical/Thematic Focus:** - The message is tied closely to the Palm Sunday narrative, reflecting on both John 12 and Luke 19. - It contrasts the exaltation of Jesus as the liberating “King” with the reality of the political and social power of the Roman empire. - The liturgical reading encourages congregants to reflect on the paradox of celebration amid impending sacrifice, echoing themes of hope and resistance during Holy Week. --- #### 🎙 Preaching Style - **Expository and Narrative Elements:** - The preacher uses a narrative style that unpacks Scripture through storytelling and personal reflection. - Biblical passages are not only read but interpreted in light of contemporary struggles against oppression. - **Use of Diverse Examples:** - Multiple examples are interwoven, such as: - The recounting of the two gospel processions. - A relatable road trip packing analogy that links everyday experiences to spiritual preparedness. - **Addressing Different Learning Needs:** - **For Auditory Learners:** - The sermon relies on vocal dynamics and repetition—using call-and-response motifs like “Hosanna” to reinforce key messages. - **For Visual Learners:** - Vivid imagery is employed when describing the processions, the spread of clothes on the road, and the contrasts between Jesus’ followers and the imperial procession. - **For Kinesthetic Learners:** - The preacher includes interactive elements, such as asking reflective questions and prompting group prayer, inviting both physical and emotional engagement. --- #### 🗣 Intonation and Delivery - **Impact of Vocal Delivery:** - The preacher’s vocal delivery is energetic and varied, effectively capturing the urgency of the message. - A passionate tone when recounting the crowd’s cries helps drive home the tension between hope and oppression. - **Tone Qualities:** - The overall tone is both inclusive and challenging, urging listeners to acknowledge oppression and act against it. - **Adaptation to Learning Preferences:** - Variations in pitch and pace aid auditory learners, while expressive language creates clear visual images for others. - Occasional humorous asides (like the road trip analogy) make the delivery relatable and help maintain engagement. --- #### 📝 Content Structure - **Organization:** - The sermon is structured with a clear introduction (scriptural readings), a well-developed midsection (explanation and commentary), and a concluding call to action. - It begins by setting the scene with John and Luke’s accounts of Palm Sunday before moving into personal reflections. - **Transitions:** - Recurring phrases (such as “Hosanna” and references to the “bread of life”) serve as smooth transitions that reinforce central themes. - **Support for Learning:** - Repetition and periodic summaries reinforce key points. - Visual cues in language complement the verbal delivery, accommodating various learning styles. --- #### 👥 Engagement and Application - **Audience Engagement:** - The sermon directly addresses the lived experiences of those under oppression by connecting ancient narratives to modern injustice. - It calls on the congregation to be outspoken and courageous, urging active participation. - **Practical Application:** - Specific calls to action include: - Crying out against injustice. - Investing in young leadership and standing up for marginalized communities. - Interactive elements—like moments for prayer and reflection—help bridge the gap between the sermon’s message and real-life application. --- #### 📖 Scripture Breakdown - **Scriptures Referenced:** - **John 12:12-16** and **Luke 19:28-40** serve as the backbone of the sermon. - These passages highlight the dual portrayal of the crowd’s passionate yet desperate plea for salvation. - **Emphasis on Equity and Inclusion:** - The scriptures are used to draw parallels between biblical narratives and modern systemic oppression. - The contrast between Jesus’ journey and Pilate’s imperial procession underscores the tension between divine liberation and worldly control. - **Theological Implications:** - The sermon frames salvation as a process that requires persistent, courageous action rather than mere passive celebration. --- #### 🔍 Logical Reasoning Analysis ##### Positive Elements of Logical Reasoning - **Sound Deductive Reasoning:** - *Example:* The argument “if the oppressive empire silences the people, then even the stones must cry out” builds directly on the scriptural assertion from Luke. - **Strength:** This creates a coherent link between the premise of severe oppression and the inevitable divine response. - **Suggestion:** Supplement this reasoning with historical data or examples where oppressed groups have found alternative ways to voice dissent. - **Strong Inductive Reasoning:** - *Example:* Repeated patterns across the gospel accounts are used to argue that true faith emerges amidst suffering and oppression. - **Strength:** Multiple scriptural sources make the conclusion robust. - **Suggestion:** Support the inductive reasoning with modern testimonies or scholarly research. - **Valid Syllogisms & Causal Reasoning:** - *Example:* The implicit syllogism—"If Jesus represents liberation and the empire represents control, then following Jesus is an act of resistance"—connects historical narrative to social justice. - **Strength:** It effectively ties the biblical account to a contemporary call for action. - **Suggestion:** Clarify the premises to ensure the logic is unambiguous. - **Ethical Reasoning:** - *Example:* The sermon’s moral claim that silence in the face of oppression is itself a form of enabling injustice. - **Strength:** This ethical appeal serves as a robust call to action, anchoring the argument in moral responsibility. - **Suggestion:** Incorporate additional ethical frameworks or contemporary ethical critiques to further reinforce this point. ##### Identified Logical Weaknesses and Fallacies - **Potential Strawman:** - *Observation:* The sermon may oversimplify the Pharisees’ request to silence the crowd, potentially misrepresenting their concerns. - **Impact:** This oversimplification could weaken the argument by failing to address the validity of safety concerns. - **Suggestion:** Acknowledge that while restraint can be necessary for safety, it may also inadvertently uphold systemic injustice. - **Occasional Appeal to Emotion:** - *Observation:* Language like “cry out” and “bloody cups” heavily relies on emotional persuasion. - **Impact:** This may overshadow fact-based evidence. - **Suggestion:** Balance the emotional appeals with concrete data and historical context. - **Risk of Slippery Slope Reasoning:** - *Observation:* The sermon implies that silence inevitably leads to further oppression. - **Impact:** This reasoning could be seen as an oversimplification without a nuanced discussion of possible intermediary outcomes. - **Suggestion:** Introduce a discussion of potential safeguards or intermediary steps that might counteract the progression from silence to oppression. --- #### 📚 References - **Scriptural and Academic Sources:** - **Primary Texts:** John 12:12–16 and Luke 19:28–40 form the foundational sources. - **Academic Works:** - Insights are drawn from John Donnett Crofts and August Gorg’s book *The Last Week*, particularly regarding the contrasting processions. - References to Diana Buck of Aspera and the Network Ministries banquet underscore themes of youth leadership and resistance. - **Inclusion of Marginalized Voices:** - Although the sermon addresses themes of liberation, engaging more voices from Black theologians or LGBTQIA+ scholars could provide greater pluralism. - **Suggestion:** Consider incorporating additional works by such scholars to further enrich the discussion on equity and justice. --- #### 🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories - **Impactful Quotes:** - “Hosanna isn’t a synonym for Alleluia…” is used to differentiate between a simple expression of praise and a desperate plea for salvation. - “If people don’t cry out, the stones will save them” acts as a climactic reminder against passivity. - **Illustrative Stories and Analogies:** - The road trip packing analogy makes abstract spiritual preparedness tangible. - **Connection:** It links everyday decisions with carrying the “bread of life,” thereby making theological concepts accessible. - The contrasting narratives of Jesus’ procession and Pilate’s imperial march vividly illustrate the conflict between divine liberation and authoritarian control. --- #### 🔄 Calls to Action - **Specific Calls to Action:** - The congregation is urged to “cry out” and stand against oppression, even when faced with significant risks. - There is a pronounced call to invest in young leadership and to uphold courage amid systemic violence. - **Inclusivity in the Call:** - The sermon’s calls to action—whether through prayer, public expression, or community engagement—are designed to meet diverse learning needs (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic). - **Practical Takeaway:** Listeners are encouraged to be “salt” and “light,” using everyday actions to confront and counter societal injustice. --- #### 🗣 Tone and Style Analysis - **Tone of Voice:** - The tone is direct, urgent, and compassionate, combining personal anecdote with historical reflection. - It is both challenging and supportive, urging active engagement while acknowledging the reality of oppression. - **Writing and Delivery Style:** - The style relies predominantly on active voice, keeping the message clear and concise despite complex themes. - Transition words help guide the audience from one idea to the next, ensuring a coherent logical flow. - Vivid imagery paired with relatable analogies creates both an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant message. - **Additional Observations:** - While some sentences occasionally exceed the ideal length, the overall communication remains engaging and accessible. - The integration of light humor, such as the road trip analogy, adds a relatable touch without detracting from the serious themes. --- ### 💬 SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS --- ### 🙏 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER *(debts)* --- ### 💝 INVITATION TO GIVING --- ### 🎶 OFFERTORY --- ### ✝️ *OFFERTORY RESPONSE* **“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” v. 4** > Were the whole realm of nature mine, > That were a present far too small; > Love so amazing, so divine > Demands my soul, my life, my all. --- ### 🙌 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION* *Adapted from Bread of Life* Gracious God who saves, We bring our gifts to you. We offer our time, talents, and resources for your work in the world, In communities near and far, local and global. May these gifts be a sign of our trust in you, And may they nourish your mission of love, justice, and hope for all. **Amen.** --- ### 🎵 Jesus Rode into the City *In honor of Gloria Crum's many years of service at St. John's United Church of Christ in Chambersburg, PA* **Text © 2023 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette** **Tune: Beecher (John Zundel, 1870)** --- 1. Jesus rode into the city, knowing all that was to come:  He was faithful, prayerful, steady, when he reached Jerusalem.  Crowds were cheering, shouting, singing, for they’d seen what he could do:  He came bringing hope and healing and the gift of life made new. 2. Jesus rode into the city, knowing all that was in store.  Rulers often came with armies; Christ rode in, our humble Lord.  Those who conquered sought to frighten, riding horses to impress;  Jesus rode a beast of burden—lowly beast of gentleness. 3. Jesus rode into the city, knowing conflict would increase.  People wanted someone mighty—not the humble Prince of Peace.  At a time when much was changing, Jesus kept his focus strong;  He just kept on loving, serving, showing mercy, pressing on. 4. Jesus rode into the city where he cared for those in need.  He took issue with the mighty and he challenged human greed.  There he gave us all instruction—how to be a loving church.  There he taught us to give welcome, to seek justice, here on earth. 5. Jesus, at this celebration, we recall your sacrifice,  You were faithful to your mission; for the world, you gave your life.  Now you call your church to follow—serving, loving, eyes on you.  Now you lead your people onward; in these times, there’s work to do. --- ### 🕊️ *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH* *From Bread of Life (on screen)* --- ### 🧾 *CHARGE & BENEDICTION* *From Bread of Life* --- ### 🎹 POSTLUDE (*Please remain seated*) --- ### 👶 Child & Family Spaces - **“Nursery Nook in the Narthex”** – quiet area - **Infant/toddler space in the Parlor** - **Activity bags** are also available for children during worship --- ### 🎂 Birthdays This Week - 4/15 Katie Boyer - 4/20 Nancy Gaal --- ### 🙋 Worship Participants - **Pastor**: Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Organist**: Barbara Motichka - **Deacon in Charge**: Diana Kongkeattikul - **Lector**: Judy Hodges - **Children’s Corner**: Roxanne Davenport - **Media Coordinators**: Calvin Frantz - **Bulletin Cover**: Edd Scheer --- ### 🌸 Altar Flowers > The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross are given in memory of > **Jeryl C. “Jerry” Miller** by his wife **Cookie**, > Sons **Chip and Jon**, and their families. --- ### 🌟 St. John’s Vision > We are called to love, to learn, to worship, and to witness in Christ > As a congregation that welcomes everyone, > And seeks service that will advance God’s realm on earth. --- ### 🕊️ St. John’s Mission > To grow in love of God and neighbor --- ### 📚 Worship Resources - “Palm Sunday” by Malcolm Guite, included in *The Word in the Wilderness: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter* by Malcolm Guite - “Bread of Life” Lenten liturgy & commentary © 2025 Illustrated Ministry --- ## 🎶 Hymn Text: “With Waving Palms and Shouts of Praise” (#176) 1. With waving palms and shouts of praise They greeted Christ the Lord. Hosannas rang out bright and clear And to the heavens soared. 2. The children came to see the Lord And lined His path with song. Their perfect praises filled the air As Jesus rode along. 3. Hosanna, blest is He who comes, The Son of David’s tree, The promised One who comes to us, The Christ who sets us free.