HomeFaith Palm Sunday

Welcome to the weekly activities for HomeFaith Palm Sunday. I suggest people participating in the worship read or pray out aloud the words in black.

Note: A Saltbush Holy Communion video led liturgy is also available at:
https://vimeo.com/572335335
(bring your own bread and ‘wine’ and place it after the ‘Prayers for the people’ in this service if you want to have communion)

SONG

The opening song is, ‘Hosanna, Hosanna’, performed by Vineyard Music. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKHwBamBSPk

Call to worship

Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God. Hosanna in the highest!

You may like to light a candle at this time.

God’s truth is revealed in Jesus Christ the light of the world. May the light shine for the hope of the world.

Acknowledgment of country

As we begin, it is appropriate to recognise that this great land has been home to our first nations peoples for many thousands of years. Therefore, let us also acknowledge those Aboriginal peoples who are the first habitants of the regions in which we dwell and honour them for their care of the land.

Prayer

Let us pray. Lord let us rise above ourselves, the dusty tracks of life and all that lies before us to be a thankful people in your presence. To recognise that with you is life and the things that make for peace. To shout out with acts of love and hope in the presence of others. And to respond with humility and thankfulness of heart and soul.

We praise you Lord, for the ways you come amongst us – born in a stable, eating with strangers, riding the donkey, carrying your cross. Hosannah in the highest heaven! Amen.

From the Bible

Today we will be looking at Psalm 118 and Luke 19:28-48. There is a video of the Gospel reading underneath underneath the words of the Psalm.  

Psalm 118:1, 25-29

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
Save us, we beseech you, O LORD! O LORD, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house
of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will praise you.
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Luke 19:28-48

Here is the dramatic re-enactment of this reading. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlOSiWSwfO4

Message

The message today is brought to us by Keith Robinson of the HomeFaith Community, who is speaking on Luke 28:28-48.

Think about a time when you needed to ‘set your face like flint’ in order to overcome an obstacle? What Is something in your life now that requires you to have special courage and determination?

Before a time of prayer you may like to spend some time in silence sitting still. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Simply be still and open to God. You may prefer to do this while listening to the ‘Optional reflective music’ below.

Optional reflective music

The reflective music is, “Passion song – the story of Holy Week”, by Sean Carter. If you have problems connecting, also try this link at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MljFNaWoYEs

Prayers for Others 

Gracious God, may we look at each other with your eyes of love and understanding, gently affirming the gifts of each person and open to receive new ideas.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause) 

We pray that we will see people as your beloved children and listen to your guidance on how best to be in relationship for the enhancing of all lives.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)

May we discern your ways in the communities in which we find ourselves, and walk alongside side those who are in need.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)

Invite us to learn from the example of Jesus, to have courage and determination in the face of adversity, and do our best to nurture and grow all that is good in this life.
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus.
(pause)

In this time of silence, we bring you the prayers of hearts ….. [silent prayer]
Hear our prayers, loving God, in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

Blessing

Hosanna in the highest heaven. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Let us leave and walk the way of Christ throughout our week ahead. Bless us Lord and the people we meet along the way. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

SONG

The closing song is “Hosanna (praise is rising)” by Paul Baloche. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAaQ5EEXidc&list=PLOSjz0-1slvQqySxiJdSGTNA5dhyvsM4I&index=5

Fun Activities

Lenten Candles

This Lenten Candles Family Activity is a simple, yet profound way to walk through Lent as a family and prepare your hearts for the hope of Easter. For details go to the following web site:
http://thelittlesandme.com/lenten-candles-family-activity/

Make a labyrinth

The labyrinth is an ancient way of prayer. Walking a labyrinth is like taking a tiny Pilgrimage that we walk alone with God. It can be an intensely relaxing and releasing experience. It can also be challenging. If you have a small space, such as a patio, the following video shows you how to make a labyrinth. It is surprisingly simple, all you need is some chalk! If you have trouble connecting, the video can also be found at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVLA0nLsAek

Finger labyrinth

See below for how to make a finger labyrinth! Walk the labyrinth with a finger. If you want you can download and print the file.

Take time to rest and refresh

Song

Follow the sun (Xavier Rudd) on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E1bNmyPWww

Resources

The opening prayer, prayers of the people and blessing for today were based on the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/palm-sunday-luke-19-28-40/

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